Missouri and Kansas can expect double-digit Obamacare premium hikes again

Kansas Citians who buy health insurance through hearthcare.gov can expect to pay much more for monthly premiums next year. According to preliminary rate filings submitted to state insurance… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Lame Duck Gov makes a few appointments” (Nov 2008)

Referendum campaign asks court to block new Missouri map from November election

The campaign seeking a public vote on Missouri’s gerrymandered congressional map is asking a Cole County judge to do more than put the referendum on the November ballot — it wants the court to… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “25th Ward Endorses Hubbard” (Apr 2008)

This Week’s Photos: August 6th, 2026

This week’s photo gallery features Ne-Yo and Akon electrifying the crowd during their “Nights Like This Tour” stop at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, capturing an unforgettable night of live music. We… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Proudie wins primary to succeed Brian Williams

State Rep. Raychel Proudie won the Democratic primary for Missouri Senate District 14. Proudie, who has represented House District 73 since 2019, is in line to succeed term-limited state Sen. Brian… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Mailer Causes Absentee Confusion” (Oct 2008)

Akon and Ne-Yo remind St. Louis of their staying power

Even with the big-ticket co-headlining trend in full swing, a shared bill featuring Akon and Ne-Yo wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card when it was announced early this winter. Not top of mind or bottom of… — St. Louis American

Zimmerman defeats Williams, Mosley in county executive race

St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman won the Democratic nomination for county executive Tuesday in a three-way race to succeed Sam Page, who chose not to seek another term. In final unofficial… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “VIDEO: Young Lawyers, Triplett and Smith Come Out for Barack Obama” (Dec 2007)

When an overdose occurs, you make the difference

In 2021, 397 people lost their lives to drug-related overdose in Saint Louis County. In the years since then, community members have been responding to overdoses, and that number fell to 217 in 2024.… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

The Daily Brief runs every morning. Headlines and excerpts belong to the linked outlets — click through and support them. Missouri Independent stories are republishable under Creative Commons.

What Tuesday’s primary results say about Amendment 5 and the next Missouri Senate

Missourians went to the polls Tuesday, and the results resist a single storyline. Here’s what’s worth noticing. Amendment 5 is the clearest verdict of the night. It lost 83-16. Not close, not… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “POLL: Should the Gov’t rescue the auto industry?” (Nov 2008)

Missouri senator running for majority leader loses GOP primary

Missouri Republicans ousted a sitting state senator and split their verdict among insurgents and establishment-backed candidates in a Tuesday primary that reshaped the likely balance inside a GOP… — Missouri Independent

Chris Stigall wins Republican primary for Missouri’s 6th Congressional District

Conservative talk radio host Chris Stigall triumphed in a five-way Republican primary for Missouri’s 6th Congressional district on Tuesday. Stigall received 44% of the vote, besting his nearest… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Lame Duck Gov makes a few appointments” (Nov 2008)

State Auditor Fitzpatrick cruises to nomination for second term in low-key primary

Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick easily won renomination Tuesday as the Republican candidate for a second term, taking more than 80% of the vote against Jerry Wistrand of Oak Grove. The… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Rick Brattin wins Missouri 5th District GOP primary amid uncertainty over district lines

A late endorsement from President Donald Trump boosted state Sen. Rick Brattin to the Republican nomination for Congress in Missouri’s 5th District Tuesday against former Boone County Clerk Taylor… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Lame Duck Gov makes a few appointments” (Nov 2008)

Missouri voters reject income tax phaseout, initiative petition changes

Missouri voters rejected major Republican priorities on Tuesday as proposals to eliminate the income tax and change the way initiative petition majorities are counted lost by large margins across the… — Missouri Independent

Wesley Bell beats Cori Bush in Democratic primary for St. Louis congressional seat

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell staved off former Congresswoman Cori Bush in the Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, ending the most expensive candidate primary in… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Board Hires Reed Aide as Attorney [Updated] ” (Jan 2008)

The Daily Brief runs every morning. Headlines and excerpts belong to the linked outlets — click through and support them. Missouri Independent stories are republishable under Creative Commons.

