Family ties create tag-team rematch in Missouri’s 32nd District state Senate primary

Missouri state Sen. Jill Carter considers herself a “poster child” for school choice, having homeschooled her children and spent a decade advocating for parental rights before winning a Missouri… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri ballot measure campaigns dominate fundraising, ad spending for primary

Ballot measure fights are consuming the big money in Missouri elections this summer, with more than $27 million raised for proposals on the Aug. 4 ballot, according to reports filed this week with… — Missouri Independent

Racial Healing finds new voice in community poets

A short, rhyming kindergarten verse that ended with a simple “I love you,” was Kelvin “KJ” Marshall’s first step into poetry. Fifteen years later, Marshall, now 22, understands how that same art form… — St. Louis American

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

Familiar choice, different visions 

Much has changed since Wesley Bell defeated Cori Bush in the 2024 Democratic primary for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District. Bell is now the incumbent. Bush is trying to win back the seat she… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Preparing for Tomorrow’s Mission  ” (Sep 2008)

Poets, musicians and storytellers take center stage as MATI 2026 

The Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation, in partnership with the St. Louis Poetry Center, will bring the region’s poetic lineage to the forefront during MATI 2026. The event will feature a full-day… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Political Briefs” (Oct 2007)

A hero built from scratch

When Anthony Jones was a child, his family navigated housing insecurity and the instability that comes with it for a decade. But while everything around him shifted, one thing stayed constant. “I… — St. Louis American

Wetherholt’s deal is financial music to Walker’s ears

St. Louis Cardinals rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt signed an eight-year, $112.5 million contract extension, which kicks in next year. With incentives, the deal could total $132 million. Jordan… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “The Obama Speech Everyone’s Talking About” (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 10th District race turns sour as attacks fly

For much of the Republican primary race for Missouri’s 10th District state Senate seat, state Rep. Tricia Byrnes of Wentzville has sought to make the accelerating development of large-scale data… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri State Board of Education revisits rulemaking authority discussions

Recently appointed members of the Missouri State Board of Education’s probed the board’s power at its annual retreat Tuesday, repeating a discussion from last year’s workshop but with a new tone.… — Missouri Independent

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

In northwest Missouri Senate primary, two GOP lawmakers who vote alike differ on styles

The two Republican lawmakers competing to succeed Missouri Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer seem to agree on almost everything. State Reps. Sean Pouche and Mike Jones voted the same way more… — Missouri Independent

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

Healthcare sales tax isn’t off the table in Missouri Amendment 5 proposal

ST. LOUIS — Missouri healthcare advocate Leslie Ortbals and her husband want to start a family, but she worries they can’t afford it. The 27-year-old said she takes 10 medications daily to manage… — Missouri Independent

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

This Week’s Photos: July 16th, 2026

This week’s photo gallery highlights the PRIME Program at WashU Medicine, where local high school students gained hands-on experience in laboratory science while exploring careers in medicine,… — St. Louis American

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

Gallery: WerQfest 2026

The seventh annual WerQfest took over Atomic by Jamo on Saturday, and the energy was unmatched. The Black LGBTQIA+ community and allies came out to celebrate, dance and live out loud. The post… — St. Louis American

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

Y’all better WerQ!

Y’all better WerQ! When I tell you I got my whole life at the 7th Annual WerQfest Saturday at Atomic by Jamo! It goes without saying that I have a way with words, but I really feel like WerQfest is… — 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.

