Daily Brief: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

St. Louis news worth your time today — curated by PubDef, with receipts from the archive. Click through for the full stories.

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

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