johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - February 2017



    

       
       
Tuesday, February 28
       
The Missouri Times:  Missouri Republicans call on McCaskill to confirm Gorsuch
          PBS:  How Americans see Donald Trump, according to three regional newspapers:  St. Joseph News-Press Chairman David Bradley says Trump has made some misstatements, says area residents are largely satisfied and most hope Trump keeps his promises
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Area liberals outraged over Bradley's comments about Trump;  Group of nearly 50 gathers outside News-Press office during workday X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Protest photo gallery:  Woman wearing yarn labia atop skull;  More X
          Columbia Missourian:  Kander talks voter rights to liberal lawyers' group
          Helling:  Democrats must find better candidates, or they'll keep losing +
          CDT:  Columbia man arrested after attacking police officer at St. Louis LGBTQIA* parade X
          P-D:  St. Louis woman jumps on back of officer, tries to interfere with arrest at St. Louis LGBTQIA* parade
          KC Star:  Missouri Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Webber calls on Greitens to condemn Trump's comments about war +
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) says workers' comp bill will help stop "double-dipping"
          KWMU:  Missouri's chief public defender, Michael Barrett, says he'll close offices around the state unless Legislature gives him more money
          Missourinet:  State Public Defender Michael Barrett requests $70 million in funding
          AP:  Public defenders want more money from legislators
          The Missouri Times:  House approves extensions for pregnancy resource center tax credits
          KSGF:  Nick Reed show:  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) talks about PDMP legislation, addresses Reed's skepticism of program, says she looks forward to Eric Burlison representing Springfield in the Missouri Senate soon
          P-D:  Lincoln County joins prescription drug monitoring database
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) explains REAL ID conundrum
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Nate Walker (R-Kirksville) gives REAL ID update
          P-D:  Purchases of land for Missouri parks put on hold
          Missourinet:  Missouri House looks at expanding hemp extract use for serious health conditions
          SNL:  State electrician's license discussed in Senate X
          Missourinet:  House endorses tougher fines for those who choose to break herbicide-application laws
          The Missouri Times:  Great Plains files application, PSC sets intervention deadline
          Columbia Missourian:  Columbia Public Library to allow concealed weapons indefinitely
          AP:  Judge says state knowingly violated Sunshine Law
          U.S. News & World Report:  State rankings:  Missouri #37
          P-D:  U.S. News & World Report ranks Missouri in bottom third of states
          Washington Missourian editorial:  McCaskill, Sen. Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan) stand up for area's bridge needs X
          P-D editorial:  Windfall gives Greitens an opportunity to show compassion for Missouri's olds, disabled and kids
          KC Star op-ed:  Concerned Women for America's Bev Ehlen:  McCaskill should support Gorsuch +
          KC Star op-ed:  NARAL's Alison Dreith:  McCaskill should oppose Gorsuch +
          St. Joseph News-Press's Newton:  REAL ID debate is messy and tiresome X
          Waters:  Mike Middleton deserves credit for more than hanging in there X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Values Project's Molly Teichman:  Politicians' effort to help liquor megastore Total Wine may hurt Missouri families
          P-D letter:  Bridgeton man says Post-Dispatch reporter Kurt Erickson's predictably-slanted piece on lt. gov. office furniture appeals to left-leaning, low-information readers
          Disclosure


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        Monday, February 27
       
P-D:  Inside the Trump White House, St. Louis native Katie Walsh plays key role
          The New Yorker's Kathryn Schulz:  Liberals target GOP congressional offices with phone calls;  KC woman brags about calling Blunt's D.C. office every day, tells reporter she is a "registered Independent" - though Missouri does not have party registration
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local immigration attorneys provide advice to illegal aliens hiding out in Missouri:  Don't break more laws by committing other crimes X
          Faughn:  Jay Wasson may be Missouri's most influential senator;  Nixa Republican shares thoughts on Greitens, PQ, 'right to work,' prevailing wage, building trust with Democrats, and the crop of young senators
          Missourinet:  PDMP sponsor Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) shares her own family's battle with drug addiction, opioid abuse
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Assistant Superminority Floor Leader Gina Mitten (D-St. Louis) on ethics bills, REAL ID, tort overhaul;  Panel of St. Louis City Democratic mayoral campaign staffers
          Missourinet:  Rep. Cody Smith (R-Carthage):  further scrutiny of St. Louis Community Release Center is in process
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Hundreds of local bridges deemed structurally deficient X
          Washington Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Lynn Morris (R-Nixa) would change county budget process, could remove auditor as budget officer
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) would install abortion exhibit in Missouri Capitol
          P-D editorial:  Special interests are trying, again, to reverse voters' will on campaign cash
          SNL letter:  Bolivar man unhappy that McCaskill, Blunt, Long not holding town halls during break X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Columbia sexagenarian demands Vicky Hartzler hold town halls, says incumbent - who won by forty (40) points in 2016 - is in danger of losing seat
          P-D letter:  Creve Coeur man wants Post-Dispatch to make more frequent reference to Greitens' intellectual, Democratic past
          Disclosure


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        Sunday, February 26
       
KWMU:  Missouri GOP has singular message at Lincoln Days:  It's time to get to work
          SNL:  Lincoln Days happenings:  Blunt speech and protest;  Greitens speech;  Ashcroft speaks to GOP attorneys group;  panel of female department heads;  MRP Vice Chair Kay Hoflander on looking toward 2018 X
          KY3:  Missouri Republicans gather for Lincoln Days
          P-D:  At Lincoln Days, Missouri Republicans talk 2018 races
          JCNT:  Anti-Trump rally draws less than three dozen outside Luetkemeyer's office;  Veteran social justice warrior Sue Gibson says she wants GOP to support "Black Lives Matter," transgender campaigns, etc. X
          CDT:  Hartzler's Steve Walsh says congresswoman's one-on-one meetings are more productive than staged "spectacles for the media" X
          Missourinet:  Columbia man who converted to Islam and planned KC ISIS attack being held without bond
          Columbia Missourian:  Blunt's Columbia office gets new location
          KWMU:  LGBTQIA* activists rally downtown, express anger over Emery's alternative-facilities bill
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Guest Rep. Gina Mitten (D-St. Louis) on tort overhaul proposals, REAL ID, ethics bills;  Panel of St. Louis City Democratic mayoral candidate staffers
          Drebes:  Nixon holdovers on the way out;  Labor scion Hugh McVey, nephew of longtime Missouri AFL-CIO boss Duke McVey, departs Dept. of Labor and Industrial Relations
          SNL:  Legislative roundup:  REAL ID, drug monitoring X
          CDT:  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia):  Ethics bills would uphold Greitens' campaign promises X
          Columbia Missourian:  Overview:  Tort overhaul proposals
          P-D:  These 14 St. Louis charter schools have struggled for 14 years, but continue to evade closure
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Missouri House passes bill to increase fines for farmers who choose to break herbicide application laws
          AP:  St. Louis airport could soon get booze-to-go policy
          KC Star:  Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) proposes "Never Again Act" to highlight history of abortion X
          P-D:  Tiniest victims of Missouri's heroin epidemic flood into foster care
          P-D editorial:  VP Mike Pence wrong to call Obamacare a "nightmare" during St. Louis visit
          JCNT editorial:  A state family-friendly leave policy is a win-win X
          Waters:  Time for Missouri to comply with REAL ID X
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Gasoline tax for transportation should range between 5.9 cents and 10 cents - and still will not solve MoDOT's problems X
          P-D letter:  Maryland Heights sexagenarian dislikes Blunt, expresses her anger over senator's re-election
          P-D letter:  Manchester sexagenarian demands Ann Wagner hold town halls, says incumbent - re-elected in 2016 by 20 points - is in danger of losing seat
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood septuagenarian dislikes fellow Democrats' town-hall campaign, says anti-Trump protesters should behave in a more civil fashion
          P-D letter:  Ladue octogenarian is pleased with Post-Dispatch's criticism of Eric Greitens, wants paper to "drown him with more articles"
          SE Missourian letter:  Palmyra septuagenarian supports eminent domain bills proposed by Rep. Nate Walker (R-Kirksville) +
          Disclosure



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        Saturday, February 25   The Official 2017 Missouri Lincoln Day Bingo Card
       
The Missouri Times:  Special Lincoln Days print edition:  Lincoln Days schedule, Jeff Roe's Axiom Strategies racks up national awards;  more
          The Missouri Times:  Lincoln Days kicks off in Springfield;  Attendees talk 2018 GOP U.S. Senate primary, more
          Missourinet:  Lincoln Days features U.S. Senate primary hopefuls, celebration of November victories, more
          KSPR:  Video:  Lincoln Days attendees gather in Springfield;  Comments from Republicans Tom Mendenhall, Danette Proctor;  Sexagenarian anti-Blunt protester Rita Bruin says she has been "borderline depressed" since Hillary Clinton's defeat
          P-D:  Liberal groups continue push for congressional town halls
          KWMU:  Local congressional delegation's communications staffers pen statements regarding town hall forums
          SNL:  Transgender rally draws more than 100 in Springfield X
          SNL:  Photo gallery:  Amorphous human holds sign declaring "F@CK TERFS" (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminists);  Organizer Bethany Johnson wears Captain American shield on back, yarn labia hat atop skull;  More X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of February 20
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Greitens' Parker Briden talks about jobs coming to Northeast Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens rounds out 10-member tax credit committee:  Policy Director Will Scharf, former GOP state Sens. Jason Crowell and John Lamping, others
          KC Star:  Rep. Greg Razer (D-Kansas City) inquires about Greitens' travel
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Craig Redmon (R-Canton) talks budget battles, appropriation of settlement monies
          SNL:  Missouri legislators meet at Springfield Expedia facility to tout short-term rental bill X
          SNL:  Greitens appoints pair to MSU governing board X
          SNL:  MSU to raise tuition next year X
          Columbia Missourian:  House Superminority Leader Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) asks UM System to retract support of discrimination bills
          P-D:  Few Missouri public high school students pass AP courses;  2013 photo of Hazelwood East AP government teacher attempting to instruct Spanish Lake youths
          KC Star:  Two non-urban districts in the KC region named to state's Advanced Placement Honor Roll +
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Greitens overstates number of students not enrolled in physics
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) wants to create 'History of Abortion' exhibit in Capitol
          P-D:  Push to expand gambling underway in Missouri
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  House passes bill to stiffen penalties on farmers who choose to make illegal applications of approved herbicide +
          KWMU:  Bill to strengthen penalties for misuse of herbicides moves forward
          The Missouri Times:  PSC orders Great Plains to file application in merger case
          Gateway Journalism Review:  Three veteran reporters depart Post-Dispatch;  In face of declining subscriptions, paper launches "TRUTH" ad campaign
          P-D editorial:  Some Missouri Republicans agree with ACLU on REAL ID, but the Republicans are being crackpots about it
          P-D editorial:  Rep. Jeff Pogue (R-Salem) pushes a bill to help landowners pollute without consequences
          KC Star editorial:  St. Louis City correct to fight Missouri Legislature on abortion +
          P-D letter:  NARAL employee disagrees with Greitens, Rep. Phil Christofanelli (R-St. Peters) on abortion
          CDT letter:  Sexagenarian poverty activist applauds newspaper's advocacy journalism and dedication to hard-knock, woe-is-me stories X
          Disclosure


