johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - March 2016


    

       
        Thursday, March 31
       
Kraske:  The Chat:  GOP pollster says some "Never Trump" Republicans will come around;  Black Trade Unionists on importance of labor to stymie conservatives;  Dem operative David Poger's seduction line as he finger-poked a Capitol intern's lapel pin +
          P-D:  NGA decision will clarify future of McKee's plans for North Side
          KWMU:  Dept. of Labor employee stops by St. Louis, promotes program to help homeless veterans
          P-D:  EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy gives local group time on her schedule;  Agency data shows no danger near West Lake Landfill, but "Just Moms STL" wants federal buyout of properties anyway
          P-D:  Constitution Party's Cynthia Davis, who lives in the 2nd Congressional district, to run in 3rd Congressional district GOP primary against Blaine Luetkemeyer;  St. Charles Councilman Mary West (R) to challenge Rep. Chrissy Sommer (R-St. Charles)
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact analysis:  Kinder's claim on minority employment "Mostly True"
          The Missouri Times:  HRCC celebrates strong showing in candidate filing;  36 more Republicans than Democrats are running unopposed
          KC Star:  Democrats wish for positive effect from a possible anti-Trump backlash this fall;  House Minority Leader Jake Hummel on party's legislative decay:  "We've hit rock bottom, and it's only up from here." +
          P-D:  Overview of statewide-office filing, key local races:  Jamilah Nasheed vs. computer programmer/keyboard activist, area GOP primaries
          SOS.mo.gov:  Candidate filing list
          CDT:  Nixon stresses preparedness at Red Cross disaster summit X
          Missourinet:  Nixon, Democratic elected officials speak at labor rally
          The Missouri Times:  Labor rally draws thousands to Jefferson City;  All-Democrat speaking lineup critical of 'right to work,' 'paycheck protection'
          P-D:  Missouri ID plan to meet federal requirements moves ahead in House
          KWMU:  Missouri Senate endorses revamped fuel tax hike
          Missourinet:  Senate proposal would ask Missourians to vote on 5.9 cent fuel tax hike
          P-D:  Plan to hike gas tax by 5.9 cents emerges in Missouri Senate
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Ron Hicks (R-St. Peters) would allow concealed-carry permit holders to bring their firearms for protection on St. Louis' MetroLink, other public transportation
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Bankers Association to work with treasurer to improve personal finance classes
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Paul Fitzwater (R-Potosi) would expand brain injury law for youth sports
          P-D:  Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis) disappointed in business community's response to SJR 39
          KWMU:  LGBTQIA-focused 'OutGames' canceled due to low participation numbers, lack of support
          The Missouri Times:  National popular vote discussion may reach both chambers
          KC Star:  Former KC mayors gather to defend earnings tax;  Organizers bring Kay Barnes plate of small cupcakes for her 78th birthday, while other elderly attendees sit and clap +
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Frank Vatterott, Chair of St. Louis County Municipal Court Improvement Commission
          KWMU:  "St. Louis on the Air":  Ferguson Commission Co-Chair Starsky Wilson, Arch City Defenders' Thomas Harvey present one side of municipal-court overhaul issue
          P-D:  Former St. Louis City Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr. hit with tax liens;  Missouri Supreme Court suspended law license after Bosley admitted to mishandling clients' funds
          KC Star editorial:  SJR 39 would enshrine bigotry in the Missouri Constitution +
          KC Star's Sanchez:  Celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility;  There's no need for anxiety when transgender people bring opposite-sex genitalia into your restroom +
          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, March 30   The Missouri Times' Barklage Cup Final Four:  Jason Rosenbaum vs. Sammy Panettiere, Alex Eaton vs. Jeremy LaFaver
       
One year ago:  Veteran GOP communicator Spence Jackson found dead
          Missouri State University Foundation page:  Donate to Spence Jackson Memorial Scholarship
          KC Star:  Bernie Sanders' connections with two UMKC economists run deep +
          P-D:  After McCaskill push, Senate files contempt claim against Backpage.com in federal court
          Washington Post:  Following McCaskill subpoena, Senate goes to court to demand documents from Backpage.com
          KWMU:  Nuclear workers, families seek cash payouts from federal Department of Labor program;  Man who chose to smoke, "elderly woman with silver hair,' others want taxpayer dollars
          KWMU:  Candidate filing notes:  Chappelle-Nadal machinations ensure she's listed last on Clay's re-election ballot;  Two GOP state rep candidates in historically Dem areas face no opposition;  Sen. Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) gets free primary pass in black district;  More
          Drebes:  Alex Stafford to run in GOP primary for seat of Rep. David Wood (R-Versailles), blatantly breaks curmudgeonly Combest Campaign Commandment
          The Missouri Times:  Union-backed Dem files against Rep. Dan Shaul (R-Imperial)
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Kinder says Missourians want "return to law and order" after attack on Darren Wilson;  Sen. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg) on likelihood of tax increase for transportation +
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact ranking:  Hanaway's statement about length of Missouri's barber-code regulations rated "True"
          P-D:  Some legislators rent Jefferson City living space from lobbyists
          AP:  Lawmakers pass limits on paid political consulting
          CDT:  University of Missouri budget in limbo as Senate panel debates state spending X
          Missourinet:  Senate Budget Chair Kurt Schaefer says Medicaid would take all state revenue and then some
          Missourinet:  Budget panel holds off on proposal for University of Missouri funding
          AP:  Senate panel boosts higher ed funding
          The Missouri Times:  Bill from Rep. Jake Hummel (D-St. Louis) would improve blind literacy
          Missourinet:  Amendment from Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) would add "life begins at conception" to Missouri Constitution
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri Constitution pro-life language proposal draws tense debate
          AP:  Update on abortion, fetal-tissue proposals
          The Missouri Times:  Supporters of SB 5 plot course after court ruling
          The Missouri Times:  Koster to appeal ruling on SB 5
          AP:  Koster to appeal court overhaul ruling
          P-D:  Ruling on municipal court reform law puts focus on 'special laws'
          KWMU:  "St. Louis on the Air":  Ferguson Commission Co-Chair Starsky Wilson, Arch City Defenders' Thomas Harvey to give one side of municipal court overhaul debate
          The Missouri Times:  Ameren, Noranda fight for grid modernization bill
          P-D:  Regulators zap Ameren rate hike plan
          The Missouri Times:  Livestock liability bill perfected in Senate
          AP:  Public hearing on Ferguson settlement is April 19
          P-D editorial:  NGA report on environmental impact suggests St. Louis is the place to be
          WSJ editorial:  Show Me your donors:  Kurt Schaefer, a "trial-lawyer favorite," pushes law to hamstring Joshua Hawley
          P-D editorial:  Judge's ruling is a bump in court-overhaul road, not a dead end
          CDT's Waters:  Let's welcome Kevin McDonald to Columbia;  Officer of "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" may be worth his $235k/yr. salary, or maybe not, we'll see X
          Priddy:  A dose of reality for departing legislators:  In seven weeks, the temporary power to which you've grown addicted - and the hollow hellos from smarmyface Capitol types -  will disappear from your life. And no one will care but you.
          Messenger:  Ferguson activist runs for mayor of Baltimore;  Also, Missouri Republicans are wrong to push voter ID
          P-D letter:  St. Ann resident suggests than people who whine about traffic tickets stop breaking the law
          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, March 29
       
Missourinet:  Missouri congressional delegation staff safe after Capitol shooting
          SE Missourian:  Farmington man to fill Dem ballot slot against Jason Smith;  Dave Cowell, who used to go by the name "Dave Starr," is all set to "take our country back" and "bring our community together" +
          SNL:  "Moms Clean Air Force" rally draws ten (10) to support Obama's Clean Power Plan;  Group includes Rep. Charlie Norr, schoolkids, obese man with "Let Us Breathe" sign X
          CDT:  SBA approves funding for local women's business center;  $672,000 in taxpayer money to fund "one-on-one coaching and counseling" for gals with big ideas X
          AP:  Former KC mayor files for governor;  Octogenarian Charlie Wheeler will have name on Dem primary ballot against November standard-bearer Chris Koster
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact analysis:  Kinder statement that St. Louis is "most dangerous city" is "mostly false";  Professor says St. Louis' homicide epidemic does not mean people are necessarily in danger
          Drebes:  McCaskill backs former aide Greg Razer in safe Dem state rep race
          P-D:  Democratic operative accused of harassing interns can return, with conditions;  David Poger must notify Capitol Police 24 hours before visiting, check in upon arrival, avoid general creepery
          Missourinet:  Missouri Legislature restraining order dropped against man accused of harassing interns
          AP:  Missouri ends restraining order on Democratic operative
          KWMU:  Missouri lawmakers may act quickly to attempt to override Nixon's veto of 'paycheck protection'
          JCNT:  Senate panel to work on House-passed budget X
          SE Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) would require schools to put anti-bullying policy on paper, report number of incidents +
          Missourinet:  Bill would create Missouri Missing Persons Advocate, database to help close cases
          P-D:  Brain injury funding gets push from Missouri lawmakers
          JCNT:  U.S. Health and Human Services report:  91,000 uninsured Missourians going without mental health treatment X
          KC Star:  SJR 39 opponent's hypothetical:  Losing KC's NCAA sporting events - and U.S. Figure Skating championships - could cost Missouri $3.1 million in state tax revenue +
          AP:  KC Sports Commission official:  If NCAA canceled every major KC event - and U.S. Figure Skating officials did too - impact on state tax revenue would be $3.1 million
          The Missouri Times:  Earnings tax vote to continue regardless of votes in KC, STL
          KC Star:  Deep Background podcast:  Kraske & Helling welcome reporter Lynn Horsley to talk about KC earnings tax vote +
          KWMU:  Judge deals big blow to Ferguson-inspired municipal overhaul
          AP:  Judge strikes down municipal court law
          The Missouri Times:  Parts of SB 5 thrown out in Cole County court
          P-D:  Judge guts municipal court overhaul law
          KMOV:  Court strikes down law limiting revenue from traffic tickets
          The Missouri Times:  American Farm Bureau study:  Missouri shoppers see slowdown in food price increase
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate committee considering tougher racial profiling laws
          P-D:  Consultant paid by Wildwood supports city's position against EPA
          KC Star endorsement:  Yes on earnings tax +
          CDT's Waters:  The news University of Missouri president should come from academia, or maybe business X
          KC Star letter:  AARP volunteer wants McCaskill to crack down on unscrupulous financial advisers +
          P-D letter:  Man who lives near proposed North St. Louis City NGA site responds to critical letter, confirms that most residents are poor but not necessarily thieving or violent
          P-D letter:  St. Charles County woman says bad bills could keep important safety information - including data on West Lake Landfill - from the public
          Disclosure


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




        Monday, March 28  Vote in Barklage Cup Elite Eight:  Grace vs. Panettiere;  Rowden vs. Rosenbaum;  Schmitt vs. Eaton;  Kelly vs. LaFaver
       
P-D:  Federal spending in Missouri equivalent of more than a fifth of economy
          KWMU:  NGA to announce decision on site location Friday
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Mayor Francis Slay says St. Louis will be "hurt in a big way" if NGA chooses Illinois, promotes "Yes" vote on earnings tax, says Hillary Clinton will win Missouri in November
          P-D:  EPA set to remove part of Wildwood Superfund site from National Priorities List;  City wants to keep site on list, pays for its own study to refute EPA
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Sen. Scott Sifton (D-Affton);  Panel of UFCW's Collin Reischman, ACLU's Jeffrey Mittman, Ferguson Mayor James Knowles, Rep. Paul Curtman (R-Pacific) on Trump, SJR 39, Ferguson and DOJ, more
          Rosenbaum:  Missouri gubernatorial candidates talk about a post-Ferguson agenda
          Drebes:  Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield) to run for state Senate in 2018
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Ron Richard on the majority's prerogative to pass legislation;  Mike Kehoe on transportation funding;  Bob Priddy on the late John T. Russell +
          KWMU:  Second-half preview:  Budget
          Missourinet:  Interest groups prepare for second half;  Missouri Chamber, Missouri Kids First, Empower Missouri, Missouri Prosecutors Association each list a top priority
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Sen. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg) talks likelihood of tax increase for transportation
          SNL:  MSU Public Affairs Week focuses on 'building healthy communities';  Speakers included rep from Bernie Sanders campaign, out-of-state "Center for Restorative Justice and Peacemaking" prof, "The Biggest Loser" actress/activist Jillian Michaels, others X
          Columbia Missourian:  Most-read stories of the week:  Only 2 of 10 involve Mizzou race histrionics
          KC Star:  KC church replaces "Black Lives Matter" banner;  Black female's Easter sermon:  "White Christianity likes to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus almost as a form of entitlement." +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Is an "office of diversity" at Mizzou really necessary?  The racial climate isn't that bad, and "overcoming prejudice" is about as likely as football team winning a national championship X
          Student Life (Washington University) columnist Ariel Kravitz:  Preparing for fall campaign dramatics in light of Emory chalk-writing hysterics:  "Protesting Trump is valid;  protesting Trump supporters is not"
          Messenger:  SJR 39 should be stopped
          P-D letter:  Fenton man says reporter Stephen Deere's in-depth piece about Ferguson should win an award
          P-D letter:  Coalition of Labor Union Women local president:  Woman who chose to leave her two toddlers alone was forced to work by oppressive welfare laws;  Toddlers who went to the hospital for smoke inhalation look just fine now
          Disclosure


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



        Sunday, March 27   Happy Easter!
       
