Lift for Life set to prove last season was no fluke
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St. Louis American See page B3
The
CAC Audited SEPTEMBER 4 – 10, 2025
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
stlamerican.com
Vol. 97 No. 22 COMPLIMENTARY
World-class upgrade & expansion
Powell Hall’s $140M rehab will elevate Grand Center Arts District By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra — the second oldest symphony in the nation — will welcome audiences to experience the newly restored Powell Hall with the opening of its 146th season late this month. After a nomadic period that included concerts and events at Stifel Theatre, The Fabulous Fox, the Touhill, Sheldon Concert Hall and more, SLSO will return
to a new and improved home. That return comes with significant changes to Powell Hall, at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, the result of a $140 million restoration and expansion project. Powell Hall will include new and upgraded amenities for audiences and artists, while preserving and enhancing the internationally recognized acoustics and aesthetics of the concert hall. A new Education and Learning Center
See POWELL HALL, A7
Image courtesy of St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
A rendering of the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, the expanded home for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra that encompasses Powell Hall. After hosting concerts and events at a roster of venues that included Stifel Theatre and Sheldon Concert Hall, the orchestra will return to Powell Hall late this month.
‘A fight between democracy, tyranny’
Salute to Excellence in Education
Missouri Democrats decry Trump-driven redistricting effort
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American JEFFERSON CITY — U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell on Wednesday ripped Gov. Mike Kehoe’s decision to hold a legislative special session with the sole purpose of eliminating the boundaries of the Kansas City-area congressional seat held by fellow Black Democrat U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. If a proposed new Missouri congressional district map becomes law, it will likely face legal challenges. The new map is designed to put seven Republicans in the U.S. House from Missouri instead of
See TRUMP, A6
Photos by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Mary Elizabeth Grimes speaks with students at Marian Middle School.
A Stellar Performer
‘A charm that withstood the water’
Mary Elizabeth Grimes, a visionary leader
By Ashley Winters The St. Louis American
Mary Elizabeth Grimes is a visionary leader with a distinguished record, from revitalizing nonprofit organizations to shaping the future of young people in St. Louis. This year, her dedication to empowering young girls is being honored with the Salute to Excellence in Education Stellar Award, which recognizes educators and community leaders who have made a lasting impact on students and is presented by the St. Louis American Foundation. See GRIMES, A6 HEALTH
Serena Williams highlights weight loss shift transforming millions Serena Williams said she has lost 31 pounds since beginning the medication in 2023 and launched a campaign with telehealth company Ro to reduce stigma around the drugs.
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Former STL resident reflects on Katrina By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American
As the nation marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the devastation inflicted by the category five storm that tore through New Orleans, the May family could be considered one of the lucky ones. They survived the storm without casualties or bodily harm and had stable living conditions for the entire year they were displaced. But their lives changed forever
Mary Elizabeth Grimes is the 2025 Salute to Excellence in Education Stellar Performer.
See KATRINA, A7 LIVING IT
An icon and an emerging legend rock The Muny
Music stars Diana Ross and Jon Batiste delivered amazing performances as headliners for the 2025 Season-Finale Concert at The Muny. Ross, at 81 years old, can still captivate an audience.
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