johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

February 2016





        Monday, February 29
       
The Missouri Times:  Lincoln Days wraps up with Legislator of the Year honors:  Sen. Eric Schmitt and Rep. Eric Burlison
        P-D:  Delegation's leadership PACs accept, donate money;  Clay's PAC spent $19,500 on "legal fees" for Ferguson municipal elections
        This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Mike Kehoe;  Panel of GOP gov consultants/staffers David Barklage, Craig Arnzen and Nick Maddux plus KMOX host Mark Reardon
        Kraske:  The Chat:  In speech to Heritage Foundation, Rex Sinquefield calls Missouri's governor "an idiot," then says he regrets it;  Rolling Stone dredges up memory of Schweich's suicide, criticizes consultants one year later;  Nixon on home health care worker pay increase +
        AP:  States, including Missouri, trim the number of months the unworking can draw benefits;  Comments from GOP leaders, liberal New York group, non-breadwinning male
        AP:  A state-by-state look at unemployment benefits:  Missouri provided handouts to 173,000 unworking people last year
        AP:  Bill to undo mergers of state patrols gets mixed reviews
        Missourinet:  Bill aimed at preventing shock-drownings in Missouri refiled
        KC Star:  Weekly legislative preview:  "Stand your ground" self-defense proposal, budget, Uber, constitutional convention, more +
        Columbia Missourian:  Most-read stories of the week:  6 of 10 deal with Melissa Click and race controversies
        Missouri Farmer Today:  Ethanol fuels Missouri corn checkoff success
        P-D:  Obituary:  Rep. Jay Russell (D-Florissant):  Marine was strong pro-life, pro-gun, pro-union Democratic voice for North St. Louis County in pre-white-flight era
        St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Texting while driving is a serious threat, but legislators probably won't pass another law X
        JCNT editorial:  Noranda's troubles - and possible solutions - are more than a matter of utility rates X
        Messenger:  Fired Guard employee is vindicated with U.S. Senate inquiry
        P-D op-ed:  Property and power:  The Army Corps of Engineers' Master Manual and the Missourians
        Priddy:  Psychological advice for first-time candidates
        KC Star's Sanchez:  Legislature should pass latest gun-control bill from Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights) +
        JCNT letter:  Jefferson City man wants investigation into federal highway trust fund spending, dislikes Missouri bike trails and other "vote-buying" expenditures X
        KC Star letter:  Area organizer for "Moms Clean Air Force" wants Blunt to support Obama energy plan +
        JCNT letter:  Area Mizzou alum won't be giving money - or buying football tickets - after mishandling of "mob" behavior X
        P-D letter:  St. Louis County man says that if editor Gilbert Bailon wants to brag about the paper's historical archives, he should make them available to the public
        Columbia Missourian:  Randolph County cattle producer urges "no" vote in beef checkoff referendum
        P-D letter:  St. Charles resident says caterwauling poors should stop spawning progeny they cannot afford to support
        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, February 28
       
KWMU:  Missouri Republicans confident they can tie Koster to Clinton's 'liberal agenda'
          AP:  Missouri GOP candidates for governor talk Ferguson, MU
          CDT:  Hanaway ties University of Missouri events, Ferguson and murders together in 'epidemic of lawlessness' X
          P-D:  GOP faithful find few differences among gubernatorial candidates
          JCNT:  Dan Brown creates GOP state treasurer primary by filing against Eric Schmitt;  Pat Contreras takes on Judy Baker in Dem primary X
          The Missouri Times:  Kurt Schaefer, Josh Hawley do battle at Lincoln Days AG forum
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Sen. Mike Kehoe;  Reps for Brunner, Hanaway and Kinder pitch their candidates, with KMOX's Mark Reardon making the case for Eric Greitens
          P-D:  Congressional delegation's votes for the week
          KWMU:  Muslims meet in St. Louis, express fear about Trump supporters' "lack of education"
          P-D:  Nation's largest insurers knock Obamacare marketplaces, but Centene succeeds;  St. Louis-based company thrives through narrow, strategic focus
          P-D:  Iran investment ban advances in Missouri Legislature
          SNL:  Bill from Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) would help pregnant drug addicts get help they need;  Comments from former dopehead who chose to overcome her addiction, law enforcement, local experts on heroin and opioid abuse X
          KC Star:  Profile of a Missouri opioid addict:  Rachelle Allen's cycle of getting clean, then relapsing +
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Truman Senate president leads delegation to Capitol
          JCNT:  HBCU official, technical college rep oppose concealed carry on campus X
          SNL:  Disciplined by Missouri State University, diversity official Juan Meraz apologizes X
          SNL:  Answer Man column:  Why the long wait for a concealed-carry appointment in Greene County? X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Ag Director Richard Fordyce:  Western Farm show focuses on technology and innovation
          P-D:  Slay's efforts to decrease childhood lead poisioning have proven successful;  Rare exception was one area youth who chose to eat paint chips
          P-D editorial:  Be careful fixing a utility regulatory system that might not be broken
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Confidence in University of Missouri is slowly being restored
          CDT's Waters:  Now is as good a time as any to cut University of Missouri's bloat X
          P-D op-ed:  Sierra Club youth volunteer Ashley Wineland:  Missourians must act locally to solve climate change
          CDT op-ed:  Mizzou grad living in Ohio says Mizzou is not a "laughingstock," insists that protesting students' antics should be taken seriously X
          P-D's Gilbert Bailon:  Newspaper editor congratulates his paper for sponsored "toxic stress" series;  Push across brand platforms resulted in nearly 60 people showing up at free event
          P-D letter:  Ladue woman says Sen. Ed Emery (R-Lamar), Ferguson Mayor James Knowles disrespect the public
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood woman disagrees with pro-Clinton op-ed attributed to Jean Carnahan
          P-D letter:  Ballwin man says Ameren should be treated the same as any other business
          KC Star letter:  Blue Springs woman sets up GOP criticism to execute "Concerned Student" punchline +
          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, February 27
       
KWMU:  At Lincoln Days, Republican faithful wonder about Trump's impact on Missouri
          P-D:  GOP gov candidates take opportunity to speak to elected officials, activists at Lincoln Days
          P-D:  Alleged intern harasser David Poger, who worked for U.S. Reps. Lacy Clay and Russ Carnahan, among those in lobbying gray zone
          KWMU:  Area man will fast until NGA makes decision on site location;  White male who chooses to live in North St. Louis City thinks stunt will speed feds' timeline
          Washington Missourian:  Two FEMA disaster recovery centers are still operating
          Drebes:  Barnes' bill redefines qualifications for attorney general - and not all current candidates may reach that bar
          Drebes:  Handicapping Rick Stream vs. Andrew Koenig for Schmitt's seat
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Martin Rucker II running for state rep X
          P-D sports columnist Ben Frederickson:  Former Mizzou footballer Martin Rucker II decides to run for office, thinks he'd enjoy serving in minority
          P-D:  Missouri Senate takes up voter ID
          Missourinet:  Nixon's veto would allow health worker wage hike, override likely
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers look for road money beyond usual places
          The Missouri Times:  New bill cuts restrictions for universities to make graduate programs
          CDT:  Area lawmakers seek to reverse University of Missouri cuts in the wake of Click firing X
          Columbia Missourian:  Boone County reps push for restored funding
          Columbia Missourian:  Bryan Cave report fact-checks Melissa Click's revised version of bullying incident
          KC Star:  National professors group wants University of Missouri to rehire Melissa Click +
          Columbia Missourian:  National professors group:  Bring back Melissa Click
          Columbia Missourian:  Interim UM president, diversity officer to Concerned Student 1950:  Stop making demands
          Columbia Missourian:  Great people and moments in Columbia black history:  Blind piano player;  Mike Middleton;  protests following Michael Brown's assault on Darren Wilson;  Concerned Student 1950 disruptions;  more
          KWMU:  Obituary:  Jeremiah 'Jerry' Nixon, a staunch ally in his son's political advancement, is dead at 90
          Missourinet:  Obituary:  Nixon's father dies
          JCNT editorial:  On Mizzou, Conservation Commission and Capitol Complex, legislators should stop trying to expand their influence X
          P-D editorial:  Robert Ross' sarcasm on legislators-as-lawyers bill
          Messenger:  Opioid dilemma catches Wildwood couple in its web
          Waters:  Thoughts on student freedom of expression bill, Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, and old-timey First Amendment memories X
          Columbia Missourian executive editor Tom Warhover:  The coverage of Melissa Click will continue until you stop talking about her
          KC Star letter:  Area man says Eric Schmitt's plan to cut taxes is bad for Missouri +
          P-D letter:  Rock Hill man suggests Melissa Click take her attitude and "obnoxious" voice behind a fast-food counter
          P-D letter:  Early childhood group enjoys USC-sponsored "toxic stress" series
          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, February 26   The Official 2016 Missouri Lincoln Day Bingo Card
       
KMZU (Carrollton):  Hillary Clinton's Missouri campaign hosts LGBTQIA event at gay bar in KC
          SE Missourian:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith draws token opposition ahead of re-election +
          P-D:  David Poger receives restraining order after "weird-ing out" Capitol females;  Clay's office says Poger was never an employee, as FEC records show payments as "consultant"
          Missourinet:  Democrat David Poger, who claimed to be Lacy Clay's "Senior Political Director," gets restraining order for harassing Capitol women;  Clay's office says Poger has never worked for congressman "in any capacity"
          KC Star:  Restraining order issued against Democrat David Poger +
          USA Today:  McCaskill introduces bill against hidden resort fees
          P-D:  McCaskill, Grassley pushing case of fired Missouri National Guard contractor
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Coalition for the Environment sues EPA
          KWMU:  Missouri Coalition for the Environment sues EPA over clean water rules
          AP:  Missouri group sues EPA over nutrient levels in lakes
          The Missouri Times:  Barnes' bill establishes qualifications for AG office
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Catherine Hanaway on Ferguson, Mizzou and her way forward in a crowded governor's race
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Kinder says he would have called Mizzou football players' bluff +
          SE Missourian:  Mental health series:  Missouri spends $636 million a year on mental health, implements new initiatives +
          SE Missourian:  Mental health series:  Shortage of beds, clinicians challenge mental illness care in region, state +
          CDT:  University of Missouri curators vote to fire Melissa Click X
          CDT:  Melissa Click complains that investigation by University of Missouri curators was unfair X
          CDT:  Foley grilled by faculty for curators' decision to fire Melissa Click X
          Columbia Missourian:  UM curators fire Melissa Click
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislators applaud firing of Melissa Click
          Columbia Missourian:  Foley addresses concerns about Melissa Click at MU Faculty Council meeting
          Columbia Missourina:  Mike Middleton, Chuck Henson suggest Concerned Student 1950 end demands
          The Missouri Times:  University of Missouri Board of Curators fires Melissa Click
          KWMU:  University of Missouri fires Melissa Click
          Missourinet:  Foley:  Click's firing doesn't set a precedent
          AP:  University of Missouri fires Melissa Click
          KC Star:  Mizzou fires Melissa Click +
          P-D higher ed reporter Koran Addo:  Board of Curators fires Melissa Click;  Comments from "state Rep. [sic] Kurt Schaefer"
          P-D:  Last week:  Higher ed piece misspells "Columbia"
          P-D:  Four weeks ago:  Higher ed piece confuses Mizzou and University of Missouri System
          CDT:  MSU seeks to overturn key provisions of 2005 name change law X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Truman State students debate campus concealed carry bill
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Senate bill grants Missouri residents lifetime concealed carry permit
          P-D:  Foundation Formula would be easier to fund under proposal from Rep. David Wood (R-Versailles)
          P-D:  Welfare rolls in Missouri would be scrubbed for dead, ineligible under proposal
          KWMU:  Heroin antidote, drug registry get some support, but legislative passage remains elusive in Missouri
          KWMU:  Legislation to end sex trafficking ads wins first-round approval in Missouri Senate
          KC Star:  Proposal would undo merger of Missouri state patrols +
          P-D:  Utilities push for overhaul of Missouri rate regulation
          The Missouri Times:  After years of opposition, Ameren and Noranda reach historic pact
          KWMU:  St. Louis Boat Show provides glimpse of life after the Rams
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway releases second local government report
          Brownfield Ag News:  Audrain, Carroll are Missouri's first Agri-Ready counties;  Designation shows commitment from commissioners that no county regulations will be stricter than state law
          P-D:  St. Louis Regional Chamber announces Arcus award winners;  Achievement in Public Policy to David Leipholtz and Better Together
          P-D editorial:  Eric Schmitt's push for more tax cuts would double the size of Missouri's looming budget crisis
          P-D editorial:  University and curators cave on Melissa Click, and academic freedom is the loser
          Messenger:  One year after his son decided to kill himself, Julius Schweich sends hateful note to Catherine Hanaway - wishing her a bad 2016
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  When it comes to Mizzou, state GOP legisaltors are "petty, vindictive and short-sighted"
          Shelly:  Bill from Rep. Robert Ross (R-Summersville) on elected officials becoming judges and lawyers is "bizarre" +
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County man dislikes Blunt's comments on SCOTUS
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman says Rep. Tom Flanigan (R-Carthage) shouldn't criticize University of Missouri while his colleagues are acting up
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood man dislikes Tony Messenger, longs for the days of amiable hippie Bill McClellan
          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, February 25
       
KC Star:  Bernie Sanders brings campaign against the 1 percent to Kansas City +
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Links to local news coverage of Bernie Sanders visit
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Photo gallery and video highlights of Bernie Sanders' visit to KC
          P-D:  Hillary Clinton hires Antonio French;  North St. Louis City Alderman says Bernie Sanders is "absent the reality of today's America"
          The Missouri Times:  Texts from the Trail:  #mogovdebate shows intensity of GOP enthusiasm;  Greitens skips debate, but makes it to Jeff City the next day;  Thoughts on David Humphreys' campaign contributions
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens changes tone, still supports closing Gitmo;  Brunner criticizes "Obama-Greitens plan"
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Opponents jump on Greitens for Gitmo positioning;  Kinder touts conservative record and election success at GOP gov debate +
          CDT:  Kinder:  Wolfe should have 'called players' bluff' rather than resign X
          KWMU:  Statewide office filing-day roundup:  Each statewide race attracts also-rans;  David Humphreys finds candidate to take on Schmitt;  Leonard Steinman and Chief Wana Dubie run, again
          The Missouri Times:  Jay Ashcroft event features his dad and Donald Rumsfeld;  David Humphreys throws in $150k to narrow Will Kraus' significant fundraising advantage
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Dan Brown (R-Rolla) - who had endorsed Eric Schmitt - decides to enter state treasurer primary
          KWMU:  State legislative filing-day roundup:  Scott Sifton vs. Randy Jotte;  Three-way Dem skirmish for Colona's seat;  Four-way GOP schmoz in Gosen's district;  Notes on other primary contests
          Drebes:  MoScout post-filing update:  Subscriber report FREE one day only;  Notes, quotes and anecdotes on state legislative races, Schmitt vs. Brown, much much more
          The Missouri Times:  PROMO sticks with Steph Perkins as executive director
          KWMU:  State's lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer/intersex/asexual group names new executive director:  Steph Perkins, formerly known as Stephanie Perkins
          SNL:  Steph Perkins becomes first transgendered human to lead PROMO X
          KC Star:  Liberal group Progress Missouri challenges limits on recording of public Senate hearings +
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court hears arguments over recording of Senate hearings
          KWMU:  Missouri Senate considers right to record Senate committee hearings
          AP:  Missouri Supreme Court hears challenge to video limits by Senate
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri Supreme Court to rule on liberal group's right to film Senate hearings
          P-D:  Voter ID clears last hurdle before Senate floor debate
          Columbia Missourian:  Mental health rally at Capitol draws 100
          SNL:  Bill from Rep. Kevin Austin (R-Springfield), Sen. Eric Schmidt [sic] would let MSU create doctoral programs without University of Missouri consent X
          CDT:  Curators make selections for Presidential Search Committee:  Two black faculty members, one black student X
          Columbia Missourian:  Head of MU Black Studies named to UM president search committee:  Stephanie Shonekan is assistant professor of ethnomusicology
          CDT:  Curators won't reveal University of Missouri presidential search consultant X
          Columbia Missourian:  House Budget Committee reviews proposed UM System budget cuts
          P-D:  Cutting Melissa Click's salary not 'enforceable hammer'
          AP:  Race protests help create another diversity job:  University will pay former footballer $150,000/yr. to serve as "assistant vice chancellor for inclusion, diversity and equity"
          Missourinet:  Democrat opposes spending cuts
          The Missouri Times:  Bill from Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale) would make professors' syllabi public
          Missourinet:  Concerned Student 1950 reissues old demands, makes up new ones:  "Academic bankruptcy" rule to give failing students a semester mulligan;  10% of faculty must be black;  etc.
          CDT:  Concerned Student 1950 warns they will be "ensuring our demands are met by any means necessary" X
          AP:  Legislation from Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis) seeks to allow concealed-carry permit holders to protect themselves on public transit
          Missourinet:  Missouri House bill would give felons gun rights back, 'violent' felons could petition for them
          SE Missourian:  Noranda, Ameren appeal to lawmakers for electric-rate changes +
          JCNT:  Ameren, Noranda ask lawmakers to help stabilize energy rates X
          P-D:  Post-Dispatch hosts community forum in conjunction with USC-sponsored series:  "Parenting and Grandparenting Under Stress"
          P-D editorial:  The despair epidemic:  Solutions to fix a case of the sads include state legislation on opioid abuse, spending more taxpayer money on education "investments," taxing high achievers to better distribute "America's bounty"
          JCNT editorial:  Lawmakers have not earned the right to exercise greater control over Capitol Complex X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Jay Ashcroft:  The true intent of voter ID laws:  common sense
          KC Star's Jenee Osterheldt:  Activists black and brown unite against racism, sexism, other -isms for an event of art and healing;  Woman wears "Black Thighs Matter" shirt in public +
          P-D letter:  Radiology professor shares her thoughts on how legislators should handle Mizzou dramatics
          JCNT letter:  Area man criticizes "Sen. Schaeffer [sic]", creates state-school analogy:  Abusive animal owner : dog :: Missouri legislators : Melissa Click X
          P-D letter:  Area nonprofit CEO enjoys Post-Dispatch's University of Southern California-sponsored "toxic stress" series
          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, February 24
       
SOS.mo.gov:  List of candidates who have filed for August primary
          KWMU:  First day of filing:  A historical look from the era of camping out to the modern-day system
          AP:  Candidate filing begins
          KC Star:  Details on Bernie Sanders' visit to KC today +
          JCNT:  Hillary Clinton's campaign says it supports Missouri prescription-drug monitoring program X
          P-D:  U.S. Senate candidate Jason Kander breaks with Obama over Guantanamo Bay closure
          P-D:  At The Missouri Times' debate, Missouri GOP's field for governor mostly in sync on the issues
          The Missouri Times:  Monday night GOP gov debate rocks social media realm;  #mogovdebate generates more than 2.6 million social media impressions
          JCNT:  Leonard Steinman running for governor instead of president X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  AG candidate Josh Hawley vows to clean up Capitol +
          CDT:  Columbia candidates caught up in year's hottest political rivalries;  Schaefer vs. Hawley and more X
          Columbia Missourian:  23 candidates for state, local offices file for August primary on first day
          JCNT:  Area legislative candidates file X
          Drebes:  Missouri Energy Development Association has filed suit against Kander and Galloway to stop Renew Missouri ballot initiatives
          KWMU:  Some question the limits to legislating the Missouri Legislature:  Debate over whether laws on "cooling off" and campaign contributions can positively affect the human nature of people who seek and hold office
          KOLR:  Ethics-overhaul push attempts to influence behavior, change Capitol culture
          AP:  Senate committee backs end to lobbyist-catered group events
          KWMU:  Senate passes one House ethics bill, stalls another
          P-D:  Ethics push again falters in Missouri Senate
          Messenger:  Missouri ethics debate vanishes in cloud of 'hocus-pocus'
          Missourinet:  House rejects Dems' early voting proposal
          CDT:  Budget plan targets Click salary and University of Missouri administration for cuts X
          Missourinet:  More cuts to University of Missouri in House budget proposal
          Columbia Missourian:  House committee proposes $8M in cuts to UM System funding
          P-D:  UM could see $8M cut under Missouri House budget plan
          AP:  Budget plan would cut $8M from University of Missouri system
          Columbia Missourian:  UM Campus Interfaculty Council calls for due process for Melissa Click
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Romine on University of Missouri budget cuts;  Ellington on death penalty and race +
          AP:  House considers fetal tissue donation ban
          Missourinet:  House considering longer sentences for child sex offenders
          SNL:  Rep. Sonya Anderson (R-Springfield):  Bill would protect kids from sexual predators X
          The Missouri Times:  Schaefer defends religious liberty bill
          P-D:  Missouri voters could decide on greater religious exemptions to same-sex marriage ceremonies
          AP:  Bill seeks religious exemptions on gay marriage
          Missourinet:  House Budget Chairman Tom Flanigan (R-Carthage):  State payment on St. Louis dome will be made
          P-D:  House panel hears anti-Kroenke proposal
          Columbia Missourian:  House bill to allow ATVs, golf carts on Katy Trail draws opposition
          Missourinet:  House proposes exemptions to Sunshine Law for farms and ranches
          KWMU:  Protestors make a scene at Ferguson City Council's first meeting since being sued
          P-D:  Protestors disrupt council meeting;  Activists shout expletives in public, use props as punchlines, other theatrics
          SE Missourian:  Diversity speaker series hosts rapper Common;  Author of iconic ditty "The Bitch in Yoo [sic]" weighs in on campus gun debate, more +
          KWMU:  A look at the struggle of transgendered African-Americans;  Teenager self-identifying as female - but saddled with male genitalia at birth - explains pressure of showing cleavage, other oppressive societal expectations
          P-D editorial:  NGA can find security in the heart of St. Louis
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri lawmakers factor revenge toward MU into state's budget +
          JCNT editorial:  Preserve tranquility of Katy Trail X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  MoDOT ruling on 'irregular' bid prompts concern X
          P-D editorial:  In Justice Department showdown, Ferguson finds excuses in inflated numbers
          Waters:  Punishing MU:  Overreaction all around X
          Columbia Missourian's Steve Spellman:  Ugly mess at MU has long been fermenting
          CDT op-ed:  Domestic violence group:  Missouri should expand Medicaid X
          P-D letter:  University City woman disagrees with Sen. Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan) on voter ID, legislators becoming lobbyists
          P-D letter:  "Toxic stress" series, funded by USC group, is important
          P-D letter:  Ballwin woman responds to "toxic stress" series' focus on poor woman who chose to have ten (10) kids:  "People who continue to crank out one child after another will most likely fail"
          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, February 23
       
KWMU:  Sen. Claire McCaskill announces she has breast cancer
          Missourinet:  McCaskill announces that she has breast cancer and expects a full recovery
          Missourinet:  Support for McCaskill pours out after she announces she has breast cancer
          AP:  McCaskill says she has breast cancer
          KC Star:  McCaskill announces she has breast cancer +
          P-D:  McCaskill announces she has breast cancer
          KC Star:  Bernie Sanders to appear in KC tomorrow +
          Columbia Missourian:  Blunt announces re-election campaign
          Columbia Missourian:  Photos:  Blunt announces re-election campaign
          KRCG:  Blunt visits Columbia on final leg of re-election tour
          The Missouri Times:  Video:  Missouri Republican Gubernatorial Debate (raw livestream feed begins at 1 hr. 14 min.):  John Brunner, Catherine Hanaway, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder
          KC Star:  Eric Greitens criticizes Republican leaders over ethics legislation +
          JCNT:  Hanaway, Kinder lay out transportation plans at Missouri Chamber event;  Brunner states position on website, while Greitens and Koster have not addressed issue recently X
          Drebes:  Rick Francis to run for Shelley Keeney's open House seat
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Majority Leader Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee's Summit) on organizing the House's agenda, ethics legislation, campaign-contribution caps, more
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Courtney Curtis (D-St. Louis) introduces bill to cut union exemption for lobbying
          AP:  Missouri Democrat wants union members to report lobbying
          JCNT:  Ron Calzone says two court victories protect people from legislative mistakes X
          Missourinet:  Rep. Tom Flanigan (R-Carthage) re-introduces tiered budget approach
          CDT:  University of Missouri curators set to begin presidential search X
          Missourinet:  Sen. Gary Romine (R-Farmington) says budget cuts might force Mizzou to improve on racial issues
          P-D:  Race histrionics cause Mizzou to lose at least $2 million in donations
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Kurt Bahr (R-St. Charles) pushes State Board of Education transparency requirements
          SE Missourian:  State to test cybersecurity of Cape school district +
          Missourinet:  House abortion bills to be heard today;  Rep. Diane Franklin (R-Camdenton) stands by Planned Parenthood videos
          SE Missourian:  Local lawmakers oppose state park plan, allege improper spending +
          P-D:  Rep. Kirk Mathews (R-Pacific):  Missouri Uber regs moving forward after bloodbath
          Missourinet:  Debate resumes in Missouri House on limits to body camera footage
          Columbia Missourian:  House committee hears bills on body camera footage, pilot police grant
          AP:  Lawmakers weigh public's right to police footage
          AP:  Lawmakers vote to exempt state agency data on animal health and environmental impact of farms from open record laws
          Missourinet:  Proposed state beef checkoff referendum lawsuit dismissed
          JCNT:  Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City), NAACP want race assessed in death penalty reviews X
          SE Missourian:  Group wants state to expand Medicaid for young adults with mental illnesses +
          P-D:  USC Center for Health Journalism sponsored journalism:  "Toxic Stress" series
          P-D editorial:  Opioid and heroin problem poses national security nightmare;  Legislature should pass prescription-drug database
          P-D editorial:  Even if the state does nothing, St. Louis County can be a leader in prescription drug monitoring
          P-D letter:  University City man says Ferguson's own reform efforts are a mirage
          P-D letter:  Area doc enjoys sponsored "Toxic Stress" journalism
          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, February 22   Livestream:  The Missouri Times' GOP gov debate, 7 p.m.
       
KMIZ (Columbia):  Blunt campaign tour to stop in Columbia today
        Student Life (Washington University):  Former Obama adviser David Axelrod visits campus, talks politics, ideals, Trump
        This Week in Missouri Politics:  Don Gosen reveals his story;  Panel of Katie Casas, Ron Hicks, Will Kraus and Jeremy LaFaver talk Gosen, 'paycheck protection,' collateral source debate, and LaFaver's decision to not seek re-election
        Rosenbaum:  Loose ends from the Capitol:  Relative quality of humans running for office;  Coburn's push for convention of states;  Pinkel's contract;  what it's like to be stuck in a Capitol elevator
        Kraske:  The Chat:  Richardson on split with Senate on ethics;  Progress Missouri's Laura Swinford on recording public meetings;  Kerry Messer on parental permission for abortions +
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri TANF legislation limits time on the dole;  Comments from sociology prof, unworking woman with story of struggle X
        Columbia Missourian:  MU and Missouri Legislature forge contentious relationship during period of campus unrest
        Columbia Missourian:  Most-read stories of the week:  6 of 10 focused on Melissa Click and race drama
        AP:  Missouri public defender director says his department is in crisis due to underfunding
        Missourinet:  Lawmakers discuss liquidating St. Louis NFL dome's operators
        Brownfield Ag News:  Court denies request to stop MO beef checkoff refendum process
        KMZU (Carrollton):  Koster's office says Cole County man has been indicted for defrauding customers
        KWMU:  Costs and opportunities of Ferguson's disputed consent decree
        P-D:  Lawyers on both sides of Michael Brown wrongful-death suit want grand jury witness names
        P-D editorial:  Missouri senators vote to keep the lobby door revolving
        P-D editorial:  With earnings tax, Legislature once again meddles with the city's finances
        KC Star editorial:  Missouri's appealing option for college savings just got better +
        Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Jeanette Mott Oxford:  In support of the Black Lives Matter movement and the effort to limit campaign contributions
        KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  Eric Schmitt is wrong to push for even more tax cuts +
        SNL letter:  Former state Rep. Larry Crawford (R-Centertown):  Catherine Hanaway has been crucial in the fight for Missourians' gun rights X
        KC Star letter:  Moms Demand Action opposes guns on Missouri campuses +
        P-D letter:  Florissant man says Republicans don't want to preserve public lands
        JCNT letter:  Centertown man disputes education myths, says black schools receive more funding than others and students still manage to disappoint 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, February 21
       
SE Missourian:  Blunt touts veterans legislation during re-election campaign stop +
          KOAM:  Blunt makes campaign stop in Joplin;  Veteran Dem activist, one (1) pal hold anti-Blunt sign on street
          P-D:  After jury duty, McCaskill introduces legislation taking away lawmakers' exemption
          The Hill:  McCaskill, Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) want to remove Congress' jury exemption
          Drebes:  Former Rep. John Mayfield (D-Independence) working for City of Independence
          JCNT:  John Ashcroft speaks at Scouting event, reflects upon career of public service X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics, airing today:  Don Gosen speaks out about his resignation
          AP:  Analysis:  A look at what - if any - effect the Gosen situation will have on ethics-law push
          JCNT:  Economist at MO Chamber event:  Missouri continues middling rank in job growth among states X
          SNL:  State NAACP says positive changes for group are coming;  Nimrod Chapel says top issue is fighting "Jim Crow" voter ID proposals X
          CDT:  University of Missouri fundraising takes $6 million hit in December;  Vice chancellor notes most common observation:  "inmates are running the asylum" X
          CDT:  Donor discontent not being felt at University of Missouri campuses outside Columbia;  UMKC, Rolla and UMSL avoid dramatics, say they are doing quite well X
          CDT:  Decline in donations hits University of Missouri athletic department X
          CDT:  University of Missouri tries to ensure no more boycotts X
          P-D:  Noranda Aluminum closure marks the end of an era in the Missouri Bootheel
          P-D's Nicklaus:  Smelter or no smelter, utility legislation shouldn't be rushed
          P-D:  "Toxic stress" syndrome:  Wash U researcher says poor kids have smaller brain volumes;  A collection of hard-knock Ferguson tales involving violent gunplay, the unworking, unpaid bills, etc.
          P-D:  Analysis:  Newspaper alleges that Ferguson inflated the cost of federal consent decree
          P-D:  Hundreds rally in St. Louis to support Chinese-American NYPD officer who shot unarmed black man;  Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) makes appearance
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Missouri presidential primary turnout will be light, or maybe not X
          SNL editorial:  Dixon's campus gun bill is not the answer X
          KC Star:  Remedy for Missouri economy:  Spending more money on K-12, higher ed, transportation;  Seasoned editorial board fails to resist aged "Missouri-misery" pun
          P-D editorial:  Solutions for kids' "toxic stress":  Provide Section 8 vouchers to move the poor into decent neighborhoods;  more taxpayer funding of prenatal classes;  more taxpayer money for those who can't manage to pay their own utility bills;  etc.
          Waters:  Melissa Click's hysterical freakout leads university system to valuable introspection
          CDT op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Joseph Miller:  A Tale of Two Taxes:  A closer look at transportation sales tax vs. gas tax X
          P-D op-ed:  Community college sociology prof:  Ferguson's rejection of negotiated deal is a mystery
          P-D op-ed:  Blake Ashby:  Loretta Lynch represents a cancer in the social justice movement;  Ferguson malcontents, other agitators thrive on anger and outrage
          P-D letter:  Des Peres woman wants Nixon to support Obama's Clean Power Plan
          SE Missourian:  Missourians are overtaxed, especially compared to Tennessee residents +
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County man says commentary on deadly force wrongly rehashes Ferguson case
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, February 20
       
KWMU:  Blunt highlights his record - and ignores his opponent - in re-election kickoff
        P-D:  Blunt announces re-election bid
        SNL:  Blunt kicks off campaign tour in Springfield X
        KC Star:  Blunt makes re-election announcement, weighs in on SCOTUS matter +
        KC Star:  Life is much easier for Emanuel Cleaver in 2016 than it was eight years ago - when he chose Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama +
        The Missouri Times:  Rep. Mike Leara (R-St. Louis County) chooses to not run for state Senate
        P-D:  Nixon may not call special election for Gosen seat
        Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court to hear open meetings case brought against state Senate
        Columbia Missourian:  Politifact truth-o-meter:  Speaker Todd Richardson's assessment on This Week in Missouri Politics regarding Missouri families' earning power was "Mostly True"
        SNL:  Missouri's welfare changes allow recipients to stay on the dole for three years and nine months;  Comments from grown woman who got pregnant "out of the blue," others with hard-knock tales X
        Missourinet:  Rep. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) says he plans to hold fast on one-year 'cooling off' period
        P-D:  Changes to lobbying bill cloud ethics agenda's future
        KC Star:  Schmitt's proposal would double tax cuts for individuals and businesses +
        P-D:  GOP split on prescription drug monitoring, debate delayed again in Missouri House
        The Missouri Times:  What you need to know about the debate that kept the Senate up all night
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Guns on campus:  Thoughts from Missouri Western risk manager, junior male, teenage girl X
        Columbia Missourian:  Wieland's charge won't initiate disciplinary action against Melissa Click
        Missourinet:  Bill would toughen consent requirement for minor to have an abortion
        St. Joseph News-Press:  MoDOT, planning partners discuss future X
        The Missouri Times:  Wallingford co-sponsors effort to help former soldiers find jobs in the oil and natural gas industries
        P-D:  Nixon receives award from Mental Health America
        Drebes:  Noranda not interested in PSC rate cut
        KWMU:  Australian anti-nuclear activist visits area, will share thoughts at symposium
        Columbia Missourian:  Pittsburgh rapper/Ferguson protest celebrity Jasiri X speaks on police brutality;  Crowd of 30 provides "snaps, claps and affirming murmurs" to plaintive dittys
        JCNT letter:  Missouri prisoners' gardening shows that restorative justice provides transformations X
        CDT:  Darkow cartoon:  Oversexed legislators - who wear shirts with no pants a la Winnie the Pooh - are hypocritical for criticizing Mizzou X
        KC Star's Diuguid:  Mizzou Alumni Association should be applauded for highlighting race protests in its magazine +
        Messenger:  Missouri Supreme Court faces its reputation-defining moment:  Municipal-court overhaul and fines for lawbreakers
        P-D letter:  Legal Services of Eastern Missouri fact-checks food-stamp hysteria, says 60,000-victim number is too high
        St. Joseph News-Press letter:  Missouri Budget Project's Traci Gleason:  Congress, state both need to pass sales tax X
        P-D letter:  Chesterfield man says Stenger has no credibility on prescription databases
        CDT letter:  Anonymous author:  Melissa Click demonstrated her arrogant white privilege with protest actions;  Non-Caucasoids would have known to not touch police 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, February 19
       
P-D:  McCaskill speaks at opening of Hillary Clinton's St. Louis City campaign office, says Republicans are attacking female Dem with "chain saws"
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Cruz supporter Sam Graves says Trump talks the talk but won't walk the walk X
        P-D:  EPA could tighten pollution limits at Ameren's largest plant
        JCNT:  Candidates for governor make pitches to state chamber X
        The Missouri Times:  Catherine Hanaway outlines economic development plan
        The Missouri Times:  Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) declines to run for third term, says his priority is to be the best husband and father he can be
        Messenger:  Don Gosen just the latest to fall in Capitol's den of iniquity;  Husband, father opens up to columnist about what happened
        Missourinet:  Missouri House gives veto-proof support to 'paycheck protection' legislation
        The Missouri Times:  'Paycheck protection' bill passes with veto-proof majority
        KWMU:  Missouri House passes bill on public employee union fees
        AP:  House passes limits on union fees in paychecks
        KWMU:  Ethics overhaul gets skeptical reception from Missouri senators;  House, Senate disagree over elements
        Missourinet:  Missouri Senate backs off of 'cooling off' period for lawmakers becoming lobbyists
        KC Star:  Senate rejects waiting period for legislators to become lobbyists +
        P-D:  Republicans disagree on ethics legislation
        Washington Missourian:  Superintendent concerned about state funding drop X
        CDT:  University of Missouri leaders face tough questioning in legislative hearing X
        Missourinet:  University of Missouri projecting $20 million loss due to down enrollment; Foley says would-be students express "fear of turmoil"
        KC Star:  Legislators express disappointment in Gary Pinkel;  Mizzou football coach, who led team to 1-7 SEC record in failure of a final season, sided with protesting players in race drama +
        CDT:  Lawmaker targets Gary Pinkel as source of University of Missouri troubles X
        CDT:  MU staff members take responsibility for mixed messages attributed to Foley X
        The Missouri Times:  Sen. Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) files complaint against Melissa Click
        Columbia Missourian:  Black Lives Matter founders visit Mizzou campus;  Opal Tometi and Alicia Garza laud efforts of "queer women," tackle pressing issues of low life expectancies for transgender blacks, tragedy of "food deserts," etc.
        KC Star:  Melissa Click's image-makeover team nabs CBS This Morning segment;  Click maintains message discipline, sticks to talking points on making mistakes, fighting for "what is fair," etc. +
        The Missouri Times:  Missouri Nurses Association holds annual lobby day
        KCBJ:  Missouri hospitals' uncompensated care jumps 469 percent
        KC Star:  Missouri HPV vaccination rates are low;  Fewer boys than girls receive disease protection +
        SNL:  Nixon signs bill approving judicial district split X
        KWMU:  Former Ferguson PR strategist peddles "my version of my truth" in book;  Devin James blames public roasting on other PR agencies, political leaders, racism, etc.
        P-D editorial:  State makes right call on renewing Special Administrative Board mandate
        KC Star editorial:  Don't give in to bullying by Uber and Lyft in Jefferson City +
        St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Affordable gasoline is something to celebrate X
        P-D op-ed:  Missouri PTA's Sarah Day:  Bill from Rep. Robert Cornejo (R-St. Peters) offers second chance for teens in trouble
        Columbia Missourian op-ed:  MU School of Journalism Professor Emeritus Brian Brooks:  Melissa Click disgraced herself and needs to resign
        Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Proposal to allow ATVs on Katy Trail is 'asinine'
        KC Star letter:  St. Charles man says MoDOT should stop pushing toll roads +
        JCNT letter:  Jefferson City man says Real ID issue shows Missouri "languishes in the backwater of progress" X
        P-D letter:  Clayton sexagenarian says Legislature should not cut funding for University of Missouri
        JCNT letter:  Jefferson City man says prescription drug monitoring is needed X
        JCNT letter:  Jefferson City woman says prescription drug monitoring is not needed X
        P-D letter:  St. Louis County resident says prescription databases need a way to correct any errors
        P-D letter:  St. Louis woman says felony case - in which urbanite left her two toddlers alone before apartment fire - has a clear culprit:  Phyllis Schlafly
        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, February 18
       