Missouri Primary Election Day FAQ: What you need to know to make sure your vote counts

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday to choose nominees for state auditor, Congress and a host of state legislative seats, as well as decide the fate of four proposed constitutional amendments. The… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Negative, false and misleading political ads pollute and undermine the election process

What is your reaction when viewing TV, listening to the radio or surfing digital platforms and there is a political ad filled with false and misleading information that you can neither verify nor… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Video: Frizz Fest helps entrepreneurs bloom

Watch the video on Instagram: Frizz Fest’s Blooming Business Training equips local entrepreneurs with the tools to grow and prepare for this year’s festival. Local entrepreneurs took part in Frizz… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “VIDEO: Blunt on pay increases, pardons” (Nov 2008)

Harriet Tubman and the color of money

Money tells a historic story. Every portrait placed on a bill announces whom this nation has chosen to honor—and whose history it expects us to carry in our pockets. Ten years ago, the Treasury… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Harriett Woods Post Office” (Aug 2007)

Preliminary hearing held for d4vd 

A preliminary hearing revealed additional details on some of the evidence prosecutors say they have gathered against singer d4vd in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. According to… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “The Team 4 Debate: What’s Next?” (Mar 2008)

Nivea reveals leukemia diagnosis

Grammy-nominated singer Nivea revealed she was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. The singer told ABC News she was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in early 2026 after two bone marrow… — St. Louis American

Use your vote, don’t waste it

We have important elections this year, and elections have consequences. A lot is riding on how we vote — or, worse, if we choose not to vote at all. There are concerted efforts at the national level… — St. Louis American

The Daily Brief runs every morning. Headlines and excerpts belong to the linked outlets — click through and support them. Missouri Independent stories are republishable under Creative Commons.

Missouri turnout could hit 1.4 million as ballot measures drive primary interest

Missouri election officials expect as many as 1.4 million voters will cast ballots by the time polls close Tuesday, continuing the historic trend of high turnout in primary elections featuring major… — Missouri Independent

Nine Republican primaries, one question: what do GOP voters want from Jefferson City?

For weeks, The Independent has profiled 11 state Senate primaries on Tuesday’s ballot, including nine Republican contests. In most of these districts, the primary is the whole election. Read… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Simckes: No Negative Attacks In Treasurer Primary ” (May 2008)

Haitian immigrants report to Ohio ICE office, exit with ankle monitors

BLUE ASH, OH – Several Haitian residents reported to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in suburban Cincinnati on Sunday, Aug. 2, and at least two people were given ankle monitors. Many… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Palin: Muslims are Welcome” (Oct 2008)

T.I. and Tiny celebrate ‘Sweet 16’ wedding anniversary

Rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris and singer Tameka “Tiny” Harris celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows during a romantic ceremony in Jamaica. Family and friends surrounded them.… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Heading to Denver Today” (Aug 2008)

A Muny dream comes true for 13‑year‑old Myles Lacey

Thirteen‑year‑old Myles Lacey has sung in stadiums, on television and at events across the region. But stepping onto The Muny stage this week as part of the youth ensemble for Ain’t Too Proud: The… — St. Louis American

Prayer built the ministry. The platform came later

Every day at noon, Dr. LeKesha Attuquayefio’s grandmother disappeared into the bedroom of her modest home in Houston, a Bible in one hand and her family’s burdens in the other. But when the clock… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Clay on the Death of Stephanie Tubbs Jones ” (Aug 2008)

The Daily Brief runs every morning. Headlines and excerpts belong to the linked outlets — click through and support them. Missouri Independent stories are republishable under Creative Commons.

Friendly Academy founder turns personal perseverance into opportunity for North St. Louis students

Dr. Tesha Robinson has spent her career creating the kind of school she needed when she was a child. At 39, she has earned a doctorate, worked as a social worker, served as a principal and now leads… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Democrat Nadal supports Republican Gibbons for A.G., slams Chris Koster” (Nov 2008)

South Carolina puts Black voters in driver’s seat

The Democratic Party’s decision to elevate South Carolina as the first 2028 presidential primary provides Black voters with an historic opportunity. Black voters will lead in determining which… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Prices keep climbing

Prices continue to rise, and consumers make more intentional purchases. However, data center construction is helping keep the region’s economy afloat, according to a report from the Federal Reserve… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Obama Touring Battleground States, Including MO” (Aug 2008)

PSC seeks comments on utility assistance programs

The Missouri Public Service Commission is seeking public comments from people who have received assistance through investor-owned utility assistance programs. Comments are due by Aug. 31 and will… — St. Louis American

Seen, supported and celebrated

“We want our businesses to be successful not only at Frizz Fest, but on their journey along entrepreneurship,” said Frizzy By Nature founder and CEO Leslie Hughes. The workshop also underscored Frizz… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “The Tale of Peter Kinder” (Nov 2008)

The Daily Brief runs every morning. Headlines and excerpts belong to the linked outlets — click through and support them. Missouri Independent stories are republishable under Creative Commons.

