johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - August 2015


    


        Monday, August 31
       
KC Star:  Blunt opposes Iranian nuclear agreement +
          KSDK (St. Louis):  Blunt visits mental-health service provider that specializes in equine therapy
          Monett Times:  Rep. Billy Long speaks to group about his daughter's Hodgkin's lymphoma, his fight against pharmacy paperwork and his support for across-the-board spending cuts
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Vicky Hartzler on school lunches;  In front of Democrats, Chris Koster pokes his first political party +
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest:  Will Kraus;  Panel:  Former state Sen. Tim Green (D-Spanish Lake), Progress Missouri's Sean Nicholson, St. Louis City Treasurer Tishaura Jones, Former Speaker of the House Tim Jones
          Drebes:  Rick Stream to kick off state Senate campaign Sept. 9
          AP:  Amnesty program for delinquent Missouri taxpayers to begin
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Fed stats show 72 percent of young Missourians are too fat to qualify for National Guard;  Comments from Maj. Gen. Stephen Danner X
          Missourinet:  New municipal court law concerns Missouri Municipal League
          Student Life (Washington University):  The longest con:  Proposed Rams stadium won't help local economy or struggling neighborhood, WU faculty say
          KNPN (St. Joseph):  Rep. Clem Smith (D-St. Louis) tried to push for a 'progressive' sexual education bill, but Republicans watered it down
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Meetings scheduled to garner public attention on law-enforcement policies, training standards
          KWMU:  Applying lessons from public health to crime:  Kansas City Health Department's "Aim4Peace" treats violent behavior like cholera
          Washington Missourian editorial:  The higher-ed landscape in Missouri is always evolving
          P-D letter:  Florissant man says Republican members of ALEC are lobbyists for corporations, says medical care is a right "like food and water"
          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, August 30
       
KWMU:  Missouri Democrats cite solidarity with middle class;  Nixon only notable name missing from event
          P-D:  Dems play Hillary Clinton video at Truman Dinner;  Comments from McCaskill, Koster, Galloway, others
          SE Missourian:  Roy Blunt, Jason Smith headline Cape County Lincoln Day dinner +
          JCNT:  Labor groups join fight over 'right to work' X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Area reps weigh in on veto session;  Rep. Galen Higdon (R-St. Joseph) says he's not changing his 'no' vote on RTW X
          CDT:  Senate vote on unemployment cuts likely during veto session X
          CDT:  Unemployment cuts would limit time jobless could claim payments X
          P-D:  Business execs guarded on stadium proposal
          CDT:  MU graduate students make more demands:  "Living wage," on-campus child care, etc. X
          CDT:  Columbia Public Schools cooperated with MU, Planned Parenthood on sexual health program X
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  MAP tests show Dunklin County students perform poorly compared to peers across the state +
          Missourinet:  Ameren begins moving nuclear waste to central Missouri site
          KC Star:  Missouri Supreme Court ruling blocks lawsuit over deaths at Chillicothe hospital +
          AP:  Court denies motions from man set to be executed Tuesday;  Roderick Nunley and a pal got high, stole a car, abducted a 15-year-old girl from her bus stop, raped her, stabbed her to death, then left her to die in the trunk of the stolen car
          Missourinet:  Missouri Task Force One leader remembers Hurricane Katrina
          P-D:  Jamyla Bolden's funeral draws hundreds;  9-year-old girl was shot by parolee De'Eris Brown
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Justice served in EPA ruling;  AG Chris Koster (D), bipartisan group stood up for Missouri farmers against federal overreach X
          SNL editorial:  Missouri lawmakers must finally adopt ethics laws and limits X
          CDT's Waters:  Octogenarian columnist weighs in on anti-coal groups, says "clucking" from nags at Moms Clean Air Force "helps keep us on our toes" X
          CDT op-ed:  Jefferson City NAACP President Nimrod Chapel:  Nixon should spare the life of Roderick Nunley, who had a history of head trauma and whose crack cocaine use the day of kidnapping/rape/murder was quite out of character X
          CDT letter:  Area Alzheimer's Association leader:  Blunt deserves praise for Alzheimer's work X
          P-D letter:  Ballwin man says Ascension wants to reach into taxpayers' pockets to expand Medicaid
          P-D letter:  Retired teacher responds to Teach for America statements, says group doesn't exactly recruit the best nor the brightest
          P-D letter:  St. John man says alibi of Ferguson/Dellwood riots' tear-gas-tosser Edward Crawford - b/k/a Twitter's "@eyeFLOODpanties" - is hard to believe
          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, August 29
       
P-D:  Missouri Dems gather for annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, rebranded "Truman Dinner" due to historical (slavery) complaints
        Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri AG Chris Koster thinks all states may see effects of Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) ruling
        Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst on WOTUS injunction
        KWMU:  Federal judge blocks expansion of EPA's water regulations for Missouri, other states;  Comments from Koster, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Coalition for the Environment
        The Missouri Times:  Missouri farmers praise federal judge's injunction against water rule
        AP:  Clean water rule moving forward despite court ruling
        KWMU:  Vicky Hartzler wants local control of school lunch prices
        P-D:  Group that filed FEC complaint against McCaskill adds Akin in filing
        The Missouri Times:  Candidates continue tradition of appealing to Missouri farmers;  A look at candid and canned pics, tweets
        Drebes:  Mike Allen to run for Sue's West St. Louis County House seat
        JCNT:  Missouri to offer limited state tax amnesty program X
        The Missouri Times:  Updated:  Veto session, by the numbers
        The Missouri Times:  Americans for Prosperity targets 'no' vote districts on 'right to work'
        CDT:  Rep. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) speaks to Dem group about tax cuts, local ordinances, more;  Club organizer makes analogy involving Nazi war crimes X
        The Missouri Times:  Municipal court overhaul, other laws go into effect
        SE Missourian:  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) disapproves of funding method for Rams stadium +
        Columbia Missourian:  10 years after Katrina, Missouri Task Force's innovative system continues to save lives
        SNL:  Prosecutor:  Ruling preventing felons from carrying guns a 'victory' X
        KRES (Moberly):  Nixon touts bond sale for Truman renovation, commends Board of Governors for extending President Troy Paino's contract
        P-D:  Mizzou graduate students make it clear:  They have more grievances
        KWMU:  Aldermen pass minimum wage hike to $11 by 2018 in St. Louis
        P-D:  St. Louis aldermen approve $11 minimum wage
        AP:  St. Louis leaders agree to a minimum-wage increase of $11/hr. by 2018;  Activists wanted $15/hr.
        P-D:  Ameren wants more time to prove Labadie air is clean
        Washington Missourian:  Environmentalists, Ameren spar over air quality issues
        CDT:  State prepping third attempt to add license office in Columbia X
        St. Joseph News-Press:  MO DHSS promotes 25th annual "Missouri Outstanding Older Worker" contest to recognize the state's top seasoned-citizen public employees X
        P-D:  Obituary:  Anita Yeckel
        JCNT editorial:  Tax amnesty:  Time for delinquents to pay up X
        P-D editorial:  For real court reform, look to Jennings, not Ferguson
        CDT's Waters:  Thoughts on Chancellor Bowen Loftin's personality, Joshua Hawley situation, more X
        P-D letter:  Missouri Pharmacy Association's Ron Fitzwater:  Blunt, Graves, Luetkemeyer, Long support pharmacy bill - and others in MO delegation should, too
        KC Star letters:  Grain Belt Express;  MoDOT funding and gas-tax math +
        P-D letter:  Since St. Louis city is so concerned about minimum wage, how about raising the pay for election judges too?
        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, August 28
       
Kraske:  The Chat:  Blunt on Missouri's lead in mental health;  Ann Wagner, James Knowles on Donald Trump +
          KWMU:  Ann Wagner keeps her name-calling in check, advises Trump to do the same
          Missourinet:  Federal court blocks implementation of clean water rule, granting injunction in Missouri and 12 other states
          AP:  Judge rules Obama administration water rule should be halted
          P-D:  Work Colleges may be an answer to rising higher-education costs;  Comments from U.S. Rep. Jason Smith
          NY Times:  Hillary Clinton handling of e-mail issue frustrates Democrats;  Kander:  "I think obviously the sooner (Hillary) can get this behind her, the better"
          KC Star:  A look at digital ads for 2016 races;  Examples include NRSC's Snapchat vids targeting Kander via "pandering panda" +
          Harper's Bazaar:  Promoting "Plenty Ladylike," Missouri's Senior United States Senator dishes about girls-only "bathroom power meetings" and telling male senators what's what
          Governing Magazine:  A look at why Missouri Republicans do well in state legislative races and poorly in statewide bids
          SNL:  Advocates seek to raise Missouri's tobacco tax - in competing proposals X
          Missourinet:  New Missouri laws go into effect
          KWMU:  Most Missouri laws passed this year now in effect
          AP:  New Missouri law expands who can get orders of protection
          The Missouri Times:  Veto session:  By the numbers
          KWMU:  Focus on 'right to work' gets more intense as legislators consider override attempt
          Missourinet:  Planned Parenthood says videos were edited;  Schaefer says investigation will continue
          P-D:  Report claims state did not receive required lab report on fetal tissue
          KWMU:  As legislative threats mouth to stadium plan, Nixon brushes criticism aside
          Missourinet:  Missouri House budget leaders vow to fight stadium funding that lacks voter, lawmaker approval
          AP:  Credit impact unclear amid fight over new St. Louis stadium
          P-D:  Nixon announces $5 million for upgrades at St. Louis Community College
          Columbia Missourian:  MU administrators apologize for mishandling grad insurance communication
          KWMU:  Normandy officials reflect on students' poor performance, hope next year will be better
          AP:  KC summit to discuss problem of high school students changing schools frequently
          P-D:  St. Louis nonprofits say forcing minimum wage for disabled workers could cost jobs
          Nicklaus:  The progressive case against a minimum-wage increase;  Ald. Antonio French (D):  "I do have a lot of poor folks who think the minimum wage is a great idea, but I know it's not."
          KWMU:  Jennings settles federal lawsuit over its municipal court;  voluntary reforms coming elsewhere
          P-D:  Court changes rain down in final day before law takes effect
          P-D:  Cops nab man who killed 9-year-old Ferguson girl;  Budding criminal De'Eris Brown was on probation for robbery, and had also been charged with threatening an ex-girlfriend with a gun
          KWMU:  Police catch man who shot 9-year-old girl
          P-D editorial:  Efforts to thwart Obamacare hurt Missouri and its people
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Submit the St. Louis stadium deal to the General Assembly X
          KC Star editorial:  New Kansas City charter school holds promise, but many questions remain +
          P-D editorial:  Progress and skepticism on police use-of-force investigations
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood woman says stadium money would be better spent "to flood the streets of St. Louis with police and police dogs"
          P-D letter:  Imperial man thanks police officers for dealing with protester types
          P-D letter:  Protesters who stop traffic affect people of all races
          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, August 27
       
