Daily Brief: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

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

Missouri ballot proposals blocked by secretary of state had enough signatures, records show

The two proposals denied a spot on the Nov. 3 ballot by Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins have the required signatures, data Hoskins has provided online shows. Cole County Circuit Judge… — Missouri Independent

Missouri Head Start providers weigh Trump administration changes

Missouri’s Head Start programs reach only about 13% of the infants and toddlers eligible for them. The Trump administration says part of the problem is the program’s rulebook in Missouri and… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “VIDEO: Nixon picks Simmons as OA head” (Nov 2008)

Flock Safety tightens safeguards as states, cities question surveillance network

Flock Safety is tightening privacy and oversight controls for its nationwide network of automated license plate readers as more communities pull back from the technology and lawmakers across the… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Kathleen Kennedy Townsend” (Apr 2007)

Bayocs continue Bridging Worlds Through Art conversation at the Missouri History Museum

The Missouri History Museum will continue its Bridging Worlds Through Art series on Thursday (August 20) with Cbabi Bayoc and Dr. Amber Howlett Bayoc — a conversation that traces how their work,… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Clay hosts forum on health care Saturday” (Oct 2005)

Opening statements underway for Tupac murder trial

Opening statements began Monday, August 17 in the murder trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis. He is accused of orchestrating the 1996 killing of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. The trial, taking place in… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Palin plays herself on Saturday Night Live” (Oct 2008)

SLU renews grant for free mental health evaluations

A renewed grant from the St. Louis Mental Health Board will allow the Saint Louis University (SLU) Psychology Center to continue offering free mental health assessments to St. Louis City residents —… — St. Louis American

BOIL WATER ADVISORY

A precautionary boil water advisory is in effect for portions of North City, South City and Midtown after storm related power outages caused low water pressure at the Chain of Rocks Water Treatment… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Koster Lands Another Big Union ” (Jan 2008)

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