January 8th, 2026 edition

STL closes out 2025 with festive celebrations

St. Louis American See page B1

The

JANUARY 8 – 14, 2026

Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928

stlamerican.com

Vol. 97 No. 39 COMPLIMENTARY

2025 Person of the Year:

Michael McMillan

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American When the powerful tornado ripped through North St. Louis last May, it left entire neighborhoods scarred and, months later, still struggling to recover. But in the aftermath, the region’s response revealed a powerful truth: when emergency strikes, leadership, coordination and compassion matter.

For demonstrating that leadership on a citywide scale, The St. Louis American names Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, its 2025 Person of the Year.

“Michael is an extraordinary and transformative leader, a visionary deeply rooted in the community who has dedicated his entire life to serving others,” said St. Louis American Publisher Donald M. Suggs. “He is being cited as the 2025 Person of the Year for his role in making the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis a steadfast anchor for providing crucial relief and hope to thousands who were devastated in the aftermath of the catastrophic storm.”

McMillan leads an agency that mobilized immediately after the tornado and remained a steady, trusted pres-

See McMILLAN, A13

Saluting Business excellence

Organization of the Year

Grassroots relief became North St. Louis’ lifeline

Regional partners unite to celebrate the region’s brightest leaders

By Nia Hightower For The St. Louis American Black entrepreneurs and executives play a vital role in driving economic growth, job creation and civic leadership across the St. Louis metropolitan area. The three co-presenters for the 24th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Networking and Awards Luncheon understand the importance of recognizing the region’s brightest leaders.

The Regional Business Council (RBC), Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Greater St. Louis Inc. return as co-presenters for the event, partnering with The St. Louis American Foundation to spotlight outstanding leaders across corporate, nonprofit and entrepreneurial sectors whose work strengthens communities and expands opportunity.

“The Salute to Excellence in Business is about more than recognition — it’s about

See SALUTE, A13

INSIDE SPORTS

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

and an integral part of The American’s mission,” said Publisher Donald M. Suggs. “We are deeply appreciative of his many years of service as a tireless photojournalist. He has served both this newsroom and the community extremely well.”

The Missouri Photojournalism and St. Louis Media Hall of Fame inductee started as a freelancer with The American in 1979 under the tutelage of late Executive Editor Bennie G. Rodgers. By 1982,

The tornado that struck North St. Louis last May was not only a violent storm.

It was a revealing test of what happens when disaster collides with neighborhoods already burdened by decades of disinvestment and economic vulnerability.

As the Missouri Independent reported, the violent tornado carved a 22-mile path across the region, damaging or destroying 16,000 structures, killing five people and causing an estiThe viomated $1.6 billion in damage — the lent tornastate’s most devastatdo carved ing weather disaster a 22-mile since Joplin. path across Yet, even as the scale of the destructhe region, tion became clear, damaging or something equally destroying powerful emerged.

16,000 struc- Communities organized. Neighbors tures, killing showed up. five people Grassroots leaders and causing moved with urgency an estimated because families $1.6 billion in could not afford to wait. damage.

“Grassroots organizations mobilized, deployed, and came together in a way that was both historic and divine,” Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier said. “They are among the strongest advocates for rebuilding in a way that ensures the same residents who called North and West City home before the tornado can continue to do so for generations.”

For their speed, coordination and unwavering commitment, Action St. Louis, ForTheCultureSTL, Operation ANY MEANS Necessary, Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation, Gateway Early Childhood Alliance, 4theVille, Invest STL, Dream Builders 4 Equity and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis are The St. Louis American’s Organizations of the Year.

These groups stepped in immediately, clearing debris and blocked streets, delivering food and essential supplies, creating access to services and stabilizing families facing sudden displacement and uncer-

See PRICE, A13

See ORGANIZATIONS, A13

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

After more than 40 years as the primary staff photographer for The St. Louis American, veteran award-winning photojournalist Wiley Price filed his last photos on Dec. 31.

An ‘American’ treasure Wiley Price retires after a 45-plus year photojournalism career

A look back at 2025 NFL season Raheem Morris, who went 16-18 (8-9 twice) as head coach over two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, was fired at season’s end by owner Arthur Blank. The team’s African American GM Terry Fontenot was also dismissed.

~ Page B5 ~

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

The St. Louis American names Michael P. McMillan its 2025 Person of the Year.

By Kenya Vaughn and Ashley Winters St. Louis American If pictures tell a thousand words, then about three volumes of encyclopedias surrounded Wiley Price as he packed up his office at The St. Louis American on Friday. His retirement on Dec. 31 after more than four decades of service as the staff photojournalist — and for many, the face of The St. Louis American — marks the end of an era.

“Wiley has been a beloved colleague

Editorial/Commentary A2

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

Guest Editorial

Commentary

Democrats need more Honor America by than anti-Trump strategy fighting for freedom

Another proposal seeks to support Virginians most likely to lose access to health care due to Republicans refusal to Democrats ended 2025 with importextend Obamacare subsidies. ant victories that steadied a rattled party North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has still reeling from Donald Trump’s return put forth a budget that would raise pubto power. Yet even after those wins, lic education spending, including a 10% Democratic approval ratings remain stubincrease in average teacher pay. Stein also bornly low. wants to invest millions more in health A recent Quinnipiac University poll care. found only 18% of voters approve of the Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed way congressional Democrats are hanan executive order last month aimed at dling their jobs. A record low of 73% disreducing energy costs. approve. In stark contrast, congressional Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who Republicans have a 35% approval rating also serves as Democratic Governors while 58% disapprove.

Association chair, has been a leading Democrats are even underwater within voice highlighting the impacts of the our own party. The same poll found only Republican affordability crisis on rural 42% of Democrats approve of congresAmerica. Beshear has noted the rural sional Democrats with 48% disapprovhealth care centers that have ing. Among Republicans, 77% already shuttered due to Medicaid approve of their own party in cuts and how reductions in federal Congress. food aid will hit poor and rural This data indicates Democrats Americans while the wealthiest will need to do more than run benefit from Trump tax cuts. against Trump if the party wants Nationally, Democrats are to win in 2026. To keep the echoing Beshear with the launch momentum going, Democrats of the first rural outreach program must show working-class voters that will fund engagement and they also know how to govern in messaging efforts focused on risthe places where they currently Guest Columnist ing costs and the chaos caused by hold power.

Kevin Harris Trump’s tariffs.

That starts with recognizing a Georgia Democrats are planhard truth: being anti-Trump is ning a legislative agenda focused not a governing agenda. It can on affordability when the legislamobilize a base, raise money and ture returns; hoping to build off win a news cycle. It cannot, by momentum from last year’s elecitself, lower grocery bills, stabilize tions where the party flipped two rents or make health care more Public Service Commission seats affordable. with a targeted message on relief Democrats must understand that from high utility bills. while many working-class voters What these leaders share is a are exhausted by Trump, they are refusal to reduce their politics to equally frustrated with a political Guest Columnist opposition alone. They talk about system that seems incapable of jobs, schools, roads, hospitals and improving daily life. The working Richard costs. They meet voters where class wants to see relief they can McDaniel they are and they understand that feel as sharply as the rising costs governing well is the strongest that are hitting their pockets each week. rebuke to Trumpism.

The working class must see a coordiThe midterms will not be a referendum nated effort with congressional Democrats on Trump alone. They will be a judgtaking the lead in holding Republicans ment on whether Democrats used their accountable for rising costs. moments of power to make life more Coordination is key because it demonaffordable and health care more secure. strates to working class voters that Democrats don’t need to abandon Democrats can offer more than rhetoric their values to win. They need to prove and are prepared to wield power to bring those values can produce results. In down costs.

2026, Trump resistance won’t be enough.

The South can demonstrate leadership Democrats will have to show some that’s desperately missing.

Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger receipts. will prioritize affordability in her first legKevin Harris and Richard McDaniel islative session. Her plans include workare veteran Democratic strategists who ing with the state legislature’s expanded co-host “Maroon Bison Presents: The Democratic majority to pass a multifacetSouthern Comfort Podcast.” ed health care package designed to tackle out-of-pocket costs.

By Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel

paigns targeted Irish, Italian and Eastern European immigrants.

All of it was wrapped in the language of America has a big birthday this year.

“100% Americanism.”

Here’s a hint: The celebration will not Let me be clear how far this rot went. feel much like the last big one in 1976.

I still believe our nation’s best days are Henry Ford spread antisemitic conspiracies through the newspaper he owned. ahead. But our history — and our headBlack veterans feared wearing their unilines — suggest we are facing a familiar forms in public. The Klan was ascendant test. Another fraught fight for freedom on anti-immigrant hate. Mainstream and democracy is already upon us. newspapers depicted Catholic immigrants That, too, is part of a pattern. as inherently criminal and dangerous to How America marks century anniverAmerican society. saries has looked different from how we The sesquicentennial did not create mark the halfway points. The difference these forces. It amplified them. is not in the fireworks. It is whether we Which brings us to now. are expanding the idea of who belongs— If history is a guide, America’s 250th or shrinking it.

In 1776, the colonies declared indepen- birthday will feel more like 1926 than 1976. The same currents are visible: dence from a monarchy and made a radiimmigrants from historically Catholic cal claim: that all men are created equal. nations cast as threats, racism on the rise, By 1826, that promise had narrowed, antisemitic tropes revived, Islamophobia not widened. inflamed.

Slavery was more entrenched and All in parallel. All dressed up as patribrutal than at the founding. Congress otism. outlawed the transatlantic slave trade in But history offers more than 1807, effective in 1808. But it did warning. It offers instruction. not weaken slavery. It intensified In 1926, the civil rights moveit. A vast internal slave trade tore ment did something harder and families apart as enslaved people more powerful than protest were sold further south to fuel cotalone. It organized the nation’s ton’s explosive growth. conscience.

The nation celebrated indepenLeaders claimed the ideals of dence while perfecting a domestic the American Revolution not machinery of human trafficking. as nostalgia, but as goals the Another 50 years brought a difcountry was obligated to reach.

Guest Columnist ferent moment.

They defined American patrioIn July 1876, the centennial Ben Jealous tism as expanding freedom. They told a more hopeful story. The warned that those who would party of Lincoln remained in turn Americans into subjects power. The constitutional amend— through violence, exclusion, or fear — ments guaranteeing citizenship and voting were the real threat to the founding ideals. rights were part of the national narrative.

They called on their neighbors to build Federal troops still protected Black America up, not tear her down. communities in the South. Much would That was not naïveté. It was strategy. change months later. But on the nation’s It worked. Not overnight. But over time. birthday, Black America was living in an Fifty years after 1926 came 1976. Fifty era defined by hard-won freedom. years hence, if the pattern holds, America That pattern would repeat a century can be in a better place. later.

The question is not whether history In 1976, the Bicentennial arrived in bends. It is who does the bending. the midst of desegregation. The mood America’s great birthdays do not meawas reflective. Protest was understood as sure how free we think we are. They American. Reconstruction was no longer erased. The country celebrated what many measure how seriously we take the work undone. If we honor this birthday by called a second Reconstruction. recommitting to the fight for freedom — But in 1926 — America’s 150th birthby widening democracy, not shrinking it; day — the pattern broke the other way. by confronting hate, not tolerating it — The nation was in the grip of xenothis celebration can become a hinge, not phobic, antisemitic and racist backlash. a warning.

White supremacist organizations wielded real political power. Racial violence Ben Jealous is a professor at the and intimidation were facts of daily life.

University of Pennsylvania and former Antisemitic conspiracy theories were president of the NAACP. mass-produced. Anti-Catholic camBy Ben Jealous

Commentary

Making a real difference more scholarships for students who will become the next generation of leaders.”

Spelman College used its $38 million “It’s easy to focus on the methods gift to increase scholarships and upgrade of civic participation that make news, technology infrastructure. President and hard to imagine the importance of Helene Gayle said, “This historic gift the things we do each day with our own strengthens our ability to support talminds and hearts. Who nurtured a child in the kitchen; who was kind to a stranger ented students and ensure they have the resources to thrive.” in line at a grocery store; who gave $50 Morgan State University and Prairie to a local food shelter: these are not news View A&M each received $63 million, stories. But all of it matters.”

— MacKenzie Scott bolstering research capacity and faculty recruitment.

Alcorn State University, with a $42 When MacKenzie Scott announced million gift, the largest in its 154-year hundreds of millions of dollars in unrehistory, is investing in scholarstricted donations to Historically ships and campus improvements.

Black Colleges and Universities Scott also gave $70 million to — after record contributions to the United Negro College Fund Urban League affiliates — it to create a pooled endowment wasn’t just philanthropy. It was benefiting 37 member schools, a game-changing reimagining strengthening financial sustainof how resources can empower ability across the HBCU netinstitutions that have long been work. underfunded and overlooked.

While HBCUs build future Scott is a philanthropist, leaders, Urban League affiliates author and ex-wife of Amazon Columnist address immediate needs in founder Jeff Bezos, to whom housing, workforce development she was married for 25 years. As Marc Morial and entrepreneurship. Gifts like part of their 2019 divorce, she $7.4 million to Seattle and $6 million to received a 4% stake in the online retailer.

Pittsburgh have expanded housing proIn May 2019, shortly after she grams and connected thousands of famiannounced the terms of the divorce on lies to jobs and child care resources.

Twitter, she signed her Giving Pledge, Since 2020, Scott has given more than promising to give away at least half of her wealth over the course of her lifetime. $26 billion to more than 2,500 nonprofits that support causes like racial justice, HBCUs have greatly benefited from education, and economic mobility. her generosity. Scott’s approach—trustScott’s model challenges the status quo based, unrestricted giving—has allowed of philanthropy. By removing strings, she these institutions to dream bigger and act empowers organizations to respond to faster, without the strings that often limit local needs with agility and vision. This traditional grants. is not charity—it’s partnership. And it’s a Howard University received $80 blueprint for how transformational giving million, including $17 million for its can dismantle systemic barriers.

College of Medicine. President Wayne A. I. Frederick called the gift “transforMarc Morial is president and CEO of mational,” saying, “It will allow us to expand our research footprint and provide the National Urban League.

By Marc Morial EMERITUS LEADERSHIP Nathan B. Young (1894-1993) • Founder N.A. Sweets (1901-1988) • Publisher

Bennie G. Rodgers (1914-2000) • Executive Editor Melba Sweets (1909-2006) • Editor

STAFF Donald M. Suggs Publisher ADMINISTRATION Dina M. Suggs — Senior Vice President Julie Erickson — Chief Operating Officer Raven Whitener — Director, St. Louis American Foundation and Special Events EDITORIAL Rod Hicks — Executive Editor Alvin A. Reid — City Editor Kenya Vaughn — Arts and Entertainment Editor Earl Austin Jr. — Sports Editor Denise Hooks — Anderson, M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor Wiley Price — Photojournalist Sylvester Brown Jr. — Deaconess Advocacy Fellow Ashley Winters — Assistant Editor, Community Editor Zaria Mac — RAC St. Louis reporter Taylor Marrie — RAC St. Louis Photographer/ Videographer

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Fred Sweets • Ellen Sweets PRODUCTION Mike Terhaar — Art Director Melvin Moore — Graphic Designer DIGITAL Dawn Suggs — Digital Director James LeBine — Multimedia Specialist Courtney Thompson — Digital Editor SALES Pam Simmons — Senior Account Executive Angelita F. Houston — Classified Manager

2315 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO, 63103 Phone: 314-533-8000

• The largest weekly newspaper in Missouri •

100% Independently owned, operated and continuously published without interruption since 1928

“This reeks of audacity.

Not only did they get a pardon, they are saying they deserve a payday for the crimes they committed.”

– Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn on the proposal of January 6th insurrectionist receiving reperations

News

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

A3

‘Mass exodus’: Black faculty describe hostile climate at Mizzou From 2013 to 2023, the proportion of Black professors on campus rose by less than a percentage point

MU is not representative of the broader state.

“I definitely think that people pay a lot more attention to When Aaron Campbell was race at Mizzou than they do at appointed to be an assistant professor of special education at the other institutions,” Campbell said. “I’ve had students tell me University of Missouri in 2023, I’m not only [their] first Black she became the first Black tenprofessor, but first Black ure-track faculty member teacher ever.” in her department.

University officials Campbell is one in declined an interview for a cohort of Black prothis story. In a written fessors at MU that has statement, spokesperson technically increased in Christopher Ave said the last decade, but only the university “does not by a small amount in tolerate discrimination or relation to the rest of the harassment on our camprofessors: from 2013 to pus. All reported cases 2023, the proportion of Aaron are investigated, and Black professors on camCampbell individuals who violate pus rose by less than a our policies or the law percentage point — from Assistant are held accountable. just over 3% to 3.78%, Professor Potential consequences according to data colof Special for those who commit lected from the National Education such violations include Center for Education being trespassed from Statistics. campus, expelled from the By comparison, the total numuniversity and charged with a ber of professors at the university grew by about 10% during the crime.”

According to self-reported same period.

According to the 2020 census, data on MU Analytics, in fall 2025, there were just 85 Black 12.4% of Missouri’s population faculty out of 2,231 total profesis Black — an indication that sors — about 3.8% of the profesthe number of Black faculty at

By Lilley Halloran KBIA

Photo by Claire Nguyen/Columbia Missourian

Attendees at the annual Welcome Black & Gold BBQ speak to UM System President Mun Choi on Aug. 29, 2024, at Mizzou’s Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center.

soriate. From that number, just 36 have tenure or tenure-track status, compared to 1,000 professors total with the ranking.

Campbell said she has become a support for Black students who seek her help — even those she’s never had in class.

Though she used to recommend that students report discrimination to the Office of Institutional Equity, Campbell said she no

Thanks to research funded by you, Jordan can benefit from a groundbreaking sickle cell therapy program led by WashU Medicine physicians. St. Louis Children’s Hospital is one of the first in the nation to offer it.

Give today and help more kids like Jordan at StLouisChildrens.org/Give.

2025, St. Louis Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved.

©

longer does because she’s been disappointed by the outcomes.

“I realized that office is actually not [there] to help the student, and it’s not to help the faculty,” Campbell said. “It is just there to stand on the side of HR and help fight whoever is mad.”

The treatment of students she’s observed has led Campbell to question staying at MU. She’s also factored in messaging she’s

received from other Black faculty, whom she says mostly work from home.

“You need to stay out the way, girl, stay out the way if you want your check,” Campbell recalled other Black professors telling her when she asked why they work remotely. “That’s literally what they say: ‘I survived here that long because I stay out the way.’”

A4

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 – 14, 2026

Community News

Commentary

Who is North City really being built for?

has arrived, suddenly declaring North City “valuable” again.

And that is exactly what worries In the fall of 2025, St. Louis me. welcomed the National GeospatialHistory tells us what happens next.

Intelligence Agency (NGA) to When massive institutions move into North City, settling at Jefferson and long-neglected communities without Cass avenues, sprawling across a 97-acre footprint. Officials promised firm protections for residents, disthis facility would bring opportunity placement follows. Property values for academic partnerships, industrial rise, taxes increase and the very people who held these neighborhoods growth and meaningful integration together through the hardest years are with surrounding neighborhoods. pushed out.

They said it would be an Churches that have investment in North City. stood for generations, famBut a harder and more ily-owned businesses and uncomfortable question residents who were “granddemands to be asked: Who fathered in” don’t get upliftwill actually benefit once ed, they get priced out. the doors fully open?

That is not revitalization.

I live in downtown That is removal.

St. Louis, and like many It is deeply unfair to ask working people, I drive long-standing residents to through North City regmake room for progress ularly. I pass the NGA Demitria Davis that may never include site while traveling down them. It is unjust to celeJefferson through the Carr brate economic development while Square area, heading toward the ignoring the cultural, social and hishighway for work. torical fabric of a community. And it On these drives, I don’t just see is disingenuous to promise partnera shiny new facility rising from the ship without guaranteeing protection. ground. I see block after block of If the presence of NGA will truly vacant homes, empty storefronts and improve North City, the investment neighborhoods that have endured must begin with the people who decades of disinvestment, neglect already live there — not developers, and broken promises.

North City has always been more not outsiders, not future tenants with higher incomes. than a map coordinate for developWithout enforceable commitments ment plans. It has been a place of to affordable housing, local hiring, opportunity for working families, community ownership and anti-disespecially Black families, who placement protections, this project found affordable homes and built risks becoming yet another chapter in lives there.

These were neighborhoods where a long story of broken trust.

North City does not need to be our grandparents and great-grand“saved” by bringing in an institution parents worked hard to buy properthat may ultimately erase it. It needs ty, raise children, attend church and to be respected, protected and uplifttake pride in their ownership. ed.

My grandfather grew up in inner Until that happens, we must be North City and attended Vashon honest enough to say it out loud: High School. He witnessed the rise NGA, as it currently stands, is not and fall of these neighborhoods benefiting North City. firsthand. He saw families plant roots, businesses open their doors Demitria Davis is a community and communities thrive long before organizer, activist and St. Louis resdisinvestment hollowed them out.

Now, after decades of abandonment, ident. a multibillion-dollar federal agency

By Demitria Davis

Photo courtesy of The Nation

The U.S. Postal Service has enacted a new rule that could void some Illinois ballots. The rule, which took effect Dec. 24, says mail may not receive a postmark on the same day the Postal Service takes possession of it. Some election officials use postmarks to verify that mail ballots were cast before polls closed.

New Postal Service rule could void Illinois ballots Missouri Independent Illinois is among the states that could be affected by a new U.S. Postal Service rule.

A Postal Service rule that took effect Dec. 24 says mail may not receive a postmark on the same day the agency takes possession of it. The Postal Service says it is not changing existing postmark practices and is only clarifying policy, but some election officials have relied on postmarks as proof that mail ballots were cast before polls closed.

The rule has implications for 14 states and Washington, D.C., that count ballots arriving after Election Day if they are postmarked on or before that day, commonly known as a “ballot grace period.” In those states, ballots mailed by voters before the deadline may not be counted if the Postal Service applies a postmark after Election

Day. The rule states that “the postmark date does not necessarily indicate the first day that the Postal Service had possession of the mailpiece.”

The timing coincides with a U.S. Supreme Court case that could eliminate ballot grace periods nationwide. A ruling is expected late this spring or next summer and could make concerns about the postmark policy moot.

The Postal Service defended the change in a response published in the Federal Register, emphasizing that it does not administer elections and does not advocate for or against voting by mail.

The agency repeated its advice that voters mail completed ballots at least a week before Election Day and noted that voters may request a manual postmark.

Business JANUARY 8 – 14, 2026

Brought to you by

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

A5

PEOPLE On The Move

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell was instrumental in securing a settlement with the Trump administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that ensures the National Institutes of Health will consider grant applications without judging institutions’ diversity, equity and inclusion efforts or vaccine-related research.

Davis honored by Webster Groves School District Jaylen Davis, Webster Groves High School director of choirs, was recently honored during a Webster Groves school board meeting for winning the Janice Reed Fleming Excellence in Education Award.

The award is named in memory of Janice Fleming, wife of Charles Fleming, a Douglass High School alum.

Davis has served as director of choirs since June 2022 and previously was Jaylen Davis choir director at MacArthur High School in Decatur, Illinois. He also has performed as a background singer with artists including Barry Manilow and Josh Groban.

Ewing to launch residency shows downtown

Photo courtesy of Office of Massachusetts Attorney General

Anti-DEI criteria dropped for stalled NIH grants

Settlement ends ‘political interference’

By Jacob Fischler Missouri Independent Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American While Missouri’s former Attorney General Andrew Bailey did not join a federal lawsuit seeking to protect National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants from Trump administration interference, Washington University could be among institutions that benefit from a settlement

announced last week.

In a settlement agreement filed Dec. 29, in federal court in Massachusetts, NIH and a group of Democratic attorneys general who challenged new grant funding criteria said the agency would consider applications submitted through Sept. 29, 2025, “without judging the efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, or vaccines.”

Under the agreement, the Trump administration

will allow NIH to review previously frozen grants without using controversial standards that discouraged initiatives involving gender, race and sexual orientation, as well as vaccine research.

Under Trump’s policy, Washington University stood to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in research funding. Several stalled projects specifically focused on African American health outcomes.

The university reported

in December 2024 that it secured $683 million in NIH research support during federal fiscal year 2024, a record high that ranked second nationally for the second year in a row. Over the past eight years, Washington University School of Medicine had been the fastest-growing among top U.S. research institutions in NIH funding.

In February 2025, Dr. Will Ross told the St. Louis See GRANTS, A6

Save case signals troubling future

Missouri case could mean tougher times for student borrowers

By Braxton Brewington For Word in Black Today, the greatest threat to Black educational futures is not a lack of talent or ambition — it’s the United States Supreme Court.

In 2023, conservative justices ended affirmative action in higher education, dealing a blow to Black enrollment. Days later, the court blocked the Biden administration from administering broad-based student debt relief, a move that would have narrowed the racial wealth gap and freed millions of Black borrowers from crushing debt.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court also cleared the path for the Trump administration to dismantle the Department of Education, striking at the heart of federal civil rights enforcement.

Now the courts are poised to deal another blow.

See SAVE, A6

Steve Ewing, a member of the band The Urge and co-owner of Steve’s Hot Dogs, is launching a new weekly residency at Broadway Oyster Bar, 736 S. Broadway, near Busch Stadium.

He plans Steve Ewing & Friends performances from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Wednesdays with a rotating cast of local guest artists. There Steve Ewing will be an $8 cover charge.

Ewing also announced this week that the Steve’s Hot Dogs location in the Delmar Maker District will close Jan. 10, 2026, citing a slow recovery from the May 16, 2025, tornado, which devastated parts of the surrounding neighborhood.