KTRS (St. Louis):  Former state Sen. Anita Yeckel (R-South St. Louis County) dies at age 72
          SE Missourian:  Brother of U.S. Rep. Jason Smith found safe yesterday
          KSMU (Springfield):  Blunt hears about mental health successes and concerns in Springfield
          SE Missourian:  Blunt during Cape stop:  No excuse for homeless vets, expanded care needed
          KFVS:  Blunt visits Cape Girardeau, discusses ways to improve health care
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  Blunt surveys locals about veteran issues
          WGEM (Hannibal):  Blunt visits Hannibal, talks veterans' health care
          KWMU:  McCaskill weighs in on expanding Jefferson Barracks cemetery
          P-D:  McCaskill urges county to approve plan to expand Jefferson Barracks
          Politico:  Ferguson Mayor James Knowles taunts Trump over gang comments
          P-D:  Donald Trump blames gangs of illegal immigrants for woes in Ferguson, St. Louis
          P-D:  Ann Wagner calls Trump comments on women 'Neanderthal'
          P-D:  Congressional staffers get ground-level look at agriculture;  Comments from St. Louis Agribusiness Club President Nick Weber
          St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill gets area student a gig as U.S. Senate page;  Kid shares post-pubescent wisdom on how Congress can overcome gridlock, bipartisanship
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Blunt on homeless veterans;  Ellington on Capitol creepers
          The Missouri Times:  Jack Danforth sends $10K to Peter Kinder
          KC Star:  Danforth backs Kinder with $10K donation
          CDT:  Joshua Hawley would get tenure upon return from AG race, chancellor tells lawmakers
          The Missouri Times:  Joe Lakin to head new digital division at Victory Enterprises
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Jim Neely (R-Cameron) joins race for Assistant Majority Floor Leader
          CDT:  MU chancellor promises to review privileges for Planned Parenthood doctor
          P-D:  Nixon announces $12M in building upgrades at Missouri S&T
          SE Missourian:  Southeast enrollment drops for first time since 1994
          Columbia Missourian:  "Forum on Graduate Rights" group:  Increase representation, regroup
          CDT:  MU graduate students complaints in spotlight at march, rally
          CDT's Darkow cartoon:  "The Graduate" analogy;  MU grad students: Benjamin Braddock's desires :: MU administration : Mrs. Robinson's delicious gams
          AP:  Missouri students' average ACT score:  21.7;  Once state offered test to all 11th-graders, nearly 800 more students took the test
          P-D:  Teach for America failing to attain sufficient number of recruits;  Comments from executive director/Ferguson activist Brittany Packnett
          SE Missourian:  Schools work to place state-mandated child-abuse hotline posters by Friday deadline
          The Missouri Times:  DESE members present timeline for curriculum changes
          KWMU:  Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis City) wants focus on educating kids instead of bureaucracy of replacing Common Core standards
          Rosenbaum:  Five takeaways from SB5, the sweeping, significant and complex municipal courts bill
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Tom Flanigan (R-Carthage) opposes stadium funds
          AP:  Opposition from lawmakers casts doubt on new St. Louis stadium
          P-D:  A postmark could doom St. Louis' proposed minimum wage hike
          AP:  State will offer six public hearings for input on police training
          P-D:  New alibi from lawyers of teen who ran from dope house and pointed gun at officers involves severed spine
          SNL editorial:  We must adopt legislation to feed more kids in the summer;  Blunt co-sponsoring measure, while McCaskill spox says senior senator is waiting to see
          KC Star editorial:  Virginia deaths caused by madman angry about perceived racism show need for stricter gun laws in Missouri
          CDT's Waters:  Joshua Hawley, Kurt Schaefer, and university e-mails;  Documents should be turned over quickly, at minimal cost
          SNL op-ed:  Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder:  Why I was the only 'No' vote on original taxpayer-funded stadium in St. Louis
          P-D letter:  Paper doesn't cover protest against Planned Parenthood
          P-D letter:  Former teacher says it is 'ludicrous' to rate a teacher based on how students perform
          KC Star letter:  KC woman expresses anger with Missouri lawmakers, tries to make 'lecherators' happen
          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, August 26
       
SE Missourian:  Brother of U.S. Rep. Jason Smith reported missing +
          Politico:  Kander splits with McCaskill on Iran, says he - like Blunt - opposes Obama's deal
          Missourinet:  At Missouri Farm Bureau event, Chris Koster joins Republicans in bashing the EPA
          KODE (Joplin):  Veterans listen to Blunt's plans to address their health concerns
          KMIZ (Columbia):  Blunt speaks at future site of veterans housing complex and shelter
          SNL:  Local pizza purveyors push Billy Long on menu-labeling bill X
          The Maneater:  McCaskill still talking about sexual assault
          Drebes:  New faces in Nixon's office:  William Miller, policy adviser, and Aaron Blunt, director of operations
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Tilley cash;  Scott Fitzpatrick and stadium funding;  Nixon and law-enforcement standards +
          CDT:  Local Republican Party leadership changes as Rowden gears up for Senate bid;  Mike Zweifel selected as new county GOP chairman X
          JCNT:  Americans for Prosperity begins running ads touting "Right to Work" X
          KWMU: Politically Speaking podcast:  State Auditor Nicole Galloway speaks with journoduo about Joplin audit, muni court overhaul, running for election in 2018, intern policies, more
          The Maneater:  Missouri Capitol internship program sees changes following sexual harassment scandals
          Drebes:  The Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) plan for legislators dealing with interns:  Don't be a creeper and, instead, live in reality
          KC Star:  Paul LeVota's former chief of staff back on the job in Missouri Senate +
          AP:  Ron Berry, LeVota's former chief of staff, re-hired
          Missourinet:  Tax amnesty period begins soon for eligible delinquent Missouri taxpayers
          JCNT:  Missouri House committee examines new Medicaid system X
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate committee questions license for abortion resumption in Columbia, University of Missouri involvement
          Missourinet:  Videos from Senate committee hearing
          CDT:  MU chancellor promises to review privileges for Planned Parenthood doctor X
          The Missouri Times:  Sanctity of Life Committee hears testimony from MU chancellor
          P-D:  GOP lawmakers question Planned Parenthood abortion doctor's hospital privileges
          KWMU:  GOP-led committee questions legality of granting privileges to Planned Parenthood doctors
          AP:  Missouri abortion licensing law splits GOP, health officials
          The Maneater:  Undocumented immigrants to face tuiton hike
          The Missouri Times:  Committees meet to learn how the Lottery funds education
          P-D:  Missouri students fail to improve disappointing ACT numbers;  White kids average 22.6, black kids 17.3
          KWMU:  Why it's hard to judge charter schools on MAP test numbers
          Missourinet:  Ruling doesn't decide whether some Missouri felons can have guns
          KWMU:  St. Louis City Aldermen vote to increase minimum wage in city to $11 an hour by 2018;  Sponsor Shane Cohn accuses bill opponent Antonio French of believing in supply-side economics
          P-D:  Minimum-wage-increase proponents fail to gain support for $15/hour, settle for $11 an hour - by 2018;  Antonio French says issue is not wage, but lack of jobs
          KWMU:  Callaway nuclear plant to shift some waste to dry storage - but not all
          Missourinet:  Several changes in place for this year's deer hunting season in Missouri
          AP:  Guns used by St. Louis City's violent criminals are often stolen;  Law-abiding citizens can't bring firearms into baseball games, making gun thefts from cars common
          P-D editorial:  Transit, NGA and north-side:  A recipe for economic growth
          SNL op-ed:  Billy Long:  The consequences of selective immigration law enforcement X
          P-D op-ed:  Ascension CEO Anthony Tersigni:  If Missouri legislators want to keep Obamacare working, expand Medicaid in Missouri
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  "True office romance" can happen in the workplace, but it's a rarity and the Senate should makes some intern rules too
          KC Star op-ed:  Former Capitol intern Taylor Hirth:  Male legislators "should acknowledge the grievances of those who have been taken advantage of and hear our plea for justice" +
          CDT letter:  EPA Clean Power Plan is good for Missouri X
          KC Star letter:  Man who chooses to live in Kansas attempts Missouri Capitol dress code/Taliban joke +
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood woman says P-D editorial blamed everyone for 9-year-old Ferguson girl's death except the savage that perpetrated the murder
          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, August 25
       
NY Times:  Inspector critiques U.S. spending in Afghanistan, to dramatic effect;  Comments from McCaskill
          AOL:  "MAKERS Minute" Q&A with inspiring women: 60-second rapid-fire with McCaskill on topics like coffee vs. tea, "if you were a man," etc.
          CDT:  Through HUD program, taxpayers subsidize home-repair loans;  Area woman shares hard-knock tale, says funds "pretty much did CPR for this house" X
          KWMU:  Demolition begins at Carter Carburetor plant in North St. Louis;  EPA overseeing cleanup
          P-D:  Veterans' grave markers used to pave Missouri patio are removed;  No charges filed
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics Returns:  governor's race, veto session, and Capitol culture
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guests Sarah Martin (D), Jeff Mazur (D), Steve Tilley (R), Joe Lakin (R)
          KMOX:  Black elected officials support an increase in tobacco tax
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Peter Kinder on his status as GOP's "proven winner" +
          SE Missourian:  Butler County Republicans organize gov forum:  Six of broad field have committed to attend +
          AP:  Former House Speaker Steve Tilley (R) gives $562K to GOP committee
          The Missouri Times:  Caleb Rowden officially kicks off state Senate campaign
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) running for Missouri Senate
          SE Missourian:  Lincoln Day dinner set for Saturday:  Roy Blunt, Jason Smith, Lloyd Smith, more +
          Missourinet:  Gail Vasterling responds to Schaefer, Sanctity of Life Committee inquiry
          Missourinet:  University of Missouri prof shares thoughts on impact of Planned Parenthood videos
          The Missouri Times:  State legislators, other officials unveil Jennings Place senior living center
          JCNT:  Sen. Will Kraus (R-Lee's Summit) unhappy with Nixon's lack of movement on Board of Probation & Parole appointment;  Nixon camp offers non-responsive response X
          SE Missourian:  Nixon touts Southeast campus improvements during visit +
          SNL:  Nixon celebrates $19M in projects at MSU X
          Missourinet:  Mizzou experiences record-breaking enrollment
          CDT:  MU starts school year with record enrollment, threat of graduate student walkout X
          Missourinet:  More legislators opposing new NFL stadium funds
          KWMU:  Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Shell Knob) vows to fight Nixon on using bond money to fund new NFL stadium
          AP:  Bonds for new St. Louis stadium opposed by budget leader
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. John McCaherty (R-Murphy) calls on Nixon to reconsider stadium funding plan
          KWMU:  St. Louis aldermen reconvening to debate minimum wage hike;  Comments from Ferguson activist, opponents like Joe Vaccaro (D) and St. Louis Regional Chamber's Hart Nelson
          KWMU:  With state municipal overhaul looming, Ferguson makes changes to court
          P-D:  Ahead of new law, Ferguson municipal court announces major changes
          AP:  Ferguson municipal judge announces sweeping changes
          Missourinet:  Nixon wants law enforcement standards to be more sensitive to minorities
          P-D:  Attorneys try to pick apart police narrative of fatal shooting;  Crack and stolen guns found at house where 18-year-old pointed gun at officer
          KWMU:  After uproar, Hazelwood closes St. Cin Park during cleanup of soil;  Comments from area residents and people who understand science
          P-D:  Hazelwood closes St. Cin Park during cleanup
          P-D editorial:  New civil rights movement finds its political voice
          Shelly:  Alluring interns are not the only distraction in the Capitol - others include free baseball tickets, campaign donations, barbecue, more +
          CDT's Waters:  Red-light cameras:  State legislature should change the law X
          P-D letter:  Shrewsbury woman wants Ann Wagner to support stricter EPA rules
          P-D letter:  Local UAW official:  Right-to-work law could put Army base at risk of closing
          KC Star letter:  Septuagenarian female suggests dress code for male legislators:  "metal suspenders and no zippers" +
          P-D letter:  Post-Dispatch shows hypocrisy on wages;  Platform should read, "Do as we say, not as we do"
          P-D letter:  Trailnet exec director:  Still a need for red-light, speed cameras
          P-D letter:  Ballwin man asserts that despite what the Post-Dispatch and the "professional/career protest class" think, municipal court meeting is a private proceeding
          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, August 24
       
