St. Louis tornado 2025

The utility has paused disconnections in areas affected by the tornado through the end of July, but advocacy groups say that is not enough for people who are struggling after the disaster.

In the past two weeks, Mayor Cara Spencer announced programs to help reconnect electricity, stabilize buildings and make home repairs. The city also hopes to put an additional $3 million in federal block grants to support its healthy home repair program.

The board voted 6-1 to approve the relocation of students from seven schools that were damaged by the May 16 tornado to other buildings within the district.

The American Red Cross operated five shelters in the weeks after the May 16 tornado, serving nearly 1,000 displaced people.

A June 29 benefit concert and an associated online campaign netted $350,000 to support the Urban League’s tornado relief efforts in north St. Louis, with another $150,000 in pledged donations expected. The Fabulous Fox Theatre donated its space for the event.

Mayor Cara Spencer's request for $19.2 million of Rams money and Community Development Block Grant funds now heads to the St. Louis Board of Estimate and Apportionment for final approval next week.

The funds are being dispersed to several organizations for rebuilding houses and family support efforts after the storm displaced hundreds and caused over $1 billion worth of damage.

The unions, including the American Federation of Teachers Local 420, say the St. Louis Board of Education is delaying bringing them into discussions after they voted 7-0 to do so during a work session two weeks ago. At least 12 schools were damaged during the May 16 tornado, resulting in over $1 million in damage, and seven of them will not be repaired in time for the first day of school on Aug. 18.

Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church is one of several Black churches in north St. Louis destroyed or severely damaged by the May 16 tornado. A rebuild could cost $15 million. The church pastor says the storm might have been a blessing in disguise.

The daughter of victim Larry Patrick seeks damages of at least $25,000.