johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - April 2019



    

        Tuesday, April 30, 2019
       
Daily American Republic:  Mid-Continent Nail thanks Blunt for tariff work:  "Welcome to our family. You worked hard for us." +
          KCUR:  Belton School District deals with flood of Mexicans;  Nearly one-fifth of students require ESL training
          SNL:  Local seed company cancels appearance from Cliven Bundy;  Planned speech on growing watermelon seeds triggered area liberals, who began threatening sponsors X
          KWMU:  St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger (D) resigns, pleads not guilty in federal pay-to-play charge
          KWMU:  Former state Rep. Sam Page (D) picked to succeed Stenger as St. Louis County Exec;  Sreenu Dandamudi performs swearing-in
          P-D:  Pay-to-play case sinks St. Louis County Exec Steve Stenger;  Comments from John Bardgett & Associates X
          P-D:  Key players in the Stenger corruption sting:  SEIU's John Cross, Sorkis Webbe Jr., Corey Christanell, Jeff Wagener, Bill Miller X
          Messenger:  Feds heed age-old advice in Stenger probe and follow the money X
          KC Star:  Rep. Daron McGee (D-Kansas City) resigns following investigation of sexual harassment complaint X
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) on GOP's "Clean Missouri" fix:  "I'm actually going to vote for this because I care about black districts"
          KCUR:  House votes to give voters voice on redistricting changes
          JCNT:  House endorses constitutional amendment to give voters a say on redistricting X
          P-D:  Missouri House approves plan to take redistricting changes to voters X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate perfects federal reimbursement authorization (FRA) following lengthy debates
          The Missouri Times:  Newest perfected tort overhaul bill:  punitive damages
          AP:  Rep. Bruce DeGroot (R-Chesterfield) says punitive-damages bill is "pro-worker," "pro-business" and "pro-Missouri economy"
          Columbia Missourian:  DeGroot says punitive-damages bill is good for Missouri economy
          The Missouri Times:  Senate advances expanded child protection, anti-trafficking legislation
          KC Star:  Senate Republican caucus boasts diverse opinions on PDMP X
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers advance bills allowing Medicaid reimbursement rate adjustments for care facilities
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur) advocates for mandatory suicide prevention training for primary care physicians
          KWMU:  Liberal and conservative students weigh in on campus concealed-carry proposal
          Missourinet:  Missouri seat belt legislation debate involves safety and freedom
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate TIF overhaul moves to House committee
          CDT:  Trail fund bill heard by Senate committee X
          JCNT:  Anti-CAFO Lobby Day argues for more local control X
          CDT:  CAFO foes fight bill X
          P-D:  Senate debates ag regulations X
          The Missouri Times:  Bill would remove death penalty option for mentally ill
          The Missouri Times:  DHSS finalizes number of medical marijuana facilities to be licensed
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact:  Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (R-Hallsville) statement on area unemployment is consistent with Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri American files document in reservoir pursuit X
          KCUR:  Lawyers and coders team up to help ex-offenders clear their records in Kansas City
          AP:  Social media post saying Dept. of Conservation is banning mushroom hunting is a hoax
          The Missouri Times:  Womens' groups hold roundtable at Capitol
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri Republicans should stop trying to take local control of school calendar away from local districts X
          P-D editorial:  St. Louis County government for sale - contact Steve Stenger X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Monday, April 29, 2019   4/29/92
       
Brownfield Ag News:  Parson:  Significant progress with Corps on flooding
          P-D:  Earth Day festival:  "Impeach Trump" stickers, theories on the dangers of safe herbicides and plastic straws, etc. X
          Columbia Missourian:  At Earth Day festival, environmentalists share lifestyle recommendations:  Households should use "family cloth" after toilet use instead of tissue paper, other totally sane and sanitary ideas
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Sen. Bill Eigel (R-Weldon Spring) on Internet sales tax, charter schools, relationship with Parson;  Panel of Reps. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold), Rep. Don Mayhew (R-Crocker), Angela Bingaman, Gregg Keller talk Title IX and due process, "Clean Missouri," anti-trafficking, charter schools, more
          Missourinet:  PDMP could go to Missouri Senate floor for debate this week
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri's humorous highway signs include, "Get your head out of your apps," more;  MoDOT seeks punny suggestions from public
          P-D's Chuck Raasch:  Farewell column series, Part III:  I'm one of only two independent journalists covering D.C. for Missouri, and that's a real shame X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Wash U. Med School's Dr. Rupa Patel:  To improve Missouri's health, we must decriminalize HIV
          KC Star op-ed:  Urban health center's LaTrischa Miles:  Bills from Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) and Tracy McCreery (D-Olivette) help bring Missouri's HIV policies into the 21st century X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis City mother recounts savagery her daughter faced in St. Louis Public Schools, thanks Sen. Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester) for work on Empowerment Scholarship Accounts X
          P-D letter:  Town and Country woman dislikes coal and Ameren X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Sunday, April 28, 2019
       
KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Sam Graves' forum focuses on rural broadband;  Rep. Louis Riggs (R-Hannibal) talks potential effects on Medicaid costs, transportation, and slowing the demographic rural brain drain
          SNL:  Voters could get chance to make voices heard on redistricting X
          Joplin Globe's Joe Hadsall "ICYMI" podcast:  Mark Pedroli promotes his Sunshine Law lawsuits X
          SE Missourian:  Missouri moves step closer to restoring film tax credits;  Rep. Kathy Swan's bill faces final action in House +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  State may seek to prop up pot prices to discourage black-market arbitrage
          Missourinet:  Big turnout expected tomorrow at Capitol for conservation tax hearing
          JCNT:  Governor's Mansion to undergo renovations, repairs X
          P-D:  Legislation would pay for female inmates' feminine products X
          Messenger:  NAACP suspends county branch president after contradictory positions on Title IX due process and Better Together X
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood man jabs KWMU for hypsensitivity over Don Marsh's friendly greeting X
          P-D letter:  St. Charles feminist triggered by Blunt office's response to her e-mail, condemns him for "misogyny" X
          SNL letter:  Missouri Coalition for the Environment's Ed Smith opposes Lincoln Hough's bill on infrastructure vandalism X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Saturday, April 27, 2019
       
The Missouri Times:  SCOTUS declines to take up case on Missouri's campaign finance restrictions
          KWMU/Corporation for Public Broadcasting "Sharing America" racism reporter Andrea Henderson:  President Donald Trump's racism inspires local theatre troupe's immigration play
          St. Joseph News-Press:  MoDOT working to assure access for farmers after flood
          Missourinet:  Another victim of the flood:  Tax revenue for rural Northwest Missouri counties
          P-D:  Former House Speaker and lieutenant governor Kenneth Rothman dies X
          AP:  Greitens' Austin Chambers to lead Republican State Leadership Committee
          SE Missourian:  Primary battles begin as third-party attack ads target Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) +
          The Missouri Times:  Freshman profile:  Rep. Matt Sain (D-Kansas City)
          The Missouri Times:  Q&A with Virgin Hyperloop One CEO Jay Walder
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers fear hidden college costs, want to wrap fees into tuition
          SNL:  Rep. Lynn Morris (R-Springfield) plans to bring vaccine bill back next year X
          P-D editorial briefs:  Burlison's anti-spoofing bill would help hang up the robocallers X
          P-D op-ed:  D.C.-based civil liberties group:  Additional penalties keep former Missouri prisoners long after release X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Friday, April 26, 2019
       
