‘Coyote Time’ invites St. Louis into a shared future
St. Louis American See page B1
The
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
APR. 30 – MAY 6, 2026
Vol. 98 No. 3 COMPLIMENTARY
stlamerican.com
Data center pushback Ferguson slows data center project as residents press for answers By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American Ferguson has delayed a final decision on Project Butterfly, a proposal centered on roughly $1.8 billion in baseline redevelopment of the former Emerson campus that could expand dramatically under broader financing scenarios, intensifying questions about tax breaks, transparency and environmental safeguards. The plan would transform the 217-acre former corporate site on West Florissant into what city records describe as a center for technology,
energy innovation, advanced manufacturing and research. Led by SSL Investments and local attorney Jim Onder, the proposal’s initial redevelopment vision is far smaller than its outer financial ceiling: While developers have promoted roughly $1.8 billion in baseline redevelopment, city documents also contemplate scenarios that could involve up to $22 billion in bonds tied to broader long-term buildout and equipment investment, a scale that has amplified public scrutiny.
See Data Center, A10
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
Ferguson residents meet with elected officials and council members to discuss the proposed data center development in the neighborhood.
Dr. Peter Raven 1936 – 2026
Global botanist reshaped Missouri Botanical Garden By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American
Storm wounds reopened as May 16 approaches
Lashaundra Jackson stands outside her Ferguson home in apparent shock after a large tree crashed through her roof during Monday’s severe thunderstorm. The storm left more than 30,000 residents across the region without power just weeks before the one-year anniversary of the May 16 tornado. For many, the damage was a painful reminder of last year’s storm that tore through North and west St. Louis neighborhoods, severely damaging homes and other structures.
Normandy after Triplett Can district turn reforms into results? By Ashley Winters St. Louis American Normandy Schools Collaborative faces a defining challenge: whether recent structural reforms can translate into meaningful academic gains for students and families. That challenge now frames both the district’s recent progress and the tenure of departing Superintendent Dr. Michael Triplett, who took over in 2023 amid declining enrollment, academic struggles and a school system working to stabilize. Triplett said his administration focused first on rebuilding foundation-
al systems that he believed had long been lacking. “The district hadn’t had updated curriculum in a long time,” he said. “We didn’t have college and career readiness programs in place.” According to Triplett, district leadership implemented updated curriculum standards, instructional coaching
models, and data-driven monitoring systems designed to improve accountability and consistency. He also said attendance increased, staffing vacancies declined, and discipline policies shifted toward restorative practices, resulting in fewer suspensions and
See Triplett, A10
As Dr. Peter H. Raven was retiring from his tenure as a transformative president of the Missouri Botanical Garden in 2010, Arnold Donald, then chair of the board of trustees, called him “a global icon.” “Deservedly so,” Donald told The St. Louis American. “He built this institution to the point where the top people in the world in this space would salivate to be able to lead it, and that’s because of him, his legacy and what he has built here.” Raven died Saturday at age 89. Tributes from St. Louis and around the world continue to pour in. “Dr. Raven, a revolutionary, globally Dr. Peter recognized botanist H. Raven and environmentalist who transformed the Missouri Botanical Garden into an international research center, was also a humanitarian and a staunch advocate for social justice and racial inclusion,” said St. Louis American Publisher Donald M. Suggs. “Importantly, he was responsible for the inspirational George Washington Carver Garden that honors the life and achievements of the extraordinary Black plant scientist.” Suggs added that beyond his brilliance, Raven had a natural levity that brought smiles to the faces of friends and confidants. “The erudite Dr. Raven also had a
See Raven, A10 SPORTS
BUSINESS
Water hikes could add nearly $29 a month to St. Louis residents’ bills
Jayson Tatum reaches NBA career playoff milestones
St. Louis residents could see their water bills rise significantly over the next six years under a proposed plan city officials say is necessary to stabilize an aging system strained by years of patchwork repairs and growing infrastructure demands.
Jayson Tatum scored his 3,000th playoff point in the Boston Celtics’ Game 3 victory. He became the fourth player in the Celtics’ storied history to score 3,000 playoff points.
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