GreaterHealth to extend its reach in north St. Louis
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Mason slams AG Bailey attempt to oust Sheriff By Sylvester Brown, Jr. St. Louis American On Wednesday, retired St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven R. Ohmer presided over a hearing to set the ground rules and timeline for Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s case to remove Sheriff Alfred Montgomery from his elected position. Retired Judge David Mason represented Montgomery along with attorneys David C. Mason, Matt Ghio and Justin Gelfand. The state was represented by Assistant Attorney General Gregory Goodwin and at least five other assistant attorneys general. Although Ohmer made it clear the hearing was designed to develop an “informal road map” for an eventual trial, the prosecution immediate-
See SHERIFF, A7
Photo by Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio
Sheriff Alfred Montgomery “will continue with his duties in that office,” ruled retired St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven R. Ohmer who presided on Wednesday over a hearing to set a trial schedule for Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s case to remove Sheriff Alfred Montgomery from his elected position.
Go Fourth!
Jim Crusoe, 39, proudly waves an American flag during Celebrate St. Louis festivities on the Gateway Arch grounds on Friday, July 4, 2025. Since 1981, Celebrate Saint Louis (formerly Fair Saint Louis) has marked Independence Day with live music, fireworks, and other entertainment. A Superman-themed drone show lit up the sky the night of the 4th. It was designed in partnership with Warner Brothers to celebrate the July 11 release of “Superman” from St. Louis-born director James Gunn.
Rod Hicks named STL American executive editor
strengthening its connection with its audience and raising the overall quality of its journalism. “Rod’s vision and professional trajectory align Rod Hicks, a longtime journalist and unwavwith our mission to inform, uplift, and reflect the ering advocate for diverse newsrooms, inclusive lives of our readers — especially in historically news coverage and high ethical standards, has been underserved communities,” Suggs said in an email selected to lead the St. Louis American as its top to the staff on Tuesday. “He will lead our newseditor. room with an eye toward innovation, collaboration, Dr. Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive and storytelling that resonates in both our print and editor of the 97-year-old news outlet, relinquished growing digital spaces.” the latter title and named Hicks to the position. Suggs said Hicks joins the news outlet at a pivHicks will assume the role of executive editor on Rod Hicks otal time “as we work to build on our legacy and Monday, July 14. reimagine The St. Louis American as a digital-first A newsroom leader with four decades of journalnewsroom, expanding our reach and impact across platforms ism experience, Hicks will oversee the editorial direction of The American with a focus on elevating its digital presence, St. Louis American Staff
Dems vow GOP will rue budget bill vote ‘It was betrayal’
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American While the devastating impact of the Budget Reconciliation Bill passed on July 3, 2025, and signed by President Trump on the Fourth of July might not be felt for months, Congressman Wesley Bell said Missourians should brace for a healthcare shock. “The truth is, most n On the people still don’t realnational ize how devastating this and local will be. But they will,” fronts, Bell said in a release Democrats following the House giving the bill final vow to approval. make the “By then, the damGOP pay age will already be when the done. Shame on every Republican who voted mid-term for this bill. You have elections failed your constituents, are held in and you have failed the November American people.” Because the bill 2026. passed narrowly in the Senate (one vote) and the House (three votes), Republican Missouri Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Ann Wagner of the 2nd Congressional District were essential in the bill being adopted. Bell called the House tally “one of the darkest votes in modern American history.” Congressman Emauel Cleaver of Kansas City said, “it is morally reprehensible and supremely sinful to take from the poor to give more handouts to the richest among us.” “But that is precisely what President Trump and Republicans have chosen to
‘State of Black America’ a call to action By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American As the National Urban League prepares for the July 14 opening of its annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio, NUL President Marc Morial calls the organization’s 2025 State of Black America report “a call to action.” “A democracy willing to destroy itself rather than deliver justice is a democracy in crisis,” Morial states in a release on the report, which is entitled “State of Emergency: Civil Rights, Democracy & Progress Under Attack.” “In the face of this chilling reality, [the State of Black America] not only outlines the threats to American democracy’s foundations, but it also illuminates the power of resistance,” said Morial. “Across courtrooms and classrooms, from statehouses to boardrooms, a new generation of leaders is rising to defend
See BLACKS, A6
See HICKS, A6
McDonnell supports tornado recover effort
The James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF) has announced a nearly $3 million investment to support recovery and rebuilding efforts following the May 16, tornado that struck St. Louis.
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COMPLIMENTARY
See DEMS, A7
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
BUSINESS
Vol. 97 No. 14
LIVING IT
Shakespeare in the Saint Louis Zoo
“Romeo and Zooliet,” which is also part of St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s 25th anniversary programming, continues through August 17.
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