Prevention should not be a buzzword. It should be at the heart of Missouri’s child welfare system

The growing attention being given to Missouri’s child welfare system offers a critical opportunity to address not only the challenges with the system, but the circumstances that bring families to a… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “More Funds to Fight Underage Drinking” (Apr 2008)

Election betting is booming as the midterms near. Do states have the power to curb it?

On Friday morning, the prediction market platform Kalshi gave the Democratic candidate in Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race an 87% chance of winning. The volume of trading on the outcome exceeded $1.8… — Missouri Independent

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

Melanie Stinnett and Betsy Fogle square off in competitive Missouri Senate race in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Melanie Stinnett and Betsy Fogle have more in common than their political affiliations might suggest. Both came to politics after careers helping Missourians navigate a complicated… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “State Rep Experiences Racial Discrimination” (Mar 2008)

‘A Blueprint of Us’ exhibition ends Oct. 10, highlights Black St. Louis voices in genetics and precision medicine research

Cherokee Street has always been a place where St. Louis artists stretch their imaginations. But at INDEX inside The Luminary, the walls are carrying something different. What lines the walls began as… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Clay Brings Committee to St. Louis This Weekend” (Mar 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 Senate battleground pits Jon Patterson against Keri Ingle in Jackson County

LEE’S SUMMIT — Marching up and down the front steps of split level homes in a Lee’s Summit neighborhood on a recent Monday evening, Democratic state Rep. Keri Ingle was not the first to tell… — Missouri Independent

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

Senate Democrats demand apology after Eric Schmitt’s false accusations against Jack Smith

WASHINGTON — The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee is demanding his colleagues across the aisle apologize to former special counsel Jack Smith after Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt… — Missouri Independent

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

Chance the Rapper in vintage form for sold‑out STL stop of ‘Coloring Book’ anniversary tour

At 22, emerging New Orleans rap star La Reezy has the gig of a lifetime as the opening act for Chance the Rapper’s 10th anniversary tour for his game‑changing record Coloring Book. Near the end of… — St. Louis American

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

Archdiocese sues over access to ICE detainees

The Archdiocese of St. Louis has filed a federal lawsuit alleging restrictions at the Ste. Genevieve County Detention Center prevent Catholic priests from providing confession, Communion and other… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: ““Most Endangered” Places to Be Announced, San Luis is One” (May 2008)

One more Saturday until Salute 2026.

That’s right. We only have a week and some change until the gala of all galas goes down! The St. Louis American Foundation’s 39th Annual Salute to Excellence Scholarships and Awards Gala on Saturday,… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Thousands in St. Louis protest California’s gay marriage ban” (Nov 2008)

Nolan Wells’ friends to Fox News: We’re “closer to God”

For the first time since a Mississippi grand jury declined to hold anyone responsible for his death last month, three white friends of Nolan Wells, the Black teen who died on a boat outing with them… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Hammonds Returns for Education Forum” (Feb 2008)

Style will take center stage at 39th Annual Education Salute

Watching Brandin Vaughn pull together looks for what has become an annual tradition — illustrating the elegance of the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship… — St. Louis American

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

Transgender care takes center stage in Missouri campaign to reinstate abortion ban

Jamie Reed stood before a room full of Republicans in St. Louis County in September, clicking through a presentation about pediatric gender medicine. The former social worker at a St. Louis… — Missouri Independent

As Trump pushes to deregulate AI, Missouri must weigh innovation, risks and cost

For most people, the AI debate began with tools such as ChatGPT and questions about jobs, academic integrity, misinformation, and privacy. But AI is increasingly becoming a physical presence as well,… — Missouri Independent

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

Lincoln University students, alumni sue Missouri over unequal funding

Current and former Lincoln University students are suing the State of Missouri for nearly $550 million to address what they allege are decades of inequitable funding that they say has hurt the… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Kinder’s Lincoln Days Announcement” (Feb 2008)

Top Democratic US Senate PAC commits to 9 states, eyes more Republican targets

A leading Democratic campaign committee is projecting confidence in U.S. Senate toss-up races four weeks before Election Day, though it has yet to commit resources to the reddest states that have… — Missouri Independent

