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Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - June 2017



    

        Friday, June 30
       
P-D:  Blunt says Senate health care bill 'not perfect' but big change still needed from 'unsustainable' Obamacare
          CDT:  Video:  Anti-GOP activists hold "die-in" outside Blunt's office, read amateur poetry;  Adult dresses up in Grim Reaper costume X
          SNL:  Hartzler says Defense-funding proposal would protect taxpayers from footing the bill for soldiers' sex-change operations X
          Faughn:  It's time to stop throwing 'corrupt' around to discredit every donor or politician you disagree with;  Also, dissecting the shenanigans surrounding the release of Greitens' sham tax committee report
          The Missouri Times:  Catherine Hanaway to lead new Husch Blackwell project
          KMOV (St. Louis):  State Treasurer Eric Schmitt launches phase two of MO ABLE
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens signs four more bills into law while legislators question the delay on others
          AP:  Greitens signs farm equipment, propane bills
          P-D:  Utility company vehicles added to Missouri 'move over' law
          KWMU:  St. Louis anti-discrimination law at issue in special session could be kept largely intact
          Quincy Herald-Whig:  Missouri transportation panel backs campaign for higher fuel tax
          The Missouri Times:  On this week's #MoLeg Podcast, Rep. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) talks technology's role in influencing legislation
          KWMU:  Eligibility standards to change for Missouri Rx program
          Drebes:  State rebidding security contract in response to St. Louis City's higher minimum wage
          P-D:  Greitens forming task force on prison problems
          CDT:  Ameren customers will see increase in natural gas rates X
          Columbia Missourian:  Former Tribune publisher Vicki Russell to be inducted into Missouri Press Association Hall of Fame X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  In Trinity Lutheran case, common sense prevails X
          P-D editorial:  Greitens issues a veto, plus the usual round of insults
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  We don't need 163 state reps X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Planned Parenthood local president Mary Kogut:  Response to comments from Rep. Diane Franklin (R-Camdenton) on This Week in Missouri Politics
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Ole Miss higher ed prof:  Legislators in Missouri, other states take reasonable steps on campus free speech
          P-D letter:  Missouri Libertarian Party's Greg Tlapek on value of proportional representation system
          P-D letter:  St. Louis sexagenarian responds to Horrigan column, wants Blunt to vote against GOP health care bill
          P-D letter:  Villa Ridge septuagenarian responds to Horrigan column on roadblocks to affordable health care, says insurance companies' shareholders and executives are the epitome, a public enemy
          Disclosure



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        Thursday, June 29
       
KCUR:  In Missouri, some insurers have chosen to exit Obamacare exchange for 2018
          Brownfield Ag News:  AG Josh Hawley says Waters of the U.S. repeal helps Missouri farmers;  Former AG Chris Koster (D) filed original suit against Obama's EPA and Corps of Engineers
          CDT:  Video:  Renee Hoagenson, seeking to fill Democratic ballot slot against Vicky Hartzler, promises "significant" war chest on July campaign finance report X
          The Missouri Times:  Massive tax increases on income, services, gas, and Internet purchases included in draft of Governor's Tax Committee Report
          Missourinet:  Rep. Paul Curtman (R-Union):  Many tax credits not going to those the credits are meant for
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens issues first veto after UMKC issues plans to find alternative funding for new art facility
          AP:  Alternative funding planned for Kansas City arts campus
          KC Star:  UMKC claims it will find all $96 million for downtown arts campus without state help
          The Missouri Times:  Transportation Task Force holds first meeting at the Capitol
          Missourinet:  Transportation Task Force holds first meeting;  Rep. Bill Reiboldt (R-Neosho) says gas tax increase must be on the table
          JCNT:  Task force looks for ways to fix state's infrastructure X
          P-D:  Task force looks for more road and bridge money
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate slows pace of special session on abortion
          SNL:  Missouri Rx Program tweaks will impact fewer than 7,000 across four-county region X
          P-D:  Time ticking down on Missouri prescription drug program
          Columbia Missourian:  Tax revenue shortfalls could mean more cuts for MU
          SE Missourian:  Regents OK contract extension for SEMO president +
          KWMU:  Some local school districts make special accommodations for transgenders and those who claim no gender;  Parkway student describes himself/herself as "gender-fluid," while Kirkwood student calls herself "transmasculine"
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Public Service Commission signs off on 15 orders, approves all Renewable Energy Standard compliance reports
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council wins appeal in IP case
          KC Star editorial:  Eric Greitens' snub of UMKC arts campus is a lesson and an opportunity for Kansas City
          SNL editorial:  Room for Missouri to improve in safety ranking X
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood sexagenearian says she opposes Blunt on health care overhaul
          SNL letter:  Battlefield sexagenarian says she opposes Blunt on health care overhaul - and doesn't enjoy his telephone town halls either X
          KC Star letter:  Independence man suggests Greitens focus on Missouri crime, economic issues to bolster presidential bid
          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, June 28
       
P-D:  McCaskill praises Trump on an environmental rollback
          JCNT:  Missouri leaders applaud EPA's 'Waters of the U.S.' change X
          P-D:  In response to criticism over Russian ambassador reception, McCaskill details donations of foundation she has established with her husband
          P-D:  Missouri delegation pushing to replace Blair statue in Capitol with one of Truman
          P-D:  National Safety Council report ranks Missouri worst for preventable accidents
          KWMU:  Courts give 'right to work' opponents in Missouri a second option to try to block law
          AP:  Court OKs anti-'right to work' language OK'd by former SOS Jason Kander
          The Missouri Times:  Lincoln Hough running for Jay Wasson's seat, will face Eric Burlison in primary
          SNL:  Hough, Burlison will vie for Wasson's Senate seat X
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Girls State taking place this week at UCM
          The Missouri Times:  Former Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren (D), Columbia reps hold town hall on voter ID;  Noren credits Jay Ashcroft's office for steadfast work educating voters
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri NAACP echoes call for veto of SB43
          Missourinet:  Greitens meets with NAACP's Rod Chapel on discrimination legislation, says he's undecided on signing bill
          JCNT:  NAACP:  State's discrimination bill is 'civil rights issue' X
          AP:  NAACP protest against discrimination bill draws 40 to Capitol
          AP:  Missouri Senate's work on abortion policy delayed
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Dept. of Corrections Director Anne Precythe speaks to Pachyderm Club about sexual harassment cases, new administration's goals for employees
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court unholds state's Sexually Violent Predator Act
          AP:  Missouri Court backs fining sex offenders indefinitely
          Joplin Globe:  Area counties learn about joining St. Louis County prescription drug monitoring program X
          CDT:  Disappointing year of tax revenue collections means for cuts for University of Missouri, public schools
          KC Star:  Missouri trooper pleads, avoids trial in handcuffed drowning of Brandon Ellingson
          AP:  Judge upholds St. Louis Zoo gun ban;  opponents vow to appeal
          P-D editorial:  A major constitutional test that rides on a Missouri playground and a footnote
          KC Star editorial:  Toying with inmates and hiring family members - much work remains to overhaul the Missouri prison system
          Messenger:  Greitens targets tax credits;  big donors stand in the way
          Columbia Missourian's Bennito Kelty:  State, federal lawmakers ignore Lincoln University
          Disclosure


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         + = This site has chosen to provide its reporters with access to you by waiving its pageview limit for all links posted on johncombest.com.