KRCG:  Blunt opposes EPA "Clean Power Plan"
          P-D:  Carter Carburetor, industrial powerhouse-turned-environmental nightmare, finally coming down
          Missourinet:  Most Missouri GOP gubernatorial hopefuls turn out for Governor's Ham Breakfast
          SE Missourian:  Missouri unemployment benefits bill looks set for override +
          P-D:  Missouri likely can't cut Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood
          Missourinet:  Human trafficking task force prepares to meet
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Grad-student insurance-subsidy hubbub;  Ag Director Richard Fordyce on renewable-energy consortium +
          Columbia Missourian:  Unimpressed with administrators' efforts, MU grad students extend walkout plan to all day
          KC Star:  Nurses in KC and nationwide say staffing is in critical condition;  Comments from Missouri Hospital Association's Dave Dillon, others +
          KWMU:  It's time to put the "T" first in LGBTQIA, transgender groups say;  Queer and Trans People of Color "still feel marginalized, even within the larger Queer community"
          SE Missourian:  Area health groups ID local priorities;  Cape Girardeau County boasts more residents who choose to be overweight - but fewer who choose to be obese - than state average +
          SE Missourian:  State may allow crossbows next deer, turkey hunting season +
          KWMU:  Area attorney speaks at series on "Ferguson Effect," complains about law enforcement standards, etc.
          CDT:  Paper invites public to participate in online forum Thursday to discuss/argue race and policing issues with local leaders, anonymous strangers X
          CDT:  Police union - in spotlight for honoring fellow officer with "Darren Wilson Day" - was created to provide cops advocacy, legal aid X
          CDT:  Council allocates more taxpayer dollars for "social equity," policing efforts X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  The Killing Roads:  Missouri driving fatalities increase, what with everyone playing on their "cellphones and iPads"
          KC Star's Mara Rose Williams:  Get graduate students on university subsidized health plans or pay up, IRS says +
          KC Star's Lewis Diuguid:  St. Louis Fed study finds blacks, Hispanics with college degrees do not earn or accumulate wealth on par with whites;  Sexagenarian columnist's sarcastic conclusion:  "America, what a country!" +
          JCNT letter:  Holts Summit man says Luetkemeyer, Hartzler are wrong - Missourians prefer "clean" energy X
          JCNT letter:  Area white woman offers views on race:  Michael Brown stole from convenience store because he was leaving for "college," and systemic racism is visible when one considers that Band-Aids are "white" [sic] 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, August 23
       
WGEM (Hannibal):  U.S. Rep. Sam Graves pushes long-term transportation funding
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  Graves confident on highway bill
          KHQA (Hannibal):  Graves tours district, touts American manufacturers' role in fixing crumbling infrastructure
          AP:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith wants EPA eliminated
          Sun Chronicle (Attleboro, Mass.):  Scott Brown responds to McCaskill's comments in NY Mag girl-talk piece, says it's "typical" for Claire to swill beer and dish
          Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal:  Mike Parson campaigns for lieutenant governor, says running a positive campaign is possible
          The Examiner (Independence):  Winston Apple drops Independent bid for Torpey's seat;  Man who lost Dem primary in '14 says, "It's hard not to be an Independent when one party is crazy and the other is useless"
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Pols attend Governor's Ham Breakfast;  Thoughts from First Lady Georganne Nixon, SOS candidate Will Kraus, Rep. Dean Dohrman (R-La Monte), others
          SNL:  For donors and lobbyists, Missouri has less-restrictive environment than its neighbors;  List of lobbyist-gift totals to area lawmakers, employees or family X
          KWMU:  Richardson:  No new intern dress code, but final recommendations will get public airing
          CDT:  Videos, license controversy draw protesters to Planned Parenthood clinic;  Crowd includes Catherine Hanaway, Randy Asbury, Chuck Basye, Mike Moon X
          SNL:  Protesters, supporters turn out at Planned Parenthood location X
          CDT:  PrideFest revelers say struggle didn't end with marriage-rights victory X
          Columbia Missourian:  Gallery:  PrideFest finale drag show:  "Muffie Beaverhausen," other made-up males perform
          KTVO (Kirksville):  Truman State's president will stay longer
          KC Star:  Ongoing student churn staggers charter schools and the Kansas City district +
          SE Missourian:  Assessment scores in Cape schools can't be compared to past years +
          P-D:  Mentoring program seeks to stabilize teaching force in Ferguson
          P-D:  Municipal court overhaul takes effect this week
          Brownfield Ag News:  Ameren Missouri, others see power form corn stover-based biocoal
          P-D:  Police union slams circuit attorney over investigation into shooting of man who pointed gun at officers
          KC Star editorial:  After anti-violence block party is marred by hooliganism, Mayor Sly James says 'knuckleheads" shouldn't deter city from summer programs +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Blaming interns' dress for sexual harassment is silly;  Male legislators unable to control themselves around coeds should find another job
          CDT op-ed:  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia):  Missouri House must take responsibility for its own behavior, not shift onus to interns X
          Kraske:  Forty-one years after Jeff City guys allegedly flirted with a comely Claire McCaskill, a few lecherous men are still giving women a hard time at the Capitol +
          KC Star's Steve Rose:  Kansas dominates Missouri in multiple treating-gals-right categories +
          CDT's Waters:  Paying for a new St. Louis football stadium is worth it, probably X
          KC Star public editor Derek Donovan:  Setting reasonable expectations for how newspapers will identify transgenders - especially when preferred identity can't be verified +
          KC Star letter:  Excelsior Springs man says even "heartless Republicans" should support KC minimum-wage increase +
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood man says protesters, reporters had no right to enter closed-door meeting;  P-D editorial was "amateurish and pathetic"
          P-D letter:  Pacific man says 9-year-old Ferguson girl's black life mattered just as much as that of gun-wielding man at dope house
          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, August 22
       
The Missouri Times:  McCaskill, Blunt take different sides on Iran deal
          AP:  Attorneys argue powers during hearing on federal water rule;  Missouri among states joining lawsuit
          P-D:  National AFL-CIO president endorses north St. Louis site for spy agency
          Priddy:  In today's campaign-finance climate, state political parties are like pastprime blondes who sit at a bar drinking and smoking alone while men seek out more breedable targets
          CDT:  Convenience stores seek to limit tobacco tax hike with competing proposal X
          Missourinet:  New partnership aims to develop renewable energy in Missouri
          CDT:  Schaefer:  Health department relied on 'bad advice' to license abortion clinic X
          CDT:  University of Missouri backtracks, will restore health insurance subsidies to graduate students X
          P-D:  University of Missouri backtracks, restores graduate insurance subsidy
          Columbia Missourian:  Loftin says he learned of cancelled insurance subsidies on social media
          The Missouri Times:  Pro Tem candidate Sen. Gary Romine (R-Farmington) comes out against stadium funding
          KC Star:  Opponents of Kansas City's minimum wage increase submit signatures for referendum +
          P-D:  Ferguson police chief urges public to help solve slaying of 9-year-old girl
          KWMU:  Preliminary investigation shows man who pointed gun at police was eventually shot in back;  Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce launches her own review
          P-D:  Joyce's office launches investigation into death of Spanish Lake man who fled drug house;  Thursday protests featured cars damaged, people attacked
          P-D:  American Federation of Teachers takes on 'racial justice';  Second-largest teachers union has 'Racial Equity Task Force' meeting in St. Louis
          P-D:  Ferguson social-media celebrities publish anti-police violence demands;  Thoughts from Twitter's @nettnaaaaaaaa, @MsPackyetti, @deray
          Washington Missourian editorial:  On transportation, the Show-Me State is the Do-Nothing State
          P-D editorial:  Missouri office seekers use abortion for political gain
          KC Star editorial:  Kansas City has a stake in the future of St. Louis stadium +
          P-D editorial:  On 9-year-old girl shot in Ferguson:  Violent environments, savage behavior could totally change if St. Louis "invests" more money
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Many allegations of police "brutality" are absurd, and some tales are fabricated
          KC Star op-ed:  SLU prof Amber Hinsley:  Journalism students learn many lessons from Ferguson +
          JCNT letter:  Chamois man suggests Blaine Luetkemeyer is a pawn of the dreaded "U.S. Meat Packing Cartel" 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, August 21
       
P-D:  McCaskill to support Obama's Iran deal
          Politico:  McCaskill, other red-state Dems back Obama on Iran
          Missourinet:  McCaskill, Blunt on opposite sides of Obama's Iran deal
          Columbia Missourian:  Sen. Roy Blunt gathers with survivors, MU administrators to call for increase in cancer research funding
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Black clergy organizer on Rev. Jeremiah Wright's visit;  Wash U. doc on Legislature's Planned Parenthood "witch hunt" +
          NY Magazine:  McCaskill profile:  Spending time with Missouri's senior U.S. Senator at a Cardinals game:  a peek into girls-only dish session on Scott Brown's obsession with his own body, thoughts on Amy Schumer, etc.
          AP:  Ag groups announce support for Blunt at Missouri State Fair
          KWMU:  In Missouri's U.S. Senate race, attacks are largely outsourced
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Cigarette tax hike sees renewed effort
          CDT:  Bumper crop of candidates seek support at annual Governor's Ham Breakfast X
          The Missouri Times:  Pols campaign at Missouri State Fair
          KWMU:  Nixon, other pols take part in Missouri State Fair festivities
          The Missouri Times:  Catherine Hanaway touts support from agriculture leaders, farmers and ranchers
          Drebes:  Amy and Kevin Gunn to hold fundraiser for Chris Koster
          The Missouri Times:  Second season of This Week in Missouri Politics kicks off August 23:  Guest are Steve Tilley, Jeff Mazur, Sarah Martin, Joe Lakin
          AP:  Nixon says Missouri's AAA credit rating reaffirmed
          CDT:  State health department defends license for Columbia abortion clinic X
          P-D:  Hinson's case took three times longer to file in court
          Missourinet:  Speaker Todd Richardson (R-Poplar Bluff):  There was never any intention to create a separate dress code for interns
          KC Star:  T-shirt maker hawks dress-code themed item, recycles well-worn "This is my (fill-in-the-blank) shirt" gimmick +
          P-D:  Normandy gives more students OK to transfer
          Missourinet:  City of Joplin receives poor rating in state audit
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri deer farmers win fight against Missouri Department of Conservation regulations
          P-D:  For the first time in four years, Missouri minimum wage won't rise next year
          KC Star:  Minimum wage petition is approved for KC's November ballot, but it could get withdrawn +
          KWMU:  State, federal, county officials hold public meeting on Coldwater Creek;  Area residents blame their various health maladies on radiation
          P-D:  Residents near Coldwater Creek share their theories on nuclear science and epidemiology
          P-D:  Taxpayers' bill for Justice Department's Ferguson report:  More than $1 million
          P-D:  Crowd urges peace, healing at vigil for 9-year-old girl killed in Ferguson shooting
          AP:  No arrest days after shooting of innocent girl in Ferguson;  Mayor James Knowles, others hold vigil
          KWMU:  St. Louis City neighborhood reflects on shooting;  Aunt of man who pointed gun at police says, "I can't see him with no [sic] gun, because he ain't that type"
          P-D:  Man who pointed gun at police was put down with gunshot in the back;  Man's cousin, Shonetda Ball, says she has no idea why he was there
          KWMU:  Police chief calls for calm after shooting causes riotous behavior
          AP:  St. Louis police chief defends officer taking down man who pointed gun
          P-D:  SLU law prof, "a staunch ally of the protest movement", urges protesters to get lawyers, file claims against St. Louis police
          JCNT editorial:  Dress-code hysteria:  Let sensible, professional standards prevail X
          P-D editorial:  Supreme Court offers road map for Legislature on red-light cameras
          CDT's Waters:  Octogenarian columnist gets a kiss from McCaskill;  Most Jefferson City women resent objectification, while others enjoy using their "sexual leverage" X
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau):  Proposed tobacco tax increase:  I'd like to hear from you +
          KC Star's Mary Sanchez:  Kansas City's minimum wage has a middle ground, so let's find it +
          SNL letter:  Missouri Retailers Association's David Overfelt:  Blunt's legislation helps underserved pharmacists X
          P-D letter:  Tobacco tax is an unfair way to address transportation needs
          P-D letter:  Conundrum:  No smoking means no more tobacco tax money
          P-D letter:  Voter ID requirement would disenfranchise the poor
          P-D letter:  Protesters' illegal behavior takes away their credibility
          P-D letter:  Black lives matter - though judging by Michael Brown's lifestyle, he didn't necessarily agree
          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, August 20
       
