JANUARY
1 — A terrorist inspired by ISIS drives a Ford F-150 pickup into pedestrians on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 14 people and injuring 57.
U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell is sworn in to represent Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.
6 — When Normandy Schools Collaborative students return from winter break, they are among the first in Missouri districts not allowed to use cellphones inside school buildings.
7 — Wildfires scorch the Los Angeles area, destroying thousands of homes and businesses. The historic Black community of Altadena is among those devastated.
16 — Explore St. Louis announces that the Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation will return to St. Louis in 2026-28.
20 — As the nation celebrates the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, President Donald Trump is sworn in for his second term. Among his first executive actions is the elimination of DEI initiatives throughout the federal government.
29 — An American Airlines regional jet collides with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft. In December, the U.S. government claims some responsibility for the accident.
FEBRUARY
2 — Beyoncé wins three Grammys. Her first album of the year award is historic, as she becomes the first Black woman to win a Grammy for best country album, for “Cowboy Carter.” She extends her record to 35 total Grammys.
5 — Music executive Irv Gotti, who collaborated with artists including Ashanti and Ja Rule, dies. He was known for co-founding Murder Inc. Records under Def Jam Recordings.
9 — Two Black quarterbacks square off in the Super Bowl as Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles defeat Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show is hailed as one of the Super Bowl’s strongest for its music, choreography and political relevance.
13 — Due to “diminished funds,” Annie Malone Children and Family Services announces that the 2025 Annie Malone May Day Parade would not be held on May 18. The decision is later reversed, but the parade is postponed in the aftermath of the May 16 tornado.
20 — The St. Louis American Foundation celebrates the 23rd Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Networking and Awards Luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Honorees are Larry Thomas, Lifetime Achiever; Rodney Boyd, Entrepreneur of the Year; Jeremy Williams, Corporate Executive of the Year; Michelle D. Walker, Nonprofit Corporate Executive of the Year; and Chris Krehmeyer, Excellence in Community Impact.
21 — Voletta Wallace, mother of iconic rapper The Notorious B.I.G., dies at 78. She had recently entered hospice care.
24 — Roberta Flack, the legendary vocalist behind “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” dies at 88. She had been diagnosed with ALS and was unable to perform in her final years.
MARCH
1 — R&B singer Angie Stone dies at 63. The Associated Press reports she died from injuries sustained in a car crash.
2 — Zoe Saldaña wins the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mexican lawyer Rita Castro in “Emilia Pérez.”
4 — Alderwoman Cara Spencer handily tops Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and other candidates in the mayoral primary. As the top two vote-getters, Spencer and Jones will face off in the April 8 mayoral election.
U.S. Rep. Al Green of Texas heckles President Trump during the president’s address to Congress.
11 — The Missouri Legislature, ignoring the will of city residents and voters statewide, strips authority over the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department from the city and places it under Gov. Mike Kehoe. Mayor Jones calls the action “cowardly.”
20 — The St. Louis American reports that a three-bed facility controversially carrying the name “Homer G. Phillips Hospital” is officially closed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
21 — Boxing legend and entrepreneur George Foreman dies at 76.
24 — Great Rivers Greenway celebrates the groundbreaking of the north connector of the Brickline Greenway, which will create a paved path from Grand through north St. Louis near downtown.
APRIL
1 — George Nnanna begins his tenure as founding director of the University of Missouri–St. Louis School of Engineering. The school will welcome its first class of engineering students in August. He previously served as the founding dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Texas Permian Basin.
4 — Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. opens its 91st Central Regional Conference in St. Louis. More than 4,000 AKAs from eight states attend the weekend conference.
5 — Hundreds of thousands of protesters, including thousands of St. Louis area residents, take to the streets to protest the Trump administration during the first “Hands Off” Day. U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell challenges St. Louisans to rise up and actively protest Trump during the “Resist to Exist” rally at St. Paul African Methodist Church.
7 — U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey begins his historic 25-hour rebuke of President Trump and his policies on the Senate floor.
8 — Alderwoman Cara Spencer wins 64% of just over 50,000 ballots cast to unseat incumbent Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. Only 25.7% of the city’s registered electorate votes in the election. “Together, we have accomplished so much,” Jones says after conceding defeat.
Donna Barringer defeats longtime Comptroller Darlene Green.