Kenyan ambassador tours St. Louis

David Kerich, Kenya’s ambassador to the U.S., recently visited St. Louis as keynote speaker for Vitendo4Africa’s annual gala.

Vitendo4Africa is a nonprofit organization that works to empower communities through educational and outreach programs in Missouri and in Africa.

Kerich particiDavid Kerich pated in a roundtable discussion at World Trade Center St. Louis, which is collaborating with officials in Kenya on a trade mission to Africa in 2026.

He also toured several key locations around the region, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, local African-owned businesses and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.

Singh named Lincoln U of Missouri provost

Dr. Piyusha Singh has been appointed provost and vice president for academic affairs at Lincoln University of Missouri.

She has served as interim provost since July 21, overseeing academic operations during the transition. Singh holds a doctorate in public policy and management from Piyusha Singh Carnegie Mellon University.

She previously held senior leadership roles at Columbia College in Missouri, including vice president for online education, chief of staff and provost and senior vice president.

Photo by Desola Lanre Ologun / courtesy of Unsplash

The Missouri SAVE settlement with the Trump administration could cause hardship for many African American student borrowers.

Please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to areid@stlamerican.com.

A6

Grants Continued from A5 American, “Trump’s cuts to NIH will not only hobble critical biomedical research and stifle innovation, but will also impede the ability of investigators to address some of the long-standing health issues in the African American community.”

“The cutting-edge advances in diabetes care and hypertension, two major causes of poor health and disability among African Americans, will be stalled as we continue to see disproportionate deaths from these preventable diseases,” Ross said.

The ACLU praised the settlement but cautioned that the broader issue

SAVE Continued from A5 If a court approves a settlement between the Trump administration and the state of Missouri to dismantle the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan, or SAVE, student debtors will be thrust into even more dire straits.

SAVE, introduced by the Biden administration, was the most affordable plan for student debtors ever widely available. It lowered millions of borrowers’ monthly payments to zero or close to it. For many, it cut the timeline for eventual student debt relief in half, from 20 years to 10. For nearly 75% of debtors, SAVE also ended interest payments for borrowers who kept up with their monthly principal balance.

The SAVE plan — even without broad-scale

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 – 14, 2026 remains unresolved.

“Researchers deserve to have their work evaluated on its merits, not sidelined by political interference,” said Olga Akselrod, senior counsel for the ACLU Racial Justice Program. “NIH has now agreed to review the stalled applications individually and in good faith, without applying the unlawful policy directives.”

The agreement also sets deadlines requiring NIH to review and decide applications based on their original submission dates.

It further confirms that the close of federal fiscal 2025 will not prevent NIH from reviewing or awarding applications.

“This agreement marks another important step toward restoring trust in our public insti-

tutions,” said Kenneth Parreno, counsel at Protect Democracy. “By committing to evaluate these NIH grant applications on their scientific merit, not on political ideology, the federal government is taking a necessary step to ensure that facts, evidence and the rule of law guide the decisions that shape our nation’s health and innovation.”

While the administration did not permanently abandon its effort to evaluate research funding based on institutions’ DEI programs, the settlement provides a path to resume reviews while courts continue to consider whether such criteria are lawful.

NIH officials “will complete their consideration of the Applications in the ordinary course of NIH’s scientific review

process, without applying the Challenged Directives,” the agreement states, adding the agency will “evaluate each application individually and in good faith.”

The settlement was signed by U.S. Department of Justice lawyers and the attorneys general of Massachusetts, California, Maryland, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said the agreement commits the Department of Health and Human Services to resume “the usual process for considering NIH grant applications on a prompt,

agreed-upon timeline.”

The 17 attorneys general originally sued in April over $783 million in frozen research grants.

The lawsuit and settlement could prove essential to Washington University and other leading academic centers whose research includes studying higher maternal and infant mortality rates and disproportionate breast and ovarian cancer outcomes among Black women. “(Studies that) estimate how Black Americans have about twice the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease compared to white people, will be put on hold through the (funding) pause and ill-conceived cuts to NIH research payments,” Ross said when Trump began his second term.

A trial court and

appeals court in Massachusetts sided with the states earlier this year, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in August that the trial judge lacked authority to compel the grants to be paid, particularly given a similar ruling involving the U.S. Department of Education.

The national ACLU, ACLU of Massachusetts, Protect Democracy, the Center for Science in the Public Interest and Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP filed a separate lawsuit in April challenging abrupt cancellations and stalled grant applications on behalf of individual researchers.

Joining that suit were the American Public Health Association, the United Auto Workers and Ibis Reproductive Health.

debt cancellation — ranked as one of the most progressive federal actions on student debt.

The SAVE plan wasn’t perfect. For example, its payment formula did not account for everyday expenses such as child care. And the reality of all student debt repayment plans is that they can mean a lifetime of debt for Black borrowers, who have described these plans as a “trap” and a “scam.”

Corrupt student loan servicers and years of federal mismanagement of a $2 trillion portfolio also mean millions of debtors who are legally entitled to relief haven’t received it.

Still, eliminating the SAVE plan will intensify an already tough situation.

Borrowers would see their payments jump by hundreds of dollars as they are forced into costlier repayment options devised by the Trump administration.

Black borrowers, espe-

cially Black women, who bear much of the student debt burden, would be disproportionately hurt.

Families will be forced to choose between making student debt payments or buying groceries, paying rent, getting dental care or putting gas in the tank.

These are impossible choices that hurt working families, drag down the economy and undermine the few social safety nets the country has.

It gets worse. The settlement proposal includes a provision that would, in effect, make broad student debt cancellation nearly impossible to administer for the next 10 years.

While 85% of Black student debtors support cancellation, the proposal to end SAVE could also put a decade-long moratorium on the executive action Black borrowers have demanded.

The deck is stacked against student debtors.

The ultra-wealthy who can afford to pay the cost of college upfront avoid crushing student loan interest. Meanwhile everyone else pays far more than they borrowed — or never gets out of debt at all. This inequity is especially true for Blacks, who must borrow more to attend college, take longer to pay off debt, are more likely to default and earn less in the workplace.

Without intervention, many loans will fall into default, triggering wage garnishment, tax refund seizures and other punitive financial measures that can push people into poverty.

All hope is not lost.

Student borrowers — and future borrowers and their co-signers — must take concrete steps to protect themselves. For starters, borrowers should pursue options the Department of Education often doesn’t highlight: • Seek hardship

exemptions to pause and reduce forced collections if they’re facing default.

• Seek lesser-known relief programs such as Temporary and Permanent Disability Discharge, Borrower Defense to Repayment and Closed School Discharge, which offer opportunities for those in need.

• Keep meticulous records. Every payment, communication with a student loan servicer and notice from the Department of Education could be evidence in future complaints or disputes, especially given how frequently loan servicers make errors.

Student debtors must act as a political constituency. Too often, mainstream media and conventional political spaces portray student debtors as white, wealthy, high-earning graduates of elite institutions. That flawed narrative undermines the

reality of the people most harmed.

Student debtors are disproportionately older, Black and brown, women, working class and individuals with a mix of college experience — from attending a historically Black college or university to being defrauded by a predatory institution or unable to finish a degree.

The destruction of Black educational spaces — from attacks on HBCUs to undermining diversity efforts to halting student debt relief — is not new.

In an era in which the wealthy refuse to pay their fair share and the cost of public goods continue to rise, it’s time for debtors — as an economic and political constituency — to rise and demand better.

Braxton Brewington is a community organizer for the Debt Collective and a doctoral student in sociology at the University of North Carolina.

HealthMatters your

‘Taking Care of You’ ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 – 14, 2026

It’s not too late to get vaccinated

Attorney and avid runner Geri Lynn Arrindell overcame a hypertensive emergency to complete 100 races after dedicated care from Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s sports cardiology program.

From health crisis to half-marathons

Photo courtesy of Geri Lynn Arrindell

How heart care helped Geri Lynn Arrindell stay in the race

T

A7

Special to The St. Louis American from BJC HealthCare here is no stopping what’s in some people’s hearts.

With expert care and a fierce commitment to her own healing, Geri Lynn Arrindell turned a health crisis into fuel — and recently crossed her 100th halfmarathon finish line.

Arrindell, 53, is an avid runner who has completed at least one half-marathon in every state. In October 2020, the University City attorney was hospitalized at BarnesJewish Hospital with a hypertensive emergency, meaning her blood pressure was

dangerously high. The condition can severely damage vital organs and lead to encephalopathy, a disease that affects brain function.

For nearly a month, Arrindell was in and out of the hospital. She struggled with shortterm memory loss, diabetes, and physical disability.

With the help of Mustafa Husaini, MD, a WashU Medicine sports cardiologist at BarnesJewish Hospital, Arrindell began a program to resume her goal of running a halfmarathon in all 50 states—and ultimately reaching 100 races.

“He took a genuine interest in me as a patient,” Arrindell said. “He has been the most consistent physician I’ve ever had, and

(By StatePoint) In a time of confusion and inconsistent information, healthcare professionals want you to know that it’s not too late to get vaccinated this respiratory season. Getting vaccinated helps protect against potentially serious diseases like influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease.

A recent survey All recomfrom the National mended Foundation for vaccines Infectious Diseases undergo (NFID) finds that many Americans extensive harbor concerns safety testabout vaccine safety ing before and effectiveness, approval or find the guidance on respiratory vacand concinations unclear. tinue to be To address misconmonitored ceptions around vacfor safety cines and promote a healthy winter for and effecyou, your family, tiveness and communities long after nationwide, NFID they are rec- is sharing these insights: ommended

for use.

Vaccination helps prevent severe disease.

Vaccination is not just about preventing infection. Most importantly, it’s the most effective way to protect yourself and others against severe disease-related outcomes, including hospitalization, long-term complications, and death due to flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal disease. This means that even when vaccination does not prevent infection completely, it can make an illness See VACCINATED, A8

See ARRINDELL, page A8 PeopleImages / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Affinia lands Port Authority grant

Also will continue WIC services

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American Affinia Healthcare’s Family Medicine Residency Program will launch in June, helping bring top-level healthcare opportunities to underserved communities in North St. Louis and St. Louis County.

Supporting that effort is a $150,000 grant from the St. Louis County Port Authority, one of 38 grants awarded to area organizations.

The grant will help fund the newly developed Affinia Healthcare Family Medicine Residency Program, which will be housed at the Ferguson location.

“This award will go towards the remodeling of our Ferguson Health Center building to house the Family Medicine Residency Program, providing dedicated space for the residents, as required for accreditation,” said Affinia Healthcare Vice President, Development and Community Relations Yvonne Buhlinger.

The funding comes through the Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund,

The grant will help fund the newly developed Affinia Healthcare Family Medicine Residency Program, which will be housed at the Ferguson location.

which supports economic and community development projects aligned with the agency’s mission.

In March 2025, Affinia received a $500,000 Teaching Health Center Planning and Development Program grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to help create the residency program and train the next generation of family medicine physicians for community health centers.

Affinia Healthcare’s Family Medicine See AFFINIA, A8

Photo courtesy of Affinia Healthcare

Affinia Healthcare CEO Kendra Holmes, third from left, is joined by a host of dignitaries in cutting the ribbon in celebration of the Ferguson Health Center in fall 2023. The Ferguson location will be the new home of the Affinia Family Medicine Residency Program, which will launch in June.

HealthMatters your

‘Taking Care of You’

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 – 14, 2026

A8

Vaccinated Continued from A7 milder.

Vaccines are safe and effective. All recommended vaccines undergo extensive safety testing before approval and continue to be monitored for safety and effectiveness long after they are recommended for use. In the United States and globally, vaccines are held to the highest safety standards – more stringent than those for almost all other medications. Contrary to a widespread misconception, vaccines cannot cause the diseases they are designed to prevent. While there are potential side effects, they are rare, and much less severe than the diseases vaccines prevent. The most common side effects – sore

Affinia Continued from A7 Residency Program is in partnership with A.T. Still University, Christian Hospital and SSM Health DePaul Hospital. It focuses on training future primary care physicians for service at Affinia Healthcare and in community health center environments.

“Statistics show that many patients in underserved communities suffer or experience a lower standard of care when seeing providers who don’t understand or have bias toward certain populations,” said Dr. Melissa Tepe, Affinia Healthcare chief medical officer, in March. “It is imperative

arm at the injection site, achiness and fever – are normal signs that the body’s immune system is building protection.

Getting vaccinated helps protect everyone.

By preventing severe respiratory illnesses, getting vaccinated reduces your likelihood of missing work or your child missing school. It reduces strain on the healthcare system and helps protect everyone, especially infants and young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with heart disease, lung disease, or other chronic health conditions.

Recommendations are science-based. It’s important to follow science-based immunization recommendations. They are based on rigorous review and ongoing research. National

that we cultivate a new generation of clinicians who will know how to serve these populations.

The Family Medicine Residency program is another way Affinia Healthcare can help provide a better quality of care for our patients and communities.”

The Family Medicine Residency Program received full accreditation earlier this year from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, allowing recruitment to begin. The application deadline closed last month with what officials called an overwhelming response.

“We received over one thousand applications and will be completing 94 interviews for our four slots,” said Program Director Dr. Kenneth

By preventing severe respiratory illnesses, getting vaccinated reduces your likelihood of missing work or your child missing school. medical organizations composed of practicing healthcare professionals recommend these respiratory vaccines based on long-standing evidence and clinical experience: • Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older.

• An updated COVID19 vaccine is recommended for those at high risk (including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions),

and anyone age 6 months and older who wants to reduce their risk for severe COVID-19 or long COVID. • A one-time RSV vaccination is recommended for pregnant women; infants whose mothers did not get vaccinated for RSV during pregnancy should receive a monoclonal antibody to protect against RSV. RSV vaccination is also recommended for certain adults ages 50-74 and all adults 75 and older.

• Pneumococcal vac-

Clinic locations and hours • 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday 1717 Biddle St., St. Louis, 63106 • 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday 3930 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 63118 • 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday 2220 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, 63104 • 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday 4414 N. Florissant, St. Louis, 63107 • 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 5471 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, St. Louis 63112

Hemba. “We’re happy with the response of the number of applicants. We

know the Program will not only expand access to care but also builds a sustainable pipeline of highly competent providers committed to health access and long-term impact.”

Affinia will continue WIC services Affinia Healthcare

Arrindell Continued from A7 his encouragement and support have been amazing.”

The sports cardiology program at the Washington University and BarnesJewish Heart & Vascular Center is dedicated to improving cardiovascular care for high school, college, professional, and recreational athletes. As the first and only sports cardiology program in St. Louis, it aims to prevent sudden cardiac arrest, treat cardiovascular symptoms during exercise, and enhance the physical fitness of its patients.

Arrindell always loved running but didn’t pursue the sport after high school.

After losing both her mother and father, running became a way to cope with her grief. In March 2012, she channeled that energy into completing her first halfmarathon in Louisiana.

While in law school, she was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat and underwent cardiac ablation surgery. She continued to be monitored by a cardiologist for years, and with no concerns after the procedure, she kept running.

She ran about one race a year until 2019, when she committed to running a halfmarathon in every state—50 states before turning 50.

In 2020, Arrindell was hospitalized with multiple medical issues, and her

cination is recommended for children younger than 5, all adults 50 and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions or other risk factors.

Healthcare professionals are here to help. Talk with a trusted healthcare professional to learn about the benefits and risks of vaccination

against flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal disease. These conversations can help you make informed decisions about your health and the health of your family and community.

More information about the 2025-2026 respiratory season can be found at https://www.nfid.org.

“It’s not too late to get vaccinated. If you have questions about which vaccines are right for you, reach out to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or other healthcare professional,” says Robert H. Hopkins, MD, NFID medical director. “I am confident enough in these vaccines that I have been vaccinated, as have all my family members. I encourage others to be immunized so they have the same protection I give to my family and to my patients.”

announced it has signed a contract extension with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to continue providing Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services for federal fiscal year 2026.

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program serving pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday who meet income and nutritional risk guidelines. To qualify, applicants must have income less than or equal to 185% of the federal poverty level and be at nutritional risk. Migrant families are also eligible.

Primary services include supplemental food, risk assessment, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, health screening and referrals to health care.

WIC food packages are chosen to provide foods high in protein, iron, calcium and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children

receive fortified milk and cheese, eggs, whole grain bread products, cereal, 100% fruit juice and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.

The program encourages breastfeeding and provides breastfeeding support, baby foods and infant cereal. For women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infants may receive supplemental iron-fortified formula.

Participants use eWIC cards to obtain approved items at participating grocery stores and pharmacies.

Studies show that pregnant women who enroll in WIC early have fewer low-birthweight babies, experience fewer infant deaths, begin prenatal care earlier and eat healthier.

WIC is administered in St. Louis by Affinia Healthcare. For more information or to apply, contact Affinia Healthcare WIC at 314-898-1701 or email WICinfo@affiniahealthcare.org.

whole body began to shut down. With high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and a presumed heart attack, her heart required close monitoring.

Weak, unstable, and facing a lifethreatening situation, Arrindell was determined to regain control of her life, rebuild her strength, and return to running.

Referred to the sports cardiology program, she worked closely with Dr. Husaini to reclaim her health and resume physical activity.

“Dr. Husaini evaluated my stress tests, monitored my blood pressure, provided heart assessments and a personalized treatment plan, and ensured my heart was strong enough to return to running,” Arrindell said. “I also worked closely with the clinic dietitian to manage my nutrition, as I had diabetes and high cholesterol.”

Dr. Husaini understood how important staying active was for both her physical and mental health.

He was also incredibly supportive. He asked about her races, provided helpful resources and connected her with the right specialists.

With hard work, the right medical guidance, and assessments— and Dr. Husaini’s expert care — she received the clearance she needed to resume her running.

“It felt good to feel my feet hit the pavement again,” Arrindell said.

“I finished the 25 states remaining from my goal of 50 before 50.”

Arrindell completed

her 100th race in March 2025 in the same place she started—Louisiana.

Crossing that finish line, she felt she hadn’t just completed a race; she had become a symbol of perseverance.

Now, with her 50state goal and 100 halfmarathons behind her, she’s setting new ambitions.

She’s incorporating strength training to build endurance, cooking more, and carefully monitoring her nutrition. She’s also on the lowest dose of blood pressure and cholesterol medication she’s ever taken.

Arrindell’s heart tried to slow her down, but she kept moving—one step at a time. With 100 halfmarathons behind her, she’s proof that taking care of your health doesn’t just get you back in the race— it helps you keep winning it. Next up: the Abbott World Marathon Majors, seven marathons across the globe. She’s scheduled to run the Sydney Marathon in August 2026.

Access may vary.

Evolving federal recommendations directly impact the availability and coverage of vaccines. Some states and insurance companies are developing their own coverage rules for vaccines previously recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you run into barriers, talk with a trusted healthcare professional who can help you navigate local restrictions.

To learn more about the sports cardiology program at the Washington University and BarnesJewish Heart & Vascular Center or to make an appointment, call 3143621291.

To follow Geri Lynn Arrindell’s running journey to Sydney, visit her Instagram profile at @ geri_lynn_arrindell.

This story was published courtesy of BJC HealthCare and has been updated since its original publication.

A9

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

‘The Wire’ actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. passes at 71 Isiah Whitlock Jr., best known for playing the corrupt state senator Clay Davis on “The Wire,” died on Tuesday, December 30. He was 71.

Whitlock, a native of Indiana, was a prolific character actor. He was a frequent collaborator of Spike Lee, appearing in his films “BlacKkKlansman,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “She Hate Me,” “25th Hour,” “Red Hook Summer” and “Chi-Raq.” He was also an accomplished theater actor. It was his work in “Jitney,” August Wilson’s masterpiece about Black men navigating dignity and survival, that became a defining chapter in his stage career. Whitlock performed in multiple productions of the play, including the acclaimed 2000 Broadway presentation.

Donnie McClurkin denies abuse claims

iah

suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.

The charges stem from an incident that happened on December 2 in Dedham. The police report, dated Dec. 16, 2025, states that the alleged victim, who identified herself as Diggs’ personal chef, initially hesitated to file charges “due to his fame” but later changed her mind and provided a detailed statement describing the incident.

During a dispute over her pay, the victim claimed Diggs smacked her and placed his hands around her neck, causing her to struggle to breathe and feel lightheaded. She reported pain and difficulty swallowing after the alleged assault.

Diggs’ attorney, Michael DiStefano, made a remote appearance in Dedham District Court, seeking to have the police report impounded, arguing that the details should remain sealed.

DiStefano also disclosed to the court that Diggs has made a financial offer to resolve the dispute with the alleged victim in this case.

“As we speak, they’re working to come to an agreement on that,” DiStefano said.

The judge said she’d take the request under advisement before allowing the release of the unredacted report, which revealed disturbing allegations of violence against a woman who claimed to be Diggs’ personal chef. The judge also agreed to consider a request to extend Diggs’ arraignment date to March.

Is r.

A lawsuit has been filed against ock J O.J. Simpson’s estate agrees Whitl Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin by a man to pay family of Ron Goldman who alleged that the gospel singer assaulted him for years.

O.J. Simpson’s estate has finally agreed to Giuseppe Corletto claimed in a lawsuit filed on pay the family of Ron Goldman – who was killed in Friday, Jan. 2, in New York County Supreme Court 1994 along with Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown and obtained by PEOPLE that the singer and pastor, Simpson. RadarOnline.com reveals that the news 66, sexually abused him for several years after their comes nearly 30 years after O.J. Simpson was found first meeting in 2003. liable for the pair’s murders in a wrongful death civil McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, told PEOPLE in suit. a statement that the claims made in the lawsuit were Simpson died from prostate cancer in April 2024 “categorically false.” at age 76. The $33.5 million judgment was made “At no time did Pastor McClurkin engage in any against him in 1997. His estate has accepted a nearly form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion of $58 million claim from the Goldmans, according to Mr. Corletto,” Lisi said. “The claims set forth in the documents filed in a Las Vegas court by the NFL lawsuit grossly mischaracterize their interactions, great’s longtime lawyer Malcolm LaVergne. which occurred over a decade, and some accusations It is unknown if the estate has enough dough to over two decades ago. All these allegations are consatisfy the debt it owes the Goldmans. tradicted by the real facts.”

“The Executor’s acceptance of the claim is a positive acknowledgement of the debt,” Goldman family attorney Michaelle Rafferty said in a statement to Stefon Diggs charged with strangulation RadarOnline.com.

“It does not constitute payment. This acceptance Stefon Diggs, a star wide receiver with the New allows the administration of the claim to move forEngland Patriots, is facing criminal charges after an ward in probate. We will continue to monitor the incident in Massachusetts earlier this month. probate process.”

According to paperwork from Dedham District Court, Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or

Advertise in The St. Louis American Classified section!

For more info contact Angelita Houston, ahouston@ stlamerican.com or call 314-533-8000

Sources: Variety.com, TMZ.com, RadarOnline.com, People.com

VIEW THE WEEKLY AD IN OUR APP OR ONLINE A (4pg)

AD PRICES GOOD WED., 1/7 THRU TUES., 1/13

TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS

The weekly ad will no longer be delivered to your home starting January 28.

NEW!

SAVE

4

$

LB

CUT & HANDTRIMMED IN STORE

Cer tified Angus Beef Boneless Sirloin Steak Reg. $14.99 lb.– Value pack

99

Pick up next week’s ad near the store entrance so you can plan ahead and save!

179

¢ LB

Gala Apples Bar tlett Pea or rs Reg. $1.9

LB

Seedless Gra

9-$2.49 lb.

Reg. $2.29 lb.–R

pes

ed, Black or Gree

Prices featured in ad for demonstration purposes only.

n

NEW CROP

2 49

When You Buy

349

EA

3 or $3.99 Each

Doritos, Frito -Lay SunChips or Kettle or Pot Lay’s ato Chip Reg. $3.99-$4.9 4– 4.75-11.25 oz. bag– Selected variet ies

599

Schnucks Ice Cream

s

Home Run Inn, Gino’s East, Bell DiGiorno or Cali atoria, Pizza Kitchen fornia Pizzas Reg. $6.99

Reg. $4.49– 48 oz. carton– Selected variet ies

1.79LB

-$9.99– 11.8-32 oz. pkg.– Selected variet ies

5.50EA

Smokehouse Chicken Wing Daddy Portions Limit

Fresh Skin Atlantic Salm less on Portions

3 per customer– 2.5 lb. bag–In dividually Reg. $11.29–Sale frozen– $4.47

Reg. $7.50 ea.–5 oz.

MOWI Twin Pack Fresh Atlantic Salmo n Portions– 10 oz. pkg.–S ale $11 ea.

More ever yd

WAS

2.99

4.19

3.99

Dole Chopped!

Salad Kits

Nabisco Fam ily Size Oreo Honey Maid s, Grahams, Ritz or Snack Crackers or Reg. $3.99-$5.14 Wheat Thins –6.5-1

Reg. $4.99– 9.6-12.3 oz. bag

NOW

WAS

3.49

MiO or Crys tal Light Water Enha ncer

WAS

13.19

*

* Limit 2 FREE items with the purcha se of 2.