Farm backing, Trump loyalty shape GOP race to replace Sam Graves in Missouri’s 6th District

MARYVILLE — At a shrimp boil on a farm south of town July 1, Missouri Soybean Association President Casey Wasser stood before a crowd to explain why Kansas City Councilman Nathan Willett is the only… — Missouri Independent

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

‘Reach across the aisle’: Pete Buttigieg campaigns in Iowa with Sarah Trone Garriott

Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg did not rule out a potential 2028 run for the presidency Monday at a campaign event for Iowa congressional candidate Sarah Trone Garriott in Des… — Missouri Independent

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

Northeast Missouri state Senate race tests GOP appetite for confrontation

Two entire states — Connecticut and Rhode Island — could fit within the boundaries of northeast Missouri’s 18th state Senate District, almost 7,400 square miles where 14 counties have lost population… — Missouri Independent

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

Defending our rights is our duty

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, finally heard the clarion call of freedom. But that delay was not an accident; it… — St. Louis American

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

Social media influencer fatally shot on July 5

Brianna Johnson, a social media star known online as DreamDoll Brii, died on July 5 in a shooting in Miramar, Fla. She was 21. Johnson — who had a combined following of over 400,000 across Instagram… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Ashby: Is George “Red”?” (Sep 2008)

The Nick carries on St. Louis basketball tradition

Long before basketball courts opened in Forest Park, pickup basketball had its own map across St. Louis. Players knew where to go to find a game. Courts across the city and region became places where… — St. Louis American

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

STL talent shines at 7th Annual WerQfest

Shelton Boyd-Griffith and Tre’von Griffith made a promise as they welcomed the colorful crowd into the pavilion area of Atomic by Jamo for the 7th Annual WerQfest. “It’s gonna be a vibe.” They kept… — 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.

Cori Bush targets Wesley Bell’s Israel stance in St. Louis congressional rematch

Wesley Bell and Cori Bush’s political careers were shaped by the protest movement that erupted in Ferguson in 2014 and grew into a national reckoning over race and policing.  As a Ferguson City… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “MAP Scores: Much Work Ahead for SLPS” (Sep 2006)

Missouri Gov. Kehoe signs controversial ‘born-alive’ abortion bill into law

On Monday, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed into law the only significant anti-abortion bill Republicans were able to pass this session as they faced heated debates with Democrats and fractured… — Missouri Independent

Missouri governor signs wide-ranging bipartisan healthcare bill into law

Pregnant women on Medicaid could see a doula more often and anyone using birth control could obtain a year’s supply of contraceptives under a bill that expands women’s and maternal health coverage… — Missouri Independent

Missouri House speaker faces conservative challenge in key state Senate primary

Dan Stacy knows exactly what he’s up against, down to the dollar. “I will not be able to match in any way his resources as far as the dollar value he has amassed,” the former state representative… — Missouri Independent

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

Video: WerQfest 2026 mashup

The seventh annual WerQfest took over Atomic by Jamo on Saturday, and the energy was unmatched. The Black LGBTQIA+ community and allies came out to celebrate, dance and live out loud. Watch the video… — St. Louis American

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

STL Sites and Sounds

CONCERTS  Thur., July 16, 7:30 p.m. MATI presents Jon Baptiste Live: A Fantastical Musical Journey, The Fox Theatre, 527 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63106. For more information, visit… — St. Louis American

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

Run 4 Roses puts St. Louis basketball in the spotlight 

When the second week of July rolls around, I take my annual trip to Louisville, Kentucky, to watch the action at the Run 4 Roses Classic. Billed as the world’s largest girls’ basketball showcase, the… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “CALENDAR” (Nov 2005)

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.

Amendment 4 puts rural Missouri at center of fight over ballot power

Supporters of Amendment 4 say it would give rural Missouri a stronger voice. Antwann Rhodes says it would take one away. Rhodes lives in Waynesville, a Pulaski County town of about 5,600 just outside… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Hubbard Fights Back Against Hypocritical Attacks” (Jul 2008)

Missouri’s ‘gray market’ gambling fight was never as gray as advertised

Every good hustle needs a snappy name, and for a long time Missouri had a beauty: gray market games. It rolled off the tongue and suggested a place between the lines, a zone the lawyers hadn’t gotten… — Missouri Independent

STL talent shines at 7th Annual WerQfest

Shelton Boyd-Griffith and Tre’von Griffith made a promise as they welcomed the colorful crowd into the pavilion area of Atomic by Jamo for the 7th Annual WerQfest. “It’s gonna be a vibe.” They kept… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Laugh In: Candidate Truce for 1 Night” (Oct 2008)