P-D:  Cori Bush denies responsibility for erroneous FEC report, blames campaign staff for "clerical error" X
          P-D:  Entire Missouri congressional delegation requests federal flood disaster declaration X
          Missourinet:  Parson, Hegeman urging Corps to focus on flood control
          JCNT:  Federal transportation representative offers local officials advice X
          KMOV:  Director of St. Louis City "workforce training" department quits abruptly amid federal investigation;  KMOV was first to report allegedly-falsified timesheets from Rep. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City)
          P-D:  Feds, state auditor's office investigating St. Louis City no-show job scheme X
          The Missouri Times:  State leaders commemorate 50th anniversary of Vietnam war
          JCNT:  Vietnam War veterans remember and are remembered at Capitol X
          Columbia Missourian:  Vietnam veterans honored at the Capitol
          Missourinet:  Video:  Vietnam veterans talk about Capitol ceremony
          KC Star:  Parson's office protects Missourians' personal information from media inquiries;  Governor's team invoked confidentiality in fewer than 10% of requests X
          KCUR:  Higher ed, transportation still on the table in state budget discussions
          Missourinet:  Highlights of $30 billion state budget passed by Senate
          JCNT:  Senate endorses 'Capitol Complex tax credit' X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate advances expanded child protection, anti-trafficking legislation
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Ben Baker (R-Neosho) optimistic legislators will give school districts freedom to offer elective classes on the Bible
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Justin Hill (R-Lake Saint Louis) says legislation would provide low-cost, short-term insurance
          The Missouri Times:  Senate gives nod to bill adding certain nonviolent offenses to potential expungement list
          The Missouri Times:  Advisory committee approves medical marijuana officer background application questions
          KC Star:  Legislation would ban anyone under 18 from using commercial tanning beds X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  CAFO bill should be defeated X
          KC Star op-ed:  Eagle Forum's Anne Schlafly Cori:  The Equal Rights Amendment is an outdated relic. Women don't need it. X
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Empower Missouri's Tracy Morrow:  Wallingford wrong to propose Medicaid work requirement +
          Columbia Missourian's Gaelle Fournier:  Rep. Dave Griffith (R-Jefferson City) wrong about exact number of veterans courts in Texas
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Thursday, April 25, 2019
       
Brownfield Ag News:  Parson asks for federal disaster declaration
          KC Star:  DSCC, allies still advancing complaints about Hawley's 2017 office e-mails X
          The Missouri Times:  State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick promotes savings accounts for Missourians with disabilities
          The Missouri Times:  Senate passes budget as revenues start trending up
          Columbia Missourian:  Higher ed funding stable, K-12 funding up under Senate budget
          The Missouri Times:  Cierpiot's 'border war' bill passes through House
          Missourinet:  Missouri House committee to issue final report about Department of Revenue
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers look to force insurance companies to cover therapies for disabled kids
          Washington Missourian:  'Lyndon's Law' clears Senate committee, with full vote scheduled next week
          The Missouri Times:  Senate perfects federal reimbursement allowance reauthorization after lengthy debate
          P-D:  Movie-makers might be tempted to return to Missouri if lawmakers revive tax-credit program X
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers debate film tax credits
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Dean Dohrman (R-La Monte) says free-speech bill would help ensure campus guests are treated with respect
          P-D:  Legislators weigh in on Title IX due process legislation X
          KC Star:  Timeline for passage of due-process protections unclear X
          The Missouri Times:  Former major league hurler Chris Young visits legislators to advocate for sports betting
          Daily American Republic:  Law enforcement, bail bond agents and the public brace for changes to bail policies
          P-D:  Liberals unhappy with Medicaid renewal system process;  Comments from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, SLU law prof, others X
          KBIA:  Missouri Department of Conservation launches "Be Bear Aware" campaign as black bears begin prowling for food;  Missourians advised to avoid infested areas
          P-D:  Caucasoids hold "Black Lives Matter" signs outside Ladue Schnucks;  Female thieves, male accomplice stole from grocery store X
          KC Star:  Petty fights in Congress could delay disaster relief for Missouri flood victims X
          P-D editorial:  Captain awaits justice from Missouri National Guard after sexual assault X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri lobbyist tried to gut Title IX protections to help his son. He almost got away with it. X
          P-D op-ed:  Congressional candidate Cort VanOstran (D):  Pass "Equality Act" for LGBTQIA* rights X
          Columbia Missourian's Sidney Steele:  Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon) is a liar - female babies are not "women"
          Washington Missourian letter:  Missouri Gaming Association's Mike Winter:  Proposed gambling expansion would bypass Missouri voters and casino regulations X
          P-D letter:  Maryland Heights sexagenarian says Rex Sinquefield purchases politicians, "strives to wreak havoc and destroy the state" X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Wednesday, April 24, 2019
       
P-D:  Clay challenger Cori Bush touts fundraising on Twitter, but reports raising no money to FEC X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Matt Blunt talks to Rosenbaum about American auto industry, Missouri Medicaid, and his legacy
          St. Joseph News-Press:  River roundtable, hosted by Rep. Sam Graves, finds Corps policies wanting
          The Missouri Times:  Senate committee admonishes Army Corps of Engineers regarding flood control
          JCNT:  Hegeman asks Senate committee to endorse flood control resolution
          SNL:  Parson calls election for Ozarks House seat X
          The Missouri Times:  Freshman profile:  Rep. Robert Sauls (D-Independence)
          Columbia Missourian:  State revenue figures up from last year, letting legislators breathe easier
          P-D's Kurt Erickson:  Republicans in House seek to give Missouri voters a voice on redistricting;  Comments from "Rep. J. Eggleston (R-Mayfield [sic])" X
          The Missouri Times:  House Republicans say legislation improves "Clean Missouri"
          Missourinet:  GOP legislation seeks to give voters a voice on redistricting changes
          Columbia Missourian:  House moves to give voters a say on redistricting process
          The Missouri Times:  House passes changes to initiative petition process
          SNL:  Rep. Jeff Messenger (R-Republic) says he'll bring back retiree-recruitment legislation next year X
          The Missouri Times:  Massive criminal justice overhaul bill clears another hurdle
          KC Star:  Son's battle against Washington University inquisitions helped inspire Democrat's legislative efforts;  Richard McIntosh seeks justice for Title IX victims X
          JCNT:  Legislators ride Katy Trail to drum up support for Rock Island Trail X
          The Missouri Times:  Inside the Senate's federal reimbursement allowance program battle
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers advance bills allowing Medicaid reimbursement rate adjustments for care facilities
          P-D editorial:  State should change position on confidentiality and turn over marijuana application information to Post-Dispatch X
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri NAACP Environmental Justice Committee Chair Bruce Morrison:  Trump's move on Waters of the U.S. rule discriminates against blacks X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Eddy Justice:  "Red Flag" laws are a giant red flag - and have no place in Missouri
          Messenger:  Battle against mass incarceration is making a dent in Missouri's prison population X
          Priddy:  Missouri casinos are bad corporate citizens and are cheating everyone (957 words)
          P-D letter:  Fenton woman with dementia thanks Hawley for supporting Alzheimer's research X
          P-D letter:  Ferguson sexagenarian opposes efforts to expand charter schools X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Tuesday, April 23, 2019
       