Licking News:  On annual farm tour, Rep. Jason Smith visits garlic farm in Licking
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Congressional delegation spends summer break listening to constituents X
        KWMU:  HUD Secretary Castro gives St. Louis County $26M in taxpayer funds for development including multi-family units, business development loans, more
        AP:  Taxpayers give St. Louis County $26M for projects in distressed areas
        CDT:  Rev. Jeremiah Wright to speak at local conference;  President Obama's former pastor gained attention with "God damn America!" sermon X
        Kraske:  The Chat:  NRSC takes aim at Jason Kander with "Jason Kander the Pandering Panda";  Discovery Channel-esque video blends tracker footage, actual panda, adult dancing in furry costume +
        KWMU:  Raise Your Hand for Kids seeks to raise Missouri tobacco taxes for early-childhood education programs
        Drebes:  DaRon McGee to take Kevin McManus' seat in Legislature
        Helling:  Credit card maxing out for Missouri government;  Seeking STL stadium funds without public accountability is "fiscal calamity" +
        Drebes:  The "Appointments" project could help Nixon fill more boards and commissions with females
        The Missouri Times:  MU chancellor responds to Schaefer, has "refer and follow" with Planned Parenthood
        CDT:  Schaefer says MU documents don't answer Planned Parenthood questions X
        The Missouri Times:  House committees hold joint hearing on Planned Parenthood allegations
        Missourinet:  Missouri Republicans defend Planned Parenthood investigations
        KC Star:  Rep. John Rizzo (D-Kansas City) calls for public hearings on Missouri House intern policy, sexual harassment +
        The Missouri Times:  Rizzo (D-Kansas City) wants broader scope, public hearings for intern policy task force
        P-D:  Rizzo wants public testimony on new intern policies
        Hannibal Courier-Post:  Sen. Claire McCaskill doesn't like an intern dress [sic] in Jefferson City
        P-D:  University of Missouri grad students threaten walkout if demands are not met
        Columbia Missourian:  Graduate students to stage walkout protest unless MU meets insurance demands
        KWMU:  Shifting state standards make student progress hard to map
        P-D:  St. Louis to refund motorists for $5.6M in red-light camera tickets
        P-D:  St. Peters officials repeat intention to keep red-light cameras turned off
        P-D:  Army Corps of Engineers confirms low-level radiation in yards by Coldwater Creek
        KWMU:  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finds "a handful" of yards along Coldwater Creek have low-dose radioactive contamination;  Remediation to take place in near future
        P-D:  Shots fired into Ferguson home kill 9-year-old girl, injure mother;  No reports of neighborhood protests, marching, "Blacks Lives Matter" chants
        KWMU:  Spanish Lake man gets put down after pulling gun on officers in North St. Louis City;  Protesters quickly fill street, block traffic, burn car, loot businesses
        AP:  Spanish Lake man killed in North St. Louis City drug bust;  Nearby reaction includes burglaries, arson
        P-D:  Man fleeing drug bust pulls gun on police, gets put down;  Angry crowd lights fires, throws bricks at police
        P-D:  Photo gallery:  Crowd sets fire to various objects:  Buildings, American flag, trees, trash bins
        KWMU:  Analysis:  Even with public disclosure, Ferguson donations are hard to track
        P-D editorial:  Lawmakers behold the mote in their interns' eyes;  Dangers abound for "pudgy, middle-aged" legislators, but Kevin Engler - a Republican! - has some good ideas
        SNL editorial:  Intern dress code would blame victims, excuse lawmaker behavior X
        CDT's Waters:  On highway funding and Ron Leone's "minions" X
        Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Michael McShane and James Shuls:  Don't over-regulate charter schools, learn from them
        P-D letter:  Kirkwood man says Post-Dispatch's bias is showing, particularly on coverage of criminal "protesters" beating female motorist
        P-D letter:  Ballwin man says Post-Dispatch reporting keeps getting more slanted, particularly its whining about "economic opportunity"
        JCNT letter:  Jefferson City man says "Black Lives Matter" movement is "the biggest pity party in America" 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, August 19
       
CBS:  HHS sends Blunt letter assuring "no violation" of fetal-tissue sales laws
        CDT:  McCaskill greets old friends in Columbia book signing visit X
        The Missouri Times:  John Brunner drops new video:  "We're going to win an election"
        KWMU:  St. Louis County Republicans choose candidate in 89th District;  Dean Plocher will replace John Diehl
        SE Missourian:  Pachyderms to host Rep. Donna Lichtenegger (R-Jackson) on Thursday +
        The Missouri Times:  Masquerade ball coming to the Missouri Capitol
        Missourinet:  Missouri makes trade agreement with Canada
        KWMU:  Nixon promotes trade, transportation and pipelines during Canadian trip
        KODE (Joplin):  Galloway's office issues audit report on the city of Joplin
        AP:  Audit:  Millions of dollars mismanaged after Joplin tornado
        KC Star:  Missouri legislators suggest an intern dress code, but Speaker nixes the idea +
        KWMU:  Backlash prompts Missouri House Speaker Todd Richardson (R-Poplar Bluff) to nix dress code change for Capitol interns
        The Missouri Times:  Dress code suggestion takes spotlight as House looks to make new rules targeting sexual harassment
        JCNT:  No dress code change for House interns X
        P-D:  Missouri legislative internship program still worth it despite risks, former interns say
        KC Star:  Former LeVota interns Taylor Hirth, Alissa Hembree weigh in on dress code proposal +
        KC Star:  McCaskill blasts statehouse dress code idea;  Missouri's senior United States senator weighs in on skinterngate debate +
        Twitter, 8/16:  Blogger suggests a hypothetical dress-code proposal will elicit emotional reactions, uncivil debate;  Former staffer responds, calls blogger "piece of shit"
        The Missouri Times:  Sen. Doug Libla (R-Poplar Bluff) talks transportation with St. Louis Regional Chamber
        KWMU:  Fulton State Hospital's non-discrimination policy includes gender identification
        CDT:  Schaefer asks MU for papers on Planned Parenthood abortion license X
        CDT:  Graduate students, employees hold forum regarding loss of insurance subsidies X
        KBIA:  On book tour, McCaskill weighs in on University of Missouri graduate student insurance-subsidy issue
        KWMU:  Board approves first tax breaks for new St. Louis stadium;  Kinder only member of board to vote against proposal
        P-D:  $15M in tax credits approved for St. Louis riverfront stadium
        Missourinet:  Lawmakers vow to block St. Louis stadium project
        The Missouri Times:  MDFB approves tax credits for new St. Louis stadium
        AP:  Missouri board OKs $15M in tax credits for St. Louis stadium
        SNL:  Hippie haven gets radical makeover as new state park;  Former home of budget-Woodstock "Schwagstock" gets cleaned up X
        KWMU:  Missouri Supreme Court strikes down red-light cameras in St. Louis
        P-D:  Missouri Supreme Court strikes down red-light ordinances
        Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court says red-light camera ordinance is invalid
        KC Star:  Kansas City red-light cameras could resume, but in line with Missouri high-court ruling +
        AP:  Missouri Supreme Court rules on traffic-camera challenges
        Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court answers one felons-possessing-guns issue, leaves one undecided
        AP:  Missouri Supreme Court:  felon-in-possession law stands
        Missourinet:  Death sentence vacated for Missouri man who killed grandparents
        KWMU:  ACLU, other activist groups blast county decision to charge protesters a year after events
        P-D:  ACLU blasts county for belatedly charging Ferguson protesters
        KC Star editorial:  State testing turmoil in Missouri obscures student performance +
        Jensen:  McCaskill hitching herself to Clinton candidacy +
        KC Star's Mary Sanchez:  Focus on men to change sexist Jefferson City culture;  Dress-code proposal implies "men will be men," and that's totally not true +
        P-D op-ed:  ACORN/MORE demands 1% of St. Louis City GDP - about $1.4B - to be invested in "social justice"
        KC Star letter:  Gas-tax increase won't hurt the poor, as long as they don't drive very much +
        P-D letter:  Boston-based education group leader:  Missouri politicians shouldn't be driving Missouri school testing policy
        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, August 18
       
Brownfield Ag News:  EPA water rule worse than expected, says national farm group;  Map showing impact on Missouri to be revealed Thursday at State Fair
          Missourinet:  Missouri opponent of EPA power plant rule says the fight is growing
          KC Star:  Fired clerk NaNette Chaney says VA hospital in KC made her its 'waiting list' scapegoat +
          P-D:  A Missouri patio is paved in military headstones;  Some veterans upset, VA investigating
          Helling:  U.S. Rep. Sam Graves' opposition to new KCI terminal still on the tarmac +
          Columbia Missourian:  McCaskill's book tour hits Columbia
          JCNT:  McCaskill brings book tour to Jefferson City, says she's running for re-election in 2018 X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  John Hancock, Catherine Hanaway on GOP gov free-for-all +
          KWMU:  Group that led drive to kill off earlier tobacco-tax hikes now proposing increase
          AP:  Missouri petroleum marketers back 23-cent cigarette tax hike
          The Missouri Times:  All eyes on tobacco as groups gear up for 2016 ballot initiatives
          P-D:  New campaign to raise Missouri's tobacco tax could fund transportation projects
          AP:  States raising taxes, fees and debt to pay for road repairs;  Missouri transportation chair Stephen Miller warns of "huge problem" and "no ready solution"
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Deb Lavender (D-Kirkwood) gets a challenger:  Mark Milton
          Drebes:  Expect 'right to work' debate to heat up as veto session nears;  A look at anti-RTW ad
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) loses sight in right eye
          KC Star:  Missouri legislators considering intern dress code
          CDT:  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) proposes new intern policies as house considers harassment issues X
          The Missouri Times:  Schaefer asks UM Chancellor for documents linking Mizzou to Planned Parenthood
          Missourinet:  Schaefer looks for connection between University hospital and abortions
          P-D:  University of Missouri ends funding for graduate student health insurance, blames feds
          Columbia Missourian:  Graduate students stage walkout after losing insurance subsidies;  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) says he got so emotional Sunday night that he lost sleep
          P-D:  Results on new Common Core standards are in for school districts in Missouri
          P-D:  Data:  2015 MAP scores by school
          KWMU:  District-by-district MAP results show Normandy, Riverview Gardens students continue to fail;  West County, Ladue, Lindbergh, St. Charles County students exceed state averages
          Missourinet:  Achievement tests show low-income and minority students still performing poorly
          AP:  Students at failing Missouri schools continue to disappoint with embarrassing test scores across the board
          KC Star:  Students at Kansas City Public Schools far below state averages on MAP, "but administrators say they are not worried" +
          P-D:  Missouri's first all-girls public school opens in North St. Louis City
          Missourinet:  Wash U. law prof wants Missouri juvenile court reforms
          KWMU:  Vote expected on $50M in tax breaks for new St. Louis stadium
          P-D:  State set to approve stadium tax credits
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Schaaf takes aim at St. Louis stadium bonds X
          AP:  Missouri official says earthquake insurance 'critical'
          KWMU:  State regulators want landfill owners to do more to contain fire;  Republic Services says situation is under control
          P-D:  Missouri regulators order new measures to prevent spread of Bridgeton Landfill fire
          P-D:  Man who was shot and killed after "Stop the Violence" march drove to meet the shooter at 9 p.m. and argued about an unknown topic
          KMOX:  Mayor Francis Slay's brother passes away at age 58
          SE Missourian editorial:  Local sheriff part of Rep. Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) task force on human trafficking +
          P-D editorial:  Fake committee makes real municipal court reform more likely
          P-D letter:  Glencoe man says functional humans already have an ID, so requiring one to vote is hardly discrimination
          KC Star letter:  Let's stop making martyrs out of worthless lawbreakers +
          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, August 17
       