P-D:  NGA decision expected Friday;  St. Louis leaders hope agency chooses "urban renewal" over safe Illinois cornfield in President Obama's home state
        SNL:  'Found' taxpayer money:  Mysterious old federal bookmark for $800,000 could be a boon for Springfield X
        The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Guest Scott Sifton;  Panel of UFCW's Collin Reischman, ACLU's Jeffrey Mittman, Ferguson Mayor James Knowles, Rep. Paul Curtman (R-Pacific)
        Drebes:  Republican Governors Association forms state PAC to funnel money for general election
        CDT:  Dozens of party committee seats still open as filing deadline nears X
        JCNT:  Second-half preview:  Ethics legislation, voter ID, education, transportation funding;  Comments from local lawmakers X
        AP:  Second-half preview:  Voter ID, ethics, transportation funding;  Comments from legislators, MU's Peverill Squire
        AP:  Second-half preview:  Issue blurbs
        Columbia Missourian:  An in-depth look at lobbyist gifts;  Sen. Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis) leads among all senators, accepting nearly $10,000 in gifts;  Comments from Caleb Rowden, Progress Missouri's Kevin Garner, MU's Peverill Squire
        CDT:  Proposed lobbyist gift ban would extend to local government officials X
        CDT:  State law murky on who qualifies as a local lobbyist X
        SE Missourian:  Meth use rises sharply in Cape Girardeau area;  As law enforcement and media focus on heroin, Mexicans ship cheap meth north to Missouri +
        Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Taxpayers to help Noranda workers affected by layoffs;  Each of 850 workers is allotted $1,250 +
        JCNT:  State Employee of the Month:  Megan Sidebottom X
        Lebanon Daily Record:  Obituary:  Former state Sen. John Russell
        Priddy:  Remembering John T. Russell
        P-D endorsement:  Yes to Prop E (earnings tax)
        P-D "Bottom Line" video:  Seasoned business reporters Jim Gallagher and David Nicklaus discuss earnings tax while day-drinking at Broadway Oyster Bar
        Messenger:  Note to Missouri Supreme Court:  There is a name behind every lawbreaker who gets a ticket;  Grown man can't afford to post his own bail, has to ask Dem Committeewoman Patricia "Patricialicious" Bynes to spot him some cash
        Columbia Missourian's Tom Warhover:  Editor congratulates his paper for covering university issues
        SNL's Stephen Herzog:  Engagement editor describes his job, signals Gannett's new focus on social media and in-person events X
        P-D letter:  Edwardsville man says P-D editorial board manages to outdo its terrible Ferguson coverage by beating "cornfield" meme to death and by suggesting NGA employees should be sent to North St. Louis City war zone
        P-D letter:  Union man says NGA's mission is national defense, not saving an area that urbanites destroyed
        P-D letter:  Raise Your Hand for Kids' Linda Rallo:  Tobacco tax initiative is laser-focused on children's health, education
        P-D letter:  St. Charles woman disagrees with abortion-notification requirement
        P-D letter:  Moscow Mills Mayor Michael Clynch says Senate Bill 572 demonstrates state government overreach
        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, March 26
       
Missourinet:  McCaskill criticizes Cruz's call to keep a closer eye on Muslims
          JCNT:  Blunt following, but not analyzing, presidential primaries X
          Marshfield Mail:  Memorial services today for Leroy Blunt
          Washington Missourian:  McCaskill backs community colleges, supports A+ Scholarship program X
          Washington Missourian:  All four GOP gov candidates speak at Franklin County GOP dinner;  Highlights of key messages from Brunner, Greitens, Hanaway, Kinder X
          P-D:  Husbands of Reps. Sue Allen (R-Town and Country), Rochelle Walton Gray (D-Florissant) seek to keep seats all in the family
          The Missouri Times:  Organizers of December's Capitol Masquerade Ball say event raised $150,000 for charity
          Missourinet:  Senate Budget Chair Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia) on Planned Parenthood funding cut, and tie to MU
          KWMU:  A new Missouri park?  Local lawmakers are saying no to land purchased around the Eleven Point
          JCNT:  MoDOT building new Barrel Bob;  Thieving miscreants still on the loose X
          KC Star:  Mother of 19-year-old pedestrian killed by hit-and-run driver wants Legislature to stiffen penalties +
          CDT:  Study from The Pew Charitable Trusts on incarceration rates ranks Missouri 17th-best at locking up its criminals X
          CDT:  Checkoff program proves divisive among Missouri cattle producers X
          P-D editorial briefs:  Various criticisms and name-calling (e.g. "dim bulbs") of area public servants and utilities, including Reps. Sue Allen (R) and Courtney Curtis (D-St. Louis), Laclede Gas
          P-D op-ed:  Sens. Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt:  NGA should send its employees to work in North St. Louis City, rather than "open cornfield"
          P-D op-ed:  Ghostwriter for 99-year-old Frankie Freeman:  NGA should realize "diversity, inclusion and social justice  - more than the quietude of cornfields - are indispensible to its national defense mission"
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says that if NGA chooses Illinois, then North St. Louis City site should be new location for veterans hospital
          KC Star letter:  Independence man says Sam Graves is consistently wrong about KCI airport +
          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, March 25   Good Friday 2016 Barklage Cup:  Sweet Sixteen
       
Kraske:  Chris Koster and other Dems tie GOP to Trump, but calculating the "Trump effect" is proving infinitely difficult +
          Missourinet:  McCaskill:  Missouri is 20% below national average for higher ed funding
          CDT:  McCaskill says Missouri A+ Scholarship should be a model for the nation X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill warns Missouri lawmakers about college affordability;  Kurt Schaefer predicts how Senate Dems will handle hurt feelings after break +
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact:  Hartzler's claim on workforce stats "Mostly False"
          P-D:  Luetkemeyer, others ask that NIH funding not include fetal tissue procured from abortion providers
          KWMU:  Progressive energy groups want Missouri to support Clean Power Plan;  AG Chris Koster (D) calls Obama's plan "economically risky"
          CDT:  At Columbia campaign stop, Joshua Hawley says he'll use AG's office to challenge federal authority X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Justin Alferman (R-Hermann) chats with journoduo on ethics overhaul, House vs. Senate, more
          Missourinet:  SJR 39 backers say Missouri House must pass it as it is
          KC Star:  SJR 39 overview:  Comments from legislators, activists, businesses +
          Missourinet:  Mizzou fundraising chief talks about impact of race dramatics on donations, says alumni can expect more "overcommunicating" during these "challenging times"
          CDT:  MU Faculty Council:  Don't select another Tim Wolfe for UM System president X
          Missourinet:  House Minority Caucus Leader Gail McCann Beatty wants MU discussion more on race issues, less on budget cuts
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Courtney Curtis (D-St. Louis) calls to make the Cardinals Missouri's official baseball team
          P-D:  Laclede Group renaming gas utility company Spire
          KWMU:  Overview of St. Louis City's April 5 earnings tax vote
          KWMU:  EPA:  Still no significant health risk posed by West Lake Landfill radiological waste;  Agency updates map
          The Missouri Times:  EPA releases updated map for West Lake Landfill
          P-D:  EPA releases updated map of radiologically impacted material
          Columbia Missourian:  Fifth-graders learn what it takes to create a newspaper;  Kids born circa 2005 manage to meet deadlines, learn about newspaper distribution
          KC Star:  Late KU basketball game may delay delivery;  NYSE-traded multimedia conglomerate, with $200M printing facility in downtown KC, rationalizes why it won't deliver newspapers on time +
          P-D editorial:  McCaskill seeks to offer escape route from the college debt dungeon
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Franklin and Warren Counties will vote for GOP presidential candidate - but Roy Blunt isn't saying who he's supporting in the primary
          KC Star's Barbara Shelly:  Retirement column:  Republicans wrong about earnings tax, SJR 39;  Seasoned liberal columnist rides off into the sunset +
          CDT's Pete Bland:  Concerned Student 1950 documentary now available online;  Heroic students acted bravely and are certainly on the right side of history X
          St. Joseph News-Press letter:  Area woman dismayed by Eric Greitens keeping $1M from sex abuser;  Also, youngsters should stop looking at porn on their electronic devices X
          SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger says Senate Bill 572 would punish decent cities like Cape +
          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, March 24   New round:  Barklage Cup Sweet Sixteen:  Vote before 5 p.m. today
       
Columbia Missourian:  McCaskill calls for loan refinancing and transparency, "gives props" to Legislature for A+ Scholarship program;  Senior United States senator offers advice to state legislators on how to budget state government funds to state university system
          Columbia Missourian:  Photo gallery:  Young adults meet with McCaskill, explain their decisions to borrow large sums of money and the struggle of being expected to pay it back
          KRCG:  McCaskill pushes for student loan refinance measure
          SE Missourian:  McCaskill voices concern over student-loan debt +
          SNL:  On tour, McCaskill pushes for student loan refinancing, college affordability X
          KOLR:  McCaskill stops in Nixa, listens to student debt concerns
          KMOX:  SCOTUS deadlocks on Missouri case;  McCaskill incensed
          P-D:  Shoe factory owner wants to move building out of NGA site;  Buster Brown building owner thinks feds might choose to send employees to North St. Louis City location over safe Illinois farmland
          Drebes:  Ethics Commission dismisses complaint about Eric Greitens
          P-D:  Statewide voters would have to approve earnings tax elimination under measure
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Association for Social Welfare, rebranded as "Empower Missouri," says new food-stamp standards could shake 30,000 takers off the dole
          Missourinet:  Missouri could shed up to 30,000 food-stamp recipients come April 1
          Missourinet:  Sponsors of lobbyist gift ban hope for action when Missouri session resumes
          Missourinet:  Schaefer doesn't expect effort to slow budget process
          KWMU:  A look at proposed budget cuts to Planned Parenthood
          Columbia Missourian:  Foley blames part of enrollment drop on "media narrative" and "politics of the situation"
          KWMU:  University of Missouri chooses male over two female candidates for diversity slot;  Kevin McDonald to be paid $235k/yr. as "Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion"
          AP:  Kevin McDonald will work to "foster more inclusive campus environments"
          CDT:  University of Missouri hires system diversity officer;  During interview for job, Kevin McDonald said one of his strengths is "conflict resolution" X
          Columbia Missourian:  UM System hires Kevin McDonald as first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer;  Race problems will be solved through "collaboration," "a true culture of respect," etc.
          P-D:  University of Missouri hires diversity officer
          The Missouri Times:  MO Dept. of Corrections loses court fight over Sunshine Law
          P-D:  Missouri Gaming Commission approves transfer of casino properties
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Galloway presents audit of Public Administrator's office
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Annual accountant-answers-tax-questions show
          KC Star:  Ozarks meth warning:  Your drugs may be contaminated, so bring them in for testing +
          P-D editorial:  Execution drug scofflaws get a third warning
          KC Star editorial:  U.S. Rep. Sam Graves attacks KCI plan but gets key facts wrong +
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  Benchmarking vs. St. Louis series:  Upbeat census figures unveiled for Kansas City - but not St. Louis +
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  Sept. 2015:  Benchmarking vs. St. Louis series:  As Chiefs tackle Rams, should Kansas City revel in the huge woes of St. Louis? +
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  Aug. 2015:  Benchmarking vs. St. Louis series:  KC doesn't need a new sports facility, unlike "down-on-its-luck St. Louis" +
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  July 2015:  Benchmarking vs. St. Louis series:  Kansas City metropolitan area thumps St. Louis in new population growth +
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  June 2015:  Benchmarking vs. St. Louis series:  In job growth, KC needs to be avoid becoming "like stagnant St. Louis" +
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  Jan. 2015:  Benchmarking vs. St. Louis series:  "I often point out, Kansas City looks at least a little better than St. Louis in key metrics" +
          P-D op-ed:  Clay & Slay:  Feds should choose North St. Louis City for NGA site
          Priddy:  Legislative halftime assessment:  Thoughts on campaign finance, abortion, topical reference to popular 1960 song, more
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves man sarcastically acknowledges "cynical" view that politics might potentially play a role in NGA's site selection
          P-D letter:  WashMo couple wants Luetkemeyer to apologize to Sen. Elizabeth Warren
          JCNT letter:  Missouri Budget Project's Tom Kruckemeyer wants legislators to expand Medicaid X
          P-D letter:  Alumni Association members oppose budget cuts for University of Missouri System
          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, March 23   The Missouri Times' Barklage Cup, Round #2:  Vote for/against your favorite/unfavorite politicos, use hashtag to raise $ for Epilepsy Foundation
       
