Daily Brief: Friday, September 18, 2026

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

With vote-by-mail court fight settled, attention shifts to protections at the polls

Voting rights groups and Democratic officials are looking to defend against what they see as possible election interference from the Trump administration ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, now… — Missouri Independent

Missouri’s literacy gains inspired me to postpone retirement

I’ve worked in education for 30 years, which means I can now retire and receive my full benefits.  But I’m not writing this from my favorite spot on my patio with my dogs beside me and my feet up;… — Missouri Independent

Federal court weighs whether it’s too late to revive Missouri’s gerrymandered map

The last legal battle over Missouri’s 2025 redistricting plan played out Thursday, with a panel of federal appeals court judges hearing from Republicans that they should reinstate the map designed to… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Green announces run for mayor (No, not that Green)” (Nov 2008)

Missouri voters file second class action lawsuit against Denny Hoskins in less than a week

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins was sued again Wednesday over his handling of the state’s congressional redistricting referendum. The proposed class action is the second filed against… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Principals Recognized by State, Union” (Jun 2006)

Boosie says he was played for $600K in a ‘Trump Pardon’ hustle

Rapper Boosie says he was scammed by a legal firm that claimed it could secure him a presidential pardon — and he detailed the ordeal in a sit-down with 60 Minutes. In the interview, Boosie told… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Tear Down the San Luis for a Parking Lot on Lindell?” (Mar 2008)

Global effort brings Ethiopian twins to St. Louis for life-changing surgery

Two toddlers who survived one of the rarest and most complex procedures in pediatric medicine were the center of a celebration Wednesday morning inside SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Hospital’s Danis… — St. Louis American

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

Gladys Knight hints at farewell, son accuses husband of ‘working her to death’

In a bittersweet Instagram post, 82-year-old Gladys Knight updated fans after announcing a break from performing in August 2026. “After heartfelt discussions with my team, I recognize that no matter… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Joan Barry Adds Campaign Staff” (May 2008)

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