Daily Brief: Friday, August 28, 2026

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

Missouri labor unions, abortion rights groups turn unlikely alliance into ballot power

A coalition of Missouri labor unions and reproductive rights groups announced a $1 million campaign this month aimed at defeating Republican lawmakers who voted to repeal the state’s paid sick leave… — Missouri Independent

Missouri says its intoxicating hemp ban is clear. Industry says it’s unconstitutional

A federal judge is being asked to decide whether Missouri’s new law banning intoxicating hemp products is clear enough to enforce in November or so contradictory that a constitutional challenge to it… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “POLL: Should the Gov’t rescue the auto industry?” (Nov 2008)

Missouri power grid faces costly upgrades as AI data centers drive electricity demand

A new federal report shows the electric grid across much of the country is strained, requiring thousands of miles of new power lines and billions of dollars in investments. The National Transmission… — Missouri Independent

Facebook settlement brings Missouri up to $150M

Missouri will receive an estimated $100 million to $150 million as part of an $18 billion settlement between Meta and 48 states over allegations that its Facebook and Instagram platforms harmed… — St. Louis American

SLPS points to reforms as state audit raises concerns

Saint Louis Public Schools leaders say significant changes are already underway after a new state audit criticized past district leadership, financial oversight and governance and questioned whether… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Preparing for Tomorrow’s Mission  ” (Sep 2008)

St. Louis offers water bill relief to tornado survivors

St. Louis residents affected by the May 2025 tornado can receive a 50% reduction in water rates through 2028 under a new city assistance program as the Water Division ends its moratorium on… — St. Louis American

After tornado, chef returns to the table

Chef Steven Simmons had just pulled the oxtails from the oven in the kitchen. His wife, Terran, was on a conference call in another room when she noticed something outside their Fountain Park home.… — St. Louis American

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