Missourians access abortion pills at in-state clinics for first time since 2018

For the first time since 2018, patients in Missouri this week were able to obtain medication abortions without leaving the state. The shift came after Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang ruled… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Nixon picks Kelvin Simmons to lead Office of Admin.” (Nov 2008)

Trump spikes housing bill at last minute, refusing to sign until SAVE America Act passes

President Donald Trump derailed a housing overhaul that he was set to sign into law Wednesday, canceling a signing ceremony for the broadly popular bipartisan bill until Congress passes an election… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri promised automatic marijuana expungements. Some records may remain uncleared

Missouri courts were supposed to automatically erase eligible marijuana misdemeanors from criminal records by June 8, 2023, six months after voters legalized recreational marijuana. But in a recent… — Missouri Independent

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

This Week’s Photos: June 25th, 2026

This week’s photo gallery features Harris-Stowe State University’s ceremonial beam signing, marking a major milestone in the university’s continued campus growth and investment in its future. We also… — St. Louis American

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

House of Soul’s Juneteenth Fashion Show takes over Washington Avenue

House of Soul’s 7th Annual Juneteenth Block Party transformed Washington Avenue into a celebration of Black culture, creativity, and community, highlighted by a vibrant outdoor fashion show curated… — St. Louis American

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

County Council’s delay nearly created a health care crisis 

Two Black elected officials placed health care for nearly 1,300 people — most of them Black — at risk while exposing St. Louis County taxpayers to potentially significant financial liability. Rita… — St. Louis American

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

Morial highlights Urban League’s work after tornado 

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial praised the St. Louis chapter for its response to the May 2025 tornado and urged greater investment in communities during a visit Tuesday to the… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Diversity “Dream Keeper’s” Fair” (Apr 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 secretary of state sues to close records on redistricting referendum signatures 

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins wants the courts to shield him from disclosing how his office is reviewing a disputed batch of signatures on a referendum petition challenging the state’s new… — Missouri Independent

What does the Fourth of July mean to you?

Please send your commentary and a headshot to social@stlamerican.com. The post What does the Fourth of July mean to you? appeared first on St. Louis American. — St. Louis American

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

How the Democratic party lost its way

The party of Andrew Jackson has spent a decade running from him. It should keep the two things he got right. I have been active in the Democratic Party most of my life. Long enough to love it. Long… — St. Louis American

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

St. Louis area soccer standout Eric McWoods talks USMNT at the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World is in full swing across North America with several exciting matches in group stage play. One very interested observer of the action is former Kirkwood High soccer standout Eric… — St. Louis American

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

Kevin Hart says Spike Lee deserves a Knicks championship ring

Kevin Hart and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith are among those calling for Spike Lee to get a championship ring after the New York Knicks won their first title in 53 years. Hart posted a video on Instagram… — St. Louis American

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

St. Louis-area girls teams make strong showing at Midwest Showcase 

The Midwest Showcase concluded its two-week run last weekend in Columbia as the girls took center stage. Nearly 100 top girls’ high school basketball programs from a six-state region competed in… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Antonio French on Midwest Talking Points” (Oct 2008)

STL Confluence elects treasurer, adds board members

St. Louis Confluence, a nonprofit that supports TEDxStLouis and TEDxStLouis Women, has elected Esmeralda Aharon as treasurer and appointed Huvona Watkins, Larry Morris and Lyah B. LeFlore-Ituen to… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Blunt to Name Gambaro to BOE [Updated]” (Jun 2007)

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 parks tax won every county in 2016. Backers worry about crowded primary this year

For more than 40 years, Missourians have paid a small sales tax that supports state parks and soil and water protection programs. This year it is on the Aug. 4 ballot for a 10-year renewal. After… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Coalition Vows to Fight Attack on Affirmative Action” (Apr 2008)

Missouri marijuana microbusiness application period to open July 13

The application window to win one of 77 microbusiness marijuana licenses through a lottery selection will open July 13-27.  The selection lottery is scheduled to take place on Sept. 9, and the… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Reed calls on Slay to fire IT dept head” (Sep 2008)

STL Sites and Sounds

CONCERTS  Sun., July 5, 7 p.m., City Winery St. Louis welcomes Glenn Jones, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO. For more information, visit www.citywinery.com.   Fri., July 10, 7 p.m.… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “How to disenfranchise (um, disenchant) a voter in 59 easy steps” (Nov 2008)

POOL-ITICAL WATERGATE?