ABC News 'This Week':  McCaskill says Hillary Clinton is a victim of 'witch hunt'
        P-D:  Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) says she may take on Lacy Clay;  Incumbent laughs off notion, says he'd enjoy "entertainment value" of beating her
        KWMU:  Veterans court provides help for post-service problems
        Hannibal Courier-Post:  In Missouri, changing marijuana legislation creates new challenges
        P-D:  Seven GOP candidates jockey for money, attention in 2016 Missouri governor race
        KWMU:  Catherine Hanaway campaigns below the radar in everchanging GOP battle for governor
        CDT:  Becket Fund connections help Joshua Hawley land first large donation X
        Kraske:  The Chat:  Tackling voter fraud has widespread appeal - and Jay Ashcroft gets in on the act +
        Drebes:  Music news:  Vox profiles Rob Monsees' band;  Drebes' album now available for download on iTunes
        KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Cloria Brown (R-South St. Louis County) on 'right to work,' school-transfer prospects, intern-indulging, more
        P-D:  Churn of Missouri state tests puts school accountability on hold
        KWMU:  Veiled Prophet Foundation, Regional Business Council sponsor Beyond Housing's resource fair for Normandy families - prior to start of third unaccredited year
        P-D:  Man found fatally shot near North St. Louis City park, hours after anti-violence march ended there
        JCNT:  Scores rally round Confederate battle flag X
        SE Missourian editorial:  Voter ID laws make sense;  Critics' caterwauling about "disenfranchisement" not backed by facts +
        JCNT editorial:  Uphold Nixon's veto of increased court costs;  Higher fees make access to justice too costly X
        SNL op-ed:  Billy Long is incorrect - Missouri can and should support EPA's Clean Power Plan X
        KC Star's Mara Rose Williams:  UMKC prof says student debt a "safe" topic for presidential candidates to address +
        P-D letter:  President of solar power company supports EPA's Clean Power Plan
        P-D letter:  Rep. Robert Cornejo (R-St. Peters):  University's tobacco tax increase is the wrong choice
        P-D letter:  Protests should inspire, not divide, community;  Shutting down I-70 was counterproductive
        P-D letter:  In light of how Ferguson protesters behave, media should give police some backing
        JCNT letter:  Loose Creek woman says Ferguson whiners need to move on - and if "black lives matter," then black folks need to show they mean it themselves X
        JCNT letter:  Jefferson City man says 'Black Lives Matter' protesters should pitch their fits outside Planned Parenthood 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, August 16
       
KTVI (St. Louis):  McCaskill tells all in new memoir;  Senior senator "writes about the adversity she faced as a woman politician"
          SE Missourian:  Funding of dredging, levees dominate discussions at Army Corps visit +
          AP:  Lower Missouri River flooding ends, focus shifts to repairs
          Drebes:  Phil LeVota's current two-year lobbying contract with City of Independence is out for RFP
          Reuters:  State pension plans putting politics above retirements
          CDT:  University balks at disclosing 'personal' e-mails sought under Sunshine Law X
          KODE (Joplin):  Rep. Bill Reiboldt (R-Neosho) talks about new dairy law in effect, says he'll seek more funding next session
          Fulton Sun:  Finding value in state's 'most dangerous' work place;  State employee works to improve lives of mentally ill
          KC Star:  Missouri House is developing new intern rules to address sexual harassment +
          KWMU:  As state of emergency ends, Stenger's fans and foes debate wisdom of order
          AP:  Ferguson protest-shift pay helps officers provide more for their families;  Officer Todd Bakula talks about treating his pregnant wife to a bed and breakfast
          AP:  Lawsuit seeks e-mails from McCulloch in Michael Brown case
          KTVI (St. Louis):  Mothers and supporters march against killings, violence;  Kecia Hamilton hopes urban community stops its "unheard-of foolishness"
          KMOX:  Mothers march against killings in St. Louis;  Comments from Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis City) on "ban the box" legislation, more
          P-D:  "Thousand Woman March" draws hundreds
          Columbia Missourian:  NAACP turns out 18 people for "Journey for Justice" rally
          KC Star:  Mayor Sly James holds a block party for youth - and shuts it down early due to violent behavior +
          JCNT editorial:  Missouri Department of Agriculture demonstrates its leadership by putting an emphasis on ag stewardship X
          SE Missourian editorial:  2015's Ferguson protesters are driven by anger, and should find a more constructive outlet than being violent or blocking interstates +
          CDT op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Joseph Miller:  Missouri needs to learn to prioritize spending;  Stadium-funding process is an issue affecting all state taxpayers X
          KC Star letter:  Man says raising minimum wage will trap workers in 'menial' jobs, says he improved his economic lot in life and fast-food workers can too +
          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, August 15
       
KC Star:  Free-trade spat between McCaskill, labor suggests changing relationship between Dems and unions;  Cleaver:  "organized labor today is not what it was 25 years ago"
          KC Star:  Conservative group files complaint against 2012 McCaskill-Akin collaboration
          SNL:  Blunt, Kander scoop up big dollars on campaign trail
          KC Star:  Democrats criticize Blunt for airplane travel
          Kraske:  As area activist Dutch Newman turns 95, she looks back at a life in politics
          Missourinet:  USDA to consider whether to add more Missouri counties to ag disaster declaration
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri program verifies farm sustainability;  Comments from Ag Director Richard Fordyce
          Missourinet:  Nixon and Missouri delegation headed to Canada to push for expanded exports
          AP:  Nixon to travel to Canada for trade mission
          Missourinet:  State Public Defender Director wants another $10M added to this year's budget
          Drebes:  Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) outlines potential compromise on prescription drug monitoring program
          CDT:  UM President Tim Wolfe to receive Missourian award
          P-D:  Slay, city supe team up to boost first day of school attendance
          P-D:  After two nights of civilized behavior, Stenger ends 'state of emergency' for Ferguson
          P-D:  Woman who expressed annoyance over Ferguson protesters/I-70 human roadblocks keeps her job
          AP:  Mustafa Abdullah upset about being arrested at I-70 protest, claims he was there simply to provide legal observation
          P-D:  Municipal court officials keep Post-Dispatch reporter out of meeting;  ACORN makes noises in hallway, then moves along
          AP:  Ferguson defends Interim Police Chief Andre Anderson after concerns raised about 1990s allegations
          P-D:  Ferguson defends interim chief after online site reveals early disciplinary problems
          KWMU:  Psychologists exploring link between Ferguson riots and "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder"
          P-D:  Left Bank Books selling "Black Lives Matter" signs
          P-D editorial:  Most of white St. Louis still hasn't acknowledged its role in the problems of black St. Louis
          CDT's Waters:  MAP test and Common Core:  Continuing to shuffle the deck
          KC Star's Shelly:  Missouri loves secrecy, except for Planned Parenthood
          KC Star Public Editor Derek Donovan:  Stories such as Ferguson are difficult to discuss as news, not opinion
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County man on Ferguson savagery:  Stop bending over backward to be politically correct while empowering the criminal element
          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, August 14
       
Hannibal Courier-Post:  Blunt talks the future of health care in Hannibal
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt:  Congress now prepared to debate health care X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Blunt on Obamacare realities;  McCaskill on Iran-deal deliberance +
          KWMU:  McCaskill "probably slightly in favor" of Iran deal;  Senior senator again recounts 2012 Akin-related machinations, calls her moves "strategic" and "smart"
          Kraske:  McCaskill says she's ready to run again in 2018 +
          The Missouri Times:  Jake Zimmerman hopes to emerge as Dems' AG primary frontrunner
          Drebes:  GOP meeting to pick Diehl replacement will take place Tuesday
          AP:  Missouri Senate hires Anne Marie Moy as communications director
          AP:  Missouri state fair opens its 11-day run in Sedalia
          The Missouri Times:  Tom Coburn to lobby for Convention of States Action in Missouri, nationally
          Missourinet:  Senators say state oversight of fetal remains is lacking
          Missourinet:  Schaefer threatens agency head with contempt after abortion investigation hearing
          CDT:  Schaefer threatens legal action to reveal Columbia abortion clinic records X
          The Missouri Times:  Schaefer, Vasterling clash in Sanctity of Life Committee hearing
          AP:  Schaefer pushes health director on abortion center
          P-D:  Judge dismisses Nixon in stadium case, gives planners 'a lot of momentum'
          AP:  Judge dismisses Nixon from St. Louis stadium lawsuit
          KC Star:  $15 minimum wage proposal could go on November ballot in Kansas City +
          P-D:  Man who shot at police is recovering in hospital;  Tyrone Harris was already on bail for other criminal acts
          JCNT:  Seniors reflect on experiences with race relations;  Nearly 60 olds gather in Jefferson City to swap tales of yore X
          P-D editorial:  Top public defender builds a case against Nixon, Legislature
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Shooting incident shows how Ferguson protests attract the violent criminal element
          KC Star's Shelly:  Kurt Schaefer is the scariest person in Missouri government +
          CDT's Waters:  Police union was guilty of "Facebook foolishness" but Columbia can't boss the union around X
          Washington Post's Radley Balko:  St. Louis County, a year later:  Schmitt on municipal-court overhaul
          P-D op-ed:  FOCUS St. Louis' Yemi S. Akande-Bartsch:  How to fix Ferguson:  More talking, "citizen engagement," etc. will "ensure social justice and equality for everyone"
          Washington Missourian letter:  Hinson's DUI rationalizations are a little too much
          P-D letter:  Instead of whining and looking for reasons to be offended, people should try to find common ground
          Washington Missourian letter:  Michael Brown was a bully, a thug and a criminal - but it's no surprise when you look at the man who spawned him
          P-D letter:  Blocking traffic is a good way for Ferguson protesters to annoy reasonable people
          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, August 13
       