Politico:  Trump wins over big donors who snubbed him in 2016;  Missouri's Jack Oliver plays a key role
          KCUR:  Flooded farmers in Missouri want federal disaster assistance like Nebraska and Iowa
          The Missouri Times:  Parson calls for November 5 special election for vacant House seats
          The Missouri Times:  'Women in Policy' roundtable event to be held at Capitol next week;  Panel to include Missouri Supreme Court Judge Patricia Breckenridge, Kate Casas, Rowden Chief of Staff Alex Cypert
          KWMU:  Group of black leaders call for St. Louis County NAACP leader John Gaskin III to resign after Better Together endorsement;  Gaskin supporters point to "Clean Missouri," say payola-for-endorsement setup is common
          P-D:  Area black leaders denounce merger plan and call for NAACP president to resign X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) talks with Rosenbaum about opposition to Better Together, support for Clean Missouri, more
          Missourinet:  Senate could debate CAFO bill today
          Joplin Globe:  Senate bill focuses on CAFO regulations X
          SNL:  Rep. Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) would curb judges' death penalty power X
          The Missouri Times:  Medical marijuana facility application questions revised for economic impact and competitiveness
          The Missouri Times:  Medical marijuana seed-to-sale tracking contract under protest
          The Missouri Times:  In expedited ballot, Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee approves MRI replacement
          KWMU:  A look at MoDOT's roadkill-pickup process
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers introduce flood of prisoner-tampon bills
          P-D editorial:  Missouri Republicans' effort to change Clean Missouri is infuriating X
          KC Star editorial:  Republicans will do anything - even tricking black Democrats - to overturn Clean Missouri X
          KC Star's Melinda Henneberger:  Everything Phyllis Schlafly warned the Equal Rights Amendment would do happened anyway X
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri Biotechnology Association's Kelly Gillespie:  Life sciences respect essential to Missouri patients and economy X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Monday, April 22, 2019
       
P-D:  Congressional Democrats target energy companies, including Ameren, over industry's lobbying efforts X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Sen. Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee's Summit) talks with Scott Faughn about Senate Conservative Caucus, charter schools, transportation funding, attack on UMKC campus;  Panel of Jeremy LaFaver, John Mayfield, Reps. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City), Dan Houx (R-Warrensburg) discuss UMKC attack, Title IX due process, transportation bonding
          KC Star:  Some black Democrats join Republicans in fighting Clean Missouri gerrymandering X
          Daily American Republic:  Local officials, bail bond agents react to coming changes in criminal justice
          SNL:  House Republicans seek sale of Eleven Point State Park X
          P-D:  Awarding of medical marijuana administration contract draws lawsuit over process X
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau):  Work requirements for Medicaid make sense +
          P-D letter:  Ladue octogenarian questions Ann Wagner's motives for family-leave bill X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man responds to letter supporting charter schools X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Sunday, April 21, 2019   Happy Easter!
       
P-D:  Boeing getting its North St. Louis County site ready to build F-15s X
          AP:  Census:  52 Missouri counties lost population in 2018
          KC Star:  Profile:  Septuagenarian feminist Carolyn McGowan spins yarns of male microaggressions, dreams of ERA passage to settle the score X
          JCNT:  'Clean Missouri' group upset over proposed amendment X
          Missourinet:  Fathers of Springfield murderer and victim urge Missouri lawmakers to pass "Hailey's Law"
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislative fix to fire services confusion not certain this year
          JCNT:  Bernskoetter confident CAFO bill will pass X
          CDT:  Medical marijuana facilities:  How close is too close to schools, day cares and churches? X
          CDT:  Tribune managing editor to depart;  Charles Westmoreland lasted nearly two years at paper X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  With Clean Missouri legislation, Republicans move to keep it partisan X
          P-D's Nicklaus:  For-profit coding boot camp hopes VA approval will lead to growth X
          P-D's Kevin McDermott:  Populist politics is the perfect breeding ground for anti-vaccination nonsense X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Saturday, April 20, 2019   4/20
       
P-D:  Beyond exonerating Trump, Mueller Report mentions Russian Twitter bot with Missouri handle
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Natural Resources Conservation Service declares local disaster in five counties
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri AG Eric Schmitt joins 17-state coalition seeking new Waters of the U.S. rule
          The Missouri Times:  Initiative petitions on ranked voting, renewable energy approved to circulate
          CDT:  Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (R-Hallsville) defends blocking Twitter accounts that annoy her X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of April 15, 2019
          The Missouri Times:  Senate committee hears pair of bills modifying death penalty guidelines
          The Missouri Times:  Senate hears proposal changing minimum wage requirements for private schools
          AP:  Missouri measures could affect local rules regarding large farms
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  April 17, 2019
          Columbia Missourian:  MU study suggests smaller market for medical marijuana
          AP:  Speaker:  Discipline done for Missouri lawmaker over gossip
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Transportation proposal is, at least, a start X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Eric Bohl:  Flood protection must come first on Missouri River
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood woman complains about "wage gap" and state's minimum wage X
          Disclosure



          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Friday, April 19, 2019
       
Missourinet:  Missouri's delegation reacts to Mueller report
          KWMU:  Full federal appeals court to decide whether unpaid lobbyists in Missouri must register
          The Missouri Times:  Steve Corsi resigns as head of DSS, takes position with faith-based non-profit
          JCNT:  DSS director resigns X
          P-D:  Missouri's social services chief leaving in June X
          KC Star's Edward McKinley:  Title IX due process bill runs into filibuster in Senate;  Comments from "Sen. Bob [sic] Eigel" X
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Tracy McCreery (D-Olivette) seeks to close domestic violence gun 'loophole'
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers hear testimony on concealed-carry legislation
          KWMU:  City-County merger plan could face big hurdles from Missouri lawmakers
          The Missouri Times:  Senate passes St. Louis City-County merger resolution
          P-D:  Statewide vote on St. Louis City-County merger gets thumbs-down in Missouri Senate X
          KWMU:  St. Louis County NAACP endorses St. Louis City-County merger
          P-D:  St. Louis County NAACP endorses merger - then its president admits he's paid to advocate for it X
          The Missouri Times:  House moves forward with bill limiting use of eminent domain
          Missourinet:  Missouri House gives final approval to Grain Belt legislation
          AP:  House backs landowners fighting wind energy line
          Columbia Missourian:  State lawmakers briefed on national agriculture outlook
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers consider regulating drones
          SNL:  Puff, puff, live:  MoDOT to celebrate stoner holiday by cracking down on weed-impaired drivers X
          AP:  Bill to reduce penalties for pot possession fails in Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Bill updating Missouri's HIV laws moves out of committee
          The Missouri Times:  Schmitt awards dozens of medical centers for compliance with rape kits
          SNL:  Woman who arranged mother's murder wants Parson to shorten prison sentence X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri Republicans are right to protect property owners from eminent domain abuse X
          Messenger:  President of NAACP adding voice to those trying to protect Title IX in Missouri X
          KC Star's Melinda Henneberger:  Missouri Republicans blast UMKC chancellor over protest, but he did nothing wrong X
          KC Star op-ed:  Minorities for Medical Marijuana's Erik Range:  Minorities are entitled to profits from Missouri's cannabis industry X
          KWMU:  Kaiser Health News unsigned op-ed:  Gay men's "Dominoes Gang" sex parties, drug users help spread syphllis throughout rural Missouri;  State lawmakers to blame
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Thursday, April 18, 2019
       