15.99

General Mills Large Size Cere als

Reg. $5.99–12-18 .2 oz. box– Selected varieti es

REWARD YO URSELF

40% OFF

instantly with

and digital coupo

PRICES GOOD WED., JAN. 7 THRU TUES., JAN. 13, 2026

ns not valid

on Schnucks

18 pack-12 oz. bottles– Selected varieti es

Cottonelle Mega Roll Bath Tissue 12 roll pkg.– All varieties

digital offe

rs

Pepsi Products

Delivers. Printed

SEPT. 3 THRU TUE S.,

WAS

16.99

5X POINTS

Progresso Pitmaster

Some offers

3.99

Devour Entrees

9-12 oz. pkg.– All varieties

12.59 NOW 13 .99

Gatorade Spor ts Drink

pack-12 oz. cans– Selected varieti es

Soups 18-19 oz. can–S elected varieti es– Redeem up to 5 times in one transaction

PRICES GOOD WED .,

NOW

High Noon Hard Seltzer NÜTRL Vodk a Seltzer Cock or Reg. $16.99-$18 tails .49–8

4.39

NOW

1.62 oz. bottle – All varieties

8.71 oz. pkg.– Selected varieti es

BUY 1 GET 1

ay savings

Digital Coupo

SEPT. 9, 2025

10 pack-7.5 oz. cans– All varieties

ns not accep

ted. Offers valid

thru 9/9.

SCHNUCKS.COM

PLEASE RECYCLE AFTER USE.

SCHNUCKS.COM

A16 A14 A20 A14 A16 A14 A20 A10 A14

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • •JANUARY -24, 27, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH MARCH 4121-- -10, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • APRIL 18 7, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 19 - 25, 2022 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • •JANUARY -24, 27, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH MARCH 4121-- -10, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • APRIL 18 7, 2021 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 -2022 14, 2026 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAY 19 - 25,

NEWSPAPER IN NEWSPAPER NEWSPAPERIN IN NEWSPAPER IN NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION EDUCATION NEWSPAPER IN NEWSPAPER IN Planting the Seeds for Success!

Healthy Kids Healthy Kids Healthy Kids PRESENT: PRESENT: PRESENT: PRESENT: PRESENT: PRESENT: PRESENT: PRESENT:

EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting The Planting the Seeds for Success!

The weekly Healthy Kids page Planting the Seeds for Success!

The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page Planting the Seeds for Success!

The weekly Healthy Kids page Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting the Seeds for Success! provides provides health tips onon nutrition, provides health tips on nutrition, provides health tips on nutrition, provides health tips nutrition, The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page The The weekly Healthy page exercise The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page exercise and more. exercise and more. exercise and more. exercise and more.Kids provides provides health tips onon nutrition, provides health tips on nutrition, provides health tips on nutrition, provides health tips nutrition, provides health tips on nutrition, exercise and more. exercise and more. exercise and more. exercise exercise and more. exercise and more.

What Think Smart Dining What Think GRAINS Lifestyle, IsDining AOut. Serving Smart Summer Savvy GRAINS IsKeep ALifestyle, Serving em Not Diet!

Summer Size?

Eating!

The Out. ‘ Shopping! em Keep Not Size?

Eating!

Smart The‘Diet!

Whole!

Way! Smart Whole!

Way!

Healthcare Careers Healthcare Careers Melissa Douglass, EMT - B Yonniece Rose, Deborah Edwards, Latoya Woods, Melissa Douglass, EMT - B Yonniece Rose, Deborah Edwards, DNP, APRN, FNP-C Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Once we’re you’relucky out ofenough to summer. juicy,Cripe all around ocofruits acheese When those leftovers for lunch the Delicious areNutrition popcorn, wheatberries, brown P are Perhaps you’ve decided ffesauces > Avoid Nutrition Challenge: Facts rssoda Cere > Decide you’re to not switch from In our “Super-Size” world, we of soda —going it gravies, may beuconsidered one school, many of you Serving Size 1 bottle (12oz) and are healthy for you too! Make it your goal al Healthcare Careers have awe’re chance toofenough go out for next riceday! andPer Serving wild for rice.lunch Once you’re out summer.

Delicious juicy,INCGR ripe fruits are all around to eat healthier.

Don’t o c o and other kinds of toppings a those leftovers the When lucky to are popcorn, wheatberries, brown Amount P ED Perhaps you’ve decided to water.

IE are quite clever when thinking it is a healthy choice.

As we’ve u can easily lose track of what an serving size.

For example, a 20-oz bottle NT ff S:cheese e may have a lotat ofChallenge: extra to come back to school in the fall healthier and > Avoid gravies, sauces W MSW Nurse Nutrition Challenge: Nutrition Facts rs ho We each need least 3 servings Nutrition Weekly Newspaper in Education Program le C Gr > Decide you’re going to switch from soda ai e In our “Super-Size” world, we of soda — it may not be considered one Calories 150 Calories from Fat 0 n Coin Marnay rn,goal Registered school, of you healthy for you too!

Make itand your dinner, there are agofew SuEducation Meajust Weekly Newspaper Newspaper Program Howard, gare think ofmany these healthy Serving Size 1 bottle (12oz) and are Weekly r, Coarnl l, Co School Nurse that often fat SyruSo next have aonchance to outways for what> Ask thePerplenty server the grains rice and wild rice.

Getting ofDaily ofday! creative ways towhole make you discussed inrnadd previous weeks, p,toppings today eat healthier.

Don’t Caif actual serving size means. contains 2.5 servings. the bottle nola time your hands to happier! %how Value* and other kinds of an IN per of whole grains.

But GR d/ Amount Serving or ED to water.

Ribottle > Start by substituting one day IE can easily track of3 what serving For example, aGrper 20-oz Oi ceand NT l, Co S:drink Bran When Carol Henley, DDS may have alose lot of extra toFat0%come back to size. school inco fall Wholehealthier MSW We each need atwith least servings Total Fat150 0g to stay healthy our food an different Weekly Newspaper in Education Program athe Pr changes as “going on oc ai es Calories Calories fromare 0 n Marnay Howard, se Co Where do you work?

INurse am d calories. rn wi Registered believe that always read the labels to see if , dinner, there are a few ways th Su menu items in diet your Meajust Weekly Newspaper Alkain Weekly Newspaper Education Program ga think of mean? these healthy be snacking.

Resist the Saturated Fatcan 0g improve 0% l, Cornadd When reading labels on a we states “110 calories per serving,” li, Cothat WhereSchool doyou youwork? work?

Nurse Ad lo that often fat and r r, Corn does that How ded, > Getting Askyour the server how the ruSo plenty ofDaily whole grains p, Salt, Sy Review: What are some nutrition Caif Where do Ichief am a actual size means. contains 2.5 servings. bottle shopping, ithands no time onserving your tocanBut happier!

Fr lathe uc Polyunsaturated%Fat 0g Value* 0% to water. an tose per day of whole grains. what choices. d/ , or the founder and distance Na a diet.”

Instead, think Ri > Start by substituting one drink per day Where do you work?

I am the tu Oi ce ra l, l something is the food product really is a smart Br Co an an cobottle daArtif TotalMonounsaturated Fatand 0g reduce 0% and to stayto healthy with our food prepared.

Fried, sautéed, a Processecontains Flavor, Tri urge eat sweet, salty, health your chance Fat 0g changes asfoods “going on I Where amdo anyou EMT – B work? atI am icial GRANOLA Cereal food orreading drink product, means the entire total Where work? so do you I d widrink. calories. dium > Stick with water to know what contain whole th Alkali,The different menu items are tips you learned by following St. in your diet can improve your Ph takes a pretty be snacking.

Resist the os Saturated Fat 0g 0% school nurse with St. Louis When labels on a states “110 calories per serving,” that ph Trans Fat 3g Where do you work?

Co at counselor for Goal Driven lor e, BHTof does that mean?

How can we dental officer for CareSTL Health.

Adde Sa of these smart choices Review: What are some water. > Every few days increase the amount water PrAd Where do you work?

I at am a healthy. food for you to eat. esde d to Fr Where do you work?

I erd,ve uc Polyunsaturated Fat 0g 0% to fried and high-calorie to Cholesterol 0mg choices.

Frlt, se, nutrition > See if the restaurant will Abbott EMS in Belleville, for some chronic illnesses such es the founder and distance Na hn a diet.”

Instead, think tu es you can determine the of 275 calories!

Remember to watch ra am a school nurse s. l anpage Louis American’s Healthy Kids NotStick only will you save money, daArtif grains? good “Food Fried, sautéed, urge to eat sweet, salty, whole prepared. health and reduce your chance Monounsaturated Fat 0g 0% and Counseling, LLC.you Sodium 15mg 1% I Where am Schools. an EMT – B work? at icial r, Tribottle Public food or drink product, means the entire contains total soby ViFla do tavo > with water know foods contain umfollowing m tips you learned The St. in Phto s an as awhat new, healthier oss:phdrink.

INGREDIENTS: Wheat, Sugar, and decrease your soda intake. with St. Louis olaGrain Where did younurse go to school?

I I ddi Trans Fat 3g 42g M CWhole non-nutritious this Total Carbohydrate 14% for Goal Driven iner am counselor aschool family nurse pracIllinois.

BH al let you “share” asnacks meal.

Many as stroke, diabetes, heart disease Tof Just because As aincrease class, discuss some of Triatcae,answers Adthe of these smart choices > Every few days the amount water Pr de Monroe Elementary nutrients, sodium, fiber, those serving and you’ll have essizes lci d toto Where do you work?

Ischool? this school year?

Send your er um Detective” to ve but you won’t be adding in fried and high-calorie Cholesterol 0mg Fr Ph > See if the restaurant will Dietary Fiber 0g 0% Abbott EMS in Belleville, for some chronic illnesses such es os hn phatRemember es you can determine the of 275 calories! to watch am a school nurse s. e, Ca Where did you go to Louis American’s Healthy Kids page Not only will you save money, Corn Bran, Wheat Bran, Inulin, Gylcerin, grains? lci Look at the ingredients list of a graduated from Bishop Ward High um Counseling, LLC. lifestyle.

You can doorthis by la andSugars Sodium41g 15mg 1% CarbonWhat Public summer.

Where did you gogototo at Vithis atbecome e, Zieating a14% product ways to(m read ainlabel. m meals two, more titioner forSchools.

BJC Medical inine high blood42gpressure.

Visit s change ncare asknow a are new, healthier School. anfrom Iro and decrease your soda intake. nie@stlamerican.com. and > After 3-4extra weeks, will o Oats, sugar and calories of better control over what you’re nta what isthree M Where did you non-nutritious this Total Carbohydrate am a family nurse prac- I calories ayour sugareral Protein 0g diabetes, Illinois. ra let you “share” asnacks meal.

Many s: l dbe as Crispy stroke, heart disease nu Tri I graduated from Whitney tri ca Whole Grain C Rolled Rice-Oat Monroe Elementary en nutrients, sodium, fiber, those serving sizes and you’ll have lci School in Kansas City, Kansas. ts) this school year?

Send answers to um , Vi but you won’t adding in package of food you are about to ta Dietary Fiber 0g to 0% mlook in C (sod forming new habits.

For example, ifwholegrainscouncil.com you decide school?

Iyou graduated from at asPhcoos says, some of things for Where did gogotoSchool iumin rbph lcium Carbto Look at the ingredients list of a times an actual serving size. atthe for more e),e,ACa Create a Smart Summer Eating plan lifestyle.

You can do this by Group. really good school?

I graduated a habit. summer.

Where did you toschool? a serving size.

But be and drinking.

Sugars 41g B Vi on Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 0% ta at Young Magnet High filled drink. minwill (Rice & Oat Flour,and Sugar, Malt Extract, e,mZieating meals are two, three or more titioner fora Bachelor BJC Medical high blood• pressure.

Visit then earned ofgoArts inin Learning Standards: (nsugarSchool. iacina Iro nie@stlamerican.com. > After 3-4 weeks, change become sugar and calories ofBits better control over what you’re nm(m d Where did you toto idenc), an ine extra calories a Protein 0g Vi eat.

If the word “whole” is used, ra Iron 0%“Healthy, Calcium 0% tathis lfrom nu eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a I graduated from Whitney in tri Where did you go en McCluer North High School.

B an ingredient list?

How can you ts) (p yridoxine hy, dr Vitamin C (s package of food you are about to with your parents.

Ask their help inifinformation. finding for you; don’t from Lindbergh High forming new habits.

For example, you decide to Chicago, IL: same as forSalt, BHT), Corn Syrup, Brown Sugar, Barley school?

I graduated from careful; just because it oc od as * Percent Daily Values are basedHPE on a 2,0002, for Biology from Benedictine College corbat5 hlorid2, ium 4, HPE 5,> NHWhat 1,drink. times ana actual serving size. > As soon as you’ve divided more e) e) Create Smart Summer Eating plan wholegrainscouncil.com B NH , ViHPE , A B Vitafor Group. school?

I graduated habit. (ri ta When automatically instead afew serving size.

But be and drinking.

Learning Standards: HPE boflareach min Vitamin A 0% C 0%a you calorie diet.

Your Daily Values may be higher Young Magnet High School in filled vin are other ways to stay m then there is most likely ais whole inB water ), Vitamreally Learning Standards: (n(th weeks until this becomes what you’re used to.a•• Vitamin Organic, know iacis school?

Igo graduated IMcCluer earned an Associate of inahealthy? in mide nutritious snacks and meals for the did you to mer first lady Mrs. Michelle or lower(Whole depending on your calorie just readword Vitamifin aB food eat.

If the “whole” used, School.

Idid then attended Malt Extract, Salt, Toasted Oats Grain Iron 0%needs.

0% inWhere Atchison, Kansas, and a go Doctor eliminate sugary drinks completely, itCalcium only takes Where you to North High School. looks like one small bottle tra (pyridoxine hy iamin mon),onite ), Vi with your parents.

Ask their help in finding your plate into the right size ta information.

Learning Standards: from Lindbergh High m in Chicago, IL: same as forsoda, it has now become a lifestyle change! careful; just because it Ato drout?

HPE 5, NH 1, NH 2, 3, 5 (pNH ocNH * Percent Daily Values are basedHPE onof a 2,000 alm hlo healthy while dining 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5 grain ingredient.

A few items rid ita Natural” or Hint: Refer previous Healthy >then As soon as you’ve divided e) te from Sumner High B ), , Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent Obama.

Igraduated then earned a the BachA to (ri,are ta(fomin 4, When youLearning automatically for water instead Applied Science in Nursing Rolled Oats, Sugar, Glucose-Fructose, B Vi2, HPE bo thethere frontisofuntil flareach the offrom ta calorie diet. Your Dailycan Values may be higher ofWhere Dental Surgery (DDS) acid)Standards: > What other ways stay mVi mostthis likely afor whole inHPE even simmered all mean, school?

IUniversity from Vita few weeks becomes what you’re used onto. school?

Igo graduated lic I earned an Associate of mvin in),BVita nutritious snacks and meals the did you to mer first lady Mrs. Michelle or 2, lower HPE depending5, your calorie1, needs.

School.

I athen attended , VimtainmBin (th servings, ask your server afor HPE NH NH“Good 3, active, NH 5 Kids in mup looks like one small bottle ononi-and D .iam tepages As the weather gets warmer, are Staying getting heart rate even for ideas. ), ViNH elor of Science in Social Work, and Master of Social that don’t use the word whole School.

I then earned Soybean Oil, there Honey, Molasses), Golden your plate into the right size tamyour Learning Standards: Mtra change.

We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an AY in University of Missouri, Kansas, School of Dentistry. food product of soda, it has now become a lifestyle change! from Meramec College in A Learning Standards: CO Arkansas in Pine Bluff, HPE 5, NH 1, 2, NH 3, NH 5 (p NT alm AI healthy while dining out?

Learning Standards: grain ingredient.

A few items N “cooked in oil.”can Instead, WHEAT INitaGR te), A B Vita from Sumner Herebox. are the steps to making a healthy permanent McCluer High School.

Ia BachObama.

Igraduated then earned Applied Science in Nursing the University ofHigh acid), will EDstart in (fonext even simmered all mean, school?

I from to-go Go ahead and box IENTS. m Vi lic ta Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

I at m Syrup, Wheat Bits (Whole Wheat Flour, Corn For You!” many ways that we can enjoy ourselves opening your lungs help you off in B Associate Degree in It’s important that before Secondly, when youHPE legs again, and with , Vita5 servings, ask your server foryou atherechoose HPE 2, HPE 5,grilled NH 1,are NH 3, active, NH 5HPE packaging. example. mcontinue Arkansas, where ISocial studied biology. in D NH Kirkwood andthings completing my bachelor’s 1,finished HPE 2,HPE NH your 1, NH Learning Standards: .rate1, As the weather gets warmer, are Staying getting heart up and What areScience some you do on the Indegree addition elor of in Work, and aBachelor Master ofand Social 1, 2, HPE 5, that don’t usedon’t the word whole School.

Ijob? then earned baked M5, change.

We‘ll use the sugary drink change asoil.” anor AYHPE from Meramec College in Learning Standards: CONTAIStandards: Arkansas in Pine Bluff, then earned a Learning also completed two more years of supervision N WHEhealthier! “cooked in Instead, up what you need to Starch, Corn Flour, Sugar, Salt, TrisodiumMcCluer High School.

I doesn’t outdoors and stay healthy over the school year happier and AT IN GR1, Nursing from Forest embark onGo any kind of exercise with any kind ofyou strenuous (veryNHlungs reduced speed movements until EDstart Food to-go box. ahead and box IE NTS.5off HPE 2, HPE 5, NH NH Work from the University of Missouri –mentor St.includes Louis. seeing colleagues and ISocial dental Webster University in Webster Groves. many ways that we before can enjoy ourselves opening will help you next toArkansas, Associate Degree in I at It’s important that you Secondly, when are legs again, and continue 51,5,HPE What does EMT do?

My day-to-day example. where Imy studied biology. exams topatients, become athen Licensed Clinical Worker Kirkwood and completing my bachelor’s degree HPE 1,finished HPEyour 2,Instead HPE NH 1, NH Phosphate, Bakingoptions.

Soda, Annatto and of Nursing and aanMaster of earned Nursing Practice HPE 2,rate HPE5begins 5, — NH to 1,with choose baked or grilled eat right away.

You can enjoy mean that As spring approaches, warmer ofare watching TV summer.

Some naturally active a Bachelor Park College and a BSin companies to remember two things: active) exercise, take some your heart slow also completed two more years of supervision and students along with hygiene students from AT STILL up what you don’t need to Review: What some exercise tips outdoors and healthy over Malt the Syrup, healthier!

Nursing from Forest Let’s make a stay game cardofand foldschool into(very a year happier queen orand jack) should all count helping others when they aren’t feeling their embark on any kind of exercise with any kind strenuous reduced speed movements until the state of Missouri.

Caramel Color), Honey, Calcium Webster University innurse Webster What a school do? love giving NH 5your things you cancool doall include: from the University ofaSchool Missouri – Groves.

St.I&Practice Louis.

What does EMT do?

My day-to-day includes weather allows us towarmer get more options. ridedown. bike with friends. in Business Adminisexams todoes become Licensed Clinical Social Worker in University Missouri Dental Oral Health of Nursing and aan Master of of Nursing warm up and down.

Start time to exercise, cool down.

Yousome can youthese learned bythe following The St. Louis eat right away.

You can enjoy As spring approaches, Instead ofare watching TV — summer.

Some naturally active Park College and ado?

BS best.

Idoes also assist getting them toable the hospital Carbonate, Caramel Color, Trisodium of exercise! small square.

Put as number 10.

Aces are toout remember two things: active) take your heart rate begins to slow Review: What some exercise tips March 20, 2021, is the first and breathing.

You want to students medications, so they’re to focus What a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Let’s make a game card and fold into a queen or jack) should all count helping others when they aren’t feeling their the state of Missouri.

(MOSDOH) and UMKC School of Dentistry.

We also have outdoor exercise.

Here are some And finally, I earned a Doctorate of Nursing tration from Columbia College.

Stretching is an important part of warm up and increases your What does a school nurse do?

I love giving American’s Healthy Kids page this school > Help with yard work: planting, with some slow stretches and slowly stretch your arms and things you can do include: from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. weather allows us all to get more ride your bike with friends.

Phosphate, Hydrogenated Soybean and Can you think of other ways to be when they can’t take themselves. in Business AdminisFirst, locate squares into a bowl. “wild” and you can do as many warm upexercise! and With cool down.

Start time to cool down. You can down. youthese learned following The St. Louis This warm-up and recovery IMobile uselearning. technology togetting help teens and young adults day ofweeding, spring. spring have fun, butanswers it’s also a nie@ great on IUnit clean and wounds.

I do? use Idoes also them toUrban theWorker hospital abest.

Dental that serves the League Head out of small Put asby the number Aces ways to become ais more active any healthy exercise plan.

Slowly flexibility, rangesquare. of motion March 20, 2021, the first and breathing.

You10. want toare Practice from Maryville University. year?

Send your to etc. students medications, so bandage they’re able to focus What aassist Licensed Clinical Social Cottonseed Oil, Natural and Artificial Flavor, movement (like walking) to outdoor exercise.

Here are some more active?

Going outside andbe And finally, Itheir earned a nurse Doctorate of Nursing tration from Columbia College. explore emotions, better understand their American’s Healthy Kids page this school > Help with yard work: planting, either a deck of as you want!

To really challenge with some slow stretches and slowly stretch your arms and period is important for your Why did you choose this career?

I chose this Can you think of other ways to Start & Early Head Start and Youth in Need Childcare comes warmer weather way to help keep your heart, when they can’t take themselves.

What does a school do?

I assess the medical equipment like a stethoscope, for exFirst, locate intomuscles. arolling bowl. stlamerican.com. “wild” and you canrecovery do as many Taketoturns This warm-up and extend your With fingers, hands, and Starch,and bloodsquares flow the Ifeelings, uselearning. technology to help teens and young adults person.

Cinnamon, Wheat Tocopherols, BHT. day ofweeding, spring have fun, butanswers it’s also aincreases great on Ithrough clean and bandage wounds.

I use your heart rate awhen work relationships, andproblem address ways tospring. become awalking) more active staying active not only >increase Walking toetc. the store from Maryville University. year?

Send your to nie@ cards or two dice. yourself, have person roll Practice Centers.

All of these programs have ainjured required movement (like toand Minerals: Niacinamide, career because I enjoy helping others heart health.

ItToone also helps to more active?

Going outside and concerns of students who are ill, ordental and longer days (later lungs and body healthy. ample, to evaluate whether or not my asthmatics explore their emotions, better understand their arms until you feel the muscles Stretching can prepare your body Vitamins either a deck of as you want! really challenge the dice (or period is important for your What does a family nurse practitioner do?

Why did you choose this career?

I chose this comes warmer weather way to help keep your heart, What does a school nurse do?

I assess the medical equipment like a stethoscope, for excommon challenges completely online through a Take turns rolling little.

Warm up for a Learning Standards: possible. person.

Instead ofyour playing video games — your heart rate and burns calories, stlamerican.com. component that must twin be relationships, met.

We arenormal able to assist solve.

Also, I have stepsons, one who wants Next you’ll need the dice and the second can rate awhen reduce the amount of muscle feelings, work through andproblem address experiencing alterations in their health. staying active not only increases >increase Walking to the store Pantothenate, Pyridoxinefor Hydrochloride sunset). itheart athe habit are breathing well.

Moreover, Iothers teach and promote stretching.

Do sameto for your exercise and prevent injuries cards orMake two dice. yourself, have one person roll Each drawing a card) career because I enjoy helping heart health.

It also helps to computer, tablet, or smart phone.

Similar to a Faceday I have office visits with patients to concerns of students who are ill, injured or and longer days (later lungs and body healthy.

Make a list of your favorite 10 ample, to evaluate whether or not my asthmatics HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, the dice (or each center in the process because we meet and see five minutes What does family nurse practitioner do? play baseball, badminton, some but it also helps you build friendships! to be a apolice officer, and the other who wants common challenges completely online through a the to make aplaying list select the exercise.

See who >good Wash your parent’s car. ), Folate, (Vitamin B6outside little.

Warm upfootball, for aplaying pulls and strains.

Learning Standards: possible.

Nurses screen students and visitors Instead of video games — Iron.or heart rate and calories, toes, feet and legs.

Then to your muscles. spend as much healthy habits to staff, my students. time call, Isite. support and guide my clients from the solve.

Also, Idaily have twin stepsons, one who wants Next you’ll need the and theburns second can can and selecting an your reduce the amount of your muscle alterations in their normal health. sunset).

Make ittime a habit to slowly activities to do outdoors.

Compare helpexperiencing treat new health conditions manchildren on arebeIbreathing well.

Moreover, Iand/or teach and promote NH 5dice drawing a card) before increasing computer, tablet, or smart phone.

Similar to a Faceother active game.

Each day have office visits with patients to to a doctor.

I thought that being an EMT CONTAINS WHEAT INGREDIENTS. MAY ALSO Make a list of your favorite 10 of different complete the challenge HPE 1, the HPE 2,exercise HPE 5, NH 1, can forto safety.

School isthe a pilot school forthey five bend over totypes stretch the muscles comfort ofMonroe their home or private location where play baseball, football, badminton, or some exercise butfrom it also helps you build friendships!

Learning Standards: as weather allows. bescreen adid police officer, and other >good Play, play, play outside as tothe make aminutes list select exercise.

See who Wash your parent’s car. thean pulls and strains.

Learning Standards: Standards: daily staff, students and visitors spend as much time playing outside listactivities with yourtoclassmates and create ayour healthy habits to this my students.

Why choose this career?

Iwho am awants St.the time call, Iyou support and guide my clients from ageNurses established health conditions.

Ithe perform and selecting CONTAIN ALMONDS, SOYLearning AND MILK your heart rate.

Why did you choose career?

Iand/or chose this career helped me to meet them both in middle. do outdoors.

Compare help treat new health conditions manNH 5 are comfortable of exercise: jumping first!

Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city. in your back.

Do each stretch for before increasing other active game.

Instead of surfing the ‘Net — HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5 to be a doctor.

I thought that being an EMT much as you can! ofthedifferent complete exercise challenge HPEtag, 2, HPE 5,chart NH 1from bowl.