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        Friday, February 24   The Official 2017 Missouri Lincoln Day Bingo Card
       
SNL:  Republicans set to swarm Springfield for Lincoln Days X
          SNL:  Liberal "Indivisible" group will protest Blunt at Lincoln Days tomorrow, says it wants him to participate in their "street town hall" X
          KC Star:  Area delegation responds to liberal groups' town-hall campaign +
          CDT:  Liberals protest Hartzler outside local Chamber of Commerce meeting X
          CDT:  Luetkemeyer, Hartzler look to pull back Dodd-Frank X
          Drebes:  Ian Mackey to run for Stacey Newman's safe Democratic seat in Richmond Heights area
          Riverfront Times:  After Post-Dispatch's rush to judgment on rape allegation, Steve Roberts looks to clear his name
          Rosenbaum:  Greitens reflects on his Jewish faith through lens of cemetery vandalism
          KWMU:  Jewish Federation of St. Louis credits Greitens' team for mobilizing quickly after cemetery vandalism;  Local Anti-Defamation League leader blames nationwide incidents on Trump campaign
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens restores some funding to K-12 transportation, home services programs
          KWMU:  Greitens shrinks size of proposed Medicaid, school bus cuts
          Missourinet:  Greitens eyes settlement money to ease cuts to Missouri's home services, school busing
          AP:  Greitens wants to use tobacco money to restore Medicaid cuts
          SNL:  Greitens says $52 million in tobacco money will help undo his cuts;  Protesters gather in Springfield anyway X
          P-D:  Tobacco money will help avoid cuts of in-home care, Greitens says
          The Missouri Times:  House votes to give the unemployed a minimum three months of handouts
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers call for monthly reports on state's lawsuit settlements
          KWMU:  Corrections worker:  Nepotism, fraternization rampant in agency
          Missourinet:  Breakthrough testimony by prison employees after administrators are vague about scandal
          AP:  Missouri prison employees slam work environment
          P-D:  A step toward a prescription drug database in Missouri advances
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) discusses virtual schools
          Missourinet:  Rep. Jason Chipman (R-Steelville) wants to prevent public universities from requiring students to live in campus housing past freshman year
          Missourinet:  Families of killer, victim ask Missouri Legislature to expedite Amber Alerts protocol
          Missourinet:  Judge lets Sierra Club intervene in court battle against Ameren
          P-D:  Cracked plaster, damaged hardwood flooring to get repairs in Parson's office;  Office gets refurbishment treatment for first time in at least 12 years
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri farmers would suffer from Trump-inspired trade war +
          KC Star editorial:  Graves should be part of KCI solution +
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Vicky Hartzler cares about people who make local economy work, doesn't care much about protesters
          SNL letter:  Republic septuagenarian says Blunt, Long are wrong on Obamacare X
          KC Star letter:  Former Dem lt. gov candidate Winston Apple proposes proportional representation +
          P-D letter:  Former Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson:  Messenger wrong to criticize Jeff Roorda;  Columnist has luxury of living in Wildwood and avoiding savagery
          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, February 23
       
KWMU:  VP Mike Pence's message to Missouri:  Small businesses are a priority, as is health care
          Missourinet:  Pence visits company, vandalized Jewish cemetery
          AP:  Pence lauds small business during Missouri visit
          P-D:  Pence condemns vandalism at Jewish cemetery
          KWMU:  While visiting St. Louis area, VP Mike Pence and Gov. Eric Greitens condemn vandalism at Jewish cemetery
          Washington Examiner:  Conservative group targets McCaskill in ads boosting Gorsuch's Supreme Court bid
          Politico:  Conservative group tied to Senate GOP leadership targets GOP, Dem lawmakers - including McCaskill - to repeal Obamacare
          Columbia Missourian:  Local Democrats, peace activists, Indians protest Hartzler outside Chamber of Commerce event;  Trump supporter holds one-man counter-rally, suggests liberals get over their election defeat
          Columbia Missourian:  Obamacare supporters compare medical maladies at rally;  Overweight woman laments hip and knee problems, etc.
          CDT:  Obamacare supporters swap sad stories at rally;  Woman claims "a slip in the mud" and knee injury made her homeless, former city councilwoman weeps, etc. X
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact:  Blunt's statement on Missouri's health insurance coverage rated "Half True"
          SE Missourian:  Immigrant student is unhappy with Trump, says her father - who speaks English and holds multiple advanced degrees - misunderstood "fine print" of visa law +
          Missourinet:  Luetkemeyer:  We're losing one community bank a day;  he and Hartzler blast Dodd-Frank
          AP:  Greitens shuns state plane, flies at private costs
          Missourinet:  Greitens' campaign pledge for statewide term limits sees action with Kraus' legislative proposal
          KWMU:  Missouri's male population underrepresented in Greitens' Cabinet picks;  Nominees for major agencies include three men, five women
          AP:  GOP bill would allow the unemployed to hang out on the dole for at least three months
          KWMU:  Greitens' proposed budget cuts spare farmers, but not biodiesel debt
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri lawmakers face off in REAL ID debates
          KWMU:  Missouri Republicans have robust debate on REAL ID measures
          Columbia Missourian:  REAL ID debate stalls in Senate
          The Missouri Times:  House Budget Committee questions Governor's Office budget and use of funds
          The Missouri Times:  Eigel proposes vast I-70 overhaul with general revenue funds
          St. Joseph News-Press:  MoDOT finishes Highway 13 bridge repairs X
          P-D:  Alzheimers care givers oppose budget cuts
          The Missouri Times:  House Superminority Leader Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) blasts Mizzou for endorsing Austin's discrimination suit overhaul bill
          CDT:  House Superminority Leader Gail McCann Beatty scolds UM for lobbyist's testimony X
          KWMU:  Local attorney says GOP's proposed changes to discrimination law are needed
          AP:  Missouri Senate advances prescription drug monitoring bill
          St. Joseph News-Press:  State unveils new license plate X
          AP:  Missouri corrections officer charged with false imprisonment;  Ozark Correctional Center employee pushed co-worker into cell, where she stayed alone for several minutes until her co-worker boyfriend set her free
          P-D:  Marquette High grad Erica Cao named Gates Scholar for second time;  Minority student chooses to work hard, achieves success
          P-D:  Jennings man convicted of felony for looting shoe store during Ferguson riots
          P-D editorial:  Gov. Eric Greitens:  Cannot or will not answer questions?
          St. Joseph News-Press' Alonzo Weston:  Sexagenarian reporter bashes critics of news media, says his job is to provide "truly fair and balanced" journalism while he fights for the "poor, needy and disabled" X
          P-D letter:  Olivette man says Greitens is enamored with himself and should stop whining about the media
          P-D letter:  University City woman wants legislators to spend more money on K-12 schools
          CDT letter:  Administrative law attorney David Woodsmall:  Lawmakers should oppose bill backed by utility companies 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, February 22
       
KTVI (St. Louis):  McCaskill visits Mexico border to get first-hand look at issues facing border patrol agents
          The Missouri Times:  Jay Ashcroft weighs in on new immigration order on FOX Business
          KWMU:  Local immigrant-advocacy group calls reality of Trump immigration order "a real tragedy"
          KWMU Diversity Fellow Jenny Simeone:  New Trump immigration rules create fear among immigrants;  Public radio station provides forum for two anti-Trump perspectives, zero voices supporting deportation policy
          KWMU:  Survey:  Public radio station takes part in national investigation, asks why readers do not trust them for unbiased information
          KC Star:  Columbia man who converted to Islam caught plotting ISIS terror attack on Kansas City +
          Missourinet:  Columbia man who converted to Islam planned terrorist attack on Kansas City
          KMIZ:  Columbia man converted to Islam, planned Presidents' Day attack
          AP:  Missouri man charged with trying to plan terrorist attack in KC
          Columbia Missourian:  Pro-Obamacare rally draws 250 in Columbia;  McCaskill staff attends
          P-D:  Anti-Trump activists protest outside Blunt's office, say they'll target Ann Wagner next
          Missourinet:  Pence to visit St. Louis County today
          AP:  VP Mike Pence to make stop in Fenton today to talk jobs
          P-D:  Greitens says he will talk about jobs during visit with Trump
          The Missouri Times:  Women's Policy Network holds second year of mentor program
          KWMU:  Greitens' team plans volunteer activity at Jewish cemetery
          AP:  Greitens makes statement on vandalism at Jewish cemetery
          P-D:  Vandalism at University City Jewish cemetery draws widespread condemnation
          CDT:  Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (R-Hallsville) offers to personally help any constituent who can't manage to get a voter ID on their own X
          AP:  Bill from Rep. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) would mandate e-verify checks to keep employees from hiring illegal aliens;  ACLU opposes bill
          SE Missourian:  Wallingford, other senators push Hawley to fight REAL ID bill +
          SNL:  Issue overview:  What the Missouri Legislature is doing about REAL ID X
          SNL:  Springfield legislators push compliance with REAL ID X
          Columbia Missourian:  Proposed state amendment would eliminate income tax, cap state spending
          The Missouri Times:  Eigel to propose funding transportation through general revenue
          The Missouri Times:  Holsman calls for $60 million of settlement money to be used to restore funding to Greitens' budget cuts
          Missourinet:  $10 million from court settlement to assist with Missouri budget crunch;  Holsman would like to see more
          Missourinet:  DOC controversy inspires proposal from Superminority Leader Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) to monitor state payouts for lawsuit claims
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Today's episode to explore Legislature's proposed discrimination bill
          Missourinet:  Sen. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) proposes alternate facilities for K-12 transgender students
          KWMU:  Senate committee hears Emery's bill to allow public schools to provide alternative facilities for kids calling themselves "transgender"
          AP:  Emery bill provides alternative restroom, locker room options for transgender students
          The Missouri Times:  Bill to provide alternative restrooms for transgender students draws crowd
          KC Star:  Woman raising funds for her transgender-rights group books her 9-year-old boy - dressed up like a girl and calling himself "Avery" - a speaking slot at Senate committee hearing +
          P-D:  Emery bill draws testimony from activists, two boys calling themselves girls, parents
          Columbia Missourian:  Boys deliver prepared speeches on Emery's transgender-facilities bill
          KWMU:  Missouri Board of Education critical of St. Louis' largest charter network, still reauthorizes it
          CDT:  House committee to start work on higher ed budget X
          P-D:  House approves police protections;  Urban legislators unhappy
          P-D:  Lawmakers debate changing booze rules at Lambert
          Missourinet:  Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) takes aim at 'pill mills'
          KWMU:  GOP House bill would strike down St. Louis City's 'abortion sanctuary city' law
          SNL:  Stacey Barfield pushes for 'Hailey's Law' without husband X
          KC Star:  Mom thinks UMKC stripper is a victim of human trafficking +
          AP:  Democrats ask Greitens to allow expanded family leave
          P-D editorial:  A prescription drug database would turn off the drug spigot 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.