The Missouri Times:  Blunt stresses workforce development, broadband access, and more in address to Missouri House
          JCNT:  Blunt to Missouri House:  Nation's economy best it's been in years X
          Missourinet:  Blunt calls for Missouri PDMP bill, emphasizes importance of broadband
          KWMU:  In Jefferson City, Blunt promotes workforce development programs
          JCNT:  Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst testifies about flooding at U.S. Senate hearing X
          SNL:  Parson urges OTC graduates to stay in Missouri X
          SE Missourian:  Schmitt seeks anecdotes for opioid lawsuit +
          KCUR:  Berkeley, CA group unhappy with amount of dark money spent to influence Missouri elections
          P-D:  Don Marsh declines St. Louis Public Radio lifetime achievement award after station's hypersensitive histrionics X
          SNL:  Senate legislation seeks changes on term limits X
          The Missouri Times:  Initiative petition changes move forward in House, stall in Senate
          AP:  Missouri House backs filing fees for initiative petitions
          Columbia Missourian:  House legislation addresses initiative petition processes
          The Missouri Times:  House perfects sweeping criminal justice overhaul bill
          The Missouri Times:  House moves to place limits on lawsuits alleging harm from products
          CDT:  Senate boosts MU research center funding X
          KC Star:  UM System President Mun Choi defends UMKC chancellor before Missouri House committee;  Initial statement from C. Mauli Agrawal criticized conservative speaker's "extreme views" X
          Columbia Missourian's Ashlyn O'Hara:  Lawmakers question Choi, UMKC's "C. Mauli Argawal [sic]"
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Justin Hill (R-Lake Saint Louis) says legislation would save students from forced fee payments
          Missourinet:  Bill on Title IX inquisitions stalls in Missouri Senate
          Washington Missourian:  ECC president opposes proposal to expand concealed-carry freedoms to campus X
          KC Star:  Charter schools say they are losing millions in tax revenue to KC district X
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Supreme Court rules lawmakers unconstitutionally cut funding for specific executive branch employee
          The Missouri Times:  Committee approves seven questions for dispensary applications
          The Missouri Times:  Committee unanimously approves amended questions for cultivator applications
          KWMU:  Obituary:  John E. 'Jack' Galmiche III led Nine Network of public media into the digital age
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Sen. Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee's Summit):  Reaching compromise and maintaining local control
          P-D's Kurt Erickson:  Missouri Republicans desperate to undo much-needed ethics measures X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Wednesday, April 17, 2019
       
Brownfield Ag News:  U.S. Senate committee hearing in Iowa to focus on Missouri River flooding
          AP:  U.S. Senate hearing to focus on preventing more Missouri River flooding
          Missourinet:  Missouri flood aid package stalls in Congress, but Blunt expects eventual passage
          KMOX:  Charlie Brennan show:  Veteran newsman Don Marsh names names, describes behind-the-scenes "millennial ambush" from hypersensitive KWMU employees that led to his departure (begins around 14:30)
          The Missouri Times:  April 2019 quarterly filings:  What we learned
          Missourinet:  Parson announces new effort to train 500 Missouri manufacturing technicians
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri high court affirms governor's ability to appoint lieutenant governor
          AP:  Missouri Supreme Court upholds appointment of Lt. Gov. Kehoe
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court:  Parson had authority to appoint Kehoe
          AP:  Missouri bill would undo law on where attorney general lives
          AP:  Schmitt's office seeks stories about ravages of opioids
          AP:  Missouri Senate passes term-limit proposal for statewide officials
          SNL:  Republicans want transparency rules for Clean Missouri's new redistricting czar
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Burlison's petition numbers check out
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Justin Hill (R-Lake Saint Louis) calls on University of Missouri System President Mun Choi to ask for UMKC chancellor's resignation
          KC Star:  GOP lawmakers seek to hold UMKC chancellor accountable after dismissive statement on campus attack X
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate budget chair proposes $10 million for MU medical complex
          The Missouri Times:  Senate unanimously passes domestic violence, sexual abuse protection bill
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate debates Title IX due process bill
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate holds hearing on freedom for school districts to choose to offer elective Bible classes
          The Missouri Times:  Cierpiot, Conservative Caucus still working through disagreements
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri farmers, ranchers join together to lobby lawmakers at Capitol
          The Missouri Times:  Crowd backs private property rights
          Missourinet:  Kehoe emcees rally in favor of bill to halt Grain Belt Expressway
          The Missouri Times:  House moves forward with bill limiting use of eminent domain
          The Missouri Times:  Capitol braces for Grain Belt fight:  What to know about the proposed project
          Columbia Missourian:  House wants to stop Grain Belt Express from using eminent domain
          Missourinet:  Missouri House gives initial approval to Grain Belt-related legislation
          AP:  Missouri House erects barrier to wind power line
          CDT:  House passes bill restricting Grain Belt project X
          Columbia Missourian:  Fast-track scholarship bill faces stalemate from school-choice supporters in the Senate
          The Missouri Times:  Wieland moves to address air ambulance costs billed to insured patients
          AP:  Court says Missouri lawmakers wrongly cut administrative law judge's salary
          SE Missourian:  Trap, don't hunt:  Missouri Dept. of Conservation discourages hunting of destructive feral hogs invading area counties +
          KWMU:  State school board ends decade-long oversight of St. Louis City schools
          Missourinet:  Missouri Board of Education votes to return control of St. Louis Public Schools to elected board
          P-D editorial:  The Missouri GOP defends local control - unless a hog farm wants to move in +
          Joplin Globe op-ed:  State Auditor Nicole Galloway:  DOR failure left individual taxpayers in the dark
          Priddy:  On sports betting and casino admission figures in Missouri (2,083 words)
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Tuesday, April 16, 2019
       
The Missouri Times:  In wake of assault on campus, Sater suggests UMKC chancellor resign
          KC Star:  Schmitt seeks to dismiss DSCC suit against Hawley X
          The Missouri Times:  April 2019 quarterly filings:  Statewide candidates
          The Missouri Times:  April 2019 quarterly filings:  Missouri Senate
          The Missouri Times:  April 2019 quarterly filings:  Missouri House
          The Missouri Times:  April 2019 quarterly filings:  Committees
          P-D:  He's gone from office, but Greitens is still paying legal bills X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) talks to Rosenbaum about Better Together, infrastructure bonding, low-income housing tax credits, more
          The Missouri Times:  Senate officially passes infrastructure bonding bill
          AP:  Missouri Senate passes bridge-funding plan
          The Missouri Times:  Cierpiot lambasts Senate's Conservative Caucus, cites 'inconsistencies' with legislative priorities
          KC Star:  Cierpiot talks about challenges of compromising with Conservative Caucus X
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers form new caucus to aid local governments
          AP:  Missouri House passes bill to waive penalties for taxpayers
          Columbia Missourian:  House passes carjacking, tax extension, digital license bills
          The Missouri Times:  House committee advances sports betting bill with royalty fee
          Columbia Missourian:  Proposal places limits on open state demographer position
          Washington Missourian:  School start date should be decided locally, Washington superintendent says
          The Missouri Times:  JCAR acts as 'quasi-judicial' oversight on agency rulemaking
          Columbia Missourian:  United by tragedy, two fathers support Amber Alert bill from Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield)
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmaker amends Gold Star Families monument bill in compromise
          SNL:  How businesses will apply to sell medical pot X
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Hoskins right that state still owes tens of millions on bonds issued to build The Dome at America's Center
          P-D:  Post-Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger wins Pulitzer Prize for series on "debtors' prisons" X
          KC Star:  Star columnist Melinda Henneberger named Pulitzer Prize finalist for thoughts on "institutional sexism and misogyny," etc. X
          P-D editorial:  Honoring Tony Messenger X
          P-D letter:  Lake Saint Louis man says national popular-vote campaign is wrong for Missouri X
          P-D letter:  O'Fallon man disagrees with Blunt on debate time for Trump nominees X
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood man disappointed by editorial board's suggestion that black voters should vote for only black candidates X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Monday, April 15, 2019
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  Hydrologist warns flooding along the Missouri River is far from over
        KC Star:  "I'm just not going to be bullied." Sen. Josh Hawley's first 100 days in the U.S. Senate X
        This Week in Missouri Politics:  Dave Schatz on transportation compromise, workforce development, Senate personalities, more;  Panel of Joe Lakin, Don Hinkle, Lindsay Pattan, Jeff Rainford talk infrastructure spending, pro-life bills, workforce development, more
        KMWU:  Missouri lawmakers hope to provide relief for unexpected tax bills
        Missourinet:  Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) says state departments use slush fund from unfilled jobs
        KWMU:  St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners gearing up for upgrades
        Missourinet:  Missouri House expected to vote tomorrow on Grain Belt bill;  rally planned
        P-D:  Missouri hopes to lasso national rodeo event with upgrades to state fairgrounds;  Comments from MO Dept. of Ag's Sami Jo Freeman X
        Joplin Globe editorial:  Wrong process for concealed-carry bill X
        Phill Brooks:  Let Parson be Parson X
        Messenger:  The Missouri River is a 'mad elephant' that won't be tamed by 'bigger and better' levees X
        SE Missourian letter:  Burfordville woman opposes closed-primary proposal +
        P-D letter:  St. Louis woman opposes proposal to expand concealed-carry freedoms X
        Columbia Missourian letter:  Columbia liberal questions state lawmakers' Christianity, says Mizzou should be forced to pay employees $15/hour minimum wage
        SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau liberal responds to pro-life response to original letter +
        Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.