Missourinet:  McCaskill defends deliberation on Iran deal
          KC Star:  Watchdog warns of Afghan power plant's 'catastrophic failure';  McCaskill calls plant "an egregious waste" +
          JCNT:  Blunt focuses on health care issues;  Junior senator emphasizes need for a system more about patients and doctors than insurance X
          AP:  Blunt says Senate doesn't have votes to ax Obamacare
          KC Star:  McCaskill-Akin tale raising questions in legal, political communities +
          Washington Post's Jonathan Adler:  Did McCaskill confess to illegal campaign coordination?
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri seeks injunction to block Waters of the U.S. implementation;  AG Chris Koster (D) takes stand on behalf of Missouri farmers
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri AFL-CIO chief:  We don't donate to Planned Parenthood
          AP:  AG candidate Joshua Hawley says his Mizzou e-mails and other documents are not subject to state open records laws
          KWMU: Politically Speaking podcast:  Former Rep. Vicki Englund (D-Green Park) has a chat with journoduo on right to work, school transfers, recent attention to intern-indulging, more
          KWMU:  Tom Dempsey joins David Jackson's Clayton-based lobbying firm, Gate Way Group
          The Missouri Times:  Tom Dempsey joins Gate Way Group
          AP:  Tom Dempsey joins Gate Way Group lobbying firm
          P-D:  Tom Dempsey joins Gate Way Group
          AP:  Missouri panel to review managed care Medicaid services
          The Missouri Times:  Richardson's task force draws "tongue-in-cheek" response from Dems;  Hummel creates clever, sarcastic retort
          P-D:  Mississippi River bridge on state's critical list, but it's just one of 600 statewide
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Nixon trumpets $4.8M in Missouri Western renovations X
          AP:  Missouri to get $150,000 in federal taxpayer dollars to subsidize advanced placement tests for "historically underserved students," particularly non-whites
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Peter Herschend on Common Core +
          KWMU:  Court fees veto gains publicity from Nixon letter;  Bills had enough votes to override
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon writes letter to thank Missouri Bar president
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  North County mayors speak out against municipal court overhaul
          The Missouri Times:  Port committee holds first interim hearing
          AP:  Gov. Jay Nixon confident in St. Louis as 'NFL city'
          P-D:  NFL seeks 'certainty' in St. Louis
          KWMU:  Prominent protest couple faces charges in attack on I-70 driver;  Alexis Templeton punched woman in the face, while wife Brittany Ferrell did $5,000 worth of damage to vehicle
          CDT:  Rally in support of Darren Wilson, police officers draws 85;  NAACP, GRO Missouri counter-rally draws 40;  Angry blood roils when news reporter asks potty-mouthed youths to stop swearing on camera
          KMIZ:  Supporters of law enforcement rally at City Hall;  "Pro-police group was countered by another group - and they had very different messages"
          CDT:  Police union attorney claims city manager violated constitutions X
          Columbia Missourian:  Attorney for police union alleges city manager violated constitutional rights
          P-D:  Despite quiet night in Ferguson, Stenger extends state of emergency through Thursday
          P-D:  Stenger restates his opposition to Missouri's open-carry laws
          AP:  Ferguson briefs:  Protest organizer Nabeehan Azeez says groups will keep pushing for boycotts, are still upset about Prosecutor Bob McCulloch (D)
          St. Joseph News-Press' Alonzo Weston:  Sexagenarian columnist relays conversation with imaginary friend "Bag-Head Jheri" about the innocence of Ferguson shooter Tyrone Harris, etc. X
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Missouri's National Association of Women President Seileach Corleigh demands a "full and public apology" from police union for comments honoring Darren Wilson
          P-D letter:  "Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice" dislikes GOP attention on Planned Parenthood
          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, August 12
       
KY3:  Sen. Blunt surprises Cassville Senior Center with new American flag;  Miscreants stole the center's old flag last week
          Cassville Democrat:  Blunt donates flag to senior center
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Sam Graves meets with generic herbicide manufacturer to discuss tariff issue X
          KC Star:  Democratic poll shows Blunt leading Kander, Kinder over Koster, Obama at 36% approval/59% disapproval +
          KWMU:  Former Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R) suffers brain hemorrhage while on vacation, undergoes surgery
          JCNT:  Area student gets trip to D.C. to "lobby" against tobacco;  Girl claims McCaskill, Luetkemeyer staffers were "totally amazed" by her knowledge X
          CDT:  Joshua Hawley seeks to prevent release of e-mails in AG race X
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Ethics Commission dismisses complaint against Rep. Craig Redmon (R-Canton)
          SE Missourian:  Sheriff's vehicles get 'In God We Trust' decals +
          Columbia Missourian:  After six-year push, rural Missouri still waits for high-speed Internet
          The Missouri Times:  Public defender director appeals to Nixon for $10 million in new funds
          KC Star:  Missouri's public defender office hints at lawsuit over funding levels +
          The Missouri Times:  House committee on ports to hold inaugural meeting today
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate committee hearing to focus on resumption of abortions in Columbia
          SE Missourian:  Scott County sheriff joins human-trafficking task force +
          KWMU:  Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Shell Knob) on his efforts to keep state money from subsidizing illegal students;  Girl who snuck into the U.S. from Mexico unhappy about law change
          JCNT:  Common Core still generates debate X
          SNL:  Test results released amid Common Core backlash X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  KC Public Schools officer on the long slog back to accreditation;  P-D reporter Paul Hampel on his savage beating +
          KC Star:  As Missouri releases results of standardized tests, comparisons are difficult to make +
          P-D:  New Missouri test scores are in, but interpreting results trickier this year
          CDT:  First results from new online MAP released X
         
KWMU:  White students outscore "super subgroup" of minorities/handicapped on MAP tests
          KWMU:  MoDOT looking for a few good snow plow drivers in St. Louis

          Missourinet:  Man serving life in prison for marijuana charges granted parole
          KWMU:  Slay defends decision not to appeal ruling on stadium financing vote
          CDT:  Tribune's "Trib Talks" show to air on public television X
          Missourinet:  Police release video of Tyrone Harris pulling gun from waistband
          P-D:  Surveillance video catches criminal with gun before he shot at police
          AP:  Man who shot at police caught on video with gun;  Father of Tyrone Harris disputed police account Monday, had nothing to say Tuesday
          KWMU: Quiet night in Ferguson;  Stenger says he may lift state of emergency if civilized behavior continues
          AP:  After two nights of acting out, a peaceful protest in Ferguson
          P-D:  Police keep the peace in Ferguson:  Zero stores looted overnight
          AP:  Oath Keepers return to Ferguson;  Protest organizer Nabeehah Azeez not pleased
          KSGF:  Audio:  Where is Gov. Jay Nixon?  Host Nick Reed talks to Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder about Ferguson, Chris Koster, more
          Columbia Missourian:  Police union leader says protests, city manager threats won't make him resign
          CDT:  City manager calls for board to fire union director after "Darren Wilson Day" Facebook post X
          P-D:  Hazelwood teacher suspended after someone complains about Ferguson tweet;  Stacey Brixey expressed annoyance over protesters blocking I-70
          KWMU:  Missouri will retrieve two Humvees from Ferguson
          Missourinet:  Owner of Ferguson Burger Bar:  Give leaders time to do their jobs
          P-D editorial:  Voter ID laws, already bogus, ruled racist and discriminatory
          National Review editorial:  Josh Hawley for Missouri AG:  An easy conservative choice
          SNL op-ed:  Rep. Billy Long:  Stricter EPA rule means tighter Ozarks budgets X
          Columbia Missourian's Carl Kenney:  "Darren Wilson Day" was insensitive
          KC Star letter:  West Plains man says Jackson County sheriff takes too long processing concealed-carry permits +
          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, August 11
       
P-D:  Secretary of State John Kerry says he understands indecisiveness of senators like McCaskill on Iran nuke deal
          SNL:  13 Dems send a letter to Bass Pro complaining about gun sales;  McCaskill not among them X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill on Trump-Akin comparison;  Nixon on Ferguson savagery +
          AP:  Missouri, 12 other states ask judge to delay new federal water rule
          Brownfield Ag News:  Disaster declaration approved for 68 Missouri counties
          AP:  Progress Missouri's ethics complaint against Rep. Craig Redmon (R-Canton) dismissed
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Gary Romine (R-Farmington) to seek pro tem post
          The Missouri Times:  Independence business consultant nominated by Democrats to take Torpey's vacant seat
          CDT:  Nixon appoints business owner as new county treasurer X
          AP:  Missouri public defender director asks Nixon for $10M
          P-D:  Missouri Public Defender System director wants $10M more
          The Missouri Times:  In midst of tax-increase debate, University of Missouri moves to purchase radio station
          The Missouri Times:  Confusion over 'historic agreement' on school transfers leaves House Budget Committee frustrated
          P-D:  Lawmakers want tuition agreement for Normandy, Riverview Gardens in writing
          KWMU:  Superintendents' goal:  Make state school reports fairer and simpler
          P-D:  St. Louis school teachers, staff inspired to change lives
          KC Star:  Business Insider ranking puts Missouri 47th in economic health
          Missourinet:  Execution date reset for man convicted in 2000 murder-for-hire killing;  Kimber Edwards was unhappy about paying child support
          AP:  Missouri court sets execution for man in ex-wife's slaying
          P-D:  Post-Dispatch reporter attacked while covering looting:  "I got swarmed, beaten down really bad"
          KTVI (St. Louis):  Tyrone Harris showed off guns on Facebook, was out on bond for other felony charges;  Pre-shooting post:  "I (expletive) around go [sic] on West Florissant tonight"
          P-D:  Tyrone Harris called himself "Ty Glocks," posted braggadocious boasts on Facebook:  "Rob Me, Better Prey [sic] My Boys Don't Rob You," "Iont [sic] Talk ... I Send Shots" "I Only Shoot Dem [sic] Glock S&W & Dem [sic] Rugers"
          AP:  Man who shot at police use gun reported stolen in Cape;  Father of stolen-car/stolen-gun enthusiast says evidence "all a bunch of lies ... they're making my son look like a criminal"
          The Missouri Times:  Violence leads St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger to declare state of emergency
          Missourinet:  Democratic Committeewoman Patricia "Patricialicious" Bynes dislikes state of emergency
          AP:  Fourth night of Ferguson protests brings confrontation, arrests
          KWMU:  Dozens arrested in what some are calling "Ferguson August"
          P-D:  Protester activities include blocking traffic, throwing rocks and frozen water bottles at police
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  Black police officer taunted, upside-down American flag, white girl in Fall Out Boy t-shirt, other scenes
          KTVI:  Video:  Driver grows tired of protesters blocking I-70, breaks through line;  Protesters kick, attack vehicle
          P-D:  Ferguson businesses 'hanging in there' after weekend violence
          KMOV:  "Oath Keepers" take to the streets, armed, to protect Ferguson businesses
          CDT:  'Darren Wilson Day' sparks controversy in Columbia;  Union suggested showing appreciation to officer attacked by Michael Brown X
          P-D:  Police union's 'Darren Wilson Day' sparks protest, criticism
          KC Star editorial:  Stuff the vindictive Missouri legislative threat against Kansas City's earnings tax +
          Priddy:  An eyewitness account of Jay Nixon engaging on an issue:  Capitol repairs
          SNL op-ed:  GOP's voter ID law is not needed X
          P-D letter:  Slay, Nixon ignore the will of the people on stadium
          P-D letter:  Post-Dispatch's one-sided reporting on anniversary of Michael Brown's savage attack is embarrassing
          P-D letter:  Another example of third-class journalism:  Showing protesters' pig with "Darren Wilson" scrawled on the side
          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, August 10   Tyrone Harris, a pal of Michael Brown, opens fire on law enforcement officers in Ferguson
       
NBC News:  Meet the Press:  McCaskill:  Democrats don't feel pressured by Schumer decision on Iran
          P-D:  McCaskill appears on Meet the Press to promote her book;  Senior senator talks Trump, Biden vs. Clinton, more
          Washington Examiner:  McCaskill still undecided on Iran deal
          Washington Times:  McCaskill:  Schumer won't sway other Dems on Iran nuclear deal
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Quotes from McCaskill's book regarding the struggle of being a female;  Bob McCulloch on social media and Ferguson +
          KSGF:  Audio:  Host Nick Reed talks to Peter Kinder about EPA regulations:  "We need a governor who will push back" on "environmental radicals"
          KC Star:  Some GOP lawmakers want to end KC's earnings tax because of minimum-wage increase +
          KSGF:  Audio:  Host Nick Reed talks with Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield) on Trump, the rise of Springfield native and GOP activist Jeremy Cady, Planned Parenthood, unions, more
          P-D:  "Economic diversity" on college campuses is an elusive goal;  In Missouri, number of low-income students vary widely
          P-D:  18-year-old opens fire on detectives in SUV;  Father of Tyrone Harris says his son and Michael Brown "were real close"
          P-D:  Video:  Shots fired in Ferguson
          AP:  Tyrone Harris shoots detectives in Ferguson
          P-D:  Protesters attack police:  Two officers pepper sprayed, one cut in the face when a rock was thrown at him
          KWMU:  Protesters marching down West Florissant throw objects at police, damage several businesses
          Missourinet:  Cash register stolen from beauty-supply store;  Post-Dispatch reporter robbed and assaulted
          P-D:  Two teens walking by Michael Brown Memorial wounded in drive-by shooting
          KC Star:  KC activities marking Ferguson:  Rally, four arrested for blocking traffic, more +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Rep. Dave Hinson's (R-St. Clair) truth evasion made the whole situation worse
          P-D editorial:  Best solution for West Lake Landfill is to give control to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
          Wall Street Journal op-ed:  Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale):  'Taxation by Citation' undermines trust between cops and citizens
          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, August 9
       