        Tuesday, June 27
       
Politico:  Blunt says CBO analysis of GOP health care bill better than he expected
          CNN:  Despite tweet, McCaskill attended reception at Russian ambassador's home
          The Hill:  McCaskill attended reception at Russian ambassador's residence in 2015
          P-D:  Supreme Court decision could bolster Hawley in race for Senate
          CDT:  Supreme Court judges side with Trinity in church-state dispute X
          KWMU:  Supreme Court rules for Columbia, Mo. church in playground case
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Supreme Court rules in favor of chuch in Trinity Lutheran case
          P-D:  U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of Trinity Lutheran in Missouri church-state case
          The Missouri Times:  Advocacy group says Missourians favor legal immigration reductions
          SE Missourian:  Federal agency approves loans for Missouri disaster victims +
          The Missouri Times:  Disaster recovery efforts underway as Missouri receives $8.9 million in grant assistance and more than $35 million in flood insurance payments
          AP:  U.S. attorney's office charges two Jackson County corrections officers;  Andrew Lamonte Dickerson and Jalee Caprice Fuller smuggled cellphone, drugs to inmate
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Stephen Webber talks with Mannies & Rosenbaum about piecing the Missouri Democratic Party back together
          SNL:  Greitens speaks at Americans for Prosperity event in Colorado X
          KWMU:  Marijuana isn't a medical treatment or moneymaker for Missouri, but that could change after 2018
          SNL:  Disabilities campaign brings State Treasurer Eric Schmitt to Springfield X
          SNL:  Video:  State Treasurer Eric Schmitt talks about MO ABLE program X
          CDT:  Former Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren (D) defends voter ID law at local NAACP event:  "This is going to be a tremendous service ... to most voters, it's going to be not even noticeable to them" X
          The Missouri Times:  Gov. Bob Holden honored by St. Louis County NAACP with lifetime achievement award
          The Missouri Times:  NAACP issues travel advisory for Missouri, saying civil rights could be in danger
          AP:  Missouri NAACP says GOP discrimination bill makes summer travel unsafe for minorities
          Missourinet:  Fitzpatrick says state could begin year with $130 million shortfall
          Missourinet:  Qualification standards for Missouri Rx change beginning Saturday
          CDT:  Empower Missouri unhappy with conclusions of AG's Vehicle Stops Report, wants agencies to spend more resources researching issue X
          KC Star editorial:  Supreme Court makes right decision in Missouri playground case, but church-state separation issues remain unsettled +
          KC Star editorial:  Federal charges against drug-smuggling guards show Jackson County inmates are running the jail +
          SNL op-ed:  Eric Burlison:  Greitens right to call for special session X
          P-D op-ed:  St. Louis Paving Inc.'s Paul Munsch:  Missouri's 'right to work' law protects workers
          P-D letter:  St. Louis Arc wants McCaskill, Blunt to support more Medicaid funding
          Disclosure



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        Monday, June 26
       
McClatchy:  Jason Kander raises national profile ahead of possible presidential bid;  Comments from John Hancock, Rep. Justin Alferman (R-Hermann), others
          KCUR:  Reporter visits rural Missouri coffee shop, solicits political opinions
          P-D:  Agency suggests phone calls as some St. Louis-area FEMA centers close
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Mary Kogut, CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis region;  Panel of Reps. Jean Evans (R-Manchester), Diane Franklin (R-Camdenton), Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights), Planned Parenthood's M'evie Mead talk special session and U.S. Senate race
          Missourinet:  Rep. Diane Franklin (R-Camdenton) praises Missouri House vote on abortion bill
          KC Star:  Liberals, still talking about Mike Moon's chicken stunt, create online petitions demanding his ouster
          Columbia Missourian:  Local feminists hold benefit concert for Planned Parenthood
          Missourinet:  Both sides dig in for fight over anti-'right to work' ballot initiative
          Drebes:  Elijah Haahr joining Lathrop & Gage
          Rosenbaum:  Curbing tax credits may not be an instant solution to Missouri's budget woes
          KWMU:  Transportation task force to begin looking for ways to fix and pay for roads and bridges
          P-D:  Missouri reconsidering commitment to cross-state Rock Island Trail
          KC Star editorial:  Greitens seems to want a full-time General Assembly - even if Missouri doesn't
          Dunklin Democrat's Steve Patton:  Greitens' "career politicians" line creates unnecessary wedge with well-meaning Republicans
          P-D letter:  Ballwin sexagenarian wants Ann Wagner to target "soulless black hole of a man" Donald Trump for his rhetoric
          P-D letter:  Planned Parenthood supporter disagrees with Greitens on special-session legislation, opposes future presidential bid
          Disclosure



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        Sunday, June 25
       
Joplin Globe:  Missouri hospitals, advocacy groups, legislators weigh in on GOP health care bill X
          KC Star:  McCaskill rallies KC opposition to GOP health care bill
          Washington Missourian:  Human trafficking a growing problem on federal, state level X
          SNL:  Wooed for Senate bid, Josh Hawley faces 2018 dilemma X
          JCNT:  'Right to work' opponents not dismayed by ruling X
          AP:  Analysis:  Missouri House Democrats, Republicans focus on districts in which they have a chance of winning
          JCNT:  Profile:  New Dept. of Corrections chief Anne Precythe X
          P-D:  New Missouri prison officials try to breathe life into giant halfway house in St. Louis
          AP:  Missouri attorney general could gain power over abortion law
          JCNT:  Some lawmakers support tax credits evaluation X
          P-D:  Former inmate wants Missouri Supreme Court to know:  Troubled kids need intervention
          SNL editorial:  Greitens, Springfield can cooperate for tech jobs X
          Horrigan:  Blunt can be a hero by voting no on GOP health care bill. Really.
          CDT op-ed:  U.S House hopeful Renee Hoagensen:  Tribune article misrepresented my drug-legalization stance X
          SNL letter:  Springfield sexagenarian says SNL, parent company Gannett show blatant bias against Trump and Gov. Greitens X
          SNL letter:  Springfield sexagenarian wants Billy Long to explain U.S. Senate health care bill X
          Columbia Missourian:  UCM coed interning with NARAL:  Gov. Eric Greitens is bullying women with pro-life special session
          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, June 24
       
KMIZ (Columbia):  McCaskill:  GOP health care bill 'hikes cost for working families'
          KMOX:  AG Josh Hawley may run for U.S. Senate
          P-D:  Three potential candidates say they're considering filling Democratic ballot slot in 2nd Congressional district
          SE Missourian:  Jefferson County woman seeks to fill Democratic ballot slot against Jason Smith +
          KWMU:  Labor leader confident court ruling won't hurt campaign to block 'right to work'
          Drebes:  Help wanted:  Missouri Department of Agriculture job
          Columbia Missourian:  Solutions remain elusive as Missouri's elderly prisoners grow in number
          St. Joseph News-Press:  MoDOT set to address bridge issues
          CDT:  MU rescinds Cosby honorary degree X
          Missourinet:  Mizzou strips Cosby of honorary degree
          P-D:  Reginald Clemons murder trial pushed back over claims state violated attorney-client privilege
          P-D:  Settlement in Michael Brown suit $1.5 million, Ferguson attorney says
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  A fresh look at NAFTA is appropriate, but don't make it harder for Missouri farmers to compete X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Josh Hawley takes on opioid manufacturing companies X
          JCNT editorial:  Rein in tax credits X
          P-D editorial briefs:  On pro-choice group's chicken-costume gimmick
          P-D letter:  Local doctors oppose GOP health care bill
          P-D letter:  Clayton man mocks Ann Wagner's complaints about death threats
          KC Star letter:  Man who chooses to live in Kansas weighs in on Missouri minimum wage issue
          P-D letter:  Olivette man says deadbeat dads who abandon a child are not fathers - and certainly not real men
          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, June 23
       