        Sunday, April 14, 2019
       
P-D:  Congressional votes for the week:  Net neutrality, Trump nominees X
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Ethics Commission dismisses multiple complaints
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of April 8, 2019
          The Missouri Times:  DOR drafting emergency amendment, revised regulation for withholding tax calculation
          JCNT:  DOR official:  Missouri taxpayers are owing less X
          SNL:  GOP lawmakers seek to create a day of remembrance for those harmed by Communist regimes X
          SNL:  At Springfield preschool, Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven hails kids' needs for 'proper start' X
          P-D:  In-depth look at Missouri Dept. of Corrections recruitment, training X
          P-D:  What it will take to license or sell marijuana in Missouri X
          SE Missourian:  Drone-use policy allows hobby in state conservation areas +
          SNL:  State purchasing 1,192 acres in Shannon County X
          KC Star editorial:  In Missouri, a D-list conservative was sad to be squirted with the makings of a bubble bath X
          JCNT editorial:  Lawmakers should focus on increasing immunization rates X
          SNL op-ed:  Brewer Science's Terry Brewer:  Benefit Corporations can help Missouri workforce X
          KC Star op-ed:  Former Rep. Kevin Corlew (R-Kansas City):  Collecting e-sales taxes is not a tax hike X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Saturday, April 13, 2019
       
AP:  UMKC student charged after attacking conservative speaker during speech
          KC Star:  Conservative speaker attacked on UMKC campus;  LGBTQIA* activists offended by Michael Knowles' presentation on biology of men and women
          KWMU:  Former Ferguson activist packs protesters in rental van, heads to El Paso to complain about border-security efforts
          KWMU:  More details emerge regarding Don Marsh's decision to leave station over "you look good" histrionics;  Producer Evie Hemphill sent e-mail scolding Marsh for commenting on 75-year-old Karen Foss' appearance;  Veteran newsman told KWMU reporter Bob Duffy to "get a room" after fellow senior citizen hugged co-worker in 2016;  Other unforgiveably sexist acts
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann (R-O'Fallon) on bridge-funding compromise, Better Together, much more
          AP:  No Missouri politicians suspected of wrongdoing in Arkansas charity-fraud case;  Alleged shysters made contributions to three former GOP elected officials
          Missourinet:  Parson says soldiers will not tame St. Louis City criminals:  "We can't take over the law enforcement jobs"
          Joplin Globe:  Senate finds compromise on infrastructure plan;  vote in offing X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate perfects domestic violence, sexual assault protection bill
          P-D:  Parson names associate judge to St. Louis circuit judge post X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Lots of talk, but still no road plan
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  St. Louis County NAACP's John Gaskin III:  Lack of due process in Title IX inquisitions continues to impact African-Americans
          P-D letter:  Illinois man disappointed by KWMU's lack of transparency in Don Marsh brouhaha X
          P-D letter:  House Springs sexagenarian expresses anger at Paul Wieland over 911 funding, voters for electing him X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.


        Friday, April 12, 2019
       
P-D:  Clay, Wagner aggressively fundraising in anticipation of 2020 election challenges X
          CDT:  Fellow farmers tell Hartzler that federal rules hamper flood control efforts X
          KWMU:  New U.S. attorneys to bring federal weight to St. Louis Safer Streets cases
          Missourinet:  Schmitt teams up with federal prosecutors in attempt to tackle St. Louis' violent crime
          The Missouri Times:  2019 100 list:  Institutions
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Rep. Keri Ingle (D-Lee's Summit)
          AP:  Planned Parenthood wants stay in Columbia abortion-facility case
          SNL:  State names medical pot advisory committees X
          P-D:  Missouri wants feedback on medical marijuana rules, applications for licenses X
          KC Star:  Medical marijuana advocates dispute University of Missouri study;  Jack Cardetti questions report's hazy math X
          KC Star:  St. Louis real estate reporter duped into covering Greitens-comeback hoax;  Trademark 'oh-snap!' quotables from Jeff Smith X
          The Missouri Times:  Schatz forges compromise on highway funding
          JCNT:  Missouri Senate gives first-round approval to bridges bonding plan X
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate strikes deal on governor's proposed bridge funding plan
          AP:  Missouri Senate reaches accord on funding to fix 250 bridges
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri One Start program, a governor priority, given initial Senate approval
          P-D:  Hellbender could become state's official endangered species X
          The Missouri Times:  One year after legislation, hair braiding video and certificate become available
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  April 10, 2019
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Second Amendment rights don't stop at the edge of campus
          KC Star editorial:  With measles on the rise, why is Missouri lawmaker kowtowing to the anti-vaccine crowd? X
          P-D editorial:  Get ready for elected-board rule over St. Louis Public Schools X
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst:  Lawmakers should address Clean Line Energy decision
          Ray Hartmann:  Better Together can be stopped - and a 'reasonable Republican' in Jefferson City has a way to do it
          Messenger:  Who holds the key to the jailhouse doors in Missouri's debtors' prisons? X
          SNL op-ed:  Area feminist touts her performance reading statement against pro-life bill, praises herself for being "forceful" X
          The Missouri Times letter:  Missouri Charter Public School Association's Doug Thaman:  The only thing to fear is the mediocrity we already have
          P-D letter:  Valley Park septuagenarian praises Don Marsh, agrees with Karen Foss that older folks like being told they look good X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Thursday, April 11, 2019
       
KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Josh Hawley talks to Jason Rosenbaum about first few months in U.S. Senate:  Debate efficiency moves, Rao, Facebook and Google, Mueller, more
          KWMU:  Fed agency:  Missouri producing less carbon pollution than a decade ago
          SE Missourian:  Army Corp of Engineers:  Mississippi River levels to remain high through May +
          AP:  Proposed Missouri budget includes $8 million for flood recovery
          KC Star:  Top Missouri budgeter allots money for flood aid X
          The Missouri Times:  2019 100 list:  Forces
          The Missouri Times:  2019 100 list:  Lifesavers
          The Missouri Times:  2019 100 list:  Navigators
          The Missouri Times:  Photo gallery:  2019 legislative softball tournament
          JCNT:  Governor's Mansion hosts Holocaust commemoration event X
          JCNT:  Parson:  Work remains for crime victims' rights X
          The Missouri Times:  At event for crime victims, Schmitt reiterates commitment to testing rape kits
          AP:  Satanic Temple challenges Missouri abortion law
          CDT:  Planned Parenthood seeks stay in Columbia clinic case X
          CDT:  State budget waits on tax surge as Senate considers spending X
          KWMU:  Senate trying to make progress on finding a way to fix Missouri's bridges
          The Missouri Times:  Republicans discuss transportation bonding bill overnight
          KC Star:  After hours of robust debate, Republicans close to agreement on bridge funding X
          The Missouri Times:  House perfects bill easing burden of unexpected tax bills
          SNL:  House moves to address 'surprise' tax bills X
          AP:  Missouri House votes to stall fees for late tax payments
          Columbia Missourian:  House members want to give taxpayers extra time, but the clock is ticking
          Missourinet:  Rep. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) praises Parson's government restructuring plan
          The Missouri Times:  House conservative caucus backs changes to Title IX
          AP:  House backs measure to hold tax votes in general elections
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers discuss return to paper ballots
          SNL:  Rep. Sonya Anderson (R-Springfield) wants 'PSA' on hazardous waste sites X
          Columbia Missourian:  House committee discusses Senate's fentanyl, medical marijuana bills
          P-D:  State-school study claims Missouri will license twice as many marijuana growers as it needs X
          Columbia Missourian:  Use the force, Jason Holsman:  Senate debates his 'Jedi bill' on open-air cremations
          P-D editorial:  School start-date bill prioritizes tourism dollars over education X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  The Bible belongs only in Sunday school, not public school X
          CDT editorial:  There's a cure for state legislators' anti-vax ignorance X
          P-D op-ed:  National Parents Organization-Missouri chapter's Linda Reutzel:  Missouri poised to give our children what they deserve - shared time with both parents X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Patrick Ishmael:  Electricity choice would be good for Missouri consumers
          P-D letter:  Freedom Center of Missouri's Dave Roland:  Second Amendment proposal is founded on legal principles X
          P-D letter:  Show-Me Institute's Susan Pendergrass:  Lawmakers are defying parents who want charter schools X
          P-D letter:  Eureka woman expresses fear of "loaded, hidden weapons" X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Wednesday, April 10, 2019
       
KC Star:  Judge rejects Dem candidate's request to subpoena Hawley, says 2020 AG hopeful provided "no evidence" X
          P-D:  Judge denies Dem candidate's request for Hawley deposition X
          Missourinet:  Parson wants outside agency to review Army Corps of Engineers river management
          AP:  Midwest states bracing for renewed flooding impact
          KWMU:  A first look at the NGA headquarters in St. Louis City
          The Missouri Times:  2019 100 list:  The playmakers
          KC Star:  State won't institutionalize discrimination when distributing medical marijuana licenses;  DHSS to judge proposals based on the content of their character, not the color of the author's skin X
          KCUR:  University of Missouri study claims supply of Missouri medical marijuana will outpace demand
          Missourinet:  GOP's diversity of opinions on Parson's bridge plan sparks lengthy filibuster
          P-D:  Senators debate transportation funding X
          The Missouri Times:  Republican senators join together in push for Internet tax
          Columbia Missourian:  House gives initial OK to online sales tax
          Washington Missourian:  Rep. Dottie Bailey (R-Eureka) says "informed consent" legislation is neither pro- nor anti-vaccine X
          SE Missourian:  Area schools see little opposition to childhood vaccines +
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill would limit use of restraints, seclusion rooms in Missouri schools
          P-D:  Shrinking summer vacations spur call for Missouri schools to start later X
          SNL:  High school LGBTQIA* group to visit Capitol today;  Teens to explain emotional hardship of having one (1) paper poster removed from school wall, other harrowing atrocities X
          The Missouri Times:  House gives initial approval to carjacking bill from Rep. David Gregory (R-St. Louis County)
          P-D:  Anti-carjacking proposal one step closer to becoming law in Missouri X
          The Missouri Times:  House votes to clear needle exchange programs to fight IV drug use, disease
          The Missouri Times - Clayton edition:  Missouri Public Utilities Alliance addresses recent approval of Grain Belt Express by PSC
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers push for a local vote on St. Louis City-St. Louis County merger
          Missourinet:  MoDOT uses new tool in fight against work zone construction traffic crashes
          KWMU:  State officials ban lead shot on conservation areas to reduce effects on wildlife
          P-D editorial:  Softly killing public education by sending taxpayer money to private schools X
          P-D editorial:  Common-sense bill would ban tax incentives for floodplain construction X
          Priddy:  A few thoughts on state funding for steamboat museum (2,085 words)
          Columbia Missourian's Alexis Hamby:  State legislators, tobacco lobbyists to blame for Missouri's lack of anti-smoking measures
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Local Alzheimer's-research advocate impressed by Blunt's knowledge of topic
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Columbia man says senators are doing corporations' bidding on CAFOs
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.


        Tuesday, April 9, 2019
       
P-D:  St. Louis lawyer Stephen Clark could get Senate vote soon as a result of Blunt effort on debate efficiency X
          KC Star:  Chiefs lineman recently completed internship with Sen. Josh Hawley
          The Missouri Times - Clayton edition:  Feminist coalition invents "Repro Week of Action";  Gal groups to perform "poetry slams," open mic nights, other efficacious theatrics
          KWMU:  Transgenders cheer February Missouri Supreme Court ruling that allows students to use opposite sex's locker rooms and bathrooms;  Comments from "nonbinary transgender"
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Rep. Jim Murphy (R-St. Louis County)
          The Missouri Times:  Meet Sally Hemenway, Nexus Group's new economic development finance advisor
          P-D:  New road and bridge funding plan surfaces in Missouri Senate X
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. J. Eggleston (R-Maysville) proposes Internet sales tax, reducing income tax in 'revenue-neutral' bill
          KC Star:  Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr says probe into state tax refund issue will continue X
          The Missouri Times:  House OKs concealed carry on college campuses
          P-D:  House votes to expand conceal-carry freedom to university grounds X
          P-D:  Anti-vaccine proposals aired in Missouri Legislature X
          AP:  Missouri bill would bar discrimination for not vaccinating
          Columbia Missourian's Rosemond Crown:  Bill would make it illegal to refuse unvaccinated children;  Comments from "Rep. Lynn Morris (R-Nexa [sic])
          SNL:  Medical pot:  Missouri drafts doctor paperwork rules X
          The Missouri Times:  State to source blind scorer for medical marijuana license applications
          P-D:  Who will grow commercial cannabis in Missouri?  Few farmers, but other green thumbs may have a role X
          KWMU:  Obituary:  UMSL leader and KWMU founder Don Driemeier dies at 80
          SE Missourian editorial:  Poll volunteers play important role in our elections +
          P-D op-ed:  Lacy Clay:  On the Fair Housing Act, the city of Black Jack and "disparate impact" X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Tim Jones:  Missouri conservatives should unite behind campus due process
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston):  Boycotts of Israel are not the answer +
          Columbia Missourian's Tessa Weinberg:  Black students outpace whites in suspensions;  Racism and poverty - not behavior or bad choices - to blame
          P-D letter:  Ladue sexagenarian applauds Ann Wagner for creating suburban Republican caucus X
          SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau septuagenarian offended by Wallingford's gas-tax proposal +
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.