KWMU:  Clinton sets up St. Louis City office in union building;  Sanders office in St. Louis City hit by vandals
          P-D:  McCaskill backs Hillary Clinton, says Sanders can't build consensus
          Kraske:  Rep. Tony Dugger (R-Hartville) on national popular vote;  Hanaway on 'right to work';  Pearce on campaign limits +
          SE Missourian:  Medicare cuts hit home for area medical-equipment users, suppliers;  Comments from U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, former state Rep. Pat Naeger (R) +
          KWMU:  Preliminary EPA designation says Labadie coal plant exceeds federal pollution standard
          KRES/KWIX:  Zika not a current threat in Missouri
          P-D:  Federal aid after December floods is $43 million and rising
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Don Gosen (R-Chesterfield) resigns
          KWMU:  Don Gosen (R-Chesterfield) resigns
          Missourinet:  Gosen resigns;  Richardson says decision was the right one
          P-D:  Gosen resigns, says he does not want to distract from important issues
          AP:  Don Gosen resigns
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate considers "cooling off" period before legislators become lobbyists
          The Missouri Times:  Speaker Todd Richardson reaches historic 107 votes for 'paycheck protection'
          Missourinet:  House gives initial approval to bill on public employee union dues
          AP:  Senate backs limits to medical costs in court cases
          JCNT:  Sen. Scott Sifton (D-Affton) leads 13-hour filibuster X
          Columbia Missourian:  MU loses $2 million in donations after race-protest botchamania last fall
          Columbia Missourian:  Faculty Council asks for review of MU's relationship with University of Missouri System
          KWMU:  University of Missouri officials feel the legislative heat during committee hearing
          Missourinet:  Sen. Paul Weiland (R-Imperial) files complaint about Melissa Click, says Gary Pinkel may be next
          AP:  University of Missouri leaders address state lawmakers
          Columbia Missourian:  University of Missouri administrators assure legislators of improvements at MU
          P-D's Koran Addo:  Lawmakers push for firing of Melissa Click;  Piece on higher education misspells "Columbia"
          Columbia Missourian:  MU faculty say Melissa Click deserves due process, fair treatment from administrators
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Truman board preparing to search for Paino's successor
          SNL:  For MSU, investigation into Hispanic official now closed;  Black student withdraws complaint, had gathered total of 49 petition signatures X
          SNL:  Students and citizens debate guns on campus as part of MSU Talks program X
          KWMU:  McSpadden provides an assist for Nasheed's body camera bill
          Missourinet:  Michael Brown's mother testifies for required police body cameras
          P-D:  Nasheed, Michael Brown's mother urge Missouri lawmakers to pass police body camera requirements
          The Missouri Times:  Nasheed presents legislation mandating police body cameras
          CDT:  Senate committee cool to bill requiring police body cameras X
          Columbia Missourian:  Michael Brown's mother joins push for body cameras
          AP:  Michael Brown's family pushes for body camera bill
          KC Star:  Bill creating statewide regulations for Uber and taxis clears Missouri House committee +
          The Missouri Times:  Executive council considers locations for National Register
          KWMU:  Army Corps to Coldwater Creek residents:  One park clean, more work to come
          P-D:  Ferguson protestors granted audience with Obama
          P-D editorial:  Fred Sauer catches Nixon's punt on campaign donation limits
          KC Star editorial:  Eric Schmitt wrong to push for tax cuts for Missouri residents, small business owners +
          P-D editorial:  Time to overhaul structure for economic development incentives
          Waters:  The balance swings against Melissa Click hanging on X
          CDT Darkow cartoon:  Imagining Melissa Click, pre-makeover, on Allen Funt's seminal "Candid Camera" X
          SNL op-ed:  Raise Your Hand for Kids' Linda Rallo:  Help improve early childhood health in Missouri X
          P-D op-ed:  NFIB's Brad Jones:  Missouri trial lawyers, judges fight for 'junk science'
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Associate professor of English attempts allegory connecting Shakespeare's "Richard III" with Melissa Click dramedy
          P-D op-ed:  SLU law student and SLU Law associate prof:  Ban use of deadly force to stop fleeing felons
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield man disagrees with McCaskill on Obama and SCOTUS nomination
          P-D letter:  Troy man says editorial wrong to support keeping guns from nonviolent felons
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, February 17
       
P-D:  Blunt to kick off re-election this weekend
        KWMU:  McCaskill, St. Louis County Council zero in on prescription-drug addiction
        P-D:  McCaskill, St. Louis County take aim at prescription database
        Kraske:  The Chat:  Greitens suggests Brunner camp was behind anonymous video;  Nixon talks character in final address to Eagle Scouts +
        JCNT:  John Ashcroft speaks at breakfast, promotes Scouting's benefits X
        Drebes:  Help Wanted:  Consumers Council of Missouri seeks Executive Director to replace Joan Bray
        JCNT:  Cole County Democrats to hold voter reg/GOTV event today at Lincoln University theater;  Free screening of Selma movie plus appearances by NAACP President Nimrod Chapel, Reps. Brandon Ellington and Stacey Newman expected to draw large crowd X
        Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Nixon, DED Director Mike Downing, Commissioner of Adminstration Doug Nelson return home after signing trade agreements +
        KWMU:  Sen. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg) wants to end 'grand experiment' of limitless campaign contributions
        Missourinet:  Pearce wants more focus on campaign checks, not lobbyist meals
        The Missouri Times:  National popular vote compact gets committee hearing
        Missourinet:  Politicians excluded from proposed pay increase for Missouri employees
        Missourinet:  Silvey's bill would make REAL ID an option for Missourians
        AP:  Schaefer pushes terrorism bills
        JCNT:  Schaefer proposes tougher punishments for sex offenders X
        AP:  Missouri public defenders want twice as many lawyers to handle their caseload, say Nixon's proposed budget increase isn't enough
        Columbia Missourian:  Missouri prisoners grew and distributed nearly 100 tons of produce last year
        CDT:  Lawmakers pan MU Health's opposition to House bill X
        AP:  University of Missouri leaders to address lawmakers during hearing today
        CDT:  Chancellor sends mixed messages on Melissa Click in separate statements X
        CDT:  Third and final diversity candidate speaks at forum;  G. Christine Taylor was fired from Purdue University last summer X
        Columbia Missourian:  Diversity officer candidate urges communication, success models
        The Missouri Times:  Cheryl Schrader moves Missouri S&T forward while keeping race dramatics away;  School's first female chancellor says she doesn't believe in diversity for diversity's sake
        P-D:  Activist group demands Washington University, a private institution, cut ties with Enterprise's Andy Taylor;  "Decarcerate St. Louis" angry about profit margin of prison snacks and toiletries
        KWMU:  Plans expected to transition St
. Louis Public Schools back to control by elected board
          P-D:  Appointed boards to continue at St. Louis and Riverview Gardens school districts
          AP:  Rep. Sonya Anderson (R-Springfield) wants stronger safeguards around legal guardians approving minors' abortions
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bill would pilot truck platoon system, improving fuel economy and safety;  Comments from sponsor Sen. Dan Hegeman (R-Cosby), Missouri Trucking Association's Tom Crawford X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bill would ease tax on dance, fitness centers X
          The Missouri Times:  Oregon County land sale bill perfected in the House
          P-D:  Land sale bill passes Missouri House
          AP:  House endorses auction of land bought for park
          P-D:  Bill from Rep. Bob Burns (D-St. Louis) could pave the way for sales tax hike for cop salaries
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Linda Black (R-Park Hills) presents new anti-poaching measures to committee
          Missourinet:  Photo gallery:  Royals' World Series trophy brought to the Capitol
          KWMU:  Federal agencies to update residents at Coldwater Creek meeting
          P-D editorial:  Tobacco-tax hike idea designates money for kids, not abortions
          JCNT editorial:  Aiding welfare beneficiaries by removing those who game the system X
          KC Star editorial:  Why are 'free speech' advocates so eager to silence Melissa Click? +
          SNL op-ed:  U.S. Rep. Billy Long:  Putting patients over politics in cancer fight X
          CDT op-ed:  Terry Schlemeier:  Reflections on Kurt Schaefer, the Lone Ranger, and MU days of yore X
          Columbia Missourian's Steve Spellman:  Legislature should help fill open curator spots quickly
          Diuguid:  Obama should fly to Ferguson to bring about needed changes +
          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, February 16
       
KOLR:  Blunt, Kander, MSU prof Brian Calfano weigh in on Scalia-replacement issue
          Missourinet:  University of Central Missouri prof who penned book about Scalia calls him a unique conservative
          KC Star:  Presidential campaigns eye Missouri +
          KWMU:  Voter-registration deadline looms in advance of presidential primary
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Graves to speak to Northwest Missouri GOP Club X
          Drebes:  Missouri's electric co-ops form campaign committee, get ready to rumble
          KOMU:  Group seeks to raise cigarette tax to pay for early childhood programs;  Comments from Raise Your Hand for Kids' Linda Rallo
          KWMU:  John Brunner responds to Eric Greitens' response to anonymous anti-Greitens video
          P-D:  Greitens suggests anonymous video fits Brunner camp's "pattern";  Brunner campaign categorically denies involvement
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Brunner says MoDOT needs to find "efficiencies";  Chancellor Hank Foley on Melissa Click's "appalling" antics +
          JCNT:  Proposal from Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville):  Make amendment signatures harder to get X
          JCNT:  Hundreds of Eagle Scouts honored at Capitol;  Gov. Nixon, Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) address crowd X
          SNL:  Week's legislative preview:  Ethics bills, prescription drug monitoring program, Greene County sales tax for early childhood education X
          P-D:  If Missouri's legislature operated like West Virginia's, right to work might be law
          Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal:  With needle in his arm to give blood, Sen. Mike Parson (R-Bolivar) defends state's death penalty
          Riverfront Times:  Bill from Rep. Lyle Rowland (R-Cedar Creek) would help Missouri's deaf-blind community with support service providers
          Columbia Missourian:  Child safety bills focus on terrorist threats, suicide prevention
          CDT:  Chancellor, curator "appalled" by new Melissa Click body camera footage X
          The Missouri Times:  Latest Click video leads to renewed calls for resignation
          P-D:  UM Curator David Steelman, others weigh in on latest Click video
          KOMU:  Click media tour:  Prof discusses behavior
          CDT:  Bill targets hospitals' exemptions from certificate of need law X
          Missourinet:  House panel votes to strip payment for former Rams stadium
          KWMU:  House committee strips out Edward Jones Dome funding
          P-D:  Payment for Edward Jones Dome stripped from 2017 Missouri budget
          AP:  House panel OKs cutting $12M for St. Louis football stadium
          KRCG:  Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale) blasts lawsuit against court overhaul bill
          P-D:  Bill from Rep. Kirk Mathews (R-Pacific) would exempt Uber drivers from St. Louis City earnings tax
          Missourinet:  Medical marijuana bill again presented to House committee
          Columbia Missourian:  House committee hears bill on legalizing medical marijuana
          P-D:  Missouri could opt out of time change
          SNL:  House approves judicial district split for area counties X
          SE Missourian:  Missouri may ban hunting of feral hogs on public lands +
          KWMU:  Shula Neuman takes over as new executive editor of St. Louis Public Radio
          P-D editorial:  If St. Louis wants to win NGA, message must be loud and clear
          P-D's Nicklaus:  Missouri understands part, but not all, of new job-creation math
          P-D letter:  St. Charles man says proposal from Rep. Jay Houghton (R-Martinsburg) to allow ATVs on Katy Trail is a terrible idea
          P-D letter:  Clayton man says Houghton legislation amounts to harassing hikers, bicyclists
          SNL letter:  Springfield man says bureaucracy, quarreling hurts MSU diversity program X
          P-D letter:  Des Peres woman says DOJ bully Loretta Lynch chooses vindictiveness over forgiveness
          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, February 15
       
P-D:  Blunt, others weigh in on Scalia
          SE Missourian:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith brings area leaders together to discuss Noranda and area fallout;  Session includes talk of federal regulations, 'right to work,' more +
          Riverfront Times:  Dispute over voter data leaves some black Missouri Democrats frustrated
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Greene County Dem criticizes Roy Blunt +
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Kurt Schaefer;  Panel of Reps. Shawn Rhoads and Tracy McCreery, Byron DeLear, Rob Johnson talk national popular vote, presidential primary, MO AG race, ethics legislation
          KC Star:  Eric Greitens fights back against anonymous attack video +
          SE Missourian:  Brunner visits Cape Girardeau, speaks to GOP women's club +
          KC Star:  Teresa Hensley attacks Kurt Schaefer based on erroneous campaign research, apologizes +
          Drebes:  David Humphreys gives $50k to pro-RTW Rep. Rob Vescovo (R-Arnold)
          Drebes:  Josiah Bechthold, former intern for Rep. Trent Skaggs (D), seeks to fill Dem ballot slot against Ryan Silvey
          KC Star:  Lawmakers to talk medical marijuana, campaign limits this week +
          KWMU:  Six ethics proposals could be set for final passage when the Missouri Senate starts work today
          SE Missourian:  Rehder holds drug-monitoring bill because of rising opposition +
          Columbia Missourian:  Chancellor to confer with Board of Curators about body camera footage of Melissa Click
          AP:  Interim Chancellor Hank Foley calls Click's behavior in new video "appalling"
          Rosenbaum:  Legislative angst places University of Missouri in a tough spot
          The Maneater:  House committee votes to deny UM system a budget increase
          The Maneater:  Higher ed group says freshman class most likely to protest in past 50 years;  Photos of College Republicans posing with statue of Thomas Jefferson, angry students screaming and disrupting meetings, more
          KWMU:  Retiring higher ed commissioner David Russell on higher ed funding, Mizzou race dramatics, more
          Daily American Republic:  Bill from Rep. Steve Cookson (R-Poplar Bluff) seeks to limit school superintendent pay +
          JCNT:  Bill from Rep. Kurt Bahr (R-St. Charles) would prohibit punishment for opting out of state test +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bill from Sen. Dan Hegeman (R-St. Joseph) would protect Good Samaritans from damages when freeing kids from locked car X
          Missourinet:  Missouri bills on daily fantasy sports don't go as far as Nixon wants
          Missourinet:  House Budget Committee wants to hear from St. Louis Sports Authority about Rams bid
          AP:  Uber, Lyft look to Legislature to bypass city rules
          P-D:  St. Louis earnings tax facing fresh scrutiny
          Missourinet:  Lawsuit seeks to stop voting process on proposed Missouri beef checkoff
          P-D editorial:  Maria Chappelle-Nadal challenging Lacy Clay is a good thing
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Some good news from Jefferson City thanks to Clint Zweifel:  MOST 529 updates X
          Priddy:  Mitten's bill to stop committee-chair showboating won't pass, but it's a good idea
          Washington Missourian letter:  Area woman dislikes Ron Richard's position on campaign contribution limits, says he is acting like a dictator X
          JCNT letter:  Area man disagrees with GOP on voter ID X
          P-D letter:  Olivette grad student says she supports Ameren's energy-efficiency plan
          SNL:  Cape Fair man mocks diversity group's petition:  100 signatures at a university of 24,000 X
          P-D letter:  Area man says stadium proposal cost the public, not its leaders
          P-D letter:  Animal activist says House bill would keep citizens from seeing puppy-mill data
          P-D letter:  Criminal Justice Ministry case manager says Missouri could be a leader in criminal justice overhaul
          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, February 14   Valentine's Day
       
P-D:  Blunt says new Supreme Court justice should be chosen by next president
          KWMU:  Blunt's bipartisan bill would improve access to mental health care
          P-D:  A look at the Obamacare tax penalty
          P-D:  St. Louis vying for $50 million U.S. Dept. of Transportation jackpot
          Missourinet:  Missouri's legislative budget leaders plan to fight EPA's Clean Power Plan
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Guest Kurt Schaefer;  Panel of Tracy McCreery, Byron DeLear, Rob Johnson, Shawn Rhoads
          The Pitch (KC):  Teresa Hensley's campaign thought it found a connection between payday loan crook and Kurt Schaefer - but whiffed
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Raise Your Hand for Kids' Linda Rallo talks tobacco tax, addresses abortion misinformation
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) says MO HealthNet bill could save billions annually
          CDT:  University of Missouri seeks $10 million to support budding nuclear medicine supply industry;  Dem Reps. Stephen Webber, Kip Kendrick urge Nixon to support project X
          Columbia Missourian:  Melissa Click hires Texas-based image-rehab company;  "Status Labs Image Management" outlines strategy of influencing Google search results with less-frightening photos
          CDT:  After refusing interviews for months, Melissa Click begins image-rehab tour X
          CDT:  Political pressure on curators' investigation troubles Click X
          KWMU:  DESE wants to keep appointed boards in St. Louis, Riverview Gardens
          SNL:  Sen. Will Kraus (R-Lee's Summit) wants police to obtain a warrant before tracking cell phones X
          KNPN (St. Joseph):  Senator wants to expand state's texting ban
          JCNT:  Ameren, Noranda now working together;  Missouri customers could see jump in electric rates X
          JCNT:  Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City):  Six weeks into session, no harassment complaints referred to committee X
          JCNT:  LGBT advocates push for non-discrimination act X
          JCNT:  Public school employees to benefit from non-discrimination bill;  Comments from Missouri NEA's "Otto Fagen [sic]", others X
          P-D:  Portrait of a speed trap:  Foley, Mo.
          P-D:  Audits show municipal court issues extend beyond St. Louis County
          Missourinet:  State reps from Ferguson, Black Jack, St. Louis search for funding to help Ferguson comply with DOJ reforms
          JCNT editorial:  Half measures shortchange safe driving X
          P-D's Jim Gallagher:  Which to choose:  Cheapo State or Fancy U?  Thoughts on the value propositions of Wash U., Rolla and lesser state schools
          Columbia Missourian's Maggie Walter:  "Show Me the Errors" feature keeps paper as mistake-free as possible;  Columnist appreciates feedback from readers, does not demonstrate insecurity or defensiveness when mistakes happen
          Messenger:  The new civil rights movement has an anthem:  'We comin [sic]"
          P-D letter:  Illinois resident responds to P-D NGA editorial, suggests federal employees might enjoy being surrounded by decent schools and civilized behavior
          P-D letter:  Area woman says House bill would keep vital information hidden from public
          P-D letter:  Prolific LTE author and Bridgeton octogenarian Rowan Raftery says DOJ should worry about its own constitutional compliance
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield man says DOJ not operating in good faith
          P-D letter:  Clayton sexagenarian says she dislikes Nixon's "flippant" approach to Missourians' guns
          P-D letter:  Washington, D.C. based Sentencing Project supports "ban the box" approach to boost criminals' employment chances
          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, February 13
       
P-D:  Congressional delegation votes for the week:  Internet taxes, menu labeling, more
          SNL:  David Humphreys donates $1 million to Marco Rubio X
          KC Star:  Hillary Clinton campaign says plan could manufacture 53,000 jobs for young Missouri urbanites willing to work for a living +
          Washington Missourian:  East Central College president takes a trip to D.C., engages in 'lobbying' X
          KWMU:  Waterways Council:  Obama's budget request 'disappointing'
          SE Missourian:  FEMA recovery center in Cape Girardeau closing today +
          KWMU:  GOP deals with primary rumors:  Anonymous hit video targets Eric Greitens, while those opposing Bev Randles spread inaccurate rumor that she was disbarred
          P-D:  Video:  Nixon with P-D editorial board
          JCNT:  Cole County, state unemployment rate dropping X
          The Missouri Times:  House handles bill to stop opiate addiction
          CDT:  Library director informs board of effort to lobby lawmakers for increased state funding X
          KWMU:  DESE wants to keep appointed boards in St. Louis City, Riverview Gardens
          CDT:  Faculty council seeks review of University of Missouri system, campus relationship X
          CDT:  Student who captured Melissa Click's hysteria on video asks lawmakers to relent on University of Missouri budget X
          CDT:  Members of football team that finished 1-7 in SEC earn segment on ESPN show for race protest;  Episode features various entertainers complaining about guns, racial profiling, stereotypes, etc. X
          CDT:  MU Black Culture group talks about lynching that happened 93 years ago X
          Columbia Missourian:  Event recounts race-based event that happened in 1923
          Drebes:  Rep. Penny Hubbard (D-St. Louis City) withdraws bill to double salary of license collector
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Rural Crisis Center sues state over beef checkoff process
          P-D:  Missouri sends 17 residents' blood samples for Zika virus testing
          P-D:  Son of Missouri Supreme Court justice caught after firing weapon, making terroristic threats
          KWMU:  Ferguson Mayor James Knowles:  'There was no agreement' with DOJ
          P-D editorial:  The Clean Power Plan meets some Supreme skeptics;  Planet should win over states' rights
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Overdose deaths up across Missouri;  State needs prescription drug law X
          JCNT editorial:  Lawmakers should pass civics requirement for students X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Ron Richard is wrong:  A cell phone tax is needed to fund 911 services X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Heroin a national problem, not just a WashMo or Missouri problem X
          P-D letter:  SchoolReboot.com leader supports proposal from Rep. Steve Cookson (R-Poplar Bluff) to limit superintendent salaries, dislikes Hazelwood largesse
          P-D letter:  Area man says Noranda owners are not the good type of rich people
          P-D letter:  Arnold resident compares DOJ to NFL
          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, Februay 12
       
KWMU:  Campaign news roundup:  Blunt vs. Kander;  Schmitt goes on TV;  Hancock, others discuss value of endorsements, digital ads vs. TV ads, more
          P-D's Chuck Raasch:  New Hampshire prolongs it, making Missouri's primary more relevant
          SNL:  Greene County Dems take issue with Blunt's student deferments in the late 1960s X
          KC Star:  Minimum wage group holds rally, registers less than 25 voters;  Insight from nurse assistant La La Manning, others +
          Missourinet:  House proposes outside company verification of welfare recipients' eligibility
          JCNT:  Welfare anti-fraud bill passes House X
          P-D:  Plan to check on welfare scammers advances
          P-D:  TANF changes help kick 4,000 recipients off taxpayers' tab;  Adults unable to provide for their offspring still receive up to three years and nine months of "temporary" handouts
          Drebes:  Silvey introduces outline of new regulatory framework for utilities
          Missourinet:  House votes to allow pharmacists to sell overdose-fighting drug
          SNL:  Narcan bill passes;  prescription drug monitoring bill stalls X
          JCNT:  Prescription drug monitoring bill on pause X
          KC Star:  Missouri drug monitoring program runs into renewed opposition +
          P-D:  Debate on prescription drug monitoring held up in Missouri House
          KWMU:  Parole hearings, aid for juvenile offenders among items before Senate Judiciary Committee
          Kraske:  Melissa Click on being "flustered";  Nixon on legislative threats to cut university funding +
          Missourinet:  Student journalist fact-checks Melissa Click's claims about her verbal assault
          KWMU:  Transcript of Melissa Click interview:  MU prof weighs in on her decision to side with protesters, her version of interaction with journalist, relative merits of her Lady Gaga and BDSM erotic fiction research, much more
          CDT:  Diversity candidate sees conflict resolution as a key skill X
          Columbia Missourian:  Diversity candidate addresses Concerned Student 1950 demands, touts accomplishments
          CDT:  Mid-Missouri Peaceworks, Islamic Center, et al. to hold "Loving All Our Neighbors" event to criticize "Islamophobia," etc. X
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Shane Roden (R-Cedar Hill) would require students to recite Pledge of Allegiance every day
          AP:  House panel calls to increase basic K-12 spending by $76M
          KC Star:  Lee's Summit superintendent sits atop Missouri's salary rankings at $397,000/yr. +
          AP:  Senators consider bills on road safety
          The Missouri Times:  Dental hygienists lobby for extension, teledentistry
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Jack Bondon (R-Belton) bails out beer bill
          P-D:  Criminals in Missouri prisons get opportunity to taste-test new items
          KWMU:  Federal leave act mandates time, not pay;  Proposal from female Dems would add wages
          The Missouri Times:  Schupp, McCreery to offer paid leave initiative
          KWMU:  "Behind the Headlines" podcast:  Rosenbaum, others recap their stories of the week
          AP:  Nixon, Kinder commend Ferguson's efforts at police overhaul
          The Missouri Times:  Kinder slams DOJ legal action against Ferguson
          KWMU:  "<X> Things" journomeme:  Five (5!) questions we had after DOJ sued Ferguson
          JCNT editorial:  Legislators should not micromanage Missouri Conservation Commission X
          P-D editorial:  Ferguson in a futile fight with the hammer of justice
          P-D editorial:  Ferguson council works behind closed doors to undermine public trust
          P-D editorial:  To shoot or not to shoot, police reformers ask;  Examining use of lethal force to put down suspects
          Priddy:  If the University of Missouri System was driven into a ditch, there were plenty of hands on the wheel
          KC Star's Diuguid:  Compromise needed to settle dispute between DOJ and Ferguson +
          P-D letter:  Illinois resident takes offense at P-D NGA editorial referencing Metro East "cornfields"
          P-D letter:  Belleville man offers rebuttal to P-D NGA editorial, provides views on cost savings, forcing employees to deal with violent North City environment, cybersecurity, more
          CDT letter:  Area man enjoys ironic juxtaposition of "small radicalized group of black MU students" with separate story of dignified African-Americans leading productive lives X
          KC Star letter:  Area man disputes notion that Mizzou is "broken" +
          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, February 11
       
Drebes:  Mannies reports on Donald Trump's Missouri campaign leader
          The Missouri Times:  Obama's Clean Power Plan stayed by SCOTUS;  Koster, Todd Richardson criticize regulations
          JCNT:  Luetkemeyer unhappy with IRS answer on closed office X
          Missourinet:  Committee backs McCaskill resolution to hold ad site in contempt
          P-D:  Ad site Backpage says it welcomes contempt citation from McCaskill, Senate
          KC Star:  Blunt's Vietnam-era draft deferments become issue in 2016 campaign +
          P-D:  Roy Blunt's draft deferments more than four decades ago enter U.S. Senate campaign
          Missourinet:  FEMA approves Nixon's request to expand Missouri's federal disaster declaration
          AP:  Center for Public Integrity study claims lobbying rises in state capitols, declines in D.C.
          KCTV:  Two separate pushes to raise tobacco tax in Missouri;  Comments from Erin Brower, Ron Leone
          The Missouri Times:  The Missouri Times to host first Republican gubernatorial debate;  Event will feature true debate format, with candidates provided rebuttal time to defend against attacks
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Brunner on Koster and crime;  Ron Richard on Koster's tobacco-settlement spending plan +
          The Missouri Times:  Bill Otto endorsing Byron DeLear for state rep seat
          Missourinet:  Missouri House wants Congress to fight President's gun order
          The Missouri Times:  House passes resolution defying Obama's gun orders
          KWMU:  Missouri House to Obama:  Missouri will fight for the Second Amendment
          P-D:  Legislature dumps wage hikes for home health workers
          P-D:  Missouri's college savings plan to cut fees, offer new investment options;  Comments from State Treasurer Clint Zweifel
          P-D:  Nixon chats with P-D editorial board;  Governor says university should have moved more quickly on Melissa Click, says legislators are grandstanding on higher ed funding, more
          CDT:  Lawmakers upset over protests, Melissa Click deny budget boost to University of Missouri X
          Missourinet:  Lawmakers vote to eliminate budget increase for University of Missouri
          P-D:  UM System stripped of performance funding increase
          Missourinet:  In TV interview, Melissa Click says she wasn't suggesting physicality when she called for "some muscle";  Grown woman chalks up bullying behavior to being "flustered"
          KMIZ:  Video:  Melissa Click describes why she verbally assaulted minority journalist
          CDT:  Faculty:  MU education dean's departure not tied to university issues X
          KWMU:  UMSL Chancellor Tom George talks tough times:  Ferguson effect on enrollment, budget shortfall, time spent dealing with "arena of diversity, arena of inclusion," more
          The Missouri Times:  Reps. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City), Josh Peters (D-St. Louis) look to secure state funding for Lincoln University
          SNL:  Sens. Jay Wasson (R-Nixa), Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis) stump for education funding fix X
          KC Star:  Kansas City Public Schools officials offer master plan for district:  African-centered school saved, attendance boundaries changed, more +
          P-D:  Missouri House committee votes to cut park director's salary in half
          The Missouri Times:  Potential traffic laws weigh safety, state overreach
          JCNT:  Lawmakers asked to allow sheriff's deputies to work other counties X
          The Missouri Times:  Schaefer introduces parental rights constitutional amendment
          P-D:  Ameren to restart efficiency program
          P-D:  Federal suit seeks reimbursement from Rams for personal seat licenses
          KC Star:  KC payday lenders Scott Tucker and Richard Moseley Sr. indicted in federal crackdown +
          Missourinet:  DOJ sues Ferguson;  Loretta Lynch says fine system "literally [sic] breaking (lawbreakers') backs"
          P-D:  DOJ sues Ferguson after council votes to revise consent decree
          KWMU:  DOJ sues Ferguson
          AP:  DOJ sues Ferguson
          KWMU:  Council votes to appoint Laverne Mitchom to seat
          KC Star editorial:  Don't buy 'solutions' from critics trying to kill Kansas City's earnings tax +
          Sanchez:  It's clear Backpage.com would rather fight with Senate than stop sex trafficking +
          Waters:  Mandating what profession curators represent is a frivolous step X
          Waters:  Middleton strikes a pretty good compromise, so why the rush to replace him? X
          P-D op-ed:  Women in Transition's Barbara Baker:  Missouri employers should not ask potential employees about criminal convictions
          P-D letter:  Affton man suggests gas tax be increased by 10 cents while prices are low
          JCNT letter:  Rep. Kurt Bahr (R-St. Charles) responds to JCNT editorial on caregivers X
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves man says Ameren falls behind in transition to cleaner energy
          P-D letter:  Missouri man responds to Illinois man who responded to P-D's Mizzou-centric coverage
          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, February 10
       
Missourinet:  U.S. Supreme Court blocks EPA's carbon emissions plan;  AG Chris Koster (D) pleased Missouri ratepayers won't be "forced to bear the burden of compliance"
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local levee finally getting repairs;  City manager praises McCaskill, Blunt, Graves X
          KWMU:  Obama DOD budget includes more work for Boeing
          P-D:  McCaskill, Portman pushing contempt of Congress for website that advertises sex
          KWMU:  Clay primary opponent Maria Chappelle-Nadal calls Missouri Democratic Party "undemocratic" for blocking her access to congressional district voter data file
          The Missouri Times:  Chappelle-Nadal the only member of Missouri Senate to vote against bipartisan resolution urging NGA to stay in St. Louis
          KWMU:  Activists to picket outside EPA offices today;  Local organizer/amateur epidemiologist correlates asthma, bloody noses, rashes, headaches to landfill
          P-D:  West Lake Landfill activists join Flint protestors to pressure EPA;  Republic spokesman criticizes "stunt," says EPA should be allowed to "finish its work, quickly"
          KWMU:  County to fund survey of residents near Bridgeton Landfill;  Survey-takers will go door-to-door listening to complaints
          P-D:  St. Louis County to begin respiratory health survey near Bridgeton Landfill
          JCNT:  State sheriffs group votes to oppose efforts to legalize marijuana X
          The Missouri Times:  John Brunner says AG Chris Koster is soft on crime, points to St. Louis City data
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Soybean Association endorses Kurt Schaefer for attorney general
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Right to Life rally draws hundreds to Capitol rotunda;  Kinder, Kraus, Onder, others speak
          JCNT:  Photo:  Show Me Life rally draws 200 X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Pearce, Wieland offer realistic takes on campaign contribution limits and death penalty, respectively +
          Missourinet:  Republicans want more info on $50 million settlement before filing tobacco bill
          P-D:  Koster tobacco settlement faces hard sell in Legislature
          The Missouri Times:  Kehoe confident in ethics legislation strategy
          KWMU:  Bill to abolish death penalty assumes room temperature
          Missourinet:  Proposal from Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) could allow attempts to defund the death penalty
          AP:  Missouri House considers expanding overdose medicine access
          Missourinet:  Sen. Scott Sifton (D-Affton) wants more DNA sampling in felony arrests
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court:  Amendment 5 doesn't give nonviolent felons gun rights
          KWMU:  State Supreme Court upholds Missouri's felon-in-possession law
          P-D:  Missouri Supreme Court says Amendment 5 did not extend gun rights to non-violent felons
          AP:  Missouri ban on felons carrying guns ruled constitutional
          CDT:  Forum features first of three candidates for University of Missouri "diversity, equity and inclusion" officer X
          Columbia Missourian:  MU holds forum for first of three diversity candidates
          The Missouri Times:  Noranda files bankruptcy, legislative action likely only avenue for survival
          CDT:  Morgan Keegan settlement with Kander's office ends liability in Mamtek factory X
          KWMU:  Ferguson puts conditions on consent decree, gets tepid reaction
          AP:  Ferguson City Council seeks changes to DOJ agreement
          P-D:  Ferguson suggests changes to consent decree
          P-D:  Protester acquitted in Ferguson case
          KWMU:  SLU profs author groundbreaking study:  People caught breaking the law are not pleased about paying fines;  Race colors perception among lawbreakers
          P-D editorial:  Corps of Engineers best suited to handle West Lake toxic waste cleanup
          KC Star editorial:  Crazy conspiracy theory threatens to derail worthy tobacco tax increase +
          CDT op-ed:  Phill Brooks:  Rex Sinquefield's reach is far and wide in state politics X
          Waters:  The money Sinquefield gives to MU dwarfs his political contributions;  Perhaps it's possible to admire the cultural contributions of the people you disagree with politically X
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Requiring a photo ID would have a chilling effect on Democratic vote +
          P-D letter:  St. Charles County man criticizes Brunner's memory of campaign events from 44 years ago
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman laments fact that Missouri chooses to elect anti-tax legislators
          P-D letter:  Affton woman offers practical tip to counter opioid addiction:  Lock your medicine cabinet
          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, February 9
       
KCUR:  Blunt talks mental health funding during preschool visit
          KC Star:  John McCain to receive Truman Good Neighbor Award in KC on May 9 +
          KC Star:  Campaign to raise tobacco tax caught in anti-abortion snag;  Missouri Right to Life neutral on proposal, but tax opponents spread contrary messages +
          Neosho Daily News:  Anticipating big crowd, organizers move Jasper-Newton County Lincoln Day to larger venue;  Lineup features Blunt, Long, Hanaway, Kinder, Parson, Kraus
          The Missouri Times:  Schmitt releases first downballot TV ad, takes on Islamic terrorism
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Don Gosen (R-Chesterfield) will run for re-election rather than seek Schmitt's Senate seat
          Columbia Missourian:  Pro-Life Action Day to take place at Capitol today
          KWMU:  EPA to focus on groundwater contamination, conduct more tests at West Lake Landfill
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Ron Richard on being Speaker of the House vs. Senate president pro tem +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Study claims Missouri loses the most in tax revenue due to Amazon sales X
          Missourinet:  Koster says Legislature must finish $50 million tobacco agreement
          KWMU:  Bill would eliminate Missouri's prevailing wage law
          Missourinet:  Missouri House gives initial approval to veterans home bonding proposal
          The Missouri Times:  Senate Appropriations uncovers new info on stadium funding
          AP:  Prescription drug tracking bill up again in Jefferson City
          KWMU:  "<X> Things" journomeme:  Three (3!) keys to the latest legal fight over Missouri's school transfer law
          P-D:  Online college students could receive needs-based scholarships under proposal
          Columbia Missourian:  Dean of MU College of Education to escape Columbia, departing for University of Iowa
          CDT:  Bill targets lack of professional diversity among University of Missouri curators;  Rep. Don Rone (R-Portageville):  "You need farmers, you need lawyers, you need CPAs, you need all kinds of occupations on board" X
          KWMU:  Advocacy group issues report on poverty in Missouri;  St. Charles County leads the way with lowest poverty ranking among counties
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate to debate death penalty repeal this week
          P-D:  Senate debates death penalty, but abolition not yet on horizon
          Columbia Missourian:  Death penalty debated on Missouri Senate floor
          P-D:  Uber pushes for change in state taxi law
          JCNT:  Bill adds boat docks to trespassing law X
          KWMU:  Missouri Industrial Energy Consumers files complaint at PSC to lower Noranda's rate
          P-D:  New Madrid smelter to shut down next month after Noranda files for bankruptcy
          KWMU:  Ferguson in the balance:  Councilmembers set to vote on consent decree
          AP:  DOJ agreement could cost Ferguson $3.7 million in first year
          P-D:  As debate over Ferguson consent decree winds down, a decision looms
          P-D:  Man from Massachusetts who took part in Ferguson protests takes failure-to-disperse case to trial
          P-D editorial:  Making the city's best case to keep the NGA
          KC Star editorial:  Epidemic of prescription drug abuse gets needed attention +
          P-D op-ed:  Gov. Jay Nixon:  Missouri leading the way on higher education quality, affordability
          Waters:  Latest stunt from Concerned Student 1950 leads group down the path to being ignored X
          Columbia Missourian's Carl Kenney:  Adjunct journalism professor offers psychoanalysis of Tim Wolfe:  Caucausoid male lived "under the umbrella of privilege" and couldn't relate to intense struggles of kids on a college campus
          Priddy:  Reflections from former state Sen. Richard Webster (R) - via 1986 newspaper clip - on how much better things were back in the olden days;  Tales of congeniality, the existence of conservative Democrats, and the importance of keeping your word
          SNL letter:  University supporter says MSU, University of Missouri, other schools are wrong to cater to politically-correct complainer crowd X
          P-D letter:  Middle-class mom defends Bright Flight, says hardworking daughter deserves the award she earned
          P-D letter:  National Association for Gifted Children applauds city schools' attention to bright kids, says education system should not just cater to the dimmest
          P-D letter:  ArchCity Defenders:  Ferguson should acquiesce and submit to DOJ consent decree
          P-D letter:  30-year Ferguson resident suggests DOJ types want "payback" against Ferguson
          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, February 8
       