Here we go again! Last summer I reported that it had been over a decade since the youth of East St. Louis had a public pool, splash pad, or aquatic facility to enjoy during the dog days of summer.… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Police Board Hires Isom as New Chief” (Oct 2008)

Dancer and St. Louis native Reginald Ray-Savage dies at 67

Before the world knew him as a force in jazz dance and a mentor who shaped generations, Reginald Ray-Savage was a young man from St. Louis who walked into the Muny, saw Rudolf Nureyev, and never… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Clay: MO Back in the Death Business” (Jul 2007)

Sliding back to racial tyranny

When U.S. Rep. James Clyburn warned that America risks sliding backward toward the post-Reconstruction era, many heard the words but failed to grasp the horror behind them. They should. The… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “'Interim' No More [Updated]” (Sep 2006)

Clive Davis, architect of modern popular music and champion of generations of artists, dies at 94

Clive Davis — the record executive whose ear, instincts, and long-view approach to artistry helped shape the sound of popular music for more than half a century — has died. He was 94. Newsweek… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “New Principals” (Jun 2006)

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.

Childbirth left a Missouri mother paralyzed. Childcare access helped her heal

The birth of Danielle Stewart’s daughter thrust her into advocacy. She tells the story often. “Imagine walking into a hospital to have your first child,” Stewart said. “And leaving on a stretcher… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “McMillan Hands Out $600K in Grants” (Dec 2006)

Mildly blue or a blue tsunami? 9 states will decide if Dems flip control of U.S. Senate

Democrats are growing hopeful they can recapture the U.S. Senate in this fall’s midterm elections amid President Donald Trump’s plummeting approval ratings.  But they still need nearly everything to… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “His Name is John Wayne… John Wayne Tucker” (Apr 2008)

SLSO and IN UNISON honor the soul of a people

When LaKisha Jones sang “I’m Here,” the signature song from the Tony Award-winning musical The Color Purple, she made two pronoun changes that captured the intention behind the St. Louis Symphony… — St. Louis American

Bailey Hensgens wins gold medal at USATF U20 Championships

Incarnate Word Academy girls track and field star Bailey Hensgens continued her magnificent season by winning another championship. Hensgens won the gold medal in the high jump at the USATF U20… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Protester strips downtown to bring attention to animal mistreatment” (Nov 2005)

A presidential prince and the paupers

America once worried about an imperial presidency. Now we have an imperial presidency merged with a family business. And somehow, too many Americans are shrugging. Perhaps that shrug is less… — St. Louis American

Keke Palmer gets candid about growing up in fame

Keke Palmer opened up about how early fame affected her and her family during a conversation with Whoopi Goldberg at the Tribeca Festival. Palmer said that while she was becoming a star in projects… — St. Louis American

SERA Rodeo brings Black cowboy culture to Chaifetz Arena

The SERA Rodeo returned to Chaifetz Arena on Saturday afternoon, drawing a crowd ready for an afternoon of competition, culture and community. Riders from across the country arrived with the horses… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “O'Brien Asks State to Step In” (Nov 2006)

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.