Why the stakes are high for Missouri in Trump’s Canada tariffs

President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 50% tariff on certain Canadian imports has renewed attention to U.S.-Canada trade. While much of the national conversation about trade focuses on China, for… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Tear Down the San Luis for a Parking Lot on Lindell?” (Mar 2008)

Amid federal changes, advocates question the role of private insurers in Missouri Medicaid

Missouri’s Medicaid program is heading into its hardest budget years in at least a decade. A federal law passed by Congress last year, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, threatens more than $1 billion… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “ACORN Endorses Jeff Harris for A.G.” (Feb 2008)

When families question a death investigation, getting a second autopsy can be complicated

After investigators ruled 31-year-old high school counselor and coach Kelsey Harris’ death a suicide in 2021, her mother, Kellee, said she was not convinced the inquiry had answered the most… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

‘Def Poetry Jam’ star Black Ice dead at 54

Black Ice, the Philadelphia poet who became one of the most powerful voices in performance poetry, has died. He was 54. Born Lamar Manson, the Def Poetry Jam standout delivered sharp examinations of… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Medicaid cuts could hit community clinics hard 

Potential reductions in federal Medicaid funding could affect community health centers like Affinia Healthcare, which serves more than 43,700 patients across the St. Louis region, Democratic… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “ACORN Endorses Jeff Harris for A.G.” (Feb 2008)

Program prepares St. Louis businesses for corporate contracts 

For many small businesses, landing a contract with a Fortune 500 company or major institution can be more difficult than developing a good product. A Greater St. Louis Inc. program opening… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “KWMU moving to Grand Center” (Nov 2008)

FEMA grant could expand St. Louis tornado recovery team 

The city of St. Louis has received a $2.9 million federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to continue long-term recovery services for residents affected by the May 16 tornado. The… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

The Daily Brief runs every morning. Headlines and excerpts belong to the linked outlets — click through and support them. Missouri Independent stories are republishable under Creative Commons.

Missouri voters weigh ending income tax. Here’s how other states replace the revenue

Voters have the opportunity Aug. 4 to put Missouri on track to be the 10th state without an individual income tax. Many of the states without an income tax have to get creative in the way they… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Missouri governor fills long-vacant teacher seat on state education board

Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed a former mayor of St. Louis and a Kansas City math teacher to the State Board of Education Thursday, filling a voting seat representing the 1st Congressional District and an… — Missouri Independent

Vast produce supply chain complicates tracking cyclospora in Missouri and Kansas

The same food supply chain that lets restaurants serve nearly identical produce in Missouri, Michigan or California can also make it remarkably difficult to figure out where contamination began when… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “POLL: Should the Gov’t rescue the auto industry?” (Nov 2008)

Flap over noncitizens on state voter rolls seen as unlikely to boost SAVE America Act

WASHINGTON — Suddenly there’s evidence that noncitizens were on voting rolls in New Jersey, and there are new questions about the credibility of Alaska’s voter data. Republicans say that’s a big deal… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Johnson Says Her Race Is For Real” (Apr 2008)

MATI rewind: Take two.

MATI rewind: Take two. As I promised, I want to give more space for Music at the Intersection 2026. Yes, it was two weeks ago at this point, but I still have some things to say – and I know y’all… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Isaac Keys returns to St. Louis with message of healing 

Actor and former NFL linebacker Isaac Keys returned to his hometown with a message he said he spent years avoiding: Black men don’t have to hide their struggles with trauma and depression. Speaking… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Things Fall Apart: Censorship and turmoil at the city's oldest black newspaper” (Oct 2005)

Former CBC baseball star Derrick Pitts delivers for USA and Cincinnati

St. Louisan Derrick Pitts has enjoyed a standout year on the baseball diamond in collegiate and international competition. The former CBC standout had a breakout sophomore year at the University of… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

The Daily Brief runs every morning. Headlines and excerpts belong to the linked outlets — click through and support them. Missouri Independent stories are republishable under Creative Commons.

Judge promises quick decision on challenge to Missouri property tax caps

A Cole County judge said Wednesday he will rule quickly on a case that will determine if property tax caps voted on in April take effect later this year. At the end of a three-hour hearing, Circuit… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

What Missouri officials didn’t explain about an LGBTQ+ library story time

Denny Hoskins wants to cut a library’s funding over two books he has not read. He Googled them, saw excerpts and looked at some pictures. For Missouri’s secretary of state, that was enough. The books… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “POLL: Should the Gov’t rescue the auto industry?” (Nov 2008)

Attempt to halt imminent deportations of Haitians and Syrians blocked in US Senate

WASHINGTON — U.S. Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen Wednesday tried to advance in the Senate a bill that would create a legal pathway for immigrants with Temporary Protected Status. However,… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Campaign spending accelerates as Missouri primary election draws near

Ballot measure campaigns raised almost $40 million through the third week of July as they paid for ads and direct mail appeals bombarding Missourians ahead of Tuesday’s primary election.  Early… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Our endorsements for Tuesday’s ballot