        Tuesday, February 21
       
KC Star:  Hundreds protest Trump at 'Not My President' rally +
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Photos, compendium of local news coverage from anti-Trump rally
          KWMU:  Lacy Clay to file suit over painting depicting police as animals
          AP:  Clay intends to sue over removal of painting
          P-D:  Taking down anti-police painting violated 1st Amendment, Clay claims in planned lawsuit
          Japan Times:  Billy Long part of bipartisan delegation visiting with government officials in Tokyo
          Rosenbaum:  The political money pipeline now can flow through Missouri's elected officials
          CDT:  Kit Bond puts mid-Missouri mansion on the market X
          KWMU:  Former AG Chris Koster takes job at Centene
          The Missouri Times:  Koster to work as vice president at Centene Corporation
          AP:  Koster gets new job at Centene Corp.
          The Missouri Times:  The evolution of Rich AuBuchon:  Tort reform and beyond
          Drebes:  Ryan McKenna hangs out a shingle as government consultant
          The Missouri Times:  Former McCaskill, SEIU staffer Brandon Davis joins GPS Impact
          The Missouri Times:  Kansas City Democratic Reps. Jon Carpenter and Lauren Arthur launch podcast;  Sen. Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur) starts all-female podcast inspired by "The View"
          KC Star:  State spent $52 million under Nixon administration to settle discrimination, other lawsuits;  Comments from House Superminority Leader Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) +
          Missourinet:  Rep. Mark Ellebracht (D-Liberty) wants governors to disclose inaugural-fund donors, calls Humphreys' contribution to Richard inappropriate
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Libla calls out House for lack of action on bridge funding +
          SNL:  In-home medical care group plans rally Thursday to protest budget cuts X
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmakers hear from treatment experts, consider opioid proposals
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Supreme Court to decide if cities have the right to set their own minimum wage
          P-D:  Greitens yet to say what he'll do with $50 million in tobacco settlement money
          P-D:  Greitens:  St. Louis should not be an 'Abortion Sanctuary City'
          Missourinet:  Rep. Nate Walker (R-Kirksville) says compromise on charter schools 'possible'
          KWMU:  Bill from Rep. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) would allow K-12 schools to provide alternative accomodations for transgender students, keep young men out of girls' restrooms and locker rooms
          Daily American Republic:  Sucker punch during girls' basketball game, caught on video, prompts Rep. Steve Cookson (R-Poplar Bluff) to propose legislation +
          JCNT:  Protest of higher ed budget cuts draws nearly a dozen outside Governor's Mansion X
          Columbia Missourian:  New profile outlines traits, expectations for MU chancellor
          SNL:  Dixon bill would allow real estate notices to shift from print publications to online X
          CDT:  Emery bill could hinder city efforts to expand broadband X
          Missourinet:  Rep. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) wants gun owners to be required to report lost or stolen firearms
          The Maneater:  MU law professor unhappy with legislature's 2016 gun bill, calls it "macho posturing"
          P-D:  Proposal would add utility vehicles to Missouri 'move over' law
          P-D:  University City police investigate damage to headstones at Jewish cemetery;  Greitens staff posts statement to Facebook
          KC Star editorial:  Work on REAL ID compromise should continue +
          P-D editorial:  Missouri has too many inmates and not enough space or money. Time for some bold thinking.
          P-D editorial:  Men and women of St. Louis law enforcement are wrong to have former Democratic state Rep. Jeff Roorda represent them
          KWMU Diversity Fellow Jenny Simeone:  Help St. Louis Women's March organizers fight the Trump agenda by filling out online survey
          Messenger:  Federal judge welcomes immigrants to America in trying times
          The Maneater's Emmett Ferguson:  Higher education cuts means MU is going to need to make up for some serious cash
          Waters:  How to legislate anti-discrimination X
          KC Star letter:  Independence man compares Greitens' budget cuts to foreclosing on widows and shutting down orphanages +
          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 20   Presidents' Day
       
CDT:  Democrats see opportunity in resistance to Trump's governing;  Comments from MDP's Stephen Webber, MRP's Todd Graves, Hartzler, local state rep candidates X
          KWMU:  Local artists to complain about Trump's victory at "Not My Presidents' Day" event in St. Louis City;  Public radio station previews tonight's anti-Trump event, provides downloadable audio of anti-Trump artist's song, etc.
          KWMU:  Survey:  Public radio station takes part in national media investigation, asks why readers do not trust them for unbiased information
          KC Star:  Survey:  Newspaper takes part in national media investigation, asks why readers do not trust them for unbiased information +
          P-D:  Lacy Clay to file federal lawsuit over display of portrait depicting police as animals
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Sen. Bill Eigel (R-St. Charles);  Panel of Jason Rosenbaum, Reps. Becky Ruth (R-Festus) and Joe Adams (D-University City), Jack Spooner talk Trump, UM Board of Curators, Greitens' approach to handling reporters
          Drebes:  Jay Ashcroft's audacious power move against Greitens
          Columbia Missourian:  Elected officials seek to determine cost of Missouri voter ID law
          Columbia Missourian:  Profile:  Sheena Greitens
          KFVS (Cape Girardeau):  Mike Parson visits Perryville;  Lt. gov tours local businesses, visits site of proposed Vietnam Memorial
          P-D:  David Nicklaus and Jim Gallagher's "Bottom Line" video series:  Sexagenarian business reporters disagree with legislators' 'right to work' push, says GOP is trying to hurt unions
          Missourinet:  House Transporation Committee Chair Bill Reiboldt (R-Neosho):  Missouri lawmakers are studying all possibilities for I-70
          Missourinet:  Terminated Missouri corrections officer seeks to testify before legislative committee
          Missourinet:  Rep. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) says charging prisoners a 50-cent copay could cut down on frivolous medical-care visits
          SNL:  Sen. Bob Dixon (R-Springfield) renews pitch for Greene County sales tax X
          St. Louis Review:  Missouri legislation seeks to pre-empt city's 'abortion sanctuary' ordinance
          P-D:  Missouri lawmakers weigh changes to state-run virtual education program
          KWMU:  To attract students, UMSL and other schools try moving brick-and-mortar experience online
          P-D editorial:  St. Louis women deserve protection from retaliation for reproductive health decisions
          Columbia Missourian op-ed  New DHSS Director Randall Williams:  How I spent my first day in Missouri
          Priddy:  Thoughts on new Missouri license plate design (1,537 words)
          SNL letter:  Local sexagenarian says Long is hypocritical on Trump executive orders X
          P-D letter:  University City environmentalist applauds McCaskill for opposing Pruitt
          SE Missourian letter:  Labor advocate opposes GOP prevailing-wage legislation +
          KC Star letter:  KC trial attorney Chris Benjamin opposes GOP collateral source 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.



        Sunday, February 19
       
Washington Times:  McCaskill, other Dems question Trump's smartphone security
          Capital Press:  McCaskill, Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) sponsor bill to end 'duplicative' pesticide permits
          CDT:  Hartzler staff sits through liberals' complaints at listening forum;  Steve Walsh, Spencer Tuma hear from man who wants to use women's restrooms, Clinton supporters who blame election loss on Russia, more X
          KOMU:  Group joins National General Strike Day with flash mob of twelve (12) people downtown;  Organizer laments "carrying around a lot of pain and trauma that has been internalized because of just the legacy of settler colonialism and slavery and racism"
          NBC News:  More than 1,000 sign up for Monday anti-Trump rally in KC
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Guest Bill Eigel;  Panel of Jason Rosenbaum, Reps. Becky Ruth (R-Festus) and Joe Adams (D-University City), Jack Spooner talk Trump, UM Board of Curators, Greitens' relationship with media
          JCNT:  Greitens team taps Harry Otto as director of legislative affairs for Missouri Department of Economic Development X
          JCNT:  Comparing Missouri state workers' jobs to those in other states X
          SNL:  Legislation to block lawsuits, big awards rolls through Missouri House and Senate X
          AP:  Permit interest drops after passage of Missouri gun law
          CDT:  Library changes signs prohibiting guns X
          SE Missourian:  Vargas:  Southeast faces $6.73 million shortfall, looks at possible tuition increases +
          KC Star:  For second year in a row, Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) proposes "personhood" amendment +
          Brownfield Ag News:  Hawley takes California egg case to U.S. Supreme Court
          Washington Missourian editorial:  'Right to work' not a panacea, but not the end of the world either X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Politicians should stop the dressing-down gimmick;  Greitens, at least, put on a tie for his inauguration X
          SNL editorial:  Rep. Steve Helms (R-Springfield) oversteps boundaries with bill on local jail funding X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Political correctness surrounding Ferguson riots is out of control X
          P-D's Kurt Erickson:  Gov. Eric Greitens evaded my question about his upcoming trip to D.C., and doesn't spend enough time hanging out with reporters
          P-D letter:  Area feminist "extremely alarmed" by impact HHS nominee Tom Price could have on Planned Parenthood in Missouri
          KC Star letters:  Missouri man, Kansas man criticize GOP legislators for obstinance on REAL ID +
          SNL letter:  Bolivar man suggests potential immigrants' status be dependent upon the cuisine they bring with them X
          P-D letter:  Richmond Heights man unhappy with Hawley over egg policy, sarcastically suggests legislators legalize cockfighting
          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 18
       
