johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - March 2017



    

        Friday, March 31
       
KC Star:  McCaskill warns Democratic donors of pitfalls of blocking Trump nominee for higher court +
          P-D:  Leaked tape:  McCaskill tells donors she's leery of filibustering Trump's Supreme Court pick
          The Weekly Standard:  McCaskill worried Gorsuch filibuster will backfire
          Politico:  McCaskill agonizes over Gorsuch
          The Hill:  McCaskill to Bernie Sanders supporters:  "I need you, I want you"
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt helps question experts on cyberattacks X
          Washington Missourian:  Blunt speaks at Franklin County Lincoln Day dinner X
          SE Missourian:  Jason Smith:  Most GOP members on board with health-care bill;  others "holding out for perfection" +
          Politico:  White House shuffles West Wing staff;  Missourian Katie Walsh sent to fix Trump's outside political group, which faltered during health care battle
          Missourinet:  David Petraeus to speak, join Churchill fellows at Westminster College
          JCNT:  Elizabeth Hasselbeck speaks at Vitae Foundation's 25-year anniversary event X
          KC Star:  Federal contractor has 350 job openings in the Kansas City area +
          Drebes:  Dick Doherty retires, for good;  Seasoned lobbyist departs with reputation as "a man of his word and a true gentleman"
          The Missouri Times:  Hawley celebrates Trump's actions against Obama-era environmental regulations
          KC Star:  Hawley to provide monthly report on state payments settling lawsuits +
          P-D:  Hawley to release monthly report on state's legal settlements
          Missourinet:  Soldiers honored during Missouri Vietnam Veterans Day
          AP:  Greitens picks Missouri labor department director;  Anna Hui to be Missouri's first Asian-American cabinet member
          The Missouri Times:  Victims and advocates to be honored during 'Crime Victims' Rights Week'
          AP:  Missouri House passes prevailing wage repeal
          KWMU:  Legislature updates:  Prevailing wage, REAL ID, abortion, minimum wage
          The Missouri Times:  All eyes turn to Senate as House passes REAL ID
          AP:  Missouri House passes REAL ID compliance measure
          KC Star:  REAL ID bill clears Missouri House, but hurdle awaits in Senate +
          Missourinet:  After House passage, REAL ID likely to see slow action in the Senate
          AP:  House passes bill overturning St. Louis abortion ordinance
          Missourinet:  Committee continues investigation into Dept. of Corrections staff complaints
          P-D:  Paying for schools could trigger problems between House and Senate in Missouri budget
          The Missouri Times:  Senate again decides against confirming UM Curators
          KWMU:  Solar Foundation's Andrea Luecke says Missouri has "decent" state-level policies to encourage alternative energy
          Missourinet:  Mother of daughter children at Lake of the Ozarks blames Ameren, wants Missouri Legislature to boost dock safety regulations
          SNL:  'Hailey's Law' passes House, heads to Senate X
          Missourinet:  'Hailey's Law' on Amber Alert system is heading to Missouri Senate
          P-D:  Firefighter grazed by bullet while on duty in Ferguson, chief says
          P-D:  Local PBS affiliate pulls plug on public affairs show "Stay Tuned";  Station thought it could stimulate sensible discussion via social media
          KC Star editorial:  McCaskill right to plunge ahead with opioid probe +
          JCNT editorial:  New law puts A+ Scholarship Program on equal footing X
          SNL letter:  Area man disagrees with "David Humphries [sic]" on prevailing wage X
          Disclosure