KRZG (Joplin):  Audio:  Blunt talks 'repair and replace' of Obamacare, lack of help from Democrats;  Also talks support of Hawley's opioid lawsuits
          The Hill:  Blunt:  Democrats have shut themselves out of health care legislation process
          Missourinet:  McCaskill, Blunt differ on GOP health care plan
          Quincy Herald-Whig:  Health care roundtable discussion focuses on federal, state issues;  Staffers from Blunt and Graves office attend, as well as GOP state Reps. Craig Redmon and Jim Hansen
          P-D:  Advocacy group says St. Louisans use the ER too often for unnecessary care
          P-D:  Veterans groups support McCaskill World War II mustard gas bill
          Joplin Globe:  Crowder College seeks to name energy technology center for Roy Blunt X
          Kraske:  Why Cleaver, other members of Congress need protection:  "I'm going to blow your f-cking office up"
          KWMU:  Annual PrideFest celebration riddled with internal conflict over race, gender issues;  Union leader Jeff Roorda says LGBTQIA* community and police officers have much in common as "all are pronounced victims of hate crimes"
          AP:  Missouri judge rewords 'right to work' referendum summary
          P-D:  Circuit court judge rules 'right to work' repeal petition language is misleading
          Missourinet:  Recovering opioid addicts talk about support for Hawley's lawsuits, PDMP
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens encourages Senate to pass House version in abortion special session
          AP:  Greitens backs ramped-up Missouri abortion bill
          The Missouri Times:  #TWMP Live:  Q&A with Jay Barnes;  Full video plus transcript of Q&A regarding abortion special session
          Missourinet:  Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg):  Pregnancy resource centers must be protected
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens signs 'Foster Care Bill of Rights' into law
          KWMU:  Greitens signs foster care measure
          The Missouri Times:  Capitol metal detectors go guardless as of July 1
          The Missouri Times:  Questions for the Transportation Task Force ahead of first meeting
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Courtney Curtis (D-Ferguson) questions Mizzou's vote on rescinding Cosby's honorary degree
          P-D:  To offset lost revenue from freshmen fleeing, Mizzou to rent empty dorm rooms for football games
          SE Missourian:  State wants sheriff's bond revoked after inmate death +
          The Missouri Times:  Women's Foundation to celebrate 25 years with former UN ambassador guest speaker
          AP:  Ferguson making progress, Justice Department attorneys say
          KWMU:  Judge hears mixed opinions on Ferguson's compliance with federal consent decree
          P-D editorial:  AG Josh Hawley holds drug companies accountable for Missouri's opioid-addiction crisis
          P-D's Samantha Liss and Blythe Bernard:  GOP plan, shrouded in secrecy, would weaken patient protections and hurt Missouri women - among other harmful effects
          P-D's Tod Robberson:  Governor Doublespeak Eric Greitens does Orwell proud
          P-D op-ed:  Rep. Josh Peters (D-St. Louis):  Guilty until proven innocent:  a reflection on a visit to St. Louis' workhouse
          KC Star letter:  Kansas City liberal wants Blunt to hold more town halls, encourages readers to call D.C. office to complain
          P-D letter:  Moscow Mills septuagenarian says Ann Wagner deserves no sympathy for death threats
          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, June 22
       
P-D:  On eve of Senate health care bill reveal, White House brings in Missourians to talk about problems with Obamacare
          KC Star:  Missourians in 25 counties losing coverage voice Obamacare concerns at White House
          KWMU:  In Northeast Missouri, Trump, economy help end Democrats' dominance
          SNL:  GOP donor Sam Fox woos Josh Hawley for U.S. Senate, urges donors withhold money from Ann Wagner until AG makes decision on race X
          AP:  AG Josh Hawley sues drug companies over opioids
          KWMU:  Hawley sues three opioid drug makers over false claims, advertising
          P-D:  Missouri sues three drug companies for pushing painkillers
          Missourinet:  Audit shows state has lost billions in revenue over 25-year period due to tax credits
          AP:  State audit shows Missouri faces $3B tax-credit revenue loss
          SNL:  Galloway:  Complaints about late tax refunds pour in X
          The Missouri Times:  Bipartisan group of senators - focused on Greitens' nonprofit campaign committee - looks to change the conversation on dark money
          The Missouri Times:  Analysis:  Can Greitens and the Legislature find some common ground?
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  St. Charles County GOP senators Bob Onder, Bill Eigel talk abortion special session, Medicaid expansion, Obamacare, tax credits, transportation
          The Missouri Times:  Schupp, Senate Dems looking to block House changes to abortion bill
          Missourinet:  St. Louis City alderwoman dislikes Legislature's actions on abortion, says state legislation doesn't matter
          AP:  Greitens to sign bill banning sex offenders from kids' museums
          AP:  Greitens signs bill on college police training
          The Missouri Times:  The Missouri State Highway Patrol is looking for public feedback. Here are the political reasons why.
          CDT:  MU moves to rescind Bill Cosby honorary degree X
          Missourinet:  Black Democratic lawmakers suggest MU's Choi is manufacturing Bill Cosby honorary degree drama to distract from UMKC rape
          KC Star editorial:  Federal help welcome in combating Kansas City's violent crime problem
          KC Star editorial:  Hawley lawsuit is an important tool in Missouri's fight against opioid abuse
          P-D op-ed:  Normandy teacher Inda Schaenen responds to Fordham Institute piece on charter schools
          KWMU Diversity Fellow Jenny Simeone:  Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice uses gun locks to help fight Missouri's gun epidemic
          P-D letter:  Fenton sexagenarian says he doesn't condone violence against Republican congressmen, but understands rage against Ann Wagner and others
          P-D letter:  Area pediatrician wants Missouri legislators to expand Medicaid
          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, June 21   First Day of Summer
       
Politico:  Fate of Obamacare repeal uncertain in Senate;  Comments from Blunt
          SNL:  Financial disclosure reports show congressional members' approach to investments;  Billy Long, son of a stockbroker, moves from buy-and-hold to more active trading philosophy X
          SNL:  Army Corps of Engineers:  No, we're not draining Table Rock Lake. That's fake news. X
          Faughn:  The fix is in for Greitens' Commission on Raising Taxes, but a few courageous souls could stand up for rural Missouri
          KODE (Joplin):  Schmitt's office working to return unclaimed property
          The Missouri Times:  House passes altered version of Senate abortion bill
          Missourinet:  Missouri House approves abortion bill
          P-D:  Annual inspections of abortion clinics, pre-empting St. Louis City ordinance part of House proposal
          KWMU:  Missouri House sends expanded abortion bill back to Senate
          Columbia Missourian:  House returns amended abortion bill to the Senate
          KC Star:  Missouri House approves new abortion regulations
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Tim Remole (R-Excello) on House improvements to abortion legislation and potential for Senate PQ
          Missourinet:  Planned Parenthood, Campaign Life Missouri talk impact of Trump on their efforts
          JCNT:  68 bills still await Greitens' pen X
          The Missouri Times:  A look at what's next for REAL ID
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) on possibility of toll roads, gas tax hike next session
          The Missouri Times:  Annual Boys State kicks off in Warrensburg once again
          Drebes:  Marty Oetting lands role with MU chancellor-designate
          Columbia Missourian:  After Legislature takes no action, Columbia City Council seeks to tighten rules on payday lenders
          The Missouri Times:  Politically Speaking podcast:  St. Louis City alderman says urban areas should fight Missouri Legislature on abortion, other issues
          P-D:  Michael Brown wrongful death lawsuit settled
          KWMU:  Parents of Michael Brown get payoff
          JCNT editorial:  Sunshine Law violations unacceptable X
          KWMU Diversity Fellow Jenny Simeone:  Trump breaks campaign promise, extends DACA;  Comments from local illegal alien, immigration lawyer Jim Hacking, Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Shell Knob)
          KWMU's Durrie Bouscaren:  18,000 to lose coverage in Missouri's 'bare counties;'  Missouri Republicans refuse to expand Medicaid, while U.S. Senate GOP pushes for quick vote on secret bill
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Area liberal opposes Greitens' pro-life push
          P-D letter:  Maplewood resident disagrees with governor on special sessions, expresses distaste for Greitens' upcoming presidential bid
          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, June 20
       
P-D:  Anthem will sell insurance on Missouri Obamacare exchange in 2018 - at least for now
          P-D:  Like a lot of Washington, beer industry bill on hold until bigger pieces are moved;  Blunt a co-sponsor
          AP:  Height of Illinois levees concerns some in Missouri
          Drebes:  Octogenarian former U.S. Rep. Bill Burlison (D) contemplates taking his final electoral loss again Rep. Don Rone (R-Portageville) next year;  David Cort (R) files committee to run for Dixon's Senate seat
          Missourinet:  Schmitt aims to return almost $1 billion in unclaimed property
          KC Star:  Video:  KC Star editorial board members Steve Kraske, Colleen Nelson talk with AG Josh Hawley about sex trafficking, PDMP and opioids, abortion, potential U.S. Senate bid
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens' campaign circulates petition to support governor's special session
          The Missouri Times:  Onder's abortion bill and Koenig's final product hold significant differences
          The Missouri Times:  Q&A with Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) on special session's abortion legislation
          KWMU:  Missouri House committee passes amended version of Senate abortion bill
          AP:  Missouri House members toughen proposed abortion regulations
          Missourinet:  Missouri House committee toughens GOP abortion bill that passed in the Senate
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) on differences between Senate and House legislative pace, approaches
          SNL:  Greitens to bring tech task force to Springfield X
          JCNT:  Greitens announces new innovation task force X
          The Missouri Times:  Tax commission, nearing end, holds mostly closed sessions
          Missourinet:  Argument in Missouri Supreme Court to throw out Sexually Violent Predator law
          P-D:  State troopers will begin patrolling interstates withing St. Louis City limits, freeing up city police for violent crime
          P-D:  Settlement near in civil suit over death of Michael Brown
          KC Star editorial:  The ghost of anti-abortion crusader Phill Kline is going to haunt Missouri
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Missouri Deer Association's Jacques deMoss:  Deer import ban is not about fighting disease
          SNL letter:  Springfield sexagenarian says she disagrees with Greitens on abortion X
          P-D letter:  St. John woman not happy with election of Trump and Greitens, but says electoral losers should stop acting like children
          Disclosure