KC Star:  McCaskill:  Donald Trump ignorant for suggesting pullback from NATO +
          Missourinet:  Blunt stresses importance of border control after attack in Brussels
          CDT:  Mizzou journalism students in Belgium safe in wake of Brussels attacks X
          Missourinet:  Missouri students and faculty safe in Brussels after terrorist attacks
          AP:  Leroy Blunt, father of Sen. Roy Blunt, dies
          Missourinet:  Blunt:  Not unusual to block SCOTUS nomination during election year
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Blunt on Obama and Cuba;  McCaskill on SCOTUS nominations;  Jake Hummel on legislative staffers earning money as political consultants +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill cites student debt as looming 'crisis' X
          KC Star:  At KC forum, McCaskill discusses college spending and borrowing woes +
          KMBC:  McCaskill pushes college affordability during KC roundtable
          KWMU:  Clay targets Institutions for Mental Disease exclusion as blockade to expanding drug treatment
          P-D:  U.S. Supreme Court's tie vote upholds loan bias ruling in Missouri case
          P-D:  EPA collected 3,000 tons of debris, hazardous material after December flooding
          Drebes:  Former Rep. Bert Atkins (D-Florissant) becomes second Dem to file for Keith English's state rep seat
          Missourinet:  Sponsors predict compromise on Missouri bill to 'cool off' legislators
          P-D:  Lobbyists, liaisons would take anti-harassment training under measure;  Rep. Gina Mitten (D-St. Louis) talks about David Poger (D) case, efforts to minimize creeper activity
          The Missouri Times:  Senate Republicans disagree over teacher pension rates
          SNL:  Faith Voices of Southwest Missouri holds anti-payday-loan rally on streetcorner;  Comments from area pastors, adult woman who chose to borrow money at unfavorable interest rate X
          P-D:  Barrel Bob, MoDOT's safety mascot, is 'barrelnapped';  Victim is 10 ft. tall, "50 lb. of twisted steel and safety zeal"
          CDT:  Former National Guard officer agrees to pay $100,000 to settle Mamtek lawsuit X
          The Missouri Times:  Bill from Rep. Ron Hicks (R-St. Peters) seeks to end dog breed discrimination
          P-D:  SLU study:  Poor people who choose to break the law dislike dealing with municipal court system
          KWMU:  "Eduation Equality Index" shows that poor kids fail to keep pace with peers whose parents earn a decent living
          Columbia Missourian:  MU committee affirms free-expression rights on campus
          Columbia Missourian:  Concerned Student 1950 documentary now available online
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Taxpayer-funded program seeks to encourage black men to finish college;  Director Keith Ware addresses crushing weight of societal expectations:  "(T)hat stigma that as a man, you should be able to provide, take care of yourself."
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Sisters Helping Each other to Reach a Higher Height (S.H.E.R.A.H.) encourages women to go love themselves
          Missourinet:  Judge rules Missouri must reveal maker of execution drugs
          KWMU:  Judge rules that Missouri Dept. of Corrections violated Sunshine Law in execution case
          AP:  Judge rules Missouri must name source of execution drug
          P-D editorial:  McCaskill working to clear the air of Backpage.com's stench
          P-D editorial:  Using taxpayer dollars to train child care workers can help break cycle of poverty;  Women in North St. Louis City housing project will totally turn their lives around
          Gateway Journalism Review's Terry Ganey:  State departments say The Missouri Times did not pay withholding, unemployment insurance taxes for period of time between 2014-15
          Scott Faughn, via Twitter:  "The older I get the fewer pitches in the dirt I swing at."
          KC Star letter:  Adult male who calls himself "Corky" dislikes that Missouri legislators have received less than one million dollars in lobbyist gifts +
          P-D letter:  Clayton man opposes Raise Your Hand for Kids' ballot initiative
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says SJR 39 protects Missouri's religious citizens
          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, March 22  
2016 #Barklage Cup:  Round 2
       
P-D:  McCaskill says "collegial" relationship with Blunt won't stop her from trying to help Kander come close in November
          KC Star:  Dems hopeful Missouri primary winner Donald Trump will face backlash with voters, which could lower Blunt's re-election margin;  Comments from MU's Peverill Squire (61), others +
          JCNT:  Blunt re-election campaign launches ag tour;  Speakers include reps from state Farm Bureau, cattlemen, corn growers, dairy, pork producers, and soybean grower groups X
          JCNT:  Blunt thinks Cuba trip wrong idea X
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Koster tries to tie GOP rivals to Trump;  Richardson on Medicaid spending conundrum;  Kehoe on dealing with emotional state senators +
          KC Star:  "Deep Background" podcast:  Kraske and Helling enter podcasting journoduo tag-team ranks, talk about Missouri Dem and GOP primaries, McCaskill, more +
          KC Star:  Donald Trump tweets about Jeff Roe, local media reacts +
          Missourinet:  McCaskill calls for hearing on SCOTUS nominee Merrick Garland
          KWMU:  McCaskill embarks on statewide college affordability tour
          P-D:  McCaskill:  Colleges should be more accountable, state lawmakers less noisy
          KC Star:  Graves:  No reason to trust KC Aviation Dept. on new airport plan +
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact rates Greitens' claim on tax brackets "False"
          Drebes:  Russ Carnahan to hold lt. gov. campaign kickoff next Wednesday
          Drebes:  Senate Republicans dismayed that Chappelle-Nadal compared them to members of the Ku Klux Klan
          KC Star:  Legislative halftime report +
          P-D:  In rare agreement, Nixon and GOP agree on state worker raises
          Missourinet:  Senate Dems hope for compromise on voter photo ID proposal
          Missourinet:  One ethics bill close to going to Nixon, but House Democrats are not impressed
          Missourinet:  Plan would tax and regulate fantasy sports in Missouri like gambling;  Sen. Scott Sifton (D-Affton) seeks to level the playing field between industries
          KC Star:  Uber picks up support for statewide bill that would override Kansas City's restrictions +
          SNL:  Uber opposes Springfield law designed for it X
          JCNT:  Wanted:  miscreants who characternapped MoDOT's Barrel Bob X
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  New MO Dept. of Conservation webcast focuses on feral hogs;  Animal invaders cause destruction, but native property owners can fight back X
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Anna Croslin, Nixon nominee to Commission on Human Rights:  Immigrants have it really rough, kids are really mean, America is "anti-Muslim," etc.
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air preview:  North St. Louis City's "Sisters Helping Each Other Reach a Higher Height" to hold "Rage Against Poverty" event
          P-D editorial:  Blunt, others are wrong:  The "war on coal" isn't just being fought by the EPA, but bankers too
          KC Star editorial:  One-size-fits-all municipal court bill is a bad fit for Kansas City +
          CDT op-ed:  First Chance for Children's Jack Jensen:  Stem cell group's posturing on Raise Your Hand for Kids' ballot measure will hurt children X
          SE Missourian's Adrienne Ross:  Missouri primary results show that every vote really does count, sometimes +
          Disclosure


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



        Monday, March 21
       
P-D:  Federal grant will subsidize "child-care apprenticeship" program for women in St. Louis housing project;  Program will also help get women state subsidies
          KWMU:  Catholic Charities spreads word to Latinos about FEMA flood payouts, reports zero takers as "many are undocumented"
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Luetkemeyer on Elizabeth Warren;  Nixon on 'paycheck protection' +
          KWMU:  St. Louis implements iPads citywide for voter check-in;  St. Louis County hopes to use similar technology in November
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Paul Wieland;  Panel of Jeff Mazur, MO Dems' David Turner, Rick Stream, and KTRS' Mark Zinn talk Greitens' donor controversy, presidential politics, SJR 39, more
          Kirksville Daily Express:  Nixon meets with area school leaders and students, explains tax philosophy and more
          KWMU:  Speaker Todd Richardson, Minority Leader Jake Hummel offer halftime assessments
          P-D:  Legislators break down first half of session
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact analysis:  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) half-right on voter ID statement;  Many of those without state IDs today will be able to get a new one
          Missourinet:  Missouri House passes school anti-bullying measures before break
          AP:  State legislators focus on intersection of police technology and privacy
          Missourinet:  Rep. Genise Montecillo (D-St. Louis) proposes keeping police reports private in suicide, sex assault cases
          Kirksville Daily Express:  Capitol briefs for the week
          KMOX:  Mizzoui Alumni Association President Sherri Gallick urges letter-writing campaign to restore funding
          Columbia Missourian:  Black professor offers helpful idea for keeping black faculty:  "dedicate a large amount of funding specifically to diversity and inclusion and then earmarking that money for faculty retention"
          Columbia Missourian:  Photo gallery:  Ethnomusicology professor Stephanie Shonekan's office:  Little monkeys, black Barbie doll, more
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Missouri DHSS receives national accreditation, one of only 16 states to achieve recognition
          AP:  A month after police officers began carrying opiate antidote, Narcan used to save dope enthusiast who crashed car
          KC Star:  Overview of April 5 earnings-tax election +
          P-D:  Video of anti-violence march:  "We're showing that African-Americans are responding to when African-Americans kill African-Americans";  Man suggests his speech, parade, "the move" will change pattern of behavior
          KC Star:  For the first time in centuries, KC will see total eclipse of the sun;  Residents will see day turn to night, and they'll see it more than ever +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Outcome of Trump vs. Clinton in Missouri:  Who knows? X
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Missouri picks Clinton, Trump;  The country will be fine with either, but life sure has been rosier X
          Priddy:  Retirement learnings and reflections:  Pandora (est. 2000) is a neat Internet music site;  Updated thoughts on Senate press table;  What's the deal with computer assembly instructions?;  More
          JCNT letter:  Woman from Citizens' Climate Lobby wants Blunt to change his stance on Obama's Clean Power Plan X
          P-D letter:  Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis' Faith Sandler weighs in on Missouri immigranti-tuition debate of Spring 2015
          JCNT letter:  Versailles man dislikes "arrogant chutzpah" displayed by Ron Richard and "ideological lemmings of both parties" 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.




        Sunday, March 20
       
SE Missourian:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith says he will support Trump if he is GOP nominee;  Rubio supporter does not plan on endorsing remaining candidates, says GOP should not stand in the way of voters' choice +
          KC Star:  Anti-Trump protester who slapped police horse is arrested;  April Foster, a 29-year-old Caucasoid female, chose to take out activist rage on innocent animal +
          AP:  Anti-Trump protester who slapped KC police horse arrested, charged;  Grown woman screamed at horse, presumably in English (human) language, before resorting to violence
          Missourinet:  Senate supports McCaskill's measure to hold Backpage.com in contempt
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Sen. Paul Wieland (R-Imperial):  Panel of Jeff Mazur, Missouri Democratic Party's David Turner, Rick Stream, KTRS' Mark Zinn
          Drebes:  Rosenbaum's scoop:  Rep. Rochelle Walton Gray (D-Black Jack) to leave Legislature, will run for St. Louis County Council seat held by Mike O'Mara (D)
          AP:  Nixon vetoes bill on union fees
          Missourinet:  Keaveny says first half of session was 'unproductive'
          Columbia Missourian:  Dock wiring safety bill stalls in Legislature for second time
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri dairy producers 'pleased and hopeful' regarding funding for Dairy Revitalization Act
          KWMU:  City charter school seeks more black students;  City Garden Montessori School is in decent area of city with rising property values, for now
          JCNT:  Missouri State Penitentiary redevelopment talk surfaces X
          P-D:  More on how the Ferguson-DOJ consent degree came to be
          KWMU:  'We Must Stop Killing Each Other' campaign, handed $55k of city taxpayer money, fails to decrease homicide numbers;  Organizers want more money
          P-D editorial:  Time for Obama to step up for St. Louis' NGA bid;  St. Louis' North Side is so bad that Obama (D-Illinois) should choose Missouri over Illinois
          CDT op-ed:  Terry Schleimeier:  In opposition to repeal of KC and STL city earnings tax X
          Columbia Missourian's Maggie Walters:  Area man wins paper's "Show Me the Errors" contest;  Newspaper demonstrates sense of humor, does not get defensive when readers point out errors
          McClellan:  Sexagenarian columnist provides update on health problems
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man disagrees with Blunt's approach to SCOTUS nominee
          P-D letter:  St. Charles man says Onder, other SJR 39 supporters are "hateful"
          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, March 19
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  Buchanan County voters went in extreme directions:  Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders X
          Washington Missourian:  Sanders, Trump carry Franklin County primaries X
          JCNT:  Luetkemeyer explains Warren comments X
          AP:  Sen. Elizabeth Warren responds to Luetkemeyer calling her a "Darth Vader";  Feminist compares herself to a princess
          SE Missourian:  Area dermatologist seeks to fill Dem ballot slot for U.S. Rep. Jason Smith's re-election +
          Missourinet:  Deadline nears for Missourians to register for federal flood assistance
          KWMU:  City's emininent domain suit for NGA land expanded
          CDT:  Josh Hawley to talk SCOTUS nominee Merrick Garland, more at diner forums in Columbia, Springfield and St. Louis X
          SNL:  Rock'n Ribs rejects pot group's request for vendor booth;  No comment from New Approach Missouri X
          Missourinet:  Nixon vetoes 'paycheck protection' bill
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon vetoes 'paycheck protection'
          P-D:  Nixon vetoes 'paycheck protection,' sets up override attempt before session ends
          P-D:  MoDOT construction to touch every interstate in St. Louis region this summer;  Area projects total $228 million this fiscal year
          SNL:  Nixon stops in Nixa "to give props for high marks" X
          SNL:  Bill to allow Greene County early education tax advances X
          CDT:  UM System diversity task force searching for members X
          SNL:  MSU diversity speaker provides list of forbidden phrases:  "I don't see color," "That's so gay," other sentences with devastating effects on the human psyche X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Sens. Mike Parson and Dan Hegeman, Rep. Eggleston give legislative updates to corn and soybean grower groups;  Meeting held on farm of Ag Director Richard Fordyce X
          JCNT:  Conservation Federation of Missouri names Jay and Georganne Nixon as its 2015 Conservationists of the Year X
          JCNT:  Ameren files for rate decrease X
          P-D:  Ron Richard skeptical of Ameren rate plan
          SE Missourian:  Unlike state, St. Louis and KC chambers, same-sex marriage resolution not on Cape Chamber's agenda +
          KWMU:  Business groups launch offensive against 'religious shield' amendment
          P-D:  Business leaders say same-sex marriage plan would further tarnish state in wake of Ferguson riots
          KC Star:  NAACP opposes SJR 39 +
          JCNT editorial:  Mid-Mo. newspaper become the first to use "mind your Ps and Qs" headline pun to address previous question debate X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Campus concealed carry is a bad idea X
          P-D editorial:  Uber proposal is bad, and they shouldn't have placed their logo next to Missouri seal
          P-D op-ed:  Cortex CEO:  NGA would benefit from being Cortex's neighbor, only a 10-minute car ride away during non-rush-hour traffic
          KC Star op-ed:  Community organizer Molly Fleming:  SJR 39 is vile +
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Area liberal responds to Kenney column on presidential campaigns, hopes no one thinks he's a racist for voting for Bernie Sanders
          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, March 18  The Missouri Times' Barklage Cup:  Vote for your favorite MO politicos, tweet, help raise $ for Epilepsy Foundation
       
KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Mannies & Rosenbaum break down the super-close presidential primaries
          P-D:  Voter turnout soared in St. Louis region, matching national trend
          KC Star:  Sanders concedes Democratic primary;  Clinton wins +
          Kraske:  The Chat:  John Hancock on GOP presidential primary results;  Nixon on House GOP budget action and his plan for tuition freeze +
          Kraske:  McCaskill talks about her dislike of Donald Trump, breast cancer, receiving a blanket from black ladies in Louisiana, more +
          AP:  At McCaskill Senate hearing, lawmakers challenge Turing executives on drug price hikes
          P-D:  Senate passes McCaskill-Portman resolution holding Backpage.com in contempt over sex trafficking subpoenas
          Wall Street Journal:  McCaskill leads charge to hold Backpage.com in contempt
          SNL:  Senate to take sex-ad website to court, per McCaskill measure X
          JCNT:  Luetkemeyer calls Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) "the Darth Vader of the financial services world," suggests someone "neuter" her X
          CDT:  Opponents urge Greitens to return money from Silicon Valley investor sued over sex abuse;  Candidate attended fundraiser with Michael Goguen this week X
          CDT:  GOP gov debate focuses on donation from sex abuser, University of Missouri X
          KWMU:  Greitens hammered over $1 million donation at GOP governor's debate
          KWMU:  Missouri contest for governor roiled by lawsuit against Greitens' donor alleging sexual abuse
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens faces further scrutiny over top donor
          SNL:  Greitens in hot seat as Missouri governor hopefuls debate X
          P-D:  Missouri GOP governor candidates spar over donations from donor accused of sex abuse
          Columbia Missourian:  Gubernatorial candidates spar about campaign contributions, UM System funding cuts
          KOMU:  Candidates spar during GOP governor debate
          AP:  Greitens keeps money from donor sued for sex abuse
          Drebes:  Latest MoScout poll:  Kinder leads Hanaway by 15;  Schmitt leads Brown by 13
          JCNT:  Missouri Medicaid Coaltion turns out over 100 for Capitol rally X
          SE Missourian:  Mental health awareness series:  Limited hospital bed space proves challenge in caring for mentally ill +
          SE Missourian:  Mental health awareness series:  In many cases, Missourians with mental health challenges have freedom to purchase guns +
          AP:  House passes limit on paid consulting
          AP:  House passes half-billion dollar increase to Missouri budget
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate will consider overturning $1 million withheld by governor
          Missourinet:  House proposes expansion to Missouri minor abortion law
          AP:  Missouri moves to tighten abortion-notification requirement
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark) passes bill tightening abortion process for minors
          CDT:  University of Missouri curators defend Melissa Click firing in letter to AAUP X
          P-D:  UM board says Melissa Click firing was handled properly
          Columbia Missourian:  Part-time professors comprise academia's 'working poor';  Some appreciate having part-time gig, while others lament the income opportunities in the career they chose
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Chamber voices opposition to SJR 39
          KC Star:  Missouri Chamber says it opposes SJR 39 +
          P-D:  Missouri Chamber of Commerce opposes SJR 39
          AP:  Missouri Chamber opposes religious-objections measure
          Missourinet:  Richard says he believes Democrats are starting to get over PQ-related emotions
          JCNT:  Missouri Senate goes on Spring Break X
          KWMU:  Legislature considers pilot program to address roots of violent crime in St. Louis
          KWMU:  Missouri Department of Conservation, others sponsor Saturday's annual river cleanup
          P-D:  Ferguson and DOJ enter consent decree to resolve lawsuit
          P-D editorial:  'Conscience protection' bill not only discriminatory, but anti-business
          KC Star editorial:  Here come the misleading ads against Kansas City's earnings tax +
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  Collection of tweets from people who disagree with Blunt on SCOTUS +
          Shelly:  Making SJR 39 law would devastate Missouri, relegate state to "backwater status" +
          CDT letter:  St. Louis City's Eli Horowitz wants McCaskill and Nixon to side with Obama on Clean Power Plan X
          CDT letter:  Area man dislikes Schaefer, mocks Vermont Law School degree X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Rep. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia):  Missouri House cuts to MU are reactionary, misplaced
          P-D letter:  Prolific LTE author Martin Walsh disagrees with Legislature on guns, Medicaid expansion
          P-D letter:  Florissant man disagrees with everything the Legislature does
          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, March 17   Happy St. Patrick's Day!
       
Rosenbaum:  Making sense of razor-thin results in Missouri's presidential primaries
          KWMU:  Jo Mannies, UMSL's Dave Robertson dissect Missouri primary
          AP:  Election analysis:  Comments from John Hancock, Roy Temple, MU's Martin Overby
          P-D:  Election analysis:  SLU's Ken Warren
          SE Missourian:  Cape Girardeau County Clerk Kara Clark Summers hopes to avoid recount of presidential primary votes +
          KWMU:  Missouri's recount process is long, complicated - and rarely pays off
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Dem vet Chuck Hatfield on futility of recounts;  Hanaway campaign on Greitens' contribution from man accused of sex abuse +
          Missourinet:  Missouri AFL-CIO boss, NAACP leader disagree with Blunt on SCOTUS nominee
          P-D:  Missouri congressional delegation pushes for 14 more Boeing Super Hornets
          Washington Post:  Republicans beat measure to limit airline baggage and ticket-change fees;  McCaskill says industry consolidation has led to "bad behavior"
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Farm Bureau visits Washington, D.C. this week;  Graves gives evening Capitol tour
          Columbia Missourian:  Columbia Chamber to host GOP gov forum tonight
          Drebes:  Rep. Mike Colona (D-St. Louis) endorses Peter Meredith over former campaign treasurer Ben Murray
          Missourinet:  Missouri House proposes first use of constitutional power to overturn Nixon's budget restrictions
          KWMU:  Missouri House reverses Nixon spending cuts
          AP:  House votes to override Nixon's budget limits
          Missourinet:  Nixon:  Honor my budget plan to avoid college tuition hike
          The Missouri Times:  Tobacco settlement bill rife with interest, debate
          AP:  Mizzou to close 2 dorms because of declining enrollment
          The Missouri Times:  Uber endorses new ridesharing legislation
          KC Star:  Police pan bill to exempt Uber and taxis from local regulations at Missouri Senate hearing +
          SNL:  Uber cites plans to launch in Springfield as company pushes for legislation X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Elementary students begin Ag Week with farm visit;  Ag Director Richard Fordyce serves as primary instructor
          High Plains Journal:  Missouri Ag Director Richard Fordyce opens Western Farm Show
          JCNT:  Rep. Jeanie Riddle (R-Mokane) proposes bill for mobile app beer sales at events X
          JCNT:  Drug prevention group lays out myths about marijuana X
          Columbia Missourian:  Hemp advocacy group seeks to dispel notion that it is advocating for marijuana, sets up info table under marijuana banner
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislators fail to address new, more dangerous strains of K2;  Comments from former Rep. Ward Franz (R), law enforcement, adults who have chosen to smoke dangerous, loosely-regulated drug
          JCNT:  Bill would let Lake Mykee, Holts Summit merge X
          KWMU:  Japanese woman one of two Nixon nominees for Missouri Commission on Human Rights
          P-D editorial:  Blunt should give Supreme Court nominee a fair hearing
          JCNT editorial:  Bright future for Missouri's top industry - agriculture X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Annual Sunshine Week editorial
          P-D editorial:  Annual Sunshine Week editorial
          P-D editorial:  Ferguson's flip-flop and the struggle to regain credibility
          Jensen:  Missouri Grandparents Against Gun Violence's tut-tutting over gun-related phrases is both naive and humorous +
          Shelly:  Uber's Missouri team succeeds in co-branding press conference;  Company places logo next to Missouri seal on podium, achieves bonus media coverage +
          P-D op-ed:  HSUS's Amanda Good:  Bill from Sen. Mike Parson (R-Bolivar) would protect state's worst animal abusers
          Messenger:  Woman charged with felony child endangerment a victim of "criminalization of poverty";  Column on Jeannetta Maclin earns woman praise, free clothes, other rewards;  Toddlers found unconscious after apartment fire have recovered, are staying with responsible parent
          P-D letter:  Messenger's column on woe-is-me child-abandoning woman is cavalier;  Imagine the liberal outcry if the perpetrator was a middle-class Caucausian woman
          P-D letter:  Ameren says SB 1028 benefits all Missourians
          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, March 16   SOS.mo.gov:  Unofficial Missouri election results
       
KWMU:  Clinton, Trump apparent victories promote different messages
          Missourinet:  Clinton, Trump appear to eke out narrow wins
          P-D:  Clinton, Trump appear to eke out razor-thin wins
          P-D:  Recounts possible in both of Missouri's presidential primaries
          AP:  Trump, Clinton lead in close races
          KC Star:  Trump sweeps to victory in three of five states, including Missouri
          KC Star:  Video:  Voter-on-the-street interviews conducted at polling places
          SE Missourian:  Cruz, Sanders carry Cape Girardeau County
          CDT:  Boone County bucks state trend with Sanders, Cruz as turnout exceeds 2008
          Columbia Missourian:  Cruz and Sanders win Boone County
          Columbia Missourian:  Highlights from dozens of voter-on-the-street interviews conducted at polling places
          P-D:  Photo gallerys:  Area watch parties for Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz
          KC Star:  Video shows pepper spray helped effectively subdue anti-Trump protester
          The Missouri Times:  Catherine Hanaway questions ties between Eric Greitens and embattled venture capitalist;  Donor Michael Goguen agreed to pay $40 million to rent lithe brunette for intercoursing
          P-D:  Hanaway calls for Greitens to return $1 million contribution from alleged sexual assailant
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri unemployment falls to 4.2 percent
          Drebes:  Missouri House of Representatives committee roster moves
          Columbia Missourian:  Sunshine Week event features two professors from outside Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Campus conceal carry bills debated in House Emerging Issues Committee
          SNL:  MSU diversity week programs begin today;  Sessions address treating blondes as lesser females, the plight of black males in higher education, mixing olds and youngs in a workplace, other vital topics
          CDT:  University of Missouri curators reject Melissa Click's appeal
          KWMU:  University of Missouri curators say no to Melissa Click
          KC Star:  University of Missouri curators reject Melissa Click's appeal of firing
          CDT:  University of Missouri backs proposal for outside review of rules, operations
          KWMU:  Oversight panel for the UM System gets initial support
          KWMU:  Presentation before state school board shows Normandy high schoolers continue to disappoint
          The Missouri Times:  In vetro fertizilation bill would define embryos as human life
          The Missouri Times:  Businesses largely oppose SJR 39 bill
          P-D:  Keaveny explains emotional reaction to SJR 39:  "I represent a very liberal caucus and we just passed a constitutional amendment that is very conservative"
          Missourinet:  Sen. Mike Kehoe (R-Jefferson City) says opponents of SJR 39 are being over-the-top dramatic about potential economic impact
          AP:  Missouri Supreme Court:  Boy Scouts not responsible for man who preyed on young boy
          KWMU:  This summer's PrideFest to focus on "transgender women of color"
          Columbia Missourian:  Christian man who became a Muslim and changed his name to "Imam Suhaib Webb" tackles "Islamophobia," Nicki Minaj, Fetty Wap, other critical topics in campus chat
          KWMU:  Ferguson City Council accepts DOJ consent decree
          Missourinet:  Ferguson City Council unanimously approves Justice Department deal
          P-D:  Ferguson City Council unanimously approves agreement with DOJ
          P-D:  Photo:  Michael Brown Sr. shakes hands with Ferguson Mayor James Knowles while wearing a hat indoors
          AP:  Ferguson City Council votes to accept DOJ deal
          P-D:  CBS may sell or spin off KMOX, other radio stations
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Sunshine Law means access to enrollment-diversity stats;  Journalism major calls himself "a Hershey's kiss in a bucket of vanilla ice cream"
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  SJR 39 must be stopped
          CDT op-ed:  Ferguson court system was bad, but Senate Bill 572 would unfairly disrupt better court systems
          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, March 15
       