Missourinet:  Blunt says national security advisor's resignation was the right move
          Missourinet:  McCaskill, Blunt split on EPA nominee Scott Pruitt
          CNN:  McCaskill talks 2018 re-election, says she's taking deliberate approach to Trump nominees
          P-D:  Almost two-thirds of St. Louis-built Navy Super Hornets out of service because of wear
          P-D:  Immigration raids net 13 criminal aliens in and around St. Louis;  3 had previously been deported and illegally re-infested the U.S.
          P-D:  University City Muslim dislikes Trump, takes trip to D.C. to complain
          P-D:  Medical marijuana backers gear up for 2018 campaign
          Drebes:  Richard Moore joins Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives
          CDT:  Supreme Court of Missouri Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness forum draws four (4) attendees X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office, week of Feb. 13:  New curators, a contentious relationship with the press, and a bill to disclose inaugural donors
          KMOX:  Greitens to meet with Trump next week
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Nate Walker (R-Kirksville) says Rep. Rebecca Roeber (R-Lee's Summit) attempted "scolding" him at his desk over charter schools
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Ag Director Chris Chinn talks state budget cuts, Greitens' priorities
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Paul Curtman (R-Union) talks budget, education funding
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) talks budget cuts, education legislation
          AP:  Overview:  Tort overhaul proposals
          The Missouri Times:  Dept. of Corrections hearing leaves questions unanswered, irks legislators
          P-D:  Federal suit says Missouri prison officials ignored attacks, sexual assaults of inmate
          CDT:  UM backs bill to limit discrimination suits X
          P-D:  Some higher ed officials support discrimination bill, but most keep quiet
          KC Star:  Capitol briefs:  Missouri Plan, hair braiding, Greitens' support of PDMP +
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri legislators aim to rename Jay Nixon State Park
          The Missouri Times:  PSC to order Great Plains Energy to file acquisition applications in Westar merger
          KC Star:  Missouri animal activists unhappy with access to dog-breeding documents +
          KC Star editorial:  Greitens could provide pivotal boost to combat opioid abuse +
          P-D editorial:  Short takes:  On Rep. Warren Love (R-Osceola) and Lincoln, Greitens and PDMP, Gateway Pundit
          KC Star editorial:  Missourians deserve to know the source of death penalty drugs +
          JCNT editorial:  Lant's silencing of NAACP president an embarrassment X
          SNL op-ed:  Jay Ashcroft:  Scott Pruitt the right man for the EPA job X
          Messenger:  The Fire Roorda bandwagon grows;  Men and women of the St. Louis police force are wrong to have former Democratic state rep represent them
          P-D letter:  Local liberal wants Ann Wagner to hold public forums to answer for Trump
          JCNT letter:  Local liberal wants congressional reps to hold public forums to answer for Trump X
          CDT letter:  Columbia woman questions Vicky Hartzler's religious faith X
          JCNT letter:  Sexagenarian conservative responds to liberal's letter responding to Luetkemeyer's response to her letter 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 17
       
KMOX:  McCaskill, Blunt react to Trump's press conference
          Missourinet:  McCaskill seeks to bolster congressional oversight on Russia sanction changes
          KWMU:  McCaskill plans trip to Mexico border
          KWMU:  Tariff talk causes uncertainty among those who do business with Mexico
          KC Star:  Pelosi and other leading Dems sit in on ICE meeting on illegals, but Cleaver fails to make the cut +
          KC Star:  Immigration Q&A with local experts, federal officials:  Green cards, anchor babies, refugees, much more +
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Compendium of KC "Day Without Immigrants" news coverage
          KC Star:  Kansas City Hispanic families get help with education from Mexican consulate;  KC Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell says schools will be a "safe haven" for aliens +
          KC Star:  Anti-Trump rally draws hundreds;  Comments from illegal alien and her anchor baby, others +
          KC Star:  Video:  11-year old muchacha playing hooky from school:  "I am here today because immigrants they [sic] make up the United States ... it is racism there is [sic] rising in our country ... this will help, like, soften it." +
          P-D:  Some Mexican restaurants shut down to mark anti-Trump "Day Without Immigrants"
          CDT:  Photo:  Area sexagenarian holds sign at "Impeach Trump" rally X
          The Maneater:  Editor of MU literary magazine opposes proposed cuts to federal funding
          Rasmussen:  2018 Senate rankings:  McCaskill seat a toss up;  Incumbent "lucked out" in 2012 with Akin, and "some Democrats might actually prefer Jason Kander to McCaskill"
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Dick Gephardt previews talk to activists at Wash U. this weekend, discusses current state of political discourse, 'right to work,' need for vocational schools, more
           The Missouri Times:  New Approach Missouri to get head start on medical marijuana ballot issue
           AP:  Missouri Democrat wants disclosure of inaugural donations
           Missourinet:  Lt. Gov. Mike Parson to discuss jobs and retirees today in Branson
           The Missouri Times:  The Missouri Plan at center of debate once again;  Thoughts from James Harris, Greitens' Will Scharf, others
           AP:  Lawmakers move forward with proposals to end union-only contracts in public construction
           KWMU:   Capitol briefs:  PLAs, hair braiding, stiffer penalties for attacks on law enforcement
           AP:  Hair braiding bill advances through Missouri House
           AP:  Lawmakers questions officials on prison harassment
           P-D:  Amid sexual harassment hubbub, Missouri prisons deemed 'dysfunctional'
           Missourinet:  Administrators provide little insight at House hearing on DOC
           Missourinet:  Key Missouri lawmakers disagree on quality of inmate health care
           The Missouri Times:  House passes police protection bills:  'We have your backs'
           Columbia Missourian:  House passes two new bills in support of law enforcement
           Missourinet:  Missouri House passes measures to protect law enforcement personnel
           AP:  Missouri House passes increased protections for police
           P-D:  Off-duty St. Louis County officer's killing of Black Lives Matter sympathizer ruled justified
           AP:  St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch (D):  Off-duty officer justified in shooting Black Lives Matter intruder
           Columbia Missourian:  Greitens allows visitors to bring guns into Capitol without new law
           Columbia Missourian:  Columbia library to revise gun signage after threat of lawsuit;  Rep. Cheri Reisch (R-Hallsville) was criticized for bringing a gun to forum earlier this month
           CDT:  Reisch discusses bringing gun to library X
           P-D:  State lawmakers could block changes to St. Louis anti-discrimination ordinance
           Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Lawyers seek damages from Monsanto after some farmers caused damage using non-Monsanto products despite warnings from Monsanto;  Rep. Don Rone (R-Portageville) proposes cracking down on farmers who choose to break the law +
           The Missouri Times:  Opponents call gas ratemaking bills "weather taxes"
           KWMU:  Sierra Club intervenes on federal air quality lawsuit against Ameren Missouri
           SNL:  Applications now accepted for Women Legislators of Missouri scholarship;  Males need not apply X
           P-D:  Experienced reporters departing the Post-Dispatch:  Jim Gallagher, Steve Giegerich, Tim Bryant, others
           KC Star editorial:  Republicans wrong to strip Nixon's name off state park;  Democrats wrong to nitpick Hawley on residency +
           P-D editorial:  Nine GOP state senators show misguided obstinancy on REAL ID
           P-D editorial:  Raising Missouri's marriage age will cut down on sex trafficking
           KC Star editorial:  Rep. Bill Lant (R-Pineville) wrong to cut off microphone of NAACP leader +
           P-D letter:  Fenton sexagenarian says Blunt is right on Michael Flynn, wrong on David Petraeus
           KC Star letter:  Republic septuagenarian says McCaskill is right to be thoughful - not knee-jerk - on Gorsuch +
           P-D letter:  Olivette man suggests Post-Dispatch begin calling violent miscreants rioters, not "protesters"
           SNL letter:  Mansfield man suggests conservatives begin acting like liberals and create havoc whenever an election is lost 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, February 16
       
P-D:  McCaskill, Blunt clash on how to investigate Flynn, Trump administration contacts with Russia
          KWMU:  Trump's travel ban helps block diseased refugees;  Comments from SLU assistant prof
          KWMU:   Cap on refugees may give local foreigner-resettlement organizations some breathing room
          Missourinet:  McCaskill saw 'red flags' on Andrew Puzder, including "not paying taxes on illegal immigrants"
          P-D:  Former St. Louis attorney Andrew Puzder withdraws from consideration as Labor nominee
          KC Star:  Labor groups, minimum-wage activists celebrate Puzder withdrawal;  Fran Marion, BBQ chicken po' boy artist/butterfly shrimp sous chef at local Popeye's, takes partial credit for Labor nominee's decision +
          SE Missourian: Clinton campaign aide's speech at SEMO draws 50;  "Director of Progressive Media" Zerlena Maxwell blames Clinton's loss on racism, sexism, and "rape culture" +
          Roll Call's Nathan Gonzales:  Jason Kander may have made a big mistake;  Signing on to Clinton's super-PAC, enlisting liberals for his own PAC will affect his next campaign
          Drebes:  Nixonite Chris Pieper joins Blitz, Bardgett & Deutsch
          JCNT:  Federal advocacy group praises Missouri for volume of taxpayer-subsidized breakfast handouts;  Comments from Empower Missouri's Jeanette Mott Oxford X
          P-D:  Greitens talks prescription drug monitoring during Facebook Live segment;  Governor answers pre-selected questions for 15 minutes
          Terry Ganey:  Greitens plays hide-and-seek with press
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens taps Jeff Layman, Darryl Chatman and Jamie Farmer as new UM Curators
          CDT:  Greitens fills three of five vacancies on Board of Curators X
          Columbia Missourian:  Greitens appoints three members to UM System Board of Curators
          KWMU:  Former Mizzou football player among Greitens' picks for university system's governing body
          Columbia Missourian:  UM System Review Commission cites lack of stable funding, not leadership, as key shortcoming
          KRES/KWIX:  Moberly Area Community College President Jeff Lashley meets with lawmakers to discuss budget
          P-D:  GoFundMe report highlights stories of coeds crowdfunding tuition;  Teen girl says she accepts tuition payments from "friends"
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Nate Walker (R-Kirksville) opposes bill from Rep. Rebecca Roeber (R-Lee's Summit) expanding charter schools, says it is an attack on rural schools
          Missourinet:  State Children's Division says it can live with budget cut from Greitens
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Transportation cuts costly for Putnam County schools
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Tim Remole (R-Excello) says restoring some education cuts a possibility
          Lake Sun:  Budget talk with Rep. David Wood (R-Versailles), Part I:  On why tax credits help big cities but not rural Missouri, the need for more tourism spending, more
          Lake Sun:  Budget talk with Rep. David Wood (R-Versailles), Part II:  On Obamacare's impact, addressing the fact that 10% of Medicaid recipients leech a majority of the program's cost, more
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) doesn't support fuel tax and highway changes
          The Missouri Times:  Public union certification bill worries police, firefighter labor reps
          SNL:  Lawmakers circulate REAL ID letter to Hawley X
          KC Star:  Federal rules on ID rile some in General Assembly who say Missourians 'want their privacy' +
          Missourinet:  NAACP President Nimrod Chapel praises Greitens and Richardson, disagrees with them on 'right to work'
          KWMU:  GOP bill would remove Nixon's name from new state park
          SE Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) would bar sex offenders from children's museums, zoos +
          The Missouri Times:  Amendment from Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) seeks to ban all abortions in Missouri
          AP:  Hawley says he's appealing egg law
          SNL editorial:  Blunt's leadership needed on NSA probe X
          KC Star editorial:  David Humphrey's pay-to-play politics have no place in debate over lawsuit reform +
          P-D op-ed:  Sexagenarian liberal activist Glenn Koenen:  Response to Stacy Washington column on state welfare overhaul
          Priddy:  Thoughts on the new Missouri license plate
          SNL letter:  St. Louis social worker unhappy with Billy Long's position on abortion, wants him to represent views of people outside of his district X
          P-D letter:  Missouri Coalition for Quality Care's Dave Damico opposes Greitens' cuts to in-home care
          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 15
       