        Monday, April 8, 2019
       
Washington Times:  Lawmakers consider resurrecting budget supercommittee;  Comments from Blunt
          Washington Missourian:  At Washington stop, State Auditor Nicole Galloway talks DOR, Clean Missouri, initiative-petition changes, more X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Sen. Karla May (D-St. Louis City) on charter schools, Senate compromises, more;  Panel of Reps. Gretchen Bangert (D-Florissant), Phil Christofanelli (R-St. Peters), Tom Hannegan (R-St. Charles), Tracy McCreery (D-Olivette) on charter schools, Galloway's first move in gov campaign, geriatric parole, more
          SNL:  House moves to hike driver's license fees in bid to save rural offices X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Legislators eyeing tax on Internet purchases X
          P-D:  Missouri's charter schools say they miss out on millions in local revenue X
          Columbia Missourian:  Liberal group says charter schools contribute to segregation
          P-D editorial:  Greitens showed us the impeachment system is just fine. Leave it alone. X
          KC Star editorial:  Why is Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft stealing Kris Kobach's lousy ideas? X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Sen. Mike Cunningham (R-Rogersville):  Lack of common ground in Senate's charter school debate
          Messenger:  Missouri Republicans loathe to take guns out of domestic abusers' hands X
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Sen. Doug Libla (R-Poplar Bluff):  Ameren is like a fox managing a hen house +
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Eric Bohl:  Missouri taking the lead on fighting misleading labeling
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.


        Sunday, April 7, 2019
       
P-D:  Congressional votes for the week:  Obamacare, Yemen, more X
          P-D's Raasch:  Thoughts on Biden brouhaha:  Comments from Claire McCaskill on MSNBC, tweets posted to Jean Carnahan's account X
          KC Star:  New details of Branson's sunken duck boat revealed in Coast Guard safety records X
          SNL:  "Anti-commandeering" bill aims to protect Second Amendment, Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield) says X
          Joplin Globe:  Bill from Rep. Ben Baker (R-Neosho) inspires discussion of religious freedom in education, Bible's influence on founding of America X
          P-D:  St. Louis Public Schools expected to return to control of elected board;  Comments from Missouri School Boards' Association's Melissa Randol X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local House members look to advance their legislation X
          JCNT:  CAFO bill from Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City) ready for debate X
          P-D editorial:  Parole bill would save state money, right old wrongs X
          P-D letter:  Former Missouri Highway Patrol Superintendent Ron Replogle:  State legislators wrong to oppose federally-funded sobriety checkpoints X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Saturday, April 6, 2019
       
Brownfield Ag News:  Parson seeks federal flooding assessments
          P-D:  St. Charles County man threatened to kill Hawley in Facebook post, feds say X
          P-D's Chuck Raasch:  Real estate/class envy beat:  McCaskill's Washington condo for sale for $3.2 million X
          P-D's Jack Suntrup:  Real estate/class envy beat:  Josh Hawley sells house in Columbia X
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri women reflect on landmark voting rights anniversary;  Comments from Reps. Tracy McCreery and Brenda Shields, St. Louis Children's Hospital's Ellie Glenn, BJC's Leann Chilton, others
          The Missouri Times:  Former Speaker of the House Jim Kreider to give Teddy Roosevelt performance this month
          The Missouri Times:  Petition updates:  Daylight savings time, reduced jail terms
          AP:  Ethics panel says Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark) spread false rumor
          The Missouri Times:  Stagnant revenue collections for FY19 could have greater impact on FY20
          SE Missourian:  Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau):  Statewide online tax overhaul unlikely this year +
          JCNT:  State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick:  Withholding conflict dates back decades X
          P-D:  In Missouri, more discussion over tax changes X
          The Missouri Times:  House approves bill meant to stop school-to-school movement of child abusers
          The Missouri Times:  Bill prohibiting anonymous freedom of religion lawsuits ignites heated debate
          KWMU:  Missouri DHSS releases report on elderly hunger
          JCNT:  Missouri faces vaccination hesitation amid measles cases X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  April 3, 2019
          SNL op-ed:  Missouri Rural Crisis Center's Roger Allison:  Bernskoetter's bill would let CAFO operators run amuck X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Friday, April 5, 2019
       
AP:  Poplar Bluff nail manufacturer granted steel tariff exemption
          Missourinet:  Missouri nail company to boost production after federal exemptions granted
          KWMU:  Missouri company secures trade exemption
          P-D:  Missouri nail maker wins tariff exemption and begins planning a comeback X
          KCUR:  As Missouri recovers from devastating floods, a Dutch architect suggests dramatic changes
          P-D:  Hawley's bill aims to make duck boats safer X
          The Missouri Times:  Labor advocate Tim Luebbert passes
          Missourinet:  Todd Richardson to be honored today in Poplar Bluff;  Former Speaker to receive Distinguished Alumni Award from Three Rivers College
          Columbia Missourian:  UPDATED:  Newspaper posts correction regarding yesterday's Clean Missouri story, fixes district of "Tracy McCreer [sic]"
          P-D:  Parson meets with tax-cut advocates X
          KCUR:  Secretary of state could get more authority to investigate Missouri's voter fraud;  Comments from Jay Ashcroft
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill addresses automatic voter registration;  Comments from Ashcroft's Nikolas Shores
          SNL:  Bill from Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield) aims to protect infrastructure from vandals' attacks X
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers debate nuances of bill to expand treatment for disabled children
          KWMU:  Missouri student journalists, teachers hope GOP bill will stop censorship from school administrators
          The Missouri Times:  House approves changes to Missouri's industrial hemp law
          SNL:  Springfield employers respond to medical marijuana X
          P-D:  Pot possession would not mean jail time in Missouri under proposal from Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin) X
          AP:  House passes bill giving parole chance for older inmates
          The Missouri Times:  Schmitt sues Wood Heights over alleged Sunshine Law violation
          Joplin Globe:  DNR monitoring Joplin's odor issues X
          KC Star editorial:  Ann Wagner deserves credit for voting in favor of Violence Against Women Act X
          P-D editorial:  Anti-vandalism bill aims to silence environmentalists X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Libla's deregulation-initiative bill could ultimately harm consumers
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.


        Thursday, April 4, 2019
       
Brownfield Ag News:  Governors emphasize flood control and more state involvement in meeting with Corps
          Missourinet:  Parson joins Iowa and Nebraska governors to meet with Army Corps officials on flood prevention
          AP:  Governors want more authority over Missouri River system
          AP:  Missouri proposes tax-break ban for flood plain development
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Josh Hawley touts bill to bring down drug prices X
          KC Star:  Blunt supports move to improve appointee-approval times X
          P-D:  Blunt leads effort to speed appointee-approval process X
          Missourinet:  Tweets sent from Jean Carnahan's account express support for Joe Biden;  Perfectly-punctuated eight-tweet thread attributes cogent, coherent thoughts to 85-year-old
          The Missouri Times:  Schaaf's new "Show Me Integrity" group to hold Capitol advocacy day next week
          Columbia Missourian's Isabel Lohman and Samantha Bowers:  Lawmakers debate Clean Missouri provisions;  Comments from "Rep. Tracy McCreery (D-Jefferson City [sic])"
          KWMU:  Galloway finds uncertainty and confusion when it comes to Missouri income taxes
          The Missouri Times:  House perfects bill giving SOS subpoena power in voter fraud investigations
          P-D:  House votes to give secretary of state's office more power to investigate fraud X
          Columbia Missourian:  House abortion bill expanded, heard in Senate
          The Missouri Times:  "Border War" bill from Sen. Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee's Summit) forges ahead
          The Missouri Times:  House perfects bill increasing fees for licenses, vehicle titles
          P-D:  House proposal seeks to expand concealed-carry freedoms to college campuses X
          SNL:  "Campus carry" wins initial House approval X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Lawmakers hear both sides of transmission line argument
          AP:  Missouri bill would bar condemnation for wind energy line
          Missourinet:  Nasheed:  Legislation dealing with St. Louis City-County merger "absolutely the most important bill that I have filed this year"
          SNL:  Poaching bill fails in Senate ag committee X
          The Missouri Times:  Conservation Day at the Capitol marked as another success
          Joplin Globe:  Area feminist angry after drive to Jefferson City proves all for naught;  ERA supporter says her statement to committee would have included powerful language and clever historical anecdotes X
          P-D editorial:  Changing election rules to handicap white candidates doesn't always work X
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Legislators should make life harder for asbestos companies, not mesothelioma victims
          KC Star's Toriano Porter:  Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon) wrong to disagree with notion of 'white privilege';  Legislator's comments questioning theory are "so damn disrespectful"  X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Wednesday, April 3, 2019
       