10 — The St. Louis American reports that David Steward, co-founder and chair of World Wide Technology, is listed at No. 213 on Forbes’ 2025 list of the world’s billionaires. According to Forbes, Steward’s net worth is $11.4 billion, up from $7.6 billion in 2024.
15 — Cara Spencer is sworn in as St. Louis mayor.
21 — Pope Francis, who had chastised the actions of President Trump and other world leaders, dies at 88.
29 — Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage is presented with the Washington University International Humanities Prize.
MAY
3 — The Old Courthouse, site of the first two trials of the Dred Scott case in 1847 and 1850, celebrates its grand reopening after major renovations.
8 — Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becomes the first American pope. He chooses the papal name Leo XIV.
12 — St. Louis native Jayson Tatum ruptures his Achilles during an NBA playoff game against the New York Knicks. The injury will likely cause the Boston Celtics star to miss the 2025-26 season.
16 — “This is our Katrina.” A deadly tornado rips through the St. Louis area, leaving five people dead and an estimated $1.6 billion in damage. North St. Louis takes the worst brunt of the historic storm, which devastates neighborhoods including Fountain Park. Centennial Christian Church in Fountain Park is among the estimated 5,000 churches, schools, homes and buildings destroyed. Damage from the storm remains untouched and trees remain toppled in North St. Louis as 2026 begins. Hundreds of businesses and homeowners have not received promised assistance from FEMA, and many are forced to abandon their properties.
18 — The Annie Malone Parade, which was postponed in February then rescheduled for May 18, is again postponed because of the tornado.
20 — The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis announces it is establishing a Humanitarian Fund and “will lead the charge in helping our community recover,” says President and CEO Michael P. McMillan. The Urban League hosts large-scale food and supply giveaways throughout the summer and fall and helps an estimated 30,000 people.
22 — The St. Louis American Foundation honors 20 Black professionals under age 40 for career achievement and community dedication during the 14th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking and Awards Reception at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.
Congress passes President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which strips millions of dollars from Missouri Medicaid and could leave thousands without access to health care. The bill also gives large tax breaks to the richest Americans.
JUNE
9 — Music icon Sly Stone, frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, dies at 82. As leader of the first interracial rock band to top the charts, Stone is credited with delivering one of the most celebrated performances at the 1969 Woodstock concert.
11 — Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis dies at 52 following a years-long battle with breast cancer. Lewis previously revealed in 2019 that she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.
12 — The St. Louis American reports that the city can deduct 25% from a resident’s insurance claim following the May 16 tornado. The mayor’s office responds following coverage from the American and other media outlets.
Juneteenth events begin throughout the St. Louis area, including the Missouri History Museum Juneteenth celebration. Many events running through June 19 center on storm relief.
13 — Following a four-month trial, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is sentenced to more than seven years in prison on corruption charges.
14 — Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband are killed at their home in Brooklyn Park, and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife are injured at their Champlin residence in politically motivated shootings.
15 — The “No Kings” marches and protests spanning the nation include St. Louis as public backlash against Trump administration policies continues.
17 — City residents Jamala Rogers, a St. Louis American columnist, and Mike Milton file suit challenging the state’s constitutional authority to seize control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
18 — The National NAACP makes history by not inviting a sitting president to its National Convention. The 116th convention is held in Charlotte, N.C., July 12-16.
19 — Local Tuskegee Airmen are honored at the Soldiers Memorial Museum downtown during the opening of the Tuskegee Airmen: Freedom Flyers exhibit, which runs through Nov. 2.
“Sanford and Son” and “The Waltons” actor Lynn Hamilton dies at 95. Her other acting credits include the historic soap opera “Generations” and the miniseries “Roots: The Next Generations.”
23 — During a press conference at St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department headquarters, Sonya Jenkins-Gray, former city personnel director whose tenure ended in scandal and her termination, is introduced as a commissioner on the state police board. She is the lone Black commissioner among five, and there are no North St. Louis representatives.
24 — Ameren donates 900 air conditioners in support of Cooldown Charities.
29 — Gospel great BeBe Winans performs with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and IN UNISON Chorus at the Fox Theatre to benefit the tornado relief efforts of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
JULY
1 — The U.S. Agency for International Development is shut down by the Trump administration, ending more than 60 years of humanitarian relief to more than 100 nations.