The total for safety.

School is aimportant. pilot school for HPEthe 2, HPE 5, NH 1 physical comfort ofMonroe their home orispatients, private location where they Learning Standards: INGREDIENTS. as weather allows.

Some fun outdoor games to play to see are the most popular. >your Play, play,types play outside as include Louis native, and was an asthmatic child who because your oral health very It truly exercise thewhat And, back in 2018, Iconditions. had my own medical examinations on order labs, Learning Standards: list with your classmates and create a Why did you choose this career?

I am a St. 10-30 seconds, and don’t stretch age established health I perform jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc. heart rate. helped me to meet them both in the middle. go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

Why did you choose this career?

I chose this are comfortable of exercise: jumping first!

Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city. number on the dice or card tells Learning Standards: elevates yourand self-esteem and givesby you immeasurable Instead ofbasketball, surfing ‘Net —and bicycling.

HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NHHPE 1, NH 5 5, NH 1 read much as you the can! kickball, Frisbee, experienced frequent hospitalizations.

Besides emergency waswas transported ambulance to Theto total Why did you choose this Iorder love nurs2, HPE x-rays results, to the point of pain.

Some funeach outdoor games play include tag, chart seeStandards: what are the most popular.

Learning Louis native, and ancareer? asthmatic child whoand Over the last 35 weeks wetoon manybowl. smart Write exercise item a discussed career because I and enjoy being aown support to teens And, back 2018, Itomore. had my medical physical examinations on patients, confidence ininThe yourself be able to smile.

A labs, healthy sit-ups, lunges, etc.have you how many of the exercise HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1 NEVER walkwalk on aaround “frozen” Also — remember to look gojacks, for aactivities brisk theyour neighborhood.

Why did you choose this career?

I chose this a hospital. paramedic that took care of me Choose that increase heart rate having the influence of nurses in my family, the number on the dice1,orHPE card2,tells Standards: ingemergency because there many opportunities in that young adults a are very challenging phase ofdue life choices that you can make toand help you stay safe and kickball, basketball, Frisbee, bicycling.

HPE HPE 5,Learning NH 1 experienced frequent hospitalizations.

Besides and was transported by ambulance to small piece of ormuscles index did you choose this career?

Iattitude love nursStretching helps readWhy x-rays results, more. smile projects ain bold and broadened Break into small groups and Learning Standards: Over the last 35paper weeks we have discussed many Write each exercise item on a > career because I and enjoy being ateaching support teens and must do.

Face cards pond, lake, river oryour any other up!you Icicles injure numerous was so comforting and assuring that Ito realized to do ifsmart you see local nurses who helped take care of me were my hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, did you choose this career?

I chose this you many of the HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1 Why can be overwhelming.

I enjoy them how to NEVER walk onthat asmall “frozen” Also — remember to exercise look(king, healthy.

Break into groups andWhat list how as many Gram-wich a hospital.

The paramedic that took care of me Choose activities increase your heart rate having thethere influence of nurses my ing because are many opportunities in the toyoung your added sense of control.

You in can setfamily, realistic adults in a very challenging phase of life that define what it means to be a choices that you can make to help you stay safe and HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1 Easy small piece of paper or index Cracker-wiches body of water.

Just because it people every year.

If you see that becoming an EMT is an honorable career.

I Break into small groups and best take care of themselves so they can live healthy someone else bullied. legal and research.

My passion is working in “angels” and always managed to nurse me back you must do.

Face cards (king, pond, lake, river or any other up!

Icicles injure numerous career to help improve the health of my comSmart Choices that your group remembers.

Now was so comforting and assuring that I realized expectations and communicate >orlarge What to do if you see local nurses who helped takewith care of them me were myto hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, Why did you choose this career?

Iprecision. chose this A BMI (Body Mass Index) is doctor if you have any can be overwhelming.

I enjoy teaching how Ingredients: If an adult (or much older car.

This is one healthy.

Break into small groups list asimportantly many How much do you spend 1.his/her Most — take bully.

Share your ideas with Gram-wich now work with that same paramedic, at the sameto Open Face and fulfilling lives. looks frozen does not icicles forming over your Hummus define what ittime means tomean be a itityou>and the schools with students, parents, staff and health, thus sparking my interest.

Easy Ingredients: individually, choose one that think is very important.

Cracker-wiches body of water.

Just because people every year.

If you see that becoming an EMT is an honorable career.

I munity. best take care of themselves so they canhave? live healthy someone else bullied.

What toHave do ifa YOU are 8 Graham athe generic way toyou calculate questions.

The formula to athe legal research.

My passion isofnurse working “angels” and always managed to me in back child) adown ride, ofbreaks! the most common ways What is your favorite part of the job you My to career toand help improve the health my comSmart Choices that your group remembers.

Now each dayoffers looking at a doctor goal of 3 Banana class.

Did you have the company.

A (Body Mass Index) is ifsmart you have any Ingredients: isBMI safe. front steps, ask your parents community partners.

How much time do you spend 1.bully.

Most importantly — take bully.

Share your ideas with What ispart your favorite part of the and jobstaff youthe have?

I 8 Saltine crackers Describe inyou own words what that choice is, and now work with that same paramedic, at same and fulfilling lives.

Dip looks frozen does not mean it large icicles forming over your cracker squares Hummus where your weight falls into calculate your BMI is 703 Frozen Yogurt the schools with students, parents, and favorite is being able to restore transform or asks to help him/ that children are kidnapped health, thus sparking my interest.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

Ingredients: individually, choose one that you think istobreak very important.

PB munity. phone, laptop video game? minute every 15-20 same things listed (as the > What doformula if YOU are the 8Banana Graham athe generic way to or calculate questions.

The to to love that my job makes talking about mental health to use a broom handle each day looking down at a breaks!

Have a goal of a 3 What is your favorite part of the job you 4 Tbsp how you can remember to make the right choice class.

Did you have the company.

4 Tbsp Peanut crackers butter, 1 Banana (sliced) Sandwich What is your favorite part ofisofthe job you is her safe. frontsingle steps, your categories average, X every weight (lbs)day. ÷ask height (in If you are someone smiles.

Myyour greatest gratitude having theyou ability to I community partners. locate awith lost puppy (or what And if parents What is favorite part the job have?

8 Saltine Describe in(thin, your own words that smart choice is, and My health challenges have given me Ingredients: Dip Blueberry Bites cracker squaresYogurt where your weight falls into calculate your BMI is the 703 Chiropractors around the minutes.

Move around, stretch other groups) that you would bully.

Look through the newspaper not scary and evenpart makes itthe kind ofjob cool.

Inew love What isaschildhood your favorite oflearning job you have?

What your favorite part of the you have?

Smoothie knock them off to side PB have?

Iischronic enjoy meeting and about Peanut butter have? inthat thethings future.

Name a new “smart 4Banana TspFrozen Honey (optional) phone, laptop or video game? minute break every 15-20 same listed (as the help underserved communities and families regain overweight, obese).

However, inches/squared) or search love that my job makes talking about mental health Many health conditions (diabeto use a broom handle to falls through the ice, first kitten, or a lost child), do an adult offers you a ride Ingredients: What is your favorite part of jobyou you Tbsp how can remember to makeXthe right choice 1415-Oz Canbutter, 1 Banana (sliced) What sensitivity to children suffering with illness.

After Peanut is your favorite part of thethe job that I when get valuable relationships with so categories (thin, average, weight (lbs) height (infrom4 Tbsp Ifyou youas are with someone country see young patients your neck and relax, without consider bullying behavior? for examples of÷break ad layouts IWhat enjoy abuild child tells you, tothe a Myis childhood health challenges have given me Ingredients: Ingredients: 2 Banana, Large people andtofavorite cultures every day.

I“Ialso like choice“ that you will make this“BMI before they loose Blueberry their composure and self-assurance.

Iwant honestly know Chiropractors around the minutes.

Move around, stretch other groups) that you would Look through the newspaper not as scary and even makes itthe kind of cool.

Ibe love it’s a (or good idea tohelp. remember Calculator” to find an Ingredients: your part of job you have?

Spread 1 Bites tablespoon of peanut Smoothie 1Directions: Large not get close the stranger orknock asks for your help, them off to the side run call) for Do not have?

I enjoy meeting and learning about new Peanut butter inthat the future.

Name a new “smart 4 Tsp Honey (optional) tes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are Garbanzo beans many people that trust me to be there for them.

I being given a new lease on life, I consider it an overweight, obese).

However, inches/squared) or search have?

Many chronic health conditions (diabefalls through thefrom ice,back, first and every day suffering looking down! design.

Discuss the words 1 15-Oz Can nurse.”

And best of all, I love the smiles, hugs 1 cup blueberries sensitivity to children suffering with illness.

After Strawberries adrenaline of driving fast with sirens going to summer. that I’ve done an awesome job when patients are your gutters. that I when get tocultures build valuable relationships with soa that aback BMI may not take into easy fill-in chart online.

If from2butter country see young patients neck and relax, without onVanilla four ofGreek the graham crackers.

Layer I enjoy 1/21Ingredients: Tbsp Peanut butter, 1 Tbsp Honey consider as bullying behavior?

Now in your groups, for examples ofbreak ad layouts amatter child tells you, want to be immediately run to afind trusted 2Cp Large people and everymy day.

I“Ialso like the choice“ that you will make this“BMI before they loose Garlic clove, try to go out onto the ice to love that no where clients are, we can preventable, and early detection is key.

Thus it’s a good idea to remember Calculator” to an Ingredients: honor to be in a position to promote health to Directions: Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut run call) for help.

Do not your high high blood pressure) areit an beans mesmerized with their new revisions. neck(or head-aches resulting 1Garbanzo non-fat Greek 1 cup Tbsp Honey get tocholesterol, an emergency quickly. “compassion,” “empathy” “thank-yous”. many people that trust me tocall be there for them.

I being given a with new on life, Ismiles, consider banana slices on the peanut butter, drizzle Dried nuts, seeds, coconut, etc. tes,and consideration many things number istech high, what yogurt, 3 blueberries Tbspfruit, Natural every day suffering from back, looking down!

2.fill-in Set your in are aToppings: adult and tell him her create aand newspaper ad that Learning Standards: and design.

Discuss the words And best of all, I is love the hugs simply connect alease video and I can not only cup Strawberries adrenaline ofofdriving fast with sirens going tocapacsummer. crushed your gutters. help your friend.

You can fall What other iceordevice hazards that aback BMI may not take into easy chart online.

If butter onVanilla four ofGreek the graham crackers. Layermy nurse.”

1/211Yogurt Cp Now inout your groups, the children of my community, in whatever favorite part the job partnering with Garlic clove, try to go onto the ice to love that no matter where my clients are, we can (optional) from the extra strain you put with honey and top with the remaining preventable, and early detection is key.

Thus and “sympathy.”

How do they honor to beStandards: in a position to promote health to such as athleticism (how are some to lower your peanut butter, 11the Ripe support them through hardNH3 times, but lots of good what justways happened!

HPE 1,and HPE 2,ice HPE 5,ofNH neck head-aches resulting holder to keep it atwhat eye level, Learning Standards: HPE6, cup non-fat Greek includes atthe least two the1, NH5, Stir peanut honey until Tbsp get to an emergency quickly. “compassion,” “empathy” and “thank-yous”.

211Tsp Tspbutter Oliveand oil, ½Honey Tsp Salt Learning HPE6, NH3 banana slices onNatural peanut butter, drizzle consideration many things number istech high, through too. there? yogurt, 3Cumin, Tbsp 2.

Set your in aDirections: create a you newspaper ad that Learning Standards: simply connect acommunity, video call and I cantonot capaconly ity Ichildren serve –ofof inwith turn, being their “angel.” crushed patients to establish and manage ain plan graham crackers.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3 help your friend.

You can fall your What other icedevice hazards are on your body when you look each play into your response athletic are), your bone BMI? the my whatever banana (sliced and frozen), my favorite part the job is partnering with Directions: Drop each blueberry smooth.

Slice banana lengthwise and spread both NH 7 Directions: Spread peanut butter on times as well.

Yogurt (optional) from extra strain you putNH5, reducing look following: honey and Combine withall theingredients remaining in a and “sympathy.”

How they such as athleticism (how are some ways toneed lower your peanut butter, 1top Learning Standards: supporteach themStandards: through hard times, but lots of good HPE 1,the HPE 2,iceHPE NH 1, holder to the keep it school? attodo eye level,with Directions: includes atthe least two the 2 Tspwith Cumin, 1Ripe Tsp Olive oil, ½toppings Tsp Salt on Learning HPE6, NH3 through too. there?

When walking on5,of iceLearning Standards: helpLearning them aand long and healthy life. density and other factors. down for long periods oflook time.

Splash (optional) to bullying at your cut sides peanut butter.

Sprinkle ity to I serve –live in turn, being their “angel.” into the yogurt.

Using a spoon, fourof ofvanilla the crackers and top withswirl sliced patients establish manage a plan to graham crackers.

Standards: HPE6, NH3 Learning Standards: on your body when you down. each play into your response athletic you are), your bone BMI? banana (sliced and frozen), HPE 5, NH 5 Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3 Directions: Drop each blueberry 7 your Directions: on times as orwell. blender until Spread smooth.peanut Enjoy butter with baked reducing the5,need to7,look following: “Questions comments?

Contact Cathy >NH How bullying others.

Learning Standards: HPE Sewell 6, NH 3 Discuss BMIhurts with your butter. covered roadways or icesidewalks, HPE HPE NH 5,the6 peanut Ice cubes Directions: Combine all ingredients a around to coat and place each strawberries.

Drizzle with honeyblueberry andintop HPE 1, 2, HPE 2, NHHPE 5school? on Standards: them each live a HPE6, long and healthy life. density and other factors. down forwalking long periods of time.Learning A When couple of quick tips that Splash toLearning bullying at your Learning Standards: csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551 into yogurt.

Using fourofthe ofvanilla the crackers anda spoon, top withswirl sliced help tortilla chips or(optional) raw vegetables.

Standards: Learning Standards: NH3 down.

Learning Standards: Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3 take baby steps.

Walk carefully NH 7 blender until smooth.

Enjoy with baked on a cookie sheet topped with parchment with the other crackers to make four >Discuss How bullying hurts others.

What to do if you are ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 21 27, 2021 Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3 Directions: Blend all ingredients until your BMI with your covered roadways or sidewalks, HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 7, NH 5, 6 Ice cubes “Questions or comments?

Contact Cathy Sewell ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH 4 10, 2021 will reduce that strain on your around to coat and place each blueberry HPE 2,ST. HPE 5, 4 AMERICAN with honey and top LOUIS MARCH 18 -7,24, 2021 “Questions Sewell comments?

Contact Cathy Sewell HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5AMERICAN ST. LOUIS •strawberries.

APRIL 1 or -Drizzle 2021 “Questionsororcomments? comments?Contact ContactCathy A“Questions couple oforquick tips that HPE 1, HPE 2,NHNH 1, NH 5 • tortilla Learning Standards: chips raw vegetables. paper.

Freeze at2022 least an hour. and slowly.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3 Cathy Sewell AMERICAN •cracker-wiches.

MAY 19 -2for 25, Learning Standards: bullied. csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422 Smooth.

Makes yummy smoothies! csewell@stlamerican.com oror314-289-5422 csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422 baby steps.

Walkarecarefully NH 7 ST. LOUIS on a cookie sheet topped with parchment neck are: with the other crackers to make four >take What to do if you csewell@stlamerican.com 314-289-5422 Directions: Blend all ingredients until “Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell will reduceorthat strain on yourCathy HPE 2,1, HPE 5,2,NHNH4 1, NH 5 “Questions “Questions comments?

Contact Sewell “Questionsororcomments? comments?Contact ContactCathy CathySewell Sewell HPE HPE paper.

Freeze2for at least an hour. cracker-wiches. and slowly. bullied. csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422 Smooth.

Makes yummy smoothies! csewell@stlamerican.com csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422 neck are: csewell@stlamerican.comoror314-289-5422 314-289-5422 6

2

1

6

2

12

1

12

Staying Staying Active Warm Up Active Warm Up (Naturally) & DoCool This.

During the (Naturally) & Cool Exercise Do This.

Down First Summer!

During the Not That!

Stretching Exercise Down First Game Summer!

Day of Not That!

Game Day of Spring!

Spring! > > No Slip No Smart Bullies Sliding Slip Smart Bullies Stran Away...ger > Sliding Allowed!

Choices Calculate > Away...

Dan ger Allowed!

Choices BMI Calculate Ice can be dangerous for several Ice can be different dangerous reasons. for several different

Tech-Neck BMI reasons.

Tech-Neck

A16 A14 A20 A14

> >

3

3

> >

> >

NEWSPAPER IN NEWSPAPER NEWSPAPERIN IN NEWSPAPER IN

Healthy Kids

EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION

PRESENT: PRESENT: PRESENT: PRESENT:

Planting Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting the Seeds for Success!

Planting the Seeds for Success!

The The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page The weekly Healthy Kids page provides health tips on nutrition, provides health tips onon nutrition, provides provides health tips on nutrition, provides health tips nutrition, exercise exercise and more. exercise and more. exercise and more. exercise and more.

Healthcare Careers

Once we’re you’relucky out ofenough to summer. juicy,Cripe all around ocofruits acheese When those leftovers for lunch the Delicious areNutrition popcorn, wheatberries, brown P are Perhaps you’ve decided ffesauces > Avoid Nutrition Challenge: Facts rssoda Cere > Decide you’re to not switch from In our “Super-Size” world, we of soda —going it gravies, may beuconsidered one school, many of you Serving Size 1 bottle (12oz) and are healthy for you too! Make it your goal al have a chance to go out for next riceday! and wild rice. to eat healthier.

Don’t and other kinds of toppings INGR Amount Per Serving ED to water.

IE can easily lose track of what an serving size.

For example, a 20-oz bottle NT S: mayeach haveneed a lotatofleast extra servings to come Weekly back to school in the fall and Wholehealthier MSW Nurse We Newspaper Education Program Grain Coin Calories 150 from Fat 0 Marnay rn, SuEducation Registered dinner, are healthy a few3ways Meajust Weekly Newspaper Weekly Newspaper in Program Howard, gar, Corn think there of these l, Cornadd School Nurse that 2.5 often and WHY isCalories what SyruSo Ask the plenty server theconnects ofDailywhole grains p, fat Caif actual size means. contains servings. the bottle nola time onserving your hands to But what> Getting happier! %how Value* an per day of whole grains. d/ or Ri > Start by substituting one drink per day Oil, Cocoa Pr ce Bran Total Fat 0g 0% tochanges stay healthy with on our food as “going ocessed with Where do you work?

I am calories. different menu items are in your diet can improve your Al kali, Cothat be snacking.

Resist Saturated Fat 0g to answers.

0% When reading labels on states “110What calories per serving,” Wheredodoyou youwork? work? curiosity Added,are lor does that mean?

Howthe cana we Salt, Fr Review: some Where I am a uctose, nutrition Polyunsaturated Fat 0g 0% to water. choices. the founder and distance Natural and a diet.”

Instead, think prepared.

Fried, sautéed, and Ar Flavor, Tribottle urge sweet, salty, whole healthMonounsaturated and reduce your Fat 0g 0% chance I Where am an EMT – B work? at icial food to or eat drink product, means the entire containsThe a tiftotal soby doGoal you I diumfollowing > Stick with water know what foods contain tips you learned St. Phto osphdrink. school nurse with St. Louis Trans Fat 3g at counselor for Driven e, BHTof Adde of smart choiceswill > 0% Every few days increase water Preser ve Fresthe amount d to Where do you work?

I fried and high-calorie Cholesterol 0mg >grains?

Seethese if the restaurant Abbott EMS in Belleville, forEveryone some chronic illnesses such hn can wonder. es you can determine the of 275 calories!

Remember to watch am a school nurse at s.

Louis Healthy Kids page Not American’s onlyVitawill you save money, Counseling, LLC. Sodium 15mg 1% Public Schools. ins andintake. asyou a new, healthier anddisease decrease your msizes soda Minerals: Tri non-nutritious this Total Carbohydrate 42g 14% am a family nurse pracIllinois. let “share” asnacks meal.

Many Cola asEveryone stroke, diabetes, heart caanswers Monroe Elementary nutrients, sodium, fiber, those serving and you’ll have lci thisbut school your to um you won’t be adding in Phyear?

Dietary Fiber 0g 0% seek can out osphate, Send Calcium Carb Where did you gogototoschool?

Look atarethe ingredients list by of a lifestyle.

You can doorthis summer.

Where did you Sugars 41g on at e, meals two, three more titioner for BJC Medical Zi and high blood pressure.

Visit nc School.

Irothis nie@stlamerican.com. and > After 3-4extra become sugar and calories of better control over what you’re eating n (m Where did youWhitney go to inechange calories a,will sugarProtein 0g ralfrom nu I graduated from trients) answers. isweeks, Vitamin C (s package foodhabits. you are about to ifwholegrainscouncil.com forming new ForEating example, decide to Curiosity school?

IIgraduated from odium ascorbate), A times anaof actual serving for more Create Smart Summer plan you Group. school? graduated a habit. a serving size. But be size. and drinking.

B Vi Vitamin A 0% • Vitamin C 0% ta Young Magnet High School in filled drink. m in Learning Standards: (niacinamide Vitamin B (p eat.

If the word “whole” is used, ), • Iron 0% Calcium 0% eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a Where did you go McCluer North High School. naturally inclusive to all. yri doxine hydroc with yourjust parents.

Askittheir help in information. finding from Lindbergh Chicago, IL: same asHigh for-to careful; because * Percent Daily Values are basedHPE on a 2,0002, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5 hlorid2, >then As there soon as you’velikely divided e) B Standards: , ViHPE (riare tamin 4, automatically for water instead Learning HPE boflareach calorie diet. Your Daily Values mayWhen be higher you vin > What other ways to stay is most a whole ), Vi few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to. ta school?

I graduated m I earned an Associate of in B (thiamin m nutritious snacks andbottle meals for the Where did lady you go attended to merSchool. first Mrs. Michelle or lower depending on your calorie needs.

I then looksplate like into one small ononite), Vitamin a lifestyle your theA right size Learning Standards: of soda, itHPE hashealthy change!

A (pNH 5,now NHtrabecome 1,while NH 2, NH 5 almita3, dining out? grain few items te from Sumner High ), Hereingredient. are the steps to making a healthy permanent Plan your visit and Obama.

I then earned a BachA Applied Science in Nursing B Vitamin (fo the IUniversity of from acid), Vitam simmered can all1,mean, school? graduated lic in B , Vitam servings, ask your server for athereeven HPE 2, HPE 5, NH NH 3, NH 5 in D .rate up and Aschange. the weather gets warmer, are Staying active, getting your heart elor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Social that don’t use the word whole School.

I then earned M We‘ll use the sugary drink change an Instead, AY CONTAIStandards: from Meramec College Learning Arkansas in Pine Bluff, Learning N WHEAT IN findinasyour WHY at Standards: “cooked oil.”

McCluer High School.

I in I GREDIENTS. to-go box.

Go ahead andenjoy box Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. many ways that we can ourselves opening your lungs will help you start off next Associate Degree in It’s important that before you Secondly, when you are finished legs again, and continue with example.

Arkansas, I studied biology.

Kirkwoodwhere and completing my bachelor’s degree at HPE 1, HPE 2,HPE HPE1,5,HPE NH 1, 2, NH HPE5 5, NH 1, choose baked or grilled Bachelor the Saint Louis also completed twothen moreearned years ofasupervision and up what you don’t need to over the outdoors stay healthy school year happier and healthier!

Nursing from Forest embark onand any kind of exercise with any kind of strenuous (very reduced speed movements until Webster University in Webster Groves.

NH 5 options.

What anMaster EMT do?

MyClinical day-to-day exams does to become a Licensed Socialincludes Worker in of Nursing and a of Nursing Practice eat right away.

You can enjoy As spring approaches, warmer Instead of watching TV — summer.

Some naturally active Science Center.

Park College and a BS toLet’s remember things: active) exercise, take some your heart rateexercise begins Review: What are tips make a two game card and fold into a queen orsome jack) should to all slow count others when they aren’t feeling their the state of Missouri.

What does a school nurse do?

I love giving things you cancool doall include: from helping the University of Missouri – St. Louis. weather allows us to get more time to cool down. You can ridedown. your bike with friends. in Business Adminiswarm up and down.

Start you learned by following The St. Louis best.

Idoes alsomedications, getting to theWorker hospital out of exercise! small square. Put theseandasbreathing. the number Acestoare March 20,exercise.

2021, isHere the are firstsome You10. want students so them they’re to focus What aassist Licensed Clinical Social do? outdoor finally, I earned a Doctorate of able Nursing from Columbia College.

5050stretch Oakland Healthy Kids page this school > Help with work: planting, with some slowyard stretches and slowly yourAvenue armsaAmerican’s and Can This you think ofyou other ways tomany be Andtration when they can’t take themselves.

First, locate squares into bowl. “wild” and can do as warm-up and recovery I use technology to help teens and young adults day of spring.

With spring have fun, but it’s also a great on learning.

I clean and bandage wounds.

I use St. Louis, MO 63110 ways to become a more active fromtheir Maryville University. year?

Send your Going answers to nie@ weeding, etc. movement (like more active? outside and Practice explore emotions, better understand their eitherwarmer a deck ofwalking) to as you want!

To really challenge period is important for your Why did you choose this career?

I chose this comes weather way to help keep your heart, What does a school nurse do?