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



        Monday, June 19   Juneteenth
       
P-D:  St. Louis' Juneteenth gathering celebrates the end of slavery, the power of family and more
          JCNT:  Juneteenth honors black history, talent X
          Politico:  Jason Kander might be the future of the Democratic party - if only he can figure out how
          Roll Call:  Why Ann Wagner and other House members aren't rushing to announce for Senate
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger (D);  Panel of Rachel Herndon Dunn, Rep. Tracy McCreery (D-Olivette), Erica Engelby, and Jeff Shawan talk abortion, legislative priorities, and special session
          KWMU:  What you need to know about Missouri's new voter ID law
          Missourinet:  Americans for Prosperity wants special session for union-certification measure
          Columbia Missourian:  Minority- and women-owned businesses handed an increasingly-large slice of state contract pie
          P-D:  Red-light cameras in Missouri are down - but not necessarily out
          Missourinet:  Former Mamtek CEO to be paroled from a Missouri prison in 2018
          AP:  Ex-inmate alleges mistreatment at southwest Missouri jail
          KC Star editorial:  New Missouri law undercuts police efforts to stop drunk driving
          Columbia Missourian's Lucy Shanker:  Missouri Department of Conservation hosts firearms session for women:  A first-hand account
          P-D letter:  University City sexagenarian responds to St. Charles' woman's response to Maplewood city council's response to Trump climate announcement
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield septuagenarian wants legislators to stay out of St. Louis City-St. Louis County merger talks
          KC Star letter:  Kansas City septuagenarian says voter ID bill is intended to disenfranchise minorities
          Disclosure


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        Sunday, June 18   Father's Day
       
JCNT:  Father, son advise each other in government positions:  Ron and Travis Fitzwater
          Messenger:  Of baseball, fathers and sons, and the passage of time
          Daily American Republic:  Some FEMA denial letters might be error +
          SNL:  Pachyderms celebrate 50th birthday;  Group talks recruiting younger members, the legacy of founder George Parker, defending Trump, more X
          Drebes:  Brian Bunten to run UnitedHealth's government affairs operation in Missouri, Oklahoma
          Rosenbaum:  Democrats mull whether pro-life candidates would gain political ground in rural areas
          AP:  Tensions high between Greitens and lawmakers
          P-D:  Greitens' tactics grate on some Missouri lawmakers
          SE Missourian:  Pinhook reclaimed:  State grants set to help former village residents relocate +
          P-D:  Profile:  Caleb Arthur, the young conservative behind Missouri's fastest-growing solar company
          SNL editorial:  Don't fix state budget by nixing housing credits X
          JCNT editorial:  Another backward step for Missouri Department of Corrections X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Charlie Shields reminds local leaders of top priority:  Career readiness for students X
          P-D op-ed:  Normandy Schools Collaboratives' Parents as Teachers' Christopher Chambers:  Nurturing fatherhood:  The power of fathers who play
          SNL op-ed:  Center for Competitive Politics' Luke Wachob:  Privacy for nonprofits, including Greitens', should be common sense X
          Horrigan:  On Don Ruzicka and Mike Moon
          SNL letter:  Springfield sexagenarian disagrees with Billy Long on GOP health care bill X
          Washington Missourian letter:  New Haven septuagenarian expresses anger at Rep. Nathan Tate (R-St. Clair) for extravagant Jefferson City lifestyle, including "chomping away on $40 dinners" X
          SNL letter:  Ron Calzone pans second special session X
          Disclosure


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        Saturday, June 17
       
Washington Post:  At Congressional Baseball Game, McCaskill talks about value of sincere hugs and bipartisan legislation
          P-D:  Before Scalise shooting, Ann Wagner had reported five death threats to Capitol Police
          Sedalia Democrat:  Warrensburg's Tony Monetti speaks to local Pachyderms, says he's running in GOP U.S. Senate primary
          KC Star:  Missouri doctor named head of American Medical Association
          P-D:  Small-town Missouri doctor now leads one of the nation's most influential medical organizations
          Drebes:  Arthritis Foundation seeks State Director, Advocacy and Access
          KC Star:  KC Star editorial board to hold Facebook Live Q&A with Attorney General Josh Hawley at 3 p.m. Monday
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of June 12
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the General Assembly:  Week of June 12
          Missourinet:  Some lawmakers express dissatisfaction with multiple special sessions
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Munzlinger talks about value of abortion-facility inspections, says House will probably change Senate bill
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) talks REAL ID, K-12 funding, prescription drug monitoring program, tax breaks
          CDT:  Cuts lead to crunch in MU communications X
          The Missouri Times:  Judge finds DNR guilty of 'purposeful violation' of Sunshine Law
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri loses ground on regulatory credit ratings
          The Missouri Times:  PSC to review rules, wants input from public
          KC Star editorial:  All of Kansas City should celebrate Juneteenth
          KC Star editorial:  Vacancies show the absurdity of letting the state control Kansas City police
          P-D editorial:  Mike Moon's video lacks message clarity
          P-D editorial:  Missouri's foster care families are being set up for failure
          KC Star letter:  Area septuagenarian dislikes Emanuel Cleaver's flip-flop on rhetoric and civility
          P-D letter:  Rep. Sarah Unsicker (D-Shrewsbury):  Women's health care aims to decrease number of abortions
          Disclosure


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        Friday, June 16
       
P-D:  Blunt and other Republicans push back on other Trump adminstration health cuts
          AP:  Advocacy group ranks Missouri in top 10 for not providing taxpayer-funded summer meal handouts
          CDT:  Area congressional candidate says she supports legalization of most drugs;  Renee Hoagensen seeks to fill Democratic ballot slot in Vicky Hartzler's re-election X
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway report:  DHSS on top of cybersecurity for vital record keeping
          AP:  Audit:  Department of Health needs better security for vital records
          Drebes:  Kip Kendrick takes job with Columbia College
          CDT:  Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren submits resignation letter X
          Columbia Missourian:  After 35 years, Wendy Noren resigns as Boone County clerk
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens signs steel mill bill from last extraordinary session
          Missourinet:  Greitens signs steel mill bill, heads to D.C. to talk jobs
          AP:  Greitens among governors meeting with Trump
          AP:  Greitens signs electric rate break for metal makers
          The Missouri Times:  Long day (and night) in Senate led to compromise on abortion bills
          KWMU:  Closed-door negotiations produce abortion bill no Missouri legislator is happy with
          Missourinet:  House to debate abortion legislation on Tuesday
          AP:  Senate passes legislation on annual abortion-clinic inspections
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmakers back sheltered workshops;  Facilities' future less certain
          Missourinet:  Greitens yet to sign Missouri State Penitentiary tourism bill
          CDT:  Democratic lawmakers protest rules requiring some students on live on campus X
          KC Star:  Greitens may or may not sign bill on UMKC downtown arts campus
          Columbia Missourian:  After regulators deny Ameren request, legislators and the governor accomodate it
          AP:  Missouri DNR to pay $5,000 fine;  Members of Clean Water Commission were taken on tour of hog farms without proper public notice
          KC Star:  Bigger boats, bigger wakes breed conflict on Lake of the Ozarks;  Comments from Rep. Diane Franklin (R-Camdenton), others
          P-D:  Galloway cites improvements in Wellston municipal court after investigation, consolidation
          KC Star editorial:  No one should tell Ash Grove residents how to vote, but Mike Moon's constituents should vote him out in 2018
          KC Star op-ed:  Cleaver and GOP Rep. Kevin Yoder:  We remain unified in yesterday's baseball game and today's debates
          St. Joseph News-Press' Alonzo Weston:  State budget cuts will hurt disabled residents X
          P-D letter:  St. Charles woman mocks Maplewood's attention-seeking on Trump and climate change
          P-D letter:  Local deacon responds to Stacey Newman letter on abortion and killing
          Disclosure