SNL:  Blunt:  Intel committee should question ousted NSA chief in probe of Russia ties X
          P-D:  Blunt says ongoing Intelligence probe of Russian influence important in wake of Flynn resignation
          The Hill:  McCaskill calls for select committee to investigate Russia influence in U.S. elections
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Russia again at center stage for U.S. foreign policy;  Comments from McCaskill, Blunt X
          KBIA:  Neosho doctor among those offering "medical memberships" for those who can't pay for traditional health insurance
          The Missouri Times:  Newly-enacted campaign contribution law bans corporate donations to all candidates
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens names new Dept. of Revenue leader:  Joel Walters of PricewaterhouseCoopers
          Missourinet:  Greitens speaks at NAACP dinner, talks jobs, justice, public safety
          The Missouri Times:  House Superminority Leader Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) wants Greitens to replace Lant as committee chair
          P-D:  Superminority leader angry about Lant:  "A white man abused his power to stop a black man from expressing a contrary view"
          Missourinet:  At NAACP event, Richardson says House "was not at its best" when cutting off Nimrod Chapel's microphone
          SNL:  NAACP leader, offended by treatment at House committee hearing, wants an audience with the governor X
          Messenger:  NAACP leader sends message to Republicans - he will not be silenced
          Missourinet:  Gas tax hike unlikely to pass this session
          KWMU:  Advocates for the disabled oppose Greitens budget
          Washington Missourian:  Local K-12, higher ed leaders visit Jefferson City to discuss state budget impacts X
          SE Missourian:  Operator of carGo ride-hailing venture sees benefit of state bill to regulate industry +
          Columbia Missourian:  Higher education on the chopping block, again
          KWMU:  New governor, new momentum for Missouri charter school and school choice advocates
          Missourinet:  Missouri House panel approves resolution supporting sheltered workshops
          The Missouri Times:  House perfects police protection bills from Haefner, Hill
          P-D:  Ferguson officer's self-defense shooting of strong-arm robber looms large in debate over police legislation
          Missourinet:  Superminority Leader Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) introduces proposal to require special prosecutor for officer shootings
          SNL:  Lawmakers consider making 'revenge porn' a crime X
          P-D:  Missouri gets new license plates celebrating bicentennial
          The Missouri Times:  Court of Appeals reverses ruling, says Sunshine Law was not violated in execution drug case
          KWMU:  Court rules Missouri election officials did not violate Sunshine Law in execution cases
          P-D editorial:  Missouri voter photo ID law could be victim of its own high cost
          JCNT editorial:  AG Josh Hawley makes right call to conform with residency requirement X
          KC Star editorial:  Kansas airport plan must lift Missouri off the runway on KCI improvements +
          KC Star op-ed:  McCaskill:  Our fight against sex trafficking website backpage.com +
          Helling:  Blunt tiptoes away from Trump +
          Springfield Business Journal Editor Eric Olson:  Eric Greitens and team ignore, evade questions from the media and public
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Consumer protection laws are under attack;  Recap of other liberal newspaper columnists' thoughts
          CDT letter:  Fayette man says DeVos purchased her vote from Blunt X
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood man says Ann Wagner sides with Wall Street and big business
          CDT letter:  Anonymous letter-writer asks why Tribune relegates real news to nether region of newspaper to focus on bleeding-heart poverty-tales 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.



        Tuesday, February 14
       
P-D:  Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) blasts Labor nominee Andrew Puzder as business groups, protesters mobilize;  Unions orchestrate urban march during workday
          SNL:  Activists urge McCaskill to confirm Gorsuch X
          KC Star:  Immigration enforcement surge across Midwest leads to capture of 26 illegals in KC area +
          KWMU:  Refugee shares story:  Korean woman came to the U.S. legally, contributes to society:  North Koreans "are struggling but they are working hard and studying hard"
          The Missouri Times:  Hahn O'Daniel lobbying firm adds Rachel Treppler to staff
          The Missouri Times:  Samuel Wright, Dallas Ernst face off in bid for Missouri Federation of College Republicans chair
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Sen. Ryan Silvey (R-Kansas City) chats with journoduo about diversity of opinions within GOP caucus, Greitens' eventual evolution to compromiser, prevailing wage, more
          Missourinet:  Prescription drug monitoring program moving through Missouri Legislature again
          KWMU:  House Republicans eye strengthening definition of employment discrimination
          SNL:  Republican asks NAACP president to keep committee testimony pertinent to topic at hand, draws criticism X
          Missourinet:  Rep. Gina Mitten (D-Richmond Heights) calls Rep. Bill Lant "racist" for cutting off NAACP Missouri President Nimrod Chapel
          Missourinet:  DOC officials claim Missouri prisons are at capacity;  Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Shell Knob) says state is "on a collision course for a new prison"
          SE Missourian:  Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau) wants to raise age of adult crimes to 18 +
          CDT:  Measure aims to create state regulations for Uber, Lyft X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Proposed bill expands activities for home school students X
          P-D:  Critics of Missouri marriage age seek to raise it
          Columbia Missourian:  Proposed bills aim to protect minors affected by prostitution and child abuse
          Missourinet:  Proposal from Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) would track complaints against law enforcement
          KC Star editorial:  Eric Greitens' confrontational style is no way to govern +
          Helling:  Woody Overton's policy reach was wide in Kansas City +
          P-D op-ed:  SEIU communications staff, signed by janitor:  Puzder betrays working people, from Washington University to Hardee's
          St. Joseph News-Press' Ken Newton:  Waiting for 'right to work' to produce X
          Waters:  A new era for University of Missouri funding X
          Disclosure


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



        Monday, February 13
       
SNL:  Preliminary data:  Missouri Obamacare sign-ups drop almost 16 percent X
          SNL:  With no Obamacare replacement, hospitals in limbo X
          KC Star:  Anti-Trump activists generate Sunday-morning fear among immigrants;  ICE makes it clear enforcement efforts do not target churches +
          Missourinet:  Jason Smith asks Trump to revoke U.S. Fish & Wildlife order:  "It's absolutely ridiculous"
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local educators, teachers' union weigh in on impact of Betsy DeVos as Education chief X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Gun and knife show comes to town;  Pawn shop owner says most people happy with Trump X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Sly James;  Panel of Reps. Kevin Corlew (R), Jon Carpenter (D), Greg Razer (D), KC Star's Colleen Nelson talk Greitens vs. Missouri Senate, 'right to work,' who won the week, more
          Rosenbaum:  Breaking down Greitens' potential choices to the Missouri Supreme Court
          Columbia Missourian:  UM Board of Curators Chairman Maurice Graham says budget cuts put system in 'challenging' situation
          P-D:  Many transfer students to stay in decent districts despite Riverview Gardens re-accreditation
          P-D editorial:  Higher education and technology are job creators, so why is Greitens cutting their funding?
          KC Star's Derek Donovan:  Star readers share why they voted for Donald Trump +
          Messenger:  Injured firefighter has question for County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch, Eric Greitens and Josh Hawley:  Who will have her back?
          P-D letter:  Missouri Chamber's Dan Mehan:  Missouri's broken consumer protection law must be changed
          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 12
       
NY Times:  State GOP leaders move swiftly as party bickers in Congress;  STL labor boss John Stiffler:  "They're killing us here in the state of Missouri"
          KC Star:  Trump's vows of support resonate with KC-area law enforcement officials +
          Wichita Eagle:  Kansas, Missouri included in national immigration crackdown;  ICE targeted five Midwest states to capture illegals
          KC Star:  High-school foreigners weigh in on Trump's approach to immigration;  Thoughts from Mexican girl whose parents smuggled her across the border, legal Filipino who thinks Trump "could make America great," others +
          KC Star:  Video:  Teenage foreigners talk tough to Trump:  Mexican muchacha calls Trump "childish," says she will not let him "push my people around";  Other spicy Latin backtalk +
          CDT:  Competing local rallies support, oppose Planned Parenthood X
          Columbia Missourian:  Abortion protests draw activists on both sides
          SNL:  "Defund Planned Parenthood" rally draws 50 X
          AP:  Rallies for, and against, Planned Parenthood in St. Louis
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  Planned Parenthood protests
          P-D:  Missouri S&T gets $300k Title IX grant;  Taxpayer money earmarked to educate students on "sexual harassment," etc.
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Guest Sly James;  Panel of KC Star Editorial Page Editor Colleen Nelson, Reps. Kevin Corlew (R), Greg Razer (D), Jon Carpenter (D)
          SE Missourian:  Lawmakers put prevailing wage in crosshairs;  laborers object +
          CDT:  Curators discuss state budget cuts in dire terms X
          CDT:  UM System Review Commission presents report to curators X
          AP:  Care providers say Medicaid cuts will shift costs
          P-D:  Missouri Republicans would benefit from statutes limiting lawsuits
          Columbia Missourian:  Advocates for increasing Missouri's marriage age say 15 is too low
          SNL:  Lawmakers argue utility law:  Improvement or 'nightmare' X
          KC Star editorial:  Someone, anyone, needs to take the long view in Missouri;  Term limits make legislators myopic +
          SNL editorial:  Time to measure 'right to work' X
          P-D letter:  Oakville man says employee pay is the problem in Missouri Department of Corrections
          Disclosure


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        Saturday, February 11
       
