Daily Brief: Thursday, July 23, 2026

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

After a man dies in police custody, residents in a Missouri town demand answers

SIKESTON — Not everyone at Lloyd Gilmore’s funeral knew him well. One woman, who had ironed her clothes two days in advance, said she just wanted to be there for his family. School-age children,… — Missouri Independent

Missouri early voting period opens with a rush that points to high primary turnout

The first day of early voting in Missouri indicates a strong primary turnout, comparable to or possibly exceeding past primaries where hotly contested ballot measures drew more votes than candidate… — Missouri Independent

Gambling company bankrolls attacks in Missouri Senate District 16 GOP primary

An Illinois gambling company seeking to legalize video lottery terminals in Missouri is financing a radio campaign attacking former state Rep. Hannah Kelly in a four-way Republican primary for the… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Blagojevich Backpedals in State of the State” (Feb 2008)

Smith elected Webster Groves mayor pro tempore

The Webster Groves City Council unanimously elected Councilmember Emerson Smith as mayor pro tempore. Smith will preside over council meetings and represent the city at official functions when Mayor… — St. Louis American

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

This Week’s Photos: July 23rd, 2026

This week’s photo gallery highlights a citywide Day of Prayer at Resurrection Temple Church, where faith leaders and community members gathered to call for peace, compassion and an end to violence… — St. Louis American

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

STL Sites and Sounds

BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS Sat., Aug. 1, 12 noon, Rides N School Supplies, O’Fallon Park Rec Plex, 4343 West Florissant Avenue.  Sat., Aug. 1, 1 p.m., Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis Back to… — St. Louis American

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

Video: Usher and Chris Brown in STL

Watch the video on Instagram: Usher and Chris Brown ignite The Dome with an unforgettable R&B showcase Fans packed The Dome with high expectations as Chris Brown and Usher brought their co-headlining… — St. Louis American

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

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