Welcome
Welcome to the 4th edition of the St. Louis Young Democrats newsletter, where you'll find information about the City, State, and Federal government and other relevant news. In this edition you'll read about Chief Tracy's potential six-figure pay cut, redistricting plans from Gov. Kehoe, public media's financial situation, and the largest flotilla yet heading for Gaza.
Join us to tabling at Tower Grove Pride, September 27th & 28th. All volunteers who register for a shift will receive a STLYD t-shirt (volunteer sign up).
Sincerely,
STLYD Executive Board
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Chief Robert Tracy, SLMPD; photo from St. Louis Police Department website.
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Police Chief may see six-figure salary cut
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St. Louis, MO - The City of St. Louis may soon be facing a difficult financial decision. Police Chief Robert Tracy could see a $100,000 pay cut, as the three-year salary supplementation from the St. Louis Police Foundation is ending. “It was always just going to be a three-year agreement,” said Michelle Craig, chief of the St. Louis Police Foundation, in an interview with the Post Dispatch on Thursday.
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According to the City Charter (Article 18 Section 31), if a pay increase is made for Chief Tracy; the Fire Chief is entitled the same. This clause establishes pay parity for the police department ranks and their equivalents within the fire department. Reportedly, neither City Hall nor the Board of Police Commissioners had an immediate plan to address the anticipated pay cut.
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Show Me News
Stories and news from around the state.
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Map depicting the proposed redistricting of the Kansas City metro; from the Office of Governor Kehoe.
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Governor Kehoe calls special session to redraw Missouri's congressional districts
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St. Louis, MO - Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has called a special session for State lawmakers, with the intent to redraw Missouri’s congressional districts. This special session is set to begin at noon (12pm) September 3rd. Along with this announcement Friday, the Governor’s office published their proposed map. This comes after direct calls from President Donald Trump to leaders of red states to draw more favorable maps ahead of the 2026 midterms.
In the proposed map, the Governor’s office proposes splitting the Kansas City metro area into three districts. This has notably been seen as an attempt to oust incumbent Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. “We’re going to fight this all the way,” Cleaver said, in an interview with KSHB 41. This is a blatant attempt to gerrymander our State to favor Republicans, to locate your elected representation in the Missouri Legislature visit here.
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Public Media outlets grapple with government funding cuts
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Following the passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025, many public media stations are grappling with the effects. The rescissions package cut $1.1 billion in funding from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, many stations are arranging emergency fundraisers to mend the holes blown into their budget. Some facing a budgeting gap as much as 18 percent, such is the case for KSPS in Spokane, Washington.
“The initial response in terms of support for both stations and the NPR network has been extraordinary,” said Katherine Maher, NPR president in an interview with the Associated Press.
If you’re looking for ways to help maintain public media, consider donating to Nine PBS or St. Louis Public Radio.
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Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash
Largest flotilla yet departs from Barcelona, in an attempt to break Israel's blockade
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The largest attempt yet to break the Israeli blockade departed from Barcelona, Spain this Sunday following ramped up activity within the territory. Israel has been limiting deliveries of food and basic supplies in the North of the territory. The United Nations as of August 22nd, estimates that by the end of September over half a million individuals will be suffering ‘catastrophic’ levels of food insecurity across the Gaza strip.
In August during a briefing at UN headquarters in Geneva, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said this famine was preventable, “if we had been allowed.”
An estimated 1.6 million individuals will also be facing varying levels of food insecurity throughout Gaza, according to numbers provided by the United Nations. The Associated Press reports the convoy consists of approx. 20 boats with individuals from 44 countries, carrying food, water, and medicine.
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Tower Grove Pride 2025
It's coming up fast! Join us in September as we speak with attendees about join our organization, and the importance of civic engagement.
Any volunteers who sign up for a two-hour shift will receive a free St. Louis Young Dems t-shirt. Don't wait, sign up now!
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New Newsletter? Yes.
This is the second edition of our new newsletter, if you'd like to continue receiving our newsletter, subscribe below.
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Thank you!
We would like to thank you for being apart of our Organization, and for supporting our mission. The St. Louis Young Democrats work to build progressive power in the St. Louis Region through supporting progressive candidates, initiatives, and through direct action. If you'd like to support our work, please consider donating.
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