KC Star:  Woody Overton, longtime Democratic insider in KC, dies +
          KC Star:  With Trump travel ban lifted, Somali woman and brood arrive in KC;  Bringing along eight (8) kids - father AWOL - nets her $8,325 in taxpayer-funded handouts +
          P-D's Chuck Raasch:  Weekly recap:  Blunt on Sessions, McCaskill on Gorsuch
          KWMU:  Jason Kander continues raising profile to advance voting rights, Democratic candidates
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office, week of Feb. 6:  'Right to work,' new DHSS head, key code installed on press office door
          Twitter:  Greitens' Parker Briden:  Post-Dispatch reporter Kurt Erickson misleads about "press office" key code installation
          KWMU:  Hawley addresses Democrats' residency concerns, rents apartment
          P-D:  Hawley rents apartment in Jefferson City
          KWMU:  Behind the Headlines:  Polsinelli labor and employment attorney Brad Kafka on legal implications of Missouri's 'right to work' law
          KC Star:  Capitol briefs:  Concealed-carry at the Capitol;  Education spending;  Greitens' "your beady little eyes" sweet nothings +
          Missourinet:  Sen. Bob Dixon (R-Springfield) prefers changes to government instead of service cuts to shore up state budget
          CDT:  Proponents push statewide prescription drug program X
          CDT:  UM Curators approve increase to room and board rates X
          P-D:  University leaders consider waivers for tuition increases
          KWMU:  Curators:  Possible UM System tuition increase a 'Band-Aid'
          P-D:  Truman State names new president
          KC Star:  Richard says bill aims to end frivolous lawsuits +
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon) seeks to overhaul criminal justice by raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction
          CDT:  Signs posted, but law not clear on guns in libraries X
          Nevada Daily Mail:  Weather creates a high fire danger;  MO Dept. of Conservation warns against unpleasant combination of dryness and windiness
          KWMU:  Rep. Gina Mitten (D-Richmond Heights) advocates for cutting taxes on feminine hygiene products
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway announces new policy to cover domestic violence-related leave for employees
          SNL:  Executive editor Paul Berry leaving for job in Colorado X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  McCaskill on the spot with Trump voters;  Senior senator should vet nominees then let them run their departments X
          P-D editorial:  Proposal from Rep. Joshua Peters (D-St. Louis) to recognize official state handgun a contender for "Dumbest Bill of the Year"
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Mizzou budget cuts bring sadness
          SNL op-ed:  Missouri Foundation for Health's Bob Hughes:  The future of Medicaid in Missouri X
          Messenger:  In 2007, Ed Martin went 'to war' with a judge - now she holds his fate in her hands
          KC Star letter:  Cameron man compares lawmakers' 'right to work' legislation to that of puppy-mill fix +
          Disclosure


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        Friday, February 10
       
KC Star:  McCaskill misses meeting with Trump to meet with teachers union;  Senior senator says she'll vote against EPA, HHS nominees +
          SE Missourian:  McCaskill seeks congressional oversight of Russian sanctions, argues against partisan 'food fight' +
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  Overview of McCaskill, Blunt legislation over last two years X
          KSHB (Kansas City):  Area teen tells terrifying jogging tale;  Daughter of illegal aliens claims "some older guy" managed to identify her as a Mexican while she was running, rolled down his truck window, and accurately spat upon her face
          Kraske:  Kander pushing back against voter suppression laws +
          Drebes:  Jeremy LaFaver registers as lobbyist in Kansas
          The Missouri Times:  Anne Precythe promises 'new day' for Dept. of Corrections
          KWMU:  New Corrections chief promises a "new culture" in prisons
          Missourinet:  Anne Precythe outlines improvement plans after scandal
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens appoints former North Carolina State Health Director Dr. Randall Williams to head DHSS
          AP:  Greitens taps North Carolina health chief
          The Missouri Times:  MoDOT director says department is treading water
          Missourinet:  Fitzpatrick wants to increase education funding in governor's proposed budget
          Missourinet:  DESE:  15 Missouri school districts currently have four-day school week
          Missourinet:  Unions look to upend new 'right to work' law through public vote
          The Missouri Times:  House hits police, firefighters with 'paycheck protection' bill
          KWMU:  Missouri House passes public-sector union bill, part of GOP's broad union agenda
          KWMU:  GOP legislators, advocacy groups disagree on Medicare block grants
          AP:  Richard seeks overhaul of consumer law
          The Missouri Times:  PSC welcomes new Office of Public Counsel head in short agenda meeting
          SE Missourian:  Greitens urges universities to follow Purdue's lead on cutting costs +
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Pro-choice advocates unhappy with Missouri's abortion laws
          Missourinet:  Rep. Nick Marshall (R-Parkville) to propose expansion of gun rights for some Capitol visitors
          KWMU:  D.A.R.E. mascot under fire;  Ferguson activists say "Daren the Lion" too close to name of officer who put down strong-armed robber in self-defense shooting
          P-D editorial:  Andrew Puzder, local boy made good, has no business being Labor secretary
          P-D's Stacy Washington:  Missouri's welfare work requirements help instill personal responsibility
          SE Missourian letter:  Septuagenarian former Democratic state rep candidate opposes GOP 'right to work' legislation +
          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, February 9
       
AP:  Democrats under pressure from liberal base to obstruct Trump nominees at every turn;  Cleaver:  "We can't afford to lose McCaskill, we can't afford to lose her, but I don't know."
          SNL:  How McCaskill and Blunt have voted on Trump nominees X
          P-D:  McCaskill meets with Trump's Supreme Court nominee
          AP:  State legislators come to Trump's defense;  Legislators in Missouri pass resolution praising Scott Pruitt
          KWMU:  Madeleine Albright speaks at Wash U. and Nerinx Hall;  Hillary Clinton supporter faults Trump travel ban's "unintended consequences"
          AP:  Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI):  VA retaliating against Missouri whistleblower
          KY3 (Springfield):  Blunt puts craft beverage bill back on table;  Comments from local craft brewery operator
          KWMU:  Woman who assaulted St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson promotes her "Art House" for protesters' sign-making
          Buffalo Reflex:  GOP picks Sandy Crawford, Dems choose Al Skalicky in state Senate race
          Drebes:  Brett Dinkins to Dept. of Economic Development
          SE Missourian:  Local judge David Dolan a candidate for Missouri Supreme Court +
          Columbia Missourian:  State government weekly issue overview:  Higher ed, 'right to work,' Medicaid, more
          Missourinet:  New Missouri Dept. of Corrections director to testify before House committee today
          The Missouri Times:  With 'right to work' done, Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) moves on to PDMP legislation
          Daily American Republic:  Stoddard County may adopt prescription drug monitoring program +
          Missourinet:  Missouri House committee hears testimony on needle exchange legislation
          The Missouri Times:  Details on Capitol's gun policy
          P-D:  Lawmakers question rule on visitors bringing guns to Capitol
          KWMU:  Moms Demand Action protests at Capitol
          Missourinet:  Women's group protests guns
          Missourinet:  Galloway's 2016 review shows all Missouri taxing authorities in compliance with property tax rates
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway says her office can handle increased workload on same budget funding
          AP:  School administrators unhappy with busing cuts
          Columbia Missourian:  As Missouri roads and bridges deteriorate, funding for repairs nowhere in sight
          P-D:  Cost of implementing voter ID remains in question
          The Missouri Times:  Grover Norquist weighs in on Emery and Miller's infrastructure bills
          Missourinet:  Libla measure would change civil court rules
          SNL:  Lawmakers consider upping marriage age to combat sex trafficking X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Helmet law debate continues
          The Missouri Times:  Veterans organization supports Neely's medical cannabis bill
          SNL:  Lawmaker files bill to end jail contract X
          KWMU:  UMSL professor Jerome Morris researching St. Louis' voluntary deseg program
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield man says Ann Wagner wants to protect poor financial guidance
          P-D letter:  Paraquad's Cathy Brown:  Greitens' budget takes aim at critical program for elderly, disabled
          P-D letter:  Democrat who lost St. Charles County state rep race unhappy with Greitens' budget
          KC Star letter:  Belton man offers sarcastic take on Greitens' tough-talking to state senators +
          Disclosure


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        Wednesday, February 8
       
Missourinet:  McCaskill, Blunt split on DeVos vote
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri senators split on DeVos vote X
          Reuters:  St. Louis-based Arch Coal says Trump administration is positive for its business
          KCUR:  Area Mexicans dislike Trump's approach to immigration
          KSHB (Kansas City):  Area anti-Trump protesters give themselves a name:  "Indivisible KC;"  Leader says group is tired of meeting with Blunt staff, wants face-to-face gripe session with senator
          Missourinet:  Missouri joins lawsuit against Obama administration's land regulations
          SNL:  Kander continues national campaign, launches new campaign fund;  Shane Schoeller rebuts claims X
          P-D:  Kander promotes new tax-exempt 527
          AP:  Jason Kander launches "Let America Vote" campaign
          Drebes:  Initiative petition bits:  Marijuana and prohibiting pay-per-signature approach
          AP:  'Right to work' law could go before voters
          Faughn:  Behind the scenes of the pay-raise fight:  Greitens to Wieland:  "I can see from the pupils in your beady little eyes that you're afraid of me;"  Much more
          KWMU:  Greitens follows predecessors in withdrawing appointees to state boards, commissions
          The Missouri Times:  Barnes, Gaston, Goodman, Ehlmann headline lengthy list of those applying for Missouri Supreme Court vacancy
          P-D:  Steve Ehlmann, Ed Martin among candidates for the vacant seat on Missouri Supreme Court
          Missourinet:  Parson outlines pro-business agenda, wants to see more retirees move to Missouri
          KWMU:  Missouri officials' next step:  Deciding how to pay for voter ID law
          The Missouri Times:  State treasurer and secretary of state present budgets before House committee
          Missourinet:  State senators scrutinize Greitens budget
          P-D:  Nursing homes claim Greitens budget plan could trigger closures
          Columbia Missourian:  MU Medical School expansions won't get state funding next year under proposed budget
          The Missouri Times:  House Budget hearing intensifies as lawmakers question use of Capitol improvement bonds to fund security upgrades
          Columbia Missourian:  Higher education collaboration bill could help cut costs
          The Missouri Times:  Tort overhaul measures from McGaugh and Corlew passed out of House
          Missourinet:  SLU Law prof disagrees with Sater on Medicaid global waiver, says he has facts wrong
          SNL:  Lawmakers weigh penalties for attacks on police and their dogs X
          SNL:  CCW permit holders now allowed to carry in Capitol X
          KWMU:  Galloway to examine two special taxing districts in St. Louis area
          KWMU:  Update on Ferguson protester Mya Aaten-White, shot in head by hoodlum during riots
          KC Star editorial:  Lawmakers in Missouri deserve pay bumps;  Public revulsion to pay increases is short-sighted
          P-D editorial:  Missouri's race to the bottom now includes consumer protection
          KWMU Diversity Fellow Jenny Simeone:  Women's March organizers plan follow-up meetings;  Sessions will focus on "conversations," "understanding," "empathy," etc.
          P-D op-ed:  Nixa Public Schools Superintendent Stephen Kleinsmith:  Rein in tax credits to balance Missouri's budget
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Greitens budget underfunds key issues
          Columbia Missourian's Steve Spellman:  Instead of trimming government services, lawmakers should methodically eliminate some departments
          Washington Times op-ed:  Missouri models Wisconsin on labor reform
          P-D letter:  Area septuagenarian praises McCaskill for supporting Gorsuch, keeping powder dry for other battles
          SNL letter:  Coal group rep says Scott Pruitt will be good for Missouri X
          KC Star letters:  Man who attended Cleaver town hall writes to newspaper to complain about television coverage;  Area man opposes Brattin's state-school tenure proposal, says GOP only looks out for the wealthy +
          CDT letter:  College student says Greitens is a phony populist, cites Public Policy Polling numbers on Medicaid expansion and 'right to work' X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Anti-death-penalty activist opposed execution of "Mark Christenson [sic]," unhappy with wait times when calling Greitens' office
          Disclosure