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

Voting rights advocates organize volunteers to track potential intimidation at the polls

As President Donald Trump refuses to rule out taking extreme action in the midterm elections, voting rights advocates and civil rights leaders are bolstering their voter protection efforts in… — Missouri Independent

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

Earleen Patterson’s legacy rooted in education, service

Dr. Earleen Patterson credits her commitment to education and service to her mother, who had little access to education herself but instilled the drive and focus that shaped her life. “She could go… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “See How Steve is Doing ” (Jun 2008)

This Week’s Photos: October 8th, 2026

This week’s photo gallery captures Bryson Tiller’s Neo Trapsoul Tour, with Ty Dolla $ign, DJ Austin Millz and Majid Jordan joining the lineup. We celebrate Dr. Bettina Drake’s installation as 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.

Former Missouri AG Andrew Bailey makes appearance in Columbia after leaving FBI post

Andrew Bailey, the former Missouri attorney general who left his post at the FBI last week, told fellow Republicans Tuesday night that he vowed to continue holding wrongdoers, whether criminal or… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri voters sent a message. Will their leaders listen?

In early August, Missouri voters decisively rejected two efforts to rewrite some of the basic rules of state government. Although Republicans hold supermajorities in the Senate (24-10) and House… — Missouri Independent

St. Louis jury awards $10 million in sprawling Missouri cannabis ownership fight 

A St. Louis jury awarded $10 million Tuesday to three plaintiffs in a sprawling ownership battle over six Missouri cannabis licenses involving more than 20 businesses and individuals. Over a week of… — Missouri Independent

With election pressure mounting, states move to suspend fuel taxes

With Election Day less than a month away, lawmakers in several states are suspending gas taxes or rolling back regulations on diesel fuel as voters grow increasingly frustrated with rising fuel costs… — Missouri Independent

Chris Brown’s ex-housekeeper accepts $9.5M settlement over dog attack

Chris Brown’s former housekeeper has agreed to accept $9.5 million over the 2020 dog attack that left her disfigured. Instead of returning to court to pursue a larger award, she chose to settle the… — St. Louis American

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

What’s On Tap for This Weekend

Lift for Life at Cardinal Ritter, Thursday, 6 p.m. Vianney at SLUH, Friday, 6 p.m. Chaminade at CBC, Friday, 6 p.m. Eureka at Ladue, Friday, 7 p.m. Mehlville at University City, Friday, 7 p.m.… — St. Louis American

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

Drake’s cancer disparities work earns WashU honor

Before Dr. Bettina Drake stepped onstage to have Washington University’s custom, engraved professorship medallion draped across her neck, the audience understood why she was being honored. Drake, a… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Thousands in St. Louis protest California’s gay marriage ban” (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 task force seeks clearer standards for deciding when children are safe

A state task force created by Gov. Mike Kehoe to recommend changes to Missouri’s child welfare system convened for five hours Monday to begin  developing clearer common standards for determining… — Missouri Independent

Federal funds for local police enforcement accelerated Trump immigration crackdown

WASHINGTON — This summer, arrests of immigrants in the United States soared to the highest levels since President Donald Trump returned to office. An unprecedented increase in cooperation between… — Missouri Independent

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

Video: Ty Dolla $ign takes the show into the crowd in St. Louis

Watch on Instagram Ty Dolla $ign gets up close with fans during the Neo Trapsoul Tour at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre on Oct. 3, 2026. The tour, headlined by Bryson Tiller, celebrates a decade of… — St. Louis American

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

Standout performers from last weekend

Reece Shanklin (East St. Louis): The senior quarterback completed 13 of 15 passes for 364 yards and six touchdowns in the Flyers’ 70-0 victory over Belleville West. Laron Baker Jr. (East St. Louis):… — St. Louis American

Tiffany Spain headed to the Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Cardinal Ritter College Prep track and field coach Tiffany Spain, who was selected for induction into the Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame. Spain coaches the… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “We're Losing the Competition for Teachers” (Jun 2006)

Finley receives SIU collaboration award

Deja Finley, an assistant clinical professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, has received the 2026 SIU System Faculty Collaboration Award for cross-campus work… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “OBS: “All We Want Is Justice”” (Feb 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 rejects optional hardship exceptions to Medicaid work requirements