I assess the medical equipment like a stethoscope, for exslsc.org | 314.289.4400 Take turns rolling stlamerican.com. person. rate a feelings, work through relationships, andproblem address staying activehave not only increases >increase Walking toheart the store cards oryour two dice. yourself, roll concerns career because I enjoy others heart Itone alsoperson helps to students whohelping are injured or and longer days (later when bodyhealth. healthy.

Attention Childcare Providers: ample, evaluate whether not myinsurance asthmatics the dice (or lungs and What does aofto family nurse practitioner do?

For help with Medicaid ororill, CHIP common challenges completely online through a little.

Warm up for a Learning Standards: possible.

Instead of playing video games — your heart rate and burns calories, solve.

Also, I have twin stepsons, one who wants Next you’ll need the dice and the second can reduce the amount of muscle experiencing alterations in their normal health. sunset).

Make it a habit to are Ibreathing well.

Moreover, I patients teach and promote Discover morea Make about world: YWCA can support you and your staff drawing card)a listyour computer, tablet, or smart phone.

Similar to a FaceEach day have office visits with to of your favorite 10 HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, for kids and teens age 18 and younger good five minutes ForNurses help with Medicaid or CHIP insurance play baseball, badminton, or some but it also helps you build friendships! tohealthy bescreen a police officer, andstudents the otherand who wants ayour listfootball, select the exercise. See who can >to make Wash parent’s car. pulls and strains. daily visitors spend as much time playing outside habits to staff, my time call, I health support andstudents. guide myand/or clients manfrom the and more selecting an to your during the CDA® credentialing process. do outdoors. help treat new conditions Discover about NH 5 world:Compare your before increasing other active game.

• More thanLearning 700activities interactive experiences to be a doctor.

I thought that being an EMT of different types complete the exercise challenge for for kids and teens age and younger safety.

School is18a pilot school forthey comfort ofMonroe their home or private location where Standards: as>thePlay, weather play, allows. play outside as exercise list fromwith the your Learning Standards: classmates and create a Why did you choose this career?

I middle. am a St. ageCovid-19 established conditions. perform your heart rate. helped me tohealth meet them both in Ithe YWCA Metro St. Louis Successful Pathways®, our are comfortable of exercise: first! test sites in partnership with the city.

Instead of surfing ‘Net — HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5 •• The Moreiconic than 700 interactive experiences much as jumping you the can!

The total James McDonnell Planetarium HPE popular.

2, HPE 5, NH 1 physical Someoffun outdoor games to play include tag, bowl. chart to seeS.what are the most Louis native, and was anmy asthmatic child who award-winning* Department Labor registered And, back in 2018, I had own order medical examinations on patients, labs, jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc. the neighborhood. go for a brisk walk around Why did you choose this career?

I chose this number on the dice or card tells Learning Standards: apprenticeship, provides thekickball, classwork trainingFrisbee, while and bicycling. basketball, experienced frequent hospitalizations.

Besidesto emergency and was this transported by ambulance did because you choose career?

I love •• The iconic James S. McDonnell Planetarium readWhy x-rays results, Learning Standards: Over lastexercise 35 weeks we on have smart Amany five-story OMNIMAX® Theater Writetheeach item a discussed career I and enjoymore. being a support tonursteens and in-classroom hours are completed at your business. you many of the HPE 2, featuring HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1 NEVER walk on a “frozen” Alsohow — remember to exercise look a hospital.

The paramedic that took care oflife Choose activities that increase your heart rate having the influence of nurses in my family, ing because there are many opportunities inmethe young adults in a very challenging phase of that choices that you can make to help you stay safe and HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1 IMAX® with Laser small piece of paper or index Break small •must A do five-story OMNIMAX® you do.

Face cards (king, Theater featuring pond,into lake, rivergroups or anyand other >up!

Icicles injure numerous was so comforting and assuring that I realized What to if you see local nurses who helped take care of me were my hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, Why did you choose this career?

I chose this can be overwhelming.

I enjoy teaching them how to healthy.

Break into small groups and list as many Gram-wich Now enrolling! define what it means to be a it people Easy IMAX® with Laser Cracker-wiches body of water.

Just because every year.

If you see that becoming an EMT is an honorable career.

I best take care of themselves so they can live healthy someone else bullied. legal and research.

My passion is working “angels” and always managed to nurse me in back to The Saint Louis Science Center is free to enter career to help improve the health of my comSmart Choices that your group remembers.

Now Contact aclower@headstart.ywcastlouis.org A BMI (Body Massideas Index) is doctor if you have any — take Ingredients: HowShare much time you spend 1. Most importantly bully. your with workthus with that same at the and fulfilling lives. looks frozen doesdonot large icicles forming over to your Hummus and always yours experience and share. thenow schools with students, parents, andsame health, sparking my paramedic, interest. staff to start or complete youraindividually, CDA® and become a mean Ingredients: choose one thatityou think istoThe very important. munity. > What do if YOU are the 8 Graham generic way to calculate questions. formula to The Saint Louis Science Center is free to enter each day looking down at a breaks!

Have a goal of a 3 the class.

Did you have the company. is safe. front steps, ask your parents credentialed childcare professional. community partners. part of the job you have? I What is your 8Louis, Saltine crackers Describe inweight your own words what that smart choice and 5050 Oakland Avenue St. MO 63110 Dip cracker squares where your falls into calculate your BMI is is, 703 Frozen Yogurt and always yours to experience and share. bully.

What is yourfavorite favorite part of the job you have?

Banana PB phone, laptop or (as video game? minute break every 15-20 same things listed the love that my job makes talking about mental to use a broom handle to slsc.org | 314.289.4400 What is your favorite part thejob job you health 4 Tbsp how you can remember to make the right choice 4 Tbsp Peanut butter, 1 Banana (sliced) What is your favorite part of of the you categories average, ÷ height (in If you (thin, are with someone X weight (lbs) My childhood health challenges have given me Ingredients: 5050 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 Blueberry Bites Chiropractors around the minutes.

Move around, stretch other groups) that you would Look through the newspaper not is as your scary andmeeting evenpart makes itthe kindjob ofabout cool.

Inew love What favorite of you have?

Smoothie knock them off to the side have?

I enjoy and learning Peanut butter in the future.

Name a new “smart 4 Tsp Honey (optional) overweight, obese).the However, have?

Many chronic health conditions (diabethat falls through ice, firstinches/squared) or search slsc.org | 314.289.4400 1 15-Oz Can sensitivity children suffering illness. that I when get build valuable relationships soAfter Connecting Kidsto to to Program is supported bywith the Centers Medicare countryas see young patients your neck relax, without consider bullying behavior?

Ice can be dangerous forbefore examples ofbreak ad ITheenjoy aCoverage child tells you, want tofor be a and Ingredients: 2 Large Medicaid people and cultures every day.

I“IHuman also likewith the choice“ that you will make this“BMI theyand loose it’s good idea remember Calculator” to layouts find anfromDirections: Ingredients: Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut Services (CMS) of the that U.S. Department ofblood Health andpressure) Services (HHS) as runa (or call) fortohelp.

Do not tes, high cholesterol, high are Garbanzo beans many people trust me to be there for them.

I part of being given a new lease on life, I consider it an every dayinmay suffering frominto back,easy looking down! for several different and design.

Discuss the If words butter nurse.”

And oftotaling all,fast I islove the smiles, 1Cpcup blueberries financial assistance award $229,293 with 100 percent funded

by CMS/HHS. Strawberries ofCoverage driving with sirens going to summer. your gutters.

Theaadrenaline Connecting Kids best to Program supported by the Centers forhugs Medicare and that a BMI not take fill-in chart online. on four of the graham crackers.

Layer 1/2 Vanilla Greek Now back your groups, 1 Garlic clove, try to go out onto the ice to love thattoand no matter where my are, we(HHS) canto preventable, early detection isHuman key.

Thus honor be in Department a position toclients promote health Medicaid Services the U.S. of Health and Services as part of neck aand head-aches resultingyour 11 cup non-fat Greek reasons.

Tbsp Honey get to(CMS) anofemergency quickly. “compassion,” “empathy” and “thank-yous”. slices on the peanut butter, drizzle consideration many ad things number istech high, what in a banana yogurt, 3 Tbsp Natural 2.

Set your device create newspaper that Learning Standards: simply connect with a video call and I can not only a financial assistance award totaling $229,293 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. crushed help your friend. You can fall What other ice hazards are Yogurt the children offree my community, in whatever capacmyservices favorite part the job partnering with areofthrough toisqualifying families. (optional) from extra strain you putNH5, honey and top with the remaining All and “sympathy.” they such as athleticism (how are some ways to How lower your peanut support themStandards: hardHPE6, times, NH3 but lots of good HPE 1,the HPE 2,iceHPE holder to keep it at do eye level,with includes atthe least two the1, 2 Tspbutter, Cumin,11Ripe Tsp Olive oil, ½ Tsp Salt Learning through too.5,ofNH there? ity to I serve – in turn, being theira “angel.” patients establish andHPE6, manage plan tofamilies. graham crackers.

Learning NH3 on7youryou body when look BMI? each play into athletic are), youryou bone (sliced and frozen), are free to qualifying Directions: Drop each blueberry NH Directions: Spread peanut butter on All services times as Standards: well. reducing the your needresponse to look banana following: Directions: Combine all ingredients in a When walking on iceLearning Standards: help them each live a long and healthy life. density otherperiods factors. down and for long of time.Learning Splash (optional) to down. bullying Standards: at your school? into yogurt.

Using fourofthe ofvanilla the crackers anda spoon, top withswirl sliced Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3 blender until smooth.

Enjoy with baked >covered How your bullying hurts others.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3 Discuss BMI with your roadways or sidewalks, HPE HPE 5, cubesto coatDrizzle around and place strawberries. witheach honeyblueberry and top 1, 2, HPE 2, NHHPE 5 7, NH 5, 6 Ice A couple of quick tips that HPE Learning Standards: tortilla chips or raw vegetables.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3 Learning Standards: baby steps.

Walkarecarefully NH 7 on a cookie sheet topped with parchment with the other crackers to make four >take What to do if you “Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell will reduceorthat strain on yourCathy HPE 2,1, HPE 5,2,NHNH4 1, NH 5 Directions: Blend all ingredients until “Questions “Questions comments?

Contact Sewell “Questionsororcomments? comments?Contact ContactCathy CathySewell Sewell HPE HPE paper.

Freeze2for at least an hour. cracker-wiches. and slowly. bullied. csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422 Smooth.

Makes yummy smoothies! csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422 csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422 neck are: csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

YWCA can help

Melissa Douglass, Yonniece Rose, Deborah Edwards, Latoya Woods,

Connect with Connect with Curiosity.

Curiosity.

your Whatstaff start or Think Smart Dining GRAINS complete IsSummer ALifestyle, Serving their Out. em Keep Not Size?

CDA® credential Eating!

The‘Diet!

Smart Whole!

Way!

DNP, APRN, FNP-C

6

2

1

12

Staying Active Warm Up

No Slip Smart Bullies Sliding Away...

Allowed!

Choices Calculate

3

Keep Your Kids Keep Your Kids Healthy.

Healthy.

4 Connecting Kids to Coverage

Science never stops. 4 Connecting Kids to Coverage Science never stops. 4

(Naturally) & Cool Do This.

During the Exercise Down First Summer!

Not That!

Game Day of Spring!

EMT - B

4

>

>

www.lsem.org Call 314-256-8753 or www.lsem.org 800-444-0514 X1242 Call 314-256-8753 or 800-444-0514 X1242

>

BMI

Tech-Neck

CONTACT...

CONTACT...

>

Call Today. We can help.

Call Today. We can help.

>

Connect with

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH 6 - 12, 2025

A13

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

A11

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program offers newspapers students each week throughout the school year, at no charge. and resources to St. Louis area teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551 Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

SCIENCE STARS SCIENCE STARS SCIENCE STARSMeterologist African American Jessica Matthews: AFRICAN-AMERICAN MYCOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR: WilliamO. “Bill” Parker

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students Aariyah At the St. Louis Thompson and at Students American’s TheFisher, American’s Savannah in Summer Summer Science Ms. Stovall’s firstScience grade class at participants Gateway Academy, Academy work MST Elementary in the Saint Louis Science in teams to Center’s Youth Exploringhow to are learning School, discover the

William (Bill) Parker grew up Jeanettethe Jones Powering World with in New Orleans.

He graduated Jeanette Jones was born from JFK High School, Play and Electricity on September 19, 1950, in which

on math, science, Fortfocused Valley, Georgia.

Jones Jessica O. Matthews is Valley anParker inven-was and engineering. graduated from Fort Science (YES) Program assist tor, entrepreneur, and leader who construct a series circuit. interested State Universityin inhurricanes 1972 with at many different youngby science students in an shows that great ideas can spark Photo Ms. Stovall a youngdegree age, but he became a bachelor’s in biology computer engineering project to build a big change just like electricity.

She interested in the weather education.

In 1973, Jones programming roller coaster out of recycled was born in Poughkeepsie, New a high statistics her master’s degree in York,received andafter grew up asschool both a U.S. items. languages. botany andcitizen. (a branch class.

Inmycology this class, he and Nigerian From anlearned early Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis age, Jessica was curious about of biology that studies fungi) Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis how to predict the chancehow of American’s NIE programif and would like Teachers, you are using American’s program and would like to nominateNIE your class for a Classroom things worked and wanted to solve the St. Louis American’s NIE from The Ohio State University. rain.

Parker wanted to attend to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: program and would like to real-world problems.

She Spotlight, please email: In 1976, she received herstudnie@stlamerican.com. a historically black college/ nominate your class for a nie@stlamerican.com. ied psychology and economics at Classroom Spotlight, please doctorate (Ph.D.) degree. university (HBCU), so heHarvard chose Jackson State University to to email: csewell@stlamerican.

University, then went on She alsometeorology. studied at the He University of Nevada, thebachelor’s University degree, com study graduated with his earn her MBA from Harvard Business ofinCalifornia School, the National Center for Disease 1994.

School.

Her Medical education helped her understand both people debris forms a tail. At this Control-Atlanta, Massachusetts Institute Technology. and technologyand twothe things she would later of combine to bring point, the only solid part In 1993, he began to gain experience in the field when he light and power Alabama to communities around theJones world.

After graduation, A&M University hired as an A hurricane forms over tropical and Hurricanes of can last a few hours or several the comet is the nucleus, worked as a student meteorologist.

One year later,an he was a When Jessica was 19 years with assistant biology professor.

In old, 1986,she shecame servedup as an adjunctidea that A comet is made of dust andwater and subtropical oceanout water.

Warm days. Most hurricanes which is theoccur centerduring of the the meteorologist intern at Shreveport.

Inothers.

1998, Parker would change lifeofand the lives Whilebecame visiting professor in theher College Pharmacy andof Pharmaceutical ice. Many compare themstrong cool, moistscientists air combine to create fall months.comet.

How can youcomet stay safe?

As the gets Have family a general forecaster, and tenwent yearsout later, a leadher forecaster. in Nigeria, the power during aunt’s wedServices at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University to a dirty aremiles per winds thatsnowball. can gust Comets up to 200 an evacuation plan an emergency closer to and the sun, the nucleuskit ding.

She realized that many families lived without reliable In 2012, he became a warning coordination meteorologist and worked on a project with NASA. In 1991, Jones served as created in two Kuiper Belt Fungi areplacesorganisms made of filaments (called leaves, stems, or roots. use spores to hour!

These winds create waves that prepared.

Meteorologists track these boils off aFungi cloudcan of dust and electricity.

Thatare experience inspired her to title create a soccer (WCM).

There only 122of people with in the United the first female president research andthis development and the Oort Cloud.

Comets can hyphe) that are stacked together.

Unlike reproduce.

One common type of fungus is ball bring the storm on shore. Hurricanes storms andgas, keep you informed. that couldvice generate electricity while being kicked. She called a coma.

States, and Parker was the only African American.

Parker at Alabama University.

She also played served aswith President of it is plants, fungi doThey have chlorophyll, livevery there for billions ofnot years. it theA&M SOCCKET. As people the ball, the mushrooms you find on your pizza. called are destructive. can flip cars, so For more hurricane facts, For more information, currently the meteorologist-in-charge (MIC) at the National Alabama A&M University’s 2001ortosmall 2006. theyonce cannot their food. Some However, theymake bump intoown energy that couldFaculty later Senate powerfrom a lamp device.

Mold, yeasts, and mildew are also types stored sink boats, uproot trees, and demolish visit: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/ visit: Weather Service, leading a team of 26 weather professionals.

In 1992, she was appointed to the U.S. Army Science Board by Through something as fun as play, Jessica found a way to fungi are parasites, which mean they live each other, they can change of fungus. houses. https://spaceplace.nasa. sciencefacts/weather/hurricane.html. create light in homes that often went dark at night. the U.S. Secretary of the Army, Togo West.

Since 2004 Jones off of other organisms.

Some fungi feed direction.

This is what sends them Parker is also very active For More Information, Go to: Jessica didn’t stop there.

At just years old,Behavioral, she founded In powerful winds, hurricanes bring a lot ofcreates rain. gov/search/comet/. has the director of the Center for22 Biomedical, off ofto dead and decaying Fungi areradiation toaddition the Inner Solar System.

The matter.

Sun’s heat and Learning Standards: Ihttps://kids.kiddle.co/Fungus can read nonfiction text for main as been a volunteer in his a company called Uncharted Power, which (Taiwan received 114 inches rain inincluding three days during and Environment at Alabama A&M University. She incauses the environment, Learning Standards:details.

I can read nonfiction text for main a Solareverywhere Wind, which anofincrease in temperature, anda idea and supporting community.

HeResearch is abring member builds new ways to electricity and to help them hurricane.)

These rains can cause landslides anddust flash floods. also worked as a consultant with federal agencies the soil, lakes, river and seas, air, melt, and the the comet begins to melt away.

As they and gas idea and supporting details.Learning Standards: I can of the Shreveport-Bossier technology to communities everywhere. read nonfiction text to gain background develop training programs to attract women and minorities to on plants and animals. Fungi (plural of Her company designs systems that Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast information about fungi.

STEM cities education and careers. fungus) help organic matter to decay and release carbon and make “smart”

by La safely combining Executive Committee, oxygen into the environment. Unlike plants, fungi do not have power, data, internet cables under InCima 1975, Jonesand wasLeadership listed in the World’s Women’s Who’s Who Bilingual the ground.

Her inventions help make and she was named an Outstanding Young Woman of America In this experiment, you will make a Academy, Bossier Chamber create a watertight taping to plastic, 2 inchesand above and energy cleaner, safer, and more accessiIn this experiment, you’ll create a replica e Put theseal. ballContinue in the middle of 1the in 1978.

Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society colorful comet that you can offor Commerce Education below the seam. of a hurricane and identify how the forces pull the corners together. bleawarded everyone.

Jessica hasservice been award. hon- Jones also Grow ing Mold! her the distinguished use to play catch.

Committee, Volunteers forher creativity and work together to create a hurricane. ored around the world for t Hold the bottlesrbyTie thethe middle lift the stringand around thejugs. plastic, close received the Significant Service Award from the NASA Space leadership, including being named one Youth Justice, and a coach Materials Needed: t Forturn five the days, measure the square centimeters mold is In this experiment, you will learn how mold grows best. y Quickly, Materials Needed: tobottles the ball, plastic won’t slipofoff.

Sciences Training Program and the Extramural Associate overso sothe that the water-filled bottle ofLife Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30” SOCCKET soccer ball for Bossier Parks and • 2Plastic Grocery Bag on the eachbottles piece of through the bag. Use a grid, is an important SodaMold Bottles Clips that has several uses, including on top. Set onbread the table again.

Research Development Award from the National Institute of •• Scissors • 3 Paperfungus innovators. t Carefully cut slits in the plastic, Recreation.

Parker is also if possible, or a ruler. If mold covers more than half a breaking dead•organic Health.Jessica In 1990O. andMatthews 2006, she uses was named Peanuts C. Sand Funnelmaterial. Some purified molds areu Observe •• 3Tennis • ¼down her Woman of the Year the watermaking as it drains into thestrips. bottle below. The water Today, 1isorcounted 2-inch Ball used as an antibiotic to treat illnesses. an associate minister at Elizabeth Baptist Church square centimeter, it as one full centimeter. actually at Alabama A&M University and was given the Outstanding success to inspire young people especially girls and children •• Water • Duct Tape competes with the air from the empty bottle. Both substances String or Ribbon in Benton, where he has beenSenate. serving the congregation since If it is less, it is counted as 0 centimeters.

This will give y Paint the comet with glow-in-theof color to believe that they, too, can invent and change the Leadership Award by the Faculty The U.S. Army Materials Needed: push to pass through the neck.

Procedure: • Glow-in-the-dark Paint 1997. you the area of mold on each slice of bread world.

She teaches that science and creativity go hand in dark paint.

When the paint dries, you can presented Jones the Commander’s Award for Outstanding of bread • Water • 3 Ziploc bags • 3 slices i Turn the bottles over again. This time, shake the bottles in a • Fill Paintbrush (painting is and thatasnoainmember idea is too to make a difference. q one bottle thecentimeter paperclips,grid peanuts Civilian Service ofasthe Armymodel Science decorate it with stickers, ribbons, or etc.

Parker believes serving asmall role toBoard. the youth and Jesto y At the end of a week (5 days of measuring) longer, use hand, 10x10with square • • Ruler circular motion. Be sure to keep the bottles vertical. optional) sica reminds us that electricity doesn’t just power machines and sand. These represent the debris and help your final results to say what percentage of the bread recruiting African Americans in the STEM field.

Personally, he Discussion Questions: Dr. Jones received many awards Reflect: The tennis ball is like the ice and rock chunk in the it can also power hope, imagination, and the future. make theProcess: movement of water easier to see. o The water will form a vortex as it drains theornext bottle.

Process: in mold.

Make ainto table graph hashonors. hired three African-American meteorologists. and How would you describe her achievements In andaddition, center of a comet,was andcovered the plastic bag makes the coma and to q funnel Wet one slice of bread enough to make The water will flow along the outside of the neck, while air moves w Place the in the mouth of the bottle display the information. he has recruited minorities for summer intern positions. her contributions to science?

Dr. Jones is studying how ELA Questions tail. q Cut the handles off the plastic bag.Seal the it moist andof place it in aitbag. quickly up through the center of the vortex. The water will drain and pour water into the bottle until is 3/4 Parker hasbe also mentored High Schooldostudent for fungi might used as agentsan ofAirline war. What purpose you How much Learning Standards:Discussion I can follow Questions: sequential directions to much faster. bag very tightly. w Carefully cut down each side of the bag, to make a flat full, then remove the funnel.

• How did Jessica O. Matthews’ invention of the think fungi serve in modern warfare?

Are fungi beneficial or his senior project.

Parker’s advice to students interested in mold was on the bread? Which location make a model of did a product. piece of w plastic.

SOCCKET soccerisball useas electricity toand helpscience people?

Analyze: How water create a hurricane?

Place the twobottle other upside slices of dry harmful? e Turn the second empty meteorology to take many math classes hadand theair most mold?

Which had the least? bread in two bags and down and hold it over the separate first bottle can you draw about as possible.

Learn about summer in your Learning Standards:What I can conclusions follow sequential directions to the Standards: I can read biography to learn about •Learning What lessons can students learnaopportunities from seal them, asbottle well. are so that the mouths of the conditions inmake whichobservations mold grows? and Howdraw can community.

If you are interested in meteorology, visit National complete an experiment.

I can an African American who has made contributions in science, Jessica’s story about creativity and Cold Day Math Games aligned. e The bottles will look like food manufacturers and restaurant owners Place the bag with the wet slice of Weather Service or offices conclusions. math, technology, engineering. solving problems in theirand serve as a volunteer or intern, and an hourglass. use this information to help them? bread and one of the bags with a communities?

Cold days mean find leaders in your community to serve as your personal role BACK TO BACK: drytime slice of bread in a dark place, r Tape themore seam, pressing spending in models.

Materials Needed: • A Writing Surface • Writing Learning Standards: I can follow

SCIENCE CORNER SCIENCE CORNER

Hurricanes

SCIENCE CORNER

What Are Fungi?

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION Catch SCIENCE INVESTIGATION a Comet Make Your Own Hurricane!

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

MATH CONNECTION

a closed cabinet or closet. the tapesuch firmly to theduct classrooms, soasit’s a perfectr time to play Place the third bag with a dry slice games to sharpen your of bread in the refrigerator. math skills!

Utensils • Someone who is quick with their math sequential directions to complete an experiment. facts for a my “caller” I can display results, make observations, and draw conclusions.

Object of the Game: Guess the other player’s number

MAP CORNER Learning Standards: I can read about

MAP CORNER

t a person who has made contributions me Enjoy these activities o c to the fields of science, technology, of that help you get to ge ows before they guess yours.

Use the newspaper a your St. im h ow X has grown to have wind speeds of 48 $115,264 in damage, City B reported know to complete the ew LAS s en gl 101 AND OUT: Players: 2 players and 1 caller for each round. To give N Louis American A hurricane has moved 456 miles in T re following activities: miles per hour. How much faster will the $236,096 C reported $436,869 Materials Needed: everyone a chance to play, and keepCity playing until you are 3I/A nge g newspaper.

6Ahours.

How many miles per hour is Enjoyof these activities winds have to become for Tropical Storm What was the total cost Sheet of Paper Types News: “out,” and cycle in in damages. a new player each round. stra Scientists often use tables and the results — Questions: Which day hadtothe measured Activities the hurricane ______ If itgraphs Xtotodisplay that become Hurricane X? Discussion ______ of damages rounded themost nearest • Pencil • Onetraveling?

Die Use thehelp frontyou get Directions: students come upLooking to the board of to their research.

