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News in St Louis, MO

St. Louis American · St Louis, MO

This Week’s Photos: November 12th, 2026

This week’s photo gallery connects music, faith and the future of Black Studies. Jodeci opens its Forever My Lady anniversary tour at Stifel Theatre, celebrating 35 years since the group’s debut album. Congregants gather for worship during COGIC’s 118th Holy Convocation at America’s Center in St. Louis. Jonathan Pulphus, a Saint Louis University alumnus and former OccupySLU organizer, opposes the potential elimination or restructuring of the university’s African American Studies department.

St. Louis American · St Louis, MO

Dr. John A. Wright, educator and historian, dies at 87

Dr. John A. Wright spent a lifetime making sure Black St. Louis history would not be forgotten. He died Monday, Nov. 9, of pancreatic cancer, just two weeks after receiving the diagnosis, according to his family. He was 87. His books chronicled communities that no longer exist in the same form, while his work in education helped create opportunities for thousands of students. Wright, a native son of The Ville, built a career that spanned classrooms, central offices, boardrooms and archives. He became one of the region’s foremost historians of Black life in St. Louis. His son, John A. Wright Jr., said on social media that his father was surrounded by family at the hospital. “His children and grandchildren were able to say their goodbyes before he left us,” he wrote. “Growing up, I saw my grandfather as a giant of a man,” Chloi Wright said in a Facebook tribute. “Someone whose presence, accomplishments and impact on the world and community seem larger than life.

Student Life · St Louis, MO

For future reference, we should set aside our political apathy and go vote

Maggie Xu | Staff Illustrator This past midterm election was one that made history. There were several “first” titles distributed among race winners, such as Georgia electing the first Black woman governor in U.S. history and Minnesota electing the first Indigenous senator. While young voters helped Democrats win big across the country, only 11% of electorate voters were aged 18-29. In St. Louis County, 61% of registered voters showed up to the polls during midterms. Only 10% of those voters were aged 18-29. While this statistic could be attributed to the distribution of voters’ ages, which is information that is not public online, it is alarming that voter turnout among our age group has dropped by roughly 16% since the 2022 midterm elections. Our political apathy does not serve us, but instead creates an environment where lawmakers can attempt to take advantage and deprive us of basic rights. Voting is a way for you to advocate for yourself and others in your community.

St. Louis American · St Louis, MO

Zeeoma Foundation’s inaugural gala connects St. Louis and Lagos

Music, community and youth entrepreneurship came together at the Zeeoma Foundation’s inaugural gala on November 8, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Nigerian singer Teni Apata performed as guests celebrated the foundation’s mission to connect young people in St. Louis and Lagos through trade, skills and paid learning opportunities. The evening also recognized honoree Dr. Amber Howlett-Bayoc.

Nearby reporting

Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.

IdeaMensch · Belleville, IL

Nearby: Belleville, IL

Rebecca Wise

has never been afraid of hard work or starting something new. From her early years helping others to her career in clinical research, she has built a life around determination, curiosity, and the belief that meaningful work requires dedication. Born in Belleville, Illinois, into a military family, Wise spent her first ten years in Virginia before moving to Illinois. Her father served as a Navy chief, and she grew up understanding the importance of responsibility. By age ten, she was already working at a hair salon and babysitting neighborhood children. After moving to California and graduating from high school, Wise helped open Best Buy’s flagship store in West Hollywood. Her strong performance earned recognition and opened doors to other opportunities. Over the years, she worked in technology, education, retail management, and public broadcasting. A major turning point came when her father became ill with cancer.

Lincoln County Journal · Moscow Mills, MO

Nearby: Moscow Mills, MO

Court dismisses sexual harassment suit against City of Moscow Mills

By Stan Schwartz Troy Free Press Editor’s Note: In the original version of this story, the Journal incorrectly reported the board of aldermen had started impeachment proceedings against Meyer. According to the city attorney, the board has never suggested or considered impeaching the mayor. The Journal apologizes for any inconvenience this error may have caused. MOSCOW MILLS – A Lincoln County judge recently dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Moscow Mills mayor against her own city. Lisa Meyer was seeking damages against the City of Moscow Mills because she said she was treated in a “disparate manner based on her sex,” according to court documents. It also stated she harassed based on her sex, and retaliated against. According to Circuit Judge James Beck, Meyer failed to file her lawsuit before the statute of limitations expired. He noted she had one year to file from the last date of reported discrimination, but did not do so.

Elsberry Democrat · Elsberry, MO

Nearby: Elsberry, MO

LAVERNA FAKES

Aug 24, 1948 – Nov 7, 2026 Funeral Services for LaVerna Ann Fakes of Elsberry, MO will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Pastor Richie Rhea of North Road Community Church and Rev. Bryan Fakes of Connections Christian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Bethany Cemetery near Foley, MO. Serving as pallbearers will be Larry Foster, Paul Foster, John Fakes, Tim Baker, Mike Whyte, Jeff Pratt and Jared Pratt; and honorary pallbearers will be John Wagner Fakes, Marshall Foster and Darin Moore. LaVerna, 78, was born on August 24, 1948 in Louisiana, MO, the daughter of Chester Leo and Mildree Alice Foster Ross. She passed away Saturday morning, November 7, 2026 at the Elsberry Health Care Center near Elsberry. Raised in the Elsberry community where she was active in 4-H, many school activities and played softball, LaVerna was a 1966 graduate of Elsberry High School.

Lincoln County Journal · Elsberry, MO

Nearby: Elsberry, MO

Ambulance District Bond Proposal Approved 53-47 Percent, Still Fails

Super majority required for passage; Elsberry fire district passes levy increase By Gregory Orear Senior General Manager TROY – While a majority of Lincoln County voters approved a $20 million bond levy for the ambulance district, it wasn’t enough to meet the 57.1 percent super-majority required for passage. According to the Lincoln County Clerk’s office, 10,453 voters, or 52.8 percent, approved the bond issue while 9,332 said no. However, according to Missouri law, bond levy proposals require a 57.1 percent voter approval compared to the 50 percent threshold for a sales tax. Consequently, the proposal needed to swing 845 votes from no to yes in order to pass. The proposal would have extended debt service levies by five years, generating nearly $20 million in revenue for the construction and equipping of a new station near Hawk Point and equipment upgrades throughout the district. Ambulance Director Ray Antonacci was disappointed with the results while appreciative of the support.