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        Thursday, June 15
       
KSHB (Kansas City):  Delegation responds to shooting of Republicans;  Comments from McCaskill, written statements from Blunt and Cleaver communications staff
          Missourinet:  Delegation members, communications staff tweet condemnations of anti-GOP shooting
          Missourinet:  Cleaver:  Tone in Washington might have propelled shooting of Republican congressman
          Drebes:  FREE Missouri Scout special session edition:  Senate's pro-life contingency plans, Brian Bunten's new gig, Greitens team circles the wagons, Josh Hawley in D.C., peanut gallery speculates on Silvey's intentions, new client for Mike Talboy, more
          KC Star:  Join the KC Star editorial board via Facebook Live to talk voter ID with Jay Ashcroft today at 1:30 p.m.
          SNL:  Area voter ID opponents hold press conference, compare law to past lynching of African-Americans X
          Washington Missourian:  Sen. Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan) not happy about special-sessions gimmick, says governor not communicating well X
          KC Star:  Greitens, state party respond to complaints about campaign use of The Mission Continues donor list
          SNL:  Planned Parenthood says it hopes to provide abortions in Springfield starting this summer X
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens, Planned Parenthood hold opposing rallies to bolster support for special session
          KWMU:  Activists hold dueling rallies over abortion legislation
          AP:  As lawmakers debate abortion legislation, both sides rally
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate passes abortion bill
          Missourinet:  Activists on both sides of abortion issue rally
          P-D:  Dueling rallies in Capitol as Senate approves abortion law changes
          KWMU:  Suggested policy changes for Missouri Department of Corrections slow to take hold
          KWMU:  Hawley looking for state court's help in going after alleged sex-trafficking website
          P-D:  St. Louis area drivers, garages hit snags amid rocky rollout of new emissions testing software
          CDT:  Choi rolls out plan to address enrollment, MU's public image X
          SE Missourian:  Racial disparity of traffic stops inches upward in Cape +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Eric Greitens' self-promotion session:  Presidential hopeful uses taxpayers as extras in his perpetual campaign ad X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri senators to Greitens - come out of the shadows
          SNL editorial:  Mike Moon's chicken video latest in bizarre history X
          P-D letter:  Lake Saint Louis liberal opposes financial-regulation policies of Trump, Luetkemeyer, Wagner
          SNL letter:  Social-justice group opposes state's electric-vehicle industry, says poor people rely on "abundant and reliable coal" X
          CDT letter:  Anonymous author, afraid to use his/her name, criticizes Greitens' religious pro-life push X
          KC Star letter:  Sexagenarian labor lawyer opposes Missouri's 'right to work' law
          P-D letter:  Ladue sexagenarian supports Planned Parenthood, opposes Bob Onder's legislation
          P-D letter:  Ladue octogenarian says he is still waiting for his state tax refund and wants the Post-Dispatch to investigate
          Disclosure


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        Wednesday, June 14   Flag Day
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  Jeff Sessions faces tough questions from Blunt, others on Senate panel X
          P-D:  Amid loss of insurers, Centene to enter Missouri Obamacare market;  Comments from McCaskill
          KCUR:  As other insurers flee, Centene to enter Obamacare exchange in Missouri
          CDT:  Centene to offer Obamacare insurance plans in 2018 X
          The Hill:  Watchdog report requested by McCaskill:  Federal agencies made $132B in improper payments
          P-D:  McCaskill questions whether VA anti-fraud initiative would have caught St. Louis scheme
          Politico:  McCaskill breaks from party as Senate backs weapons sales to Saudi Arabia
          AP:  McCaskill, Blunt, Smith seek historic site designation for Ste. Genevieve
          P-D:  Missouri delegation reintroduces bill that would make Ste. Genevieve a National Historic Site
          P-D:  Sinquefields meet with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos
          P-D:  Maplewood, population 8,000, promotes its climate disagreement with President Donald Trump
          Missourinet:  Missouri jobless rate steady and low at 3.9%, and down from one year ago
          The Missouri Times:  Bipartisan group of senators request formal investigation of Gov. Greitens
          SNL:  Bipartisan group of legislators, including Sen. Bob Dixon (R-Springfield), pushes to investigate Gov. Greitens X
          KWMU:  Divide over Greitens, abortion apparent as 2nd special session begins
          P-D:  Bipartisan group of senators calls for probe of Greitens
          KC Star:  Recap of previous The Mission Continues fundraising-list coverage +
          The Missouri Times:  Senate committee passes abortion bills;  action on floor set for Wednesday
          The Missouri Times:  On This Week in Missouri Politics, Onder details the need for urgency regarding special session on abortion
          CDT:  Committee trims, then approves abortion regulations X
          AP:  Missouri Senate panel advances abortion regulations
          Missourinet:  Abortion bills move to Senate floor
          P-D:  Abortion measures advance in special session
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate abandons several of Greitens' abortion proposals
          SNL:  Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) beheads chicken to make a point about abortion X
          KCUR:  Greitens yanks police board appointees ahead of special session
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) still has privacy concerns about REAL ID
          CDT:  Sobriety checkpoints are drying up X
          KWMU:  Missouri taking minimalist approach with its plan for new federal education requirements
          Missourinet:  MoDOT:  347 Missouri pedestrians died between 2013-2016
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau), city of Cape Girardeau settle condemnation case +
          P-D:  Lawyer for Reginald Clemons discussing plea deal in Chain of Rocks killings
          P-D editorial:  A special session designed to advance Eric Greitens' trajectory
          P-D editorial:  More city-county governance talk. This time the Legislature wants to play.
          P-D op-ed:  Great Rivers Habitat Alliance's James Blair:  Another proposal that would destroy irreplaceable flood plain
          P-D op-ed:  Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights):  By pushing pro-life proposals, what kind of a Reform Jew is Eric Greitens?
          Disclosure



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        Tuesday, June 13
       
Roll Call:  Insurer exits in Missouri, other states bolster GOP case for Obamacare repeal
        Helling:  Emanuel Cleaver among those "ducking" town halls
        Daily American Republic:  Some opioid procedures not followed at Poplar Bluff VA center +
        The Missouri Times:  Gov. Bob Holden, Maxine Waters to receive lifetime achievement awards from St. Louis County NAACP
        Missourinet:  Unions promote anti-'right to work' petition
        Drebes:  Ron Calzone sues again, this time over tax-credit bill
        The Missouri Times:  ACLU challenging Missouri's voter ID law in court
        The Missouri Times:  Second special session begins in Senate with questions of Greitens' motives
        Missourinet:  Silvey questions Greitens' special-session call
        The Missouri Times:  Holsman files legislation for year-long session to protest governor's call
        The Missouri Times:  Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) beheads chicken ahead of special session
        The Missouri Times:  Silvey on Greitens ' REAL ID ceremony snub:  "I'm just a part-time legislator, but he's a full-time politician, so he needs the cameras more than I do."
        Missourinet:  REAL ID bill becomes the real deal
        AP:  Missouri takes steps toward compliance with federal ID law
        P-D:  Greitens signs REAL ID law
        KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) says Senate colleagues' antics can be "excruciating," anticipates some increased fees for agriculture next session
        The Missouri Times:  Half attendance at Greitens' tax committee hears about gross receipts taxes and low-income housing tax credits
        Missourinet:  Missouri Parole Board Member Don Ruzicka resigns amid uproar over behavior at prisoner meetings
        P-D:  Don Ruzicka resigns amid word game allegations
        AP:  Ruzicka resigns spot on Missouri Parole Board
        St. Joseph News-Press:  PLA bill won't create savings on Blacksnake project X
        P-D:  Missouri wraps up plan to fix failing schools
        KWMU:  Lawsuit claims Missouri foster kids are prescribed too many medications
        AP:  Missouri sued over psychotropic drugs for foster care kids
        P-D editorial:  Greitens should demand answers over reports of game-playing at parole hearings
        KC Star editorial:  Kansas City's police board gets new members but faces familiar challenges +
        Columbia Missourian's C.W. Dawson:  A call for better fathers;  Men - particularly black men - should stop abandoning the children they create
        P-D letter:  Wildwood septuagenarian says she is outraged by parole board's behavior during hearings
        P-D letter:  Area gals say Fordham Institute's proposed remedies for schools haven't worked
        Disclosure



