Fountain Park

Victims trapped inside a collapsed St. Louis church say 911 calls went to nonemergency line

When a tornado struck Centennial Christian Church on May 16, three people were trapped inside under debris. Their emergency calls went unanswered.

Race, Identity & Faith

‘We’re not going anywhere’: Centennial Christian Church announces plan to rebuild

Marissanne Lewis-Thompson

Centennial Christian Church unveiled its plan to rebuild in the Fountain Park neighborhood.

Patricia Penelton is seen standing in front of angel wings in an undated photo. Penelton, 74, died on May 16 after a tornado struck the St. Louis region. Friends and family remember Penelton as a spunky and dedicated servant who spent over 40 years at Centennial Christian Church in Fountain Park.

Health, Science & Environment

'God was well pleased': Loved ones remember St. Louis tornado victim Patricia Penelton

Lacretia Wimbley

Penelton, 74, spent nearly 40 years as a beloved member and spiritual mother at Centennial Christian Church in Fountain Park. Family and friends said goodbye Tuesday at a funeral service in Jennings.

From left to right, family members Florence Bills, Earleana Scott, Tina Turner and Margaret White prepare to release balloons on Bayard Ave. in St. Louis on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in honor of Rena Scott-Lyles, who was killed in the tornado last week. Scott-Lyles' three-story home (pictured at right) completely collapsed as she ran to her basement.

Health, Science & Environment

Rena Scott-Lyles’ family releases balloons to say goodbye after she died in Friday’s tornado

Lacretia Wimbley

The EF3 tornado that tore through the St. Louis region last week destroyed the Scott-Lyles family's legacy home — a house that had stood for over a century.

St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson speaks to the press on Friday afternoon after Mansur Ball-Bey's preliminary autopsy.

Government, Politics & Issues

Preliminary autopsy shows Ball-Bey was shot in the back, circuit attorney launches her own review

Jason Rosenbaum

Updated at 9 p.m. Friday with announcement from Jennifer Joyce - St. Louis is on high alert after police released the preliminary autopsy of an…

Alderman Terry Kennedy, left, has been dealing with the aftermath of a police shooting in his ward. The 18th Ward Democrat says the past couple of days showcases unconfortable truths about poverty and trust in St. Louis.

Government, Politics & Issues

On the trail: For Alderman Kennedy, police shooting shines spotlight on disparity and distrust

Jason Rosenbaum

For the past few days, Alderman Terry Kennedy has been through a complex whirlwind.Kennedy’s 18th Ward includes the intersection of Walton and Page, the…

We Must Stop Killing Each Other signs are posted on the security gate of a building near where Mansur Ball-Bey was shot by police.

Government, Politics & Issues

Fountain Park residents reflect on police shooting — and its tense aftermath

Jason Rosenbaum

On Thursday morning, sisters Debbie and Darlene Ball were sweeping up around the front yard in St. Louis’ Fountain Park area. Several big teddy bears were…