Looking these displays, you can draw Information: rainfall?

WhichTwo day(s) had the least? at theand bar graph,Relevant continues travel at that speed,athow to know your St. section of the thousand? ______ Ifstudents the statetoand Object of the Game: stand back to back.

This allows for the conclusions.

Find an interesting news what might you conclude about rain patterns in March/April?

Upon landfall of a Category 4 Louis American far will it travel in 10 hours? ______ newspaper to evaluate federal government promised $500,000 To score as close to write on the board, butcan blocks their view of the other story to evaluate.

Read the What other observations you make?

As we approach spring weather (and increased rain), create a ordered an hurricane, local officials newspaper.

SLPS receiv the types of news stories es Builders inThe aid,players how much would the local people story 101 without going person’s number. will write a number and identify the main Award from Hurricane Frederick is traveling at 86 of evacuation. bar graph that displays the amount rain that fallsCity for A several presented: local, national, Learning Standards: I can use a bar graph to display has a population of Bank of over or “out.”

Activities — to raise by themselves? ______ between 2 and 9.have The caller states “numbers up” as the ideas inthe America days or weeks. inches,City DayB2:has 0 inches, miles perconsecutive hour. If the hurricane is (Day 129 1: 1.59,613, andNumber international.

Sort information.

I can use the information to make deductions andideas. a population 5,013for Who works where?

Find The theofsignal the players to write their number on the order of importance.

Explain Players: Can play as St. Lo Daythe 3: 1.5 inches, articles into the three categories and create acbar graph that inferences. uis Publi miles from coast, howetc.) many hours Scho Learning I can and City C has a population of 3,972. ols Foundation (S a picture a building in the board. The caller then states the sumStandards: or product of the twoadd, why you choseof that order. individuals, in small teams, boys vs. girls, etc.

LPSF) has each type displays the amount of coverage be en named a will it takeRAINFALL until theMEASURE hurricane reaches subtract, multiply, andofdivide to solve a recipient of Ba How many people were evacuated in all? use numbers.

The students their understanding math facts newspaper and tell what kind of Am nk erica’s Neigh received.

Polygon Perimeters: of news story Directions: Take turns rolling the dice. Players can take borhood the coast? ______ problem. to figure out what the other person’s number is when added or ______ of jobs people who work in that building 5 Locate and circle 4 verbsMystery Story: Cut out several the number as a one or a ten. For example, if a student rolls multiplied by their number. The player to say the other person’s could have.

4 in a news story. Use a ruler to from the newspaper without a 5, they could take it as a 5 or a 50.

Students keep a running A tropical storm takes on a hurricane pictures After citizens returned to first theirwins the round. The “loser” gets to choose the number Problem and Solution: a period connect the verbs like a dot-to-dot puzzle toPlace formthe aOver 3 record of their total as they play.

The player (or group) that status when the winds reach 74 miles per houses after the evacuation, reading the caption. pictures next person to come reports of to the board. of weeks, clip articles from newspapers polygon.

Measure and label each side of your polygon first scores as close to 101 as possible going over wins. in a bag, and without looking, pick your hour.

After2 three days, Tropical Stormwithoutdamage were totaled.

City A reported Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and with a ruler.

Add the lengths of your sides to find that deal withfrom problems and issues mystery picture thethe bag.

That’s 1 divide to solve a problem. perimeter. Write the perimeter in the center of your facing yourfor local or county government. your stimulus writing.

Construct a S M T W Th F S polygon.

Try it again with nounsthe or adjectives.

Discuss reasons these the problems graphic organizer tofor identify 5Ws and ty un Co If a comet comes close enough to Earth, it is Halley’s Comet is estimated to be how government hopes towhy) solveofthem. (who, when, where, and ts Learning I the canwhat, use the newspaper DemocraStandards: bright enough to see during the day.

4.5 billion years old.

Chinese have been using There are over your story by looking at your picture. toac locate I can identifyStandards: main idea. I can Then, $2M Learning ceptinformation. the bracket fungus in 10,000 species ofpeople believe the comet’s tail continue the writing process.

Around 500 B.C., Greek philosophers used the Many is parts of speech. t I can use the newspaper to locate gran their medicines for 4,500identify election mold, 1,000 Hurricane Katrina affected Hurricanes dowith not form a hurricane particularly word “komotes,” which meansapproximately “long haired,”90,000 to traveling behindIfit.

The tail canisactually be Learning Standards: years. information. I can discuss problems and Alexander Fleming usedstates. a type of of those square miles across multiple It sky. has been the within 300 milesspecies ofinthe damaging, the name will be refer to the comets they observed in the back or in front of the comet, depending I can use the newspaper to locate information.

I can of jobs. I can mold fungus to create the drug solutions.

I can identify types Chinese in the costliest hurricane to date, with $81.2 billion in equator found because there is Sun’s solar permanently retiredcaterpillar so that it fungus is onUnited the wind. categorize and summarize that information. has been used for fatigue penicillin, which is now used to Penicilllin mold States. make text-to-world connections. property damage and overall damage amounts of no Coriolis Effect at the not used again. Five hurricane

MATH CONNECTION

z

Math Storms!

MATH CONNECTION Analyzing a Bar Graph

MAP CORNER

v

c

b

DID YOU KNOW? KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

treat illness. more than $100 billion.

commonly grows on fruit

This special Newspaper In Education initiative is made possible, and delivered to classrooms through the St. Louis American Foundation and its NIE Corporate Partners:

equator.

and cancer treatment. names were retired in 2005.

Content—Jennifer Wirthwein• Design—Beth Sharpe

x

A12

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 – 14, 2026

A13

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 – 14, 2026

Price Continued from A1 he was the full-time staff photographer.

“He worked for a weekly, but I saw him every day,” said retired photojournalist Odell Mitchell Jr., who worked for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

“Every time I would pop up at a news event, Wiley was already there shooting,” Mitchell said.

Price also worked for the Suburban Journals and The Associated Press, but the vast majority of his award-winning career has been with The American.

“The time has flown by,” Price said as he reflected on his tenure. “It feels like a nanosecond.”

The piles that he prepared to box up and take home reflected the advancements in technology within his field over the decades. On his desk were slick black-and-white images he developed in his darkroom when the office was at 4144 Lindell.

Color images and burned CDs represented the 4242 Lindell days. There were also the orange and silver external hard drives that held the final assignments that he edited and filed at 2315 Pine, The American’s current location.

“Anyone can pick up a camera and take a photo,” said Tim Parker, who worked alongside Price at the Suburban Journals.

“But Wiley could pick up a camera and make a photo. He brought being a good person to the job — and that’s something technology can’t replace.”

At the top of one stack was an 8-by-10 image of a funeral procession that curled at the edges. It was

McMillan Continued from A1 ence as families — many displaced — worked to rebuild their lives.

Under his direction, the Urban League helped organize disaster cleanup partnerships; hosted nine large-scale community distribution events that collectively served thousands of residents; provided hotel vouchers and housing support; supported children returning to school; and ensured families had access to food and essential services as the storm deepened already existing needs. Leaders across the region noted

Organizations Continued from A1 tainty. Their combined efforts helped distribute thousands of supply packages, support thousands of households and serve more than 21,000 meals across neighborhoods including College Hill, Penrose, O’Fallon, the Ville, Greater Ville, Fountain Park, Lewis Place and Academy.

They acted because delay was not an option.

Last year, Action St. Louis Executive Director Kayla Reed told The American that her team understood the urgency immediately.

“We knew folks would immediately need food,

Salute Continued from A1 reinforcing the ecosystem that allows St. Louis to thrive,” said Michael Holmes, board chair of The St. Louis American Foundation. “When organizations like RBC, the Urban League and Greater St. Louis Inc. come together, it sends a powerful message that collaboration

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama receives blessings from African Methodist Episcopal bishops during a campaign stop in St. Louis in 2008. The photo, by retired St. Louis American photographer Wiley Price, is displayed in the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

around — that’s the type of reporting he did. Other photographers would just stand and point their camera.”

From Ferguson in 2014 to the tornado that devastated historically Black St. Louis neighborhoods on May 16, 2025, Price was on the front lines.

“The killing of Mike Brown Jr. in Ferguson and the Ferguson Uprising really stands out to me,” Price said. “That historical moment brought news stations from across the country to St. Louis.”

He was also there for all the moments in between the major news milestones. The times when Black people needed to see themselves reflected in a manner that countered the narratives that reduced its community to stereotypes and statistics.

As he packed away his final box, the moment was bittersweet.

“I have so many emotions right now,” Price said. “I’ve never imagined myself not doing this.”

He has a sense of peace knowing that he is leaving on his own terms and with his legacy established.

He spent decades moving from protests to press conferences, from sidelines to sanctuaries. The record he leaves behind ensures that the story of Black St. Louis — in moments of joy, grief and resilience — will endure long after his final assignment.

“His pictures weren’t just snapshots,” Mitchell said. “They told a story about the community.

They helped tell the story that was being reported.

But they also told their own story.”

black-and-white, but the casket glistened to the point where it felt like it was in color. Flowers and people surrounded it. The image was from the 1987 funeral of Bishop P.L. Scott, founding pastor of Lively Stone Church of God. “It looked like it was made of solid gold,” Price said. “I remember thinking, ‘I will never shoot another funeral like this.’

And of all the funerals I shot, I never did.”

Immediately beneath that image was a distraught little girl lying on the ground with her head on the curb. She had been hit by a car in the parking lot of the Walgreens on Lindell. Price had his camera with him as he stopped in to make a purchase and captured the image of the girl.

“She wasn’t really hurt,” Price said. “She was

just overwhelmed by all of the fuss that was being made by the adults around her as they waited for the police to come. It amazes me sometimes when I think about how many times I just happened to be in the right place at the right moment to make a picture.”

Perhaps the most wellknown of those moments lay flat on the floor. The massive 24-by-26 image featured a man in the middle of a prayer circle.

“I’m a photojournalist for a Black newspaper, do you know how many times I’ve taken a picture of preachers praying over someone,” Price said.

“What makes this picture stand out is who they are praying for.”

That man was thenU.S. Sen. Barack Obama.

He was in St. Louis for the national convention of the African Methodist

Episcopal Church as part of his 2008 presidential campaign. Obama ran on hope — and a prayer — and went on to become the first Black president of the United States. Price’s image went viral before the language existed to describe what that meant.

A reprint hangs in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Over the years he photographed every U.S. president from Jimmy Carter to Joe Biden. Obama’s photo holds a special place with Price, but it is not among his personal favorites — which are too vast to narrow down. “If you are a photographer and your best image is of a celebrity, then chances are you are probably not a very good photographer,” Price said.

Price’s work extended beyond photography.

His camera allowed him to be a relentless practitioner of community service.

“The community has been served completely through the eyes of Wiley Price,” said St. Louis American Contributing Editor Fred Sweets. “I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of the work he’s done for The American.”

Sweets, who also worked for The PostDispatch, Washington Post and Los Angeles Times, said Price has documented history over his four-plus decades.

“He would work a scene and get different angles,” Parker said. “He built relationships with people in the community. Wiley would walk

that the Urban League stepped in when many families could not afford to wait for formal systems to respond, helping stabilize neighborhoods at a time when uncertainty was widespread.

One month after the devastation, Fox 2 St. Louis reporter Shirley Washington noted that efforts like the Urban League’s sent a clear message of support to the community after one of the worst tornadoes in the city’s history.

His leadership in crisis was forged early. One year after he became president and CEO in 2013, Ferguson — and the nation — were shaken by the killing of Michael Brown. The

upheaval that followed demanded stability, coordination and a renewed commitment to rebuilding. Out of that period came a sharpened focus on strengthening communities, building trust and expanding resources where they were needed most.

As a self-described “old soul trapped in a child’s body,” McMillan, an only child, grew up listening to elders discuss politics and race, often asking more questions than they had patience for. He joined the Urban League at age 16 and later served as a mayor’s assistant, the youngest elected alderman and license collector, while continuously holding a seat on the Urban League

board since age 24.

Under his leadership, the organization has grown from a $17 million annual budget in 2013 to $52 million in 2025, expanding to 20 locations and dozens of programs supporting education, workforce development, health access and economic empowerment.

The Urban League faced another defining test in 2020 when the COVID19 pandemic struck.

McMillan helped mobilize what became one of the state’s largest relief operations, providing protective gear and emergency support to thousands of families across Missouri.

Alderwoman Shameem Clark-Hubbard said the same spirit guided the tor-

nado response.

“Being on the ground daily in all the neighborhoods in my ward, I personally witnessed the tornado relief efforts of the Urban League. They have been responsive and resourceful and led with empathy and humanity in helping people get to the next step.”

McMillan said he is “beyond honored” to receive the recognition and emphasized that recovery remains ongoing and deeply personal.

“When we look at what’s happened over the past 7½ months after the tornado, you see what the Urban League and other organizations were able to do, it showed the best

of St. Louis once again,” McMillan said.

For McMillan, the work ahead is as important as the work already done.

He has repeatedly stressed that rebuilding is not just about replacing what was lost, but ensuring North St. Louis emerges stronger, safer and better supported than before the storm. That commitment to long-term recovery, grounded in both urgency and compassion, is why he is being honored — and why his leadership continues to matter at one of the region’s most critical moments.

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

neighborhoods… What we created was not just a hub — it was a demonstration of what is possible when community leads and love is the foundation.”

That is why these organizations are being honored. They showed that resilience is not abstract. It looks like neighbors with chainsaws, volunteers with meals, organizers building structure out of chaos and communities refusing to leave one another behind.

Together — alongside Michael P. McMillan, The American’s 2025 Person of the Year — they once again displayed the very best of St. Louis.

nized, strengthened and carried forward.

“We have a really great lineup of awardees this year, and I think it’s going to be a very inspirational afternoon,” Whitener said. “The recognition of these business leaders is important because of the impactful work they are doing that not only is changing their own lives but the lives of others in their communities.”

water, hygiene products — and help cleaning up,” she said.

The People’s Response Impact Report — prepared by Action St. Louis, ForTheCultureSTL and the University of Missouri’s Community Innovation and Action Center — documented how residents “self-deployed” while formal systems caught up. Between May 16 and June 28 alone, more than 10,000 volunteers cleared debris, distributed 8,000 supply packages and served 21,000 meals.

At 4theVille, Aaron Williams described how quickly the work began.

The day after the tornado hit, he said, “We bought three chainsaws and we hit the streets… just cutting trees and power lines and

is essential to building a stronger regional economy.”

The honorees this year will be announced next week. Awards will be presented in four categories: Lifetime Achiever in Business, Corporate Executive of the Year, Nonprofit Executive of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year. The event will be held Thursday, Feb. 19, at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, from 11:30 a.m. to

A career well served

light poles for people, just so they can get off their block to get whatever they

need. While we were doing all of that, more people started calling us, saying,

‘How can we help?’”

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis also served as a critical stabilizing force, coordinating relief efforts, hosting large-scale distributions and helping families access essential support as recovery moved from emergency response toward rebuilding.

Beyond statistics, the response demonstrated something deeper — a roadmap for what is possible when recovery is rooted in dignity, proximity and love. As the People’s Response report stated: “This was not just a moment of emergency response. It was the result of years of community organizing, infrastructure-building and leadership development in Black

1:30 p.m.

“The Salute to Excellence in Business event gives people an opportunity to be in a room with the region’s top business leaders — presidents, CEOs and other executives,” said Raven Whitener, the Foundation’s director. “Being able to be in that space and to network and connect is an invaluable experience.”

At a time when equitable economic growth

remains both a challenge and a priority, the Salute to Excellence in Business Awards aims to highlight leaders who are helping push the region forward.

That regional outlook underscores why events like this are significant.

The St. Louis region ranks No. 6 in the nation for the share of Blackowned businesses relative to its Black population, according to a Brookings Institution study released

last year. Even so, minority-owned businesses accounted for only 12.7% of all businesses in 2022, while minorities made up 26.6% of the population.

By elevating leaders who are shaping industries, mentoring the next generation and reinvesting in their communities, Whitener said the Foundation helps ensure the region’s legacy of Black entrepreneurship and leadership is recog-

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Public Radio

Ohun Ashe, left, and Kayla Reed organized an effort that became the People’s Response Hub.

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

A14

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

Congressman Bell challenges Trump’s Venezuela strike

By Melanie Eversley

For The St. Louis American

While Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were in custody in New York Monday on federal drug charges, the congressman representing St. Louis was meeting with House colleagues in Washington to find a way through what has evolved into an international controversy.

At the center of the debate is President Donald Trump’s decision to order military action and the capture of Venezuela’s first couple over the weekend without authorization from Congress.

Such authorization is required under the Constitution and the War Powers Act, U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell, told The St. Louis American.

Bell, who served as Prosecuting Attorney for St. Louis County for six years before joining Congress, said he and colleagues would be discussing the legal issues and potentially scheduling a Capitol Hill hearing.

“First and foremost, as a former prosecutor, I have no love for Maduro, and he is horrible. … I get that,” Bell, a Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Oversight Committee, said of the Latin American dictator.

“The question is when we look at the president’s modus operandi of how he acts before thinking, how this administration does things, and then when they get in hot water they figure out it’s a lot more complicated. Then

they start trying to think about it after the fact to try to dig themselves out of the mess that they made,” he said.

Bell also reacted to Trump’s insistence that the United States would now run Venezuela.

“I just find it odd that the president can’t run this country, when we look at housing costs and look at health care costs, the cost of living in general, but now wants to run Venezuela,” Bell said.

The move drew strong reaction from world leaders and in the St. Louis area, where at least two protests were held over the weekend and a press conference condemning the action was held Wednesday by the Universal African Peoples Organization and the African People’s Socialist Party. While some Venezuelan Americans nationally are celebrating Maduro’s capture, local feelings are more complicated, said Blake Hamilton, president and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis.

“We do serve some Venezuelans and there is concern about the travel and safety of their loved ones,” Hamilton said. “Most folks are connected through WhatsApp. We’re just trying to help answer their questions about what they might be able to do from this side.”

The Venezuelan American community in St. Louis is small — between 600 and 700 people — but growing, according to the Institute and St. Louis Mosaic. It is also close-knit, Hamilton said, and moments like this heighten fear and uncertainty.

“It really is a case-by-case

U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell, D-St. Louis County, attempts to speak to constituents during a town hall meeting at The Post Building on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in downtown St. Louis.

Photo by Brian Munoz/ St. Louis Public Radio

scenario,” Hamilton said. “Right now, there is not a U.S. diplomatic presence in Venezuela, so it becomes challenging for folks over there.”

Nationally, the response has largely fallen along political lines. Many Republicans have either backed the president or remained silent, while Democratic leaders have sharply criticized the move and questioned whether Trump exceeded presidential authority.

“This is not about drugs or democracy,” former Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement. “It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman. If he cared about either, he wouldn’t pardon a convicted drug trafficker or sideline Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while pursuing deals with Maduro’s cronies.”

U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke, a Democrat from New York and chairwoman of the

Congressional Black Caucus, called Trump’s action “a grave and illegal abuse of power,” referencing the widely challenged 2018 and 2024 Venezuelan elections.

“While Nicolás Maduro is, in fact, an illegitimate leader, the deployment of U.S. military power to impose political change in a sovereign nation — without the consent of Congress or a clear and defined plan of action — threatens to draw the United States into an indefinite conflict in Venezuela,” Clarke said in a CBC statement.

Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver of Kansas City, also criticized the administration for not briefing congressional leadership.

“As Congress returns to Washington, the administration must immediately brief the people’s elected representatives about the legal justifications of this attack, the short-term risks

to our troops and civilians, and the long-term strategy to ensure the situation in Venezuela does not result in another quagmire that the American people do not support and cannot afford,” Cleaver said in a statement.

Republican U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, who represents the St. Louis suburbs, listed Maduro’s alleged abuses in a statement, but did not explicitly endorse or condemn the president’s actions.

“As a Member of the House Intelligence Committee, I look forward to a full briefing on this strike when Congress returns this week,” she said.

Bell said Democrats want Republicans to take a more public stand.

“At the end of the day, I think that you need not just the Democrats to be the adults in the room — we need Republicans to also do their jobs,” Bell said.

“The United States was founded through conflict and built on war.”

See Jamala Rogers’ column on Venezuela, Page B4

Living It

“Before the kids, I was probably cold-hearted. But now I’m a loving kind of fella. I’ve got a lot of love to give to the world.”

- Rapper A$AP Rocky on parenthood

B1 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

‘A guiding force’

Sequins, salsa and celebration Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

St. Louisans bid farewell to 2025 by partying at Atomic by Jamo.

Carmen de Lavallade helped shape the early identity of what would become the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

From Havana heat to AfroSexy cool, STL stepped into 2026 without missing a beat

W

Modern dance pioneer Carmen de Lavallade passes at 94

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American ith two New Year’s Eve parties serving up contrasting vibes but the same high energy joy, St. Louis didn’t just close out 2025 — it lit it up.

From a Havana-soaked ballroom to an AfroSexy dance floor in The Grove, party-goers found the perfect blend of ambiance and abandon to welcome the new year.

“Midnight in Havana” took over the Live by Loews Ballroom and whisked guests to Cuba. The party featured Spanish inspired bites like Beef Brochettes and Tostones Rellenos — a savory seafood dish nestled in a crispy plantain boat.

The open bar poured Cuban inspired cocktails, with the standout being the Smoked Pineapple Mojito, a citrus and smoke blend that surprised guests in the best way.

Most attendees arrived shimmering in sequins — elegant floorlength gowns that glimmered as they moved through the room. One guest took it further with a slim fit sequin pantsuit that dazzled with

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American

heights and deep water. “I had some instances as a child – fell out of a couple of trees – and it came to near-death experiences,” said Armstrong. “Same with water. I had an instance where I probably would have drowned if people weren’t watching over me.” The fear of the unknown also contributes to his fear of deep water. “We only know

Through movement, Carmen de Lavallade shifted culture. Her decades of work were a proclamation that Black women were not guests in the world of modern dance — they were architects. The legendary performer, choreographer, and teacher, whose influence shaped the field across generations, died on December 29.

She was 94.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater announced her passing via Facebook on New Year’s Eve. “We honor and give thanks for her extraordinary life, boundless artistry, and the generations she shaped through her work, her wisdom, and her presence,” the organization said.

Ailey is an institution de Lavallade helped shape through a lifelong friendship and creative partnership with its namesake — who was also her high school classmate.

Her passing closes a chapter on one of the most quietly revolutionary lives in American arts. She made movement feel like language. Her presence was a masterclass in grace and elegance.

Born in Los Angeles in 1931, de Lavallade grew up in a household where creativity was stitched into everyday life.

Her mother, a seamstress, taught her the Carmen de discipline of craft, while Lavallade’s career her cousstretched across in — future genres: Broadway, Metropolitan opera, film, television, Opera trailblazer Janet and concert dance.

Collins — showed her what it meant to carve out space in a world that didn’t always want to make room.

By her teens, she was studying with Lester Horton, the modern dance pioneer whose Los Angeles studio became a refuge for artists of every background.

When Horton died suddenly in 1953, she and Alvin Ailey were among those who kept the company afloat. Their partnership would become one of the most important artistic relationships of the 20th century.

It was de Lavallade who brought Ailey to New York. It was de Lavallade who introduced him to the East Coast dance world. And it was de Lavallade whose artistry helped shape the early identity of what would become the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She performed in the company’s first concerts, offering a blend of grace and stunning technique rooted in the Black experience — a quality that became a signature of the Ailey aesthetic.

She helped build institutions, but de Lavallade refused to be confined by them. Her career stretched across genres: Broadway, opera, film, television, and concert dance. She appeared in Carmen Jones and Porgy and Bess, danced with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, and performed with the companies of John Butler,

See DIDA, B3

See CARMEN, B3

Photo by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

Moriah Degraffenried, Rachelle Gray, and Larry LaMar at Atomic by Jamo for the New Year’s Eve Celebration on 12/31/25. every step. Others opted for sultry cocktail dresses, including a velvet asymmet-rical oneshoulder look that created a striking, curvy silhouette.

The evening opened with The Boogaloo Crew, a band blend-ing Latin rhythms and American soul into their signature Boogaloo sound.

Their set transported the room straight to Havana with songs like “Para Ti” and a Boogaloo style cover of Coldplay’s “Clocks.”

Guests twirled to the trumpets, heels be damned, shaking their hips to the congas with the carefree spirit Havana is known for.

Then the DJ took over, transforming the ballroom into an ’80s

dance party. He spun classics like “Raspberry Beret” and “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” sliding seamlessly into “Give It to Me Baby.”

Guests abandoned their plates and rushed to the dance floor, ready to show off their funky stuff.

From line dancing and the “Electric Slide” to belting out “Livin’ on a Prayer,” joy and bliss filled the room as the elegantly dressed crowd rang in the new year in luxury.

An AfroSexy groove See NEW YEAR, B3

From the pitch to primetime STL’s Dida Armstrong competes on FOX’s ‘Fear Factor’ reboot

St. Louis native Dida Armstrong is among the 14 contestants of ‘Fear Factor: House of Fear’ which premieres at 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 14 on FOX. Photo courtesy of Dida Armstrong

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American St. Louis native and professional soccer player Dida Armstrong is stepping outside the comfort of the pitch – and straight into the reboot of one of TV’s most notorious challenge shows. The 21-year-old is among the 14 contestants braving “Fear Factor: House of Fear.”

The show premieres on January 14 on Fox and phobias, grit and sheer willpower matter far more than athletic skill.

This season, MTV staple Johnny Knoxville hosts contestants in a remote Canadian location, leading through a gauntlet of fear-inducing, nerve-wracking challenges – all for a shot at a $200,000 grand prize.