KWMU:  Chelsea Clinton arrives, Bernie Sanders returns to urge people to vote
          P-D:  Candidates, surrogates make sweeps through Missouri
          CDT:  Chelsea Clinton makes stop in Columbia X
          Columbia Missourian:  Chelsea Clinton's visit highlights importance of early childhood education
          KC Star:  Dem poll shows Sanders leading Clinton 47-46 percent +
          KC Star:  Chicago's Kendrick Washington, three locals charged with disorderly conduct at Trump rally;  Police discuss use of pepper spray to corral protesters into proper place +
          KC Star's Mary Sanchez:  KC rally fallout:  Those who fight for "economic justice for the poor and systematically downtrodden" will totally stop Donald Trump today +
          AP:  How Missouri splits its delegates for president
          KWMU:  'Talking' voting machines, other equipment ensure voters with disabilities can cast ballots
          JCNT:  Blunt recommends state wait for Clean Power Plan X
          KWMU:  McCaskill gets back to work, targets NGA and Backpage.com
          Missourinet:  McCaskill back in D.C. after cancer treatment
          AP:  McCaskill gets back to work
          Washington Missourian:  Franklin County Lincoln Day dinner to feature all four GOP gov candidates
          Drebes:  Yancy Williams, formerly chief of staff to Kurt Schaefer, registers to lobby
          Missourinet:  Israel trade mission trip planned for Missouri delegation
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Nixon on education funding, same-sex marriage objectors and ethics overhaul;  Ron Richard on access to his office's e-mails +
          P-D:  Despite controversy over same-sex marriage objector proposal, NCAA still holding tournament games in St. Louis
          KC Star:  City manager fears that in the future, some event organizers might possibly skip Missouri some day over marriage objector proposal +
          Missourinet:  Democrats continue to slow business in Missouri Senate after same-sex marriage vote
          KWMU:  Democrats retaliate against GOP's use of PQ last week;  Sen. Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis), 59, says experience was "traumatic"
          Missourinet:  Keaveny says he doesn't plan to let hurt feelings lead to "holding the budget hostage"
          Missourinet:  Act named for children who died on Lake of the Ozarks gets first Missouri House debate
          CDT:  University of Missouri curators name chairs of presidential search committee X
          CDT:  University of Missouri presidential search committee meets in advance of public forums X
          KWMU:  University of Missouri names co-chairs of presidential search committee, search firm
          Columbia Missourian:  Curators name co-chairs to presidential search committee
          CDT:  Melissa Click remains on paid suspension at University of Missouri pending appeal of dismissal X
          Columbia Missourian:  Melissa Click on paid suspension while UM Curators wade through appeals process
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislature discusses wide array of concealed-carry bills
          AP:  State may broaden concealed-carry on campuses
          Sikeston Standard-Democrat:  Union president talks about Noranda layoffs, says company owes back pay +
          P-D:  DOJ warns local courts in U.S. about use of fines, fees
          KWMU:  Urban League gets $2 million boost for jobs center in Ferguson
          KWMU:  Non-profit organizes brainstorming session on reducing gun violence;  Insight from unsigned rapper Cedric "C-Sharp" Redmon, others
          P-D editorial:  Passion, enthusiasm at St. Louis rallies shows why Missourians must not vote for Donald Trump
          P-D editorial:  McDonald's should be applauded for paying workers in Missouri one (1) dollar more than the state's minimum wage
          Waters:  MU budget shortfall is actually an opportunity X
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  Gov. Jay Nixon's boasts about jobs are mostly empty rhetoric +
          KC Star's Lewis Diuguid:  Survey says Missouri not the healthiest state for olds +
          SE Missourian letter:  Area Cruz supporter who attended rally on SEMO campus disagrees with liberal academic, supports all candidates having access to university building +
          P-D letter:  Fulton man says Missouri legislature needs to keep agriculture companies from polluting water supply
          P-D letter:  Maryland Heights man responds to letter from LGBTQIA activist who chose to leave state
          KC Star letter:  Area man says those who have failed to attain wealth need politicians to rein in Rex Sinquefield and other achievers +
          P-D letter:  Florissant man dislikes lazy newspaper editors attributing Marlon Deandre Griffin and other criminals to city proper, when many such miscreants are actually from other parts of North County
          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, March 14   Presidential Primary Eve
       
Rosenbaum:  Missouri plays key role in picking the next president
          KC Star:  KC Police Chief Darryl Forte talks about use of pepper spray on anti-Trump crowd, says targets were "known anarchists" and "outside agitators" +
          Kraske:  Protests like the one in Kansas City will dog Donald Trump for months +
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Donald Trump quotes, reactions +
          KWMU:  Sanders highlights hope that Missouri will be another Michigan
          P-D:  Optimistic Sanders tells roaring St. Louis crowd to watch for Michigan repeat
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  Bernie Sanders rally in Affton
          Kraske:  Presidential primary predictions from The Great Kraskini, Helling, UMSL's Dave Robertson, seasoned Dem Steve Glorioso, GOP vet James Harris +
          Missourinet:  Kander's office predicts turnout of 34%, up from 2012
          SE Missourian:  Most election officials expect turnout of over 30% +
          Drebes:  Former Rep. Brent Lasater (R) to skip House race and instead try for state Senate
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact:  Rep. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) mostly right about Missouri residents supporting voter ID;  State rep cited Drebes' Missouri Scout poll results
          Missourinet:  Proposed Missouri budget continues GOP opposition to Medicaid expansion
          KWMU:  Planned Parenthood president:  barring Medicaid funds is a waste of Missouri tax dollars
          JCNT:  'Previous Question' motions rarely used in state Senate's history X
          KC Star:  In charter school lotteries, KC families play emotional game +
          Brownfield Ag News:  Ag Director Richard Fordyce says Panama Canal expansion may lead to more Missouri River shipping
          Brownfield Ag News:  MU gets $4.2M from National Science Foundation for corn/drought-stress research;  Comments from Nixon
          P-D:  Small gym inside Capitol helps House members, staff engage in healthy behavior;  Comments from retired cage fighter Keith English (I-Florissant)
          AP:  Sunshine Week:  Senators Richard (R), Keaveny (D) united in keeping emails private;  Richard says constituent correspondence often includes sensitive topics
          AP:  Sunshine Week:  Overview of each state's open-records laws
          JCNT editorial:  "Medical marijuana" petitions are a smokescreen to allow recreational weed;  Citizens should attend info sessions, take a stand against pot X
          KC Star editorial:  KC summer youth jobs program will help keep kids out of the Plaza, teach them to dress decently;  Mayor asks companies to either let a youth into their office for eight weeks or pay $3,000 to send kid somewhere else +
          Priddy:  Republicans who support SJR 39 are like members of Kansas' Wesboro Baptist Church
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Sunshine Week:  Unsmiling feminist shares her thoughts
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Sunshine Week:  Caucasoid coed shares her thoughts
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Sunshine Week:  Rwandan coed shares her thoughts
          P-D letter:  University City liberal disagrees with GOP legislators
          P-D letter:  St. Charles man says Post-Dispatch editorial played down Melissa Click's outrageous actions
          JCNT letter:  Area man disagrees with Barnes on expert-witness standards X
          KC Star letter:  Septuagenarian Judy Sherry of Grandparents Against Gun Violence wants people to stop using loaded phrases like "under the gun," "magic bullet" and "half cocked" +
          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, March 13   Daylight Savings begins
       
KWMU:  Hillary Clinton pledges support for unions, and accuses Trump of inciting unrest
          KMOX:  Hillary Clinton brings her message to St. Louis;  Chelsea Clinton to make campaign appearance Monday
          KTVI (St. Louis):  In St. Louis speech, Clinton calls Trump's rhetoric 'political arson'
          KSDK (St. Louis):  Hillary Clinton campaigns in St. Louis
          P-D:  Clinton and Cruz visit St. Louis, both criticize Trump
          KWMU:  Cruz appeals to staunch conservatives;  promises jobs, freedom, security at West County rally
          KTVI (St. Louis):  Ted Cruz stumps for votes in St. Louis
          KMOV (St. Louis):  Cruz event much less controversial than Trump's
          KSDK (St. Louis):  Ted Cruz campaigns in St. Louis
          SE Missourian:  Cruz makes Cape stop on GOP campaign trail +
          KFVS:  Ted Cruz in Cape for rally, press conference
          KC Star:  Ted Cruz urges Missouri GOP to choose alternative to Donald Trump +
          SNL:  Ted Cruz says only he can beat Trump X
          Columbia Missourian:  Cruz supporters look to divert attention from Trump with rally in Springfield
          KOLR (Springfield):  Cruz jabs at Trump
          KSPR (Springfield):  Ted Cruz fires up supporters
          KSGF:  Cruz urges thousands of supporters to get behind him to beat Trump
          KC Star:  Trump takes on protesters again in Kansas City +
          KC Star:  Anti-Trump protester slaps police horse in the face;  Photos of angry woman assaulting innocent animal +
          KTVI (St. Louis):  Bernie Sanders to speak at Affton High School this morning
          KMOX:  Bernie Sanders to speak at Affton High today, St. Charles' Family Arena Monday night
          CDT:  Actor Justin Bartha visits Sanders' Columbia office, heads to St. Louis today X
          SNL:  Sanders campaign says nearly 5,000 attended rally in Springfield X
          Columbia Missourian:  Bernie Sanders draws thousands to rally in Springfield
          KSPR (Springfield):  Bernie Sanders stops in Springfield
          P-D:  Missouri primary preview
          JCNT:  Blunt:  Wait on filling Supreme Court vacancy X
          P-D:  Congressional delegation's votes for the week
          P-D:  F-15 jobs in St. Louis tangled in Mideast politics
          The Missouri Times:  Raise Your Hand for Kids' initiative petition receives criticism over alleged threat to research
          JCNT:  Two prayer rallies announced for Capitol X
          The Missouri Times:  Q&A with Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis) on SJR 39
          AP:  Future uncertain for proposal to defund Planned Parenthood
          JCNT:  Women's group opposes sex offender registry X
          P-D editorial:  Editorial board says it cares about the health of the Republican Party, urges primary voters to oppose Trump
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Mizzou is reeling, but is not knocked out X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Letting MSU launch new post-grad programs is a bad idea X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  How many laws do citizens need?  Proposals from Rep. Joe Don McGaugh (R-Carrollton) may be superfluous X
          Waters:  State legislators should do something about transportation funding
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri Cures' Donn Rubin and Dena Ladd oppose Raise Your Hand for Kids' ballot initiative
          KC Star's Steve Rose:  Effort to undo KC's earnings tax is inexplicable +
          Columbia Missourian's William Schmitt:  Sunshine Week
          P-D letter:  Man who chose to leave Missouri for Minnesota criticizes state legislators
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves pastor supports religious-liberty bill, dislikes lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer/intersex/asexual activists imposing their will on others
          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, March 12
       
KWMU:  Trump draws boisterous fans - and foes - to St. Louis rally
          KWMU:  Behind the Headlines feature:  Newscast producer Stephanie Lecci says "overwhelmingly white" Trump crowd was "highly patriotic"
          P-D:  Trump jeers at rivals, protesters, media in raucous St. Louis appearance
          KC Star:  After chaos in Chicago, Donald Trump is coming to crowded downtown KC today +
          KC Star:  Ahead of GOP candidate's rally, anti-Trump group vowing to "shut it down" +
          SE Missourian:  Ted Cruz coming to Cape Girardeau today +
          SNL:  Ted Cruz to speak in Springfield today X
          The Missouri Times:  Ann Wagner endorses Ted Cruz
          The Missouri Times:  Eric Schmitt endorses Ted Cruz
          CDT:  Heidi Cruz visits Columbia to promote husband's effort to overtake Trump X
          Columbia Missourian:  Heidi Cruz makes campaign stop in Columbia
          KC Star:  Bill Clinton says in KC that Hillary will stand up for average Americans +
          SNL:  Bill Clinton pitches for Hillary in Springfield X
          CDT:  Sanders campaign says Columbia rally today is not confirmed X
          Columbia Missourian:  Sanders not coming to Columbia;  staff pulls Facebook invitation
          SNL:  Sanders to speak at rally in Springfield today X
          SE Missourian:  Poll:  Trump, Clinton lead in Missouri +
          CDT:  Poll:  Clinton, Trump have narrow leads X
          P-D:  Trump, Clinton have slight poll leads ahead of Tuesday's primary
          P-D:  Poll data:  Blunt, McCaskill, Kander, Kinder, 'right to work,' illegal/undocumented immigrants, ethics provisions, Mizzou funding, more
          KC Star:  Summary of poll data +
          CDT:  Summary of poll data on ethics overhaul, contribution limits X
          P-D:  Democrats are critical of Blunt's opposition to any Obama Supreme Court nominee
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact:  McCaskill gets numbers wrong on correlation between prescription drug and heroin abuse;  Claim is rated "False."
          Columbia Missourian:  Feds grant Missouri health care centers $2.4 million to treat opioid abuse
          Drebes:  David Humphreys' Accountability Committee buying TV ads
          P-D:  Sinquefield contributions to anti-tax effort top $2 million
          Missourinet:  Same-sex marriage objector ballot issue shifts to Missouri House
          Missourinet:  Nixon:  Missouri 'veering dangerously off course' on funding Missouri schools
          Missourinet:  Nixon:  spending limit proposed on Missouri school formula 'a step backwards'
          KWMU:  Flood of comments prompts delay in vote on new Missouri learning standards
          CDT:  University of Missouri enrollment and budget picture 'grim' for fall, faculty leader says X
          Columbia Missourian:  Nixon condemns legislative effort to cut UM System budget
          JCNT:  Governor's numbers say Lincoln University loses more than it gains X
          Missourinet:  Schupp, McCreery propose six weeks of paid family medical leave
          KC Star endorsements:  Hillary Clinton and John Kasich +
          The Missouri Times endorsements:  Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz
          Priddy:  Missouri's presidential primary and the GOP's "Anyboy But Trump" factor
          Waters:  Anti-gay Missouri legislators deserve to be "spanked" in court X
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Grad student on Sunshine Week
          P-D letter:  Coalition to Protect the Missouri River's Randy Asbury says Missouri River Manual correctly balances competing interests
          P-D letter:  Man who does not live in Bob Onder's district says Onder should listen to gay constituents
          KC Star letter:  Sexagenarian male who serves as local president of Brady Campaign says campus concealed carry is "scary" +
          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, March 11
       
