Daily Brief: Monday, October 5, 2026

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

Missouri rejects optional hardship exceptions to Medicaid work requirements

Missouri will not use optional federal exemptions designed to help low-income people keep Medicaid coverage when they are hospitalized, travel for medical care or live in areas affected by disasters… — Missouri Independent

📼 From the PubDef archive: “ACORN Endorses Jeff Harris for A.G.” (Feb 2008)

Some Missouri Republicans are stressing independence from GOP in 2026 campaign ads

There are plenty of ways to tell when a political party is worried heading into an election. One is polling. President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell to 32% in a September Reuters/Ipsos poll,… — Missouri Independent

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

St. Louis’ Jamal Roberts leads Mizzou to dominant win over No. 8 Florida

St. Louisan Jamal Roberts picked the perfect afternoon to enjoy the biggest game of his collegiate football career. The former St. Mary’s standout rushed for 211 yards and scored three touchdowns to… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “OBS: “All We Want Is Justice”” (Feb 2008)

Bryson Tiller headlines a high‑energy night in St. Louis as ‘Trap Soul’ turns ten

What a difference a decade makes. When Bryson Tiller came to St. Louis in May 2016, he was a fresh face with a new sound that blended R&B melodies with club‑banger beats and trap lyrics. He hit the… — St. Louis American

📼 From the PubDef archive: “Mayor Francis Slay’s House is for Sale [UPDATED]” (Apr 2008)

Ross to deliver Homer G. Phillips lecture

Dr. Will R. Ross will deliver the 2026 Homer G. Phillips Public Health Lecture at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Washington University’s Eric P. Newman Education Center, 320 S. Euclid Ave. Ross will… — St. Louis American

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

RIP Von Scales

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of St. Louisan Von Scales, who passed away last week at the age of 58. He was the husband of singer and reality television star Trina… — St. Louis American

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