Tornado

Ernest Curry survived the St. Louis tornado ducked down in his hallway and is trying now to move past damage that feels insurmountable.

Patricia Penelton, 74, worked as a volunteer at the seminary’s community garden for the last seven years, helping to grow collard and mustard greens, kale, tomatoes, okra, cucumbers, carrots and various herbs.

During the first meeting of the House Future Caucus in St. Louis, Mayor Cara Spencer said that without an immediate response from FEMA, the state will have to step up in instances of disaster.

Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley sent a letter to the federal agency about the reported delays of aid to victims of the May 16 tornado that ripped through St. Louis.

More than four months later, north St. Louis streets, alleyways and sidewalks are starting to look clearer as city contractors remove debris from the May 16 tornado. But neighbors say the job isn’t as far along as they’d like, and in some cases the work is falling short.

Staff at the centers can help residents with their disaster assistance applications, answer questions and upload required documents.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer’s office said FEMA is providing a lump sum and will cover 75% of eligible debris removal costs, with the state covering the remaining 25%.

In the wake of the May 16 tornado, applications for demolition permits on private property doubled. Property owners are making tough decisions to raze their homes, and whether to stay or leave the city.

Residents can apply to join five different community-led planning committees, which is being launched through the PlanSTL Neighborhood Planning Program. The deadline to apply is Oct. 13.

Residents want the city to move faster to disperse $30 million in Rams settlement interest for tornado relief, as others say FEMA didn’t provide enough money to cover repairs.