Is Marcus Freeman forgetting his importance?
St. Louis American See page B5
The
DECEMBER 11 – 17, 2025
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‘My story starts in St. Louis’
Photo by Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribune
Crockett launches U.S. Senate bid in Texas By Nia Hightower For The St. Louis American
Long before Jasmine Crockett became a national political figure in Texas, she was shaped by St. Louis area schools, church life and community ties she now credits with preparing her for public life. That foundation took on new meaning Monday when Crockett, a Democratic congresswoman representing a Texas district, announced her run for the U.S. Senate — a move that is drawing attention statewide and stirring pride back home in St. Louis, where she was born and raised.
See CROCKETT, A13
BUSINESS
“It’s my daddy’s leadership and love in the church that raised me and inspires me to this day to be the best Congresswoman I can be.”
Caregiving crisis Outdated funding destroys the workforce and exhausts families
GOP redistricting effort hits major snag
The Republican-led effort to redraw Missouri’s congressional map — a move that would eliminate the Kansas City district held by the Rev. Emanuel Cleaver — is likely headed for a statewide vote. Nevertheless, GOP leaders are pressing ahead. On Tuesday Republican morning, People leaders said Over Politics the legisladelivered 305,000 tion, approved petition signatures during a to the office of Secretary of State September Hoskins. special session Denny Later that day, of the Missouri Cole County Legislature, Circuit Judge Chris Limbaugh ruled would that lawmakers did take effect have the constituThursday. tional authority to pass the revised map. Republican leaders said the legislation, approved during a September special session of the Missouri Legislature, would take effect Thursday. Hoskins told the Missouri Independent he is relying on an opinion from Attorney General Catherine Hanaway in deciding whether the law can take effect immediately — a departure from past practice.
See GOP, A12
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Public Radio
A drone image taken on November 3, 2025, shows the widespread roof damage to homes in St. Louis’ Fountain Park neighborhood — months after a deadly EF3 tornado ripped through the city on May 16.
Tornado survivors call for FEMA reform Some will join rally in DC
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American
Roxanne Brown set to be first Black woman to lead steelworkers
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Signature moment
– Jasmine Crockett
Yolonda Holt, CEO of Circle of Care St. Louis, in her North County office Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.
Brown’s ascent is more than just a personal achievement; it represents a shift in the labor movement’s leadership reflecting the demographics of today’s workforce. Brown is currently serving as USW’s International Vice President at Large, overseeing the union’s public policy and legislative agenda as well as its political work.
COMPLIMENTARY
By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American
. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, announces her candidacy for U.S. Senate at the Frederick Douglass Human Services And Justice Center in Dallas on Dec. 8, 2025.
INSIDE
Vol. 97 No. 35
These refrains echo throughout her office. She witnesses first-hand how the shortage of paid workers leaves vulnerable seniors without consistent care — and forces family members into back‑breaking duties that can lead to injury, depression and sleepless nights. St. Louis is rapidly becoming ground zero for a caregiving collapse. Demand
Melanie Randels has often stood in the remains of North St. Louis homes blasted by the May 16 tornado. Nearly seven months has passed since the historic storm and Randels, an organizer with The People’s Response at Action St. Louis, says FEMA and city officials have not fulfilled promises. “The storm lasted minutes, the recovery has stretched into months,” she said. “People were promised help. What they’ve actually received hasn’t matched what they were told.” Randels said the first days following the storm “were defined by shock.” The crisis is now “is bureaucratic.” “Delays, denials, missing inspections,
See CRISIS, A13
See FEMA, A13
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American St. Louis families caring for loved ones are being pushed to the breaking point by a collapsing care system. Yolanda Holton, founder and CEO of Circle of Care St. Louis, hears their struggles every day. “I’m overwhelmed.” “I’m exhausted.” “I don’t have support.”