P-D:  Missouri primaries will be in a divisive season;  Thoughts from Georgetown academic
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Luetkemeyer talks about continuing battle against Obamacare
          CDT:  Hotline, FBI report different stats on human trafficking reports X
          KWMU:  The future of former Pruitt-Igoe site rests with Paul McKee
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston);  Panel of Laura Swinford, Mindy Mazur, Tim Jones, Shamed Dogan discuss presidential politics, Rehder's drug bill, state-school dramatics
          SNL:  Opiod abuse catches Missouri politicians' attention X
          AP:  After suicide attempt, Rep. Genise Montecillo (D-St. Louis) speaks out
          Missourinet:  Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia):  Use Medicaid reform savings for roads
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Area leaders, legislators recap Great Northwest Day X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Interim President Mike Middleton insists student rabble-rousers "are neither inmates nor animals";  Galloway on audits of state schools +
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown):  Constituents know that University of Missouri is on the wrong track, and want action
          Columbia Missourian:  Pictures of the week:  GOP Reps. Ron Hicks and Jack Bondon discuss student journalism bill
          Drebes:  Lyft, Uber and the Taxicab Commission:  A look at proposed regulatory framework, as well as lobbyists
          KC Star:  With only 29 students, Catholic school in Montrose, Mo. hangs on +
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Lindell Shumake (R-Hannibal) talks about his HJR 54 for Missouri veterans' home
          STLBJ:  Noranda files for bankruptcy
          P-D editorial:  Instead of punishing those on welfare to pay for roads, raise the gas tax just eight cents a gallon
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Haahr's bill would keep students from being silenced X
          JCNT editorial:  Expedite bill to intercept prescription drug abuse X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri conservatives should lead the way on criminal justice overhaul
          KC Star public editor Derek Donovan:  Readers are already watching for bias in election coverage, while others just want it to go away +
          Columbia Missourian's Katie Pohlman:  Week's most-read stories:  Asian students choose to study rather than complain;  Race dramatics;  David Steward quits;  More
          Columbia Missourian's Tom Warhover:  Executive editor praises his paper for winning journalism awards in "Missourio [sic]";  Correction made sans humility, humor or attribution
          P-D letter:  Glendale man says Bill Clay Sr. and Lacy Clay have presided over a half-century of North St. Louis City decay
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood man responds to campaign contribution editorial, wonders why editorial board doesn't target big-money Democrats too
          P-D letter:  Fenton man says Republicans are mean-spirited, suggests they raise the gas tax
          JCNT letter:  Holts Summit man says Kehoe is trying to micromanage University of Missouri policies X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Area grad student wants legislators to expand Medicaid for women who can't manage to buy their own health care
          KC Star letter:  Mallinckrodt CEO calls for prescription drug monitoring program +
          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, February 7
       
SE Missourian:  Presidential executive actions spur sales local, sheriff and dealers say +
          The Hill:  Outrage builds over wealthy families in taxpayer-subsidized housing;  Comments from Luetkemeyer
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Luetkemeyer has two bills on the floor in same week:  Reining in agencies and changing HUD policies
          JCNT:  VFW praises Blunt's support for veterans X
          SE Missourian:  Local military members discuss women registering for draft;  Female veteran urges realistic physical expectations for gals, says lowering bar for some elements could make miliary weaker +
          P-D:  Missouri World War II vet has mustard gas exposure claims denied by VA;  Comments from McCaskill
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Former PSC member Terry Jarrett says Obama and EPA are waging "war on coal"
          P-D:  Ameren planning for carbon rules while pushing back legally;  AG Chris Koster (D) stood up againt Obama administration's mandate last year
          SE Missourian:  Missouri Housing Development Commission gives $100,000 to East Missouri Action Agency to help flood victims +
          SNL:  Medical marijuana advocates seek signatures in Springfield X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt, John Ashcroft, John Brunner speak at GOP dinner X
          KC Star:  Sinquefield group begins running anti-earnings tax radio ads +
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Courtney Curtis (D-Ferguson) drops restraining order against Rep. Michael Butler (D-St. Louis)
          P-D:  New NAACP President Nimrod Chapel promises inclusion, appoints prominent Caucasoids - including Gov. Bob Holden (D) and Jane Dueker (D) - to executive committee
          Missouri Farmer Today:  Missouri Corn Growers discuss state issues at annual meeting;  Speaker Todd Richardson (R-Poplar Bluff) says ag will continue to remain Missouri's biggest economic driver
          JCNT:  Ron Richard:  Speaker of the House is the best job in the Capitol X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Via Nixon's budget, port funding continues to move forward X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Leaders from NE, NW MO visit with lawmakers to discuss economic priorities;  Comments from Rep. Nate Walker (R-Kirksville)
          JCNT:  State employee pay is top priority for Jefferson City lobbyist X
          SNL:  Bill requiring photo ID at polls advances X
          The Missouri Times:  Allocable share fund repeal questioned
          JCNT:  Three bills address dyslexia disorder X
          Washington Missourian:  School officials say Bright Flight scholarships are important to students;  Educators support merit-based awards +
          SE Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) seeks to help vocational students enter the workforce +
          KC Star:  A look at the process by which the next University of Missouri System president will be chosen +
          AP:  Missouri considers easing adoptee birth certificate access
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Senate Bill 816 looks to repeal death penalty in Missouri
          AP:  Missouri defends law capping cities' traffic ticket revenue
          KC Star:  KC officials scared that state legislation restricting municipal courts would prolong blight +
          JCNT:  Legislature eyes expanding Conservation Commission X
          AP:  Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights) proposes gun ban for domestic abusers
          KWMU:  Passion, worry reign at Ferguson's second consent decree forum;  Grown man speaks while wearing sunglasses indoors
          KC Star:  As task force listens, citizens speak out about gunplay, police, "poverty pimpin'," more +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Ron Richard makes it clear:  There will be no limiting of campaign contributions. +
          Waters:  Lawmakers should not cut higher ed funding X
          SNL op-ed:  Rep. Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield):  Winning the fight against human traffickers X
          Columbia Missourian's Tom Warhover:  Executive editor praises his own paper's journalism awards, spells "Missouri" incorrectly UPDATE:  Corrected without acknowledgement or attribution
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says welfare changes should be kept separate from transportation spending
          P-D letter:  Empower Missouri's Jeanette Mott Oxford:  Legislature's stance on handouts reduces quality of life for all Missourians
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man suggests that students angry about Bright Flight standards should have tried a little harder
          P-D letter:  Hazelwood woman says anti-Bright Flight carpers are wrong to criticize merit-based scholarships
          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, February 6
       
KCUR:  Obamacare enrollment climbs in Missouri, from around 254k last year to 290k this year
          P-D:  Congressional delegation's votes for the week:  Obamacare repeal, Luetkemeyer's banking-fraud bill, others
          The Missouri Times:  The national popular vote could make Missouri politically relevant again
          P-D:  Ann Wagner says Super Bowl is a magnet for sex trafficking
          KWMU:  Procedural change at HUD could plop more Section 8 housing down in St. Charles and Jefferson Counties
          KWMU:  Sen. Blunt's lobbyist son Andy sets up new firm in Jefferson City
          KWMU:  Behind the Headlines podcast:  Rosenbaum, others talk NGA site visit, Ferguson consent decree, Mizzou protester behavior
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Holly Rehder on prescription drug monitoring, Jeff Roe, more;  Panel features Progress Missouri's Laura Swinford, Mindy Mazur, Tim Jones, and Shamed Dogan
          Drebes:  FEC paperwork for anti-Greitens front group "Patriots for America" makes references to Mad Men characters
          P-D:  GOP gov campaign oppo dump series, Part II:  Forty-four (44) years ago, John Brunner served as poll watcher for American Party, which forty-eight (48) years ago ran George Wallace for president
          Columbia Missourian:  Kurt Schaefer outraises Josh Hawley;  Hawley points to "culture of corruption"
          Drebes:  Central Missouri Senate Republican PAC set up to serve Caleb Rowden's campaign
          Drebes:  Candidate emerges for Penny Hubbard's safe Dem state rep seat:  Battle rapper Bruce Franks, AKA "Ooops" [sic?]
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Despite claims, local director registers as lobbyist X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Activists complain about Bright Flight scholarship program, say ACT score standard is unfair to black students X
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway to audit University of Missouri spending
          KWMU:  University of Missouri to spend $921,000 on "diversity initiatives" in St. Louis, KC, Columbia
          CDT:  Curators seek to calm racial issues, legislative criticism X
          CDT:  Curators Chair Pam Henrickson says board will not cave to Wolfe's demands on severance package X
          Columbia Missourian:  Curators sit through student panel, hear ideas:  Mandatory course on "inclusiveness," two-course "diversity" requirement, etc.
          SNL:  MSU announces diversity events:  Native Americans lament the horror of Indian mascots, Illini black studies prof on police oppression, etc. X
          KWMU:  Lawsuit challenging new traffic fine caps in Missouri argued in Jefferson City
          AP:  State Senate votes to ban traffic-ticket quotas
          P-D:  Ferguson consent decree, after months of negotiations, may be derailed because of unforseen costs
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Put Democrats' cynicism aside and praise the ethics actions of the Legislature X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Black curators walking off the job, budget battles on the horizon - University of Missouri needs firm leadership X
          Shelly:  Eleven months after Tom Schweich chose to kill himself, the consultants blamed by Danforth are doing quite well +
          SNL op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's James Shuls:  The illusory goal of a fully-funded K-12 formula X
          P-D letter:  National ID card would end debate over voting requirements
          P-D letter:  Lemay woman says Obamacare requires photo ID for health care, so why not for voting?
          P-D letter:  Rep. Joshua Peters (D-St. Louis):  Consider a graduated earnings tax in St. Louis
          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, February 5
       
NY Post:  Hillary used to support registering women for the draft, now she's not sure;  McCaskill supports women registering
          Politico:  McCaskill says more Dems will take aim at Sanders, says she is not part of "establishment"
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Ann Coulter discovers Jeff Roe, decides Cruz should get rid of him +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill targets 'deceptive' hotel fees X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Secretary of State candidate Jay Ashcroft targets voter fraud X
          KWMU:  GOP AG candidates Kurt Schaefer and Josh Hawley rip off the gloves
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Sen. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg) talks with Mannies & Rosenbaum about Mizzou administration, University of Missouri funding, school transfers, limiting campaign contributions
          The Missouri Times:  Gov. Bob Holden joins Missouri NAACP executive board
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Soybean Association celebrates 50 years at annual meeting, honors legislators
          The Missouri Times:  Travis Brown and Kent Gaines start First Rule Sports, which will focus on advocating sports and technology
          JCNT:  Nixon says South American trip yields results for Missouri - over $1 billion in new business X
          Missourinet:  Missouri poverty rate declines;  Three Bootheel counties lead urban areas in percentage of adults unable to provide for themselves
          KWMU:  Nixon, GOP don't see eye-to-eye on transportation
          The Missouri Times:  MoDOT clashes with Senate appropriations on questionable expenditures
          JCNT:  Sen. Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph) proposes changes to state worker health plan operations X
          CDT:  Auditor Nicole Galloway to begin performance review of UM System operations X
          Missourinet:  Audit to 'start at the top' of University of Missouri System, not 'deep dive' lawmakers want
          Missourinet:  Galloway expands audits of Missouri higher education
          Columbia Missourian:  UM System to undergo two audits
          Columbia Missourian:  Reps. Chuck Basye, Kip Kendrick, Caleb Rowden and Stephen Webber attend town hall forum;  Topics include state-school histrionics, Medicaid expansion
          CDT:  Members of Concerned Student 1950 disrupt curators meeting to show support for Melissa Click;  Group shouts, "If we don't get it, shut it down!" X
          CDT:  Curators give students, faculty and staff votes on presidential search committee X
          CDT:  Political pressure provides backdrop as curators ponder presidential search X
          Columbia Missourian:  Black rights activists disrupt curators' meeting
          Columbia Missourian:  After entertaining protesters' disruption, curators have adult discussion on credit outlook, presidential search
          KWMU:  Demonstrators at Mizzou disrupt meeting where curators discuss picking a president
          P-D:  Protesters create a scene at curators meeting
          JCNT:  Protests force new Mizzou football coach Barry Odom to have challenging conversations with potential recruits X
          AP:  Legislators push to keep university seats vacant
          P-D:  Nixon hopes to move quickly on UM curator vacancies
          Missourinet:  Missouri House passes bill to battle medical students' suicide, depression
          The Missouri Times:  Compassionate Medical Education Act brings emotional discussion to the House
          Missourinet:  House passes bill making sex trafficking advertising illegal
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge appointed to national task force on court fees
          P-D:  Newspapers tout their journalism awards:  D-I battle pits P-D vs. KC Star;  D-II sees St. Joseph News-Press vs. SNL;  D-III has CDT vs. JCNT;  More
          JCNT editorial:  Caregiver bill needs structure to prevent abuse X
          P-D editorial:  University of Missouri Board of Curators too old, too white, too male;  After two black curators walk off the job, remaining curators are seasoned-citizen Caucasoids
          P-D editorial:  Violating juveniles' rights, just because they can
          P-D letter:  Area woman wants Legislature to stop being so partisan and pass Medicaid expansion
          P-D letter:  35-year Ferguson resident says city should reject consent decree
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says Ferguson consent decree doesn't address real problems:  Lack of black father figures, kids dropping out of school, violent gunplay
          P-D letter:  Bellefontaine Neighbors man says consent decree favors lawyers, suggest Occupy Wall Street types should aim their rage at attorneys
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood man says state-school university administrators are running a racket
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves man expresses disappointment with several players in University of Missouri drama
          P-D letter:  Illinois man says P-D should change its name to "Daily Columbian" or "Tiger Rag;"  People who didn't attend Mizzou are uninterested in its self-obsessed triflings
          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, February 4
       
Columbia Missourian:  Obamacare supporters say Missouri has too many uninsured, want state to expand Medicaid
        KWMU:  Cleaver, Luetkmeyer sponsor bill focused on public-housing programs;  Measure passes House 427-0
        Kraske:  The Chat:  Cleaver on bipartisan public housing bill;  Macroaggression victim Tim Tai on rights of student journalists +
        P-D:  In criticizing Luetkemeyer bill on banking, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) invokes man who assaulted Darren Wilson
        KWMU:  U.S. Senate approves bill to put Army Corps in charge of West Lake landfill
        AP:  Senate bill to shift oversight of nuclear waste in landfill
        The Missouri Times:  Son of Billy Graham to hold prayer rally at Capitol in May
        The Missouri Times:  Former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts to speak at Cole County Lincoln Day Dinner Feb. 15
        The Missouri Times:  Missouri Cattleman's Association endorses Mike Parson in lieutenant governor bid
        The Missouri Times:  Eric Schmitt lists GOP endorsements in state treasurer bid
        The Missouri Times:  Missouri Corn Growers gives out awards to state legislators
        P-D:  Former state Rep. Craig Kilby (R-Lake Saint Louis) dies at age 56
        P-D:  Missouri Republicans push no-tax road funding plan
        Missourinet:  Senate Democrats threaten to filibuster voter ID proposals
        AP:  Rep. Sheila Solon (R-Blue Springs) wants to make it easier for women to obtain birth control
        Missourinet:  Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Shell Knob):  daily fantasy sports is a game of skill, not gambling
        The Missouri Times:  Fitzpatrick hopes to protect daily fantasy sports site
        KWMU:  Missouri House considers whether fantasy sports require skill - or luck and regulations
        P-D:  Taxing Missourians who play fantasy sports would bring in millions in revenue
        JCNT:  Prescription drug monitoring bill moves to next phase X
        P-D:  City schools chief suggests third gifted school, improving access to gifted education;  Area parent complains that gifted schools may include too many white kids
        P-D:  Ferguson boy brings a gun to school, gets caught, runs away
        KWMU:  Activists complain about merit-based scholarship program, say too many white students are earning Bright Flight awards
        Missourinet:  Minority students say Bright Flight bar - scoring 31 on ACT - is too tough for them to achieve
        CDT:  Middleton seeks to reassure lawmakers as they mull UM budget X
        CDT:  Melissa Click case continues to plague curators as criticism of suspension escalates X
        CDT:  University sets forum with diversity candidates:  Black woman vs. black man vs. black woman X
        NY Times:  After Mizzou histrionics, blunt discussions on race;  3,000-word piece delves into black prof's juxtaposition of Maria Sharapova's facial beauty with Serena Williams' gluteal endowment, much more
        SNL:  After complaints, MSU adds "gender identity" to non-discrimination policy X
        JCNT:  Nasheed, others want to update deadly force laws X
        The Missouri Times:  St. Louis payroll tax comes under fire
        Missourinet:  Pals give Sen. Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan) mock award for catching record spotted sucker fish
        P-D:  St. Louis native fired for 'pattern of deception' at online news site;  North St. Louis City native made up elements of supposed race-based violence, St. Louis NGA site, more
        P-D:  Post-Dispatch parent Lee Enterprises reports decrease in revenue, advertising sales
        P-D editorial:  Big money celebrates 40 years of undermining American democracy;  Hanaway picks up Sinquefield help, while Lacy Clay and Ann Wagner roll in incumbent dough
        Messenger:  Pain med epidemic touches too many Missouri families, including mine
        P-D op-ed:  Civil engineers group:  Spend more money on Missouri roads and bridges
        Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Melissa Click seems to have learned her lesson
        P-D letter:  Clayton woman says photo ID proposals discriminate against olds, others
        St. Joseph News-Press letter:  Area man says those alleging welfare fraud are like the villains of the Salem witch trials X
        P-D letter:  St. Louis man wants Nixon to follow Obama on energy
        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, February 3
       
The Missouri Times:  Jeff Roe leads Cruz campaign to Iowa caucus victory
          P-D:  Jeff Roe in spotlight after Cruz win
          The Hill:  Blunt wants Obama to explain Iran 'ransom payment'
          Washington Post:  Army and Marine Corps chiefs under questioning by McCaskill:  It's time for women to register for the draft
          The Hill:  Army, Marine chiefs in response to McCaskill:  Women should register for draft
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Hartzler, Cleaver offer partisan rhetorical flourishes on Obamacare +
          P-D:  House passes Luetkemeyer housing reform measure
          KWMU:  Ron Richard to Slay:  'Do what you've got to do' to keep NGA in St. Louis
          P-D:  Senate votes to move West Lake cleanup from EPA to Army Corps
          AP:  FEMA approves more than $6 million for flood assistance
          P-D:  Missouri Club for Growth begins radio ads for Catherine Hanaway
          SNL:  Haahr amasses hefty war chest X
          KWMU:  Missouri's general-revenue income picture improving
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Roads top priority at Great Northwest Day X
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Tila Hubrecht (D-Dexter) proposing ban on fetus-dismemberment tied to allegation of Planned Parenthood tissue sales
          AP:  Lawmakers debate abortion process involving forceps removing limbs from live fetus
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Don Phillips (R-Kimberling City) would let Missouri adoptees get copies of birth certificates
          JCNT:  Adoption advocates plead for birth certificate access X
          KWMU:  Bill from Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield) would allow motorcyclists over the age of 21 to opt out of wearing helmets
          Columbia Missourian:  MU's Asian students endure racism and discrimination, take it in stride;  Some young adults choose to handle hardships without complaining:  "We are here to study, not to cause a problem"
          P-D:  Activists complain about state's scholarship program;  Students say Bright Flight - based on ACT scores - discriminates against the poor
          CDT:  Bill from Rep. Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) seeks to restore First Amendment rights of student media X
          AP:  University of Missouri System's credit outlook is lowered
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri football recruiting class feels fallout of campus protests
          Columbia Missourian:  University professors' organization calls for Melissa Click's reinstatement
          CDT:  David Steward resigns from University of Missouri Board of Curators X
          CDT:  Ron Richard says curator vacancies open for next governor, Senate leader X
          KC Star:  Profile:  Mike Middleton +
          CDT:  City, county adopt resolution pleading for legislators to not cut University of Missouri funding X
          SNL:  New MSU petition:  Keep diversity official Juan Meraz;  More than 1,000 signatures gathered to support Hispanic official X
          SNL:  Activist group says that if Hispanic man isn't fired from diversity post, they will act out and maybe even sue X
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers discuss state-school living requirements
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) files bill to alleviate student debt
          CDT:  Kendrick proposes plan to extend payments, cut interest on student loan debt X
          JCNT:  Senate panel hears testimony about sentencing teen criminals X
          AP:  Lawsuit challenges St. Louis payroll tax paid by employers
          Brownfield Ag News:  Koster files complaint in water diversion case
          KWMU:  Ferguson residents sharply divided in first public forum on proposed consent decree
          AP:  Ferguson residents worried about costs of U.S.-mandated changes
          P-D:  In Ferguson, consent-decree meeting draws overflow crowd
          P-D editorial:  Funding capital punishment with cash-stuffed envelopes
          Priddy:  Current ethics bills are practically meaningless unless campaign contributions are limited
          Columbia Missourian's Steve Spellman:  Conflict with the Legislature doesn't bode well for MU
          Waters:  Final thoughts on Melissa Click drama;  Concerned Student 1950 will learn some limits
          Shelly:  Mizzou may have caught a break with interim chancellor Hank Foley +
          Columbia Missourian's Carl Kenney:  Troubling questions arise after two black curators resign;  Surely, there must be more to the story
          P-D letter:  Missouri State Workers Union President Bradley Harmon says Gov. Nixon lacks courage in providing higher wages
          P-D letter:  Manchester resident says photo IDs restrict the Constitutional right to vote
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man offers sarcastic take on Melissa Click's "punishment"
          P-D letter:  PROMO supports MONA
          P-D letter:  St. Peters man says only the state - not DOJ or Ferguson - can revoke an officer's license
          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, February 2
       
The Hill:  McCaskill:  Bernie Sanders has no 'interest in foreign policy'
          AP:  McCaskill says Bernie Sanders is making promises he knows he can't keep
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Rand Paul wrong about Ferguson fines;  Speaker Todd Richardson on Missouri Senate transportation plan +
          KWMU:  Lacy Clay hosts tour of NGA site;  Congressman declines to chat with ACORN (rebranded "MORE") protesters
          P-D:  Clay makes case for billion dollar spy agency;  McKee to protester:  "Just get out of here."
          P-D:  Doe Run cutting 75 Missouri jobs due to low lead prices, regulations
          The Missouri Times:  Texts from the Trail:  Jason Smith's star is rising;  Potential candidates for Wagner's seat when she runs against McCaskill;  Ron Richard should be UM President;  more
          KWMU:  Congressional incumbents hold large fundraising lead;  No report from Bill Otto, filling Dem ballot slot against Ann Wagner
          P-D:  Campaign finance reports:  Area congressional incumbents vs. electoral silver-medalists
          The Missouri Times:  John Brunner runs new radio ad targeting evangelicals
          Drebes:  Bob Sweere uncertain about the state rep district in which he might run;  Candidate tells Springfield BJ he doesn't use e-mail
          AP:  Midwest economic figures rise for first time in months
          P-D:  No quick resolution for high overtime costs at Missouri Department of Mental Health
          KWMU:  Rams may be gone, but efforts to limit governor's power on stadium debt remain
          The Missouri Times:  House voter ID bill begins journey in Senate
          P-D:  Mizzou protesters damage university's credit rating
          KC Star's Diuguid:  It's fitting for NAACP to honor Concerned Student 1950 for what they've done +
          P-D:  Mizzou's relationship with lawmakers 'terrible,' but new chancellor says he hopes to move forward anyway
          P-D:  Bill from Rep. Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) would bar censorship of student journalists;  Witnesses testifying include minority journalist assaulted by Melissa Click
          The Missouri Times:  Haahr bill on student journalism draws wide support
          Missourinet:  Macroaggression victim Tim Tai testifies in favor of Haahr's anti-censorship bill
          KWMU:  Melissa Click's actions inspire Cronkite New Voices Act to ensure press rights for students;  Advocates include former Hazelwood East Spectrum editor Cathy Kuhlmeier of Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier infamy
          AP:  Melissa Click's assault on minority journalist inspires bill to stop censorship of student reporters
          KWMU:  Another resignation means St. Louis area has just one member on UM Board of Curators
          KWMU:  With three members gone, UM curators face big issues
          KC Star:  Latest resignation leaves no black curators +
          AP:  Last black curator steps down
          P-D:  Second University of Missouri curator steps down in less than a week
          AP:  Students complain about Hispanic MSU official;  Group representing fewer than 100 students issues "press release" lacking contact information
          SNL:  Students want Hispanic official removed from multicultural office X
          Missourinet:  Missouri Dept. of Corrections chief:  Execution team members don't get IRS forms
          P-D letter:  Area woman wants legislators to focus on water safety rather than election integrity and Second Amendment
          P-D letter:  Mizzou alum says he won't write another check until university gets its act together
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood man says absurdity of Ferguson consent degree shows what Obama's Department of Justice is all about
          P-D letter:  Crestwood woman encourages fellow Caucasoids to attend her YWCA "Witnessing Whiteness" classes
          P-D letter:  Female Caucasoid responds to male Caucasoid's response to "white privilege" meme
          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, February 1
       
January 2016 headlines
          February 2015 headlines
          February 2014 headlines
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Blunt on Iran's "ransom";  Ron Richard on Mizzou's relationship with lawmakers;  Bob Onder on free speech and campaign contributions +
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest U.S. Rep. Jason Smith;  Panel of Eapen Thampy, Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D), Jay Atkins, Rep. Bryan Spencer (R) on marijuana initiative, sex trafficking, presidential politics
          KWMU:  Ferguson and presidential politics:  A look a Rand Paul's assumptions;  Suggestion that Ferguson derives major part of budget from fines is untrue
          AP:  With Rams gone, St. Louis City fights to keep federal spy agency
          KWMU:  Congressional campaign finance reports:  Lacy Clay leads Maria Chappelle-Nadal, and other unsurprising fundraising outcomes
          Drebes:  Clifford McMurray becomes third Dem to pursue John Rizzo's Dem state rep seat
          Missourinet:  Missouri House to develop transportation proposal during budget work
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Pearce says now is not the time to raise tax on agricultural land
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Legislature nixes tax commission's land valuation
          AP:  Welfare verification requirement gains momentum in Missouri
          Missourinet:  Republicans will hold hearing on campaign contribution limits, but oppose concept
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Munzlinger pushes to allow concealed-carry on college campuses
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Munzlinger on juvenile court changes, Real ID
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Missouri Senate takes action on expert-witness legislation
          The Missouri Times:  David Steward to leave seat on University of Missouri Board of Curators
          Columbia Missourian:  Most-read stories of the week:  Wolfe, actions to eliminate unsightly feral hogs, Melissa Click, more
          SE Missourian:  Local officials react to State of Judiciary, say bias training is not as needed in county juvenile system +
          KC Star:  Bill from Sen. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) aims to keep public schoolgirls' locker rooms, restrooms free of male genitalia +
          Missourinet:  Sen. Scott Sifton (D-Affton), Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia), others Dems offer bills targeting "equal pay";  Associated Industries of Missouri explains opposition
          P-D:  White officers slower to shoot black suspects, new study finds
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  On Missouri American's water-rates request X
          Priddy:  Journalists should not have tweeted exchange, but reporters should still be afforded workspace on Senate floor
          Messenger:  St. Charles County Exec Steve Ehlmann tries to stop development in the flood plain
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says legislators should address Real ID issue before tackling voter ID
          JCNT letter:  Area man disagrees with Kehoe on expert-witness bill X
          JCNT letter:  Area man says legislators are "hypocritical boneheads" on guns, and should allow public to bring firearms into Capitol X
          P-D letter:  Glendale resident shares thoughts on Down syndrome and abortion
          Columbia Missourian letter:  MU student says Nixon should fund Missouri Scholars Academy
          P-D letter:  Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice responds to op-ed critical of "white privilege" notion
          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, January 31
       
SNL:  McCaskill cheers Clinton;  Blunt neutral in GOP primary X
          The Missouri Times:  Graves talks transportation options
          SE Missourian:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, Sen. Wayne Wallingford, Rep. Kathy Swan take part in Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet +
          SNL:  GOP candidates for governor debate in Springfield X
          SNL:  Road fix needn't include tax hike, say GOP candidates for governor X
          KSPR:  Republican candidates for governor visit Springfield
          Washington Missourian:  St. Clair Mayor Ron Blum, Alderman Nathan Tate to face off in GOP primary for Dave Hinson's seat
          Drebes:  Hart Nelson, Greg Laposa earn promotions at St. Louis Regional Chamber
          CDT:  Pro-life event draws 800 to Missouri Capitol X
          JCNT:  Midwest March for Life draws hundreds;  Knights of Columbus share in pro-life cause X
          CDT:  Rep. Gina Mitten (D-St. Louis) hopes bill shines spotlight on statewide candidates using their committee chairs as campaign tools X
          AP:  Work requirements start kicking in for those accepting handouts;  Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) says lawmakers saw many on the dole who "weren't even trying to get a job"
          AP:  A state-by-state look at taxpayer-funded food handouts
          AP:  Q&A on rules requiring able-bodied adults to work for their handouts
          SE Missourian:  Lawmakers:  No bill can ensure ethical behavior;  Comments from Wayne Wallingford, Holly Rehder, Kathy Swan +
          KWMU:  Bill from Rep. Ken Wilson (R-Smithville) would define open records access for police cameras
          KC Star:  Harvard report proposes less emphasis on test scores, more on "passion" and "caring";  Some Missouri students lament their struggle, while others explain how they chose to work hard and achieved success +
          P-D:  An unusual insanity plea highlights the limits of state mental health services
          P-D:  Missouri lawmakers look to pump up sales of craft beer
          SE Missourian:  Kander warns seniors of sophisticated fraud schemes +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri American seeks recoup of water investments X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Investment tax-credit bill from Rep. Craig Redmond (R-Canton) would help northwest Missouri X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Mizzou status:  Situation Normal, All Fouled Up;  Also, where is the leadership? X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Savage behavior hits Washington;  City's third robbery in four months may not sound like much to urbanites, but Wash Mo. residents must stand on guard X
          CDT's Matt Sanders:  Taxpayers pick up the tab for 84.2 percent of Blue Ridge Elementary's lunches;  Only 15.8 percent of breeders can manage to feed their own offspring X
          P-D letter:  Rep. Jay Barnes:  Preserve medical privacy while tracking prescription abuse
          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, January 30
       
P-D:  Blunt, State Department arguing over source and intent of Iran payment
          KC Star:  On MSNBC, veteral reporter Al Hunt calls Jeff Roe a potential "rock star" +
          P-D:  Area delegation's votes for the week
          KWMU:  Court hears arguments for and against clearing land for federal spy agency
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Guest Jason Smith;  Panelists Eapen Thampy, Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis), Jay Atkins, Rep. Bryan Spencer (R-Wentzville)
          CDT:  Chuck Graham questions Jeff Harris' experience, loyalty in text declining judicial endorsement;  Graham says fellow Dem was petulant over Chris Koster, showed lack of friendship during hard times X
          Drebes:  Former St. Louis City Alderman Fred Wessels starts campaign committee for Jake Hummel's safe Dem state rep seat
          KWMU:  No new taxes on Missouri agricultural lands
          AP:  Update on week's ethics bills
          P-D:  Missouri appeals block on abortion license revocation
          Missourinet:  Ron Richard says Legislature's relationship with University of Missouri 'terrible'
          KWMU:  St. Louis seat on UM Board of Curators remains empty;  Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis City) says she'll push to make sure slot is filled by non-Caucasoid
          CDT:  Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) files bill to expand "equal pay" protections X
          KWMU:  "Beyond the Headlines":  Rosenbaum and others discuss Ferguson and consent decree;  Marshall Griffin expresses anger over Missouri Senate providing journalists with new work space
          CDT:  Concerned Student 1950 threatens curators on Melissa Click vote, says they'll use "any means necessary" to destroy "white supremacist patriarchal capitalism" X
          CDT:  City prosecutor reaches deal with Melissa Click X
          Missourinet:  Agreement would let Missouri professor Click avoid assault charge
          Columbia Missourian:  City prosecutor forgoes criminal charge against Melissa Click
          KC Star:  Melissa Click avoids assault prosecution +
          Columbia Missourian:  Local leader of Black History Month, Juneteenth celebrations arrested;  Curtis "Boogeyman" Soul Brown out on bail after shooting at man
          P-D:  Teen gets five years probation for looting Dellwood gas station;  Area thieves stole from Mobil Mart during all three rounds of Ferguson rioting
          P-D:  Ferguson residents weigh cost of consent decree
          KC Star editorial:  Here's who loses with voter ID proposals:  List of types of grown men and women who might not overcome insurmountable obstacle of getting an ID +
          SNL editorial:  Schaaf may have a point about prescription drug monitoring X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Melissa Click should be fired;  Curators should not have caved to demands of protesters in the first place X
          P-D editorial:  College education remains vital, despite enrollment drops;  UMSL, Mizzou see less student interest and bigger budget holes
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Lawmakers won't embrace lower BAC any time soon X
          KC Star editorial:  Charter schools offer exciting choices as KC district struggles +
          P-D editorial:  Ferguson facing critical - and expensive - decisions
          Waters:  On the Missouri Senate providing new work space to reporters X
          Columbia Missourian editor Tom Warhover:  Surge of university news keeps staff from writing about important things like "enterprise articles around race and diversity"
          P-D letter:  Cedar Hill man says photo IDs make election judges' jobs easier - plus, IDs are already required to check out a library book, board a plane, cash a check, other functional-human tasks
          P-D letter:  Area man responds to area man's response to P-D abortion coverage
          P-D letter:  Joan Bray says Ameren wants to radically change law governing utility rates
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Area activist says number of Missouri payday loan shops is "frightening";  Adults who choose to borrow money at unfavorable rates and terms should be protected by legislation
          P-D letter:  Maryland Heights woman says Wieland, Gosen benefit from insurance bill
          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, January 29
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  Energy bill follows process, still raises concerns;  Comments from Blunt X
          SNL:  Feds offer few answers on trafficking of migrant children;  McCaskill, Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) hold hearing X
          Washington Post:  Obama administration placed children with human traffickers, McCaskill-Portman report says
          P-D:  McCaskill, other senators fault government for mistreatment of migrant children
          AP:  Bipartisan probe faults government for migrant child abuse
          Washington Post:  Candidate in Maryland Dem congressional primary gets heat for past contribution to Blunt
          Kraske:  McCaskill's woman-of-the-people jury-duty tweets;  Nixon on KC earnings tax;  Dogan on ethics bill +
          The Missouri Times:  Koster denounces Brunner's renewable fuel stance
          The Missouri Times:  Brad Bradshaw drops bid for lieutenant governor, says he'll hold off on his marijuana petition too
          KWMU:  Bradshaw drops campaign for lieutenant governor and for legalizing marijuana
          Drebes:  Byron DeLear leads money chase in House 70 Dem primary;  Bill Otto giving up seat to fill Dem ballot slot against Ann Wagner
          The Missouri Times:  MoDOT, House leadership kick off transportation conference
          The Missouri Times:  Transportation funding alternatives explored at conference
          JCNT:  Missouri transportation officials hopeful for funding solution X
          AP:  House advances another round of ethics-related bills
          KWMU:  Nixon's stadium plan leads to another proposed change in ethics laws
          Missourinet:  Missouri House abortion bills filed;  Dems call them unnecessary, political
          The Missouri Times:  Municipal courts bill heads to House
          P-D:  Schmitt's bill putting cap on non-traffic violation revenue passed by Missouri Senate
          KC Star:  Senate bill no longer targets Kansas City earnings tax +
          KWMU:  Revamped earnings tax bill would phase out St. Louis earnings tax in 10 years;  Kansas City no longer targeted
          P-D:  St. Louis earnings tax would be phased out under proposal
          Columbia Missourian:  Concerned Student 1950 defends Melissa Click;  Group says society should learn from "evil past" and dismantle "white supremacist patriarchal capitalism"
          Columbia Missourian:  National NAACP group to honor Concerned Student 1950 at "Image Awards" next week
          P-D:  Former MU [sic] president wanted soft landing, didn't get it (Nomenclature help proffered at 7:20 a.m. via Twitter) Correction made at 8:45 a.m. without attribution
          CDT:  Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale) calls for Galloway to do "deep dive" into University of Missouri finances X
          KWMU:  Normandy School Board wants more public input
          The Missouri Times:  German Heritage Corridor bills seek to celebrate tradition
          Rosenbaum:  As Ferguson mulls consent decree, a city and a region's fate hang in the balance
          AP:  Ferguson police agree to overhaul policies, training
          KWMU:  DEA forges stronger community partnerships in St. Louis in new fight against drug trafficking
          P-D:  STLBJ names Patricia Miller as publisher;  Her father, Bill Miller, is publisher of the Washington Missourian
          P-D editorial:  Former University of Missouri president does himself no favors
          SE Missourian editorial:  Early graduation requires a plan, dedication for high school students +
          JCNT editorial:  Expert-witness legislation and the quest for truth X
          P-D editorial:  In pursuing charges against rapist-murderer Reginald Clemons, Jennifer Joyce should have taken death penalty off the table
          Messenger:  Bitter shakedown letter damages university Wolfe says he loves
          Shelly:  Why the University of Missouri is in big trouble, and why it will survive +
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Columnist apologizes to Caleb Rowden for mischaracterizing position on University of Missouri, then criticizes Rowden for other things
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Associate professor of ethnomusicology and black studies:  In support of Melissa Click as she supported us
          Priddy:  A changing tide in Missouri against the death penalty, maybe
          Diuguid:  From unrest, agreement with with Justice Department should make Ferguson more credible, accountable to residents +
          P-D letter:  Creve Coeur man says gun crimes need mandatory sentence
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County woman says Wieland's bill aids insurance industry, not citizens
          KC Star letter:  Show-Me Institute's John Wright says government employees deserve to vote in regular union elections +
          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, January 28
       
Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal:  Blunt continues to bash arms deal with Iranians
          P-D:  McCaskill's tweets about jury duty will end as case is closed
          P-D:  Nixon plans talk this week with Major League Soccer commissioner about expansion
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Chamber of Commerce to host conference on transportation today
          KC Star:  Rep. Courtney Curtis (D-Ferguson) says fellow House Dem Michael Butler assaulted him after AFL-CIO event +
          The Missouri Times:  Lobbying gift ban passes in the House
          The Missouri Times:  Mitten wants to bar statewide candidates from chairing committees
          KWMU:  Bill to allow concealed carry on Missouri campuses sparks strong reactions for and against
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers consider concealed carry rights on campuses
          SNL:  MSU president opposes concealed carry on campus X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate review gubernatorial appointments
          Missourinet:  Senate considers proposals to expand Missouri expungement law
          The Missouri Times:  Missourians for the Unborn holds "All Lives Matter" rally in Capitol rotunda
          KWMU:  Patricia Breckenridge cites municipal court progress in annual State of the Judiciary address
          AP:  Missouri judge education to include race bias training
          The Missouri Time:  Breckenridge delivers her first State of the Judiciary address
          The Missouri Times:  Text of State of the Judiciary address
          AP:  Lawmakers consider audits of University of Missouri System
          The Missouri Times:  Former University of Missouri president criticizes Kurt Schaefer, school officials in e-mail
          CDT:  In e-mail, Wolfe criticizes MU officials over fall turmoil X
          KC Star:  Tim Wolfe:  Kurt Schaefer pressured me to undermine primary foe's candidacy for attorney general +
          KMIZ:  AG candidates Kurt Schaefer, Josh Hawley respond to Wolfe's claims
          Missourinet:  Highlights of former UM System President Tim Wolfe's e-mail slamming football team, curators, Mike Middleton, others
          Columbia Missourian:  Wolfe criticizes UM System leaders, Loftin in e-mail to university supporters
          P-D:  Tim Wolfe criticizes current leaders
          KC Star:  In letter, Tim Wolfe rips colleagues +
          Missourinet:  University of Missouri Curators suspend professor who assaulted journalist
          P-D:  UM board suspends Melissa Click
          KC Star:  Melissa Click suspended days after assault charge +
          CDT:  UM curators suspend Melissa Click pending investigation X
          Columbia Missourian:  Click suspended pending further investigation
          Columbia Missourian:  UM curator Yvonne Sparks resigns after two months
          P-D:  UM curator Yvonne Sparks resigns, says she cannot devote adequate time to role
          The Missouri Times:  Bill to repeal death penalty moves to Senate floor
          The Missouri Times:  Keaveny seeks to "appease" Ron Richard's concerns on MONA
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislative debate on LGBTQIA rights continues
          AP:  Business groups divided on LGBTQIA discrimination ban
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Farm Bureau lists legislative priorities:  Farmland value disapproval, telehealth, more
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri 'Corn Roots' member visits state Capitol
          The Missouri Times:  Students take a trip to Capitol, talk about sex-ed legislation
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway:  Local governments not filing financial reports correctly
          P-D:  Audit:  Low compliance with new municipal reform law in St. Louis area
          AP:  State finds landfill radiation in lower end of range
          KWMU:  Ferguson releases draft of federal consent decree
          Missourinet:  Ferguson is closer to settling with U.S. Justice Department
          P-D:  Ferguson releases proposed settlement with the Justice Department
          AP:  Ferguson, U.S. reach tentative deal on police overhaul
          P-D:  In Ferguson, vote to replace deceased councilman exposes racial divide
          KC Star editorial:  Tim Wolfe's blame-casting e-mail dodges his own role in University of Missouri upheaval +
          Sanchez:  Tim Wolfe's letter shows a University of Missouri president who did not lead and resigned out of fear +
          Columbia Missourian's Carl Kenney:  There's no reason to punish Melissa Click any longer;  Prof was courageously acting as a "mama bear" to protect students in their safe space
          P-D op-ed:  Ferguson Caucasoid Blake Ashby takes aim at notion of "white privilege," says ridiculous term is itself a form of "microaggression"
          P-D letter:  Right to Life marcher praises God for keeping group safe and helping put spotlight on their cause
          P-D letter:  Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future's Irl Scissors responds to P-D editorial on energy rates
          KC Star letter:  Rep. Nick King (R-Liberty) urges common sense when signing petitions +

          P-D letter:  Webster Groves man says getting a voter ID isn't too tough
          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, January 27
       
Washington Post:  Pundits assess the impact of Trump at the top of GOP ticket;  Comments from Blunt on voter attitudes X
          Columbia Missourian:  Mid-Missouri organizations to host Obamacare sign-up event
          Messenger:  Black pastor says that without National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, St. Louis will become as bad as Detroit
          Drebes:  David Poger the new senior political director for Lacy Clay
          The Missouri Times:  Casey Burns named new HRCC political director
          Kraske:  Greitens on Nixon and Ferguson;  Budget Director Dan Haug on state's higher Medicaid spending;  Hank Foley on Melissa Click +
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air show:  Host Don Marsh hears thoughts on election from UMSL's Terry Jones, Missouri Jobs with Justice's Lara Granich, Ferguson pastor
          Drebes:  Missouri Realtors group kicks off campaign
          The Missouri Times:  New NAACP Missouri President Nimrod Chapel names executive committee;  Names include Jane Dueker, former Rep. Esther Haywood
          P-D:  Missouri lawmaker accuses colleague of starting fight outside bar;  Rep. Courtney Curtis (D-Ferguson) says Rep. Michael Butler (D-St. Louis) was the aggressor in fightfight that started after labor event
          AP:  Democrats engage in fistfight after AFL-CIO event at bar;  Curtis says he was not drinking and sustained cuts and bruises to his face X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Gina Mitten (D-Richmond Heights) criticizes Nixon's State of the State, new House internship standards, ethics legislation, more
          P-D:  MoDOT director says "tidal wave" of repairs on horizon, urges lawmakers to act
          Missourinet:  Pay hike for legislators, elected officials could be pulled from Missouri budget
          CDT:  Senators seek ways to reduce Medicaid supplemental spending X
          Missourinet:  More ethics legislation advancing in Missouri House
          The Missouri Times:  Lobbyist gift ban perfected by House
          KC Star:  Missouri House advances ban on lobbyist gifts +
          CDT:  Missouri House appoves lobbyist gift ban as ethics debates continue X
          AP:  Proposed lobbyist gift ban moves forward in Missouri House
          KWMU:  Missouri Senate committee hears testimony on abortion legislation
          AP:  Missouri bill would ban abortions for Down syndrome
          Missourinet:  Sen. Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur) applauds indictment of Planned Parenthood video makers
          CDT:  Attorney:  Melissa Click to plead not guilty to misdemeanor assault charge X
          Columbia Missourian:  Plea of not guilty entered for Melissa Click in MU incident
          CDT:  Demands for firing, support for student protesters mark Senate debate over Melissa Click X
          CDT:  Melissa Click video becomes prime exhibit in hearing on free speech course requirement X
          Missourinet:  Mizzou dramatics lead Rep. Dean Dohrman (R-La Monte) to propose freedom of speech as a college graduation requirement
          Columbia Missourian:  MU's Foley to deliver "State of the University" today
          P-D:  Office of Civil Rights investigating alleged bullying at Francis Howell School District;  Kabir Muhammed says mean words have made his 15-year-old son "emotionally distraught," wants to make a federal case about it
          JCNT:  Senate committee hears bills on clearing felon records X
          JCNT:  Organization calls for more investigators of child-on-child sexual abuse X
          KWMU:  This year's limits on municipal fine revenue get first approval in Missouri Senate
          P-D:  Schmitt's bill further limiting municipal court revenue approved by Missouri Senate
          AP:  Missouri Senate debates limiting municipal fines
          P-D:  Riding-hailing regulation, nixing taxi commission on Legislature's radar
          The Missouri Time:  Sen. Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) hoping to stop homeowners' associations prohibitions on solar panels
          SNL:  Advocates press again for bill banning LGBT discrimination X
          The Missouri Times:  Legislators, activists rally against sex trafficking
          Missourinet:  Missouri Dept. of Conservation reports new record set for largest gizzard shad
          P-D:  Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) wants state to buy out homes near West Lake Landfill
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) introduces legislation to address "wage gap"
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Will Kraus' proposed tax break for elderly requires analysis X
          P-D editorial:  Melissa Click protested for justice. Now she'll get it.
          CDT op-ed:  Phill Brooks:  Journalists lose clout at state Capitol;  Newfound lack of respect will only hurt both parties X
          Jensen:  Newspaper endorsements of candidates losing influence +
          Priddy:  On public records and journalists' access to them
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Area woman disagrees with Sen. Kurt Schaefer (D-Columbia) on everything
          P-D letter:  O'Fallon may says verifying the ID of voters is important
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Show-Me Institute's Patrick Ishmael:  Ethics overhaul seems a real possibility
          P-D letter:  Planned Parenthood rep questions "integrity and professionalism" of P-D reporter Alex Stuckey
          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, January 26
       
KOMU:  Time running out to sign up for Obamacare;  Deadlines do not apply to Native Americans or native Alaskans, who can sign up whenever they want
        KOAM (Joplin):  Obamacare counselors provide health enrollment assistance
        Kraske:  The Chat:  Blunt on mental health funding;  Peter Kinder on Greitens' "bicoastal" contributors;  MU prof on Nixon's final year in office +
        P-D:  Missouri seeks extra federal help for flood damage to public works
        P-D:  McCaskill tweets her jury-duty experience in St. Louis County
        The Missouri Times:  Texts from the Trail:  A closer look at University of Missouri's problems;  More on Jeff Roe, SOTS response, Peter Kinder, more
        KSMU (Springfield):  GOP gubernatorial candidates blast feds during forum in Ozark
        KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Eric Greitens talks with Mannies & Rosenbaum about campaign contribution limits, school vouchers, transparty switch from Democrat to Republican, more
        KMWU:  Democratic lawmakers will push for Medicaid expansion, higher minimum wage, other bills with no chance of passage
        The Missouri Times:  Democrats announce legislative priorities
        Missourinet:  Legislators criticize size of requests for Missouri mid-year budget
        Missourinet:  Legislative budget chairs question money in proposed budget beyond revenue projection
        The Missouri Times:  Appropriations committee hears Nixon's budget recommendations
        The Missouri Time:  Budget leaders cautiously using recommendations
        P-D:  Panel OKs union paycheck proposal
        JCNT:  Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) seeks up to 10 days paid leave for state employees with new child X
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Legislator proposes property tax break for elderly;  Kraus, Spencer proposal would cut a break to olds north of 72 years X
        CDT:  City prosecutor files assault charge against Melissa Click X
        CDT:  Chancellor:  Melissa Click's job safe during tenure process X
        The Missouri Times:  MU professor Click charged with assault
        The Missouri Time:  Mizzou assembles task force to assess Click tenure
        KC Star:  MU professor Melissa Click, who called for "muscle" to bully reporter, charged with assault +
        AP:  Melissa Click charged with assault
        P-D:  Melissa Click charged for assaulting journalist
        KC Star:  Koster's office suing former Kansas City charter school +
        KWMU:  Prosecutor Jennifer Joyce (D) will seek death penalty, try case against rapist-murderer Reginald Clemons
        P-D:  Democrat Jennifer Joyce will seek death penalty for Chain of Rocks murders;  Reginald Clemons and three pals raped Hazelwood East grads, then pushed them off bridge to their death
        Missourinet:  Death penalty case to be retried in 1991 Chain of Rocks Bridge murders
        AP:  Prosecutors will re-try Reginald Clemons for his rapes, murders
        SE Missourian:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith speaks against land purchase by Missouri DNR +
        The Missouri Times:  Smith testifies on bill to sell ASARCO lands
        P-D:  Proposal for new state park in Oregon County gets panned at legislative hearing
        SE Missourian:  Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) and her husband petition for jury trial in condemnation case +
        Brownfield Ag News:  Producers raise Missouri state beef checkoff concerns
        Waters:  On state regulation of fantasy sports X
        P-D editorial:  Ferguson faces reality, drops cases it would have had a hard time winning
        SNL "Answer Man" column:  Why does MoDOT use so many mile marker signs?  To make it easier for first responders to save lives, it says. X
        P-D letter:  Mayor Francis Slay:  St. Louis in best position to help NGA meet its mission
        P-D letter:  National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence opposes Barnes' bill on prescription drug monitoring
        P-D letter:  Unionville man says Missouri needs to raise its fuel tax more to maintain roads
        P-D letter:  St. Louis College of Pharmacy associate prof says opportunities are available to responsibly dispose of opioids
        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, January 25
       
Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill positions Clinton as "underdog";  McCaskill and Gillibrand on sex assaults;  Tommy Pierson on role as diversity candidate +
          KC Star:  Jeff Roe featured as ruthless but teary Cruz campaign chief on Fox News Sunday +
          P-D:  Volunteers rushed to help place sandbags during the flood. Now they need to be removed.
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder;  Panel of Linda Rallo, Angela Bingaman, James Harris, Justin Alferman discuss voter ID, expert witness bill, Koster, GOP gov primary
          KMOX:  Reardon Roundtable:  Jane Dueker, Scott Faughn, Brenda Talent, Lewis Reed discuss Nixon's State of the State, the Rams, Donald Trump and Sarah Palin, more
          Missourinet:  Nixon's final address looked back on accomplishments, ahead to potentially tough session
          KOLR (Springfield):  Nixon honors two SW Missouri troopers for saving life in Christmas floods
          Missourinet:  Senate expected to complete block of proposed ag land tax value increase
          P-D:  Layoffs coming at UMSL as budget hole grows
          SE Missourian:  State's age rule for judges boots seasoned citizen off the bench +
          P-D:  "<X> Things" journomeme:  Three (3!) factors that sunk the St. Louis effort to keep the Rams
          P-D editorial:  Bill requiring photo ID at the polls is a solution looking for a problem
          JCNT editorial:  Legislators should act on pay raise for state employees X
          SE Missourian editorial:  Death penalty should not be a partisan issue +
          KC Star editorial:  Tougher road ahead this time for Kansas City's earnings tax campaign;  Rex Sinquefield has too much money, and voters are too "angry" +
          Messenger:  Government stonewalls while former Guard employee waits;  McCaskill's office tries to help
          The Missouri Times' Travis Zimpfer:  Stan Kroenke:  The most hated man in Missouri
          SNL op-ed:  Hank Billings:  89-year-old reflects upon career in Missouri newspapers, shares tales of "Mr. Olds" and others X
          P-D letter:  State Treasurer Clint Zweifel:  Legislature sets up bureaucratic hurdles to updating education standards
          P-D letter:  Wildwood man dislikes P-D use of "anti-abortion" rather than "pro-life," suggests paper be consistent and call pro-choicers "anti-life"
          P-D letter:  Wash Mo doctor says emphasis on treating pain leads to prescription narcotic overuse
          P-D letter:  St. Charles liberal bothered by new editorial page editor's "centrist" self-description
          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, January 24
       
SNL:  Blunt backs gun bill that could complicate mental health push X
          SNL:  Blunt sees sliver of consensus with Obama to curb gun violence X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Gun show draws huge crowds X
          Brownfield Ag News:  McCaskill a co-sponsor of bill to lift Cuban trade embargo
          CDT:  Caleb Jones takes on multistate role in Rubio presidential campaign X
          P-D:  Ferguson-Florissant School District product Chingy throws in, throws out his Donald Trump support;  Composer of hotel-party homage "Holidae In" says endorsement brouhaha just another day in "live [sic] of a celeb"
          P-D:  Missouri group stranded 25 hours in storm on way home from national March for Life
          SE Missourian:  Federal action opens door for flood aid in area +
          JCNT:  Flood-affected residents pursuing disaster aid through FEMA, local agencies X
          KWMU:  "<X> Things" journomeme:  Five (5!) things to know about applying for flood aid from FEMA
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Preview of today's show:  Guest Peter Kinder;  Panel of Linda Rallo, Angela Bingaman, James Harris, Justin Alferman discuss voter ID, expert witness bill, gubernatorial race
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Study says Missouri is one of cheapest states to be a smoker X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Supportive Nixon comments on ag bode well for funding chances;  Comments from Ag Director Richard Fordyce, Missouri Dairy Association's Larry Schmidt
          Missouri Digital News via CDT:  Nixon at odds with fantasy sports industry over push for regulation
          P-D:  Legislators look to control medical costs with 'gatekeeper' law
          JCNT:  Bill from Rep. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) focuses on STEM careers X
          P-D:  City school students continue to disappoint, with half of schools still performing below state standards for accreditation;  Worst schools rewarded with extra "nurses, counselors, social workers, reading and math specialists"
          AP:  Dustin Allison to leave public counsel's office
          SNL:  Sen. Jay Wasson (R-Nixon) races to split judicial district X
          AP:  Missouri Democrats to try to ban LGBT discrimination
          SE Missourian editorial:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith is one to watch in Washington +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Stubbornness on ethics reforms:  Missouri "wallows in failure land" X
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 23
       
Chicago Tribune:  Alarmed by Sanders' rise, Clinton backers rush to Iowa;  McCaskill positions former First Lady as "underdog"
          Riverfront Times:  Chingy endorsed Donald Trump on Twitter, and all hell broke loose;  North St. Louis County native, best known for 2003 rap ditty "Right Thurr," says "country is a business an [sic] needs to be ran [sic] by a businessman"
          Brownfield Ag News:  Blunt shows water map before override attempt
          P-D:  Missouri flood victims can get federal aid, volunteers still needed today for cleanup
          P-D:  Area delegation's votes for the week
          P-D:  North St. Louis County misses out on $38 million disaster grant;  State requested money with plea that area is poor and houses are old
          KOLR (Springfield):  Missouri university seeks religious exemption from Obamacare mandate
          Washington Missourian:  Local students attend March for Life
          CDT:  Abortion foes drop lawsuit over use of amplifier outside Planned Parenthood X
          CDT:  Radio station, "Guild of Silly Heathens," Planned Parenthood attract small crowd to hear abortion tales;  Event backdrop includes protest signs reading "Vaginas are Precious, "Alot [sic] of things are actually pretty well," etc. X
          STLBJ:  McCaskill to kick off BJ Women's Conference on Friday;  For $300, area gals can learn about creating "personal brand," improving exercize routines, etc.
          P-D:  McCaskill says new study should set aside doubts about campus assault claims
          Drebes:  Chuck Hatfield, representing "Little Tobacco" company, files suit against Raise Your Hand for Kids' initiative petition
          The Missouri Times:  Democrats ask Eric Greitens to return contribution from CEO under federal investigation
          The Missouri Times:  Q&A:  Lt. gov candidate Tommy Pierson on his campaign, possibility of being first black elected statewide official, defeating well-funded Russ Carnahan with a "strong grassroots campaign," more
          KNPN (St. Joseph):  Video:  Secretary of state candidate Will Kraus talks about his support for voter ID
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Susan Montee to speak to area Democratic women's group X
          KWMU:  St. Louis County Dems to get new party leader;  Hazelwood's Matt Robinson stepping down, endorses fellow North County Dem vet Mary Elizabeth Dorsey
          KWMU:  Behind the Headlines:  Jo Mannies talks about Nixon's final State of the State
          Riverfront Times:  In his final State of the State, Nixon ignores the Ferguson Commission he created
          KWMU:  Fast start for Missouri lawmakers this year
          P-D:  Nixon talks stadium, finally
          P-D:  St. Louis aldermanic president asks NFL to pay for Edward Jones dome debt
          Brownfield Ag News:  Senate Ag Chair Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) says tax bill on fast track
          KWMU:  Another municipal governance overhaul clears Senate committee
          KC Star:  Rep. Sheila Solon (R-Blue Springs) pushes to ban alcohol, smoking in Capitol +
          CDT:  Boone County House members promise to oppose UM budget cuts X
          KOMU:  "Chats with the Chancellor" begin at MU;  Hank Foley to spend one (1) hour each week listening to students, staff
          CDT:  MU faculty members/Moms Demand Action activists attend Foley's first informal chat, say chancellor told them he opposes Munzlinger-Dixon gun proposals X
          Columbia Missourian:  First MU Chat with the Chancellor draws diverse crowd
          KWMU:  UMSL may choose to handle budget cuts by making layoffs
          KWMU:  City earnings tax to be on April ballot;  Alderwoman:  "It's ridiculous we even have to vote on this"
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  There is no harm in Missouri implementing a fair voter ID law X
          P-D editorial:  A sweetheart deal for a few could drive up utility rates for the many;  Legislature should not give Ameren-Noranda odd couple what they want
          Waters:  Nixon's budget reminds us that he has provided needed balance to Legislature;  Missouri is "arguably the most culturally regressive state in the nation" X
          KC Star Public Editor Derek Donovan:  A paper's "balance" is more than left vs. right - it's also positive vs. negative +
          SNL op-ed:  Area man presents list of topics on which he disagrees wth Billy Long X
          P-D letter:  Ballwin man says Republicans push voter ID to suppress the vote
          SNL letter:  Battlefield man dislikes voter ID push, warns:  "It is about to get real, for real" X
          P-D letter:  Des Peres man says St. Louis benefits from Superintendent Kelvin Adams losing his bid for L.A. schools job
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man responds to sensitivity over "thug" label:  "If a personal acts like a brutal hoodlum or gangster he is a thug, whatever his race"
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 22
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill, Blunt split on "Waters of the U.S." vote X
          KWMU:  Both sides mark 43rd anniversary of Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion
          CBS News:  Price-hiking pharma exec gets White House subpoena;  Comments from McCaskill
          NY Times:  Congress calls Martin Shkreli to tesify on rapid rise in drug prices;  Comments from McCaskill
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Nixon predicts Sanders nomination would cause "meltdown" for Dems;  Curtman pokes Nixon for lack of accessibility +
          Missourinet:  President grants disaster declaration for Missouri
          Drebes:  New TV ad buys:  "One Nation" and American Chemistry Council
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens campaign volunteers for flood relief
          P-D:  Primary preview:  Lieutenant governor
          KMIZ:  Missourians for Fair Taxation gather in Jefferson City;  Missouri realtors petitioning for amendment addition
          The Missouri Times:  Pot group says it has raised enough money to start gathering signatures
          Riverfront Times:  Pro-pot Sinquefield son continues father's tradition of bankrolling campaigns, gives $40k to marijuana initiative
          Kraske:  Missouri legislators must pass campaign contribution limits +
          Rosenbaum:  Key takeaways from Nixon's final State of the State speech
          SE Missourian:  Nixon backs 'common sense' plan to raise state's fuel taxes +
          SE Missourian:  Nixon touts railroad upgrade at SEMO Port +
          CDT:  Rep. Jake Hummel (D-St. Louis) calls for Schaefer to step down as appropriations chair, cites AG-race grandstanding X
          The Missouri Times:  Alferman, Republicans push last voter ID measure through House
          KWMU:  Missouri House passes bill to put voter photo ID requirement on ballot as constitutional amendment
          JCNT:  Senate won't delay on voter ID issue X
          Missourinet:  Schaefer says Nixon's budget proposes extravagant welfare increases, says request for $277M in Medicaid funding is not realistic
          SE Missourian:  Local lawmakers push for drug database, regulations against "pill mills" +
          The Missouri Times:  Reps. Genise Montecillo (D-St. Louis) and Keith Frederick (R-Rolla) team up to raise awareness for mental health
          The Missouri Times:  Expert witness bill heads to the House
          Missourinet:  Governor, Democrats want nondiscrimination act;  Richard says 'not in the Senate'
          Missourinet:  Execution date set for Earl Forrest;  Methamphetamine connoisseur got into drunken dispute over lawnmower, then killed sheriff's deputy and two others
          JCNT:  PSC hearing set on $51M water rate hike X
          P-D:  Ferguson lets activists off the hook
          P-D:  Wrongful death suit filed over off-duty St. Louis officer's shooting of VonDerrit Myers;  Family of the deceased maintains criminal was armed only with turkey sandwich
          KC Star editorial:  Nixon uses speech to look back, but cooperation is needed to go forward in Missouri +
          JCNT editorial:  Libla's proposal marks a realistic step to help fund transportation X
          P-D editorial:  As the nation confronts opioid addiction, Missouri dithers;  Legislature should pass bill from Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City)
          Shelly:  Nixon's State of the State call for "risk taking" rings hollow +
          KC Star's Lewis Diuguid:  On voter ID and Real ID +
          P-D op-ed:   Midwest Innocence Project:  Change the laws around eyewitness identification of criminals
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Self-described "deep-dyed, dues-paying Democrat" pleased with Nixon's State of the State
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Self-described "white, older lesbian" wants University of Missouri Curators to cut ties with Missouri Farm Bureau for LGBTQIA stance
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Sikeston-Standard Democrat sports editor chooses to read comment section of race-based story, is surprised to find dearth of fact-based intellectual dialogue +
          SNL letter:  Area woman says MoDOT has frittered away taxpayer dollars on bike helmets and other non-highway items, says agency doesn't deserve more money X
          KC Star letter:  Anti-death penalty group weighs in on execution issues +
          SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau woman supports "Anti-Smart Meter" bill, says it helps utility customers reclaim "sovereignty of their homes" +
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 21
       
NY Times:  Alarmed Clinton supporters begin focusing on Bernie Sanders' socialist edge;  McCaskill, Nixon take aim at surging senator
          NBC News:  McCaskill:  "Absolutely impossible" for Sanders to win key swing states
          US News & World Report:  As Dem race heats up, gloves come off;  Comments from McCaskill
          KC Star:  The New Republic profiles Jeff Roe:  "Ted Cruz's Howitzer" +
          Missourinet:  Obama vetoes Blunt's bill to end "Waters of the U.S." rule
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Blunt on protecting Americans from refugees;  Graves on KCI airport;  Libla on gas tax +
          USA Today:  Report cites wasted Pentagon money in Afghanistan;  McCaskill calls natural gas-station program "dumb on its face"
          CDT:  McCaskill hearing highlights efforts to combat rising narcotics addiction X
          Brownfield Ag News:  USDA adds Missouri to its "StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity" anti-poverty initiative
          P-D:  Courts need to help fight gun violence, St. Louis police chief says at mayor's meeting in D.C.
          KWMU:  "<X> Things" journomeme:  Six (6!) ways the floods of 2015 and 1982 were similar
          KOMU:  Proposed amendment would stop sales tax on services in Missouri;  Comments from Missourians for Fair Taxation's Scott Charton
          Drebes:  Raise Your Hand for Kids likely to hire National Petition Management to gather signatures
          KC Star:  Missouri group forms to support women in state politics;  Christine Page's Women's Policy Network of Missouri will connect young women with mentors +
          AP:  Union leader in Missouri admits to embezzlement;  AFSCME affiliate president wrote checks to himself, pals for personal use
          Missourinet:  Nixon delivers his last proposed Missouri budget
          KWMU:  Nixon plays it safe with his final state budget
          The Missouri Times:  Prepared text of Gov. Jay Nixon's State of the State address
          CDT:  Nixon reflects on career, hits familiar themes in final State of the State address X
          KC Star:  Nixon calls for ethics legislation, LGBTQIA rights in final State of the State +
          JCNT:  Nixon pitches state pay raise, Medicaid expansion, education funds X
          Missourinet:  What Nixon did, did not mention in State of the State address
          AP:  Nixon focuses on ethics in final State of the State speech
          P-D:  Nixon highlights his legacy in final State of the State
          CDT:  Nixon budget proposal includes almost $27M increase for University of Missouri X
          Missourinet:  In State of the State, Nixon says daily fantasy sports should be regulated, taxed in Missouri
          Missourinet:  Missouri legislative Democratic leaders respond to Nixon's State of the State
          Missourinet:  Missouri legislative Republican leaders respond to Nixon's State of the State
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon's State of the State panned by Republicans
          Missourinet:  State of the State photo gallery
          The Missouri Times:  Voter ID discussed in House, HJR moves to Senate
          AP:  Voter ID proposals move forward in Missouri House
          The Missouri Times:  Voter ID bill heard in Senate
          KC Star:  House Republicans advance voter ID bills over Democratic opposition +
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri House rejects proposed ag land tax hike
          Missourinet:  "Paycheck protection" proposal returns;  Rep. Clem Smith (D-Velda Village Hills):  "This could bankrupt some unions."
          CDT:  MoDOT director discusses funding shortfall with Columbia Chamber of Commerce X
          CDT:  Senate committee approves fuel tax increase;  Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) votes "present," says she's holding out to see how measure "is going to benefit urban areas" X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate perfects measure to strengthen expert witness standards
          P-D:  Further limits on municipal court revenue approved by Missouri Senate committee
          CDT:  Senate committee hears support, concerns about industrial hemp production X
          Columbia Missourian:  Interim MU Chancellor Hank Foley forms committee to explore free speech, regulation of public space on campus
          KC Star:  KC school board picks new superintendent;  Mark Bedell says he will turn unaccredited district around by "engaging people" with "authentic dialogue" +
          KWMU:  Ferguson gives short window to apply for Councilman Brian Fletcher's vacant seat
          P-D editorial:  NGA. Three letters that are far more critical for the city than NFL.
          KC Star editorial:  KC school board makes a wise superintendent choice +
          Jensen:  Missouri voters likely to approve voter ID measure +
          Waters:  MU woes;  Black football players' protest and subsequent resignations show "the animals are in charge of the zoo" X
          P-D op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Michael McShane:  No Child Left Behind is gone. What now for Missouri?
          P-D letter:  Missouri Right to Life's Pam Fichter on upcoming March for Life
          P-D letter:  Richmond Heights man says Missouri should require education for new gun owners
          KC Star letter:  KC man responds to millennial caterwauling about college costs, offers advice:  Try working, pick a college you can afford, and stop spending so much money +
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 20  
       
P-D:  McCaskill holds U.S. Senate field hearing in Jefferson City, lobbies for prescription drug monitoring
          AP:  McCaskill says Missouri needs tighter drug monitoring
          The Missouri Times:  McCaskill hears testimony from Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) on opioid abuse
          Kraske:  Cleaver on criminal sentencing;  Todd Richardson on Dems' "Golidlocks" ethics demands;  Nixon's refusal to take a stand on Melissa Click +
          KWMU:  Deputy director of St. Louis VA temporarily assumes top job
          KWMU:  Slay in D.C. for mayors' conference, talks NGA with Missouri delegation
          Missourinet:  USDA holding meetings in Missouri this week on flooding
          CDT:  Pot initiative conceals campaign funding through not-for-profit X
          The Missouri Times:  Texts from the Trail:  Trying to find rhyme or reason in the confusing contribution patterns of David Humphreys
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Association of Realtors' "Missourians for Fair Taxation" kicks off statewide anti-tax campaign today
          The Missouri Times:  Updates on special-elect Reps. Dean Plocher (R), DaRon McGee (D), Rory Rowland (D) campaign reports
          Missourinet:  Livestream link for Gov. Nixon's State of the State address tonight at 7 p.m.
          Missourinet:  "<X> Things" journomeme:  Seven (7!) things to watch for or listen for or think about in Nixon's State of the State
          Columbia Missourian:  Analyzing Nixon's State of the State addresses:  Education, taxes have been common themes
          P-D:  Missouri voter ID plan could be among the strongest in the country
          The Missouri Times:  Kander releases legislative proposals
          Missourinet:  Lobbyist gift ban, other proposed reforms headed to Missouri House
          The Missouri Times:  Lobbyist gift bill heads to the House, campaign committee bill stagnates
          AP:  Ban on lobbyist gifts passes Missouri House committee
          P-D:  Lobbyist gift ban heads to full House for vote
          AP:  Second parent would be notified about abortion under measure
          SE Missourian:  Group of young conservatives, including SEMO student, push for end of Missouri death penalty +
          KWMU:  Bill to abolish death penalty in Missouri being considered
          P-D:  Panel votes against home care worker raises
          P-D:  Nixon's stadium task force under microscope
          CDT:  MU to subsidize graduate student health insurance for another year X
          JCNT:  Rep. Jeanie Riddle (R-Mokane) revives her bill for high school civics test requirement X
          KWMU:  Judge will decide whether to change Ferguson-Florissant school board voting;  Black woman who managed to get elected dismisses NAACP's gripes
          P-D:  Ferguson-Florissant school district lawsuit decision months away;  NAACP unhappy with election outcomes
          KC Star:  Final KC superintendent candidate to be named;  Winner guaranteed to be black man +
          P-D:  Ameren working with Noranda, lawmakers to save smelter
          KWMU:  Galloway slams Carpenter's office for renovation contract and sloppy bookkeping
          P-D:  State audit blasts St. Louis Recorder of Deeds for financial mismanagement
          CDT:  Koster's office to prosecute Fulton hail repair complaints X
          SNL op-ed:  U.S. Rep. Billy Long:  Confronting America's growing opioid abuse crisis X
          P-D op-ed:  New editorial page editor Tod Robberson:  Self-described centrist says he dislikes unworkable knee-jerk extremist positions
          Messenger:  Curators adopt Melissa Click approach to presidential search:  When in doubt, shut the public out
          Priddy:  Missouri Monocracy:  1736 words on representative democracy, state legislative voting districts, campaign finance, much much more
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Latest in series on GOP meanness:  Republicans are mean to women, "pro-life" should extend to universal health care, etc.
          P-D letter:  Bellefontaine Neighbors resident says ban on development in flood plains is good idea
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 19
       
The Missouri Times:  Republicans announce Lincoln Days' Friday night speaker
          KWMU:  Cleaver says he thinks there's a chance Ferguson/Baltimore/Chicago dramatics may persuade Congress to make grand jury, sentencing changes
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Missouri gun salesman on Obama's unwitting help;  Author says use of "thug" is racist;  Ron Richard on working with Nixon +
          KC Star:  MU self-starver Jonathan Butler speaks at MLK celebration;  Son of Union Pacific executive VP says he has "so much invested in the movement"
          P-D:  MLK celebration becomes rallying cry:  Speakers proclaim, "Black lives matter," "We are going to engage the community," etc.
          KWMU:  Part 3/3 of MLK series:  The effort to turn around MLK Drive;  Activists insist, "we're at a crossroads," "we don't need much - a little bit of money can go a long way," etc.
          KMOX:  Reardon Roundtable:  Jane Dueker, Scott Faughn, Jack Cardetti talk presidential primary, the Rams departing St. Louis, and Missouri politics (Jan. 15)
          The Missouri Times:  January 2016 Tip Sheet:  Statewide races
          CDT:  Columbia candidates raising large sums of money in quest for statewide offices;  A look at the fundraising quarters of Judy Baker, Joshua Hawley, Kurt Schaefer X
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Alliance for Freedom holds online poll
          Drebes:  Help Wanted:  Missouri Charter Public School Association seeks director of development and communications
          Missourinet:  More ethics action in Missouri House this week;  Richardson says Dems are playing Goldilocks, waiting for something that's "just right"
          The Missouri Times:  Republicans push for death penalty reconsideration
          Missourinet:  Committee will consider bill that would end death penalty in Missouri
          KMOX:  David Steelman, member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, talks to host Mark Reardon about Mizzou and Melissa Click
          Missourinet:  Nixon says it's not his place to call for firing of Mizzou professor who verbally assaulted a minority student
          KWMU:  Harris-Stowe fails on four of five performance-funding criteria
          P-D:  Pay hikes for home health care workers may get axed
          AP:  Missouri casino operators seek tweaks to credit rules
          Missourinet:  Bill would allow domestic violence victims to keep cell phone numbers
          P-D:  Joan Bray leaving Consumers Council of Missouri
          P-D:  Rep. Jay Houghton (R-Martinsburg) calls for big flags on bikes
          SE Missourian:  Newspaper launches new website design, will be more compatible with mobile and tablet devices +
          P-D editorial:  Time for Missouri to get Real with ID security
          Darkow cartoon:  Verbal assailant Melissa Click and her "safe space" X
          Waters:  Thoughts on selecting the next University of Missouri president X
          Jon Rust:  Reasons behind the SE Missourian redesign:  59 percent of site visitors now accessing via mobile device +
          P-D letter:  University City man says more money for Army Corps of Engineers means more flooding
          P-D letter:  Clayton woman disagrees with Missouri legislators' "privileged position" on abortion
          P-D letter:  Area reverend opposes death penalty
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 18   Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day   Missouri State Holiday via Gov. John Ashcroft, attested by Secretary of State Roy Blunt
       