Currently playing for Sporting JAX in Jacksonville, Florida, Armstrong describes himself as extremely competitive, but also a team player. “Soccer kinda ran in the family,” he said. “I didn’t start taking it seriously until 14.” Now

Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/carmendelavalladeofficial

he’s building a career doing what he loves.

He’s spent years sharpening his athleticism, but quickly learned on “Fear Factor” that physical ability is only the baseline. “It was pretty equal all around,” Armstrong said. “They made the challenges where athleticism didn’t really count. It was more about putting your will forward and overcoming your fears.”

Armstrong admits he’s afraid of both

Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.

B2

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

St. Louis American Calendar

STL Sites & Sounds CONCERTS

visit www.chaifetzarena.com.

Sat., Jan. 10, 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Maysa’s Blue Velvet Soul Experience: The Milestones Tour, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110.

For more information, visit https://tickets.citywinery.com.

Sat., Jan. 10, 8 p.m. R&B Ice Skating After Dark, Centene Community Ice Center, 750 Casino Center Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63043.

For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Jan, 17, 6 p.m. Chrisette Michele, City Winery St. Louis, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110.

For more information, visit https://tickets.citywinery.com.

Wed., Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. The Evolution of Beyoncé: The Cowboy Carter Experience Tribute, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110.

For more information, visit https://tickets.citywinery.com.

Sun., Feb, 15, 7 p.m. The Queens! 4 Legends 1 Stage featuring Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight & Stephanie Mills, Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave, St Louis, Missouri 63103.

For more information, visit www.enterprisecenter.com.

Sun., Feb. 22, doors 6 p.m.

Boys 4 Life Tour featuring B2K & Bow Wow, 1 S Compton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www.chaifetzarena.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS Sat., Jan. 10, 2 & 7 p.m. The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour, Chaifetz Arena, 1 S Compton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information,

Widow’s Row, Edison Theatre, 6465 Forsyth Blvd.

For more information, visit www.theblackrep.org.

Fri., Jan. 23 - Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. Myth of the Ostrich, The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https:// kranzbergartsfoundation.org/.

Through Jan. 11, Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s Winterfest, Kiener Plaza, 500 Pine St, St. Louis, MO 63101.

Build your experience at www.archpark.org.

Thurs., Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.

Maddie in the Morning Live with TS Madison, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110.

For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

COMEDY Wed., Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m. St. Louis’ own Joe Torry, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110.

For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Thur., Jan. 15 - 18, 7:30 p.m.

Warren B. Hall, St. Louis Funny Bone, 614 Westport Plaza Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63146. For more information, visit www.stlouisfunnybone. com.

Fri., Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. Mark Curry, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110.

For more information, visit https://tickets.citywinery.com.

Fri., Jan. 16 - 18, 7 p.m.

Special Event: Sheryl Underwood, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria St,

ART January 9 – February 14, 2026, Portfolio Inc. presents the All Colors Arts Invitation and Juried Exhibition, opening reception will take place on Friday, January 9 from 6:30 p.m.

– 8:30 p.m., The St. Louis Artist Guild, 12 North Jackson Ave, Clayton, MO 63105. For more information, visit www.portfoliogallerystl.org

Comedy veteran and St. Louis native Joe Torry will take the stage at home for a special one-night only set at City Winery next Wednesday. See COMEDY for more information.

St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT Thurs., Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Marquise Knox, City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110.

For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Sat., Jan. 24, doors 7 p.m.

HOT IN HERRE: 2000’s Dance Party, The Sovereign, 3306 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103.

For more information, visit https://oldrockhouse.com.

THEATRE

Thurs. Jan. 15, 7: 30 p.m. Dee Jazz in Standards Outside The Box, Blue Strawberry, 364 N. Boyle Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108.

For more information, visit https://bluestrawberrystl.com.

Fri., Jan. 9 - 10, 8 p.m. A New Line Cabaret VII: Broadway Noir Deux!, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108.

For more information, visit www.newlinetheatre.com.

Through Jan 25, The Black Rep presents The Dance on

Through February 1, 2026, Jennie C. Jones: A Line When Broken Begins Again, Pulitzer Arts Foundation and Museum, 3716 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108.

For more information, visit https://pulitzerarts.org.

Through February 8, 2026, Teresa Baker: Somewhere Between Earth and Sky, Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108.

For more information visit, https://camstl.org.

Through June 2026, The Future Is Female, 21c Hotel and Museum Hotel St. Louis, 1528 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https:// 21cmuseumhotels.com.

A Help Button Should Go Where You Go! To be truly independent, your personal emergency device needs to work on the go.

MobileHelp® allows you to summon emergency help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by simply pressing your personal help button. Unlike traditional systems that only work inside your home, a MobileHelp medical alert system extends help beyond the home. Now you can participate in all your favorite activities such as gardening, taking walks, shopping and traveling all with the peace of mind of having a personal alert system with you.

MobileHelp, the “on-the-go” help button, is powered by one of the nation’s largest cellular networks, so there’s virtually no limit to your help button’s range.

No landline? No problem! While traditional alert systems require a landline, with the MobileHelp system, a landline is not necessary. Whether you are home or away from home, a simple press of your help button activates your system, providing the central station with your information and location. Our trained emergency operators will know who you are and where you are located.

If you’re one of the millions of people that have waited for an alert service because it didn’t fit your lifestyle, or settled for a traditional system even though it only worked in the home, then we welcome you to try MobileHelp. Experience peace of mind in the home or on the go.

GET OUR SPECIAL OFFER NOW: FREE EXPEDITED SHIPPING* FREE ONE MONTH SERVICE* 50% OFF AUTO FALL DETECT* plus FREE EQUIPMENT TO USE!*

Unlike “stay-at-home” emergency systems MobileHelp protects you: Places where your Help Button will work

Traditional Help Buttons

At Home On a Walk On Vacation At the Park Shopping Optional Fall Button™

OUR BEST OFFER EVER! From

$19.95* /month

/month

The automatic fall detect pendant that works WHERE YOU GO!

MobileHelp Features: • Simple one-button operation • Affordable service

• 24/7 access to U.S. based emergency operators

• GPS location detection • Amplified 2-way voice communication • Available Nationwide

1-866-388-7673 *For a limited time - promotions available for select systems and subscription plans, please call for specific details. Offers are valid for new customers and for the first year of service and cannot be combined with any other offers. $19.95 is the monthly subscription price for a MobileHelp Classic (at home only) system. There is a one-time $49.95 processing fee to subscribe to this plan. Equipment shown is the MobileHelp DUO (at home and on the go) system available at a higher monthly cost. Most equipment is included at no cost while actively subscribing and must be returned upon cancellation. Free one month of service offer valid with purchase of Annual plan and includes month 13 at no additional charge. Refer to terms and conditions for specific details. Depending on the promotion chosen, you may receive an additional savings of $5.50 off the $11 retail price of Fall Detection service. After first year, Fall Detect pricing reverts to discounted price of $8.25/month when combined with MobileHelp Connect Premium. Fall Detection does not detect 100% of falls. If able, users should push their help button when they need assistance . Fall detection is not intended to replace a caregiver.MobileHelp is a registered trademark, patented technology. Current GPS location may not always be available in every situation on the cellular network at all times. Expedited shipping offer is for Annual plans made prior to 3 PM EST Mon-Fri. Expedited shipping is standard 2-day - - no deliveries on Saturdays/Sundays or to Hawaii or Alaska. Shipping delays may occur due to situations beyond our control.

PF-SPAD0505111658

B3

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

CARMEN Continued from B1 Geoffrey Holder, and Glen Tetley. She was a muse, a collaborator, and a teacher.

Among those who carry her imprint is Alicia Graf Mack — former Ailey star, the first Black woman to lead Juilliard’s Dance Division, and Ailey’s recently appointed artistic director. In an interview with The Dance Enthusiast, Graf Mack reflected on de Lavallade’s profound influence, describing her as “a guiding force whose example shaped generations of dancers.” She has spoken publicly about how de Lavallade showed younger artists “what was possible when a Black woman claimed her full space onstage,” and how her presence offered both permission and possibility.

Graf Mack has credited de Lavallade with teaching her that technique matters, but intention is everything.

“She moved with purpose,” Graf Mack has said.

“And she taught us to do the same.”

Her most iconic work, Butler’s Portrait of Billie, remains one of the most haunting solos in modern dance. De Lavallade didn’t imitate Billie Holiday — she embodied the emotional truth beneath the voice.

Audiences didn’t just watch her dance; they felt her interpret a life.

That ability — to translate emotion into movement without ever slipping into melodrama — became her artistic signature. She danced like someone who understood that the body remembers everything: joy, grief, longing, and the quiet determination to keep going anyway.

In 2017, when she received the Kennedy Center Honors, de Lavallade reflected on her life in a way that felt like both gratitude and benediction. She spoke of the “astonishing journey” that dance had given her, and how every step — whether on a grand stage or in a

DIDA Continued from B1 12% of the ocean, and I’d rather not find out any other percentage on my own,” Armstrong said with a laugh.

“Fear Factor” became legendary in the early 2000s for pushing contestants to their limits – from wading through insects to climbing suspended structure. Armstrong only caught glimpses of the original. “It was before my time, so I didn’t get to experience it when it came out,” Armstrong said.

“But I saw a little bit and thought, ‘What am I getting myself into?”

He didn’t do much preparation, he “just went for it.” “I went in with an open mind,” Armstrong said. “But It’s ‘Fear Factor’,’ so I tried not to add any more anxiety than I already had.”

When challenges got rough, Armstrong leaned

New Year Continued from B1 The celebration continued in The Grove with AFROSEXYCOOL, a dance party that packed Atomic by Jamo with a rotation of DJs — with Biko FKA Needles taking over just before midnight.

Guests arrived in alternative, glamgrunge looks, with black lace and leather boots anchoring many outfits.

As midnight struck and balloons rained from the ceiling, Biko dropped “All of the Lights,” sliding

Annual MLK Celebration at the Art Museum

Photo courtesy of Ailey.org

Carmen de Lavallade danced like someone who understood that the body remembers everything: joy, grief, longing, and the quiet determination to keep going anyway.

modest studio — was “a chance to tell the truth.”

She reminded the audience that art is not about perfection but about presence.

“You show up,” she said.

“You breathe. You give what you have.” It was a philosophy she lived long before she ever articulated it.

Even as she aged, de Lavallade continued to perform. Her 2014 solo show, As I Remember It, was a masterclass in storytelling — part memoir, part movement meditation.

She danced, she spoke, she laughed, she remembered.

And audiences, many of whom had followed her career for decades, watched with the same awe they felt when she first stepped onto the stage in the 1950s.

Her honors were plentiful: the Kennedy Center Honors, the Dance Magazine Award, the Bessie Award for Lifetime Achievement.

She was married for 56 years to Geoffrey Holder,

the towering Trinidadian choreographer, painter, and actor whose booming laugh and flamboyant style contrasted beautifully with her quiet elegance.

Together, they were a study in artistic partnership — two visionaries who understood that creativity is both individual and communal.

In the Black arts community, de Lavallade’s legacy is immeasurable.

She was a bridge between eras — between the pioneering generation of Collins and Horton, the transformative era of Ailey and Holder, and the contemporary artists she continues to influence.

She showed that modern dance was a space shaped by the rhythms, histories, and imaginations of Black people.

And she did it without ever raising her voice. She simply danced.

“You can take a lifetime to discover what you want to say in your art,” de Lavallade once said.

on the two tattoos behind his ears. “Kaizen means to get one percent better each day,” he said.

“On the show, I wanted to overcome fears and take steps as they came.”

“Carpe Diem means seize the day,” he continued.

“So when I faced difficult

that’s a plus.”

Living with strangers added another layer to the experience. “It was weird at first,” Armstrong said.

“But over time you create these relationships from all the challenges you go through. You build an unbreakable bond that only the 14 people in that house will understand.”

Contestants are sworn to secrecy during filming, with limited phone access and no contact with home.

“I didn’t get to tell my family and friends much,” Armstrong said. “I called my mom for the first time and told her I made it out.

I told her it was pretty crazy. When you see it, you’ll understand.”

Cheer on another St. Louis local as he uncovers hidden depths and soars to new heights on the inaugural season of “Fear Factor: House of Fear.” The show premieres at 8 p.m. CST Wed., January 14 on the FOX network. Check local listings for channels.

“I went in with an open mind, but It’s ‘Fear Factor,’ so I tried not to add any more anxiety than I already had.”

- Dida Armstrong

moments, I remembered why I got that tattoo.”

Focusing on those concepts helped him push through. “After the show, I went to see if I could swim in an open body of water and not get scared – so

straight into “Not Like Us.” Partygoers screamed the chorus like it was a New Year’s resolution, declaring community and authenticity in the year to come.

Dancers moved freely among the fallen balloons as Biko blended “MUTT” by Leon Thomas and “Boo’d Up” by Ella Mai over a New Orleans bounce beat. With the vibe locked in, he hit the crowd with “Choppa Style” and “U Don’t Have to Call.” Then came a moment: Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” layered over “Lights, Camera, Action”

by Mr. Cheeks — a

mashup that had the room singing and bouncing in unison.

Biko flexed even more range when he mixed Kendrick Lamar’s “squabble up” into “Never Too Much.” The crowd erupted, grooving to his seamless blend of oldschool and newschool hits.

New Year’s Eve is one of those nights St. Louis always gets right. Whether you lean glamgrunge or high fashion, there’s always a scene waiting — and always a way to step into the new year feeling blissful, bold, and beautifully alive.

The Saint Louis Art Museum invites you to gather for its annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Sunday, January 18, at 2 pm in the Museum’s Farrell Auditorium. Always free and open to the public, this beloved program honors Dr. King’s legacy through art, reflection, and community voices.

This year’s MLK celebration, titled “The Dream Reimagined: Youth Voices Uplifted,” St. Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine Anderson will lead a poetic journey inspired by Moneta Sleet Jr.’s photographs of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement in the museum’s collection.

The program’s artistic director, Kathryn Bentley, spotlights young, gifted, and Black youth from multiple local schools and performing arts institutions, including Legacy Roots Dance Ensemble and Gentlemen of Vision.

Sleet was an accomplished photojournalist, best known as the staff photographer for Jet and Ebony magazines and for documenting the Civil Rights Movement.

During his career, Sleet won the Pulitzer Prize for feature photography in 1969 for his image taken at King’s funeral – an image that continues to speak across generations. Sleet also received awards from the National Urban League and the National Association of Black Journalists. The Art Museum is honored to have more than 100 photographs by Sleet in its collection.

Pacia Elaine Anderson is a poet and visual and

Image courtesy of The St. Louis Art Museum

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. illustration teaching artist performing locally and nationally.

In 2020, she was named Community Impact Artist at the St. Louis Visionary Awards. Her work has appeared in “Crossing the Divide,” “Humans of St. Louis,” “All the Art,” and “Drumvoices Revue,” among other publications.

Kathryn Bentley, founder and curator of the Alaiyo Collective, has more than 40 years of experience as an actor, director, and teaching artist. She is a professor emeritus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a Community Arts Training Institute faculty member.

She received the St. Louis Visionary Outstanding Working Artist Award in 2020.

Continuing a tradition that many look forward to each year, the celebration

will also include a powerful call to action offered on behalf of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.—the fraternity of Dr. King—

by Marcus A. Creighton of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter.

We invite you to join us to reflect, and be inspired through poetry, movement, and the voices of young people reminding us that the dream lives on, with more still to be done. Free tickets for this program may be reserved in person at the museum’s welcome desks or through MetroTix at metrotix.com or 314.534.1111. All tickets reserved through MetroTix incur a service charge; the service charge is waived for tickets reserved at the Museum. Although the event is free, advance tickets are recommended. To learn more, visit slam.org/ events.

B4

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

New year, same Biko vibe. I already knew what it was gonna be when I made my way to the Grove to get down with James Biko for the New Year’s Eve edition of his AfroSexyCool set at Atomic By Jamo. He took us back to his DJ Needles days at 609, 2720 and everywhere else he had the tables on lock. He could make the folks dance like it was a 90s house party back then—and now. We’ve graduated from the “People don’t dance no more…all they do is this…” era to the present-day line dance obsession. But Biko had the folks freeform moving to the beat of the music – or their own beat in a few cases. It was a treat to step into 2026 getting my juke on!

Starting 1 2026 with salsa and soul.

Speaking of jukin,’ The crew behind the “Midnight in Havana” New Year’s Eve celebration at Live By Loews set the tone for me to have the urge to stay on the dancefloor all night long. As soon as The Boogaloo Crew hit the stage, it was a wrap for anyone who even tried to be a wallflower. It was Dirty Dancing: Northside Nights up in that ballroom! They had the nerve to have an instructor to teach us how to salsa. So if you see me at the Zodiac Lounge on some “Hips Don’t Lie” behavior, blame Elizabeth Donielle and Michael Manning. Oh, and don’t think I didn’t see you Kimberly Smoot channeling your inner Charo! I wasn’t the least mad about it! If I had known then what I know now, I

would have showed you up by putting a pair of maracas in my purse and shaking them for dear life to the Latin rhythms that were being served all night long.

A Niddy New Year. My boy Niddy once again proved himself to be undefeated with his New Year’s Eve celebrations.

When I tell you the turn up is legendary every-doggone-year!

To usher in 2026, he brought us The Midnight Lobby. The Pennywell Hotel was such a movie thanks to him that I wouldn’t have been surprised if Pennywise showed up trying to kick it. If he had, I would have made a mean pivot towards the nearest emergency exit. But I promise you that it was so lit that hardly anyone else would have noticed. Oh, and congratulations to Niddy and Tay on jumping the broom last month! They are one of my favorite couples in the city!

RIP to a real one. When I tell y’all I was tore up when I heard that Thrill a.k.a. Frank-o aka Franchot O’Neal passed away over the weekend. What’s crazy is that we had just chopped it up right before Thanksgiving and he was talking about his upcoming retirement from The St. Louis Fire Department and how he was going to get back heavy into his party promoter bag. His last words to me were “Memphis in May is gonna go crazy this year.” Man, I remember how lit those all-class parties used to be at The Ambassador and heard stories about how the Memphis in May experience was

3

2 Photos by Taylor Marrie/St. Louis American

1. Elizabeth Donielle and Tiara Marshall at ‘Midnight in Havana’ New Year’s Eve party at Live By Lowes 2. Chelle and Darrell contributed to the afro and the cool of the AfroSexyCool NYE celebration at Atomic By Jamo 3. Marc Reid and Tammiell Gates at ‘Midnight in Havana’ New Year’s Eve party at Live By Lowes all the way live. I’m so glad that I really took the time to talk with him, because I was running from one place to the next. I had no idea it would be our last conversation. I’m sending prayers and condolences to his family and his colleagues.

A praise break for Big Boss Vette. After I heard about Thrill’s passing, I was like, “Come on 2026, don’t start with the 2025 behavior!” But then I saw that our girl Big Boss Vette was able to do her “Pretty Girls Walk” to ring the bell that indicated that she was cancer free.

I was Monday years old when I learned she had cancer in the first place! She didn’t say what kind of cancer she had, but she was wearing a pink hat when she rang the bell. That caused me to draw my own conclusions, but

one thing I’m not gonna do is make public assumptions when it comes to somebody’s health. I will say that I’m so thrilled that she can declare victory. I will also say that her rap game is strong, but if she wanted another side hustle, she might consider the CIA. That pretty face can keep a secret! I stalk her on social, and had no clue of what she was going through until she said so herself!

Monday night with the Nupes. I hope y’all aren’t sick of me and all of my Divine Nine talk – but if they keep serving up a time, I’m gonna keep it up. And a time was exactly what was had on J5, aka the founder’s day for Kappa Alpha Psi. Now, I’ve gotten to the age where I’m super selective about whether or not I turn up on a

weekday – especially the first weekday. But I’m glad I followed my first mind and popped out at the Kappa House to kick it with the Nupes on Monday.

They brought out the folks and the strolls were non-stop. And some of my favorite Nupes were on deck to kick it. I can’t name everybody, but Jim Triplett and Jason Ware are among them. And I also saw one of my favorite Deltas of ALL TIME. Courtney Z. McCall, girl where have you been? I was so thrilled to see you pop out in these Black Greek streets that I had to call out your whole name and middle initial! I don’t know what crypt you’ve been in, but it must be filled with collagen, niacinamide, peptides and retinol! Because if your locs weren’t salt and pepper, I would have assumed by your face that it was 2015.

Well done, Wiley. I won’t be long—because I will get raw emotional. But I had to flip my bust down in honor of one of my favorite colleagues as he closes out his career. By now I know most of y’all have heard that the one and only Wiley Price retired from the paper at the end of 2025. It’s only been a week and I miss him and that mustache already. I cannot overstate how hard he worked for us. And by us, I don’t only mean The St. Louis American. I mean the entire community. He spent the better part of 50 years serving our best interests through the lens of his camera. You deserve to kick your heels up, sir.

Commentary

Putting an end to redefining war After the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Congress confronted both real and perceived threats to U.S. national When I think about the Trump adminsecurity. It enacted legislation that grantistration’s seizure of Venezuelan oil ed sweeping powers to future presidents tankers and the kidnapping of President under the broad justification of combating Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia terrorism.

Flores, I can’t help but think about the We should also remember the military quote from the Rev. Martin Luther King operations that resulted in the deaths of Jr.: “Those who love peace must learn to Osama bin Laden and Moammar Gadhafi. organize as effectively as those who love war.” The peacemakers are losing ground. These were men of color who opposed The United States was founded through U.S. imperialism, and the actual threat conflict and built on war. Violence is part they posed to the U.S. remains debatable.

The U.S. military violated the sovereignty of its DNA and embedded in its identity. of two countries to reach them.

For most of its 250 years, the Many people, both within and U.S. has been at war. Contrary outside the U.S., have questioned to the patriotic narrative, very the fate of leaders in this country few of those wars were about who may be viewed unfavordefending the country; they were ably by other nations. Would primarily about the acquisition they have the right to snatch up of land, resources and power.

Trump and hold him accountable What happened last week was no for his crimes? exception. It’s all about the oil.

The record of Congress on Period. military actions confirms it The constant point of contenwill vote for such action, as it Columnist tion — that such military action did when the Bush administraneeds congressional approval Jamala tion lied about Iraq’s weapons — is irrelevant. The 1973 War Rogers of mass destruction. The War Powers Resolution was passed to Powers Resolution is as impotent curb presidential abuse of power, as the current Congress. but both parties are guilty of exploiting We have a president who now wants to loopholes. An even older and supposrun Venezuela. The only running Trump edly more revered document is the U.S. has done for us is to run this country into Constitution. Article I clearly states that only Congress has the authority to declare the ground. Our responsibility to stop his domestic and international destruction war. has just intensified. To do this, we must What if one avoided using the term organize more effectively than the lovers “war” and described this illegal military of war. aggression in other ways, couching it under national security justifications? The Jamala Rogers is an opinion writer Trump administration claimed the U.S. and one of the founding members of the didn’t declare war on Venezuela; instead, Organization for Black Struggle, based in this action was merely “a law enforceSt. Louis. ment function to capture an indicted drug trafficker.”

By Jamala Rogers

STRAVINSKY AND DEBUSSY Music in Motion

Jan 10–11 Sat 7:30pm Sun 3:00pm

Stéphane Denève, conductor Saint Louis Dance Theatre Kirven Douthit-Boyd, choreographer

In this celebration of movement and music, the SLSO and Saint Louis Dance Theatre reimagine Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, and Stéphane Denève conducts ballet music by Debussy and Roussel.

Pictured: Sergio Camacho Photography at 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, artwork Fallen Fruit, The Way Out West

slso.org 314-534-1700

STÉPHANE DENÈVE, MUSIC DIRECTOR

For all the lastest news follow us on our Social Media Platforms! @stlamerican

“Phoenix was a place that I didn’t want to leave.”

— Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant, after hitting a game winning shot against the Phoenix Suns

Sports

B5

JANUARY 8 – 14, 2026

Sports Eye With Alvin A. Reid

A look back at the NFL season and forward to playoffs

The NFL regular seaeven though Tampa Bay son came down to the and Atlanta were also final seconds of its final 8-9…Texans head coach game before coach Mike DeMeco Ryans was on the Tomlin and the Pittsburgh hot seat at midseason, but Steelers prevailed over the his team closed out with Baltimore Ravens 26-24 a nine-game win streak. tto win the AFC North.

While Pittsburgh is host, A loss, which would the Texans are favored to have occurred if Ravens’ win their playoff game… kicker Tyler Loop had The matchup guarantees connected on a 44-yard a Black head coach will field goal attempt, might reach the NFL Divisional have spelled doom for Round…Of the 14 teams Tomlin in the Steel that reached the City.

NFL playoffs, five As is, Tomlin will start a Black will lead his team quarterback: C.J. into a home playoff Stroud, Houston; game against the Bryce Young, surging Houston Carolina; Jordan Texans on Monday Love, Green Bay; night. He is likeCaleb Williams, Alvin A. ly to return to Chicago; and Reid Pittsburgh for a Jalen Hurts, 19th season.

Philadelphia…Love and Let’s look back at the Williams will square off in regular season and ahead a wild card game, sending to the playoffs, Reid at least one Black QB to Roundup style. the Divisional Round…

Raheem Morris went Of the 32 NFL teams, 14 16-18 (8-9 twice) as head had an African American coach over two seasons starting quarterback in with the Atlanta Falcons.