P-D:  St. Louis prepares for downtown Trump rally today
          P-D:  Hillary Clinton to hold St. Louis rally tomorrow in advance of Tuesday's primary
          SNL:  Bill Clinton to visit Springfield today X
          Columbia Missourian:  Campaign spokespeople express optimism for Tuesday's results;  Clinton supporter who sells campaign buttons says young people prefer Sanders
          Kraske:  On a national level, the Democrats are the party that should be worried;  Also, with a Chris Koster loss, Missouri Democrats would be "in the wilderness" +
          KC Star:  Video:  Nixon weighs in on Mexican who killed Americans;  Reporter prods Nixon to weigh in on Donald Trump +
          KWMU:  Behind the Headlines podcast:  Jefferson City's Marshall Griffin, others discuss filibuster, March 15 primary
          P-D:  Koster says Missouri will be the first to prosecute Mexican woman-beater/drunk driver for murders
          KC Star:  Murderer tries to kill himself while in custody, fails +
          SNL:  Republican Steve Helms, legislative aid for Rep. Eric Burlison, files for Lincoln Hough's open House seat;  Trial attorney Randy Alberhasky seeks to fill Dem ballot slot X
          KWMU:  Missouri House passes $27B state budget
          Missourinet:  Missouri House advances proposed FY 17 budget with $8.6M in cuts to MU
          CDT:  House vote sends bill with University of Missouri cuts to state Senate X
          CDT:  Nixon announces grant to MU for crop research, talks about legislative budget cuts X
          Columbia Missourian:  Nixon calls on lawmakers to restore MU cuts, praises plant research
          CDT:  Hiring freeze, department cuts ordered at University of Missouri X
          Columbia Missourian:  MU Faculty Council discusses enrollment decrease and budget issues
          KC Star:  Enrollment drop forces University of Missouri cuts and hiring freeze +
          Columbia Missourian:  Minority faculty members hold panel, lament "institutional disadvantages," "stolen narratives," etc.
          KWMU:  Proposal to shield businesses who decline to work on same-sex couples goes to Missouri House
          JCNT:  Kehoe on religious-liberty bill:  "I believe Missouri is a very God-fearing state" X
          Missourinet:  Sen. Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis) opens up about emotional "scars" following legislative loss
          P-D:  Despite Democratic stall tactics, Missouri Senate gives final approval to same-sex marriage measure
          P-D:  Missouri Senate gummed up a day after marathon filibuster ends
          The Missouri Times:  Bitter debate over Senate journal belies frustrations from previous question;  Dixon, Silvey express anger at GOP leadership
          CDT:  Judge sets hearing date for lawsuit over Columbia clinic abortion license X
          Washington Missourian:  Senate passes beer cooler lease bill
          JCNT:  Rally held at Capitol for Disability Rights Legislative Day X
          Sikeston Standard-Democrat:  $1.7M available to assist workers affected by layoffs at Noranda Aluminum +
          JCNT editorial:  Decorum can co-exist with honest inquiry X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Legislature should pass texting-while-driving ban X
          P-D editorial:  Sunshine Week preview:  Limits to the Sunshine Law, newspaper's decision to name possible sexual assault victim Brittany Burke against her consent, more
          Messenger:  Shameful anti-gay measure turns back the clock in Missouri
          Shelly:  Kurt Schaefer wrong to politicize tragedy of Mexican woman-beater/drunk driver who murdered Americans +
          Waters:  Concerned Student 1950 goes too far, again;  Group keeps pushing and will make themselves outliers soon X
          Shelly:  Recap of top-scams list via Koster's office +
          P-D letter:  Missouri Community Service Commission's Cheryl Hibbeler on AmeriCorps' work to aid flood victims
          P-D letter:  Ballwin man expresses skepticism about supposed "white guy in a red truck" racial epithet that sparked Mizzou race histrionics
          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, March 10
       
AP:  Mexican managed to elude U.S. immigration authorities last year, kills five men in Missouri and Kansas this week;  Less-than-legal immigrant finally captured Wednesday morning
          KC Star:  Immigration questions swirl around Mexican woman-beater/drunk driver/homicide enthusiast +
          P-D:  Man murdered by Mexican was machinist, radio-controlled car enthusiast
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Former Sen. Jim Talent on Marco Rubio +
          Brownfield Ag News:  Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack tells Blunt streamlined reporting will be nationwide
          Brownfield Ag News:  Federal grant aimed at getting more Missouri farmers to grow cover crops;  Ag Director Richard Fordyce explains positive impact on erosion, soil health
          KWMU:  Koster slams EPA for missed deadlines at West Lake Landfill
          P-D:  Koster prods EPA on West Lake Landfill
          The Missouri Times:  Koster rejects proposals to fund Highway Patrol through general revenue
          The Missouri Times:  Navy SEALs claim credit for video critical of Greitens;  16 current and former SEALs insist bragging and self-aggrandizement go against code, say Greitens never served in a platoon
          SNL:  Peter Kinder presents Veterans Service awards to five southwest Missouri volunteers X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Jay Ashcroft on his loss to Jill Schupp, voter ID, using his dad in the primary campaign, more
          KZRG:  State treasurer candidate Eric Schmitt speaks in Joplin
          JCNT:  Rally stirs pot against medical marijuana;  "Keeping Missouri Kids Safe Coalition" says weed is not medicine X
          JCNT:  Missouri lawmakers push to restore hemp as crop X
          Drebes:  Missouri Energy Development Association sets up three PACs to support or oppose ballot initiatives
          The Missouri Times:  The Missouri Times announces #moleg podcast
          AP:  House panel trims Missouri's mid-year budget adjustment
          KWMU:  'Religious shield' proposal endorsed by Missouri Senate after GOP breaks filibuster
          Missourinet:  Senate filibuster ends
          KC Star:  Missouri religious freedom bill could lead to gridlock;  Democrats signal they may react emotionally to loss, engage in "procedural chicanery" +
          P-D:  Democrats consider how to handle themselves after legislative loss;  Sen. Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis) promises "some kind of response"
          AP:  Religious exemption measure advances after 37-hour filibuster
          The Missouri Times:  National Precursor Log Exchange continues to prevent illegal pseudoephedrine sales
          Missourinet:  Missouri House considers notification of all parents, guardians before minor has an abortion
          The Missouri Times:  Historic in vitro human embryo agreement bill filed in House
          The Missouri Times:  Degree program bills allow smaller schools to start more post-grad programs
          Gateway Journalism Review:  Journalism school wanted Melissa Click gone:  An in-depth look at the behavior and behind-the-scenes steps leading to termination
          KC Star:  Race protests and associated drama lead to enrollment drop of 1,500, force University of Missouri cuts and hiring freeze +
          Columbia Missourian:  MU will enact hiring freeze, budget cuts
          CDT:  Cuts to University of Missouri clear House vote X
          P-D:  Student race summits continue in St. Louis area;  Students from Hazelwood East, lesser schools help teach Caucasoids about "institutionalized racism, privilege and bias"
          AP:  State House OKs high school CPR training requirement
          KWMU:  St. Louis City Schools Superintendent Kelvin Adams on desire to raise taxes, not getting LA superintendent job, his new plan to not suspend any student K-3 regardless of bad behavior, more
          The Missouri Times:  Repeal of prohibition-era regulation vote imminent in House
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Kevin Corlew (R-Kansas City) files bill to reduce violent crime in KC;  Dems Sly James, Chris Koster express support
          KWMU:  Q&A:  What a Peabody Energy bankruptcy would mean
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  State Auditor Nicole Galloway flags former Dunklin County public administrator
          AP:  Database of problem police officers may get test in Ferguson
          P-D editorial:  Killings provide more fodder for anti-immigration debate;  Donald Trump, others will overreact to a less-than-legal immigrant beating up a woman, driving drunk and murdering five innocent Americans
          P-D editorial:  A filibuster reveals Missouri's bigotry
          KC Star editorial:  A worthy filibuster ends in Missouri, but the fight to stop shameful anti-gay measure is on +
          Priddy:  Correction to septuagenarian mathletics
          P-D op-ed:  Jay Ashcroft:  Get serious about meaningful ethics overhaul
          KC Star letter:  Matt Blunt:  U.S. auto industry provides jobs, positive economic impact to Missouri +
          Disclosure


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



        Wednesday, March 9
       
KC Star:  Bill Clinton cancels KC speech to small crowd;  Rep. Emanuel Cleaver says Hillary faces "an enthusiasm gap, there's no question about it" +
          KWMU:  Bill Clinton lays out the stakes for his wife and nation in Democratic presidential contest
          KWMU:  Heidi Cruz makes stop across the river from St. Louis
          P-D:  Presidential candidates heavily wooing St. Louis region on eve of Missouri and Illinois primaries
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  Vintage female sports "Bill Clinton for First Lady" t-shirt;  more
          KWMU:  Donald Trump to appear at Peabody Opera House in St. Louis City on Friday
          The Missouri Times:  Former Sen. Jim Talent on Trump, Rubio, brokered convention
          The Missouri Times:  Former Gov. Bob Holden on Clinton vs. Sanders, GOP field
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Chris Koster, Catherine Hanaway make campaign stops in Dunklin County
          SE Missourian:  Josh Hawley makes campaign stop in Cape Girardeau, calls for end to 'culture of corruption' +
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Lena Samford seeks to fill Democratic ballot slot against Rep. Andrew McDaniel (R-Deering) +
          Drebes:  Lit piece from Randy Dinwiddie, running as GOP candidate in "State Senate District 59 [sic]," says one goal is to "keep [sic] professional football in St. Louis"
          Drebes:  Help Wanted:  Missouri Budget Project seeks Outreach Coordinator & Policy Analyst
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard asks if he can have some decorum, please +
          KC Star:  GOP kills filibuster of religious objections bill +
          Missourinet:  Filibuster continues on proposal aimed to protect gay marriage opponents
          The Missouri Times:  Senate Dems filibuster SJR39 through second night
          P-D:  Filibuster stretches into its third day in Missouri Senate
          KWMU:  Religious 'shield' proposal being blocked in the Missouri Senate
          AP:  Democrats filibuster religious objections measure
          Missourinet:  Missouri House prepared to send budget proposal to Senate
          Missourinet:  Missouri House takes another $1 million from Mizzou, declines performance funding restoration
          CDT:  Proposal to cut funding leads legislative labors against university X
          CDT:  University of Missouri budget cut further as Rowden effort fails X
          KWMU:  House gives first-round approval to budget bills;  Rep. Genise Montecillo (D-St. Louis) would cut Nixon's budget, move money to Parents as Teachers;  more
          P-D:  University of Missouri trimmed further under Missouri House budget
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri House votes to boost cuts for MU campus
          AP:  Missouri House limits funding for MU, Planned Parenthood
          Columbia Missourian:  ASUM students hold annual lobby day during budget debate
          KWMU:  Melissa Click appeals her firing by the University of Missouri
          Columbia Missourian:  Melissa Click challenges curators' decisions as AAUP investigation looms
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Dept. of Economic Development to help laid off Noranda workers
          The Missouri Times:  Heartland Credit Union Association holds lobby day
          SNL:  MoDOT launches "enhanced pothole patrol" X
          JCNT:  Animal rights groups pan ag data bill X
          KWMU:  Ferguson poised to take final vote on federal consent decree
          AP:  Ferguson takes step to resolve lawsuit by DOJ
          P-D:  In Ferguson, meeting dominated by protocol still draws a crowd
          P-D:  NAACP unhappy about firing of county employee;  Annette Slack used county computer to draft papers on behalf of legal clients
          P-D editorial:  Free land should sweeten the deal for NGA in St. Louis
          P-D editorial:  Legislature considers making Missouri's terrible gun laws even worse
          JCNT editorial:  Cooler bill's chilling effect on voter trust X
          SE Missourian editorial:  SEMO did the right thing by holding a TEDx talk on race +
          Priddy:  Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard was correct to call for decorum;  Additional thoughts on new workspace for press corps
          KC Star op-ed:  University of Missouri interim president Mike Middleton:  Mizzou touches people, boosts economy all over +
          P-D op-ed:  Mizzou political science prof Jay Dow says Board of Curators was wrong to fire Melissa Click
          Waters:  How do black Mizzou athletes feel?  Man who chooses to wear dreadlocks dislikes "hood rat" stereotype X
          P-D op-ed:  Rex Sinquefield:  Earnings tax puts city at a competitive disadvantage
          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, March 8
       