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        Thursday, March 30
       
The Hill:  Durbin giving McCaskill, other vulnerable Dems space on Gorsuch
          Washington Post:  McCaskill says McConnell, White House have done little to woo her on Gorsuch
          P-D:  Pro-Trump ads coming to Missouri, nine other states
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court hears case over penalties against longtime North St. Louis County Democratic leader Elbert Walton
          P-D:  Being 'obnoxious and disrespectful' in bankruptcy court could mean discipline for Democratic boss Elbert Walton
          Missourinet:  Lt. Gov. Mike Parson pushes for passage of resolution aimed at bringing missing Missouri soldiers home
          The Missouri Times:  Rehder fends off most changes to PDMP as House perfects
          AP:  Opioid drug tracking program advances in House
          Missourinet:  House approves PDMP bill;  critics say a database won't work
          Columbia Missourian:  Debates over prescription drug monitoring program bill continue in Missouri House
          P-D:  Missouri House gives PDMP initial approval, but opposition looms in the Senate
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local physician weighs in on prescription drug bills X
          The Missouri Times:  House committee puts final touches on budget
          AP:  Missouri House OKs $242 million for unexpected expenses
          KWMU:  Missouri's budget for coming fiscal year crosses first hurdle
          Missourinet:  Hawley's office fails to send representative to budget hearing, sees funding cut
          SNL:  House committee moves money from attorney general's budget after office no-shows hearing X
          SE Missourian:  Wallingford says he seek to fix, not repeal prevailing wage +
          AP:  Missouri House votes down Medicaid expansion
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislation targeting lobbyist gifts stalls
          The Missouri Times:  Parties battle over Cornejo's alcohol measure
          P-D:  Some legislators look to ban toll roads
          The Missouri Times:  Emery, Romine spar over utilities bill in morning inquiry
          Columbia Missourian:  Reiboldt says ag legislation would protect farmers from local-government meddling
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate committee approves Scottrade Center legislation
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers advance plan to ban red-light cameras
          P-D:  Missouri House taking another shot at red-light camera ban
          Missourinet:  Missouri House holds moment of silence for Independence office shot in line of duty
          Missourinet:  University of Missouri Interim Chancellor Hank Foley accepts New York Institute of Technology job
          CDT:  Foley says salary not a major factor in taking NYIT job X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Gov. Bob Holden:  Indonesia rising as import partner
          P-D letter:  Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis):  State can continue to move toward improving access to AP exams
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Elaine Gannon (R-DeSoto):  Making the high school equivalency exam free would help disadvantaged students
          Messenger:  Sheriffs' Retirement Fund Series, Part V
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  J-School prof Sara Shipley Hiles:  Newspaper funds lead-testing project, hopes results will help advance its agenda
          Disclosure



          X
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        Wednesday, March 29
       
KC Star:  McCaskill undecided on Gorsuch confirmation, Democratic filibuster +
          KC Star:  McCaskill, Blunt disagree on Trump's energy order +
          SNL:  McCaskill opens probe of opioid drug makers X
          Missourinet:  McCaskill leads committee investigation into opioid manufacturers
          AP:  McCaskill asks drug makers about opioid sales plans
          The Hill:  McCaskill investigating opioid producers
          Washington Post:  McCaskill to investigate opioid makers' role in drug crisis X
          P-D:  McCaskill sends queries to opioid drug makers about sales, marketing strategies, donations
          CDT:  Hartzler mulls independent investigation into Trump's Russia ties X
          P-D:  Undoing Clean Power Plan could mean short-term savings, long-term uncertainty for Missouri utilities
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Tim Hurst (R-Meta) leads convoy of mid-Missourians to Kansas farmers' aid
          KFVS:  Eric Schmitt discusses saving for college at Cape Girardeau elementary school
          Missourinet:  Galloway audit underway to review state prescription drug expenses through Medicaid and CHIP
          Quincy Herald-Whig:  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) pushes statewide program to monitor opioid abuse
          The Missouri Times:  As other states reconsider Medicaid expansion, Missouri Republicans stand firmly opposed
          Missourinet:  Second-half preview:  A look at Greitens' State of the State priorities and where legislation stands
          AP:  Greitens says Trump might intervene on REAL ID
          KC Star:  Greitens attends Trump bill signing, meets with Pence +
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens signs Corlew's expert witness standards bill
          KWMU:  With Greitens' signature, Missouri set to tighten expert-witness rules
          Missourinet:  Greitens says expert-witness law will help create jobs
          AP:  Greitens signs change to expert witness vetting
          Missourinet:  GOP legislators provide workable boost in funding to cash-strapped public defender system
          Columbia Missourian:  Winners, losers emerge from latest round of Missouri budget talks
          The Missouri Times:  House passes gift ban for local government officials, ticket resale bill
          Columbia Missourian:  State legislators advance pursuit of insurance for those with developmental disabilities
          AP:  House votes to repeal prevailing-wage law
          AP:  Bill overturning St. Louis abortion ordinance advances
          KWMU:  Missouri hospitals forgo family planning funds as abortion rules go into effect;  Comments from Missouri Hospital Association's Jane Drummond
          The Missouri Times:  Emery's grid modernization bill begins trip through Senate perfection gauntlet
          P-D:  Proposal from Rep. Peter Meredith (D-St. Louis City) would fund voter ID education with money from lottery advertising budget
          CDT:  International applications lag at UM campuses X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri must act on drug monitoring +
          CDT op-ed:  Terry Schlemeier:  'Business-friendly' Show-Me State is too tough on labor X
          Messenger:  Sheriffs' Retirement Fund Series, Part IV
          St. Joseph News-Press letter:  Chillicothe sexagenarian dislikes Graves' approach to the sick and the old 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.