Bell joins House Foreign Affairs Committee

News briefs: Aldermen advance major St. Louis water-rate increase St. Louis aldermen have given initial approval to a plan that would raise city water rates by more than 80% over the next six years… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Assassination Plot Foiled?” (Oct 2008)

Public opposition fails to stop police command staff raises 

The St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners approved raises for the city police department’s command staff this week despite objections from Mayor Cara Spencer and criticism from residents who said… — St. Louis American

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

Tyra Banks plans to sue Netflix over ANTM documentary

Tyra Banks is preparing to take legal action against Netflix over its new America’s Next Top Model documentary — and she’s making it clear she did not sign off on the project. According to multiple… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “VIDEO: McCaskill on Obama’s Preacher and Race” (Mar 2008)

Amazon commits $10B to data center campus 

Business briefs: Amazon commits $10B to data center campus  Amazon plans to invest $10 billion in a data center campus in Montgomery County, increasing the project’s projected cost by $2 billion. … — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “A Conversation with Jabari Asim” (Apr 2007)

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.

Nostalgia and nonstop movement

The sounds of early 2000s hip-hop, R&B and pop filled the air on June 7 as Second Sunday: The Cookout transformed Atomic by Jamo into a nostalgic celebration of music, community and dance. What began… — St. Louis American

Local firm plays key role in Juneteenth museum 

A St. Louis architecture firm is helping bring the long-planned National Juneteenth Museum closer to reality as the project moves toward a groundbreaking in Texas scheduled for Oct. 7, 2026 — the… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “How to disenfranchise (um, disenchant) a voter in 59 easy steps” (Nov 2008)

Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari dream an F1 reality

Lewis Hamilton won his first Formula One race and a drivers’ championship with McLaren before moving to Mercedes and becoming the sport’s most dominant driver for more than a decade. When Hamilton… — St. Louis American

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

Autism and advocacy 

When Kimberly Creswell’s son was diagnosed with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself searching for support, understanding and spaces where children on the spectrum could feel… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “O'Brien's Channel 5 Interview” (Nov 2006)

St. Louis American Reader’s Choice Awards 2026

St. Louis American Readers have spoken and voted on the best businesses and services, non-profits and pop-ups that serve, welcome and employ African Americans in St. Louis and surrounding areas. The… — St. Louis American

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

Juneteenth and the covenant of economic liberation

Freedom was declared. But the news arrived late. And for far too many, the fullness of freedom is still delayed. On June 19, 1865, under the blistering Texas sun in Galveston, the last enslaved… — 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.

What the 1.5% actually buys: A promise of quality for Missouri families

A recent commentary in The Missouri Independent asked what the Missouri Charter Public School commission (MCPSC) is doing with the 1.5% sponsorship fee it receives under state law. It is a fair… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri judge strikes down nearly all state abortion regulations

Many of Missouri’s abortion regulations, including laws that Planned Parenthood said made it impossible for providers to prescribe medication abortion, were struck down in a ruling Thursday by a… — Missouri Independent

Elder abuse reports in Missouri continue to rise. Experts still consider them an undercount

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services received and investigated 43,208 reports of Missouri seniors and adults with disabilities being abused or neglected in 2025. That’s about 1,300… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Harris Gets the 25th, Koster Gets the 16th” (Apr 2008)

Remembering freedom

Elizabeth Nash was well into adulthood before she heard much about Juneteenth. Her family’s understanding of freedom began instead with survival — escaping the 1917 East St. Louis Race Massacre. As… — St. Louis American

Check This Out: Juneteenth Reads with the St. Louis Public Library

As Juneteenth approaches, it’s a great time to learn more about the holiday and its significance. Jaelyn from the St. Louis Public Library recommends two books that help readers of all ages better… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “How to disenfranchise (um, disenchant) a voter in 59 easy steps” (Nov 2008)

The Black Rep’s golden season

The Black Rep’s golden season. When I tell you I was outside this weekend – I’m talking all over this town, all weekend long. I got things started in Lafayette Square – where me and several of my… — St. Louis American

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

Fatherhood in action

Learning how to stay calm under pressure and show up consistently for his children was one of the biggest lessons Mikhail Foster Sr. took away from six weeks in the Responsible Fatherhood program at… — 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 voters passed a sales tax cap. Under Amendment 4, it would have failed

Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2016 barring state and local governments from imposing new sales taxes on most services — a measure its backers pitched as protection against… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri revives tax incentive that could aid Royals stadium, Kansas City riverfront projects

Before the Power & Light District became the hub of entertainment and economic activity in Kansas City that it is today, the area was blocks of unkempt parking lots and empty storefronts. The… — Missouri Independent

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

Local election officials reel over ‘logistical nightmare’ of Trump’s vote-by-mail order

As election officials across the country steel themselves for the midterm elections in less than five months, President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting voting by mail threatens to upend… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “How to disenfranchise (um, disenchant) a voter in 59 easy steps” (Nov 2008)

This Week’s Photos: June 18th, 2026

This week’s photo gallery features the grand opening of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture, Nutrition Innovation Center, where community leaders gathered to celebrate a new hub focused on… — St. Louis American

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

Mindless Behavior brings the energy to Second Sunday

Second Sunday brought music, energy, and community together at Atomic by Jamo as attendees packed the venue for an evening of live performances, dancing, and celebration. Curated by DJ LaLa Young (DJ… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Of Parks and People (Part 2)” (Aug 2008)

Soul of a people

Music is the thread that weaves together the Black experience in America. The contributions of Black people to the canon of American music represent more than creative expression through sound. They… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Connie Johnson Kicks Off Senate Campaign” (Apr 2008)

Elite hoops heat up: Midwest Showcase shines in Columbia

One of my favorite high school basketball events to attend during the summer is the Midwest Showcase. This year’s event was held last weekend at the Columbia Fieldhouse in mid-Missouri. I cannot… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “VIDEO: The Numbers Are Against Clinton” (Apr 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.

Trump’s misaligned spending priorities

“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.” — President… — St. Louis American

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

Grammy-winning songwriter Talay Riley fatally stabbed in London

Grammy-winning songwriter Talay Riley has died after a stabbing in east London, according to the Metropolitan Police. He was 35. Riley — born Mark Orabiyi — was found with stab wounds at a residence… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Election Night parties you don’t want to miss” (Nov 2008)

Health and wellness tips for cancer survivors

Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. Maybe we have friends or family who’ve been diagnosed, or maybe you’re one of the 18 million people in the U.S. living as a cancer survivor. Given… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Lame Duck Gov makes a few appointments” (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 settlements halt sales of concentrated kratom product 7-OH

Dustin Robinson says he was skeptical when a longtime friend first approached him about going into business selling a concentrated kratom compound known as 7-OH. Robinson had served seven years in a… — Missouri Independent

Missouri state education board selects interim commissioner amid leadership shakeup

The Missouri State Board of Education on Monday named educational consultant Stacey Preis as the state’s interim commissioner, putting a former department official and legislative researcher in… — Missouri Independent

Local election officials go with Missouri’s gerrymandered congressional map despite uncertainty

Missouri election officials will begin mailing Aug. 4 primary ballots Tuesday to military and overseas voters using the state’s gerrymandered congressional districts, even as the legal status of… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “How to disenfranchise (um, disenchant) a voter in 59 easy steps” (Nov 2008)

Missouri Medicaid will no longer cover chiropractic care after budget cuts

Dr. Quinn James testified in the Missouri Capitol for nine years before lawmakers passed legislation in 2018 that allows chiropractors like him to provide services through the state’s Medicaid… — Missouri Independent

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

Aaliyah Leggs STLCC commencement student marshal 

Aaliyah Leggs, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy, represented St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley campus as student marshal during the STLCC 2026 Commencement… — St. Louis American

PJ Morton meet & greet

PJ Morton came by Sophie’s on Friday, June 12, for a pop up listening party and meet and greet with fans. The Grammy-winning artist previewed his new album ahead of its Juneteenth release, giving… — St. Louis American

Juneteenth 2026 events 

Juneteenth celebrations across St. Louis and the Metro East will offer a variety of opportunities to commemorate the holiday through history, music, community service, education and entertainment.… — 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.