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        Tuesday, February 7
       
Roll Call:  Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch to meet with McCaskill tomorrow
          CDT:  Teachers use "professional development day" to protest outside Blunt's office;  Columbia NEA branch provides form letters to attendees X
          Columbia Missourian:  Anti-DeVos rally draws 30
          Columbia Missourian:  Photo gallery:  Geriatric woman wears "pink pussyhat" to protest DeVos;  More
          SNL:  Rally outside Blunt's office draws 30 X
          P-D:  Pranksters troll Blunt by editing Wikipedia page, noting his support of DeVos
          KDNL:  The Allman Report:  Mother of student attacked while wearing Trump hat appears in studio, shares more details on incident and Parkway School District's reaction
          P-D's Kristen Taketa:  3 students suspended after Parkway school bus fight involving boy with Trump hat;  Mother "could not immediately be reached by the Post-Dispatch"
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Local seniors question politicians at OAKS meeting;  McCaskill's Christy Mercer, Blunt's Darren Lingle, Rep. Andrew McDaniel, others talk Medicare COLAs, concealed-carry, 'right to work' impact on area jobs, more +
          KMIZ:  McCaskill, state legislators take aim at sex trafficking
          Missourinet:  Washington, D.C. Vietnam War Memorial replica planned for Perryville
          KTVI:  State Treasurer Eric Schmitt says Missouri could lose AAA bond rating
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens signs 'right to work' bill into law, marking turning point for Missouri organized labor
          Missourinet:  Greitens:  Missouri now "open for business" with 'right to work'
          SNL:  Greitens signs 'right to work' in Springfield X
          SNL:  Photo gallery:  Greitens' 'right to work' signing ceremony X
          AP:  Greitens signs bill making Missouri 28th 'right to work' state
          AP:  'Right to work' not the end of Missouri labor bills
          KC Star:  Unions file referendum to overturn 'right to work' +
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri becomes 28th state to adopt 'right to work'
          Drebes:  Ron Richard may be re-evaluating stance on tax credits
          Missourinet:  Republican lawmakers look to roll back tax credits, reduce corporate taxes
          Missourinet:  Rep. Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City) supports push for tax-credit overhaul
          P-D:  Greitens suggests Purdue model as alternative to raising college tuition
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Proposal to nix Jay Nixon namesake state park X
          The Missouri Times:  Hearing held on Munzlinger's captive cervids bill
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Prescription pills fuel spike in drug cases X
          CDT:  State, county increase use of grand juries X
          SE Missourian editorial:  Number of kids in foster care climbs +
          KC Star's Mary Sanchez:  Mexican who disrupted Emanuel Cleaver's immigration town hall should be forgiven;  27-year-old man says Trump has given him "a lot of depression, a lot of anxiety and nervousness" +
          P-D letter:  St. Charles man says rote criticism of Trump shows Post-Dispatch's laziness
          Disclosure



          X
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        Monday, February 6
       
Republic Monitor (Perryville):  Vincentian Marian Youth of Southeast Missouri attend March for Life in D.C.
          JCNT:  Renewed energy from 'pro-life generation' X
          KMOV (St. Louis):  Video:  Sixth-grader attacked on school bus for wearing "Make America Great Again" hat
          Daily Mail (UK):  St. Louis County student attacked on school bus for wearing Trump hat
          Student Life (Wash U.):  Anti-Trump protesters march to the Arch;  Comments from organizer Wes Schnitker of Socialist Alternative St. Louis
          SE Missourian:  Smith seeks to block federal highway dollars to sanctuary cities +
          KCUR:  Cleaver calls for resistance to Trump's immigration policies
          SNL:  Somalis in Noel, Mo. react to Trump executive order X
          P-D:  McCaskill faces dilemma on Trump's Supreme Court nominee
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) on his contentious one-on-one with Greitens;  Panel of James Harris, Jane Dueker, Reps. Dean Plocher (R-Town and Country) and Steve Roberts (D-St. Louis City) talk 'right to work,' Greitens vs. GOP senators, more
          Drebes:  Missouri Insurance Director Chris Huff leaving
          JCNT:  Double duty in the House:  Sherri Kempf serving needs of two districts after getting a new boss X
          Drebes:  Missouri unions extending contracts in advance of 'right to work' implementation
          SNL:  Greitens to hold Springfield ceremony for 'right to work' X
          Missourinet:  Greitens to hold ceremonies for 'right to work' signing
          P-D:  Greitens to sign 'right to work' bill into law today
          JCNT:  Lawmakers have different remedies to end state's status as only one without drug monitoring X
          SE Missourian:  SEMO Drug Task Force sees rise in meth, hydrocodone, Xanax seizures +
          KWMU:  Missouri bill would expand access to private schools, but also cut tax base
          Missourinet:  Sen. Bob Dixon (R-Springfield) seeks to clear up misinformation and quell hysteria over impact of criminal code updates
          P-D:  St. Louis City Schools taking softer approach to discipline;  District's Deontrel Brownlee says badly-behaved students enter "reflection room" to practice "mindfulness yoga"
          Missourinet:  Rep. Courtney Curtis (D-Ferguson) wants DNR to build state park in Kinloch
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Despite unions' rhetoric, Missouri Republicans are not workers' enemy X
          KC Star op-ed:  State Treasurer Eric Schmitt:  Underfunded state pensions are Missouri's crisis on the horizon +
          Priddy:  Missouri needs an unbiased economic index to guide policymaking
          Columbia Missourian's Claire Mitzel:  Bill from pro-choice hero Rep. Deb Lavender (D-Kirkwood) targets state crisis pregnancy centers' funding and pro-lifers' misinformation
          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, February 5
       
CDT:  Hundreds rally against abortion at Midwest March for Life X
          Columbia Missourian:  Midwest March for Life draws hundreds to Jefferson City
          KC Star:  Cleaver holds town hall forum on immigration +
          KC Star:  Video:  Overfed woman, others shout "Shame on you!" at Trump supporter;  Anti-Trump activists disagree on value of protesting amidst anti-Trump crowd;  More +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local reaction to Trump executive order varies;  Iranian man fears potential expiration of non-refundable plane ticket X
          CDT:  Local reaction to Trump executive order:  Comments from Muslim woman, Eighth Congressional District Republican Committee Chairman Eddy Justice, U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler X
          P-D:  Anti-Trump protesters congregate, again, downtown
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  Anti-Trump protest:  Comely Iraqi drapes American flag over long, flowing Arab locks while ginger Caucasoid attempts wearing American flag as hijab; More
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Guest Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) on Greitens' high-pressure lobbying approach;  Panel of James Harris, Reps. Dean Plocher (R-Town and Country) and Steve Roberts (D-St. Louis City), Jane Dueker talk 'right to work,' Greitens vs. GOP senators, more
          The Missouri Times:  Republicans select Rep. Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo) to fill Mike Parson's state Senate seat
          Washington Missourian:  Local lawmakers weigh in on 'right to work;'  GOP Reps. Justin Alferman and Paul Curtman vote in favor, Rep. Nathan Tate against
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Reps. Galen Higdon (R-St. Joseph), Pat Conway (D-St. Joseph) vote against 'right to work' X
          SE Missourian:  Vargas:  SEMO faces $4.4M cut in state funding +
          AP:  UM System hasn't ruled out tuition increases to deal with cuts
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bills would transfer lettered routes to counties X
          P-D:  'Normal for me is working,' says 86-year-old MoDOT engineer
          P-D:  Municipal court business is way down after Ferguson riots
          KC Star editorial:  Editorial board seeks comments from Donald Trump voters +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  MoDOT working to educate about the dangers of distracted driving X
          P-D beauty-product reviewer/family columnist Aisha Sultan:  Missouri mother drags daughter to D.C. March for Life, won't answer tough questions
          SE Missourian's Jon Rust:  A Russian child in Cape, a study of U.S. visa policy +
          P-D's Jim Gallagher:  Missouri consumer law under attack by GOP state legislators;  Thoughts from Consumer Council of Missouri's Cara Spencer, reaction from Missouri Chamber's Brian Bunten
          P-D letter:  Area union member doesn't understand "conservative rational [sic]" of 'right to work'
          P-D letter:  Area man who avoided sending children to public schools opposes vouchers
          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 4
       
Kraske:  McCaskill stuck in the middle voting on Trump appointees +
          P-D:  Trump issues orders targeting Dodd-Frank;  Ann Wagner appears alongside President
          SNL:  Trump's proposed tax on Mexican imports will impact Missouri;  Comments from state-school profs, Missouri Chamber's Dan Mehan X
          P-D:  Iranian high school student unhappy about Trump executive order;  Teen girl takes to Instagram to tell President what's what
          Messenger:  Iraqi Muslim, seeking spousal visa via Missouri woman, unhappy about Trump executive order
          People Magazine:  Iraqi man, seeking spousal visa via Missouri woman, unhappy about Trump executive order
          Hilltop Monitor (William Jewell):  Students attend anti-Trump marches;  Male feminist claims he calls Blunt's office "every couple of days" since Clinton lost, thinks it will make a difference
          CDT:  Pro-Obamacare rally draws small crowd;  Area man says he's been calling congressional offices, thinks it will make a difference X
          Columbia Missourian:  "Save My Care" Obamacare bus makes stop in Columbia, heads to Springfield
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Graves files bill to restore Squaw Creek name:  Obama official deemed name "offensive" to Indians X
          AP:  Missouri revenue collections up 3 percent so far this year
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of January 30
          KJFF (Farmington):  Sen. Gary Romine (R-Farmington) not pleased by criticism from fellow Republican Greitens
          KWMU:  Behind the Headlines:  Jo Mannies breaks down Eric Greitens' proposed state budget
          Missourinet:  Greitens' budget would trim aid for seasoned citizens, disabled
          KC Star:  Advocacy groups oppose Greitens' budget cuts;  Comments from Paraquad's Cathy Brown, Missouri Alliance for Home Care's Carol Hudspeth +
          P-D:  Missouri Technology Corporation affected in draft Greitens budget
          KWMU:  UMSL consider tuition increase amid state funding cuts
          CDT:  Greitens' budget slashes funding for University of Missouri X
          CDT:  State Department of Education begins statewide programs review X
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Rep. Bruce DeGroot (R-Chesterfield);  Freshman rep focuses on tort overhaul
          P-D:  GOP lawmakers focus on tort overhaul
          The Missouri Times:  Labor-laws fight to continue with prevailing wage battle
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) wants to keep sex offenders away from children's museums and zoos
          Missourinet:  Lawmakers consider allowing airport travelers to carry drinks into concourses
          P-D:  Greitens administration dismisses Office of Public Counsel James Owen
          P-D:  Confirmed report of female mountain lion raises questions about the future of the species in Missouri
          Columbia Missourian:  New data shows health care access improving for women in Missouri
          P-D:  Lee Enterprises, parent of Post-Dispatch, expands buyout offers to union employees
          KC Star editorial:  Greitens' initial budget reasonable, with a few glaring exceptions +
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Legislation from Rep. Keith Frederick (R-Rolla) will boost rural medicine X
          KC Star op-ed:  Mayor Sly James opposes Trump anti-terrorism order, touts protesters' civilized behavior +
          P-D letter:  St. Charles man says he disagrees with Trump on many issues, but finds Post-Dispatch editorial board's half-truths about policies misleading
          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, February 3
       