KWMU:  MLK Drive:  In 1972, meant to be an honor, now embarrassing;  "Even that consistently staunch promoter of liberal causes," the Post-Dispatch, changed its address from Franklin to N. 12th St. when Franklin became MLK Drive
          P-D:  Speaker at MLK event explains her distaste for the word "thug"
          Columbia Missourian:  Vendors say sales are up at this weekend's gun show after Obama's executive action
          P-D:  The flood is gone, but long slog to recovery just beginning
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Brandon Butler from Conservation Federation of Missouri;  Panel of Mark Dalton, Jeff Rainford, Reps. Rocky Miller and Ron Hicks talk ethics legislation, Rams, presidential primaries, more
          Drebes:  David Humphreys gives $50k to Bev Randles
          Drebes:  'Right to work' groups meet in Jefferson City, plot strategy
          Missourinet:  Nixon prepares to release FY 2017 Missouri budget proposal
          KWMU:  Short week at the Capitol features State of the State Address and hearings
          AP:  Restricting lobbyist gifts next target for state lawmakers
          KC Star:  Missouri Capitol sees an influx of interns despite a year of scandal;  Legislators expected to improve behavior after two-hour PowerPoint presentation +
          KWMU:  Too soon to tell whether region's drop in opiate deaths could start a downward trend
          SE Missourian:  Diversity panel gives findings to Southeast +
          Columbia Missourian:  State wildlife vet is part of elk poaching investigation
          Missourinet:  Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) wants as much attention on Ferguson as abortion
          KWMU:  Group seeks cash to print Ferguson books;  Kickstarter campaign has raised $2k of $25k goal
          SE Missourian editorial:  What would MLK say about black unemployment, Ferguson rioting, Chicago gun violence? +
          KC Star editorial:  In a city plagued by violence, putting Dr. King's words on billboards and/or digital streetcar kiosks would make a difference +
          KWMU op-ed:  The decline of MLK Drive:  "There is no use playing as if we live in a color-blind and equitable society;"  Photo of "a man cross [sic] Martin Luther King Drive"
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 17
       
Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill on opioid abuse;  Bike-club rep dislikes bike-flag proposal +
        Missourinet:  McCaskill supports bill allowing graduates to refinance student loans
        SE Missourian:  Management of the river creates pros and cons +
        KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Missouri River management a challenge
        KWMU:  Affordable-housing advocates use flood disaster to push their cause
        The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Guest Brandon Butler from Conservation Federation;  Panel of Mark Dalton, Jeff Rainford, GOP Reps. Ron Hicks and Rocky Miller discuss ethics, Rams, presidential race, more
        SNL:  Dixon, Wasson, Burlison want to tackle federal budget X
        AP:  Missouri sees many options, little consensus on road funding
        P-D:  Emotional debate over abortion continues in 2016
        JCNT:  Jefferson City Public Schools target student attendance;  State law has no mechanism in place to hold parents accountable for students' chronic absenteeism X
        The Maneater:  No final decision on search process for next UM System president
        CDT:  As new semester is about to start, MU grad students' demands unanswered X
        CDT: Graduate student benefits mixed at other universities X
        CDT:  UM System, labor union approach mediation over contract X
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Legislature's ethics proposals are on track X

        Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Rams' Stan slams St. Louis, state X
        Waters:  Stand Kroenke:  The devil in very nice duds X
        P-D letter:  Ballwin man says state should end foolish cycle of repeated flooding, repeated assistance
        P-D letter:  Sen. Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph):  Restore voting rights for ex-cons
        P-D letter:  Gender studies teacher at all-girls school says female columnist's piece on dealing with bad bosses reinforces "discriminatory patriarchal systems"
        Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 16
       
P-D:  Area delegation's votes for the week
          Missourinet:  McCaskill's U.S. Senate hearing on prescription drug trafficking to be held in Jefferson City
          P-D:  D.C. roundup:  Blunt, Wagner stand up for Missouri coal;  Blunt to kick off re-election around late-Feb. filing
          Kraske:  Ted Cruz's "New York Values" line brings back another Jeff Roe gem:  Kay Barnes, Nancy Pelosi and "San Francisco Values" +
          CDT:  Gun vendors attribute rising sales to upcoming elections, regulations;  Comments from Confederate Firearms, other vendors X
          Missourinet:  Nixon requests major disaster declaration to assist Missourians impacted by historic flooding
          KWMU:  Greitens outpaces all rivals for governor with latest fundraising tally
          AP:  Koster keeps financial lead in Missouri's governor's race
          KWMU:  Russ Carnahan to run for lt. gov
          The Missouri Times:  Carnahan enters lt. gov race;  Brad Bradshaw (D) says former congressman is a "career politician" seeking to use office as "ceremonial bench"
          AP:  Former Congressman Russ Carnahan creates lieutenant governor campaign committee
          P-D:  Russ Carnahan running for lt. governor, will hold "listening tour" prior to formal announcement
          The Missouri Times:  January 2016 quarterly reports:  Governor
          The Missouri Times:  January 2016 quarterly reports:  Lieutenant Governor
          The Missouri Times:  January 2016 quarterly reports:  Secretary of State
          The Missouri Times:  January 2016 quarterly reports:  Treasurer
          The Missouri Times:  January 2016 quarterly reports:  Attorney General
          The Missouri Times:  January 2016 quarterly reports:  State Senate
          The Missouri Times:  January 2016 quarterly reports:  State House of Representatives
          P-D:  Marijuana advocate with Missouri ties sued by business partners in Oregon court;  Company gave $26k to Missouri pot initiative for polling
          AP:  Businessman challenges proposal for tobacco tax amendment
          CDT:  Democrats Stephen Webber, Susan McClintic report fundraising advantages in legislative races X
          Missourinet:  Nixon's 2017 budget proposal includes additional funding for Missouri's developmentally disabled
          CDT:  Nixon proposes funding to expand Thompson Center for Autism X
          AP:  Nixon calls for $131 million in new disability spending
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Kevin Corlew (R-Kansas City) seeks to make Real ID an option for Missourians
          Rosenbaum:  Rams' departure prompts re-evaluation of the Edward Jones Dome
          KWMU:  Station begins new Friday show for reporters to discuss their stories;  Debut edition features Rosenbaum discussing Rams departure, stadium conundrum
          KMOX:  Rep. Anne Zerr (R-St. Charles) wants to make sports owners who skip town pay
          The Missouri Times:  Zerr hopes to prohibit incentives from abandoned stadium owners
          P-D:  Zerr:  Future team owners would have to pay debt before leaving
          CDT:  Local government leaders, business leaders oppose legislative cuts to MU X
          SE Missourian:  Job fair set to help former Noranda employees +
          P-D:  Police catch Ferguson looter;  Roy Brown expanded criminal resume to include 14 recent violent robberies in downtown St. Louis
          P-D editorial:  Reducing urbanites' criminal behavior will take money and will, not just a commission and a plan
          Terry Ganey:  Missouri Senate exiles press to the bleachers
          P-Ds Nicklaus:  Losing the Rams should be an economic nonevent for St. Louis
          NY Times' Joe Nocera:  In losing the Rams, St. Louis wins; Slay correct to have "no real interest in the NFL"
          Waters:  More on Melissa Click:  David Steelman weighs in X
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood man says legislation is needed to protect NFL fans from greedy owners
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 15
       
Politico:  Rachel Maddow touts Claire McCaskill as one of five female potential Hillary Clinton veep selections
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt has role in 'cancer moonshot' effort X
          P-D:  McCaskill to hold field hearing on opioid abuse in Jefferson City;  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston), others to testify
          Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill takes aim at Kroenke;  Nixon talks up Missouri in Detroit +
          Missouri Farmer Today:  Farmers assess damage after historic flooding
          Drebes:  Brad Green heads to Missouri Chamber;  Josh Foster from Sen. Emery's office to pitch in for Ron Richard
          KWMU:  Kinder first out of gubernatorial gate with latest finance figures, takes swipe at Hanaway, Brunner and Greitens
          Kraske:  Missouri stands strong against Medicaid expansion +
          Missourinet:  Bill would verify eligibility of Medicaid recipients
          P-D:  Voter photo ID bill advances to Missouri House floor
          SE Missourian:  Area election officials support voter photo ID legislation;  Perry County Clerk Jared Kutz (R):  "I honestly don't know anyone who doesn't have a photo ID" +
          The Missouri Times:  Schaaf introduces bill to restore voting rights to ex-cons
          CDT:  House approves ethics package including Rowden proposal limiting lobbying X
          The Missouri Times:  First four ethics bills pass the House
          KWMU:  Missouri House passes first group of ethics bills
          P-D:  Missouri lawmakers take aim at their ethics practices
          AP:  Missouri House passes first bills of session on ethics
          CDT:  Curator David Steelman calls for dismissal of Melissa Click;  Faculty member was caught on video committing macroaggressions against minority journalist X
          CDT:  MU faces 'financial crisis' of lost enrollment and state support, official says
          KWMU:  UM curators set details for presidential search
          Columbia Missourian:  Gun advocates, opponents disagree on merits of guns on college campuses
          Missouri Farmer Today:  Rural schools face challenges, enjoy community support;  Comments from DESE officials, others
          KC Star:  Kansas City meets the finalists for superintendent of schools;  Veteran African-American educators explain how they'll lead district back to accreditation +
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Nixon sets Jan. 24-30 as "School Board Recognition Week" +
          Missourinet:  St. Louis, Kansas City mayors defend earnings taxes to Missouri Legislature
          The Missouri Times:  Standing room only as earnings tax bill gets committee hearing
          The Missouri Times:  Earnings tax 'unconstitutional' according to former solicitor general
          KWMU:  Push begins in Missouri Senate to eliminate earnings taxes in St. Louis City and Kansas City
          KC Star:  KC leaders oppose elimination of earnings tax +
          The Missouri Times:  Jackson County sheriff hopes to see legislative legalization of medical marijuana
          P-D:  Missouri to add new park in Oregon County
          Washington Missourian:  Board of Public Works says two proposed House bills would be detrimental X
          SE Missourian:  Sen. Doug Libla (R-Poplar Bluff) blames unfair trade laws for Noranda's woes +
          KWMU:  Black Jew, white Jew unite to preserve stories from Ferguson riots through legacy of Judaism
          JCNT editorial:  A shorter legislative session won't end lawmaker shenanigans, but might save taxpayers some money X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Passage of ethics bills marks a step forward X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Curtman's bill to require a House review of state audits is unnecessary X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Paper's website sets new traffic record in December;  Most visits come from outside city X
          KC Star editorial:  Ignore the drivel of earnings tax foes in Jefferson City +
          Waters:  Kurt Schaefer, Joshua Hawley and abortion machinations X
          Priddy:  Imagining Korman's lobbyist-lawmaker sex reporting form:  Consuming foodstuffs off erogenous zones, intercoursing in front of mirrors, etc.
          Messenger:  St. Louis business owner wants region to learn from stadium failure
          Missouri Farmer Today op-ed:  Missouri Rural Crisis Center's Roger Allison opposes beef checkoff
          KC Star letter:  UMKC prof applauds Cleaver's pro-earmarks stance +
          SE Missourian letter:  Missouri Coalition for Oral Health pleased that dental benefits are back into Medicaid +
          CDT letter:  Area woman says expanding Medicaid will help poor women who choose to breed X
          Disclosure


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



        Thursday, January 14
       
KC Star:  Missouri politicos fantasize about a world in which the Missouri primaries matter +
          KWMU:  Blunt maintains campaign-finance edge over Kander
          AP:  Blunt touts $5M for Senate race;  Kander at $2M
          The Atlantic:  Among Senate Dem hopefuls, Kander offers most critical reaction to Obama's gun announcement
          Missourinet:  SOTU:  Delegation's communications staffers pen reactions in the voices of their bosses
          Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill on student loan debt;  Nixon on Rams' departure;  Mizzou official on race histrionics' impact on freshman applications +
          P-D:  Relocating sports teams should pay back public funds, McCaskill says
          The Missouri Times:  Eric Greitens names campaign leadership team:  Jane Cunningham, Steelmans, Paul DeGregorio, Bert Walker, John Lamping, Nate Walker, College Republican campus leaders, many more
          The Missouri Times:  Early education cigarette tax petitions approved for circulation
          The Missouri Times:  List of 2016's active campaign committees
          The Missouri Times:  Brad Green joins Missouri Chamber of Commerce as Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon sharing Missouri automotive manufacturing rebound in Detroit
          Missourinet:  Politico ranks states by public data, says Missouri falls to "35th best":  Residents got fatter in 2015 and will die sooner than in most states, but average income rises to $26k
          AP:  Liberal think tank issues report highlighting economic struggle in St. Louis, other urban areas;  Study concludes that poor people do not earn enough money
          AP:  Missouri jobless aid dependent on constitutional challenge
          P-D:  Lawmakers begin to tackle Real ID conundrum
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers consider Real ID changes
          Missourinet:  Missouri House advances ethics bills;  Democrats complain they were blocked out
          The Missouri Times:  Revolving-door legislation perfected by House;  McCreery adds more ethics language
          The Missouri Times:  Travel expenses ethics bill to be voted on by House today
          The Missouri Times:  Personal-disclosure bill perfected by House
          The Missouri Times:  Legislator-consultant ban bill advances
          CDT:  House approves Rowden bill imposing waiting period before officials may lobby X
          AP:  One-year lobbying ban for Missouri lawmakers moves forward
          KWMU:  Ethics bills receive first-round approval in Missouri House
          CDT:  Fuel tax increase wins favor from industry groups X
          Missourinet:  Discussion of fuel-tax hikes resumes in Missouri Capitol
          The Missouri Times:  Gas tax bill gets first committee hearing
          AP:  Missouri business groups voice support for gas tax hike
          KWMU:  Fuel-tax hike being considered by Missouri Senate committee
          CDT:  Curators begin charting course to find next UM System president X
          KC Star:  Race protests at Mizzou will stunt freshman enrollment +
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) one of five Republicans sponsoring bill to end death penalty +
          CDT:  Attorneys argue skull-bashing murderer's case before appellate panel X
          P-D:  Missouri lawmakers respond with legislation to 'secretive' state land purchases
          P-D:  Lawmakers hear testimony on Schmitt's bill further limiting municipal court revenue
          KTVI (St. Louis):  Eric Schmitt leads push in Jefferson City to cap revenue cities and towns can collect from fines
          The Missouri Times:  Schmitt continuing municipal-courts overhaul, points to Pagedale
          AP:  Missouri legislation would further limit fines cities keep
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate committee vote cancelled on stadium bill
          KWMU:  For some, the NFL's departure from St. Louis is a 'gut punch;'  Comments from Alderman Jack Coatar, Sen. Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph), others
          AP:  Slay:  No interest in trying again on NFL
          P-D:  Consensus among regional leaders:  St. Louis is done with professional football
          AP:  Q&A about Rams' move to Los Angeles
          The Missouri Times:  Noranda to lay off 530 employees;  Ameren expected to ask PSC for rate increase
          SE Missourian:  Noranda to lay off 350;  Plant may halt operations +
          P-D:  Noranda slashing over half of smelter workforce, may close plant
          P-D:  State Auditor Nicole Galloway says Winfield exceeded state cap on traffic ticket revenue
          AP:  Koster says people who bought Macaroni Grill gift cards can seek refunds
          KWMU:  St. Louis earnings tax likely to headline April election in the city
          JCNT:  Ferguson Commission Co-Chair Starsky Wilson outlines racial-disparity fixes:  Expanding Medicaid, forcing businesses to pay a higher minimum wage, etc. +
          KWMU:  2015 St. Louis City crime numbers show few surprises;  North City neighborhoods rack up highest homicide totals
          KC Star editorial:  Full accreditation must top list for next Kansas City schools leader +
          P-D editorial:  Money talked. The Rams head west. Now what, St. Louis?
          KC Star's Lewis Diuguid:  St. Louis' loss of Rams will lead diehard fans to Kansas City to enjoy the Chiefs +
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  Don't let King Rex Sinquefield kill Kansas City's earnings tax +
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield man says pro-gun state legislators lack courage to allow weapons in Capitol
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 13
       
KWMU:  SOTU reaction:  Blunt, Cleaver
          St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill pushes student loan debt relief X
          Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal:  McCaskill reacts to Iran taking U.S. Navy personnel hostage X
          Drebes:  Robin Carnahan scissors old campaign committee, donates remaining funds to her new PAC, Democracy 2.0
          The Missouri Times:  'Right to work' advocacy campaign ends first ad campaign against Republican incumbents
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Rep. Gina Mitten (D-St. Louis) on campaign finance restrictions, Mayor Francis Slay on urbanites' prolific 2015 homicide performance +
          JCNT:  Missouri Dept. of Social Services works on welfare verification system X
          JCNT:  Medicaid waiver proposed to treat mental illness X
          The Missouri Times:  Voter photo ID moves out of first committee
          Missourinet:  Bills to create Missouri voter photo ID system advance in House
          KWMU:  Missouri House committee passes voter ID bills
          P-D:  Missouri House panel approves voter ID bill
          AP:  Missouri voter photo ID measures pass House committee
          Missourinet:  Proposed abortion regulation changes challenged in Missouri hearing
          The Missouri Times:  Committee hears Onder's bill on abortion regulations
          AP:  Senators review bill to ban fetal-tissue donations
          CDT:  Lawmakers hear bill to increase regulation of abortion clinics, doctors X
          P-D:  Goodbye, St. Louis Rams;  next stop, LA
          KWMU:  It's over:  Kroenke is moving the Rams to Los Angeles
          Missourinet:  Nixon's statement on vote by NFL owners
          Missourinet:  Stadium task force releases statement on #NFL decision to allow Rams to move to LA
          The Missouri Times:  Rams set to leave St. Louis;  Stadium proponents disappointed
          KWMU:  UM curators set to begin presidential search
          CDT:  Curators to discuss search for next UM System president X
          CDT:  Fewer freshmen apply to MU;  officials expect enrollment decrease X
          SNL:  MSU legislative priorities:  6 percent funding increase, more X
          Missourinet:  Proposal from Sen. Jay Wasson (R-Nixa) aims to close gap on Missouri's school funding shortfall
          AP:  St. Louis schools improve, but not enough for accreditation
          P-D:  Ferguson Commission and St. Louis Public Schools share common reform goals;  Leaders say racial disparities are a shame, everyone must work together, the time to act is "now," etc.
          KWMU:  Riverview Gardens accreditation status raises questions
          P-D:  State Board of Education sets goals for Riverview Gardens schools
          AP:  Riverview Gardens could get accreditation upgrade in June
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) and husband Reg say city is acquiring their land unfairly +
          KWMU:  Galloway announces audits of Ferguson, Pine Lawn municipal courts
          Missourinet:  Federal Court to hear arguments today on Ernest Lee Johnson's death sentence;  Lawyers for man who bashed three skulls with a hammer say pentobarbital might cause their client pain
          KWMU:  SLU's Keon Gilbert teams with Maryland's Rashawn Ray, offers solutions to reduce number of black males killed by police:  More spending on "mental and preventative health services," weakening stand-your-ground laws for the law-abiding, etc.
          SNL op-ed:  Billy Long:  Putting the Ozarks first in the 114th Congress X
          Priddy:  Illustrating the closing of a campaign-finance loophole, using Disney characters
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Ethics bills worthless unless campaign contributions are limited
          Helling:  Voters' voices were never heard in St. Louis stadium push +
          CDT op-ed:  MU faculty make a bad case worse;  Colleagues look foolish trying to defend Melissa Click X
          Messenger:  NAACP/ACLU lawsuit over Ferg-Flor at-large voting districts draws attention to race issues
          P-D letter:  Black sorority rep weighs in on Nixon, Legislature and school-funding formula
          P-D letter:  St. Ann woman dislikes Korman's proposal on lawmaker-lobbyist intercoursing
          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, January 12
       
SNL:  Ahead of Obama speech, McCaskill, Blunt, and Billy Long lay out their legislative agendas X
          KWMU:  McCaskill chooses Howard University student as SOTU guest;  Sable Givens chosen to symbolize struggle of adults who choose to borrow large sums of money and are expected to pay it back
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Jason Smith's SCRUB Act seeks to scrap burdensome regulations +
          P-D:  McCaskill, three other female senators to appear in Iowa for Hillary Clinton
          KC Star:  McCaskill headed to Iowa to campaign for Clinton +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local gun owners react to Obama X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Cleaver on lack of "anti-murder" sentiment;  Hanaway, Greitens on ethics;  Ron Richard on senators' predictable election-year speechifying +
          P-D:  St. Louis cancer expert takes trip to D.C., is one of 15 granted the honor of talking with Joe Biden staffers
          Brownfield Ag News:  Nixon named chairman of national Governors' Biofuels Coalition
          Columbia Missourian:  Tobacco tax proposals seek to buck trend of defeats on previous ballots
          The Missouri Times:  Texts from the Trail:  The Expectations Game:  Setting fundraising targets for statewide and state legislative candidates;  More
          Drebes:  Readers' Poll:  Jeff City Life:  Best place for lunch, best place to have a drink and not see other people, more
          Rosenbaum:  Do Missouri lawmakers have the political fortitude to pass a transportation tax hike?
          AP:  Cheap gas, federal action boost Missouri transportation plan

          Missourinet:  Four ethics proposals advance in Missouri House
          KC Star:  Missouri House moves on ethics bills +
          KWMU:  House committee passes 4 ethics bills;  GOP gov candidates Hanaway, Greitens among those weighing in
          CDT:  Ethics bills clear committee despite criticism over lack of campaign limits X
          The Missouri Times:  Lobbying bills referred from committee
          AP:  Missouri House panel OKs 'cooling-off' period for legislators
          P-D:  Current Missouri lawmakers exempt themselves from lobbying ban
          Missourinet:  Missouri House committee to hear voter ID proposals today
          Missourinet:  Missouri House and Senate to hold hearings on abortion today
          CDT:  Josh Hawley, Kurt Schaefer spar over impact of Planned Parenthood investigation X
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Right to Life announces priority legislation
          Missourinet:  Lawmakers want to reject increase on Missouri ag land property values
          The Missouri Times:  NRA-ILA releases bills to watch:  Various "pro-gun" bills from GOP reps across Missouri, three "anti-gun" proposals from Richmond Heights' Stacey Newman (D)
          CDT:  Education advocates eye bills in General Assembly;  Thoughts from Missouri NEA's Otto Fajen, Missouri School Boards' Association's Brent Ghan X
          KWMU:  Accreditation consideration:  Riverview Gardens, St. Louis Public Schools top state school board agenda
          P-D:  St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Kelvin Adams passed over for L.A. job
          P-D:  NAACP, ACLU take aim at at-large elections;  Groups say black candidates' failure to win shows system's bias
          Missourinet:  Limits on TANF handouts could encourage more Missourians to give to food pantries;  Thoughts trom Missouri Association for Social Welfare/Empower Missouri's Jeanette Mott Oxford
          KWMU:  Slay names Crime Commission members as crime numbers come out;  Panel includes STL City schools supe Kelvin Adams, Mack Bradley, Missy Kelley, security director for Cardinals, more
          P-D:  St. Louis crime increased in 2015
          KC Star:  Amid deadly start to new year, Kansas City task force prepares to tackle violence +
          P-D:  Posthumous profile:  Brian Fletcher displayed passion for Ferguson when criticism of the city was most intense
          KC Star editorial:  U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D) must get over his preference for pork +
          P-D editorial:  Missouri laws limiting taxpayer-funded benefits for the poor and unworking are "truly shameful"
          CDT's Waters:  Road money:  It's a disgrace that the Legislature won't do anything substantial X
          P-D op-ed:  Waterways Council President Michael Toohey:  Commentary about river report card fails to concentrate on facts
          SNL letter:  Springfield woman writes to Columbia paper to criticize Springfield state Rep. Eric Burlison X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman says state and federal elected officials are greedy, we need people to represent the interests of the public, etc.
          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, January 11
       
KWMU:  Attacks question how Blunt, Kander conduct their offices
          Politico:  U.S. Senate race ranked 9th most likely to change hands
          KWMU:  After record-breaking floods, how to prevent the next one isn't clear
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Todd Richardson;  Panel of David Jackson, Jason Rosenbaum, David Barklage, Mark Milton discuss proposed state campaign-finance and lobbyist-gift overhauls, St. Louis stadium issue, more
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Sen. Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan) talks with Mannies & Rosenbaum about support for raising fuel tax, flood preparations, constituents' lack of interest in changing campaign-finance laws, more
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Catherine Hanaway visits with area farmers +
          Drebes:  Tom Dempsey gives $60k to St. Charles committee;  Group gave $2,500 to Anne Zerr
          AP:  With several elected officials running for higher office, legislative forecast calls for heavy bloviating
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri NAACP elects new president for first time in decades
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) on proposed cooling-off period for departing legislators +
          P-D:  Missouri House members to sit through 47-slide sexual harassment PowerPoint presentation
          KMZU (Carrollton):  GOP Sens. Dan Hegeman, Rob Schaaf talk transportation funding
          Washington Missourian:  Right to carry on campus, sales tax breaks for firearms discussed by lawmakers
          Drebes:  New pre-filed bills:  GOP opposition to death penalty;  Caller ID spoofing
          Columbia Missourian:  MU reports fewer students applying for fall
          KWMU:  ACLU sues Ferguson-Florissant School District, says at-large districts discriminate against black candidates
          KWMU:  Does the NFL have a future in St. Louis?  We'll find out this week.
          Missourinet:  Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights) proposes another gun-control bill
          P-D:  Former Ferguson Mayor Brian Fletcher dies
          JCNT editorial:  Missouri's amnesty policy helps collect taxes, but coddles and coaxes scofflaws X
          P-D editorial:  We all favor better policing, but the goals must be realistic
          KC Star editorial:  Voters should renew an earnings tax that's critical to Kansas City's future +
          Priddy:  Reporters should have a table on the floor of the Senate, and should feel free to grab senators as they come off the floor
          JCNT letter:  Area woman says roads should be funded by those who use them, not just smokers X
          JCNT letter:  Area seasoned citizen mocks Diehl, LeVota, other "frat boys" X
          JCNT letter:  Area beef producer opposes checkoff 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, January 10
       
The Hill:  Republicans say State of the Union response is an outdated vehicle;  Comments from Billy Long
        JCNT:  Obama's gun control executive orders not universally welcomed X
        KC Star:  KC gun show bustles in wake of Obama's move for more background checks;  Vietnam vet:  "You know who the world's best gun salesman is?  Barack Obama." +
        P-D:  Emanuel Cleaver uses opening address at MLK event to criticize Donald Trump:  "We're more anti-Muslim than we are anti-murder."
        P-D:  North St. Louis City registers first homicide of the year;  Man on porch offers advice to witness:  "Say less, man. Say less."
        P-D:  North St. Louis City's Gwendolyn Webb, Spanish Lake's Alkesha Anderson charged with stealing Missouri child-care funds
        KMOX:  St. Louis Clergy Coalition, Lacy Clay launch petition drive to keep NGA in North St. Louis City
        Belleville News-Democrat:  Democrat Durbin, Republican Kirk making direct pleas to decisionmaker in NGA case;  Durbin says IL leads on merits, with MO relying on emotional revitalize-our-downtrodden-area plea
        P-D:  Nimrod "Rod" Chapel to serve as new president of Missouri NAACP
        Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Area students visit D.C., get White House visit with Rep. Jason Smith +
        KWMU:  VA program gives St. Louis vets direct access to opiate antidote
        KMWU:  Cold, high water volume lessen environmental impact of historic floods
        P-D:  As the river water recedes, calls for new approaches rise
        The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics teaser:  Guest Todd Richardson;  Panel of Jason Rosenbaum, David Jackson, David Barklage, state rep candidate Mark Milton (R)
        KC Star:  Paul LeVota creates new campaign committee +
        CDT:  Cathy Richards self-reports campaign violation;  Boone County official running in Dem primary for Webber's seat sent campaign message in county envelope X
        SE Missourian:  Kinder, Hanaway favor freeing highway-patrol money for roads, bridges +
        JCNT:  MoDOT, lawmakers look at funding options for improving state's highways X
        JCNT:  Nixon proposes shorter legislative sessions as part of ethics bill X
        CDT:  Bill from Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) aims to prevent mistaken arrests on old warrants X
        SNL:  How the Missouri school funding formula works X
        SNL:  Why school funding cap was removed and the problems it created X
        SNL:  Full funding of schools this year?  Probably not. X
        SE Missourian:  Fewer-class-periods series:  Part one:  Fewer class periods at Cape aim to boost pay +
        P-D:  NFL's Goodell:  St. Louis stadium plan inadequate, NFL won't step in to block Rams move
        JCNT editorial:  Galloway's audit shows that follow-through is needed to lift Missouri Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board's "sub-par" performance X
        KC Star editorial:  Surge in murders, violent crimes demands new strategies;  KC urbanites take early 5-1 homicide lead over cross-state counterparts +
        CDT's Waters:  Republicans will forget about Melissa Click and Janna Basler soon, and busy themselves with other nonsense X
        Columbia Missourian's Maggie Walter:  Columbia Missourian's "Show Me the Errors" contest underscores editorial staff's humility, sense of humor in acknowledging mistakes
        Twitter:  KC Star editorial board fixes yesterday's "Ron Richards [sic]" typo without acknowledgment
        Disclosure


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        Saturday, January 9
       
KC Star:  Jeff Roe moves from Kansas City to national stage +
          P-D:  McCaskill, Blunt differed on key votes in 2015
          P-D:  Area delegation's votes for the week
          P-D:  Mayor Francis Slay to visit New Hampshire, show support for Hillary Clinton
          Missourinet:  Missouri to receive emergency money for post-flood road repairs
          P-D:  Feds grant $1 million in road assistance for Missouri flooding
          AP:  Missouri receives $1 million for road, bridge repairs after floods
          AP:  Most Missouri Guardsmen return home after flood fight
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens makes more noise with criticism of Koster
          Drebes:  The new Paul LeVota campaign-cash vehicle
          Washington Missourian:  Rep. Dave Hinson (R-St. Clair) to run for Franklin County Commission
          P-D:  Dave Hinson to run for Franklin County Commission
          CDT:  Boone County Public Administrator Cathy Richards enters Democratic primary for Stephen Webber's House seat X
          CDT:  Incoming Muleskinners president pushes for a less white, less old membership;  Group considers that midday meeting times might not be ideal for people who work for a living X
          Gateway Journalism Review:  Ten years after Pulitzer:  Staff cuts, declining circulation, low morale;  How the Post-Dispatch drives good journalists away
          P-D:  New Post-Dispatch editorial page editor Tod Robberson describes himself as a "centrist"
          KC Star:  Meet the "Midwest Voices" columnists for 2016:  Community organizer, social worker, self-described "millennial progressive," self-described "humanitarian" immigration lawyer, self-described defender of "the vulnerable," etc. +
          AP:  Old driver's license?  You can still fly for two more years.
          P-D:  In ethics conversation, lawmakers disagree over length of "cooling off" period
          CDT:  Senate studying contempt proceedings against Planned Parenthood X
          Missourinet:  Record Powerball jackpot powering other Missouri games, education
          The Missouri Times:  Q&A with Sen. Gary Romine (R-Farmington) about ASARCO settlement and Oregon County land purchase
          P-D:  After race histrionics, early indicators show downward trend in Mizzou enrollment
          AP:  Trial in suit against Ferguson-Florissant district;  NAACP unhappy with at-large school board elections, in which voters elected Caucasoids to five of seven seats
          KWMU:  Stadium task force refutes Rams' claim abouts about rent, revenue
          P-D:  Task force lambastes Kroenke for 'cruel attack'
          KWMU:  Annotating Stan Kroenke's 'love letter' to St. Louis
          P-D editorial:  Legislature should pass ethics overhaul
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri General Assembly has a lot to prove as 2016 session begins;  Thoughts on Speaker Todd Richardson, "Ron Richards [sic]", more Update:  "Ron Richards" corrected Saturday morning without attribution
          JCNT editorial:  You can help improve Missouri's traffic-fatality rate;  Try to not die this year. X
          CDT's Waters:  Ethics proposals and reality X
          P-D letter:  St. Charles woman opposes 'right to work'
          Disclosure


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        Friday, January 8
       
KWMU:  Hillary Clinton, Chris Christie to top presidential ballots in Missouri
          KC Star:  Cleaver wants to bring back earmarks, putting him at odds with McCaskill +
          AP:  McCaskill calls for tax relief after Missouri flooding
          CDT:  Taxpayers to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students at seven Columbia schools - regardless of whether students qualify for free and reduced-price meals X
          SE Missourian:  Helping hands vs. sticky fingers:  the lowdown on flood looting +
          The Missouri Times:  Blunt speech may bolster focus on Missouri's ports
          The Missouri Times:  Blunt speaks to House on mental health, transportation
          AP:  Blunt speaks to Missouri House
          P-D:  Annual MLK kick-off program held tomorrow at Harris-Stowe;  University of Missouri interim president Mike Middleton to be handed award;  Emanuel Cleaver to speak;  Choir from unaccredited Normandy High School to sing
          The Missouri Times:  Eric Greitens attacks ethics reform push from both sides
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Greitens pokes at Nixon's ethics stance;  Richardson on House-cleaning plans +
          AP:  Paul LeVota moves more than $100K from his campaign committee to PAC
          CDT:  State senate opponents Caleb Rowden, Stephen Webber clash on road funding during Chamber event X
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Dave Hinson (R-St. Clair) will not seek re-election, will run for county commission
          Drebes:  Brendan Cossette headed to Missouri Chamber to become new COO
          SE Missourian:  Local changes uncertain as Real ID deadline approaches +
          KWMU:  Missouri driver's licenses do not meet federal security requirements;  Commercial air travel not affected
          AP:  Nixon wants license law changed
          Missourinet:  Missouri bill calls sexual relations with lobbyists a gift;  Recreational intercoursing would be reported to Missouri Ethics Commission
          CDT:  Bill requires reporting sex between lawmakers and lobbyists on ethics forms X
          AP:  Missouri bill calls for reporting of lobbyist, lawmaker sex
          Missourinet:  Little legislative support for splitting Missouri Water and Highway Patrols
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) files Sunshine Law request for St. Louis and Kansas City earnings tax data
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court to consider unemployment bill veto override
          The Missouri Times:  SOS office receives "good" rating on audit, corrects overpayment
          The Missouri Times:  Jeff Mizanskey visits Capitol to thank legislators
          P-D:  Nixon responds to Kroenke's proposal to move the Rams to Los Angeles
          P-D:  Slay to NFL's Goodell:  'I cannot ever remember meeting Stan Kroenke'
          KC Star:  Mayor Sly James talks about his city's gun violence on 'Nightline' +
          SE Missourian:  Commissioners call for city to pay $67,200 to Kathy Swan and her husband for land +
          P-D:  Ameren bills to drop as efficiency program ends
          KC Star:  Bipartisan vote provides reporters new space from which to cover Missouri Senate +
          P-D:  In bipartisan vote, senators provide reporters new working space
          Missourinet:  Press corps to move off the Missouri Senate floor
          KWMU:  In bipartisan move, Senate votes to provide reporters space in gallery
          AP:  Missouri Senate moves reporters off floor
          JCNT editorial:  Legislators giving lots of lip service to ethics, again X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Unclear if Missouri legislators have the intestinal fortitude to pass ethics legislation X
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Not much middle ground in gun-law debate X
          P-D op-ed:  Community Builders Network's Thomas J. Pickel:  Energy efficient affordable housing:  An opportunity Missouri must not miss
          Messenger:  99 problems, and Kroenke ain't one
          Messenger:  Video:  Missouri Senate vs. the press
          KC Star letter:  Area woman says white males' desire to own guns fueled by bigoted white supremacy +
          Disclosure