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        Monday, June 12
       
KC Star:  Cleaver calls Trump "a tiny little bully that borders on being a tiny little criminal" +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Graves touts KCI plan, revival of the coal industry X
          Bloomberg:  America's health care crisis is a gold mine for crowdfunding;  Comments from Physicians for a National Health Program-Missouri Chair Ed Weisbart
          Washington Missourian:  FEMA reinstating denied flood funds
          The Hill:  Qatar hires John Ashcroft for 'crisis response'
          Missourinet:  Wash U environmental law prof dislikes Trump's stance on Paris climate agreement
          SNL:  Liberal Springfield couple, distraught over Trump's election, travels U.S. and Canada in Winnebago X
          CDT:  Area LGBTQIA* activists attend march in D.C. X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Bob Onder on women's health and abortion sanctuary cities;  Panel of Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon), Chuck Hatfield, Virvus Jones, Jack Spooner talk special session, term limits, dark money coordination, more
          Missourinet:  Legislature's special session on abortion-related issues begins today
          KWMU:  Missouri's second special session sets up another fight over St. Louis City's actions
          Washington Missourian:  Rep. Nathan Tate (R-St. Clair) looks back on rookie session, says lobbyists "aren't the devil," House action and Senate holdups, more X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri State Board of Education's Charlie Shields to speak at St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce breakfast X
          KWMU:  Publicity starts early for some St. Louis charter schools
          KC Star editorial:  Greitens wastes time and money with another special session +
          P-D editorial:  Greitens promised jobs and wages. He's delivering the opposite.
          JCNT editorial:  Missouri Department of Revenue's tax refund problems X
          Columbia Missourian's Ken Midkiff:  Columbia mayor deserves praise for opposing President Donald Trump
          SNL letter:  Springfield septuagenarian unhappy with News-Leader coverage of McCaskill-Schumer-Tester vacation X
          KC Star letters:  Lee's Summit man wants legislators to pass PDMP;  Lee's Summit woman unhappy with Greitens' call for special session +
          Disclosure


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        Sunday, June 11
       
Politico:  McCaskill, other Senate Democrats try to spark rural comeback in 2018
        P-D:  Ann Wagner tells conservative faith group that the modern sex trade is slavery
        Drebes:  Greitens names Patrick Baker as Missouri's Flood Recovery Coordinator
        Dunklin Democrat:  Jay Ashcroft makes Bootheel stop on voter ID informational tour
        JCNT:  Petition aims to halt 'right to work' law;  Ballot language approved by "Secretary of State John [sic] Ashcroft" X
        KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) recaps constituent feedback from town hall forum
        CDT:  Local use tax would depend on state, federal legislation X
        P-D editorial:  Blunt, Greitens MIA when a veteran needs help
        KC Star editorial:  Greitens should sign UMKC arts campus bill, veto minimum-wage and discrimination bills
        SE Missourian editorial:  Tailor Institute dealing with challenge of losing state funds +
        SNL's Steve Pokin:  The governor who cried weasel;  Greitens guilty of the same "weaselly" behavior he once accused John Brunner of X
        Waters:  Greitens wants to "play god to his anti-choice base," and legislators should stay home during special session X
        P-D letter:  Affton resident applauds Onder's pro-life stance
        P-D letter:  St. Charles County Democrat responds to Fordham Institute piece on charter schools
        Disclosure


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        Saturday, June 10
       
KC Star:  McCaskill tirade about GOP health plan goes viral +
          KC Star:  Missouri Hospital Association study:  GOP health bill shorts state on Medicaid;  Comments from VP Dave Dillon +
          KC Star:  Trump administration solicits public suggestions on Obamacare policies +
          Sedalia Democrat:  MRP Executive Director Austin Stukins says Missouri is "ruby red" state, takes aim at McCaskill;  Comments from Pettis County GOP's Carla Young, volunteer award winner Abe Kropp
          P-D:  Congressional delegation's votes for the week
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Missouri Club for Growth treasurer - and potential state Senate candidate - Cindy O'Laughlin
          Drebes:  Greitens donor considers bid for St. Louis County Executive - as a Democrat
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of June 5
          SNL:  Greitens urges pro-life action, asks Springfield crowd to pray for lawmakers X
          P-D:  Greitens rallies supporters in St. Charles in advance of special session on pro-life provisions
          The Missouri Times:  Governor's special-session call includes game-changing provision for AG's office
          KWMU:  Ashcroft responds to ACLU complaints about voter ID law
          JCNT:  Public defenders' budget in limbo X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) to bring back prescription drug monitoring program bill
          KWMU:  At local meeting of health executives, panel chastises Missouri Republicans for failing to pass PDMP, not spending enough on treatment centers
          SE Missourian:  Cape County commissioners considering prescription-drug monitoring program +
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri isn't the only state fighting over liquor laws
          Missourinet:  State safety efforts underway prior to August's total solar eclipse
          P-D:  August eclipse has Missouri officials planning for influx of viewers
          CDT:  Local legislators sit through kids' panel, entertain questions about lawmaking and favorite ice cream X
          Columbia Missourian:  Local Democrats, Republicans visit library, take questions from kids
          KC Star:  Greitens names two to Kansas City police board +
          Missourinet:  Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) says drug house has "set up shop" next to his district office
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Legislature correct to hold pesticide applicators accountable for off-label herbicide applications X
          SNL op-ed:  Center for Diversity and Reconciliation's Emily Bowen-Marler:  Sign petition limiting campaign contributions and lobbyist gifts X
          JCNT letter:  Jefferson City septuagenarian says AG report on traffic stops can provide multiple groups -including men - an opportunity to act indignant X
          Disclosure



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        Friday, June 9
       
SNL:  Blunt challenges Comey during hearing on Russia, Trump and more X
        P-D:  Blunt-Comey exchange a microcosm of the political-legal tangle of Russian investigation
        Missourinet:  Blunt questions former FBI director about private conversation with Trump
        Missourinet:  Cleaver:  Comey's testimony was 'riveting'
        Missourinet:  Columbia's Brian Treece joins "Climate Mayors" opposing Trump on Paris withdrawal
        The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Jacob Scott, Chief of Staff for Sen. Bill Eigel (R-St. Charles)
        SNL:  Greitens and Huckabee to appear at VFW convention before abortion rally X
        The Missouri Times:  Huckabee joins Greitens on tour for special session rallies
        The Missouri Times:  Republicans, Democrats predictably split on abortion special session
        SE Missourian:  Area reps:  Special session a 'woodshed' moment for senators, represents 'new way of doing things' +
        P-D:  Greitens tours local pregnancy center, talks special session
        KC Star:  ACLU sues Missouri to temporarily halt new voter ID law +
        P-D:  ACLU, NAACP sue over voter ID law
        SNL:  Don't kill economic incentives, Springfield tells Greitens' tax committee X
        Drebes:  Opioid manufacturers prepare to defend themselves from legislative action
        KC Star:  Anti-opioid march to take place Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium +
        P-D:  Missouri parole board played word games during hearings with inmates;  Key phrases included "hootenanny," "manatee," Hank Williams Jr. song, more
        The Missouri Times:  Captain Erik J. Anthes to be honored as Distinguished Member of the Regiment for historic 16th Infantry
        P-D editorial:  Greitens recalls legislators to burnish his anti-abortion credentials
        Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal Published Joe Warren:  Flying birds should be grounded;  Local teacher should know better than to flip off the White House X
        Messenger:  Missouri Guard loses again as feds says whistleblowers were illegally fired
        Missourinet's Jason Taylor:  Greitens' call for special session on abortion not clear on all intentions
        P-D letter:  Clayton attorney Susan Block says SOS Jay Ashcroft wrong on "Safe at Home"
        P-D letter:  St. Peters woman says latest special session is part of Greitens' plan to discriminate against women
        KC Star letter:  West Coast transplant says she won't start attending Royals games due to pro-life advertisements +
        P-D letter:  Brentwood man responds to Messenger column on violence, says fathers must stop abandoning the children they create
        Disclosure