4 — Twenty-seven campers and staff from Camp Mystic, a girls summer camp in south Texas, are among the 135 killed in massive flooding July 4-7.
9 — The first hearing in the state’s case to remove Sheriff Alfred Montgomery from office is held. Retired Judge David Mason, one of the attorneys representing Montgomery, slams the action as unlawful.
10 — The St. Louis American announces that veteran journalist Rod Hicks has been named executive editor.
The Urban League and St. Louis Symphony Orchestra announce that $350,000 was raised during the June 29 Disaster Relief concert featuring gospel great BeBe Winans.
The James S. McDonnell Foundation announces it will invest $3 million to support tornado recovery and rebuilding efforts.
17 — The St. Louis County Court of Appeals upholds a September 2024 ruling that ends the Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni Association trademark infringement lawsuit against developer Paul McKee.
20 — “The Cosby Show” star and beloved actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies in a tragic accident at age 54. Warner was swimming near Playa Grande de Cocles in Limon, Costa Rica, when he “apparently was dragged by a current offshore,” according to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency.
22 — The SLPS board hears a plan from an architectural firm that, if adopted, would close 38 district schools. Teachers Local 420 says it was not informed of closures at that scale and vows to fight the proposal.
Mayor Cara Spencer announces the city has paused certification programs for women- and minority-owned businesses over fears of Trump administration backlash.
26 — Sumner High School celebrates its 150th year during its annual alumni gathering.
30 — A new convention center lobby and entrance named for St. Louis American Publisher Donald M. Suggs is unveiled. Suggs was the first African American president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau of St. Louis, now Explore St. Louis.
AUGUST
5 — More than 3,000 Boeing defense workers in the St. Louis area reject the aerospace firm’s latest contract offer and begin a strike that lasts nearly two months.
11 — State Sen. Brian Williams announces he will run for the Democratic nomination for St. Louis County executive in August 2026, following his final legislative term ending May 2026.
National Guard troops from West Virginia and other states are ordered to Washington, D.C., by President Trump, who says the move is to fight crime, though the city’s crime rate is down.
29 — Gov. Mike Kehoe announces on a late Friday evening that Missouri will hold a special session to redraw congressional district maps at President Trump’s urging. The proposed new map would virtually eliminate the Kansas City-area district held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.
SEPTEMBER
9 — Mayor Cara Spencer reverses her decision to pause minority- and women-owned business certification after critics say the programs should not have been suspended.
10 — Conservative activist Charlie Kirk is shot and killed at Utah Valley University.
12 — Following a House vote the previous week, the Missouri Senate passes a new congressional map and a proposal that could make it much harder to pass some constitutional amendments. Several Republicans, including the Senate leader, join Democrats in voting against redistricting changes. Both actions, backed by Gov. Mike Kehoe, face immediate legal challenges, and a not-for-profit begins a petition campaign to allow voters to decide the map.
12/13 — The St. Louis American wins nine first-place awards in the Missouri Press Association Better Newspaper Contest, and the late Kevin Jones, former American COO, is inducted into the MPA Hall of Fame during the association’s conference in Wildwood, Mo.
16 — The St. Louis County Council rejects a resolution by Councilman Mark Harder that would have honored the late Charlie Kirk.
24 — The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra begins welcoming audiences back to the renovated Powell Hall, unveiling the expanded Jack C. Taylor Music Center and $140 million in renovations.
OCTOBER
1 — The U.S. government officially shuts down as Democrats vow to fight to protect Americans from skyrocketing health care premiums tied to the Affordable Care Act. The stalemate with Senate Republicans leads to suspension of SNAP and WIC benefits for a period of time in early November.
3 — Sean Combs is sentenced to 50 months in prison after being convicted on two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution for drug-fueled sex parties known as “freak-offs.”
Local police in Massillon, Ohio, pepper-spray Cardinal Ritter College Prep football players following a game with Washington High School. A video shows post-game altercations, then police rush onto the field and spray Cardinal Ritter players.
4 — Cori Bush announces on Instagram she will challenge U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell in the August 2026 Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District seat. Bell unseated Bush in the August 2024 Democratic primary and won the seat the following November.
6 — Advocates call for the Francis Howell School District to act “on a year-long pattern of racism” after racist graffiti is found in a Francis Howell High School bathroom. A janitor is later exposed as the person who wrote the racist words.