KWMU:  Bill Clinton to campaign for Hillary at Bridgeton union hall today
          KC Star:  Local black leaders embrace Hillary before primary;  Area reverend who goes by nickname "Modest" says Clinton is the best presidential candidate "in over a century"
          The Missouri Times:  Demo Days recap
          P-D:  Ann Wagner to host human trafficking training for education professionals
          KWMU:  St. Louis offers NGA land for free;  Lacy Clay mocks Illinois offer, says best and brightest employees don't want to work in a "cornfield"
          P-D:  St. Louis makes 'millennial' case with offer of free land to spy agency
          AP:  St. Louis offers free land for spy agency site
          KWMU:  Bill to transfer West Lake Landfill oversight from EPA to Army Corps hits opposition in D.C.
          Missourinet:  State House-Senate committee agrees on political consulting ethics proposal
          The Missouri Times:  Paid political consultant bill gets through conference committee with new language
          Missourinet:  Senate Democrats filibuster bill seeking to protect entities opposed to gay marriage
          AP:  Missouri Democrats stall religious objections bill
          KC Star:  Senate Democrats filibuster bill on religious freedom and gay marriage
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill would repeal requirement for concealed carry permits
          Missourinet:  Schaefer proposes commission to oversee Mizzou
          Columbia Missourian:  AAUP to investigate Melissa Click's firing
          KC Star:  Concerned Student 1950 protesters make a scene while Spike Lee films the action
          CDT:  Spike Lee captures free footage for "2 Fists Up" while student protesters act out
          Columbia Missourian:  Spike Lee visit photo gallery:  Oppressed females snap, chant and gyrate for millionaire male's camera
          CDT:  Correction:  Spike Lee at Mizzou to gather footage for "Spike Lee's Lil' Joints," not esteemed ESPN "30 for 30" series
          Missourinet:  Bans on texting, cell phone use while driving are unopposed in Missouri House hearing
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers hear bill package that would ban texting-while-driving
          Columbia Missourian:  Zero physician assistant licenses issued in Missouri after two years
          The Missouri Times:  South steps of Capitol to be closed through October
          P-D:  Sinquefield contribution to earnings tax fight tops $1.4 million
          AP:  Ferguson Mayor James Knowles:  With costs clarified, DOJ agreement near
          KWMU:  Researcher at Wash U School of Social Work talks about "toxic stress," racism, "shaming" of those who have not improved their own economic standing, etc.
          P-D editorial:  The choice-to-not-cater-gay-weddings issue comes to Missouri
          P-D editorial:  Shackling science with a fetal-tissue nonissue
          Waters:  "Stand your ground" laws are tough to write;  Thanks to "inherent racism," Caucasoids often find black males with guns to be threatening
          Priddy:  Thoughts on Missouri public defender budget and the case that inspired the Henry Fonda made-for-TV classic "Gideon's Trumpet"
          P-D's Nicklaus:  Earnings tax debate should include some alternatives
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  Rep. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville) is wrong to cling to guns and voters
          P-D letter:  Pacific man says government is spending too much on NGA relocation
          JCNT letter:  Area man expresses anger over lawmakers "dithering" while Missouri roads deteriorate
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman wants raise for home health care workers
          P-D letter:  Town and County dermatologist supports biosimilars-biologic 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.



        Monday, March 7
       
KWMU:  Missouri's March 15 primary draws Cruz, Bill Clinton to St. Louis area
          SNL:  "Anyone but" feeling strong as Springfield Republicans prepare for presidential primary X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Video:  Reporter Ken Newton wonders how Roy Blunt feels about sharing a ticket with Donald Trump X
          Missourinet:  Missouri Military Advocate nominee talks about protecting Missouri assets from federal budget cuts
          Missourinet:  Deadline nears for Missourians' federal help after December, January flooding
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Russ Carnahan;  Panel of Sean Nicholson, Nasheed's Blake Lawrence, Farm Bureau's Ashley McDonald, Rep. Jay Houghton (R) discuss 'paycheck protection,' earnings tax, soil/parks/water tax, and presidential primary
          Columbia Missourian:  Politifact rating:  Chris Koster's statement around Medicaid income threshold rated "Mostly True"
          Kraske:  Chris Koster, a Democrat for nearly a whole decade, says GOP is "untethered ... from planet earth" +
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  John Brunner to headline Macon County Lincoln Day Dinner on Thursday night
          Rosenbaum:  St. Louis County's prescription drug database may catch on elsewhere
          KWMU:  Missouri House to take up state budget;  Senate may debate fuel tax
          KC Star:  Weekly preview:  Campaign contributions limits, budget, texting-while-driving, elimination of sales tax on guns and ammo, Buck O'Neil Bridge +
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Munzlinger introduces Rural Jobs Act
          KWMU:  Entrepreneurial groups want more funding for Missouri Technology Corporation
          The Maneater:  GOP bill would legalize concealed carry on campus
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Truman State President Troy Paino hopeful for restoration of funding boost
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Northwest Missouri State announces Women's History Month events:  Lily Ledbetter, Q&A with area mayor, screening of 2004 suffrage documentary X
          The Maneater:  Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia) proposes review on UM System and for MU to make changes
          The Maneater:  Board of Curators' 4-2 decision to fire Melissa Click under scrutiny
          Columbia Missourian:  Spike Lee to include Mizzou football team in ESPN "30 for 30" program
          P-D's Ben Frederickson:  A Spike Lee joint on Mizzou boycott?  Buckle up
          Columbia Missourian:  Most-read stories of the week:  Only 3 of 10 involve Melissa Click and/or race drama
          SE Missourian:  Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau) wants to tax drug dealers +
          P-D:  A Missouri law to protect children from abuse by children sparks hundreds of hotline calls;  Measure was sponsored by Rep. Marsha Haefner (R-St. Louis County)
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  House bill would allow local 911 taxes on cell phones
          The Maneater:  Bill from Sen. Mike Cunningham (R-Rogersville) addresses underage drinking
          CDT:  Bonds sold to build State Historical Society research center X
          Marshfield Mail:  Missouri's paddlefish season opens March 15;  MO Dept. of Conservation says rising temps spark predictable patterns from fertile females driven to breed
          KWMU:  Feminists to hold body-image panel:  Thoughts from a gender-assigned female who is now a man, mammarily-gifted cosplay enthusiast, and septuagenarian nudist who admits to missing the validation of men's catcalls and whistles
          KWMU:  Ferguson consent decree will likely be brought back before city council
          P-D:  Feds say Ferguson could resolve costly lawsuit by signing agreement
          KC Star editorial:  Democratic Sens. Jason Holsman, Kiki Curls wrong to oppose ethics proposals +
          JCNT editorial:  Imposter drugs add urgency to need for Rx monitoring X
          P-D editorial:  Upon further review, Ferguson comes to its senses
          P-D op-ed:  Area AFL-CIO boss Jeff Aboussie:  Unions are ready to help build NGA
          P-D's Gilbert Bailon:  Tony Messenger sweeps state's top three opinion writing awards
          SNL op-ed:  Citizens United's David Bossie:  In support of Josh Hawley for attorney general X
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Missouri unemployment numbers:  There's a job in the area for anyone with a skillset and a desire to work X
          St. Joseph News-Press' Steve Booher:  Thoughts on Mizzou:  Administration must hire "another Elson Floyd" to ease racial tensions;  Football players should continue to lead the way;  More X
          The Maneater op-ed:  Foley shouldn't have publicly assured Click's job would be protected
          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, March 6
       
KWMU:  At Democrat Days, Koster and Kander signal themes of their campaigns
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Dunklin County Lincoln Day will feature talks from U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, Speaker Todd Richardson, state Rep. Andrew McDaniel
          SNL:  Local Republicans celebrate Lincoln Days;  Schaefer and Hawley continue series of contentious exchanges X
          SNL:  Clinton, Sanders campaigns mobilize supporters locally ahead of March 15 primary X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri's schizophrenic history of presidential-nominating systems:  State moved to primary election in 1988 to boost Dick Gephardt X
          Washington Missourian:  FEMA recovery centers transition to loan centers X
          JCNT:  Ron Richard calls on senators to have more decorum;  Senate President Pro Tem calls out members for foul-mouthed language, bickering over previous votes X
          Drebes:  After Gosen's resignation, Engler gets Insurance Committee chair
          P-D:  Supreme Court's ruling on abortion could have impact in Missouri
          Washington Missourian:  Municipal court revenues higher than expected when created in 2012 X
          JCNT:  Obesity prevention group lays out action plan;  Missouri Foundation for Health funds initiative to help keep poor kids from also being fat X
          CDT:  Psychiatric hospital proposal reaches state review level X
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Kinder presents Veteran's Service Award to Roger Wheeler +
          KWMU:  Researcher theorizes that St. Louis segregation is a legacy of deliberate federal policy;  Ferguson resident says problems in black community are due to institutional racism, not sloth or individual failures
          KC Star:  It's ridiculous that the leader of the national Democratic Party is protecting payday lenders;  Industry-friendly federal bill might tighten laws in Missouri, but still falls short +
          SNL editorial:  Missouri must build a teacher database X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Colona's secession bill is silly;  Instead of sarcastic approach, urban legislators should know their role and work with rural majority X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Schaefer's "stand your ground" proposal sparks questions to ponder X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  UM system making progress - and Concerned Student 1950 will learn to accept what it's been given X
          Messenger:  Danforth takes issue with his portrayal in upcoming HBO movie;  Missouri senator helped discredit Anita Hill's tales about Clarence Thomas
          SE Missourian letter:  Man who lost state rep race as a Democrat questions conservative credentials of Doug Libla, Holly Rehder +
          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, March 5
       
KHQA (Hannibal):  Hannibal hosts Democrat Days;  Octogenarian host John Yancey:  "We don't have anything like this - except in St. Louis, Springfield and Kansas City"
          KWMU:  "Behind the Headlines" podcast:  Mannies and Rosenbaum recap their stories on Missouri presidential primary, Rex vs. earnings tax
          KWMU:  Bond endorses Rubio, earlier had backed Bush
          KC Star:  Democratic pollsters, who predicted "tight" outcome prior to Roy Blunt's 13-point victory in 2010, say Missourians disagree with junior senator on SCOTUS appointment +
          KWMU:  State of Illinois sweetens NGA deal by $115 million
          P-D:  Bi-state battle for NGA intensifies as Missouri prepares to match no-cost Illinois offer
          KC Star:  Missouri man visits Cuba, brings back Zika virus +
          Missourinet:  Panama signs $200 million trade agreement for Missouri goods
          Missourinet:  Joe Driskill nominated to be Missouri's first-ever Military Advocate
          Drebes:  Trio of bills from Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) target immigrant crime, resource-leeching
          KC Star:  Moon's immigration bills yet to be assigned to commitee +
          Missourinet:  Missouri House votes for easier access to adoptees' birth certificates
          JCNT:  Bill would require newborn screening for fatal condition X
          CDT:  University of Missouri plans for cuts up to 8 percent on Columbia campus X
          CDT:  True/False film stars Concerned Student 1950 activists;  Indian male, two prominently-pierced Caucasoids given "exclusive" access to protesters X
          Columbia Missourian:  True/False "March March" parade photo gallery:  Voter registration effort, adults wearing rollerblades, adults playing with puppets in public, etc.
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri bill guarantees opt-out ability for standardized tests
          KWMU:  Unaccredited Riverview Gardens district spends taxpayer money on "TV news" operation
          KWMU:  Student's quest to remain in charter school has long, twisting backstory
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Legislation seeks to end ticket quotas for police X
          P-D:  Trial delayed in Koster lawsuit against Bridgeton landfill
          KWMU:  Ferguson names top four candidates to fill police chief vacancy
          P-D editorial briefs:  Police video:  Chappelle-Nadal hops aboard social media myth train despite video proof;  Military vets get tuition discount
          KC Star's Diuguid:  Missouri's black-on-black homicides are an embarrassment;  A focus on "peace, reconciliation, mercy, forgiveness" will totally change behavior +
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Area man disagrees with Blunt on SCOTUS, compares U.S. senator to petulant child
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves man opposes prescription drug monitoring program
          CDT letter:  Area man questions efficacy of university's minority advocates X
          KC Star letters:  Independence man attempt analogizing Missouri legislators and UM curators to Hitler;  Man who chooses to live in Kansas passes judgment on Missouri's enforcement of Sunshine Law +
          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, March 4
       