NBC:  McCaskill to appear on Meet the Press to promote her book, discuss Iran deal
          CDT:  Mid-Missouri Peaceworks turns out 75 for anti-nuke event;  Peacenik picnic focuses on ending "threat of nuclear annihilation," lamenting America's role in Hiroshima and Nagasaki X
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Area prepares for National WIC Breastfeeding Week +
          CDT:  Sunshine law requests for records target AG candidates Kurt Schaefer, Joshua Hawley X
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers to reconsider court fees for repairs
          P-D:  Farmers, livestock producers get more leeway to haul their products under new law
          KC Star:  Consumers save on back-to-school items during Missouri's 12th annual sales tax holiday +
          P-D:  South County woman complains about the costs associated with sending a kid to school these days
          P-D:  Peace disrupted in Ferguson as man shot, vehicle window shattered, at Family Dollar store
          AP:  Protesters carve, eat roasted pig's head outside police department
          AP:  Protesters taunt police with "Pigs in a blanket fry like bacon" chants
          P-D:  A look at how the "Ferguson effect" has impacted area commerce
          KWMU:  Michael Brown Sr. leads 4.8 mile march from Ferguson
          KWMU:  South St. Louis march remembers VonDerrit Myers, who was put down after shooting at officer last October
          KC Star:  Ferguson local-angle piece:  Hairdresser LaDonna Adams offers insight "in the middle of trims and styles and weaves" +
          CDT:  Ferguson local-angle piece:  Black leaders weigh in on lack of socioeconomic success, police insensitivity, etc. X
          JCNT editorial:  After 10 years of Missouri sales tax holiday, it's time to revisit participation X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Legislators should be applauded for not going too far after Ferguson:  Not all communities have the obvious problem of North St. Louis County X
          P-D op-ed:  Ferguson Commission co-chairs:  Update on commission activities
          P-D letter:  McCaskill deserves credit for work on Medicare
          P-D letter:  Clayton woman supports Obama's Clean Power Plan
          P-D letter:  Show-Me Institute's Joseph Miller on stadium deal
          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, August 8
       
Kraske:  Democrats vs. Republicans might as well be Broncos vs. Chiefs:  Policy and principle be damned, as long as my team wins +
          P-D:  McCaskill still undecided about Iran nuclear deal
          P-D:  Key vote in Senate:  Defunding Planned Parenthood;  McCaskill votes no, Blunt votes yes
          Missourinet:  Mizzou communications prof weighs in on GOP presidential debate
          SNL:  Drury poli sci prof, Mizzou communications prof weigh in on GOP presidential debate X
          Missourinet:  Major disaster declaration approved for 68 Missouri counties
          AP:  Missouri gets disaster declaration for severe storms, floods
          Drebes:  Sen. Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph) on decentralizing the Senate
          The Missouri Times:  Robert Kenney heads for the coast as new vice president at Pacific Gas and Electric Company
          AP:  Nixon names Daniel Hall as new Public Service Commission chairman to replace outgoing chief
          Washington Missourian:  Rep. Dave Hinson (R-St. Clair) changed his story about driving while intoxicated, report says
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia) subpoenas DHSS director for Planned Parenthood investigation
          P-D:  State director subpoenaed to speak on Columbia Planned Parenthood abortions
          KC Star:  Missouri cases moving through courts highlight the rising threat of domestic terrorism +
          SNL:  Nixon names Springfield Police Department chief to state police commission X
          AP:  Councilman:  Federal reform plan could bankrupt Ferguson
          P-D:  Events surrounding anniversary of Brown shooting get off to civilized start
          P-D:  Ferguson photo gallery:  Marching, Michael Brown's father at volunteer event, sign-making ("Anoter [sic] world is possible"), more
          P-D:  Live Twitter stream of journalist reports from Ferguson
          KC Star:  Motorcade on Sunday will mark anniversary of Brown-Wilson attack/shooting +
          Missourinet:  Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City):  Police attitude hasn't changed since last summer's riots
          P-D:  NAACP to provide representation to juvenile accused criminals
          AP:  Ferguson clerk fired for e-mails hired by nearby city;  Mayor on hiring the best candidate:  "I don't care if she is black, white, blue or green"
          P-D:  Former Ferguson clerk hired by Vinita Park;  Reaction from Universal African People's Zaki Baruti, Democratic Committeewoman Patricia "Patricialicious" Bynes
          Washington Missourian editorial:  A Missouri prescription-drug database is long overdue - so where is Gov. Nixon on this issue?
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Support Missouri outdoor education X
          P-D editorial:  Ferguson, a year later
          KC Star editorial:  Ferguson, a year later +
          KC Star letter:  Legislators who oppose Medicaid expansion are definitely mean-spirited and probably inhumane +
          P-D letter:  Socialist Bernie Sanders is right - a financial transaction tax might help fund urban minimum-wage hikes
          P-D letter:  All lives matter, not just black lives
          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, August 7
       
Kraske:  McCaskill book promo and details on KC stop +
          P-D political & national editor Christopher Ave:  McCaskill book an accounting of her "feisty ascent through what had been a male-dominated political realm";  Details on STL stop
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Jason Smith adamant floodway project needs to move forward +
          CDT:  Anti-nuke activists call for support of Iran accord;  Blunt and Hartzler oppose, McCaskill undecided
          CDT:  D.C. spending battle threatens future of Columbia housing aid program;  Comments from McCaskill, Blunt X
          The Missouri Times:  Jay Ascroft challenges Robin Smith to debate on voter ID
          CDT:  Former local NEA president Susan McClintic to run against Chuck Basye in 47th X
          Drebes:  Help Wanted:  MOSERS seeks Deputy Executive Director
          AP:  Missouri agency will not recover $1.5M in overpayments
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) wants Justice Dept. investigation, urges support for school transfer bill
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri sheriffs vote to add "In God We Trust" to squad cars
          KWMU:  Missouri Hospital Association report:  Poor kids more likely to take up emergency-room space and time with asthma complaints
          NPR:  Jason Rosenbaum:  Community divides are still wide a year later in Ferguson
          Rosenbaum:  Ferguson feels the agony and toil of healing its broken soul
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Bob McCulloch reflects on Michael Brown saga - and what needs to be done next
          KWMU:  Convention and Visitors Convention's Kitty Ratcliffe says Ferguson riots hurt region's reputation
          KWMU:  Capt. Ron Johnson, Chief Jon Belmar look back on Ferguson and a long road yet ahead
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon calls for new police training standards
          KWMU:  Training for police officers in Missouri to get an upgrade
          P-D:  Nixon directs commission to boost police officer training
          KC Star:  Nixon calls for updated police training and expands Missouri commission +
          AP:  Ferguson, a year after first round of riots:  Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) says she has seen "drastic" improvements
          AP:  Michael Brown-Darren Wilson timeline:  Cigarillo theft, assault on officer, Brown put down, riots and looting, more
          P-D op-ed:  Freelance journalist does her own investigation, concludes that DOJ was wrong and Michael Brown had his hands up
          P-D letter:  Clean Power Plan is good for Missouri
          KC Star letter:  McCaskill, Blunt should pay attention to endangered species issues +
          P-D letter:  Darren Wilson should receive an apology
          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, August 6
       
SNL:  Exclusive book promo interview:  McCaskill plugs "Plenty Ladylike" X
        USA Today:  On book promo tour, McCaskill says Clinton will beat Joe Biden in hypothetical primary
        SNL:  Ozarks utilities:  Too early to know costs of carbon rules X
        P-D:  St. Louis bond issue failure creates financial question for spy agency site
        KC Star:  National Dems target gov races in hopes of rejiggering congressional maps;  Current Clay/Cleaver/GOP map became law in 2011 +
        SE Missourian:  Jay Ashcroft stumps in Cape for voter ID proposal +
        Drebes:  Diehl campaign cash - and where it might go
        CDT:  Rep. Dave Hinson (R-St. Clair) apologizes to judge after claiming innocence in DWI crash X
        The Missouri Times:  Republicans circle the wagons as veto session approaches
        Missourinet:  Effort to pass a Missouri transportation funding plan to resume in 2016
        The Missouri Times:  Funding deadlock continues for MoDOT, Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission
        The Missouri Times:  Robert Kenney departs from Missouri PSC
        AP:  Missouri student transfers up slightly this school year
        AP:  Nixon hands $1,000,000 in Missouri taxpayer money to nonprofit with goal of reducing St. Louis City students' arrests, expulsions, violent behavior
        P-D:  Slay:  Stadium is a good deal for the city
        KWMU:  St. Louis Workforce Report says employers finding fewer skilled workers
        KWMU:  Lessons in leadership from Ferguson:  Nixon, Koster, state legislators weigh in on what went wrong and what might be learned
        Rosenbaum:  The year-long education of Ferguson Mayor James Knowles
        P-D:  Ferguson turns down initial Dept. of Justice plan, wants time to come up with an alternative
        Riverfront Times:  Dorian Johnson, one year later:  Q&A with criminal whose "Hands Up Don't Shoot" lie created a national meme
        P-D:  Rapper Common joins Michael Brown benefit concert at FUBAR;  Other acts include popular '90s lyricist Bun B, Pharoahe Monch, Nappy DJ Needles, others
        AP:  NAACP to offer free legal aid to St. Louis County kids
        KC Star editorial:  Missouri is 'unique' in failing to protect consumers from health insurance rate hikes +
        P-D editorial:  Data showing area's whites outpacing blacks in key economic categories is a tragedy - but efforts are underway to change that
        Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Students who snuck into the U.S. illegally should not be denied access to A+ scholarships or in-state tuition
        Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Male legislators should really stop viewing Capitol interns as "fresh young meat"
        P-D letter:  Missouri Jobs With Justice's Martin Rafanan opposes 'right to work'
        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, August 5
       