Never forget Crispus Attucks, Black patriots

Every year, we remember Paul Revere’s ride. As we should. We should also reckon with Paul Revere’s picture. His engraving of the Boston Massacre helped light the fire for revolution. It showed… — St. Louis American

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

Pharmacy innovator honored with global fellowship 

Marcus Howard, the founder and CEO of St. Louis-based COUNSELMEDS, has been selected for the prestigious 2026 Innovative Entrepreneurs Program of Eisenhower Fellowships.  Howard is one of 27 leaders… — St. Louis American

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

The Black church is the foundation of St. Louis history 

A major part of American history is St. Louis history. The city predates the nation by more than a decade and became part of the United States in 1804 through the Louisiana Purchase. St. Louis has… — 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.

President Trump has won nothing

After listening to President Donald Trump try to explain that he won in Iran — while he couldn’t explain what he won — I was confused. I’ve figured it out. Even while he was standing with the French… — St. Louis American

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

Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Actor and activist Danny Glover disclosed that he has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for the past four years. Glover revealed the news in a sit down interview on “Today” with former “NBC… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Percy Green On Recalling Mayor Slay” (Mar 2008)

A summer of discovery 

For two weeks this summer, Little Creek Nature Area became a classroom without walls as students explored science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the St. Louis American Foundation’s… — 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.

Trump guts election commission in move seen as increasing his sway over midterms

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s latest shot in a relentless war on how elections are conducted has triggered enormous concern among voting rights activists. As of Thursday night, the U.S… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri homebuilders report dwindling business amid national housing slump

The housing industry saw a sharp drop in construction starts nationwide in May, both compared with the previous month and with the same period a year earlier. The broader Midwest region showed… — Missouri Independent

Democrats fight for attention in crowded Missouri Senate primary in St. Louis County

Four Democrats are running to succeed state Sen. Brian Williams in North St. Louis County — and struggling to get anyone to notice. Democrats are pushing hard to get voters to the polls to vote… — Missouri Independent

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

Trump administration targeting states’ DHS grants to force voting changes, House Dems say

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s guidelines to states on how to request funding under counterterrorism grant programs include potentially illegal demands related to election administration,… — Missouri Independent

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

Turning back tyranny at the ballot box

“…the Fourteenth Amendment has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States.” “The Fourteenth Amendment has always excluded from birthright… — St. Louis American

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

Beyoncé’s ‘Morning Dew’

Beyoncé fans had an additional reason to celebrate July 4th thanks to the surprise release of a new song called “Morning Dew (Donk).” The drop was released as a gift to the “BeyHive.” It is her first… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Kacie Triplett: An Alderwoman With Style” (Mar 2008)

Missouri patients regain access to medication abortion 

Missourians can once again obtain medication abortions at clinics in St. Louis and other parts of the state after a Jackson County Circuit Court judge permanently blocked several abortion… — 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 Republicans push change that would make it harder to collect taxes on private planes

A single-engine Piper sits on the ramp at the Jefferson City airport, a few minutes’ drive from the Missouri Capitol. On paper, it belongs to a limited liability company in Montana, a state with no… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri governor signs bills creating armed school ‘rangers,’ high school sports appeals board

Missouri schools will be able to hire a new class of armed guards, and high school athletes will get a state-run avenue to appeal some eligibility and competition decisions under two bills signed… — Missouri Independent

Rams funds approved, but debate continues 

More than a year after a powerful tornado devastated North St. Louis, the city’s decision to devote $120 million in Rams settlement money to tornado recovery and neighborhood investment is drawing… — St. Louis American

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

SLPS plan sparks questions about schools’ future

St. Louis Public Schools’ first public forum on its “Future Ready” restructuring proposal drew a packed house Wednesday, as families, educators and community members questioned district leaders,… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Preparing for Tomorrow’s Mission  ” (Sep 2008)