Missouri will not use optional federal exemptions designed to help low-income people keep Medicaid coverage when they are hospitalized, travel for medical care or live in areas affected by disasters… — Missouri Independent

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

Some Missouri Republicans are stressing independence from GOP in 2026 campaign ads

There are plenty of ways to tell when a political party is worried heading into an election. One is polling. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to 32% in a September Reuters/Ipsos poll,… — Missouri Independent

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

St. Louis’ Jamal Roberts leads Mizzou to dominant win over No. 8 Florida

St. Louisan Jamal Roberts picked the perfect afternoon to enjoy the biggest game of his collegiate football career. The former St. Mary’s standout rushed for 211 yards and scored three touchdowns to… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “OBS: “All We Want Is Justice”” (Feb 2008)

Bryson Tiller headlines a high‑energy night in St. Louis as ‘Trap Soul’ turns ten

What a difference a decade makes. When Bryson Tiller came to St. Louis in May 2016, he was a fresh face with a new sound that blended R&B melodies with club‑banger beats and trap lyrics. He hit the… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Mayor Francis Slay’s House is for Sale [UPDATED]” (Apr 2008)

Ross to deliver Homer G. Phillips lecture

Dr. Will R. Ross will deliver the 2026 Homer G. Phillips Public Health Lecture at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Washington University’s Eric P. Newman Education Center, 320 S. Euclid Ave. Ross will… — St. Louis American

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

RIP Von Scales

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of St. Louisan Von Scales, who passed away last week at the age of 58. He was the husband of singer and reality television star Trina… — 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.

Should you have to pay to hear the Gospel?

For generations, the Black church has passed the offering plate to keep the lights on, pay the preacher, help the poor and carry the Gospel beyond its walls. But what happens when the preacher leaves… — St. Louis American

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

The Lutheran North Crusaders defeated Westminster Christian 40-19 on Friday night in Metro League action.

Lutheran North football coach Lorenzo Brinkley put together a very challenging schedule to test his talented team this season. In their first three games, the Crusaders took on perennial state… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Most Endangered Places now online” (Aug 2008)

Everything but Debussy is new in St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s second program

Talk about new.  In the second program of the new season, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra introduced a new guest conductor, a new soloist playing an instrument never heard before in Powell Hall, and… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “60,000 pages, but no smoking gun — yet” (Nov 2008)

Governor French tops list of diverse private schools

Governor French Academy in Belleville, Illinois, ranks as the most diverse private K-12 school in the St. Louis area, according to newly released rankings from Niche. Principia School ranks second… — St. Louis American

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

Nine PBS recognized for workplace equity

Nine PBS has been recognized by the Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis for its workplace policies and employment practices affecting women. The organization was included in the foundation’s… — St. Louis American

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

County seeks input on Spanish Lake’s future

St. Louis County will hold a public meeting Oct. 8 to gather input on the future development of Spanish Lake ahead of the St. Louis Zoo’s WildCare Park opening next summer. The meeting will run from… — 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 students need more than a semester of financial literacy

As a high school teacher and parent, I see many things to change about our educational system, from funding and curriculum to choice.  A strengthened focus on financial literacy while re-thinking… — Missouri Independent

FEC questions thousands of donations to Eric Schmitt tied to prolific online donors

In December 2023, a woman living in a small community near Austin, Texas, made a $78.08 contribution through WinRed. A few weeks later, she made another. Then came four more contributions in January… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri nonprofit launches campaign focused on abortion options ahead of November vote

As Missouri prepares to vote on whether to reinstate an abortion ban, a new information campaign by a local nonprofit is setting out to remind Missourians that regardless of what happens in November,… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Hillary Clinton in St. Charles” (Nov 2008)

In St. Louis’ Ville neighborhood, Tuskegee Airmen Field offers youth a place to play and grow

For the young athletes who will run across the new turf at Tandy Park, the reopening of Tuskegee Airmen Field means something simple: a safe place to play. For people who have spent years in the… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “The “Grinch” is coming to South Grand” (Nov 2008)

Gore will not charge officer in fatal St. Louis shooting of teen Emeshyon Wilkins