Missourinet:  University of Missouri professor previews GOP presidential debate
          The Hill:  McCaskill, other Dems grill federal prisons chief
          Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill on feds and drug courts;  Sifton on Dempsey;  Engler on impending legislator-intern worktime-playtime restrictions +
          Missourinet:  McCaskill:  Defunding Planned Parenthood would increase abortions
          CDT:  McCaskill's book tour begins;  Columbia, Mo. stop set for August 17 X
          The Missouri Times:  Vicki Englund switches to House campaign, announces kickoff event
          P-D:  Police report:  Rep. Dave Hinson (R-St. Clair) changed story about February night that led to DWI guilty plea
          The Missouri Times:  Dempsey's career transcends eras in Jefferson City;  GOP's Senate leader was shaped by experience in House minority
          The Missouri Times:  State revenue report - July
          KWMU:  Missouri revenues down first month of FY16;  Luebbering's final report
          KWMU:  Joint effort to help Normandy, Riverview impresses Nixon
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon meets with school leaders on efforts for failing schools
          P-D:  Nixon bullish on Normandy and Riverview Gardens school finances
          Missourinet:  Missouri high court dismisses challenge to 2003 municipal court law
          KWMU:  Missouri's top court rejects challenge to Macks Creek enforcement
          SE Missourian:  33 injured as blast rocks Noranda plant +
          Missourinet:  Parole hearing is Thursday for marijuana criminal Jeff Mizanskey
          KWMU:  Updates on Ferguson businesses ravaged by looters:  Owner of Ferguson Market & Liquor - where Michael Brown stole cigarillos and bullied a minority clerk - says decent customers have fled area
          KWMU:  StoryCorps:  Update on iconic Ferguson picture, one year after riots:  Raging screamer shares touching story of being temporarily tamed by corpulent Latina
          Jensen:  Notion of renegade cops oppressing innocent black men is a sad urban myth;  the real institutional problem is a lack of personal responsibility and a slothy embrace of welfare lifestyle +
          P-D editorial:  Clean Power Plan gives the world a shot. Maybe a last shot.
          SNL op-ed:  Billy Long:  Strengthening VA accountability for veterans X
          St. Louis Magazine:  Ray Hartmann:  Why can't we all be friends?  St. Louis stadium project survives pseudo-lawsuit
          KC Star's Sanchez:  Area ladies' group holds fundraising event in name of deceased liberal activist Vicki Watson Walker +
          P-D letter:  Immigrant students should pay more for college education
          CDT letter:  Chuck Basye and other Republicans who oppose Medicaid expansion are turning their backs on the poor X
          KC Star letter:  Man who chooses to live in Kansas says fellow Sunflower Staters should spend their money in Missouri +
          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, August 4
       
KWMU:  Supporters and opponents in Missouri weigh in on Obama's 'Clean Power Plan'
          P-D:  White House makes carbon-emission cut case for Missouri
          P-D:  Obama outlines plan to cut carbon emissions
          AP:  Blunt slams new power plant emissions limits
          KWMU:  VA health care system showing improvements in St. Louis
          Government Executive:  McCaskill's permit streamlining bill clears Senate
          P-D:  Thanks to McCaskill, a WWII soldier gets posthumous Bronze Star
          KSDK:  Man killed in WWII awarded Bronze Star
          AP:  Man who died in WWII gets receives Bronze Star 71 years later
          CDT:  Protesters out in force to oppose abortions resuming at Planned Parenthood X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Mannies & Rosenbaum chat with Scott Sifton about why he dropped his AG bid, Hensley vs. Zimmerman, Englund, Dempsey, more
          KWMU:  Teresa Hensley enters fray in fast-moving race for attorney general
          Missourinet:  Sen. Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur) says "Sanctity of Life" committee is starting from impartial spot, suggests Schaefer will prolong process for his own statewide purposes
          The Missouri Times:  Longtime TV anchor Robin Smith to run for secretary of state
          P-D:  As originally reported by KCTV last week, LeVota has left his job at credit union
          KC Star:  Special election to replace Paul LeVota unlikely this year +
          Missourinet:  Missouri House Republicans get first look at intern policy changes:  Current draft proposal includes ombudsman program, orientation, texting restrictions, more
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Elijah Haahr's (R-Springfield) Human Trafficking Task Force gear up to fight modern-day slavery in Missouri
          AP:  Missouri task force on human trafficking set to begin work
          P-D:  Missouri Department of Higher Education promoting financial literacy for college students
          The Missouri Times:  Joint Committee on Education to chart path forward on new standards
          P-D:  Normandy transfer students left in the lurch
          P-D:  Judge says no vote needed on stadium funding
          The Missouri Times:  STL judge:  No city vote to spend city funds on stadium
          KWMU:  Judge rejects city law requiring vote on funding for stadium
          AP:  Judge:  St. Louis residents don't need a vote on stadium funds
          Missourinet:  Judge rules approval from city voters is not necessary to use city tax money for St. Louis NFL stadium
          P-D:  A look at national coverage of Ferguson anniversary:  How Darren Wilson is doing a year after he was attacked, more
          AP:  Two reporters arrested during Ferguson protests settle suits
          P-D:  Man claims he rammed St. Louis police car 'for the black people';  Career criminal performed violent stunt with his 5-year-old daughter, others in the car
          KWMU:  Organization for Black Struggle, et al. plan "United We Fight" starting this weekend, peaking with a day of civil disobedience during what most people consider the work week
          P-D editorial:  In county's Family Court, justice delayed is justice denied;  State lawmakers should read DOJ report to better understand plight of budding criminals
          Columbia Missourian's Carl Kenney:  Former Obama pastor Jeremiah Wright Jr., best known for "God damn America!" sermon, headed to Columbia for black clergy event
          P-D op-ed:  Planned Parenthood Missouri's CEO:  Orchestrated attempt to restrict safe, legal abortion
          KC Star letters:  Legislators oppose local ordinances because they are "bought off my corporate interests" +
          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, August 3
       
Politico:  McCaskill on Schumer and Iran deal:  "I think he's conflicted. Many of us are. It's hard."
        KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Vicky Hartzler on federal-local highway-funding partnerships
        Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill has a chuckle relaying female senators' mind games with men;  Ron Richard on seeking Dempsey's post +
        AP:  Correction to state-party fundraising story
        KSGF (Springfield):  Audio:  Nick Reed asks:  What kind of sick people work at the News-Leader, and why are they so obsessed with Bob Dixon's childhood sexual abuse?
        KMWU:  Local TV anchor Robin Smith to run for secretary of state;  Sexagenarian black female retired from KMOV-TV last month
        AP:  Former TV news anchor Robin Smith to run for secretary of state
        Rosenbaum:  Some worry Dempsey's departure is an end to the 'Old Senate';  Plus, an update on selection of LeVota's replacement
        Missourinet:  Ron Richard on Tom Dempsey:  "Diplomats like that are rare, and we'll try to just forge ahead."
        Missourinet:  New Missouri House Floor Leader Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee's Summit) on legislative priorities, moving on after Diehl, more
        Drebes:  Missouri Public Service Commission seeks Senior Counsel
        P-D:  Activists want Corps of Engineers to take over West Lake
        P-D:  Man who claimed he'd sit atop billboard until St. Louis City murders stop throws in the towel
        KWMU:  More than 50 municipalities to clear outstanding warrants for lawbreakers;  St. Louis City resident Eric Bass, 47, tells hard-knock story of "ducking and dodging" his warrant
        AP:  Ferguson robbery/assault/shooting/looting anniversary week series:  Ferguson spurs 40 new state measures;  activists still not happy
        AP:  Ferguson robbery/assault/shooting/looting anniversary week series:  Recap of legislative actions
        P-D:  Ferguson robbery/assault/shooting/looting anniversary week series:  Then and now:  A look at looted and burned properties
        KWMU:  Ferguson robbery/assault/shooting/looting anniversary week series:  A historical look at Ferguson
        KWMU:  Ferguson robbery/assault/shooting/looting anniversary series:  What's changed in Ferguson?  Thoughts from black man, black woman, white "social justice" teacher, white U. City discrimination attorney
        P-D editorial:  One spiffy new state park and 87 others in need of help
        JCNT editorial:  Preserving the Capitol's structural integrity X
        KC Star Public Editor Derek Donovan:  The Star's print and online editions are quite different - by design +
        AP op-ed:  Jim Salter reflects on being a reporter during the Ferguson riots
        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, August 2
       
KWMU:  Blunt highlights veterans' medical care during visit to Jefferson Barracks
          KOMU:  U.S. Senate extends funding for highway projects;  Comments from McCaskill
          KC Star:  In a culture deeply dependent on surveys, accurate polling gets more elusive;  Comments from Jeff Roe's Titus Bond, others +
          AP:  State political parties broke, as fundraising takes a less-important role;  Comments from John Hancock, Roy Temple, UMSL's Terry Jones
          Drebes:  Former Rep. T.J. McKenna (D) decries negative campaigning, says he won't run for state rep but will run for countywide office
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Missouri farmers facing a tough season;  Nixon asks Koster to sue USDA over unreasonable crop insurance deadline
          KC Star:  Data shows doctors at UMKC med school accepted free meals and more in 2014;  Missouri numbers dwarfed by freebies accepted at KU Medical Center +
          Columbia Missourian:  Mizzou Online extends discount to community college grads
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri American seeks rate increase X
          P-D/Ford Foundation-sponsored piece:  A year of chaos tests veteran teachers:  Educators in U. City program discuss their decision to work with badly-behaved, violent preschoolers
          CDT:  NAACP "Journey for Justice" satellite rally draws small crowd X
          P-D:  Ferguson, one year later
          JCNT editorial:  Prescription-drug database is overdue X
          P-D's Nicklaus:  $15 minimum-wage push looks like a job killer
          SNL letter:  Response to Burlison on tobacco-tax increase 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, August 1
       
KWMU:  McCaskill chairs Senate hearing marking Medicare's 50th anniversary
          P-D:  McCaskill, local health leaders look for ways to improve Medicare
          KWMU:  Blunt says Congress needs to act on cybersecurity
          KWMU:  Lacy Clay joins House Natural Resources Committee
          Kraske:  Who's up and who's down?  Jay Nixon is up, but the anniversary of Michael Brown's attack on police officer is just around the corner +
          The Missouri Times:  Former Cass County Prosecutor Teresa Hensley (D) announces AG bid, gets immediate endorsement of Scott Sifton
          AP:  Democrat Teresa Hensley says she'll primary Jake Zimmerman for Dem AG slot
          KCTV:  LeVota quits job as management trainer for credit union
          The Missouri Times:  Former Rep. Noel Torpey (R-Independence) will not run for LeVota's seat
          The Missouri Times:  Q&A with Rep. Dave Hinson (R-St. Clair) on his fender-bender
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Mike Cierpiot (R-Kansas City) ascends to floor leader post
          KWMU:  Sen. Tom Dempsey (R-St. Charles) stepping down to 'return to private life'
          CDT:  Dempsey steps down from top Senate job, cites need to spend time with family X
          The Missouri Times:  Tom Dempsey set to resign
          Missourinet:  Dempsey is resigning
          AP:  Tom Dempsey to resign
          P-D:  Tom Dempsey set to join private sector
          KC Star:  At the University of Missouri, online-only tuition gets cheaper +
          P-D:  Mizzou offers online-tuition reduction to community college transfers
          KOMU (Columbia):  Immigrant students deliver petitions to Gov. Nixon;  Reaction from "Boone County Pacadyrms" [sic]
          CDT:  Petitioners seek Nixon's help fighting tuition, aid limits for immigrant students;  Chica, chico hablan sobre struggles de dinero X
          KWMU:  Ameren drops plans for second nuclear reactor
          The Missouri Times:  Ameren withdraws bid for new nuclear plant in Callaway County
          P-D:  Missouri American Water files for $51M rate increase
          AP:  Federal court claims St. Louis County Family Court discriminates against black kids
          KWMU:  Federal court finds St. Louis County Family Court discriminates against black children
          P-D:  Feds accuse St. Louis County Family Court of rights violations and racial bias
          P-D editorial:  Needed:  a serious ethics reform movement in Missouri
          JCNT editorial:  Ethical, moral issues similar but different;  Editorial board cites Wikipedia as source for slang definition X
          KC Star editorial page editor Steve Paul:  McCaskill book review:  High-achieving multi-millionaire relays the struggle of being a woman, the joy of being gifted Todd Akin as an opponent, more +
          KC Star letter:  KC Star tries to bury the fact that LeVota is a Democrat +
          P-D letter:  Response to woman who suggested kids perform community service in return for taxpayer-funded food
          P-D letter:  Bellefontaine Neighbors woman says truly needy children should receive food handouts - not every kid whose parents are afflicted with sloth
          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.



      



       



       




       



       



       



       

       


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

       



       


       E-mail John Combest at john {at} johncombest {dot} com.
       John Combest bio