          X
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        Thursday, June 8
       
P-D:  Blunt:  What Comey won't talk about could be a problem in showdown hearing
          Missourinet:  McCaskill plan to provide DC insurance access gets companion legislation in U.S. House
          KC Star:  Warrensburg Middle School teacher takes trip with students, holds up middle fingers toward White House +
          Faughn:  Insult to injury:  Greitens' shots at legislators unnecessary for Bootheel bill passage;  Notes on dark money, CDT's Jim Robertson, Tony Messenger, more
          SNL:  Ashcroft holds voter ID education session in Springfield X
          Missourinet:  Galloway:  Missouri tax refund problems cause drastic spike in Whistleblower Hotline calls
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens brings legislators back for second special session
          The Missouri Times:  Pro-choice groups ramp up efforts ahead of special session
          SNL:  Greitens' rallies in Springfield, Joplin to feature Mike Huckabee X
          Missourinet:  Greitens calls special session on abortion
          Missourinet:  Greitens:  Blocking St. Louis City ordinance is about protecting pregnancy care centers
          AP:  Greitens calls special session on abortion
          KWMU:  Abortion focus of second special legislative session
          P-D:  Targeting abortion laws, Greitens calls another special session
          KC Star:  Greitens calls special session to focus on abortion +
          Drebes:  DHSS Director Randall Williams says previous administrations have failed to comply with abortion law
          KWMU:  Loss of funding for DWI checkpoints in Missouri draws mixed reviews
          The Missouri Times:  The case for and against St. Louis' re-entry;  Comments from legislators
          St. Joseph News-Press:  State's highway panel hears local updates X
          The Missouri Times:  Osage Nation's efforts for a casino already have opposition
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  June 7, 2017
          AP:  Galloway:  More than $100,000 missing from Viburnum
          SNL editorial:  Voter ID dramatics aside, the goal is still to get voters to the polls X
          P-D editorial:  Enjoy this year's budget cuts? Just wait until next year.
          P-D op-ed:  Fordham Institute's Brandon Wright and Michael Petrilli:  Missouri's plan to fix its failing schools falls flat
          SNL letter:  Housing developer Stacy Jurado-Miller:  Governor's tax committee should support State Low Income Housing Tax Credit program X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County septuagenarian responds to piece on "poverty," suggests those profiled give up their cable TV and cellphones
          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, June 7
       
The Hill:  Missouri among five places most likely to lose Obamacare insurers
          KC Star:  There's more to BlueKC's Obamacare exit than just financial losses +
          Missourinet:  Blunt prepares to question ousted FBI director
          Missourinet:  Blunt tells Trump's education secretary that budget cuts won't fly
          JCNT:  Illegal immigrant attacks mentally-challenged woman in Jefferson City;  Salvador Hernandez-Nevarro pushed woman in an alley, fondled her, pinned her to door of business, threw her down, taunted her before police arrived X
          Missourinet:  Jason Smith encourages Missourians impacted by flooding to apply for disaster assistance
          P-D:  McCaskill amends past personal financial reports, including reports on stock of opioid manufacturer
          The Missouri Times:  What you need to know about Missouri's evolving campaign finance laws
          SNL:  Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft talks voter ID in Springfield X
          KFVS:  State Treasurer Eric Schmitt visits Cape Girardeau to introduce MO ABLE program
          JCNT:  Galloway to DOR:  Don't keep Missourians waiting for tax refunds X
          Drebes:  Greitens' bill-review process
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens poised to call special session on abortion
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) talks MU budget cuts
          SNL:  Mizzou cuts affect some lobbying contracts;  Andy Blunt's contract will remain in effect X
          The Missouri Times:  KCU opens doors to first new medical school in nearly 50 years in Joplin
          AP:  $5 million award upheld in white professor's discrimination case
          SNL:  Willard superintendent suspended for praying at graduation X
          SNL:  Springfield closer to launching prescription drug monitoring program X
          Missourinet:  Activist group Race Matters, Friends wants Columbia police chief fired after AG report
          JCNT editorial:  Disaster declaration a key step to healing X
          KC Star editorial:  Ashcroft's voter-ID education tour should include a stop in KC +
          KWMU op-ed:  Commonwealth Fund's health care fellow Bram Sable-Smith:  For rural hospitals already on the brink, GOP's proposed Medicaid cuts would hit hard
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  CDT cartoonist Darkow let go
          P-D letter:  Center for Competitive Politics' David Keating:  Complaints about "dark money" are really complaints against free speech
          P-D letter:  Florissant woman says special session was all about corporate welfare for Ameren
          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, June 6
       
The Hill:  Senate GOP eyes July vote on health care;  Comment from Blunt
          P-D:  Blunt agrees with Trump decision to not invoke authority to keep Comey from testifying
          The Missouri Times:  Kansas City company awarded major VA contract
          KC Star:  Cerner wins big VA health records contract +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Rural Missourians facing doctor shortage X
          Missourinet:  FEMA asks Missouri residents recovering from floods to register for aid
          Missourinet:  John Danforth to receive Winston Churchill Leadership Medal on Thursday
          P-D:  Former Speaker Tim Jones lands regular gig at KFTK radio
          KWMU:  Who's running Missouri now?  A brief look at Greitens' cabinet picks to date
          The Missouri Times:  Governor's tax committee hears case for historic preservation tax credits
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Ashcroft tours state to educate voters on ID law X
          CDT:  Ashcroft visits Columbia to promote voter ID education X
          Columbia Missourian:  Ashcroft's voter ID education tour makes stop in Columbia
          JCNT:  Ashcroft begins voter ID education tour X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Tim Remole (R-Excello) believes prescription drug monitoring program will return
          P-D:  Fewer than 65,000 to be affected by prescription drug benefit cut
          The Missouri Times:  Energy groups request 'timely decision' in Grain Belt case
          Columbia Missourian:  News of MU layoffs begins trickling in
          Missourinet:  Empower Missouri focuses on traffic stops
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  State wisely ends checkpoint funding X
          CDT op-ed:  Law prof Robert Jerry:  Protecting speech (and protest) at MU 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, June 5
       
Fox News:  Blunt:  Comey testimony will bring probe to conclusion
          Washington Times:  On Fox News Sunday, Blunt urges Muslim communities to confront extremism
          P-D:  Food vans help distribute taxpayer-funded meals to urban youth
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Mike Cierpiot announces bid for Kraus' seat, talks Bootheel jobs bill, more;  Panel of former Rep. Jeremy Lafaver, Sens. Jason Holsman and Ryan Silvey, and KCUR's Brian Ellison on Bootheel jobs session, dark money
           KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  GOP consultant Gregg Keller on Greitens and dark money, sanctuary cities status, McCaskill's re-election bid, more
           KWMU:  The St. Louis Fed weighs in on potential $10-an-hour minimum wage
           Drebes:  Incentives not a dirty word for Greitens administration
           Missourinet:  St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson wants Greitens to call special session to boost police officer pay
           KC Star:  KC theater community unhappy with UMKC budget cuts +
           St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Voter ID is now the law;  Politically-motivated attacks on Jay Ashcroft undermine bipartisan support for elections process X
           P-D editorial:  'Stand your ground' law is a license to kill, and will likely surface in Missouri
           Messenger:  On poverty, compassion, and taking responsibility for the children you create
           P-D op-ed:  UMSL students:  Trump's immigration stance scares local Indian tech students
           SNL letter:  Lebanon man says those seeking meeting with Billy Long should ask questions in a civilized manner X
           P-D letter:  St. Louis septuagenarian says she supports toll roads, increased gas tax
           KC Star letter:  Oak Grove octogenarian responds to "lunch-shaming" article, says it makes her want to cry +
           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, June 4
       
P-D:  Eyes on Centene to fill void after Obamacare insurer bails on parts of Missouri
        CDT:  Boone Hospital trustees eye legal changes, insurance limitations as they decide new lease;  A look at the impact of Obamacare, lack of Medicaid expansion X
        AP:  Mayors group criticizes Trump for pulling out of Paris climate agreement
        CDT:  Local anti-Trump "March for Truth" draws fewer than 60 participants X
        JCNT:  Anti-Trump march draws fewer than 25 participants X
        KWMU:  Moms Demand Action Against Gun Violence group holds rally in St. Louis City
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Local Democrats hear from Nicole Galloway, Scott Sifton, state rep candidate Austin Montee X
        Drebes:  Help Wanted:  Office of Lieutenant Governor seeks Director of Marketing and Tourism
        JCNT:  Profile:  Secretary of State's Julie Stegeman's path from yearbook to state director of publications X
        AP:  State funding eliminated for Missouri sobriety checkpoints
        KC Star editorial:  Greitens makes risky wager on dark money donations +
        P-D editorial:  Greitens stashes his sneaky money behind the First Amendment
        SE Missourian editorial:  Electric rate bill worth the effort if jobs come +
        KC Star editorial:  Early childhood education takes backseat to corporate tax cuts in Missouri +
        JCNT editorial:  By seeking input on regulations, Chris Chinn's Department of Agriculture will set strong precedent for other agencies X
        Waters:  Consensus among close observers is that Blunt will offer a fair assessment of Trump-Russia connection X
        Helling:  While Washington fiddles, Kansas City's infrastructure crumbles +
        P-D letter:  Blunt says he's working to extend education grants
        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, June 3
       