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        Thursday, January 7
       
The Hill:  Blunt, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) propose bipartisan bill to boost mental health funding
          KFVS (Cape Girardeau):  Blunt visits Southeast Missouri State to highlight NIH funding, talk flood
          KOLR:  Blunt visits Springfield, celebrates increase in cancer funding
          Kirksville Daily Express:  Blunt meets with local leaders on mental health
          Politico:  Democrats mine Pentagon files for dirt on Blunt, other GOP senators
          Missourinet:  Congressional Republicans support bill to repeal Obamacare, defund Planned Parenthood
          KWMU:  'Operation Recovery' to remove 500,000 tons of flood debris from St. Louis area
          Missourinet:  State lawmakers talk Missouri flooding as 2016 session begins
          The Missouri Times:  Jay Hahn, Whit O'Daniel announce new government relations firm
          Missourinet:  Videos:  Missouri legislative leaders' opening-day remarks
          The Missouri Times:  Speaker Todd Richardson delivers opening day address
          Missourinet:  Missouri House, Senate GOP plan to work closely in '16 session
          AP:  Legislature starts session under new leadership
          KWMU:  Jefferson City opening day notes;  moving quickly on ethics legislation and other priorities
          Missourinet:  Ethics bills to take lead out of the gate in Missouri legislative session
          JCNT:  Fast start predicted at Capitol;  Debate on ethics overhaul could start next week X
          Columbia Missourian:  Ethics overhaul at top of agenda for state lawmakers
          KC Star:  Ethics bill defines sex between lobbyists, lawmakers as a gift +
          KC Star:  Senate to give staff more room to work on Senate floor;  Journalists can watch Senate proceedings from public gallery +
          KWMU:  Missouri lawmakers begin annual state budget battles
          CDT:  Possible fuel tax increase one of top budget issues as lawmakers begin session X
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmakers studying Real ID issue
          P-D:  Missouri driver's licenses still valid to enter federal courthouse;  U.S. Marshal's office is not changing procedures in response to Real ID
          Columbia Missourian:  Bills face complex path to becoming law;  A look at last year's plastic-bag/minimum-wage mash-up
          CDT:  Session preview:  Democrats criticize Schaefer's criticism of MU;  Minority party suggests statewide candidate might be grandstanding in an election year X
          CDT:  Some MU faculty counter calls for Melissa Click's removal with letter of support X
          The Missouri Times:  State legislators react to Obama gun proposal
          P-D:  St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Kelvin Adams on short list to lead L.A. schools
          KWMU:  St. Louis Public Schools supe mentioned in search for L.A. job
          KWMU:  'Not a 3 professional team market.' Why the Rams want to leave St. Louis
          KWMU:  Mayor Slay on Rams' bid for L.A.:  'Make no mistake - St. Louis is a great city, a great sports town'
          P-D:  St. Louis to Kroenke:  You're 'preposterous'
          Columbia Missourian:  2015 deaths in Missouri vehicle crashes highest since 2009
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Ellington on grand juries and police-involved shootings +
          The Missouri Times:  Nasheed, Dogan, ACLU team up to fight police profiling
          Missourinet:  ACLU, "Don't Shoot Coalition" back police-profiling bill
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Mannies & Rosenbaum have a chat with St. Louis City Alderman Cara Spencer on restricting guns, city earnings tax, more
          JCNT editorial:  GOP call for Melissa Click's scalp is a good example of political posturing X
          P-D editorial:  Silent Stan unloads, offers to show NFL the money
          Priddy:  Retired scribe offers sarcasm on Kurt Schaefer, guns on campus, more
          KC Star's Mary Sanchez:  If Missouri legislators pick off Melissa Click, it's not a win for education +
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Insight into legislative session:  There are a number of issues, and Rex Sinquefield will attempt to persuade legislators, and there will be a lot to write about
          KC Star letter:  Man who chooses to live in Kansas criticizes Missouri's occupational licensing regulations +
          Disclosure


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        Wednesday, January 6   Missouri General Assembly Opening Day
       
KMOX:  Obama weeps during gun-control speech;  Comments from Blunt, Clay
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt, Graves react to Obama's gun proposal X
          KCUR:  Blunt talks guns, health research during KC stop
          Missourinet:  Congressional delegation reacts to President's orders on gun control
          KC Star:  KC Mayor Sly James weighs in on Obama proposals, says, "There are no gun laws in this state" +
          KWMU:  List of Missouri gun laws:  Concealed-carry application regulations;  rules on owning, selling and transporting firearms;  other Missouri gun laws
          SNL:  Greene County Sheriff scoffs at Obama's 'knee-jerk' executive action on guns X
          The Missouri Times:  GOP gubernatorial candidates chime in on potential gun control actions
          SE Missourian:  Cape Girardeau man federally indicted on food-stamp fraud charges;  Convenience store owner redeemed $800,000 in SNAP handouts +
          SE Missourian:  Homeowners, companies gear up for flood cleanup efforts +
          KC Star:  Kurt Schaefer, Josh Hawley spar over Iranian militant group +
          Drebes:  Help Wanted:  Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence seeks communications coordinator
          Drebes:  MoScout Readers Poll on Lobbyists:  Most Effective, Happy Warrior, Lovable Curmudgeon, Best Superhero Duo, more
          KWMU:  Legislative session preview:  Contribution limits;  Regulating how and when departing legislators can use their skillset to earn a living;  Guns;  Transportation;  More
          AP:  Legislative session preview:  One-sentence summaries of key topics
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Speaker Todd Richardson optimistic about session's productivity;  MSTA's Bruce Moe on teacher pay +
          CDT:  Nixon makes ethics top priority for his final legislative session X
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon enthused, but wary, on proposed lobbying changes
          KC Star:  Nixon renews call for legislative ethics overhaul +
          Columbia Missourian:  Ethics overhaul at top of agenda for state lawmakers
          AP:  Nixon says ethics changes should be priority this session
          JCNT:  Nixon:  2016 is the year for ethics reform +
          AP:  Nixon supports bill to raise Missouri gas tax 1.5 cents
          SNL:  Lawmakers:  Road funding a top priority for session X
          AP:  Missouri general revenue up for first half of budget year
          Missourinet:  Missouri amnesty program will bring in $35 million in back taxes
          AP:  Nixon says state tax amnesty program will bring in $35 million this year for health care
          Missourinet:  Nixon opposes splitting Missouri water, highway patrols
          CDT:  Subpoena fight sets tone for legislative debate on abortion X
          KC Star:  Group of University of Missouri faculty members defend colleague who verbally assaulted minority journalist +
          KWMU:  Galloway investigating small business advocacy board
          Missourinet:  Kroenke lays out details as to why it's time for Rams to leave St. Louis - and it's harsh
          SNL:  Springfield Public Schools names office building for former Sen. Roseann Bentley (R) X
          KWMU:  Nasheed, Dogan propose major overhaul of state traffic stop data
          AP:  Missouri measure seeks to address policing "bias"
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) files bill to forbid grand juries from hearing police cases
          SE Missourian editorial:  Neighbors, infrastructure help fight flood;  A positive, optimistic look at flood preparations and recovery +
          JCNT editorial:  Applying new federal law to local schools X
          Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal editorial:  State has obligation to fully fund schools X
          P-D op-ed:  Rep. Deb Lavender (D-Kirkwood):  Thoughts on economic woes, fear of gunfire, Star Wars' depiction of women, other aspects of the female struggle
          P-D op-ed:  Washington University senior lecture [sic] Michael Gordinier:  Permit holders should be allowed to carry guns on college campuses
          KC Star letter:  KC man attempts analogy:  Legislators opposing contribution limits are like Bill Cosby drugging and raping women +
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County woman says editorial board opposes woe-is-me culture only when a white male shows entitlement
          P-D letter:  St. Charles man responds to victim-culture editorial, says editorial board can manage to blame anything on white male Republicans
          Disclosure


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        Tuesday, January 5   Session Eve
       
KMIZ:  Blunt visits Jefferson City;  Junior senator discusses GOP disagreements on REAL ID, flooding, his push for more mental-health funding
          KWMU:  Outgoing director says access is better at St. Louis VA, but needs to be monitored
          Missourinet:  Many roads re-open in Missouri, but flooding expected could lead to closures
          SE Missourian:  Area counties begin to assess flood damage +
          CDT:  Initiative petitions might force lawmakers into action on ethics overhaul X
          The Missouri Times:  Texts from the Trail column:  Brunner's hefty check to himself makes it clear it's 'game on;'  a look at recent entrants into state legislative races
          The Missouri Times:  In-depth series on statewide candidates:  Catherine Hanaway, Missouri's Red-State Architect:  Insight from Chuck Caisley, Carl Bearden, former Reps. Larry Crawford (R) and Esther Haywood (D), more
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Steve Roberts Jr.;  Son of St. Louis City real estate figure to run in primary for Kim Gardner's safe Democratic seat
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Nick Schroer:  Brother-in-law of Rep. Robert Cornejo (R) to run in primary for Ron Hick's safe Republican seat
          P-D:  Dean Plocher, Republican filling Diehl's vacated seat, to be sworn in tomorrow
          Rosenbaum:  Richardson looks to defy legislative expectations;  Dems, Republicans, and the Speaker himself preview Poplar Bluff native's first full session as leader
          KWMU:  Reporters Jo Mannies and Marshall Griffin, along with UMSL's Terry Jones, preview the legislative session
          KC Star:  Legislative-session preview:  Overview of top issues +
          JCNT:  Nixon sets Jan. 20 for State of the State X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Sen. Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis) talks with journoduo about Webber vs. Rowden, voter ID, stadium funding, uncompassionate nature of proposed "cooling-off" livelihood-restriction proposals, more
          Missourinet:  Rep. Dianne Franklin (R-Camdenton) proposes reversing merger of Missouri Highway and Water patrols
          The Missouri Times:  Franklin pre-files bill to re-establish water patrol
          KC Star:  Franklin files bill to reverse merger of water patrol into Highway Patrol +
          JCNT:  Franklin files bill to re-establish State Water Patrol X
          The Missouri Times:  Republican legislators demand termination of MU professor for role in protests;  Melissa Click was caught on video verbally assaulting minority journalist
          Columbia Missourian:  State lawmakers want 2 of MU staff fired for protest actions;  Caucasoid females Melissa Click, Janna Basler commited macroaggressions against minority student
          CDT:  Lawmakers call for termination of Mizzou prof, Student Life employee for behavior caught on camera;  Lawmakers poke at prof's academic focus on BDSM chick lit, poppy topics X
          AP:  GOP lawmakers want Mizzou professor fired for threatening minority journalist
          SNL:  In wake of report showing "no credible evidence" of discrimination, Missouri State University's top black official says he'll go away;  School officials say breakup was mutual X
          JCNT:  Missouri State Teacher's Association says MO teachers rank 42nd in pay X
          AP:  Bill from Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) would criminalize using drugs while pregnant
          AP:  GOP-led panel wants Planned Parenthood leader held in contempt for refusing to share documents
          The Missouri Times:  Schupp criticizes Schaefer over Sanctity of Life recommendations
          P-D:  Red-light camera ban up for debate by Missouri lawmakers
          KWMU:  It's official:  The St. Louis Rams want to move to Los Angeles
          Missourinet:  Rams apply to move from St. Louis to Los Angeles
          P-D:  Rams apply for move to L.A.
          SNL:  Springfield woman says gun rights prevented tragedy;  Knife-wielding ruffian threatened woman and her children at gas station - until the miscreant was run off by legally-armed husband X
          Missourinet:  Five killed in Missouri crashes over New Year's weekend
          Missourinet:  Traffic fatalities, drownings increase in Missouri in 2015
          P-D editorial:  A river city perpetually surprised by floods should wise up
          CDT's Waters:  GOP voter ID bill will help suppress turnout among minorities, the poors and the olds X
          KC Star's Mary Sanchez:  Proposal from Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis City) and Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin) seeks more data on police bias, but numbers don't fix problems +
          Disclosure


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        Monday, January 4
       
Missourinet:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith:  flood protection along Mississippi is adequate, but more needs to be done
          P-D:  Recovery underway in wake of holidays marred by flooding
          AP:  Missouri assesses damage, cleanup after flood
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Blunt on historic flooding +
          STLBJ:  Missouri health exchange enrollment topping last year's figures
          AP:  Survey gives continuing signs of economic doldrums in Missouri, other Midwest states
          KC Star:  Tobacco companies line up on both sides of Missouri tax debate +
          KWMU:  Q&A with Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard:  Value of PQ to shut off filibusters;  role of Senate sobriety in tempering House actions;  colleagues obsessed with staring at their phones and managing their social-media images instead of working;  more
          AP:  Legislators submit ethics proposals, again;  Nixon says overhaul of rules could totally happen this year
          Columbia Missourian:  PolitiFact:  Will Kraus' statement on voter fraud, made during appearance on Scott Faughn's This Week in Missouri Politics, rated "Half True"
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Rep. Pat Conway (D-St. Joseph) on "living wage" proposals:  More than $9/hr. not realistic "unless we do a progressive increase" X
          Missourinet:  Groups discuss more control for videos of Missouri child sex abuse victims in court cases
          The Maneater:  After stepping down as chancellor, Loftin isn't dwelling on the past
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Missouri Department of Conservation wants decent citizens to report poachers;  Comments from area conservation agent
          KC Star:  Jolie Justus announces meeting of anti-violence task force +
          P-D:  A look at the child victims of St. Louis City's record-breaking 2015 homicide season
          P-D editorial:  St. Louis City should forget about funding stadium, and focus on providing city employees paid family leave
          Priddy:  Meaningful ethics overhaul unlikely to happen
          Messenger:  Lawmakers target Tilley as ethics debate is revived in Missouri;  A look at contributions to Democrats, Republicans
          P-D letter:  Ohio man offers Missouri a sandbag-filling tip:  Use machines manned by prisoners
          JCNT letter:  Area octogenarian says Missouri GOP stance on Medicaid is "inconsiderate," cites "known fact" that over 100,000 veterans in Missouri can't afford health insurance X
          P-D letter:  Maryland Heights woman dislikes Rep. Jered Taylor's (R-Nixa) proposal for gun-tax holiday, suggests diaper-tax holiday to benefit poor tykes
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood woman says more guns lead to more murder, suggests pro-gun state legislators have problems with their "hearts and minds and souls"
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County resident says Rams owners should not count on stadium funding
          Disclosure


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        Sunday, January 3
       
Missourinet:  Nixon requests federal emergency declaration for historic flooding in Missouri
          Missourinet:  President signs emergency decaration to assist with Missouri flood relief
          KWMU:  President declares state of emergency in Missouri
          SE Missourian:  River slowly retreats after setting record in Cape +
          Kraske:  Unlike his performance in Ferguson, Nixon appears fully engaged in flooding crisis +
          JCNT:  Legislative preview:  Lawmakers to invade Capitol on Wednesday;  Issues will include transportation, ethics overhaul, Planned Parenthood X
          JCNT:  Area state senators list legislative priorities X
          JCNT:  Area state reps list legislative priorities X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Legislative preview:  Lawmakers to consider gas tax ideas X
          CDT:  Legislative preview:  GOP and 'right to work' prospects;  Ballot initiatives targeted at campaign contributions, size of the Legislature and more;  Predictions of statewide-candidate showboating;  More X
          AP:  Legislative preview:  Missouri, other states to consider wide variety of issues in their Legislatures:  Guns, Planned Parenthood, LGBTQIA rights, police body cameras
          JCNT:  Lawmakers facing 'REAL ID' challenge X
          SNL:  Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) wants to add criminal penalties for drug use during pregnancy X
          JCNT:  New education act promises more local control;  Comments from DESE's Chris Neale, others X
          KWMU:  Music therapists' 5-year push for state certification continues
          JCNT:  Fulton State Hospital project on budget, schedule;  Comments from Office of Administration's Ryan Burns X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  From TANF cuts to limiting unemployment benefits, state Republican proposals are reasonable and defensible - but GOP leaders must be more vocal X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Gas-tax debate to begin - and current proposals aren't nearly enough X
          JCNT editorial:  Ridiculous number of initiative petitions gradually is dismantling representative government X
          P-D editorial:  When everyone's a victim, no one is a victim;  Mizzou protesters' caterwauling over "safe space" - in the middle of a public university - is one example
          McClellan:  2016 predictions:  Jeb Bush carries Missouri over Hillary Clinton;  Koster over Hanaway;  Rams leave St. Louis;  Obama makes sure Illinois takes NGA away from Missouri
          Messenger:   North Side location could bring NGA history full circle
          KC Star's Steve Rose:  Survey examines Missourians' views on climate change topics +
          SNL op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Joseph Miller:  Drivers should pay for new Missouri highways X
          P-D op-ed:  Solving racial tension in Missouri:  University City man believes that children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way
          SE Missourian:  Area man says national Republicans have not been conservative about spending, credits state GOP leaders for "holding the line" on spending +
          P-D letter:  American Cancer Society volunteer thanks Blunt for support of funding
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County man says "zoning czars," developers, elected officials to blame for flooding
          P-D letter:  St. Louis City man says Confederate memorial teaches lesson about traitors
          Disclosure


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        Saturday, January 2
       
KWMU:  Meramec River reaches crest;  Interstates reopened
          AP:  Interstate highways reopen in flood-ravaged St. Louis area
          Missourinet:  River flooding disrupts critical shipping time for Missouri farmers
          Missourinet:  Photo gallery:  Flooding in eastern Missouri yesterday
          P-D:  Levee breaks near St. Mary, Mo.;  Historic high water expected in Cape Girardeau
          SE Missourian:  Flood of '16 breaks record in Cape, surpasses Great Flood of 1993 +
          Washington Missourian:  Floods had major impact on county roads, highway official says X
          Missourinet:  Missouri State Patrol requests citizens not fly drones in flood-affected areas
          CDT:  Blunt visits area food bank as part of official duties, declines to answer questions about son's lobbying or U.S. Senate campaign opponent Jason Kander X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  End-of-quarter fundraising beg-for-cash edition +
          AP:  Annual new-laws overview:  Welfare recipients can stay on the dole for nearly four years;  Unworking adults can choose to accept unemployment benefits for more than three months;  Tax, traffic-fine, dog-breeding updates
          P-D editorial:  Gun sales tax-holiday idea from Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) is dumb
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Top 10 AP stories are a matter of opinion;  Race histrionics at Mizzou - or "Cave-In University" - was big news X
          CDT's Waters:  Planned Parenthood:  University of Missouri should reinstate "refer and follow" privileges X
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Latest in let's-spend-more-time-talking-about-race series;  Septuagenarian columnist refers to "aggressively ambitious" ideological assailant Kurt Schaefer without mentioning his name
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman says taxpayers would be on the hook when Rams PSL sales fall short
          P-D letter:  Ferguson man offers sarcastic take on Nixon and National Guard
          P-D letter:  Sappington man dislikes coverage of Tamir Rice incident, objects to "Trayvonification":  "posting innocent child pictures of criminals in an attempt to sway opinion"
          Washington Missourian letter:  Area resident lists targets of grievances:  Black parents who don't control violent offspring;  Gun sellers who provide tools of violence;  Local gas-station owners seeking to maximize profits X
          P-D letter:  Lake Saint Louis man says that while the politically-correct crowd is at it, take away the statue of Union Gen. Sigel
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, January 1   Happy New Year!
       
January 2015 headlines
          February 2015 headlines
          March 2015 headlines
          April 2015 headlines
          May 2015 headlines
          June 2015 headlines
          July 2015 headlines
          August 2015 headlines
          September 2015 headlines
          October 2015 headlines
          November 2015 headlines
          December 2015 headlines
          KWMU:  Meramec River reaches crest;  I-55 closed
          KWMU:  Flood information at a glance:  Road closings, volunteer info
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri farmers work together amid flooding
          Missouri Ruralist:  Video:  Missouri farm family faces floodwaters
          Missourinet:  Iowa National Guard soldiers to help 6500 Missourians get clean drinking water
          SE Missourian:  River forecast at Cape now at 50 feet;  would break '93 record
          P-D:  State officials, lawmakers unsure of monetary impact of flooding
          Columbia Missourian:  The Year in Pictures:  Lesbian newlyweds celebrate with selfie;  Activists disrupt MU Homecoming Parade;  Caucasoid female MU employee verbally assaults minority journalist;  Grown man wears homemade Star Wars costume in public;  More
          Kraske:  The Great Kraskini's 2016 predictions:  Clinton over Cruz, Koster over Kinder, Blunt over Kander;  Todd Richardson, Ron Richard, Jason Kander impress
          KWMU:  John Brunner infuses $3.6M of own money into his GOP bid for governor
          The Missouri Times:  Brunner donates $3.6M to gubernatorial campaign
          AP:  Brunner puts $3.6M of his own money into gov campaign
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Family Policy Council names AG candidate Kurt Schaefer "Missouri Family Champion of the Year"
          Drebes:  Initiative petition would keep Syrian refugees out of Missouri
          Missouri Farmer Today:  2016 legislative session could look at dairy funding, farmland tax, ag issues;  Comments from Rep. Bill Reiboldt (R-Neosho), Missouri Farm Bureau's Ashley McDonald
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Opposition to St. Louis stadium plan grows
          JCNT:  House members prefile full slate of proposed legislation
          JCNT:  Senators prefile hundreds of bills for upcoming session
          KWMU:  Education bill would keep male genitalia out of girls' locker rooms
          SNL:  Report:  'No credible evidence' MSU discriminated against top black official;  State school spends time, resources addressing one man's online petition
          KMZU (Carrollton):  New drug legislation may put life-saving overdose medication into the hands of citizens;  Interview with Rep. Steven Lynch (R-Waynesville)
          Missourinet:  Missouri committee on Planned Parenthood wants contempt proceedings, more hearings
          AP:  Missouri launches health care program for pregnant women
          P-D:  Missouri taxpayers set to pick up the tab for pregnant-women health care;  Program will prop up nearly 1,800 women - earning up to three times the poverty level - who can't manage to purchase health care on their own
          P-D:  Ameren Missouri energy efficiency program ends
          AP:  Missouri casinos attribute higher arrest totals to better training
          KWMU:  EPA to build a physical firebreak at the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton
          P-D:  EPA proceeds with long-delayed barrier between burning landfill and radioactive waste
          AP:  EPA orders isolation barrier at St. Louis-area landfill
          Columbia Missourian:  Hunters kill 11,061 deer during alternative weapons season;  Missouri Department of Conservation provides county-level data on wild animals removed from population
          KC Star:  2015 was Kansas City's deadliest year for homicides since 2011;  Black males comprise 63% of the 109 murder victims
          P-D:  St. Louis City boosts homicide total 14 percent over 2014, with 188 total;  St. Louis County increases murders 78 percent, for total of 66 slayings
          P-D:  Ferguson men apprehended after robbing man of cell phone;  Perps taken into custody without assaulting officers
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Kwanzaa ends today, with few celebrating locally;  Local activist says Afrocentric celebration "doesn't have the permanency" of religious holidays
          Messenger:  Pied piper of failed river policies saw this flood coming
          Shelly:  Pessimistic predictions for 2016;  Seasoned sexagenarian's top 2015 Missouri themes (Rex Sinquefield, Kurt Schaefer) persist into new year
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri should roll back occupational-licensing regulations
          St. Joseph News-Press letter:  Area woman thanks Sam Graves staffer Wesley Shaw for listening to her views and responding in a respectful manner
          P-D letter:  Illinois woman says David Lieb's piece on wind energy was more like an advertorial by American Wind Energy Association
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Block Grain Belt Express President Russell Pisciotta details group's opposition to transmission line
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Oak Grove woman says curbing access to cold medicines won't curb meth addictions
          SNL letter:  Battlefield man says Nixon not to blame for Brandon Ellingson's drowning
          P-D letter:  Crestwood resident opposes P-D push for metro super-government, says "big is not beautiful"
          Disclosure


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        Thursday, December 31   New Year's Eve
       
Missourinet:  Nixon:  Hundreds of Missourians rescued from flooded areas
          Missourinet:  Obama offers federal help to Nixon in Missouri's flood fight
          Missourinet:  Corps:  'Low probability' Birds Point, Missouri levee will be breached again
          SE Missourian:  Corps:  Blowing Birds Point levee unlikely +
          Missourinet:  International soliders who died in Missouri flooding identified
          P-D:  Nixon surveys Missouri flood damage
          JCNT:  Federal help for flooding up in the air X
          AP:  Flooding updates
          KWMU:  St. Louis City agency files eminent domain suit to clear land for spy agency
          JCNT:  Immigrant shares unique view of America;  Man from African nation chooses to work two jobs, makes concerted effort to speak more clearly, applauds the opportunities the United States provides X
          JCNT:  Missouri's presidential primary finalized X
          Drebes:  Renew Missouri forms campaign committee to support clean energy measures
          The Missouri Times:  Matt Mallinson makes SD11 Democratic primary a three-way race
          Kraske:  Mike Sanders leaves office with a big fat campaign account:  More than $500,000 cash on hand +
          KWMU:  With a year left in office, Gov. Jay Nixon looks at his political past, present and future
          The Missouri Times:  Conservatives chastise Homeland Security over Real ID Act enforcement
          KWMU:  Kinder slams federal driver license law co-sponsored by Blunt as 'intrusive and misguided'
          P-D:  Gas tax hike to come up again in Missouri Legislature
          KC Star:  Legislature looks to clean up behavior in 2016;  Proposals target campaign contributions, in-Capitol boozing, general creepery +
          P-D:  Colleges continue to supply fresh sets of interns to Missouri Capitol;  Universities spell out guidelines, while legislators and staff will sit through harassment lecture
          KWMU:  Spelling Bee win gives area teen more than prize money;  Minority student chooses to work hard, achieves success
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Rep. Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee's Summit) on difference between how Dems and GOP view law enforcement +
          The Missouri Times:  Municipal group strikes back at consolidation advocates
          KWMU:  KWMU host talks to KWMU reporters about KWMU's biggest public health stories of the year
          Missourinet:  Officials investigating poaching of an elk in Southeast Missouri
          AP:  Dead elk in Missouri restoration efforts under investigation
          P-D:  Nuclear waste opponents fund study on landfill radon;  100% of soil samples fall below EPA threshold for cleanup
          P-D:  Broadcast legend Anne Keefe dies at 90
          SE Missourian editorial:  New Year's Eve:  Spend some time thinking about how you're going to get your life together - also, don't drink and drive +
          JCNT editorial:  Don't drink and drive tonight X
          P-D editorial:  A high school diploma ought to mean something;  State needs to start spending more money on education
          SNL op-ed:  University of Minnesota prof:  How is Obamacare playing out in Missouri?  Not well. X
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, December 30
       
Missourinet:  Missouri National Guard activated to help with areas damaged by flooding
          KWMU:  Nixon activates National Guard as high water threatens treatment plants
          AP:  Flooding updates
          KWMU:  Blunt says boost in NIH funding will produce jobs, save tax dollars
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Show-Me Institute's Brenda Talent talks with Mannies & Rosenbaum about KC and STL earnings taxes, education savings accounts, stadium financing, more
          KC Star:  Sugar Creek Mayor Matt Mallinson joins Democratic primary for LeVota's state Senate seat +
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Ryan Clearwater, legislative assistant to Rep. Paul Curtman (R-Pacific)
          Drebes:  Former state Sen. Tom Dempsey (R-St. Charles) registers to lobby in Florida
          Missourinet:  Missouri State of the State set for January 20
          P-D:  Missouri officials vow to take up drivers license dispute
          AP:  Clarification on Monday's voter ID piece:  Updating Kander's quote
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Holsman on climate change, Solon on OTC birth control +
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. John McCaherty (R-High Ridge) proposes free credit freezes, freezes for children's credit
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Jeanie Lauer (R-Blue Springs) looks to update 911 regulations
          CDT:  Despite ruling, Planned Parenthood clinic cannot provide abortions X
          P-D:  St. Louis stadium plan arrives at NFL offices
          AP:  St. Louis stadium plan sent to NFL
          AP:  Some lawmakers will keep talking about Ferguson, municipal-court issues
          KWMU:  KWMU host talks to KWMU reporter about KWMU's biggest court stories of the year
          P-D:  Rain falls on landfill;  Runoff is not radioactive, but Missouri taxpayers will pay for testing anyway
          P-D editorial:  Uberizing the Missouri Legislature is a bad idea;  Attempted punchline involves drunk-driving "joke"
          SNL op-ed:  Billy Long:  America must prepare for threats to electric grid X
          Priddy:  Septuagenarian offers 1352-word treatise in opposition to GOP voter ID proposals
          CDT's Waters:  Octogenarian offers series of questions for Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education X
          Hartmann:  A tribute to Anne Keefe, Grand Dame
          P-D op-ed:  Sierra Club:  Mississippi River report card fails to grade what matters
          Messenger:  Parkway North grad/entrepreneur Darian Wigfall has a plan to save wayward black youth:  peddling fiction books with black protagonists "DeShaun" and "Jasmine"
          SNL letter:  Battlefield man dislikes Blunt clan's lobbying activities, succumbs to urge to make "blunt" pun X
          P-D letter:  Lake Saint Louis man predicts that lobbyists for fantasy-sports sites will attempt to influence state legislators
          P-D letter:  Clayton woman says Forest Park rightly has memorials for soliders on both sides of Civil War
          SNL letter:  Springfield man says Down-syndrome babies can be a real pain to deal with, suggests Rep. David Sater (R-Cassville) must be "living under a rock" X
          KC Star letter:  Smithville man calls conservative state legislators "morons," proposes solution:  Get rid of all current legislators +
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, December 29
       
Rosenbaum:  We've got 21 questions, and they're all about Missouri politics
          National Journal:  U.S. Senate race rankings:  Jason Kander a long shot, but will force GOP to spend money
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Jason Kander on Iraq, Ron Leone on tobacco taxes and transportation funding +
          National Journal:  Missouri is national GOP's top target among gov races;  Chris Koster the favorite, as GOP heads into costly primary
          The Missouri Times:  Joe Camel raises his hand for kids;  Linda Rallo talks about R.J. Reynolds' $1M contribution to Raise Your Hand for Kids
          P-D:  Labor unions support Missouri GOP lawmakers who oppose 'right to work;'  List of union donations to area Republicans
          The Missouri Times:  The 6 biggest issues of 2016
          KWMU:  Reporters Marshall Griffin and Jim Howard discuss their biggest stories of 2015
          AP:  AP's top 10 Missouri stories of 2015:  Royals WS win, Mizzou dramatics, Schweich suicide, KC and STL record-setting homicides, 'right to work' debate, more
          Missourinet:  Nixon:  Flooding danger has not passed, don't drive into water
          Missourinet:  At least 7 die in Missouri in weekend flooding
          AP:  Nixon:  Missouri's storm-related death toll rises to 10
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  Missouri Climate Center weighs in on El Nino and its impact on Missouri winter
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) says flooding shows need for Legislature to get serious about climate change
          KC Star:  Missouri still looking for highway funding solution +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Senator ready to call bluff on REAL ID;  Sen. Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph) doubts feds will follow through on "no boarding airplane" threats X
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Governor's Conference on Agriculture draws 750;  Ag Director Richard Fordyce explains importance of discussing ag with "city cousins"
          The Missouri Times:  DHSS blocked from revoking Planned Parenthood abortion license
          P-D:  State blocked from revoking Columbia Planned Parenthood's abortion license
          AP:  Judge blocks state from revoking Columbia Planned Parenthood abortion license
          Columbia Missourian:  Federal judge allows Planned Parenthood to keep license to perform abortions
          CDT:  Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) proposes bill recognizing veterans after ichthus controversy;  Boone County Commission is removing Gulf War memorial due to offensive "Jesus fish" symbol X
          KC Star:  Low gas prices cut Amtrak ridership in Missouri +
          P-D:  Better Together, CitiesStrong trade volleys in skirmish over city-county merger;  Comments from Better Together's Dave Leipholtz, CitiesStrong reps
          KWMU:  Floodwater from Coldwater Creek is not radioactive, but homeowners can spend Army Corps' time and resources on testing anyway
          P-D:  Ferguson looter charged with stealing from Dellwood Market;  Donovan Doan pilfered beer, then took to Facebook with looterbraggery:  "#iaintscared"
          P-D editorial:  The Year of the Cop:  New level of police accountability is a good thing
          P-D op-ed:  Nixon should grant clemency to woman who shot her husband in his sleep
          CDT's Waters:  Octogenarian columnist weighs gun-purchase holiday idea, mulls conundrum of providing column space to non-starter proposals X
          P-D letter:  Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice supports conclusions of Johns Hopkins gun-control study
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man disputes conclusions of Johns Hopkins gun-control study
          P-D letter:  Clayton octogenarian dislikes tax-free gun-purchase idea, says she finds Rep. Jered Taylor's (R-Nixa) idea "truly incredible"
          KC Star letter:  KC near-sexagenarian mocks Taylor's gun-purchase holiday idea, says he should focus on people who need help buying groceries and health care +
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, December 28  MoDOT map of traffic issues
       
Kraske:  The Chat:  Kander mocks Trump in fundraising letter;  Linda Black on poachers;  Mike Moon on "gun-free zone" liability +
          National Journal:  Q&A with Jason Kander on foreign policy, "Black Lives Matter" versus "All Lives Matter," more
          P-D:  Missouri's 2016 ballots could include measures on minimum wage, marijuana, taxes, campaign contribution limits
          JCNT:  Push for tobacco tax takes new road;  Ron Leone says MoDOT wants "a home run, but are going to have to take some singles" X
          Missourinet:  Nixon declares state of emergency due to flooding
          Missourinet:  Historic rainfall and flooding continues in Missouri, winter storm adds to the mix
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers renew push for photo ID for voters
          KWMU:  Student transfer case headed for another court hearing
          CDT:  Columbia's biggest stories of 2015, in words and pictures;  Pics include angry Mizzou protester shouting into bullhorn, male Planned Parenthood supporter wearing pink, Gary Pinkel frowning after team lets him down in his final game, more X
          KWMU:  SLU poll finds that people caught breaking municipal laws dislike paying fines;  Majority of black and white scofflaws choose to not blame their traffic stops on "racial profiling"
          P-D outsourced "freelance editorialists" editorial:  Fewer Confederate flags, but still a tough year for racial progress;  Mizzou histrionics among "signs of hope"
          Messenger:  As cities circle the wagons, they repeat history of a divided St. Louis;  Consolidating municipalities will help everyone, including poor black children
          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, December 27   MoDOT map of flooded roads
       
KC Star:  "Top <x>" journomeme:  Top 10 stories of 2015 +
        P-D:  "Top <x>" journomeme:  Top 15 takeaways from 2015
        St. Joseph News-Press:  No cliffs, but McCaskill, Blunt and Graves face government's fiscal challenges X
        The Missouri Times:  Part Two:  Five of the most important people of 2016
        KODE (Joplin):  Missouri state Sen. Emory Melton (R) passes away
        P-D:  Ethics proposals for 2016:  Mandating how lawmakers can and cannot make a living for months/years after leaving office, telling citizens how much of their own money they can donate to candidates, more
        CDT:  Eight interim officials directing University of Missouri as year ends X
        KWMU:  Unused gift cards are sitting in state's Unclaimed Property stash
        JCNT:  Women's group forms to gain firearm training X
        P-D:  Q&A with author of Johns Hopkins gun-control study
        St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  McCaskill, Blunt, Graves are right to urge Corps to stand with Missouri River stakeholders rather than birds X
        JCNT editorial:  Students urged to commit to graduation;  Today's youngsters should find inspiration in a 52-year-old Beach Boys song X
        KC Star's Steve Rose:  Owning up to incorrect 2015 predictions:  Claire McCaskill passing on governor's race, more +
        Messenger:  Fired Missouri Guard employee seeks justice as military stonewalls
        CDT's Waters:  Simple solution for St. Louis stadium conundrum:  Build a new stadium for a new team 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, December 26   First Day of Kwanzaa!
       
Missourinet:  Hartzler:  Congress paves the way for fighter jets to be built in Missouri and Whiteman expansion
          Drebes:  Help Wanted:  Missouri House Democratic Caucus seeks director of communications
          The Examiner (Eastern Jackson County):  Nixon previews 2016 legislative session, weighs in on campaign-finance overhaul, making the trucking industry bear the brunt of transportation funding, Medicaid expansion's DOA status, more
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Rep. Joe Don McGaugh (R-Carrollton) previews his bills for session:  Voter ID, castle doctrine, alternative fuel vehicles, livestock, more
          P-D:  Missouri will see battle over fantasy sports sites
          Missourinet:  Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) considers liability insurance requirement for gun-free businesses
          KOMU:  Sheltered workshops provide employment opportunities for those with mental and developmental disabilities;  Director of Governor's Council on Disability questions approach, effectiveness
          CDT:  Nixon appoints Boone County Presiding Commissioner Dan Atwill to Missouri Workforce Development Board X
          KOMU:  Taxpayers subsidizing an increasing number of student meals in Columbia, Jefferson City, Kirksville areas;  Nearly half of students in Columbia Public Schools accept handouts
          High Plains Journal:  Missouri producers speak out on beef checkoff referendum
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Turkey, deer hunting dates and regulations will change March 2016
          P-D letter:  Affton man dislikes Alzheimer's PAC ad in support of Blunt
          P-D letter:  Des Peres couple says Confederate Memorial reminds us to respect diversity of views
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, December 25  Merry Christmas!
       
