Daily Brief: Thursday, August 27, 2026

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

Missouri lawmakers press child welfare leaders on foster care deaths, staff turnover

A bipartisan group of Missouri lawmakers pressed Children’s Division Director Sara Smith on Wednesday to explain how the agency ensures children with elevated medical or behavioral needs get… — Missouri Independent

Cardinal Ritter helped shape her. Now she shapes it

hen Tamiko Armstead first heard about Cardinal Ritter College Prep, she didn’t know such a place existed. Her parents were determined to send their children to Catholic schools, but Armstead’s… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Police Scandals Fuel Call for Local Control ” (Oct 2008)

This Week’s Photos: August 27th, 2026

We highlight Rev. Royce M. Thomas at St. Alphonsus “Rock” Catholic Church, where he became only the second Black priest in the parish’s 160-year history. We also look back on the life and legacy of… — St. Louis American

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

Gateway Trail Ride & Field Party brings music, community and country fun

The 2nd Annual Gateway Trail Ride & Field Party brought a full day of music, entertainment and country-inspired fun to Rolling W Ranch in Sauget, Illinois, on Saturday, Aug. 22. The event drew… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Palin: Muslims are Welcome” (Oct 2008)

Future Ready SLPS: What would happen to 14 campuses?

St. Louis Public Schools is proposing to close, merge or repurpose 14 campuses as part of its Future Ready plan, with most changes beginning in the 2027-28 school year. Proposed for closure or merger… — St. Louis American

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

From cell to sales

Before Steven “Stevie” Gilliam was serving up meals at a brick-and-mortar restaurant, he was hustling his signature spicy bowls straight out of the trunk of his car in 2023. Today, Stevie’s Kitchen,… — St. Louis American

Final services announced for Dellwood Mayor Reggie L. Jones

The family of Dellwood Mayor Reggie L. Jones has announced the final services for the longtime public servant, who died on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at the age of 53. Jones was a devoted husband,… — St. Louis American

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

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