P-D:  Trump approves request for federal aid to Missouri flood victims
        KC Star:  Downtown rally against Trump's Paris announcement draws nearly fifteen +
        Columbia Missourian:  'Fair chase' hunting group submits initiative petitions for statewide vote on captive deer operations
        P-D:  Jay Ashcroft launches educational campaign to help inform citizens about state's voter ID law
        The Missouri Times:  Greitens announces Rob Dixon as new director for Missouri Dept. of Economic Development
        SNL:  Former Springfield chamber official named director of state Economic Development Department X
        AP:  Report:  Missouri revenues not on pace to fully fund budget
        KWMU:  Missouri bringing in slightly less money than expected, but cuts before June 30 unlikely
        AP:  Most Missouri state tax refunds should be returned soon
        Washington Missourian:  Result of special session may be higher utility rates X
        CDT:  University of Missouri budget plan eliminates 474 jobs X
        Columbia Missourian:  Choi outlines UM System budget plans for fiscal 2018
        P-D:  Details on University of Missouri cuts:  474 jobs cut;  Mizzou takes the biggest hit
        Missourinet:  Mizzou takes biggest hit in UM budget plan that slashes 474 jobs
        KC Star:  UM System cutting $101 million from its four campuses +
        KWMU:  More than 470 jobs being eliminated from University of Missouri System
        Columbia Missourian:  Legislators to take questions at town hall for youth, by youth
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri Department of Conservation to hold open house to mark 80th anniversary X
        St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  State's report on traffic stops leaves more questions than answers X
        St. Joseph News-Press' Alonzo Weston:  Social-media chatter has local illegal immigrants worried about enforcement X
        Messenger:  Sgt. Joe Schicker was Missouri's forgotten hero. Now he's the forgotten soldier.
        The Missouri Times letter:  SSM's Jessica Pabst and Mike Rosenblatt thank Romine and Libla for keeping utility rates low
        P-D letter:  St. Louis man responds to Messenger's court-overhaul column:  What kind of a man abandons the children he created?
        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, June 2
       
P-D:  Congressional delegation has partisan divide on Trump's climate accord withdrawal;  Statements from delegation's communications staff
          KC Star:  Communications staff pen statements reacting to Trump's Paris announcement +
          Missourinet:  Sierra Club opposes Trump's decision on Paris agreement;  Comments from President John Hickey
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Jason Smith expects federal disaster declaration +
          Missourinet:  Greitens' flood recovery team says federal relief is on the way
          KWMU:  Local school district opposes cuts to its after-school federal funding
          The Missouri Times:  Jay Ashcroft fires back at voter ID opposition, launches law
          Missourinet:  Ashcroft on new voter ID law:  "If you're registered to vote, you can vote"
          AP:  Ashcroft:  IDs available for those who need them
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) talks with Mannies & Rosenbaum about first year as legislator, minimum wage, Ferguson protests, more
          The Missouri Times:  A look at what's next for the steel mill and smelter
          Columbia Missourian:  Recent special session cost the state less than $67k
          Missourinet:  Dozens of Missouri bills await the governor's action
          AP:  Missouri health chief pledges crackdown on abortion law
          The Missouri Times:  American Gaming Association touts benefits in Show-Me State as Osage seeks new casino
          P-D:  Few details emerge ahead of University of Missouri layoff announcements
          CDT:  University lays off communications, lobbying staff;  John Fougere among those whose jobs were eliminated X
          Columbia Missourian:  UM System strategic communications workers laid off
          KWMU:  What charter school a parent chooses may say more about them than the school
          P-D:  Tax refund wait in Missouri may not be as bad as 2016
          AP:  New state report:  After being pulled over, minority drivers more likely to be arrested than whites
          The Missouri Times:  Ag Director Chris Chinn:  Dept. of Ag kicks off public comment on rules and regulations overhaul
          P-D editorial:  Keep tolls on the table in discussion about raising money for Missouri's roads
          CDT editorial:  Remembering Jim Robertson as he leaves the Tribune X
          P-D's Nicklaus:  New minimum-wage study has fodder for both sides of debate
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Republican state legislators should abandon their position on taxes, end rewards for businesses
          SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau sexagenarian says lawmakers' special session vote was all about corporate welfare +
          P-D letter:  Maryland Heights septuagenarian wants legislators to raise gas tax for infrastructure
          SE Missourian letter:  Jackson man responds to letter chastising Wallingford for not being conservative enough +
          P-D letter:  St. Louis City woman disagrees with Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis) on abortion
          P-D letter:  St. Charles man says lobbyists, activists are the ones trying to replace districts' abstinence-based programs
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County woman applauds Ed Martin's op-ed on West Lake Landfill and the role of the federal government
          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, June 1
       
June 2016 Missouri political news headlines
          June 2015 Missouri political news headlines
          KWMU Diversity Fellow Jenny Simeone:  Donald Trump's victory causes mental-health hardships for local illegal aliens
          KC Star:  Local disability groups complain about GOP health bill;  Comments from McCaskill's Sarah Feldman, area woman with sad story, etc. +
          The Missouri Times:  Renew Missouri's PJ Wilson stepping down, James Owen taking over
          The Missouri Times:  Rocky Miller seeking seat on Cherokee Nation Tribal Council
          AP:  Survey shows slight decline in Midwest economic conditions
          KWMU:  Missouri's term limits blamed for short-circuiting legislative relationships
          Drebes:  Ron Richard says hypothetical St. Louis City-St. Louis County merger must include oversight to keep urban bureaucrats from frittering cash away "on a bunch of umbrellas and stuff"
          P-D:  Sen. Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur), Rep. Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City) want to pin down Greitens on Obamacare repeal
          SE Missourian:  Funding ax for Tailor Institute for autism services was 'oversight' +
          KWMU:  Liberal groups unhappy as voter ID provisions become law of the land;  Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights) says law especially hard on transgenders
          P-D:  Local liberals congregate downtown to complain about voter ID law, compare it to 'Jim Crow'
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Donna Lichtenegger (R-Jackson) to host voter ID seminar in Jackson on June 7 +
          Missourinet:  Retiring Rep. Tila Hubrecht (R-Dexter) shares thoughts on state health care regulations, Medicaid expansion
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) to speak at First Friday Coffee +
          CDT:  New petition filed in campus concealed weapons case X
          P-D:  University of Missouri System begins layoffs at headquarters
          Missourinet:  Chesterfield student Alice Liu advances to National Spelling Bee finals;  Minority female chooses to work hard, achieves success
          P-D:  Chesterfield speller Alice Liu, 10, makes finals of Scripps National Spelling Bee
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Sylvia Nguyen makes mark at National Spelling Bee;  Minority female takes temporary setback in stride, maintains positive outlook X
          CDT:  Kael Miranda makes it to third round of National Spelling Bee;  Minority student chooses to not blame others for outcome, says loss motivates him to do better next time X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the PSC:  May 31, 2017
          Missourinet:  Galloway audit of Wellston underscores city's legacy of incompetence
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri voter ID law could sow confusion;  Concept of "identification" too much for some Missourians to handle +
          P-D op-ed:  National Down Syndrome Society's Sara Weir and State Treasurer Eric Schmitt:  MO ABLE opens windows of opportunity for Missouri families
          P-D op-ed:  Rep. Jon Carpenter (D-Kansas City):  Greitens should veto minimum-wage bill
          Missourinet's Jason Taylor:  Missouri DHSS statement on abortion clinics is meandering
          P-D letter:  Bel-Nor resident responds to Messenger column on municipal-court overhaul, says not all North St. Louis County towns have Section 8 infestations
          Disclosure


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



       

       


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