SNL:  Blunt wins goodies in massive tax and spending bill X
          P-D:  2015 year in review:  Congressional delegation's accomplishments
          Kraske:  2015 year in review:  Notable quotables +
          KC Star:  Despite feds' threats, you can still use your Missouri driver's license to fly +
          AP:  Q&A:  Feds' threats to force Missouri to comply with REAL ID
          The Missouri Times:  Part One:  Five of the most important people in 2016
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Sales-tax holiday for guns;  Missouri lawmakers required to sit through harassment lecture on Jan. 11 +
          KC Star:  MoDOT chair endorses gas tax increase +
          KWMU:  Legislative proposals target Missouri Department of Conservation
          Missourinet:  Rep. Linda Black (R-Park Hills) wants to make poaching in Missouri costlier
          JCNT:  Rep. Tim Wood (R-Versailles) makes changes in boat wake legislation X
          P-D:  Missouri Lottery introduces bacon-scented tickets
          CDT:  Toy gun exchange in its second year in Columbia;  Youngsters can trade in not-actual-firearms to receive "Hamster of Happiness," "Talking Mistletoe," other effete toys X
          JCNT:  Artist entries sought for 'Equality Matters;'  William Woods display seeks depictions of racism, sexism, oppression, etc. X
          KWMU:  Slay wants Confederate memorial out of Forest Park
          P-D:  Committee supports removing Confederate Monument from Forest Park
          KC Star editorial:  Real ID refusal might potentially cause problems in Missouri some day, maybe;  "Responsible" state leaders should compromise with feds +
          CDT letter:  "Name withheld upon request" feminist says GOP legislators want to keep women "barefoot, pregnant and back in the kitchen" X
          Disclosure

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



        Thursday, December 24   Christmas Eve
       
P-D:  Among local senators, Blunt spoke most on Senate floor in '15
          P-D:  Feds stop sharing asset forfeitures with local police after $1.2 billion in spending cuts
          KWMU:  Clay, Cleaver tout $22.5 million in omnibus bill for police body cameras
          AP:  Feds threaten to end Missouri's exemption from Real ID requirements, claim Missouri IDs might no longer be accepted at airports
          The Missouri Times:  Part One:  Ten of the most fascinating people of 2015
          The Missouri Times:  Part Two:  Ten of the most fascinating people of 2015
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder chats with Mannies & Rosenbaum about gov race, stadium funding, "Hands Up Don't Shoot" lie, 'right to work,' much more
          Drebes:  Chris Koster continues to lead all GOP candidates for governor
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Peter Merideth, candidate in Democratic primary for Mike Colona's open state rep seat
          Missourinet:  Nixon considers legacy, life after Missouri Governor
          CDT:  Revenue agreement elusive as legislative session nears X
          AP:  Renewable energy efforts stymied by transmission roadblocks;  A closer look at Clean Line Energy Partners and the Grain Belt Express
          KWMU:  Rep. Steve Lynch (R-Waynesville) makes new push for heroin antidote bill
          CDT:  UM curators meet in closed session X
          Columbia Missourian:  Student who posted threats on Yik Yak gets his punishment:  No more Internet, at least for now
          The Missouri Times:  Audits show ongoing municipal reform
          JCNT:  Medicaid, local seniors agencies provide meals for area olds X
          The Missouri Times:  Anti-death penalty group releases first annual report
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Ag Director Richard Fordyce approves vote on proposed state beef checkoff
          P-D:  Animal rights activists make a scene at Tilles Park display;  Quotes from angry woman screaming at families
          JCNT editorial:  Nudge common sense;  Ban texting while driving X
          CDT's Waters:  Proposal to make Daylight Savings Time permanent won't go very far X
          P-D op-ed:  Legal Services of Eastern Missouri's Jason Dodson:  Adult Abuse Act has been helping keep Missourians safe for 35 years
          SNL op-ed:  Blunt:  National Institutes of Health receives $2 billion funding increase next year X
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, December 23
       
KC Star:  Obamacare Q&A:  Information for Missouri's grown men and women who couldn't manage to make the Dec. 15 deadline or the Dec. 17 extension +
          KC Star:  Rep. Emanuel Cleaver seeks congressional inquiry of nuclear workers compensation program +
          AP:  Disciplined St. Louis attorney get law license back;  Edward Griesedieck was involved in Missouri Democratic Party/Roger Wilson/Missouri Employers Mutual shenanigans
          AP:  Missouri's population growth lagging behind national rate
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Mike Sanders on returning to civilian life;  Ron Richard on impact of last session's 'right to work' debate on governor's race +
          Missourinet:  Nixon preparing budget proposal, expects agreement on revenue projection
          KWMU:  Proposal from Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) would create sales tax holiday for gun purchases in Missouri
          Missourinet:  Lawmaker proposes sales tax holiday for gun purchases
          CDT:  MU graduate students hope union contract will bring stability X
          P-D:  Student transfers from Riverview Gardens could end soon, parents warned
          KWMU:  CitiesStrong out to challenge notion that less local government is better
          P-D:  New group formed to tout collaboration, not consolidation, of St. Louis County municipalities
          The Missouri Times:  CitiesStrong founded to create stronger St. Louis municipal governments
          KWMU:  Galloway audits ding St. Ann, Foristell courts for illegal fees
          P-D:  Nixon makes appointments to St. Charles Convention Center Board:  former state Sen. Fred Dyer (R-St. Charles), pipefitter John Scherr (D) and attorney Paul Woody (D)
          The Missouri Times:  Appointments Project expands statewide, takes credit for helping Nixon fill two slots with females:  Interior Design, Healing Arts
          KWMU:  Franciscan Sisters of Mary tout their "ecological justice";  Self-described "aging congregation" says it
makes a difference by visiting landfill twice a month, moving investment funds out of "Wall Street type things"
          P-D editorial:  Congress tries its hand at legislating, with mixed results;  On spending bill, Blunt votes yes, McCaskill no
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Raising taxes on smokers to pay for roads is inevitable
          KC Star editorial:  Mike Sanders brought clean government to Jackson County +
          SNL op-ed:  Billy Long:  Protecting American industry from import fraud X
          Messenger:  Illinois governor joins Nixon in poor use of governor's most important power;  Missouri gov should pardon more criminals
          National Review's Ramesh Ponnuru:  Iran, terrorism, and ... the Missouri AG race?  Kurt Schaefer's posturing puts him on the opposite side of Roy Blunt, Kit Bond, John Ashcroft and other GOP stalwarts
          Forbes op-ed:  Response to Sebelius calling Missouri and other states "stupid" for not expanding Medicaid
          CDT op-ed:  Race Matters Community Group's David Tager:  Psychologist describes examples of white privilege, including that Uncle Sam is most often depicted as Caucasoid male X
          Disclosure


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



        Tuesday, December 22
       
Wall Street Journal:  Drama kings, queens applaud Blunt's new tax credits for live theater productions
          KWMU:  House committee approves Luetkemeyer bill to 'reform' public housing
          P-D:  Teamsters rally outside McCaskill's office, call on senator to support Bernie Sanders' bill on pensions
          KC Star:  Drebes/Jeff Roe poll:  Donald Trump could sweep Missouri GOP convention delegates +
          Helling:  Social welfare group seeks candidate to put name on U.S. Senate ballot;  Centrist Project helped KS independent spend millions in losing effort last year +
          Drebes:  Democrat Winton Apple says he's running for lieutenant governor
          CDT:  Joshua Hawley seeks exemption for churches, businesses to refuse same-sex couples X
          KC Star:  Democrat Mike Sanders to resign after nine years as Jackson County executive +
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Kinder on Ellingson drowning;  Wash U. lower-digestive-tract surgery resident weighs in on urban gunplay +
          The Missouri Times:  Texts from the Trail:  RTW Republicans should remember how the Camp Carnahan liberal litmus helped Missouri Dems lose the Legislature;  Eigel taps pop culture in race against Zerr;  Greitens pick up mother's milk from dairy group
          Missourinet:  Ron Richard:  'Right to work' would need more support in House before getting time in 2016 Senate
          The Missouri Times:  GOP House members to push union pension transparency, labor regulations
          Missourinet:  Nixon:  Chance to redevelop riverfront with stadium deal 'once-in-a-lifetime'
          The Missouri Times:  Former state Rep. Tim Flook (R-Liberty) tapped as new Clay County Associate Circuit Judge
          AP:  Tim Flook appointed to new judgeship
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) travels to United Arab Emirates on "nuclear fact-finding tour"
          CDT:  UM curators to hold special closed meeting today X
          CDT:  Mini-profile of Mike Middleton:  Interim president shares insights:  Build organizational structure to address concerns, change doesn't happen overnight, educating students is top priority, etc. X
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Mike Parson (R-Bolivar) receives governing award from Missouri State University
          KC Star:  Sen. Bob Dixon (R-Springfield) introduces bill to allow concealed carry on state-school campuses;  Comments from assorted critics +
          NY Times:  In Missouri, urbanites use guns for violent purposes, including human-on-human hunting
          CDT:  State attorney:  Arguments to delay Ernest Lee Johnson's execution are lacking;  Murderer's lawyers say lethal injection may cause pain to man who bashed in victims' skulls with a hammer X
          Columbia Missourian:  St. Louis officer trainer fights "biased policing" with history, interactive education sessions
          SNL:  Koster wants answers on Springfield City Council flap X
          P-D:  Former Hazelwood superintendent now working for St. Louis Public Schools;  Grayling Tobias left North County district and Ferguson Commission for "health reasons"
          P-D:  Animal-rights activists plan to make a scene at Tilles Park's "Winter Wonderland"
          P-D outsourced "freelance editorialists" editorial:  Smart use of data can help restore trust between police and citizens
          CDT's Water:  Kurt Schaefer's actions on Planned Parenthood are just publicity stunts X
          KC Star's Mary Sanchez:  Latina columnist says Missouri's white legislators "do not value black lives. They value white, rural voters." +
          CDT letter:  Kurt Schaefer should stop trying to block research on 72-hour abortion waiting period X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says he is disappointed that Alderman Antonio French "sold out" and supported stadium
          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, December 21   Winter Solstice
       
CDT:  EPA gives $91,000 to mid-Missouri group to connect students, communities to Missouri River X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  John Brunner on Syrian terrorists and refugees;  Gov. Jay Nixon on stadium financing vote +
          JCNT:  Christmas program at Capitol set for tomorrow X
          KC Star:  Some state legislative staffers provide for themselves and their families by working two jobs;  A look at seven Republicans, zero Democrats +
          Missourinet:  Kinder calls Iowa man's death while in police custody a 'dark episode,' says he would reverse patrol merger
          KWMU:  Lawmakers will try again to change student transfer law
          KWMU:  Wash U. surgery resident Pamela Choi weighs in on Second Amendment, attributes urban violence to Missouri gun laws
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Rochelle Walton Gray (D-Black Jack) would give scofflaws a chance at community service instead of paying a fine
          KWMU:  Opiate addiction outreach center opens in south St. Louis
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Traffic fatalities rise in Missouri;  Local officials hope seat belt law will have an impact X
          AP:  New preserve in Missouri seeks to protect endangered bats
          JCNT editorial:  Law clarifies challenge of child-on-child sexual abuse X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri should regulate DraftKings and FanDuel
          Messenger:  Cities look foolish fighting against higher police standards
          JCNT letter:  Holts Summit man says Blaine Luetkemeyer is the Grinch for opposing climate pact X
          SNL letter:  Willard resident disappointed that universities are afraid to say no to students 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, December 20
       
KODE (Joplin):  Congressman Billy Long votes to make tax cuts permanent
          KMZU (Carrollton):  New deal offers permanent tax relief for Missouri small businesses;  Comments from NFIB/Missouri's Brad Jones
          SNL:  Andy Blunt's lobbying work faces scrutiny as he manages father's re-election bid X
          KC Star:  Donald Trump builds lead without the tools of traditional campaigns;  Comments from University of Missouri's Marvin Overby +
          JCNT:  Proposed amendment would make daylight savings permanent X
          CDT:  Kurt Schaefer targets rival Joshua Hawley over terrorist group case X
          SE Missourian:  Area lawmakers look to rescue road, bridge funding +
          P-D:  Lawmakers introduce bans on texting-while-driving
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  Stopping drugs in NEMO, Part I:  No cure-all to stop meth
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  Stopping drugs in NEMO, Part II:  Combating the silent epidemic of prescription abuse
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Nixon, Ag Director Richard Fordyce recognize KRES/KWIX's Kyle Hill as winner of Missouri Ag Communicator Award for 2015
          KOMU:  Salmonella bacteria found on Missouri farm;  MO DHSS orders egg processing facility closed for now
          AP:  New preserve in Missouri aims to protect endangered bats
          CDT:  Founders of True/False Film Festival handed honorary Mizzou degrees;  David Wilson says Caucasoids "must own our history of racism" X
          P-D letter:  Local leader of Asthma and Allergy Foundation:  Prescription requirements do not treat underlying cause of meth abuse
          P-D letter:  Not building the stadium doesn't mean there will be more money for other needs
          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, December 19
       
SNL:  Rubio talks "American Dream" in Joplin stop X
          KODE (Joplin):  Video:  Marco Rubio makes stop in Joplin
          KOAM (Joplin):  Video:  Marco Rubio holds rally in Joplin
          P-D:  McCaskill only area Senate 'no' vote on $1.1 trillion tax-and-spend bill
          KC Star:  How the Missouri congressional delegation voted on spending bill +
          Bloomberg:  McCaskill- Collins Senate panel will continue examining prescription drug prices despite Shkreli's arrest
          CDT:  Local educators cautiously optimistic about Every Student Succeeds Act X
          P-D:  Among Obama's 95 pardons Friday, one from St. Louis:  Crack cocaine distributor Lelus Crawford
          KWMU:  St. Louis Fed:  Unemployment drops but job growth tepid
          The Missouri Times:  Cigarette tax increase petitioners gathering signatures to get on ballot
          KC Star:  Ron Richard opens the door to discussing a return of campaign contribution caps +
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Pharmacy Association joins coalition supporting prescription drug monitoring program;  Comments from MPA's Ron Fitzwater, Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston)
          KWMU:  St. Louis aldermen approve stadium funding plan - now it's the NFL's turn to act
          P-D:  St. Louis approves financing package for new football stadium
          Missourinet:  Board approves financing package for new St. Louis football stadium
          AP:  Missouri Planned Parenthood argues to keep abortion license
          KWMU:  Fight over Missouri municipal court law didn't start overnight
          AP:  Lawsuit filed challenging St. Louis County police ordinance
          CDT:  Nixon to interview candidates for Board of Curators student representative X
          CDT:  MU grad students say they have collected more than 1,000 signatures calling for union election X
          Columbia Missourian:  Mental health services working to meet student demand for more counselors of color;  Mixed-race female, down in the dumps about freshman-floor drama and other struggles, describes the trauma of unloading troubles to a white man
          AP:  Auditor Nicole Galloway questions $860K in fund transfers in Gallatin
          KC Star:  Trooper charged in death of Brandon Ellingson, who drowned in handcuffs +
          Missourinet:  Charges filed against Missouri state trooper in drowning of Iowa man
          P-D:  Missouri trooper charged in the drowning of handcuffed boater at Lake of the Ozarks
          P-D:  Political gadfly Bill Haas mixes fiction with hit of truth in novella
          JCNT editorial:  Missouri legislators should prioritize prescription-drug database X
          P-D editorial:  Rep. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) exemplifies Legislature's know-nothing extremism
          KC Star editorial:  Plenty of blame to go around for the death of Brandon Ellingson +
          KC Star op-ed:  Benedictine College student Katie Hollcraft:  Starfish Project, other efforts seek to help victims of human trafficking;  KC, STL considered trafficking hubs +
          P-D letters:  Area men criticize Brattin, Schaefer for legislation targeting University of Missouri
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Self-described "linguist and civil rights activist" says committee should investigate Schaefer's actions against 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.



        Friday, December 18
       
Missourinet:  Marco Rubio makes campaign stop in Joplin today
          Kraske:  Remembering a Trump visit to Missouri, and assessing the possibility of President Trump +
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Billy Long on GOP and Trump;  David Limbaugh on new book;  Rep. Ron Hicks (R-St. Peters) on pro-'right-to-work' forces making the perfect the enemy of the good +
          CDT:  Panel discusses countering 'Islamophobia' and Donald Trump X
          Missourinet:  Graves supports spending bill that would include $600 billion in cuts
          KWMU:  $1.1 trillion spending plan includes more than $1 billion for Missouri projects
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Congress set to pass major spending bill;  Comments from Blunt, Eagle Forum's Ed Martin X
          KC Star:  GOP PAC posts tracker video of Chris Koster at DC airport chatting with veteran Missouri politico and Pfizer rep Drue Duncan +
          KWMU:  GOP attorney general candidate Josh Hawley seeks to protect opponents of same-sex marriage
          KWMU:  Signature gathering underway for plan to hike Missouri's tobacco tax by 23 cents a pack
          AP:  Backers of cigarette tax begin gathering signatures
          Drebes:  John Collins-Muhammad to run in safe Dem state rep seat;  Rep. Kim Gardner will not run for re-election, will run for St. Louis City Circuit Attorney instead
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Ron Hicks (R-St. Peters) will not run for re-election, will run for mayor instead
          KC Star:  Nixon endorses small bump in gas tax +
          The Missouri Times:  Kinder asks Nixon to reveal more information on stadium funding
          KTVI (St. Louis):  New documents say new NFL stadium plans cost $10 million;  Comments from Kinder
          KFVS (Cape Girardeau):  Kinder calls for more football stadium details
          AP:  St. Louis City aldermen to hold key vote on stadium financing today
          P-D:  Goodell:  $300 million for St. Louis stadium 'fundamentally inconsistent' with NFL policy
          P-D:  Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin) becomes fourth lawmakers to eliminate St. Louis, Kansas City earnings tax
          Missourinet:  Bill would have an additional requirement for minors seeking an abortion in Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  GOP legislators propose pro-life legislation
          KWMU:  Battle for prescription drug monitoring renewed for 2016 Missouri legislative session
          The Missouri Times:  Suspicious activity at Bagnell Dam not worrisome for Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark)
          CDT:  Bills targeting UM multiply despite withdrawal of Brattin scholarship proposal X
          CDT:  Interim president Mike Middleton to make $477,544 annually X
          Columbia Missourian:  Mike Middleton signs contract to rake in $40,000 per month
          CDT:  Mitchell to helm "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force" X
          AP:  Associate dean David Mitchell will be chairman of MU's diversity task force
          Columbia Missourian:  UM system appoints MU law professor as chair of diversity task force
          KWMU:  Riverview Gardens pushes for accreditation upgrade
          The Missouri Times:  PSC rated 'good' by audit, releases annual report
          P-D:  Missouri audit chides PSC on manufactured home oversight
          Missourinet:  Nixon, West Virginia gov place wager on D-II championship game:  BBQ vs. apples
          KC Star editorial:  Payday lender should let damaged building be demolished and replaced with something more wholesome +
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Campus coed explains her pro-life position
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Holiday wishes:  Let's move on and forget about how Melissa Click and Janna Basler behaved
          P-D letter:  Barnhart woman says Kurt Schaefer uses intimidation and harassment, and isn't fit for office
          P-D letter:  Area woman says ex-cons who want to work for a living would be helped by "ban the box" legislation
          JCNT letter:  Mizzou grad finds alumni fundraising letter insulting, won't write another check until Melissa Click is fired X
          P-D letter:  Ladue man suggests "Black Lives Matter" mantra should be applied to every black-on-black 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.



        Thursday, December 17
       
KWMU:  In first year of Obamacare, number of uninsured clogging up St. Louis emergency-room space decreases 5 percent
          SNL:  Billy Long says GOP leaders shouldn't undercut Trump X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill on visa-using terrorists;  Greitens' Austin Chambers on his candidate's prolific fundraising +
          Columbia Missourian:  Panel on 'Islamophobia' draws 70;  Speakers complain about Donald Trump's comments, other perceived slights
          KC Star:  Blunt gets more money for National Institutes of Health +
          AP:  U.S. Postal Service employees plead guilty in conspiracy;  Florissant residents Korey Howard, Quentin Cook, Sean West pilfered valuable items they spotted in mailroom
          KWMU:  City signs deal with McKee for land in NGA site
          P-D:  McKee and city have deal on NorthSide property
          SE Missourian:  David Limbaugh - brother of Rush - writes book on Old Testament, says politics and Bible go hand in hand +
          KWMU:  Chris Koster, Eric Greitens continue to rake in the most campaign money
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Backers of cigarette tax hike begin collecting signatures this week X
          Drebes:  "Missourians for Renewable Energy" PAC formed
          CDT:  Area Democratic leader Bruce Wilson passes away X
          Columbia Missourian:  Bruce Wilson remembered as 'character' loyal to community, Democratic Party
          The Missouri Times:  Masquerade ball photo gallery:  Capitol types, plus some attractive people
          The Missouri Times:  Reps. Randy Dunn (D-Kansas City), Kim Gardner (D-St. Louis) propose automatic voter registration
          KWMU:  Pro-'right-to-work' group begins ad campaign targeting Republican opponents
          The Missouri Times:  GOP's internecine feud continues over 'right to work'
          P-D:  New ad campaign launched against Missouri Republicans who opposed 'right to work'
          CDT:  Bill targeting athlete scholarships withdrawn X
          Missourinet:  Rep. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) pulls bill that would revoke scholarships of protesting athletes
          AP:  Brattin withdraws proposal to strip scholarship from athletes who chose to not play
          P-D:  Sponsor withdraws athlete strike proposal
          Columbia Missourian:  State rep withdraws bill to revoke athletes' scholarships
          Columbia Missourian:  Update:  Janna Basler, MU assistant director of Greek Life, back after physical confrontation caught on video
          CDT:  American-Islamic group calls for sensitivity training at MU X
          CDT:  Graduate student group blasts MU insurance recommendations X
          KWMU:  Jamaa Learning Center will close in June;  North St. Louis City charter school failed to manage money properly, earned single-digit proficiency in core subjects
          P-D:  Jamaa Learning Center becomes latest charter school to close
          P-D:  Slay, Reed approve stadium financing
          KWMU:  In the proposed footprint of a new St. Louis stadium, a photographic tour of what's already there
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Medal of Valor awarded to nine public safety officers
          The Missouri Times:  Department of Conservation expands regulations and territory of CWD management zones
          KWMU:  Ferguson, DOJ officials report progress in negotiations
          AP:  Ferguson, DOJ close to agreement
          P-D:  Ferguson protesters challenge validity of 'interfering with police' law
          AP:  Nixon's son pleads guilty to driving while intoxicated
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Gov. Bob Holden, others support U.S. Citizenship Civics Test for high-school seniors X
          P-D editorial:  Politics and money drive advocates of keeping nuclear waste in Bridgeton
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  With Will Kraus' voter ID proposal, GOP seeks to control elections
          KC Star's Mary Sanchez:  Let's value student-athletes, at MU and all colleges, more as students than athletes +
          P-D op-ed:  Teacher in unaccredited Normandy School District says she provides a sanctuary from Missouri's racist state legislators and taxpayers
          JCNT letter:  Area man says those who gripe about lack of black professors should consider why there are so few qualified candidates X
          Disclosure


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



        Wednesday, December 16
       
KC Star:  Several GOP candidates still haven't filed for Missouri primary +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill, Blunt support visa waiver reforms X
          Drebes:  Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) sends letter to colleagues clarifying position on Syrian refugee camps
          CDT:  Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation, Mid-Missouri Peaceworks, Islamic Center to host discussion of "Islamophobia" tonight X
          P-D:  Andy Blunt says there is no conflict between his lobbying and running U.S. Senate campaign
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Andy Blunt on conflict of interest;  Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) on racism and state-school athletic scholarship proposals;  MO Chamber on transportation +
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  What the Every Student Succeeds Act changes from No Child Left Behind;  Comments from local school officials, congressional delegation's communications staff +
          Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal:  McCaskill's FAST designed to speed permit process for businesses X
          KWMU:  Gateway to Better Health receives $30M grant;  Adults unable to provide health insurance for themselves and their offspring will enjoy health services for another year
          ELLE Magazine:  McCaskill, Gillibrand chat with reporter about campus sexual assault legislation, sororities, the role of alcohol in intercoursing, the occasional false accusation of "rape," more
          The Missouri Times:  PAC begins mail campaign claiming Eric Greitens is not a conservative
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens shows strong week of fundraising, but most coming from outside Missouri
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Mannies & Rosenbaum talk with Rep. Tommy Pierson (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) on Nixon's performance during Ferguson, running for gov lite, and why Chris Koster needs him
          AP:  Missouri unemployment rate falls to 4.7%
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri jobs report released by DED
          Missourinet:  Videos:  Missouri Republican House, Senate leaders preview 2016 session
          Missourinet:  Sen. Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis) refiles bill meant to protect LGBT persons from discrimination
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) seeks to ban Down syndrome abortion
          Missourinet:  Rep. Linda Black (R-Park Hills) to propose DNA testing of all arrested for felonies
          CDT:  University of Missouri employee Janna Basler back at work after physical confrontation with student photographer X
          Columbia Missourian:  Janna Basler, MU assistant director of Greek Life, back on the job after fallout from controversial video
          AP:  Backlash begins over University of Missouri protest response
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) looks to revoke scholarships for athletes that do not play
          Missourinet:  Black lawmakers says scholarship proposals are racist;  Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) says punishing players who choose not to play makes black athletes "subjugated livestock"
          SE Missourian:  SEMO regents approve online tuition change +
          KC Star:  Nixon touts higher graduation rates that place Missouri in top 10 nationally +
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Kevin Corlew (R-Kansas City) seeks to verify that expert testimony is actually expert
          KWMU:  State board provides $3 million line of credit to Regional Sports Authority
          KWMU:  Aldermen give initial approval to financing package for new NFL stadium
          KWMU:  Business year in review:  KWMU host interviews KWMU reporters about KWMU's biggest stories of the year
          Missourinet:  Missouri Capitol chandelier readied for new year
          P-D:  Des Peres approves contract for deer survey;  Missouri Department of Conservation says sharpshooters, managed hunts can help reduce population of wild animals
          AP:  Member of unsigned Ferguson rap group shot in the head in St. Louis city, dies;  James "Swagg Huncho" Johnson, Jr. waxed poetic about Michael Brown
          Rosenbaum:  Ferguson's new city manager envisions a bright future for beleaguered town
          KC Star editorial:  Absurd bill to silence athletes is one of several threats to Missouri universities +
          P-D op-ed:  Washington University social work dean:  American needs less guns, more safety on college campuses
          P-D letter:  Washington University alum responds to chancellor's self-back-patting op-ed, says proletariat posturing is ironic
          P-D letter:  Jewish woman disagrees with Jewish man who disagreed with Jewish woman about Jewish view of politics
          P-D letter:  Crestwood woman says that if Jesus were alive, he'd worship at Rabbi Susan Talve's synagogue
          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, December 15
       
Columbia Missourian:  Area officials, Muslims react to Trump's proposal to halt Muslim immigration
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Todd Richardson on 'right to work,' David Sater on Down syndrome abortions +
          The Missouri Times:  Kinder releases new ad touting conservative achievements
          The Missouri Times:  Season's Beatings:  Personal vendettas heat up as Greitens and Brunner quarrel, St. Louis City alderman alleges stadium bribe, Messenger targets Tilley, more
          Drebes:  Help Wanted:  Missouri Senate seeks writer
          JCNT:  Missouri Chamber of Commerce promotes 2016 agenda:  Transportation spending, 'right to work,' workers' comp X
          Missourinet:  Sen. Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur):  Sater's bill to bar Down syndrome abortions is an attack by conservatives
          The Missouri Times:  Conflict grows between anti-abortion proponents and Planned Parenthood
          KC Star:  Kathleen Sebelius speaks at Planned Parenthood event, says opposition to Medicaid expansion is "morally repugnant and economically stupid" +
          KWMU:  State Board to consider giving Regional Sports Authority $3 million line of credit
          Missourinet:  Missouri legislative leaders:  transportation funding a priority, maybe not fuel tax hike
          KWMU:  New MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna talks fuel tax, federal highway dollars, toll roads and more
          Missourinet:  Rep. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) wants scholarships stripped if athletes strike
          CDT:  Bill would revoke scholarships of athletes who boycott games X
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill to revoke student-athlete scholarships is pre-filed in Missouri House
          AP:  Missouri bill would strip scholarships if athletes strike
          P-D:  Legislation targets athletes who threaten to strike
          SE Missourian:  SEMO regents to consider new tuition rates for online degree programs +
          KWMU:  Education year in review:  KWMU host interviews KWMU reporter about KWMU's biggest stories
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Robert Cornejo (R-St. Peters) files legislation expanding gun accessibility
          AP:  Retired judges argue for back pay to Missouri Supreme Court
          SE Missourian:  Mississippi River to reach flood stage by Saturday +
          P-D:  Ferguson says lack of public input on cost, reforms are obstacles to agreement with DOJ
          AP:  St. Louis court to accept payments online
          P-D outsourced "freelance editorialists" editorial:  Redistricting should count residents, not voters;  Battle pits GOP-leaning rural areas versus "urban areas ... with their larger populations of undocumented immigrants and felons"
          KC Star editorial:  Kathleen Sebelius calls out Kansas, Missouri on women's health issues +
          KC Star editorial:  Jay Nixon's go-it-alone approach wrong way on St. Louis stadium plan +
          P-D op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Andrew Wilson:  The unspeakable in full pursuit of - a football stadium
          P-D sports columnist Ben Frederickson:  With football-scholarship legislation, GOP Reps. Rick Brattin, Kurt Bahr show they are boneheads
          Columbia Missourian's Carl Kenney:  Adjunct prof compares struggle of campus journalism classes to being in literal "war zone," compares himself to "a wounded general"
          Columbia Missourian's Gene Robertson:  Sexagenarian recalls campus diversity struggle in days of yore, offers advice:  "Keep your eyes on the prize," "seize the time," other non-specific recommendations
          KC Star letter:  Olivette doctor thinks Legislature should expand Medicaid +
          P-D letter:  St. Louis Regional Chamber's Joe Reagan says businesses can help sustain positive change started by Ferguson Commission
          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, December 14
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  Ethanol industry battles Big Oil for market share;  Comments from Missouri Corn Growers Association's Morris Heitman X
        KMWU:  Climate change could mean more downpours and droughts for Missouri's farmers
        Truman Index:  Climate-change protest brings out nearly two dozen children, adults
        P-D:  Congressional delegation votes for the week
        Cass County Democrat Missourian:  Former doctor seeks to fill Dem ballot slot against Vicky Hartzler
        SE Missourian:  Federal money will pay for some repairs on South Sprigg Street bridge +
        This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Jay Ashcroft;  Panel of Jeff Roorda, Kevin Stamps, Tom Dempsey and Glen Kolkmeyer discuss person of the year, issue of the year, GOP gov race, more
        KOMU:  Missouri State Capitol Commission hosts masquerade
        Missourinet:  Speaker Todd Richardson won't predict whether House will vote on 'right to work' in 2016
        KSGF:  Nick Reed show:  Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield) recaps Heidi Cruz visit, shares opinions on GOP legislators who complain about taking tough 'right to work' vote in 2016 (2:10)
        Missourinet:  Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) wants to ban abortions based on diagnoses of Down syndrome
        KMZU (Carrollton):  Sens. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis), Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) talk human trafficking legislation
        KOMU:  Sen. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg) wants to stop sale of powdered alcohol
        The Maneater:  Middleton gives first report as interim president in second day of curators meeting
        The Maneater:  Curators discuss moving forward after "challenging times" in the UM system
        KOMU:  Reported discrimination at MU more than black and white;  Jewish student explains struggle of people thinking her parents are rich;  Asian coed laments expectation of high academic achievement;  Other examples of painful oppression
        Columbia Missourian:  Big donor Richard Kinder has power, influence far beyond MU
        KWMU:  Ten-year anniversary of reservoir breach that flooded Johnson's Shut-ins state park
        KWMU:  Speakers at urban gun-violence rally denounce "crazy acceptance of concealed weapons," other Second Amendment issues
        P-D:  West Lake Landfill owners seek to build, solidify support from public and legislators
        P-D outsourced "freelance editorialists" editorial:  McCaskill, others right to push for expanding women's roles in the military
        P-D editorial:  Kurt Schaefer is the Grinch - and he wants to steal abortion rights, academic freedom and local tax authority
        KC Star editorial:  Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City poised for strong second decade, and helps fix the terrible situation caused by Missouri Legislature +
        KC Star editorial video:  Area ladies who support Medicaid expansion share their views with editorial board +
        SNL op-ed:  HSUS' Amanda Good:  By associating with Missouri Farm Bureau, governor candidates take pandering to a whole new level X
        KC Star Public Editor Derek Donovan:  Variety of opinion is a matter of perspective;  New voices should write letters and get novel ideas in the mix +
        JCNT letter:  Area man mocks feminist rally that drew five (5) to Capitol X
        Disclosure



          X
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        Sunday, December 13
       
Washington Missourian:  Local superintendent applauds repeal of No Child Left Behind X
          Drebes:  Monsanto's Duane Simpson promoted, will take on Frank Plescia's former role leading U.S. State & Local Government Affairs
          CDT:  Legislative session to consider marijuana legalization as medical initiative moves forward X
          SNL:  Charlie Norr, Eric Burlison set their eyes on the Senate X
          JCNT:  Mass shooting cases produce legislation;  A look at federal, state proposals X
          Columbia Missourian:  Race drama, teaching waivers to play role in lawmakers' discussion about MU funding
          AP:  New laws to ease doctor shortage see long delays, criticism
          JCNT:  Child-on-child abuse reports exceed estimates;  Legislation tracked juveniles with problem sexual behaviors X
          CDT:  Abortion spotlight:  A look at Sam Lee, other major players in Missouri debate X
          CDT:  Abortion spotlight:  Timeline of Missouri's abortion history X
          CDT:  Abortion spotlight:  Abortion regulations in Missouri X
          KWMU:  Vandal shatters windows at Planned Parenthood clinic;  South Grand location does not perform abortions
          P-D:  Windows, glass broken at health clinic in south St. Louis City
          CDT:  Effort to restore Missouri monument at Vicksburg stalls X
          P-D:  Missouri clears a path for a companion to the Katy Trail
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Selfish state legislators worry about their own elections rather than generating more revenue for Missouri's roads X
          St. Joseph News-Press' Newton:  Missouri officials are right to put the brakes on Obama's Clean Energy Plan X
          P-D's Gallagher:  Will handing cash to Missouri's poor families prompt them to save for college?  Maybe, maybe not.
          Columbia Missourian's Maggie Walter:  Using pronoun "they," new honorific "Mx." will please transgender humanoids who refuse to accept heteronormative binary "he or she" language discrimination
          SNL letter:  Greene County man responds to Billy Long op-ed on environment and energy, references Old Testament X
          SNL letter:  Area woman says Billy Long is wrong about Obamacare X
          P-D letter:  Westminster College President Benjamin Ola Akande praises Wash U.'s Mark Wrighton for weighing in on community-betterment efforts
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, December 12
       
KWMU:  Clinton ignites supporters with rousing St. Louis speech that takes on GOP
          P-D:  Hillary Clinton touts economic plan at St. Louis campaign event
          Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal:  Obamacare:  In Missouri, nearly 90,000 people sign up for coverage
          Sedalia Democrat:  Latest interest-group study:  Missouri ranks 36th "healthiest"
          Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal:  States incentivizing military bases like they do businesses;  Comments from Blunt X
          KC Star:  Missouri cellphone purchases and propane thefts are noted, but authorities see no link +
          The Missouri Times:  End of 'No Child Left Behind' signals shift of control over education;  Comments from state education groups, Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau)
          The Missouri Times:  One-on-one with Rep. Jason Smith:  On Paul Ryan, possibility of budget deal, new chief of staff, more
          The Missouri Times:  Jason Smith hires new district-based chief of staff:  Eric Bohl
          SE Missourian:  Smith names former Cape lawyer Eric Bohl as chief of staff +
          Drebes:  Help Wanted for three jobs:  GOP campaign social media gig;  Two roles dealing with state legislators for ~ $40-50k/yr.
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Mannies & Rosenbaum talk with Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) and Steve Tilley about presidential predictions, GOP gov race, 'right to work,' gun control, transportation funding, more
          Missourinet:  Tax incentives for businesses that relocate to Missouri proposed again
          AP:  Missouri Planned Parenthood denies abortion record request
          P-D:  Ban on abortions because of Down syndrome diagnosis proposed
          CDT:  UM curators elect new board leaders:  Caucasoid female as chair, Caucasoid male as vice chair X
          CDT:  Interim president:  University of Missouri faces many challenges X
          KWMU:  Middleton speaks at St. Louis meeting, says he views MU's public embarrassment as "being chosen to take the lead and set the world right"
          Columbia Missourian:  UM curators announce steps to fix racism:  18-month lecture series on "the black experience," plus a traveling Negro Leagues road show, "... because who doesn't like baseball?"
          CDT:  Panel tells curators about race plans;  Freshmen will be subjected to "teach-in" lectures from Black Studies and Gender and Women's Studies professors X
          Columbia Missourian:  Diversity Awareness Partnership event draws 40;  Highlight was "fishbowl," a game in which adults sit in concentric circles and discuss their feelings
          SNL:  Minority students complain to MSU Board of Governors;  List of demands include funding a statue of a minority somewhere on campus, bigger budgets for minority programs, other ways to spend more money X
          KWMU:  St. Louis alderman Megan Green alleges stadium debate took corrupt turn
          KC Star:  Fight over St. Louis football stadium is a billion-dollar game of chicken +
          Columbia Missourian:  Multiple juvenile justice bills pre-filed for 2016
          KWMU:  Gun-control crusader Rabbi Susan Talve to headline anti-gun-violence rally Sunday
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bill seeks to redirect hotel inspections X
          KC Star:  Missouri stands alone in blocking project to carry Kansas wind power energy +
          P-D:  Union official tells his side in 'Ferghanistan';  Jeff Roorda shares views on strong-arm robber Michael Brown's assault on Darren Wilson, elected officials' responses, "Ferguson effect," much more in new book
          JCNT editorial:  Bill from Rep. Mike Kelley (R-Lamar) focuses on human toll of drunk driving X
          KC Star editorial:  Help needy students by learning from failure of KC charter school +
          Priddy:  Second column in three weeks promoting Capitol masquerade fundraiser
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield man says liberal darling Rabbi Susan Talve is so far left wing, she doesn't represent most of the St. Louis Jewish community
          Washington Missourian letter:  Area man offers advice to campus caterwaulers:  "Quit being so self-centered. Grow up and face the world." 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, December 11
       