KWMU:  Missouri Democrats gather on less-than-friendly rural turf for annual Democrat Days;  Nixon will skip again as attendance, caliber of speakers has dwindled since party's urbanization
          Kraske:  James Harris on importance of Missouri presidential primary;  Will Kraus on voter ID;  Tom Flanigan on proposed cuts to University of Missouri budget +
          CDT:  Missouri Republican candidates not ready to buck Trump surge in primary X
          KC Star:  Dave Drebes' MoScout poll shows Trump leading among Missouri GOP primary voters +
          Kraske:  Backers of Donald Trump apparently are everywhere, but they aren't public about it +
          KC Star:  Liberal groups disagree with Blunt on SCOTUS appointment;  Crowd of ten (10) liberals shows up at KC district office to complain +
          JCNT:  'Iron Curtain' plus 70;  Seasoned citizens' amateur radio club still talking about that time Winston Churchill came to town X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Russ Carnahan holds up his end of a conversation on losing to Lacy Clay, why he's a superior candidate compared to urbanites, more
          P-D:  Defense budget for NGA matches land near Scott Air Force Base
          KWMU:  Sinquefield to bankroll group that seeks to end St. Louis City's earnings tax
          Drebes:  Social media posts can expose partisanship of "Independents";  Ron Richard notes that appointee to State Board of the Healing Arts leans to the left
          The Missouri Times:  Book traces former FCC chairman's travels from southeast Missouri to Jefferson City and beyond
          KWMU:  A look at municipalities with more registered voters than residents;  Office of Prosecutor Bob McCulloch (D) going after two individuals for voter fraud
          KWMU:  Missouri Senate sends more ethics changes to the House
          KC Star:  Bill takes aim at campaign funds of legislators who become lobbyists +
          P-D:  Paper updates lobbyist-gift database, encourages people to care about trinkets, tickets, etc.
          Missourinet:  House vote sends 'paycheck protection' legislation to Nixon
          Missourinet:  Roll call vote on 'paycheck protection'
          P-D:  'Paycheck protection' bill sent to Nixon
          Missourinet:  House approves prescription drug monitoring program
          P-D:  Prescription drug monitoring given final go-ahead in House, heads to Senate
          AP:  State House passes prescription drug monitoring bill
          P-D:  Lawmakers seek to change school-funding formula
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Home health care workers want higher pay +
          Washington Missourian:  Bill for lifetime concealed carry circulates in Missouri Senate X
          JCNT:  Senate passes bill canceling state income taxes for military in Missouri X
          The Missouri Times:  KC, STL mayors battle earnings tax repeal
          KC Star:  Undoing Missouri water patrol merger no longer necessary, says Rep. Diane Franklin (R-Camdenton) +
          KC Star:  Naming of new judge in trooper's case 'a joke,' Brandon Ellingson's father says +
          AP:  House votes to open adoptee birth certificates
          CDT:  University of Missouri supporters oppose budget cuts X
          CDT:  AAUP threatens investigation, censure of University of Missouri over Melissa Click X
          Columbia Missourian:  Professors' group threatens investigation into Melissa Click's firing, and Foley responds
          SE Missourian:  TEDx speakers chat about race, culture in talks at Southeast;  Three Caucasoids and a black lady tackle racial stereotypes, children's toys, other pressing issues +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Women's History Month speaker series at Missouri Western:  Sexagenarian feminist complains about unfairness of men making laws, men writing history books, men winning presidential nominations, etc. X
          Drebes:  Bill from Rep. Caleb Jones (R-Columbia) would protect municipalities that lose population
          JCNT:  Schaefer pushes bill to regulate fantasy sports games X
          The Missouri Times:  Beer bill narrowly passes through Senate
          SNL:  Mother's Brewing Company says proposed beer cooler law would hurt microbreweries X
          AP:  Legislative battle ensues over beer-cooler bill in Missouri Legislature
          The Missouri Times:  PSC approves KCP&L solar facility application, Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act plan
          P-D:  Judge clears way for trial in federal government's lawsuit against Ameren
          KWMU:  Police chief Dotson:  Body cameras unlikely to be deployed until next year
          SE Missourian:  Nixon's appointment surprises new Perry County coordinator +
          St. James Leader-Journal:  Nixon fires opening gun to begin trout season
          JCNT editorial:  Caleb Jones' bill to prevent lake electrocutions is a good one X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri Supreme Court must reject half-way reforms of municipal courts
          Rust:  Missouri GOP pioneer Al Sikes to sign his new book Saturday in Sikeston +
          Waters:  Easing tensions between legislators and the University of Missouri X
          Priddy:  Missouri should be more like New Mexico and shorten its legislative session, eliminate lawmakers' salaries
          KC Star's Diuguid:  'Stand your ground' proposal would further liberalize gun laws in Missouri +
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Concerned Student 1950 should learn to compromise, be happy with what they've already been handed
          KC Star letter:  Eric Schmitt responds to editorial, defends plan to cut taxes +
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood woman says that ruining lives - via no action on texting-while-driving bills - is classic GOP
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says police body cameras will pay off in the long run
          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, March 3
       
KWMU:  Missouri discovers its presidential primary may matter after all
          SNL:  Missouri selected for new federal food stamp project X
          KWMU:  St. Louis Fed offers new data on millennials' student debt;  Young man who chose to borrow large sum of money laments his struggle to pay it back
          KWMU:  What is the status of lead contamination and remediation in St. Louis, following Flint crisis?
          The Missouri Times:  National popular vote splits Republicans, moves forward
          The Missouri Times:  Health advocates object to tobacco tax increase proposals
          KC Star:  Some health care groups oppose 2016 ballot measures to increase tobacco tax +
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Missouri State Troopers Association supporting Kurt Schaefer for AG +
          The Missouri Times:  Ashley Beard-Fosnow files for state rep;  House could host sibling rivalry next session
          Missourinet:  Supreme Court sends Progress Missouri case against Missouri Senate to appeals court
          Missourinet:  Court challenge possible if 'paycheck protection' becomes law
          P-D:  St. Louis County gaining allies on prescription drug monitoring program
          The Missouri Times:  Coming budget fight will revolve around Mizzou
          P-D:  UM System cut remains in budget passed by House committee
          JCNT:  Panel votes to cut $7.6M from UM System funding X
          AP:  Panel OKs plan for $69M more for schools
          P-D:  City earnings tax debate gets heated in House committee
          KWMU:  Francis Slay, Sly James oppose proposed earnings tax repeals
          AP:  Schaefer proposes expanding 'stand your ground' laws
          KC Star:  Missouri lawmakers discuss 'stand your ground' law +
          Columbia Missourian:  Supreme Court decision could challenge Missouri abortion law
          KWMU:  Beer battle resolved, for now;  craft brewers said to be worried
          AP:  Proposal from Rep. Genise Montecillo (D-St. Louis) would close police reports of suicides
          P-D:  House committee approves bill to restrict police records
          P-D:  Reginald Clemons set for summer trial in 1991 Chain of Rocks Bridge murders;  Criminal and pals raped Julie and Robin Kerry, then pushed them off bridge to their death
          P-D:  Ferguson expected to reconsider agreement with Justice Department
          P-D:  Jury rejects claim that Ferguson police wrongly beat suspect in 2009
          P-D:  Video refutes woman's claim that police officer held her children at gunpoint;  Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) still stands by stranger's Facebook tale
          P-D editorial:  No excuse for the mess around proposed NGA-West site
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Leaders of drug recovery center support Rehder's bill on PDMP +
          JCNT letter:  Area man references his own previous letters to the editor, adds additional sarcasm to concealed-carry debate X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County man says two curators who voted to spare Melissa Click should be fired
          CDT letter:  Area man celebrates Click firing, says video proof ensured "no amount of professional theorizing and pontificating could save her hide" X
          Disclosure



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



        Wednesday, March 2
       
Missourinet:  Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin) says he'll vote third party if Trump is GOP nominee
        Drebes:  Former congressional candidate Tommy Sowers (D) launches app:  "It feels good to literally [sic] explode real estate commissions. Viva la revolucion!"
        P-D:  Data shows St. Louis young adults choose to take on more student debt;  Fed official notes trend of young people risking financial future by borrowing too much and welshing on debts
        AP:  Violent crime earns St. Louis City creater access to taxpayer-funded Justice Department programs
        Faughn:  Turning 2016 Jefferson City into 1692 Salem, Massachusetts:  How self-righteous gossipy busybodies undermine good work of most legislators - and should probably try looking in the mirror before pointing fingers
        KC Star:  Joshua Hawley, Kurt Schaefer rolling up endorsements in Missouri GOP AG primary +
        P-D:  Case closed, no charges in internecine Democratic street fight between Reps. Courtney Curtis and Michael Butler
        Drebes:  Field forms to fill Rep. Anne Zerr's seat:  Former state Rep. Kenny Biermann (D) and GOPsters Adam Schnelting and Tom Hannegan
        The Missouri Times:  St. Louis City Alderman Donna Baringer to run for safe Dem state rep seat
        Missourinet:  Missouri trade delegation packs for Panama
        Missourinet:  Missouri Senate passes 'paycheck protection' bill
        Missourinet:  Photo:  Senate roll call votes on 'paycheck protection' bill
        The Missouri Times:  Democratic senators filibuster 'paycheck protection' to no avail
        P-D:  'Paycheck protection' bill filibustered in Missouri Senate, passes anyway
        KWMU:  Missouri Senate passes 'paycheck protection' bill
        AP:  Missouri Senate approves 'paycheck protection' legislation
        Missourinet:  Missouri House gives initial approval to prescription drug monitoring program
        The Missouri Times:  Rehder gathers coalition, gets PDMP perfected
        AP:  Missouri House approves prescription drug monitoring program
        KWMU:  With state unlikely to act, St. Louis County establishes prescription drug monitoring program
        P-D:  Leapfrogging state, St. Louis County becomes first jurisdiction to enact prescription program
        The Missouri Times:  Avalere Health study makes the case against pseudoephedrine restrictions;  Comments from Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis)
        JCNT:  Rep. Jeanie Riddle (R-Mokane) pushes bill to help Department of Mental Health in forced medication cases X
        Missourinet:  Missouri House Budget Committee approves breaking out funds for executions
        CDT:  Lawmakers tour University of Missouri reactor to consider pitch for expansion funds X
        CDT:  Budget committee rejects Rowden effort to restore University of Missouri cuts X
        CDT:  Melissa Click firing solves part of budget issues for University of Missouri X
        Missourinet:  House Budget Committee maintains cut to University of Missouri administration
        P-D:  Plan could halt budget cuts for University of Missouri
        P-D:  Residents petition for audit of Hazelwood School Board;  Rep. Keith English (I-Florissant) asks House, Senate leads to withhold funds from crown jewel of North St. Louis County school districts
        P-D:  St. Louis' two school boards meet to discuss tax plan
        KWMU:  SLU associate med school prof laments "devastating" amount of stress kids face, says parents are to blame for "overachievement pressure"
        The Missouri Times:  Medical marijuana legislation continues to make inroads
        KWMU:  Municipal court working group leaves consolidation up to the Legislature
        AP:  Work group proposes St. Louis-area municipal court reforms
        KWMU:  Rex Sinquefield to bankroll group that seeks to end St. Louis' earnings tax
        Missourinet:  Senators advocate for a convention of the state legislatures
        AP:  Missouri lawmakers consider police bias, body camera bills
        Missourinet:  Voter deadline approaches for Missouri beef checkoff
        P-D:  Bill from Rep. Mike Colona (D-Tower Grove) would split St. Louis City from rest of Missouri;  Cheeky proposal a wink to ideological difference on gay rights, guns, etc.
        KWMU:  Wash U data program helps make the case for the poor;  Phone calls to the United Way help line are tracked
        JCNT:  Silver Haired Legislature members shuffle to Capitol, make requests:  More spending on state meals program, more spending on Medicaid home-delivered food program, etc. X
        P-D editorial:  Fair wages for home care workers delayed. Again.
        P-D editorial:  Eliminate lead-paint contamination now or pay a higher price later
        Waters:  Concerned Student 1950 going too far, should be happy with what they've been handed X
        Priddy:  Seasoned citizen shares tale of sitting in doctor's waiting room, paging through Reader's Digest  - which still exists - and thinking about "equal pay" proposals
        P-D letter:  Chesterfield woman responds to environmentalist group on Missouri and climate change, wonders how big carbon footprint was for group's trip to Paris
        Disclosure

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        Tuesday, March 1
       
Rosenbaum:  Candidates hone their election year messaging at Lincoln Days
          The Missouri Times:  In closed-door meeting at Lincoln Days, GOP statewide candidates agree to unite after primary
          Kraske:  The Chat:  John Hancock on 2016 Missouri GOP post-primary unity;  Justin Alferman on voter ID;  GOP activist Frieda Keough on Trump and GOP presidential primary +
          KC Star:  National media discovers Jeff Roe;  List of recent formulaic profiles featuring quotes from clients, campaign workers, frenemies, Democratic candidates whom he defeated, et al. +
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri State Troopers Association votes unanimously to endorse Kurt Schaefer for attorney general
          P-D:  Rep. Joe Adams (D-University City) tries to distance himself from David Poger;  State rep says order-restrained Dem worked in campaigns in "far past," while records show payments in 2014
          The Missouri Times:  Greg Razer to run for Jeremy LaFaver's seat;  Southeast Missouri native a veteran of Jean Carnahan campaign, PROMO, McCaskill's district operation
          KC Star:  Missouri Republicans hold diverse views on ethics legislation +
          KC Star:  Legislators, staff, media share opinions on limits to Sunshine Law +
          P-D:  Shelved MoDOT program could help offset funding woes, lawmakers say
          Missourinet:  Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia) opposes paying toward infrastructure by shifting State Patrol budget
          KWMU:  Proposed fuel tax hike set for debate in Missouri Senate
          The Missouri Times:  After budget win, Missouri Hospital Association moves to extend federal reimbursement allowance
          Missourinet:  Dissolution of Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services proposed again
          JCNT:  Rep. Courtney Curtis (D-Ferguson) proposes making Lincoln University the state's 'flagship' campus;  Legislator says his goal is to hold Mizzou accountable X
          CDT:  University of Missouri should not fret over bill lifting degree restrictions, MSU president says X
          Washington Missourian:  Local lawmakers say creation of new state park near Arkansas border was misuse of funds
          KWMU:  Beer battle erupts in Missouri Senate
          Missourinet:  Bill to require outside investigation of Missouri officer-involved deaths heard again
          The Missouri Times:  Pro-gun bills tested in Emerging Issues Committee
          KWMU:  Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights) introduces another gun bill
          CDT:  Bill to honor veterans by renaming portions of Highway 63 advances X
          P-D editorial:  GOP, Dem state senators wrong to hold voice vote on ethics bill;  Efforts by Nasheed, Curls to provide coats to the poor among activities criticized
          CDT's Waters:  Melissa Click will probably sue;  Missouri legislators should at least end their threats to cut university budgets X
          Columbia Missourian's Carl Kenney:  Catherine Hanaway's comments on lawlessness "resonate with many Missouri residents," but she fails to acknowledge that life isn't fair for black people
          P-D's Gilbert Bailon:  Post-Dispatch website gets "clean, vibrant" redesign
          SE Missourian letter:  Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Springfield) on his bill to stop Clean Power Plan +
          P-D letter:  Columbia man dislikes Legislature's involvement in University of Missouri matters
          P-D letter:  Des Peres man says Legislature was right to push for Click's firing
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Mizzou alum says university governance needs complete overhaul
          P-D letter:  Defiance man says universities hardly bring together a wealth of viewpoints:  Examples include disinvited conservative speakers, "safe spaces" for weak-willed thinskins, etc.
          Disclosure



       

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