Washington Post:  Lacy Clay brushes off challenge from Cori Bush and far-left supporters:  "I'm gonna kick their [rump] again, okay?"
          P-D:  As Mississippi River crests, St. Louis area could dodge major flood impacts - at least temporarily X
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Sen. Justin Brown (R-Rolla)
          The Missouri Times:  Parson fills judicial vacancy on 7th, 21st circuits with O'Hara, Lay
          Missourinet:  Galloway:  Another slip by DOR - this time, an illegal one
          AP:  Galloway:  Missouri tax withholding change didn't follow law
          CDT:  Audit:  Missouri could see $63 million more withheld this year X
          SNL:  Galloway says state broke law in tweaking withholding without public input X
          P-D:  Galloway says DOR illegally changed tax withholding tables this year X
          KC Star:  Galloway:  DOR broke the law by changing tax withholding tables;  House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) weighs in X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate filibusters charter school bill for hours
          Columbia Missourian:  Charter school legislation faces filibuster
          The Missouri Times:  House gives initial approval to bill altering college campus policies
          The Missouri Times:  Bill would limit who can use eminent domain
          Missourinet:  Legislators fast-track bill to block Grain Belt Express use of eminent domain
          Columbia Missourian:  House gives initial approval to allowing concealed carry on college campuses
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers try again to ban state contracts with businesses that boycott Israel
          Columbia Missourian:  GOP lawmakers discuss elective Bible classes, "In God We Trust" legislation
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur) still promoting rape-kit legislation
          Missourinet:  Rep. LaKeySha Bosley (D-St. Louis City) talks about Better Together legislation
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court issues ruling in Marvin Rice death penalty case
          Missourinet:  Missouri Capitol renovation project reaching halfway mark
          P-D:  Election briefs:  New voting rules have no effect on Ferguson-Florissant School Board outcome;  Lesley McSpadden, mother of police assailant Michael Brown, finishes last in Ferguson City Council race X
          Jensen:  KWMU's handling of Don Marsh's compliment shows absurdity of political correctness +
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Carl Bearden:  Don't fall for Title IX lies
          SE Missourian's Jon Rust:  Briefs:  Google selects paper as 1 of 10 in North America;  Newspaper seeks business reporter +
          P-D op-ed:  Charter school advocate Michael Petrilli:  Let's irrigate North County's 'charter school deserts' X
          P-D letter:  Wildwood octogenarian responds to editorial brief on border wall, says he won't vote to re-elect Blunt X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Tuesday, April 2, 2019
       
AP:  More rain causes new flood worries along the Mississippi
          KC Star:  "Make America Great Again" hat triggers liberal at Missouri Western;  Militant woman caterwauls about "white supremacy" to visiting high school student X
          P-D's Raasch:  Congress spins in circles as partisans keep forcing pointless 'show' votes;  Comments from 100% of Post-Dispatch polisci prof pundit pool (UMSL's Dave Robertson) X
          KCUR:  U.S. Supreme Court rules Missouri's lethal injection method of execution is not 'cruel and unusual'
          AP:  SCOTUS rules against Russell Bucklew;  Rapist/murderer says injection method is a threat to his delicate capillaries
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Wiley Price IV (D-St. Louis City) talks with Rosenbaum about early impressions of serving in House superminority
          The Missouri Times:  General Assembly takes initiative petition alterations under consideration
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate considers initiative petition bill
          SE Missourian:  Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau) says incremental gas taxes raises through Legislature could fund roads +
          JCNT:  Missouri corrections officers still waiting on $118 million payout from DOC X
          Missourinet:  Proposal to limit impeachment to crime, corruption clears one chamber
          The Missouri Times:  Bill would remove growing restrictions on hemp
          The Missouri Times:  Sweeping criminal justice overhaul package prepared for consideration
          AP:  Missouri to cover more non-opioid treatments for pain
          P-D:  Bill from Rep. David Gregory (R-St. Louis County) would protect access to anti-psychotic medications for the poor X
          The Missouri Times - Clayton edition:  Sen. Doug Libla (R-Poplar Bluff) files bill deregulating Missouri's energy market
          Columbia Missourian:  House committee considers increasing protections for student freedom of speech, politics
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmakers respond after day care tries to open next to facility with 17 sex offenders
          Columbia Missourian:  St. Louis Cardinals want drones banned from flying near Busch Stadium
          Missourinet:  St. Louis Cardinals want no-fly zone for drones near major sporting events
          JCNT:  Missouri legislative committee discusses funding for state steamboat museum X
          SE Missourian:  Southeast Missourian to work with Google, other select papers on subscriptions project +
          Joplin Globe's Andy Ostmeyer:  U.S. Rep. Billy Long recalls summer guiding mule riders in Grand Canyon X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Ben Chavis:  Missouri's Title IX overhaul efforts can help stop invisible lynchings in America
          St. Joseph News-Press' Ken Newton:  Remembering Rep. Marvin Proffer X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Monday, April 1, 2019   April Fool's Day
       
April 2018 Missouri political news headlines
        April 2017 Missouri political news headlines
        April 2016 Missouri political news headlines
        April 2015 Missouri political news headlines
        KWMU:  Fort Leonard Wood gets first black female leader
        P-D:  Don Marsh opens up about leaving KWMU, says producer complained about off-air comment;  Veteran newsman told longtime friend Karen Foss, 75, that she "looked great" X
        KWMU, July 2018:  Executive Editor Shula Neuman:  St. Louis Public Radio has too many experienced white male reporters, and we're working to change that
        KC Star:  Machinations begin in 2020 gov race X
        This Week in Missouri Politics:  Sen. Justin Brown (R-Rolla) on pro-business legislation, DOR, more;  Panel of Reps. Alan Green (D-Florissant), Jim Murphy (R-St. Louis), along with Scott Dieckhaus and Jeff Roorda on charter schools, making deadbeat dads take responsibility for their children, more
        KC Star:  Missouri gets ready for medical marijuana rollout X
        CDT:  Missourians line up to get in cannabis game X
        P-D:  In debate over online sales taxes, some in Missouri GOP want to give it back X
        Missourinet:  Rep. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) angry over rejection of his summer-jobs bill
        P-D editorial:  Serious or not, bill to invalidate federal gun laws in Missouri is repugnant X
        KC Star editorial:  Missouri officials 'almost have to go to jail to be impeached' under half-baked bill X
        The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Cattlemen's Association's Mike Deering:  Stop the Missouri Rural Crisis Center from gut-punching progress and flipping the bird to science
        The Missouri Times op-ed:  Sen. Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester):  Protect due process for students at our private, religious colleges and universities
        Columbia Missourian's Ken Midkiff:  McDaniel's pro-gun proposal not a laughing matter
        Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.





       







       

       


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