P-D:  Blunt a 'no' on education overhaul;  McCaskill gets Chamber praise for construction bill
          SNL:  McCaskill teams up with business to ease regulatory hurdles X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  All-Claire edition:  Obama's inability to see others' points of view, Hillary's aloofness, Ted Cruz's reputation among senators, more +
          P-D:  McCaskill calls Ted Cruz a 'jerk,' but says he could win GOP nomination
          SE Missourian:  Jason Smith named to powerful House leadership group +
          The Missouri Times:  Jason Smith joins House Steering Committee
          National Journal:  Jason Kander camp lays out national-security focused oppo
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Uninsured penalties almost double for 2016;  Comments from local Obamacare navigator X
          KWMU:  Obamacare questions answered
          KWMU:  McCaskill chipping in $10k to fund Jeff City intern hotline;  Coeds will have another outlet to report harassment, general creepery
          Missourinet:  McCaskill donates $10,000 to start Missouri Capitol intern hotline
          AP:  McCaskill donates hotline bling to benefit Capitol interns
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens and Brunner continue to battle after phone recording
          The Missouri Times:  Jay Ashcroft completes statewide tour of counties
          The Missouri Times:  Incorrect legal brief leads to more confusion surrounding AG candidate Joshua Hawley's arguing before U.S. Supreme Court
          SNL:  Lawyer wants to replace Charlie Norr X
          Missourinet:  Missouri Kids First's Emily van Schenkhof wants more state money for Missouri child sex crime caseworkers
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Planned Parenthood reps weigh in on Planned Parenthood controversies
          SNL:  Nixon announces $1.7M for projects to MSU's West Plains campus X
          CDT:  Higher education plan sets five-year goals for Missouri colleges X
          KWMU:  Flat tuition proposed for University of Missouri students
          KWMU:  St. Louis stadium plan clears big obstacle - other hurdles remain
          P-D:  St. Louis stadium proposal gets crucial backing from aldermanic committee
          AP:  St. Louis committee OKs football stadium financing
          P-D:  Alderman Megan Green alleges 'bribery' and 'corruption' in stadium vote
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Collectors Association cautiously supportive of Koster's debt collection reforms
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court considering whether sex abuse lawsuit against Boy Scouts can advance
          AP:  Missouri high court weighs sex abuse suit against Boy Scouts
          KWMU:  Republic Services will comply with EPA order to protect against surface fires at West Lake
          AP:  EPA orders fire prevention steps for landfill
          KWMU:  "Black Student Guide" from 1973 shows Washington University student gripes are nothing new;  Empowerment booklet insisted "shuckin' and jivin' around ain't gonna git it"
          P-D:  Ferguson protester who set fire at Berkeley QuikTrip sentenced to 8 years in prison
          P-D editorial:  David Barklage, other political consultants in Missouri drive sleazy campaign tactics
          JCNT editorial:  State workers extend spirit of generosity X
          Messenger:  Tilley connection could offer feds interesting twist in Kinder inquiry
          Waters:  'Our' new team:  Evaluating Mike Middleton and Hank Foley's odds for success X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Missouri Cannabis Association's Laura Harrison disappointed that Missourian covered only certain marijuana petitions, and not the one she supports
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood woman wants to see House-seat reduction, term-limits tweak on Missouri ballot
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, December 10
       
The Hill:  Pentagon blasts Ted Cruz proposals that would lead to 'apocalyptic war;'  McCaskill says carpet-bomb strategy would help ISIS recruit "misguided barbarians"
        Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill on carpet-bomb effects on women and children;  Logan Thompson on disappearing Kinder cash;  More +
        KC Star:  Blunt endorses gun sale ban for foreign visitors without visas +
        KWMU:  What local experts, officials say about the new school bill that shifts more power to states;  Messages from congressional delegation's communications staff
        Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal:  Presiding commissioner wants to see action on Blunt effort to close Internet tax loophole, not pleased that money goes to state
        NPR:  McCaskill's Special Committee on Aging questions 'egregious' price hikes for specialty medicines
        The Hill:  Senators slam pharma CEO for drug pricing, purchase of $2 million Wu-Tang Clan album;  McCaskill:  "My biggest challenge today is to not lose my temper"
        USA Today:  At McCaskill-Collins hearing, experts testify on steep drug price hikes
        Washington Post:  Doctors, hospitals condemn out-of-control drug prices as Senate investigation begins;  Comments from McCaskill
        SE Missourian:  Jason Smith tries to end EPA rules on wood stoves +
        KWMU:  Emanuel Cleaver attends 13th Amendment event, gets misty-eyed
        The Missouri Times:  Rep. Tommy Pierson (D-St. Louis) kicks off campaign for lieutenant governor
        KWMU:  2015 in review:  Podcasting tag-team champs Mannies & Rosenbaum on the biggest local political stories of the year
        The Missouri Times:  Supreme Court rules in favor of extending workers' compensation
        JCNT:  Missouri Chamber of Commerce unhappy with high court, will ask Legislature to fix law X
        AP:  Missouri Supreme Court weighs case on gun shop liability
        The Missouri Times:  Earnings tax challenge may have new legal backing
        Missourinet:  Kraus wants to expand secretary of state's role in voter fraud cases
        The Missouri Times:  Rep. Kevin Corlew (R-Kansas City) files senior property tax relief bill
        The Missouri Times:  Rep. Sheila Solon (R-Blue Springs) joins in on ethics legislation pre-filings
        CDT:  UM curators to discuss tuition, fees today X
        CDT:  Diversity Awareness Partnership hosts first panel discussion;  Consensus opinion is to do more talking X
        Columbia Missourain:  Diversity Awareness Partnership to hold second and third meetings this week
        P-D:  Express Scripts and UMSL announce $2.5 million to support low-income students;  Bridge Program targets kids from Hazelwood, Ferg-Flor, the 'View, other North County districts
        KWMU:  On eve of crucial committee hearing, St. Louis stadium financing proposal gets a makeover
        Drebes:  Brian Schmidt issues stadium study:  Costs, benefits of different scenarios
        Missourinet:  Producers split over possible Missouri beef checkoff
        Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri producers testify at state beef checkoff meeting
        Brownfield Ag News:  Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) promotes cage-free egg production;  Interview with HSUS-Missouri's Wes Shoemyer
        P-D:  Public meeting on Coldwater Creek draws 300;  17-year-old girl declares connection between her disease and growing up in North County
        P-D:  St. Louis County working with feds on Coldwater Creek study
        AP:  Secret Santa brings gifts of cash to Ferguson;  Photo of area residents embracing Caucasoid cash-carrier
        P-D:  Rabbi Susan Talve, who raised profile during Ferguson drama acts, uses role at White House Hannukah ceremony to blast guns, West Lake Landfill's "fires of toxic nuclear waste," etc.
        SE Missourian editorial:  Students participate in MoDOT bridge competition +
        P-D op-ed:  Washington University Chancellor Mark Wrighton:  What an above-average, non-public institution can do to help Ferguson and St. Louis area's poor kids;  Also, it's time for more Medicaid spending, public transit, etc.
        P-D letter:  Des Peres man says Missouri Constitution prohibits discrimination against Muslims
        KC Star letter:  Woman who chooses to live in Kansas weighs in on Missouri's earnings-tax issue +
        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, December 9
       
KWMU:  Hillary Clinton to highlight proposals to aid manufacturing during St. Louis stop
        P-D:  Hillary Clinton to appear at union hall in St. Louis Friday night
        SNL:  In turnabout, Blunt backs new restrictions on visa waiver program X
        KWIX (Moberly):  Retaliatory tariffs on country of orgin labeling (COOL) could light fire under senators' feet;  Comments from Blunt
        KC Star:  Open enrollment fair for Obamacare today in Lee's Summit +
        KWMU:  St. Louis nears deal with McKee for land in proposed spy agency site
        KMIZ:  Jemell Butler, 19, caught after third sexual assault, robbery in two months;  McCaskill weighs in on culpability of Backpage.com in sex crimes
        KWMU:  Veterans Treatment Courts, growing in the U.S., offer an alternative to incarceration for good soldiers gone bad
        AP:  Former Kinder staffer paid $60,000 more than reports showed
        The Missouri Times:  Nixon holds annual Christmas tree decorating ceremony
        JCNT:  For 12th year in a row, Missouri state government employees have pledged more than $1 million for 885 different charities X
        Drebes:  Budget rumor has it that tax-amnesty revenue is very weak
        The Missouri Times:  Missouri Citizens for the Arts drops off 1000 form letters at Nixon's office, wants more money for Missouri Arts Council
        The Missouri Times:  Nixon comments on ethics proposals, stadium issues
        Kraske:  The Chat:  Rep. Sheila Solon (R-Blue Springs) on her ethics overhaul +
        Missourinet:  Sen. Will Kraus (R-Lee's Summit) to offer voter ID legislation again in 2016
        KWMU:  Pre-filed bills spotlight divide between Democrats and GOP on gun control
        Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court to hear case against shop that sold gun used by daughter to kill father
        CDT:  Mizzou Students for Life disagrees with Genocide Awareness Project's tactics X
        The Maneater:  Concerned Student 1950 co-founder expects Mizzou to "come up with new, sneaky ways to continue the oppression"
        The Maneater:  Diversity course requirement changed with student work load in mind
        Columbia Missourian:  MU committees discuss race ideas:  mandatory diversity requirement, "treat each person as a genius," etc.
        KC Star:  Q&A with University of Missouri interim President Mike Middleton:  African-American surmises his race might possibly have been a potential reason for his hiring, and other deductions +
        Missourinet:  Bill to recognize mental health service dogs in Missouri offered for 2016
        KWIX (Moberly):  Hearing today on proposed beef checkoff increase;  Comments from Ag Director Richard Fordyce
        P-D:  West Lake cleanup hurt by weakening Superfund program, group says
        St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Even more economic benefits to come from having National Guard in the community X
        SNL op-ed:  U.S. Rep. Billy Long:  The American energy sector is stronger and more responsible than advertised X
        Messenger:  Strong bond among patients helps navigate cancer journey
        Rosenbaum:  A stirring speech about Ferguson you probably haven't heard - but should
        P-D letter:  Foley man says editorial boards' anti-term-limits stance protects career politicians like Bob Griffin
        CDT letter:  Columbia native and Mizzou grad says he's disappointed at "wimpy" Mizzou administrators kowtowing to whiny protesters and spoiled athletes, mails back his diploma to Middleton X
        P-D letter:  Affton man offers theory on recent Castle Doctrine case:  Property owner set up situation so that he could shoot someone
        P-D letter:  St. Louis County woman suggests property owner set up alluring thievery situation, says there are too many gun owners "with hate in their heart" looking to shoot criminals
        Disclosure


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         + = 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, December 8
       
The Missouri Times:  Blunt visits Cole County to talk about infrastructure
          Wall Street Journal:  Rising drug costs to be in focus at McCaskill's congressional hearing
          Politico:  McCaskill's committee to hold first hearings since Valeant, Turing made news this summer
          Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill on government as free-spending Santa Claus;  Koster makes his pitch for agricultural vote +
          SE Missourian:  Missouri gets $1.6M in federal dollars for flood damage +
          ESPNw (women):  McCaskill and Gillibrand make Top 25 list for sexual assault work, earn flattering Marvel cartoon "superhero" image of themselves
          The Missouri Times:  Heidi Cruz puts husband Ted on Missouri ballot
          KC Star:  Sam Graves endorses Ted Cruz +
          P-D:  Former Kinder campaign manager Logan Thompson got $64k in unreported payments from campaign
          KWMU:  Updated:  Kinder alerts federal authorities to financial discrepancies in some campaign reports
          Missourinet:  Missouri gov candidates oppose elected ag secretary
          The Missouri Times:  Judy Baker formally announces bid for state treasurer
          KWMU:  Former legislator Judy Baker launches Democratic bid for Missouri treasurer
          Drebes:  Team Nixon, legislators set to battle over consensus revenue estimate
          Missourinet:  Sen. Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis), says he'd like to move on after 'right to work' PQ move, but says some members of his caucus still emotional
          The Missouri Times:  Will Kraus pre-files two bills on election fraud
          Missourinet:  GOP senators, Newman offer gun-related legislation
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) files 'Good Samaritan' protection bill
          CDT:  Missouri State Teachers Association sets legislative priorities X
          Columbia Missourian:  Middleton appoints two Caucasoid interim vice presidents
          SNL:  MSU hires outside investigator to review allegations of 'racist treatment' X
          P-D:  Cost of riverfront football stadium to top $1.01 billion
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Wind project raises concerns X
          JCNT:  Rep. Mike Kelley (R-Lamar) sponsors "Toby's Law";  Drunk drivers would pay for mandatory, court-approved Victim Impact Panel X
          KC Star:  Gas chamber raised by Missouri inmates as possible execution method;  Attorneys for rapist/murderer say firing squad would likely be met with GOP legislature's approval +
          P-D:  Feds say Coldwater Creek contamination buried, won't cause danger;  Corps to hold meeting tomorrow to present facts and science, hear complaints and theories
          KWMU:  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finds low-level radiation at three more houses and four businesses near Coldwater Creek
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri hunters harvest nearly 10,000 deer during antlerless firearms seasons
          Missourinet:  Latest Missouri CWD case could lead to another 'management zone';  Effective practices keep disease-carrying animals from invading other areas
          KWMU:  At final meeting, Ferguson Commission looks to leaders - and St. Louisans - to carry out its work
          P-D:  Ferguson Commission asks FOCUS St. Louis to continue its work
          P-D:  Man who hacked St. Louis County police union gets 18 months;  Criminal used three "Rebel but Gangster" or "RbG Black Rebels" accounts
          AP:  "Operation Ferguson" member gets 18 months for hacking Missouri police union website
          P-D:  Obituary:  Donald Gralike, former Missouri lawmaker and electrical union president, dies at 86;  Democrat was defeated by "Dick Gebhart [sic]" in 1978 congressional primary UPDATE:  Fixed, with no attribution
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri courts must crack down on unscrupulous debt collectors +
          KC Star letter:  Blue Springs woman says Sam Graves and his cronies live in a privileged bubble, are wrong about Obamacare +
          P-D letter:  Easter Seals CEO says Nixon denies critical need of people with developmental disabilities
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says Nixon doing heroic work to rein in municipalities
          Disclosure


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         + = 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, December 7   Pearl Harbor Day
       
The Hill:  Dems threaten Reid tax deal;  McCaskill:  "How are we ever going to get tax reform if we keep giving out goodies at Christmas?"
          KWIX (Moberly):  Audio:  Luetkemeyer on mass shootings and those who push to "take all the guns away"
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Blunt on Obamacare's partisan problem;  Author Joe Klein on Eric Greitens;  Nixon on gender-pay executive order +
          P-D:  Area congressional delegation's votes for the week
          SE Missourian:  Congressional votes for the week +
          P-D:  St. Louis-area groups 'strongly condemn' San Bernardino violence
          The Missouri Times:  Texts from the Trail:  Logan Thompson and Kinder cash;  Missouri Farm Bureau forum nuggets;  Anne Zerr vs. Bill Eigel;  Updates on Robert Knodell, Scott Dieckhaus and Jon Ratliff;  More
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Chris Koster;  Panel of Richard McIntosh, Crystal Brinkley, Elijah Haahr, Steve Tilley talk governor's race, urban earnings tax, more
          Missourinet:  Video:  Missouri Farm Bureau's gubernatorial candidate forum:  Chris Koster, Catherine Hanaway, Eric Greitens, Peter Kinder, John Brunner
          Missourinet:  Candidates for governor talk transportation at Missouri Farm Bureau forum
          Missourinet:  Hanaway, Kinder criticize MU protest response at latest forum
          AP:  Koster, GOP gov hopefuls speak at Farm Bureau forum
          Drebes:  Catalyst Group lobbyists sign up fantasy sports sites Fanduel, DraftKings as clients
          JCNT:  MoDOT features Jeff City alum's pitch for safe roads X
          Missourinet:  Bills prompted by Ferguson are priorities for Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis)
          P-D:  Was homeowner's decision to defend his property and eliminate young thief a reasonable one?  A look at Missouri's Castle Doctrine
          KWMU:  Callaway nuclear plant union warns of possible strike
          Gateway Journalism Review:  Post-Dispatch names new editorial page editor to replace Tony Messenger
          P-D editorial:  Another legislative session provides another chance to fix it;  Throw out term limits, shrink size of House
          JCNT editorial:  Enhanced officer training helps everyone X
          SNL editorial:  Public petition wrong avenue for discrimination complaints X
          JCNT letter:  Eldon man commends Blunt for supporting cancer research X
          P-D letter:  Editorial wrongly assigns blame in boy's death;  Budding criminal and thieving pals are solely to blame
          Disclosure



          X
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         + = 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, December 6
       
SNL:  Blunt defends expansion of visa waivers as others seek restrictions to program X
          KWMU:  Local "guerrilla/street artist" helps Syrian refugees by glueing her mural posters on twelve (12) urban alleyways, storefronts
          SE Missourian:  Replacement of No Child Left Behind law draws mixed reaction;  Comments from U.S. Rep. Jason Smith +
          Columbia Missourian:  Two proposals for November 2016 ballot aim to legalize medical marijuana
          Missourinet:  Livestream today at 3 p.m.:  Missouri governor candidates at Missouri Farm Bureau forum
          AP:  Promises of a positive Missouri governor's race questioned;  Brunner campaign says it did not leak audio of private conversation to media
          The Missouri Times:  Kinder's report shows over $68,000 to Logan Thompson unreported
          Drebes:  Greta Bax to become new chief of staff to House Minority Leader Rep. Jake Hummel (D-St. Louis)
          KWMU:  Planned Parenthood supporters turn out 100 for city rally;  Activist Ellen Dempsher:  "Having unprotected sex - that was my bad choice. Having an abortion was the good choice."
          JCNT:  Ron Richard to Chris Koster:  Fight harder against Planned Parenthood X
          SNL:  Ozarks-area lawmakers begin filing legislation X
          CDT:  University of Missouri interim President Mike Middleton appoints interim vice presidents:  White female for HR, white male for academic affairs X
          JCNT:  Lincoln University issues press release congratulating itself on second year of meeting state standards;  36.8% of freshmen manage to earn 24 credit hours their first year X
          SNL:  Students talk demands at MSU;  One dozen angry students express displeasure with media, also insist they were complaining about race before Mizzou students gained spotlight X
          JCNT:  State still making an effort to be a "Top 10" education state by 2020;  Comments from DESE's Sarah Potter X
          Columbia Missourian:  Nearly two dozen attend early Kwanzaa celebration aimed at teaching community about the importance of holiday's values;  Youngsters gyrate to dulcet tones of Silento's "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)"
          CDT:  Child day care centers in Columbia undergo strict state scrutiny X
          P-D:  Ex-cons-in-the-workforce series:  Former dope dealer cleans up his act, chooses to work for a living
          P-D:  Ex-cons-in-the-workforce series:  Former dope dealer chooses to work for a living - beginning with $8- and $9-an-hour jobs - and progresses through ironworkers apprenticeship program
          West Plains Daily Quill:  Missouri Department of Agriculture to hold public meeting to discuss change to beef checkoff program
          JCNT editorial:  Mizzou - and other state schools - should end the sham of giving celebrities "honorary degrees" X
          JCNT editorial:  Missouri health care group endorse opiod cautions X
          CDT's Water:  Cosby lesson shows the danger of honorary degrees X
          P-D letter:  Shrewsbury man responds to outsourced "freelance editorialists" editorial on GOP and Planned Parenthood
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says bad stadium deal keeps changing for the worse
          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, December 5
       
P-D:  Hillary Clinton to campaign next Friday in St. Louis
          NY Times:  Not even catharsis is seen in Senate vote to repeal health law;  Comments from Blunt
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bill aims to right postal finances;  Comments from McCaskill, Blunt X
          KWMU:  Foundation being laid for St. Louis 'Promise Zone';  Achieving "alarmingly high unemployment, crime and mortality rates" moves poor communities to the front of the line for federal taxpayer dollars
          Missourinet:  Missouri Farm Bureau forum to feature all candidates for governor;  Missourinet will livestream Sunday afternoon
          CDT:  Kinder campaign revises campaign reports over $50,000 discrepancy X
          KWMU:  Kinder alerts federal authorities to financial discrepancies in some campaign reports
          The Missouri Times:  Kinder claims staff misappropriated funds;  Response from Barklage & Knodell
          AP:  Kinder says campaign money was misspent;  Response from David Barklage
          P-D:  Kinder says campaign money was misspent
          SE Missourian:  'Community champs' David Limbaugh and Gary Rust interviewed at Chamber event +
          AP:  GOP Sens. Brian Munzlinger, Bob Dixon propose lifting gun ban at colleges
          The Missouri Times:  Rowden pre-files legislation to cut lobbying ties between legislators
          P-D's Joe Holleman:  Local teachers union tweet trips over a real toughy:  "there" versus "their"
          KC Star:  Missouri lawmaker begin filing bills for 2016 +
          KWMU:  Missouri legislators expect to focus on abortion, and University of Missouri, in new session
          CDT:  University of Missouri lobbying team loses newly-hired director;  System will still receive services from Andy Blunt at bargain $10,000/month X
          KWMU:  "Black Power" dean's behavior plays key role in helping Harris-Stowe lose a second seven-figure bias suit;  Money won't come from Harris-Stowe, but rather taxpayer-supported state legal expense fund
          P-D:  Harris-Stowe loses another costly discrimination case
          P-D:  Task force leans on Missouri for last bit of stadium financing
          P-D:  NFL officially sends deadline letter to St. Louis stadium task force
          AP:  Nixon thanks NFL for providing timeline
          P-D:  Ameren suspends plans for huge solar farm along I-70
          KFVS:  Missouri Department of Conservation says male deer fell victim to Chronic Wasting Disease
          SNL:  Missouri Department of Conservation:  As fall winds down, many "outdoorsman's thoughts (turn) to chasing cottontails" X
          AP:  Governor orders state agencies to study "gender wage gap"
          Missourinet:  Nixon's order calls for equal pay to close "gender wage gap"
          Missourinet:  Gals' group praises equal pay order;  Comments from Women's Foundation CEO Wendy Doyle
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon signs executive order which seeks to close "gender wage gap"
          ProPublica:  "Journalism in the Public Interest":  To address "race gap", Koster pushes debt collection "fixes"
          Wall Street Journal op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Blake Hurst:  How wind farms blow away rights on real farms (link via @MattBlunt on Twitter)
          St. Joseph News-Press letter:  Area woman says Graves is a hypocrite for calling himself "pro-life" and opposing Syrian refugees X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man suggests that lawmakers who support free flow of Syrian refugees should let a few move in with them
          P-D letter:  St. Charles man says right-wing media, left-wing activist groups were mere bit players in Mizzou's tragic comedy - and the Post-Dispatch should be ashamed for not doing a better job covering the real story
          P-D letter:  Warson Woods man responds to letter regarding parents not wanting their kids to become cops because of anti-police sentiment
          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, December 4
       
Missourinet:  Missouri's congressional delegation supports passage of federal highway bill
          St. Joseph News-Press:  House pushes through highway bill;  Comments from McCaskill, Blunt, Graves X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Hartzler on highway bill;  KC Chamber's Jim Heeter on Schaefer's "mean-spirited" effort to axe earnings tax +
          Missourinet:  Mid-Missouri Fellowship for Reconciliation, others call for Missouri to take Syrian refugees
          CDT:  Mid-Missouri Fellowship for Reconciliation, others call for U.S. to keep accepting Syrian refugees;  Septuagenarian compares anti-refugee sentiment to anti-Semitism X
          JCNT:  Missouri Faith Voices, others:  Welcoming refugees, security are not incompatible X
          KWMU:  Group encourages self-described "artists" failing to earn significant income to sign up for Obamacare
          KC Star:  Claire McCaskill calls for more gun control +
          Kraske:  John Brunner recording - then releasing - private phone call with Eric Greitens was "blatant deception, an ethically bankrupt tactic" +
          Missourinet:  Missouri Republicans file ethics proposals for 2016 session
          P-D:  Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia) seeks to eliminate St. Louis City earnings tax
          CDT:  Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights) offers sarcastic "72-hour waiting period" for gun purchases X
          CDT:  Bills filed to allow concealed weapons on Missouri campuses X
          CDT:  Student senate calls for official statement on Melissa Click's behavior at race demonstration X
          P-D:  University of Missouri's interim leader says race issues can't fester
          The Missouri Times:  David Smith declines government-affairs job at University of Missouri, will remain at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
          SNL:  Pal of top black MSU official alleges his friend receives "racist treatment";  Local NAACP distances itself from Du'Sean Howard's online petition X
          KC Star:  In a switch, Kansas City district will sponsor new charter school +
          The Missouri Times:  Proponents of Missouri Non-Discrimination Act to give bill another go in 2016
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon to announce "equal pay" plan at Women's Foundation luncheon
          Missourinet:  Disease deadly to deer found in fifth Missouri county
          KWMU:  Inspired by Ferguson riots and aftermath, Koster wants to halt "abusive" debt collection procedures;  Adults who have chosen to take on debt and not repay in timely manner would get more leeway
          P-D:  Koster seeks to stop "abusive" tactics in recovering debt from deadbeats
          KWMU:  Organization for Black Struggle, sympathizers call for public hearing once consent decree is filed
          Columbia Journalism Review:  P-D "freelance editorialists" editorials penned by man in Oregon;  Post-Dispatch offers disclaimer, while KC Star does not;  Comments from P-D's Kevin Horrigan, KC Star's Steve Paul
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Missouri should do what we can to help Syrian refugees, but security concerns must be addressed
          P-D editorial:  The penalty for being a stupid kid shouldn't be death;  Thoughts on Castle Doctrine and case of man who eliminated thief
          KC Star editorial:  Editorial board seeks reader ideas for reducing gun violence +
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Gun issue will be with us forever;  Many people avoid St. Louis City and other violent areas X
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Conversation about race must continue;  Local group that sits around and talks about race will totally make a difference
          P-D letter:  Richmond Heights man says guns, not Syrian refugees, are the biggest danger to Missourians
          Washington Missourian letter:  Ron Fitzwater on onerous pseudoephedrine restrictions X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman suggests more money be spent on early childhood education
          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, December 3
       
Missourinet:  Blunt:  President underestimates ISIS;  McCaskill defends Obama
          Columbia Missourian:  Inside the refugee resettlement process:  Screening for terrorists, providing taxpayer-funded "support services" and handouts, more
          KWMU:  Missouri needs matching funds to maximize benefits of transportation plan
          CDT:  Peaceworks, Grass Roots Organizing, et al. to show "Capitalism vs. the Climate" documentary at MU tonight X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Springfield parks director on losing federal funds;  Will Kraus on voter ID +
          The Missouri Times:  Jack Danforth endorses Mike Parson over Bev Randles in GOP lieutenant governor primary
          The Missouri Times:  Tishaura Jones endorses Jake Zimmerman over Teresa Hensley in Dem attorney general primary
          The Missouri Times:  Robert Knodell selected as new HRCC executive director
          JCNT:  Capital City holiday cheer includes candlelight tour of Governor's Mansion, other events;  Photo of young boys peeping into "Living Windows" at ballerina X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Gun background checks hit record high;  Gun-store owner:  "People want to keep themselves safe, that's what it is." X
          SNL:  Sen. Bob Dixon (R-Springfield) files bill to allow concealed carry on Missouri campuses X
          The Missouri Times:  Schmitt files aggressive tax cut bill
          The Missouri Times:  Schaefer targets KC, STL earnings taxes
          KC Star:  Mayor Sly James, other KC officials oppose effort to restrict tax revenue +
          CDT:  Order blocking Planned Parenthood license revocation will stand until late December X
          Missourinet:  Judge extends order allowing Columbia Planned Parenthood to keep license
          AP:  Missouri clinic to keep abortion license during court battle
          The Missouri Times:  Planned Parenthood earns a small victory in keeping license at Columbia affiliate
          CDT:  Abortion activists can use amplifier at Planned Parenthood, city attorney tells court X
          Missourinet:  First bill stemming from Missouri Planned Parenthood hearings filed
          CDT:  Bill filing opens with proposals on unions, ethics and weapons on campus X
          JCNT:  Mid-Missouri lawmakers prefile bills X
          The Missouri Times:  Schmitt announces legislative package for more disclosure on higher education classes
          CDT:  MU creates combined Office for Civil Rights and Title IX X
          Columbia Missourian:  MU creates Office of Civil Rights and Title IX
          The Maneater:  Multicultural Center hosts Allyship Week amidst campus tensions;  College males preparing to become real-world men contemplate "feelings"
          The Maneater:  Bowen Loftin leaves one contract and enters another
          P-D:  St. Louis Community College enrollment in 25-year free fall
          KWMU:  Schmitt seeks to expand new municipal overhaul measure
          The Missouri Times:  Pearce, House members move to ban texting while driving
          KWMU:  Aldermen reject legislative effort to force public vote on stadium financing
          KWMU:  With no way to track users, Missouri medical associations try to cut back on narcotics prescriptions
          P-D:  Federal study to look at Coldwater Creek link to illness;  North County native/amateur epidemiologist:  "We all know we've been contaminated. We don't need a department to come in and let us know."
          SE Missourian:  Butler County Publishing purchases Dexter Daily Statesman and North Stoddard Countian +
          JCNT editorial:  Secretary of State Jason Kander warns Missourians to beware of identity-thieving online crooks X
          KC Star editorial:  Editorial board looking for area denizens who made "notable difference" in community this year +
          CDT's Waters:  On state legislature and home rule for Columbia X
          P-D's Ben Hochman:  Q:  How can St. Louis be a loser in NFL deal?  A:  Cash rules everything around Kroenke's mustache.
          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, December 2
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  President, Congress continue energy tussle;  Comments from Blunt X
          The Missouri Times:  Ameren shows negative impact of federal regulations at community meeting
          The Missouri Times.  State Rep. Tim Remole (R-Excello) hosts citizens concerned about Clean Power Plan
          KWMU:  Blunt, McCaskill provisions included in highway funding bill
          P-D:  Tentative highway bill has St. Louis-area imprint
          SNL:  New post puts U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler at center of abortion debate X
          SE Missourian:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith's Chief of Staff Josh Haynes leaves to take new job with health care company +
          KC Star:  Jessica Podhola, union official and former exec director of Jackson County Dems, will challenge J.J. Rizzo in primary +
          Drebes:  Cheri Toalson Reisch to seek GOP nomination for Caleb Rowden's House seat
          JCNT:  Medicaid panel seeks 'a Missouri solution' X
          Missourinet:  State lawmakers begin pre-filing bills for 2016 session
          Columbia Missourian:  More than 200 bills pre-filed for 2016 legislative session
          KWMU:  Schaefer seeks to eliminate St. Louis and Kansas City's earnings tax
          KC Star:  Kurt Schaefer takes aim at KC earnings tax +
          Missourinet:  Primary seat belt, texting-while-driving bans proposed to Missouri Legislature
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield), Human Trafficking Task Force prepare legislation for 2016
          The Missouri Times:  Schmitt pre-files bill to continue municipal court overhaul
          P-D:  Schmitt's bill would further limit municipal court revenue
          CDT:  Judge blocks state from revoking Columbia abortion clinic's license X
          JCNT:  Grief, rage on Capitol steps;  Five (5) Planned Parenthood supporters display daisy chain of feminist unity, solidarity X
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Lottery Commission receives 'good' marks on audit
          KWMU:  Jennings schools celebrate accreditation;  Riverview and St. Louis Public Schools must wait
          P-D:  Jennings schools boast of improvement:  40 percent of North County youngsters manage to pass reading tests, and less than 27 percent passed math tests
          Columbia Missourian:  New initiative at MU creates "safe space";  Young adults preparing for real world can curl up on couches and ottomans, talk about their feelings and be "validated and heard"
          KC Star:  Unofficial Mizzou 'White Student Union' raises hackles +
          CDT:  Organization works to restore MU's image after damage done by race histrionics X
          SNL:  MSU responds to 'demands' from minority student groups, announces actions;  Placation tactics include "anti-bias" teams, attempts to find qualified minority job applicants, etc. X
          KWMU:  Federal health agency to visit North County today, hear tales from those who attribute their health maladies to Coldwater Creek radiation
          KWMU:  New training standards for Missouri law officers include "implicit bias recognition," etc.
          AP:  Atchison County sheriff says sitting through racial-bias lectures means time away from real police work
          KWMU:  St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar says it will be years before exact understanding of "Ferguson effect"
          KC Star editorial:  Anti-abortion intimidation ripples through Missouri, elsewhere;  Kurt Schaefer holds hostile hearings +
          P-D outsourced "freelance editorialists" editorial:  Republicans' pathetic response to Planned Parenthood shooting;  Kurt Schaefer singlehandedly intimidated University of Missouri System
          CDT's Waters:  Nicole Galloway:  Local girl done good X
          KC Star's Diuguid:  Sexagenarian columnist wants readers to know about his workout regimen ("1 1/2 hours, five days a week religiously since 1972"), offers thoughts on obesity, love of McDonald's and Church's chicken and barbecue, more +
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman suggests improvements to Missouri's system for applying for handouts, making it easier to hop on the dole
          P-D letter:  Lake Saint Louis says he doesn't want his son to be a cop thanks to "freakshow folks at 'lives matter'" groups
          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, December 1
       
SNL:  Lapse of federal conservation fund puts Missouri park projects in limbo;  Comments from McCaskill and Blunt staff, MO state parks director Bill Bryan
          Columbia Missourian/PolitiFact:  Blunt's claim about future demand for food rated "True"
          The Missouri Times:  Heidi Cruz to make Missouri stops on Monday
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Nicole Galloway's soft launch of 2018 campaign;  Brad Ketcher on lack of GOP appetite for ethics overhaul
          The Missouri Times:  Secretary of state candidate Will Kraus says voter ID is his top priority, says requirement is "common sense"
          AP:  Higher education leaders drop plans for cigarette tax hike
          Drebes:  Missouri Senate staff changes:  Drew Dampf, Diane Lindsay, Heidi Geisbuhler
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Jeanette Mott Oxford of Missourians for Social Welfare - rebranded as Empower Missouri - on her career, opposition to stadium projects, desire to raise taxes on those achieving a high income, minority traffic stops, more
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmakers spar in hearing on refugee assistance
          Missourinet:  Video:  Missouri House, Senate joint hearing on state role in refugee assistance
          KWMU:  Missouri lawmakers question vetting of Syrian refugees
          CDT:  Missouri legislative committees question officials about refugees
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers question money for refugee resettlement
          The Missouri Times:  Republicans and Democrats battle in hearing over Syrian refugees
          The Missouri Times:  Democrats offer 'plan to keep Missourians safe,' call GOP plan a 'do-nothing approach'
          P-D:  Missouri Republicans concerned about vetting of Syrian refugees
          JCNT:  Lawmakers take 4 hours of testimony on refugees' settling in Missouri
          P-D:  Intrigue at Rams park:  Stan Kroenke meets with Jay Nixon
          Missourinet:  Rep. Genise Montecillo (D-St. Louis) accuses Nixon of withholding details on NFL stadium plan
          Missourinet:  Video:  Missouri House hearing on NFL stadium deal
          The Missouri Times:  Legislators question Office of Administration on state stadium funding issues
          P-D:  Missouri lawmakers again raise problems with lack of communication on stadium
          KWMU:  Nixon meets with Kroenke;  still faces opposition from GOP lawmakers over stadium funding plan
          SE Missourian:  Missouri hunters bag 14 percent more deer in November;  DOC says controlling wild-animal population is good for the state
          P-D:  13-year-old thief, killed while stealing from car in St. Louis, may test Missouri's 'Castle Doctrine'
          AP:  Planned Parenthood sues to keep Missouri clinic's license
          Missourinet:  Planned Parenthood files lawsuit to try and continue offering abortion at Columbia facility
          Columbia Missourian:  Planned Parenthood turns out 150 for rally;  National Organization for Women, others yell "M-I-Z! Shame on you!"
          CDT:  Demonstrators take abortion debate to University of Missouri campus
          Columbia Missourian:  City will determine whether MU's Melissa Click is prosecuted for assault
          KWMU:  Despite state funding cuts, St. Louis-based Parents as Teachers helps prepare families to educate children
          KWMU:  State school board to consider accreditation upgrade requests for three St. Louis area districts
          P-D:  New program at Riverview Gardens seeks to improve graduation rates
          JCNT:  Rep. David Wood (R-Versailles) targets boat wakes
          KC Star:  As poverty and hunger grow in Warrensburg, agencies try a new approach;  Church groups, others provide help for the downtrodden
          SE Missourian:  Judge's ruling advances road project;  land dispute involves Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau)
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Hanaway makes headway with reasonable transportation-funding plan
          P-D op-ed:  Peter Raven:  Chris Koster, other Missouri leaders should switch positions and support Obama's Clean Power Plan
          Shelly:  Intimidation wins so far in Mizzou, Planned Parenthood saga
          Columbia Missourian's Carl Kenney:  Nearly a thousand (1,000) words on memories of Mizzou's Kellen Winslow, race divisions, failure of Columbia's black population to achieve higher salaries, more
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says city police chief isn't to blame for "a bunch of malfeasants with guns running around killing each other"
          JCNT letter:  Jefferson City Caucasoid not offended by "honky" or "cracker," suggests oversensitive types learn to control their emotions
          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.
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