Daily Brief: Friday, November 13, 2026

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

Missouri hemp businesses clear shelves, close shops as new restrictions take effect

Hemp retailers across Missouri slashed prices, cleared shelves and, in some cases, gave away products this week as they prepared for a new state law restricting the sale of hemp-derived THC.… — Missouri Independent

Commentary: The unsung heroes who make Missouri elections possible

“Elections are miracles.” With a bit of enthusiasm and wonder, that’s something a former boss of mine used to always say. As I think back over last week’s elections, I was reminded just how right she… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “FLASHBACK: Ed Martin: “No Bailout!”” (Oct 2008)

Ameren plans three more Missouri battery plants

Utility company Ameren has received the green light to add a new-to-Missouri type of infrastructure to the electric grid: batteries. The utility is expanding energy storage in the state. It is… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Local 148 Endorses Harris” (Sep 2007)

Deaconess Narrative Lab helps communities tell their stories

From neighborhood documentaries and photography to poetry and publications, the Deaconess Foundation’s nine-month Narrative Lab is helping St. Louis artists and storytellers challenge prevailing… — St. Louis American

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

Toukie Smith, model and ‘227’ actress, dies at 74

Toukie Smith, the model and actress known for her role on the NBC sitcom 227, died Nov. 4 in New York. She was 74. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Smith’s twin sons, Airyn and Julian, announced… — St. Louis American

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

Forever my Jodeci

Y’all know nothing but death could’ve kept me from seeing one of my favorite groups kick off their milestone tour celebrating the 35th anniversary of the “Forever My Lady” album in my city. So, you… — St. Louis American

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

Abortion rights survive, but fight continues in Missouri

Missouri News Network  Missourians decided to protect abortion rights in the state last week. But that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the issue. Voters rejected Amendment 3, a Republican-backed effort… — St. Louis American

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

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