Week 1. During the final He failed to reach the week, Trey Lance started playoffs and was fired a for the L.A. Chargers few hours after leading and Josh Johnson Atlanta to a win over the guided the Washington New Orleans Saints. The Commanders… Jacoby team’s African American Brissett took over in GM Terry Fontenot was Arizona for the injured also dismissed…It’s a Kyler Murray, and Malik statistical fact that Black Willis was Green Bay’s NFL head coaches are starter for several games fired quicker than their while Love was hurt. In white counterparts. Owner all, 18 Black quarterbacks Arthur Blank’s decision started respective NFL is unfortunately par for games this season…Willis the proverbial course… played so well with Green An irony is that Raheem’s Bay, could be a starter final win helped make for a team in 2026… the 8-9 Carolina Panthers Malcontent Murray will the NFC South champs, likely be released or traded

While his Carolina Panthers closed at 8-9, Bryce Young will be one of five Black QBs quarterbacks to start NFL playoff games this week.

Photo courtesy of sports.betmgm.com

by the Cardinals…Dak Prescott will return as Dallas quarterback after playing all 17 games of this disastrous 7-9-1 season. The Cowboys embarrassed themselves with a miserable 34-17 loss to the lowly New York Giants…I doubt Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who caused the 2025 defensive meltdown by trading Micah Parsons, will pay free agent wide receiver George Pickens what he would seek on the open market. Pickens won’t quietly accept a franchise tag.

Fireworks to come… QB Patrick Mahomes and

the Kansas City Chiefs are watching the playoffs. So are QB Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens and STL’s own Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions wide receiver. The Ravens were the betting favorite to reach the Super Bowl, and the Chiefs and Lions weren’t far behind…The rocky relationship between Baltimore coach John Harbaugh and Jackson could end with one of them gone. Jackson, according to a Baltimore Sun report, has issues with conditioning, diet, late-night video-game sessions, and meeting-room

naps. Jackson’s salary cap cost in both 2026 and 2027 would be $74 million, which could move the Ravens to find a trade partner. The alternative would be extending Jackson’s contract to lower the cap hit but my guess is Harbaugh wants no part of that…Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, whose contract has expired, is a hot commodity. Reports say the Las Vegas Raiders and minority owner Tom Brady are interested in him becoming the downtrodden team’s head coach.

Flores, former Miami

Dolphins head coach, still has a racial discrimination lawsuit pending against the NFL and the Denver Broncos, Giants, Texans, and Dolphins…Vance Joseph, former Denver head coach and its current defensive coordinator, and Jesse Minter, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator, are the leading Black candidates to secure an open NFL head coaching position. Minters’ defense smothered the potent San Francisco 49ers offense in a 13-3 road win the NFC West.

Inside Sports With Earl Austin Jr.

Highland Shootout, another star-studded event The Highland Shootout games in the evening sesis annually one of the sion. top one-day basketball showcase events in the First Session Midwest.

Highland vs. Alton In recent years, the (Girls), 10:30 a.m. event has featured future The Alton Redbirds NBA players such are having another as Jayson Tatum of excellent season at the Boston Celtics 11-2 heading into the (Chaminade), new year. Alton is Michael Porter led by senior Kaylea Jr. of the Denver Lacey and junior Nuggets (Father Madeleine Ducey.

Tolton Catholic), Host Highland enters Jordan Goodwin with 10 wins. The Earl of the Phoenix Bulldogs are led Austin Jr. Suns (Belleville by senior guard Althoff), Caleb Jordan Bircher, Love of the Portland who is averaging 14 points Trail Blazers (CBC) and a game.

Jaylen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks (Nicolet, Highland vs.

Wisconsin).

Waltonville (Illinois), This year’s Highland noon Shootout again promisThe host Highland es to be a star-studded Bulldogs are led by juniors event, featuring top playBrody Cunningham and ers and teams from the Carter Powell, who are St. Louis metro area as both averaging 12 points a well as Illinois, Indiana game. Waltonville comes and California. The sevfrom southern Illinois and en-game shootout will be won a Class 1A regional held Saturday at Highland championship last seaHigh School, about 30 son. Waltonville is led by minutes from St. Louis 6-foot-6 senior forward on the Illinois side of the Gage Peterson. river.

Here is a look at Second Session the seven games in the Chaminade vs. LoganHighland Shootout. The Rogersville, 1:30 p.m. first session includes two This matchup feagames, followed by five tures two programs that

junior guards Aiden Stevenson and Devin Rice. Fishers is 10-0 and ranked No. 1 in Indiana, led by senior Cooper Zachary (5-foot-10), junior Levi Walker (6-foot-4) and senior Kai McGrew (6-foot-8).

Photo by Earl Austin Jr. / St. Louis American

Junior Scottie Adkinson of Webster Groves will be one of the top players to watch at this Saturday’s Highland Shootout in Illinois. Webster Groves will face Inglewood in the final game of the event at 7:30 p.m. have reached the Final Four in recent seasons in their respective classes. Chaminade is again a contender in Class 6 with leading scorer Jonny Jordan averaging 23 points a game. Sophomores Elijah Poniewaz and Jesiah Buchanan are impact players, while senior guard Tricy Collins averages 10 points a game.

Logan-Rogersville is a contender again in Class 4 and features junior guard Chase Branham, a 6-foot-

4 Indiana commit, along with 6-foot-6 sophomore Titus Moore and 6-foot-7 senior Marcus Moore.

Cardinal Ritter vs.

Fishers (Indiana), 3 p.m.

Cardinal Ritter enters the week on a four-game winning streak after a slow start against a rugged schedule. The Lions are led by seniors Oscar Patterson (6-foot-3), Ismael Isidor (6-foot-7) and guard Danny Winston (5-foot-10), along with

Vashon vs. Warren Township (Illinois), 4:30 p.m.

Vashon is 6-2 against a demanding national schedule. The Wolverines are led by junior guard Jimmy McKinney III, who averages 17 points a game, along with 6-foot-6 junior Leon Powell Jr. and senior guard Kain McCaskill.

Warren Township features 6-foot-1 junior guard Jaxson Davis, regarded as one of the top players in Illinois and a Top 50 national recruit.

Principia vs. East St. Louis, 6 p.m.

This matchup features elite teams from both sides of the river. Principia is off to a strong national start, including a third-place finish at the City of Palms Tournament in Florida.

The Panthers are led by standout senior guard Quentin Coleman, who is headed to Wake Forest, along with guards Gassim

Toure, Kingston Money and Wyatt Slay and 6-foot9 forward Sekou Cisse.

East St. Louis is one of Illinois’ top teams, led by 6-foot-9 senior forward Jamison White, a Penn State signee, senior guard Alex Johnson, juniors Phillip Jones and Terriyon Webster and senior guard Devin Houston. The Flyers are coming off a Proviso West Tournament championship.

Webster Groves vs.

Inglewood (California), 7:30 p.m.

The final game is a marquee matchup featuring two of the nation’s top scoring guards who also will be future Missouri Tigers teammates. Webster Groves is led by junior guard Scottie Adkinson (6-foot-3), who averages 31 points a game and was Missouri Player of the Year after leading the Statesmen to the Class 5 championship. Inglewood features 6-foot-3 senior guard Jason Crowe Jr., California’s all-time scoring leader and the first player in state history to surpass 4,000 career points. Crowe will join Mizzou next season, while Adkinson is committed to Missouri for 2027-28.

Career Center

THE THE

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ St. Louis american B6

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Washington University in St. Louis offers rewarding opportunities in various fields at all levels, with positions in engineering, nursing and health care, research, administration, technology, security and more.

WashU is recruiting a Vascular Lab Technologist in the Department of Surgery.

This position includes a $20,000 sign-on bonus, paid over two years in quarterly installments. As part of our IAC-accredited lab, you’ll work alongside a dedicated sonography team to deliver outstanding patient care at a leading academic medical center.

We are seeking a skilled Sonographer with a specialization in vascular ultrasound to join our team as a Vascular Lab Technologist. In this critical role, you’ll contribute to the diagnosis of vascular diseases by performing high-quality non-invasive vascular ultrasound studies, assisting physicians in diagnostic procedures, and operating advanced ultrasound equipment in both inpatient and outpatient settings. As a member of our IAC-accredited lab, you’ll collaborate with a dedicated sonography team to deliver outstanding patient care.

This full-time position is 5 days per week, with 5 regular 8-hour shifts. The typical shift hours are either 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM or 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. In addition to regular working hours, call coverage is an essential component of this role, ensuring that necessary studies are conducted during on-call periods. Please note that the department is closed on weekends, and studies are performed on an as-needed basis during on-call hours.

Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time. Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

For the full job description and to apply, visit jobs.washu.edu, JR91011.

We seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us in a supportive environment that encourages boldness, inclusion, and creativity.

EEO/AA/VET/Disability Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: SSD 105-26 – CENTRAL OFFICE DATA RESOURCE CENTER RENOVATION All vendors interested in participating in the proposal process are requested to attend the pre-bid conference at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026.

The Pre-Bid Meeting is not mandatory.

The pre-bid conference will commence at Special School District Central Office, 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

Project Manual and drawings will be available at County Blue Reprographics (811 Hanley Industrial Ct, Brentwood, MO 63144) as of January 22, 2026.

Please call County Blue in advance to order bid documents.

ONLY attendees on record at County Blue will receive any correspondence or communication after that date.

Bids are due at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, with a Public Opening at Special School District Maintenance Office, 700 Fee Fee Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS OFFICE OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - YOUTH JOB PROGRAMS (PROP P) The City of St. Louis Office of Violence Prevention invites proposals from qualified nonprofits for youth job programming to reduce crime among at-risk youth. The RFP may be found online at: https:// tinyurl.com/ovp-rfp Please direct all communications to OVP at violence-prevention@ stlouis-mo.gov or call (314) 299-2196— submission deadline: January 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. Late proposals will not be accepted.

www.stlamerican.com

•

St. Louis american

JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY CURRENT JOB OPENINGS! The Missouri Historical Society is actively hiring for the following positions: • Collections Management Database Administrator • Human Resources Administrator • Production Technician • Rental Event Assistant and Sales Support Please visit MHS Current Job Listings for a list of available positions, details and links to apply.

An Equal Opportunity Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEALED BIDS

THETHE

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Repairs Bids for Replace to Interior/ Locking Exterior, System, Project Lebanon No. C2410Readiness 01, 18701 Old Center, Highway 66, Lebanon, MO, Pacific, MO Project No. 63069 will be T2507-01 will received by be received by FMDC, State of FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 1:30 PM, February 3, February 10, 2026. Project 2026. Project information information available at: available at: http://oa.mo. http://oa.mo. gov/facilities gov/facilities

FOSTER CARE CASE MANAGER Provide case management services for children in foster care. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field. Minimum of one year of employment in child welfare field. Interested candidates forward letter of interest and resume to:vatkins@posimpacts. com, Attention: Valerie Atkins.

Employee will be employed by Positive Impacts, Inc. and contracted to Epworth Children & Family Services.

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Update HVAC & Chiller, Crime Lab Building, Troop D, Springfield Project No. R2517-01 will be received

by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, February 5, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

Bids for T251801 - Festus Readiness Center, Lagoon Repair, Project No. T2518-01 will be received

by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, February 17, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

GREENWAY OPERATIONS COORDINATOR AND SUPERVISOR Great Rivers Greenway is hiring a Greenway Operations Coordinator and Supervisor. Go to https://greatriversgreenway.org/careers/ for more details and apply.

REQUEST FOR BID The School District of University City is seeking sealed bids for University City High School, School Based Health Center. Bids are due by 2:00 PM on January 16, 2026. A prebid walkthrough will be held at 4:00 PM on January 8, 2026, at University City High School, located at 7401 Balson Ave, University City, MO 63130.

Notice to Proceed will be issued on January 23, 2026.

For more information and the complete bid package, please contact DeAna Carter at dcarter@ kwamebuildinggroup.com.

www.stlamerican.com SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

Bids for REBID Bids for - Change of Renovations Scope Renovate to Interior, Cabins 1-4, Core Building 14, & 16, Sam at Hillsboro A Baker State Treatment Park, Patterson, Center, Project Missouri, No. H2503-01, Project No. will be received X2319-01 will

by FMDC, be received by State of MO, FMDC, State of UNTIL 1:30 MO, UNTIL PM, February 1:30 PM, February 10, 3, 2026. Project information 2026. Project available at: information http://oa.mo. available at: gov/facilities http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

Bids for Service and Add Electrical Circuits to Emergency Generator, Food Service Warehouse, Project No. will be received

by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, January 29, 2026.

Project information available at: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

Bids for Renovations to Interior/Exterior & Install Emergency Generator, Multiple Assets, Project No. R2502-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, February 19, 2026. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ St. Louis american THE

Bids & Public Notices ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

•

St. Louis american THE

B7

JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please be advised that on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Louis City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, the Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee of the Board of Aldermen of The City of St. Louis, Missouri (“City”) will hold a public hearing to consider a Petition to Amend and Restate the Petition to Establish 1100 Washington Avenue Community Improvement District by, among other things, Altering the Boundaries of the 1100 Washington Avenue Community Improvement District and Clarifying the Project (the “Amended Petition”) pursuant to the Community Improvement District Act, Sections 67.1401 to 67.1571 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, as amended (the “Act”).

The Amended Petition was filed with the municipal clerk for the City (St. Louis City Register) and seeks to, among other things, (i) alter the boundaries of the existing 1100 Washington Avenue Community Improvement District (the “District”) by the addition of certain real property to the existing District (the District, as amended to include the additional property is referred to herein as the “Amended District”), (ii) add an additional project valued at $500,000, (iii) extend the term in connection with Section 67.1481 of the Act, (iv) clarify the existing blight determination, and (v) consent to the terms of the Board of Directors of the Amended District.

The boundaries of the Amended District generally consist of the following tax parcels and situs addresses: (i) 0836-9-050.000 (1100 Washington Avenue), (ii) 0836-9-040.000 (1110 Washington Avenue), (iii) 0836-9-031.007 (1122 Washington Avenue), (iv) 0179-9010.000 (1000 Washington Avenue), (v) 0178-9-090.000 (1021 Washington Avenue), (vi) 0836-9-011.096 (1132 Washington Avenue, Retail Unit A), (vii) 0836-9-011-097 (1132 Washington Avenue, Retail Unit B), (viii) 0178-9-020.001 (1013 Washington Avenue), (ix) 0178-9-021.002 (1015 Washington Avenue), (x) 0517-9-011.002 (1113 Washington Avenue, Unit 102), and (xi) 0517-9-011.003 (1113 Washington Avenue, Unit 103), all located in the City. The Amended District is generally bounded by St. Charles Street on the south, Tucker Boulevard on the west, Lucas Avenue on the north, and North 10 th Street on the east.

A map illustrating the boundaries of the District and the Amended District is provided herein.

The Amended Petition is available for review at the office of the municipal clerk for the City (St. Louis City Register) located at City Hall, Room 118, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 during regular business hours on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing.

Procedures to Speak in Committee Meetings In Person A sign in sheet will be available for those who attend in person and wish to speak. This sheet will be near the Clerk of the meeting. All members of the public who wish to speak must sign this sheet. There is no preregistration to speak at this meeting. The Chair of the meeting will announce when the meeting is open for public comment. Rules related to this are below.

Procedures to Speak in Committee Meetings Virtually (if available) The Chair of the Committee will announce when the meeting will be open for public comment. If you wish to speak, click the “Raise Hand” icon and function in the Zoom Meeting Screen while in the meeting. This will place a raised hand next to your name.

Usually only people showing a raised hand will be called on to speak.

When the Chair is ready for you to speak you will be moved from the attendee list to the participant list by the meeting manager. You will be moved back to the attendee list once you are completed. Speakers from the public will be called to speak in order of appearance on the list. Committee members may have questions after your talk.

When you enter the meeting to speak the Chair will ask your name and may ask if you are for, against or have no position on the petition. The Chair may also ask other questions related to your relationship to the petition.

The Chair will determine the amount of time all speakers will have. The Chair may determine this after all those wishing to speak have raised their hands. The time usually allotted to speak is about three (3) minutes. The exact time will be announced by the Chair before the public comments begin.

Board of Aldermen Rule 34 - Public Hearing Procedures After the presentation of a bill, resolution, or topic for discussion by City Officials or invited guests at a Committee Meeting, the proponents and the opponents of said bill or resolution shall be heard alternately, and public comment on the topic for discussion shall be heard. If the hearing is set in person, all persons who wish to testify at a public hearing shall sign a list which shall be made available by the Chair of the Committee at least one-half hour before the announced time of the hearing. If the hearing is held via electronic communication, all persons who wish to testify may, but are not required to sign up in advance. Registered persons (if any) shall be called upon first, followed by participants who request to testify during the hearing.

The initial presentation of any witness shall be no longer than five minutes except with the permission of the Committee Chair, but any witness may respond to questions by members of the Committee for an additional period of time to be determined by the Committee Chair; and any witness may submit written testimony to the Committee at any time prior to the conclusion of the hearing on the bill.

Written Comments Written comments to be shared with members of the Board may be emailed to the Board of Aldermen Clerk - Mr. Terry Kennedy at: boameetings@stlouis-mo.gov . They may also be mailed through the US Postal Service or dropped off. They should be addressed to: Mr. Terry Kennedy, Clerk, St. Louis Board of Aldermen, St. Louis City Hall 1200 Market Street Room 230, St. Louis, Mo. 63103.

Those with Disabilities Individuals with disabilities, who may need sign language interpreters, written materials in alternative formats, or other accommodations should make a request to boameetings@ stlouis-mo.gov or call 314-589-6845 at least 48 hours before the meeting.

As further explained in the Amended Petition, as to tax parcel 0836-9-011.096 (1132 Washington Avenue, Retail Unit A) and tax parcel 0836-9-011-097 (1132 Washington Avenue, Retail Unit B), only the portion of those aforementioned tax parcels from street level to 15 feet above street level shall be included within the District; the vertical portion of those tax parcels 15 feet, 1 inch and more above street level shall not be included within the boundaries of the District.

SEALED BIDS Bids for Campground Shower House Replacement at Wakonda State Park, Project No. X2531-01, will be received

by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, February 10, 2026. The State of Missouri, OA-FMDC, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry or national origin in consideration for an award.

Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds are being used in this project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

REQUEST FOR BIDS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Alberici Constructors, Great Rivers Kwame Building Group Greenway is and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified requesting Bids : firms to submit proposals Portable Restroom for a project at the Saint Services. Go to Louis Zoo WildCare Park.

The project consists of www.greatrivers providing fully equipped food and retail carts. greenway.org/bids request bid documents, and submit by Toplease send an E-mail to January 15, 2026. stlzoobids@alberici.com.

REQUEST FOR BIDS (RFB) Good Journey Development Foundation seeks qualified contractors for greenhouse and equipment installation and perimeter fencing removal and replacement at Bustani Ya Upenda in St. Louis, MO. Interested bidders may review the full RFB and submission instructions at: https://www.goodjourney. org/request-for-bids.html

To Advertise Real Estate, Rentals, Cars, Garage Sale, Contact Angelita Houston at ahouston@ stlamerican.com 314-289-5430 ROOM FOR RENT Single Occupancy, $150 per week + Dep, All Utilities included, WiFi, W&D, Near Bus line.

Call

314-518-1629

NEWLY DESIGN 1 BED APT FOR RENT $850/mo + Deposit, Can be fully furnished for $1,100/mo + Deposit. Call 314-518-1629

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

WE PRINT EVERY THURSDAY

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

Religion B8

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026

Gospel visionary Richard Smallwood passes at 77 Composer and artist bridged the Black church and the concert hall

By Kenya Vaughn St. Louis American Richard Smallwood didn’t just write songs. He crafted hymns that felt like they had always existed. His music lived in that rare space where classical precision met the raw ache of the Black church, where the moans and wails of its origins could sit comfortably beside contemporary praise. The legendary composer, pianist, and worship leader — whose catalog was often a liaison between gospel and classical music— died of kidney failure on December 30. He was 77.

Even artists who rarely stepped into gospel spaces felt compelled to pay tribute to him. “His music didn’t just inspire me, it transformed me,” soul, R&B and funk legend Chaka Khan told CBC News.

Stevie Wonder, Destiny’s Child, Boyz II Men, and Whitney Houston were among the secular artists who have performed or recorded Smallwood’s

music.

His passing reverberated across sanctuaries, concert halls, and choir lofts around the world.

For many, it felt like losing a living bridge between the old guard of gospel pioneers and the new generation.

Smallwood’s songs — “Total Praise,” “Center of My Joy,” “I Love the Lord,” “Anthem of Praise” — became liturgy. They were sung at weddings, funerals, commencements – and even performed by HBCU marching bands. His compositions traveled farther than he ever could, becoming the soundtrack of Black resilience and worship.

Born in Atlanta in 1948 and raised in Washington, D.C., Smallwood grew up in a home where music and ministry were inseparable. His mother, a classical pianist, introduced him to Bach and Beethoven. The church introduced him to the blues-tinged gospel of Dorsey, Sallie Martin, and the caravans of sound that defined mid-century Black worship. Smallwood

Photo by Wiley Price/St. Louis American

Richard Smallwood headlined The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Chorus’ ‘A Gospel Christmas’ in 2016 at Powell Symphony Hall.

absorbed it all — the discipline of classical training, the improvisational fire of the Black church — and fused them into something unmistakably his.

He graduated with honors from Howard University. By the time he founded the Richard Smallwood Singers in the late 1970s, he had already begun reshaping the sound of contemporary gospel. His arrangements were lush, symphonic, and unapologetically formal — yet they carried the emotional truth of a Sunday morning testimony. He wrote with the heart of a preacher

and the technique of a conservatory scholar.

That duality is what made him a modern-day Thomas Dorsey.

Dorsey gave gospel its language; Smallwood gave it its architecture. Dorsey brought blues into the sanctuary; Smallwood brought the symphony. Both men understood that Black sacred music is elastic — and stretches to hold our grief, our joy and our praise.

Smallwood performed with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s IN UNISON Chorus on more than one occasion. IN UNISON

Preparation Is The Equalizer

ORVIN T. KIMBROUGH Chairman and CEO, Midwest BankCentre

We tend to think the smartest people win.

The most educated win.

The most technical win.

The ones with the titles win.

But the longer I lead, the more convinced I become of something far simpler — and far more powerful: Preparation is the great equalizer.

Author, Twice Over a Man

I was reminded of this during a recent conversation with one of my senior leaders. We were talking about the Federal Reserve, the economy, interest rates, and the experience of sitting in rooms where people speak in formulas, models, and macroeconomic code.

Rooms where the language itself can make you doubt whether you belong. I told him plainly, “I’m not that smart.” And I meant it.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned across every sector I’ve served in — from nonprofits, to banking, to national policy conversations: Most of the people in the room aren’t that smart either. They’re doing the best they can with imperfect information, under imperfect conditions, with imperfect models.

Even the most credentialed experts get it wrong. History is full of economic decisions made too early, too late, or off the wrong signals.

So if intelligence doesn’t separate leaders, what does?

Preparation.

When I walk into a new space — whether it’s the National Academy of Medicine, the Federal Reserve, or a boardroom full of CEOs — I never assume I can wing it. I build frameworks. I study the history.

I ask for past materials. I analyze the players, the purpose, and the patterns. The room doesn’t require brilliance. It requires readiness.

— founded to celebrate and preserve the music of the African diaspora — was the perfect vessel for his work. Under the baton of conductors who understood the spiritual weight of his compositions, Smallwood’s music soared in Powell Hall with the same authority it carried in the pews.

His headlining appearance for IN UNISON’s “Gospel Christmas” nearly a decade ago in 2016 transformed the concert hall into a sanctuary.

Symphony musicians who had spent their careers playing Mahler and Mozart found themselves swept into a different kind of majesty — one rooted in testimony, survival, and the unshakable faith of the Black church. Smallwood didn’t just lead them; he invited them into the story.

His collaborations with IN UNISON also affirmed something he had always believed: that gospel music belongs on the world’s grandest stages. That the sacred sound born in storefront churches and wooden-floor sanctuaries deserved the same reverence as any classical canon.

That our music — Black music — is America’s music.

His honors include Stellar Awards, Dove Awards, a Grammy nomination, and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

But Smallwood’s influence extended far beyond his compositions. He was a mentor, a historian, and a keeper of the flame.

He carried the stories of the elders with him, often reminding younger musicians that gospel’s power lies not in performance but in purpose.

Richard Smallwood leaves behind a body of work and arrangements that will continue to stretch the boundaries of gospel music. And his legacy — like Dorsey’s — will continue to shape the sound of Black worship for generations.

The Next MOVE

Preparation creates clarity. Clarity creates confidence. Confidence creates leadership. And that’s not just true at the national level, where economies turn on a sentence. It’s true inside organizations, where cultures turn on alignment.

You cannot lead well on shaky information. You cannot make sharp decisions with messy data.

You cannot build momentum in a system full of unclear expectations.

That’s why I’m constantly reevaluating structure — who reports where, how information flows, whether the data is governed, whether our processes match our goals. Leadership isn’t just about vision. It’s about engineering clarity so your people can execute.

And you cannot do that without preparation.

The leaders who struggle most are the ones who react. The leaders who thrive are the ones who prepare.

But there’s one part of preparation people rarely talk about: Preparation is not just intellectual.

Preparation is also rhythmic. It’s about deciding, “I’m not working Sundays next year,” because leadership requires margin. It requires rest. It requires clarity of mind and strength of heart.

Preparation is not simply study.

Preparation is stewardship — of your energy, your focus, your time, and your presence.

So, here are my questions for you: Where do you need to prepare more deeply?

Where do you need to build a better framework?

Where do you need to reclaim a rhythm that keeps you sharp?

Because leadership is not about being the smartest. Leadership is about being ready.

For more, visit OrvinKimbrough.com or MidwestBankCentre.com.