Aldermen panel advances data center regulations 

Aldermen panel advances data center regulations  A St. Louis Board of Aldermen committee has advanced legislation that would establish the city’s first regulations for data centers, including… — St. Louis American

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

Justice and childhood 

A day after a 10-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing an infant girl in the city’s Baden neighborhood, juvenile authorities filed a petition alleging first-degree murder. The… — St. Louis American

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

Farewell to ‘Black Metropolis’ 

Archived mainstream media news clippings and footage tell one story about Mill Creek Valley. The historically Black neighborhood was relentlessly referred to as a slum in the years leading up to it… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “With Retirement, White Cashing in” (Jul 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 governor’s tax plan draws skepticism in crowded state Senate GOP primary

The outcome of a crowded Republican primary for Missouri’s 6th Senate District could turn on the plan to eliminate the state income tax — and how much voters trust lawmakers to overhaul the tax code.… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri eyes nuclear expansion at Callaway as power demand climbs

Driving through the winding roads of Callaway County, often visible in the distance is a massive, 553-foot-tall concrete structure emitting what looks like white clouds. “A lot of people think that’s… — Missouri Independent

This Week’s Photos: July 9th, 2026

This week’s photo gallery captures life across St. Louis, from the impact of rising gas prices as drivers feel the pinch at the pump to Ludacris celebrating the 314, thanking St. Louis for supporting… — St. Louis American

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

Luda let loose in The Lou

Luda let loose in The Lou. I know he’s been to town a few times since, but the last time I saw Ludacris light up the stage, it was at the late great Super Jam 15 years ago. Do y’all remember those… — St. Louis American

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

Dorothy Moore leaves lasting mark on Hillsdale

A 1990 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article scrutinized then-Hillsdale Mayor Dorothy “Mama” Moore for her political dominion as mayor, president of the Wellston Board of Education and a Normandy Township… — St. Louis American

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

JT leads WerQfest 2026 lineup 

By the time he became an internet sensation thanks to the millions who viewed his top-tier performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert, Durand Bernarr was already booked to headline St. Louis’ WerQfest… — St. Louis American

Big Tigger denies child cruelty charges

Big Tigger denies child cruelty charges Big Tigger, popular media personality and former host of BET’s “Rap City,” took to his social media to “unequivocally” deny the charges that led to his recent… — 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.

Abortion and policing divide Democrats in St. Louis Senate primary

The Fourth of July holiday week found both Gina Mitten and Steve Butz pounding the pavement through a heat warning, making their final case in a Democratic primary where their priorities are often at… — Missouri Independent

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

With control of US Senate in play, national Dems rush to dump Maine’s Platner

A host of high-profile Democrats called for Graham Platner, the party’s nominee to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine in November’s election, to drop out of the race as they tried to… — Missouri Independent

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

Missouri governor to sign porn site age verification bill

Gov. Mike Kehoe has announced he will sign legislation Thursday requiring pornography websites to verify that users are adults before allowing them to access sexually explicit content. The bill,… — Missouri Independent

George E. Johnson, architect of the Ultra Sheen empire, dies at 99

George E. Johnson, a hair care magnate whose rise from a Mississippi sharecropper’s cabin to the helm of a groundbreaking Black owned company reshaped an entire industry, died Monday at his home in… — St. Louis American

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

Coco Gauff advances to Wimbledon semifinals for the first time

American tennis star Coco Gauff advanced to the semifinals at Wimbledon with a three-set victory over fellow American Jessica Pegula on Tuesday. Gauff, the No. 7 seed defeated her former doubles… — St. Louis American

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

STL Sites and Sounds

CONCERTS  Thur., July 16, 7:30 p.m. MATI presents Jon Baptiste Live: A Fantastical Musical Journey, The Fox Theatre, 527 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63106. For more information, visit… — St. Louis American

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

Looking back at a memorable prep sports year 

It was another exciting year of high school sports in the St. Louis metropolitan area. As we always do at the beginning of the summer, we take a look back at what happened in our annual St. Louis… — St. Louis American

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