SNL:  Blunt unmoved by criticism of Education nominee Betsy DeVos X
          KC Star:  McCaskill, Blunt split on DeVos +
          P-D:  McCaskill uses opposition to DeVos in fundraising e-mail;  Blunt does the same with Supreme Court fight
          P-D:  McCaskill to oppose Trump's pick for HHS secretary
          KWMU:  Trump's executive order affects foreigners at local universities;  Iranian man laments "painful" hardship of missing out on Persian New Year party next month
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Local reaction to anti-terrorism executive order:  Public radio station gives 30+ minutes to three (3) anti-Trump activists, zero (0) time for pro-order voices
          Student Life (Wash U.):  Protestors block traffic in business district, claim they'll continue protests "every week"
          Drebes:  Former state Sen. Jolie Justus (D-Kansas City) visits Capitol, plans 2019 KC mayoral bid
          KWMU:  Fight or adapt:  'Right to work' law delivers tough choices for Missouri's labor unions
          The Missouri Times:  House passes 'right to work' bill;  Greitens expected to sign today
          Missourinet:  Greitens' signature will make Missouri the 28th 'right to work' state
          P-D:  Lawmakers send 'right to work' to Greitens' desk
          AP:  Lawmakers send 'right to work' to governor
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens' budget calls for more than $500 million in cuts
          KWMU:  Greitens lays out budget proposal, criticizes 'special interests'
          Missourinet:  Snapshot of Greitens' proposed $27 billion budget
          AP:  Greitens' budget sees mix of cuts, small hikes for education
          Columbia Missourian:  Higher education hit with budget cuts under Greitens' proposed budget
          P-D:  Greitens budget plan cuts aid for olds, disabled
          Missourinet:  Sens. Dan Brown (R-Rolla), Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) weigh in on Greitens budget
          KWMU Diversity Fellow Jenny Simeone:  Greitens' budget cuts funds for immigration-test prep
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens' tax-credit-cutting committee starts to take form
          Missourinet:  Legislative committee hears MoDOT plan and case for more funding
          Columbia Missourian:  League of Women Voters legislative forum draws liberal crowd;  Rowden vows to fight cuts to higher ed, want to ensure LGBTQIA* pendulum doesn't swing "too far"
          CDT:  Greitens withdraws two nominations to UM Board of Curators X
          Columbia Missourian:  Greitens rejects Nixon's picks for UM Board of Curators vacancies
          CDT:  Amazon starts taxing Missouri sales, but local impact is unclear X
          Missourinet:  Rep. Mike Kelley (R-Lamar) wants to change how often officers must fulfill required training
          The Missouri Times:  PSC denies Office of the Public Counsel requests for rehearings
          KC Star editorial:  Rep. Cleaver town hall tomorrow seeks to answer questions from legal immigrants, illegal aliens
          P-D's Samantha Liss:  Greitens misleading Missourians about cost of Obamacare
          SE Missourian letter:  SEMO prof applauds boss for statement on Trump executive order +
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County septuagenarian applauds career of former Dept. of Corrections chief George Lombardi
          Disclosure



          X
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        Thursday, February 2
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill, Blunt, Graves join Trump in targeting regulations X
          The Missouri Times:  Charter school advocates call on McCaskill to support Betsy DeVos
          SE Missourian:  McCaskill:  Dems boycotted Cabinet vote because new information surfaced +
          Columbia Missourian:  Graduate students protest Trump
          CDT:  International students complain about Trump executive order;  Woman, 28 years old, cries about it X
          KMOV:  Protesters demonstrate in Clayton;  Trump supporter trolls liberals with "Cry Babies" sign
          CDT:  Photo gallery:  Mid-Missouri Peaceworks protest:  Signs included attempted pormanteau ("Trump-ler,") calls for "resistance," etc. X
          KSDK (St. Louis):  Bill from Rep. Don Phillips (R-Kimberling City) would forbid rioters from wearing masks
          Drebes:  Michael Goguen drops case against John Brunner
          Missourinet:  Senate audio sessions not made available on Ashcroft's SOS website
          P-D:  Greitens touts jobs move to Hazelwood from China
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens taps Lt. Col. Sandy Karsten to become first female superintendent of Missouri State Highway Patrol
          Missourinet:  New Missouri Highway Patrol leader makes history
          AP:  Greitens picks first woman to lead Missouri State Highway Patrol
          The Missouri Times:  Governor's department head selections heard by Appointments Committee
          Missourinet:  Senate committee considers Anne Precythe as Greitens' pick to lead Dept. of Corrections
          Missourinet:  Missouri Public Safety Director Nominee Andrew Juden will seek to find qualified minority recruits
          The Missouri Times:  House Democrats look to hold Greitens accountable with ethics bills
          P-D:  'Right to work' law:  Questions and answers
          Missourinet:  Missouri GOP lawmakers target St. Louis in fight against liability lawsuits
          Missourinet:  Truck platooning back on the agenda for Missouri lawmakers;  Comments from Missouri Trucking Association's Tom Crawford, others
          SNL:  State Parks Director Bill Bryan fired X
          SNL:  Some lawmakers want state to stop buying park land X
          AP:  Bill allows more breath-test evidence in DWI cases
          P-D:  Missouri joins probe of virus spread by pet rats
          P-D:  Lee Enterprises, parent company of Post-Dispatch, reports lower revenue;  Advertising and marketing services fall 10% as subscriptions continue to slide
          KC Star editorial:  Greitens' transparency problems grow +
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri must stop stalling and combat prescription drug abuse;  McCaskill successfully accessed federal dollars to help link Jackson County with St. Louis County effort +
          KC Star op-ed:  Jason Kander:  Trump's focus should be on voter eligibility, not fraud +
          Helling:  'Right to work' law will force labor to look itself in the mirror +
          Priddy:  Thoughts on Citizens Commission on the Compensation of State Elected Officials (1,544 words)
          SNL letter:  Area man, unhappy about Trump's selection of Betty DeVos, dislikes attitude of Blunt's D.C. staff X
          P-D letter:  University City sexagenarian agrees with Post-Dispatch editorial board on Josh Hawley's residency
          Disclosure


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        Wednesday, February 1
       
P-D:  With Supreme Court battle looming, McCaskill defends Senate filibuster
          CDT:  Area liberals turn out 60 for protest, urge Blunt to flip-flop on Trump cabinet picks;  Trump supporter attends, holds sign:  "The silent majority stands with Trump."
          Missourinet:  Missouri Sierra Club opposes Trump cabinet pick Scott Pruitt:  "We're losing the EPA"
          SE Missourian:  Area Muslim unhappy about Trump executive order +
          SE Missourian:  SEMO President Carlos Vargas tries to reassure students about travel ban +
          KWMU:  UMSL to international students:  Don't leave the country
          CDT:  Columbia College, Stephens College communications staff write statements regarding Trump executive order X
          Columbia Missourian:  Area Iranian says he wants MU to act more defiantly against Trump executive order
          KWMU:  March for Life participants return from D.C. as a Missouri-based pro-life march gears up;  Comments from Students for Life's Reagan Barklage
          Drebes:  Mark Siettmann joins Dept. of Revenue;  Axion, Kraus alum will serve as legislative director (link fixed)
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens criticizes Hoskins, Wieland for HCR 4 votes
          P-D:  Greitens upset with GOP senators Hoskins and Wieland, writes Facebook post about it
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens to reveal budget in Nixa on Thursday
          Missourinet:  Greitens to release budget plan in Nixa among special-needs children
          P-D:  Greitens to reveal budget Thursday;  House Superminority Leader Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) calls event with special-needs children "a publicity stunt"
          Missourinet:  House committee approves Senate version of 'right to work;'  "grandfather clause" is included
          Columbia Missourian:  House sets sights on repealing prevailing wage
          KC Star:  Greitens attends D.C. event featuring bipartisan public- and private-sector leaders +
          The Missouri Times:  Senate committee compares House and Senate bills on lobbyist gift restrictions
          Missourinet:  Senators weigh in on ethics legislation;  Sen. Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) says Greitens' tinkering with gift restrictions ignores shade of dark-money cloud
          AP:  Kehoe proposes $10 limit on lobbyist gifts
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers consider various ways to limit donor influence
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Glen Kolkmeyer (R-Odessa) ready to carry next stage of tort-overhaul legislation:  venue and joinder
          The Missouri Times:  Bill from Sen. Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester) cuts funds from low-income housing, historical preservation tax credits
          Missourinet:  Missouri House committee considers strengthening penalties against those who target first responders
          Missourinet:  Rep. Donna Lichtenegger (R-Cape Girardeau) proposes changes to keep domestic abusers from owning guns
          Columbia Missourian:  Students at virtual universities may be able to access state scholarship funds
          AP:  Missouri opens applications for 'assistant physicians'
          Missourinet:  Convicted triple-murderer Mark Christeson executed;  Maries County Sheriff says justice has been served
          KWMU:  Missouri executes Mark Christeson for 1998 triple slayings
          AP:  Missouri executes man for murdering woman, two children in 1998
          P-D:  Slideshow:  Missouri execution scorecard since 2000:  Jay Nixon (21), Bob Holden (15), Matt Blunt (5), Mel Carnahan (4 in 2000), Roger Wilson (1), Eric Greitens (1)
          Columbia Missourian's Steve Spellman:  State, local sales tax laws face massive transition
          P-D op-ed:  HSUS' Amanda Good:  Missouri needs strict oversight of animal breeders
          P-D letter:  Florissant sexagenarian disagrees with Missouri Right to Life's Steve Rupp on importance of pro-life issues
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County woman ecstatic that Post-Dispatch actually covered a pro-life event, for once
          Disclosure


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