10 — A cease-fire goes into effect in the Israel-Hamas war, which began following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing more than 1,000 people and taking several hundred hostages. Israeli attacks killed tens of thousands of Gazans and led to mass food and medical shortages.
14 — Sheriff Alfred Montgomery is ordered to jail by a federal judge who rules there is a “troubling pattern of deception and defiance” as the state attempts to remove him from office. Montgomery vows to run his department from jail but is rebuked.
17 — During an emergency closed session meeting, the SLPS board terminates Superintendent Millicent Borishade “without cause.” The board will pay her $475,000 upon departure. Myra Berry, SLPS interim chief of human resources, is named interim superintendent.
18 — The late U.S. Rep. William “Bill” Clay Sr. is honored during a public memorial service at the Blanche Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri–St. Louis campus. Clay died July 17.
23 — Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier are indicted for alleged participation in Mafia-backed rigged poker games and for providing NBA internal information to gamblers.
30 — The St. Louis American reports that Washington University has rejected President Trump’s compact that would have limited diversity efforts in exchange for financial support.
NOVEMBER
1 — The St. Louis American Foundation celebrates the 38th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala at America’s Center. Honored are Dr. Flint Fowler, Lifetime Achiever; Mary Elizabeth Grimes, Stellar Performer; and Bob Fox and Maxine Clark, Champions of Education. Excellence in Education honorees are Dr. Rhonda Key, Tamara Pendleton, Dr. Michael Peoples, Dr. Michael D. Triplett and Erica Williams.
Photo by Taylor Marrie | St. Louis American
4 — Democrats score major victories in Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Georgia on election night, reenergizing the party one year before the November 2026 midterm elections. “Americans are fired up and ready to vote (Republicans) out,” says U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell.
9 — NBA legend and St. Louis native Lenny Wilkens dies at age 88. He was the first person to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame three times — as a player, coach and member of the “Dream Team.”
12 — The National Urban League unveils its $250 million Harlem headquarters. Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President and CEO Michael P. McMillan attends and calls the event “a defining moment for our organization and for the entire movement.”
15 — The “Mill Creek: Black Metropolis” exhibit at the Missouri History Museum celebrates its grand opening. The exhibit, which runs through July 12, 2026, honors the historic Black community once home to more than 20,000 residents and dozens of Black-owned businesses.
16 — Six months after the May 16 tornado, large swaths of devastation remain throughout north St. Louis.
20 — The United Way hosts “An Evening of Thanks,” bringing together philanthropic leaders from across the region to recognize their lasting community impact.
21 — Jellybean Johnson, iconic drummer and guitarist for The Time and a central figure in the Minneapolis Sound, dies at 69.
29 — A historic “thundersnow” hits St. Louis. Lightning flashes over snow-covered I-270 as a winter storm dumps several inches of heavy, wet snow, knocking out power for thousands, many still living in tornado-damaged homes.
DECEMBER
1 — Sportsbook gambling becomes legal in Missouri. Studies show Black bettors are more likely to wager and suffer economic fallout.
Former St. Louis Rams running back and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Marshall Faulk is introduced as Southern University head coach in Baton Rouge, La.
8 — U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, a St. Louis area native, announces she will seek the Democratic nomination for a Texas U.S. Senate seat in August 2026. She tells The St. Louis American, “My story starts in St. Louis.”
9 — People Over Politics delivers more than 300,000 petition signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office — well above the number needed to force a statewide vote on redistricting.
18 — Sam Page announces he will not seek a third term as St. Louis county executive. He partially blames the political climate, saying it’s now dominated by “manufactured fake problems” that make it harder for public officials to address serious issues.
22 — Superstar couple Nelly and Ashanti attend a Christmas party at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis Mathews-Dickey location and present new bicycles to club members in partnership with Raising Cane’s.
Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announce that the NFL team would be moving from Missouri to a domed stadium in Kansas in 2031.
23 — A St. Louis Circuit Court judge removes Sheriff Alfred Montgomery from office, ruling that two incidents involving misuse of authority are serious enough to justify ouster. While the judge finds most allegations “unconvincing and insufficient,” he concludes that Montgomery’s actions in disarming a guard and handcuffing a city official amount to willful neglect of duty.