Tuesday’s ballot presents voters with some extraordinarily consequential choices, from choosing who will represent the St. Louis region in Congress to statewide measures that could raise sales taxes… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “The Tale of Peter Kinder” (Nov 2008)

This Week’s Photos: July 30th, 2026

This week’s photo gallery captures newsworthy moments from across St. Louis and the surrounding region, offering a visual look at the people, places and events shaping the community. Former House… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Saving the tools of Democracy

Most voters take the valued tools of democracy for granted. We can access them readily without thinking about how society got them, or who’s responsible for protecting them. The foundational,… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Democrat Nadal supports Republican Gibbons for A.G., slams Chris Koster” (Nov 2008)

The Daily Brief runs every morning. Headlines and excerpts belong to the linked outlets — click through and support them. Missouri Independent stories are republishable under Creative Commons.

Since death penalty’s return 50 years ago, Missouri executes prisoners at high rate

For more than two decades, Vincent McFadden has been sitting on Missouri’s death row. He’s watched a steady stream of his friends get marched off to their executions — and he’s waiting for his own as… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “POLL: Should the Gov’t rescue the auto industry?” (Nov 2008)

Rural Missouri’s future depends on its public schools

Next month, a child waiting for the bus in a rural district may stand beside a two-lane road, looking across land that has been in one family for generations. But more and more, that will not be the… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Blunt to Professor: Missouri McCain supporters aren’t racists” (Nov 2008)

Missouri Republicans threaten library funding over ‘rainbow story time’

Missouri Republican officials threatened Tuesday to cut state funding for Columbia’s public library after staff held a reading of LGBTQ+ children’s books last week. Secretary of State Denny Hoskins… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Shields, Engler to lead State Senate” (Nov 2008)

Missouri hospitals seek to address workforce challenges as turnover rates rise

About five years after hospitals were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce trends appear to be stabilizing. In 2021, overall vacancy rates for hospital positions in Missouri were at 17%, but… — Missouri Independent

FEMA awards $2.9 million to St. Louis for continued tornado recovery casemanagement

The City of St. Louis has received $2.9 million in federal grant funding from theFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to continue longterm recoveryservices for residents affected by the May 16… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

Community rallies around young lemonade entrepreneur

An 11-year-old Dellwood entrepreneur whose lemonade stand was shut down over what city officials later acknowledged was a misunderstanding is back in business after the mayor apologized and the city… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Green announces run for mayor (No, not that Green)” (Nov 2008)

Still believing in the ‘American Dream’

The promise of America was that the policies were supposed to support the people. It’s not really a question of left or right. It’s about whether we believe in this American promise — a place where… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Irene, Maida and Mike — a Tale of Delusion, Promise and Possibility” (Nov 2008)

The Daily Brief runs every morning. Headlines and excerpts belong to the linked outlets — click through and support them. Missouri Independent stories are republishable under Creative Commons.

Abortion returns to southwest Missouri after more than two decades without local access

It’s been nearly 21 years since Missourians living in Springfield could access abortion without driving at least a couple hours. That ended Monday. The city’s Planned Parenthood clinic began offering… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “MoveOn: The Facts on McCain’s VP Pick” (Aug 2008)

Missouri’s shift to phonics-based reading instruction worries some teachers

It is no secret that Missouri struggles to achieve proficiency in reading. In 2024, 42% of Missouri’s fourth grade students scored below basic, meaning they did not meet the lowest performance… — Missouri Independent

Flood of poll watchers, observers, monitors to descend on midterm voters

WASHINGTON — Political party poll watchers are showing up more and more, usually outside polling places. They have a different mission than the nonpartisan election observers long regarded as… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Of Parks and People (Part 1)” (Aug 2008)

Wash U hosts first-ever Girls Inc. national summit

Girls Inc. made history in St. Louis this week, bringing more than 250 young women from over 30 affiliates across the United States and Canada to Washington University for its first-ever National… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Lame Duck Gov makes a few appointments” (Nov 2008)

Kin, conflict and cruelty

“Babe, I’m finna lose my whole family for you”. So went the Instagram post from a 15-year-old East St. Louis teen to her 16-year-old boyfriend, only to be followed by a horrific series of seven… — St. Louis American

Missouri voters should reject Amendments 4 and 5

As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, we should be asking more than whether our democracy has endured. We should be asking whether people still have meaningful ways to shape the decisions that… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Smith, Hubbard, Allen, & Old North” (Sep 2007)

SLU student joins Aspen advisory group

Faith Townsell, a political science major at Saint Louis University, has been appointed to the Aspen Institute’s Rising Generations Strategy Group. Townsell is one of 40 members selected for the… — St. Louis American

The Daily Brief runs every morning. Headlines and excerpts belong to the linked outlets — click through and support them. Missouri Independent stories are republishable under Creative Commons.