Cara Spencer

A St. Louis couple is trying to pick up the pieces after the tornado turned their lives and their literacy nonprofit, Urban Born, upside down.

Mayor Cara Spencer asked FEMA officials Friday to consider a 30-day extension to allow more people to apply for emergency funds in the wake of the May 16 tornado that ripped through St. Louis.

Nate Hayward has spent more than 30 years with St. Louis County. He will replace Doug Burris, who led the City Justice Center on an interim basis after the previous commissioner was fired.

The family of a detainee who died in the St. Louis jail said before his funeral that they’re still searching for answers a month after his death.

Sarah Russell had worked for the City Emergency Management Agency since 2010, and became a deputy commissioner in 2012. They were named CEMA commissioner in 2021.

The external report released Monday confirmed earlier findings that the city lacked clear policies around who would activate sirens in severe weather. But it also found out-of-date emergency plans and a leadership vacuum in the hours and days after the storm.

Outgoing Commissioner Doug Burris speaks highly of Ross despite controversy and leaves a staff of nearly 100 correctional officers at the troubled St. Louis Justice Center, where 20 detainees have died in custody since 2020.

Mayor Cara Spencer sent a letter to state officials in July asking for federal help with debris removal.

Mayor Cara Spencer’s administration has been telegraphing such a move since May.

New offers must be submitted by Sept. 3 to be considered at the Sept. 24 LRA board meeting.