The St. Louis police officer who fatally shot 17-year-old Emeshyon Wilkins as the teenager ran from police in 2024 will not face criminal charges, the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office said Friday.… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “The Gas Tax debate” (May 2008)

‘A Different World’ Netflix sequel renewed for Season 2 with St. Louis talent among the leads

Netflix’s sequel to the hit NBC series A Different World is officially coming back for a second season. The streaming platform announced the renewal on Oct. 2. The news comes less than a week after… — St. Louis American

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

Williams named Franchisee of the Year

James E. “Jimmy” Williams Jr., president and CEO of Estel Foods Inc., has been named a 2026 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association. Williams’ company owns and operates… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “6th and 8th Wards Reject Their Own ” (Jun 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 tightened the rules. The wait still leaves microbusiness owners vulnerable

Missouri drew its final round of marijuana microbusiness applicants on Sept. 9. The state received 888 applications and expects to issue approximately 77 licenses beginning in December. I want to… — Missouri Independent

Trump launches campaign tour in GOP-friendly states ahead of midterms

President Donald Trump is scheduled to kick off a month-long blitz of campaign stops with a Thursday rally in deep-red Oklahoma before heading to other states with strong Republican leanings. The… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri adds new paperwork requirements to food assistance as federal penalties loom

Since receiving a letter from the Missouri Department of Social Services Sept. 1 containing “an important notice” about his federal food assistance, Andrew Dallas has struggled to ease his mind. … — Missouri Independent

Police investigate damage to 50 hydrants

Nearly 50 fire hydrants in St. Louis have been deliberately damaged and rendered inoperable, city fire and police officials said Sunday. Police are investigating the damage and seeking those… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Thousands in St. Louis protest California’s gay marriage ban” (Nov 2008)

Missouri voter registration deadline is Oct. 7

Missourians have until Wednesday, Oct. 7, to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election. The ballot includes congressional, state and local races and five statewide measures. No-excuse absentee… — St. Louis American

Flak over Flock cameras

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page has ordered a review of automated license plate reader cameras on county property as concerns grow locally and nationwide about privacy and misuse of the… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “VIDEO: Veteran Group Targets Talent ” (Oct 2006)

Trump blasts Supreme Court over Missouri map ruling

President Donald Trump is criticizing the U.S. Supreme Court for blocking a Missouri congressional map he pushed Republican state lawmakers to adopt, adding another chapter to a redistricting fight… — St. Louis American

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

Republican attacks on the Missouri Supreme Court may just be the beginning 

I was baffled when I saw that Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, represented by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, had asked a federal district court for an injunction against the Supreme… — Missouri Independent

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

Justice Department indicts 10 noncitizens in quest to prove Trump claims of election fraud

A federal grand jury indicted 10 noncitizens for unlawfully voting in Minnesota, U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Wednesday, highlighting the administration’s effort to keep election security… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “The Truth About Bill Ayers & Obama” (Oct 2008)

Missouri can keep using disputed federal database to review voter eligibility

Missouri can continue using a federal database to review voter eligibility after the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily cleared the way for states to use an expanded version of the system to check the… — Missouri Independent

Missouri doesn’t require asking pregnant patients about their mental health. New moms keep dying

When a doctor starts asking a new mother about feelings of depression, therapist Haley Walker said the patient may be thinking about more than her actual symptoms. “[It] can feel scary as a new mom,”… — Missouri Independent

This Week’s Photos: October 1st, 2026

This week’s photo gallery highlights soccer and community at the Mathews-Dickey Club, where children, volunteers and organizers gathered for a free skills camp hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater… — St. Louis American

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

STL Sites and Sounds: October concerts, culture and Halloween fun

October brings a full slate of music, comedy, theater, art and Halloween fun to St. Louis. From Chance the Rapper’s “Coloring Book” anniversary tour to the St. Louis American Foundation’s 39th annual… — St. Louis American

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

24th Annual Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration will honor Black history with Underground Railroad re-enactment

For the first time, the 2026 Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration will be held on the downtown St. Louis Riverfront, beneath the Gateway Arch. Themed “Seeking Freedom Long Before and Long After… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Laugh In: Candidate Truce for 1 Night” (Oct 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.