        Tuesday, March 28
       
Washington Examiner:  McCaskill, other Democrats dodge questions on Gorsuch
          Bloomberg:  Senate GOP leaders push for health care effort after House plan implodes;  Comments from Blunt
          KWMU:  Trump to loosen Obama carbon regulations for Missouri, other states;  Comments from Sierra Club's John Hickey, Ameren's Ajay Arora
          SE Missourian:  Stephen Webber speaks to SEMO College Democrats;  Missouri Democratic Party leader says Jay Nixon ignored party fundraising in favor of his own campaign +
          P-D:  Greitens meets with Trump cabinet, AIPAC during D.C. visit
          KC Star:  Greitens prefers straight-to-voters approach to media relations;  Comments from press corps' Phill Brooks, veteran GOP consultants James Harris and Jeff Roe +
          The Missouri Times:  Judge rules changes must be made to Kander's 'right to work' ballot language
          SNL:  New Teamsters PAC based in Springfield starts fundraising in 'right to work' era X
          The Missouri Times:  Former Skelton aide Ryan Dillon to run in Democratic primary for GOP state Senate seat
          The Missouri Times:  Sarah Wood Martin wins National Council of Jewish Women award
          The Missouri Times:  New TV special sheds light on Messer investigation
          SE Missourian:  Jay Ashcroft announces grants for summer reading programs +
          P-D:  Greitens set to sign expert-witness law
          Missourinet:  Lawmakers in both parties want more transparency from State Legal Expense Fund;  House's Dept. of Corrections investigation continues
          AP:  Missouri House advances plan for $242 million in extra spending - most for unanticipated Medicaid expenses
          The Missouri Times:  House Rules Committee approves 26 bills, including personhood amendment and alcohol advertising
          CDT:  State Senate to consider tax credit repeal X
          The Missouri Times:  Emery's collateral source bill faces further hurdles despite early passage through Senate
          Missourinet:  Measure to protect privacy of online personal information moving through Legislature
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate committee considers charter schools expansion bill
          KC Star:  National charter school group ranks Missouri low for laws;  Missouri Public Charter School Association's Douglas Thaman says proposed law will help +
          Missourinet:  University of Missouri researcher says lawmakers should incentivize rural nursing homes to improve their technology
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court to rule on sexual predator
          KC Star editorial:  McCaskill, Greitens avoid the hard questions +
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Missouri's judge selection process due fresh review X
          P-D's Nicklaus:  Obamacare has a few dents, but it isn't about to explode;  In many rural areas of Missouri, only one company offers insurance on the exchange
          St. Joseph News-Press' Newton:  Ike Skelton set a good model for engaging with constituents X
          Messenger:  Sheriffs' Retirement Fund Series, Part III
          Lake Sun letter:  Camdenton septuagenarian wants MO congressional delegation to know she supports Al Franken versus "ignorant" Trump
          P-D letter:  "St. Louis Anti-Racist Collective" takes Editorial Page Editor Tod Robberson to task for not doing enough to support black causes, showing his "deep paternalism"
          Disclosure



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




        Monday, March 27
       
Mother Jones:  Republicans, Democrats both seek to raise Elizabeth Warren's profile;  Kander's Abe Rakov says Massachusetts liberal was helpful to challenger's bid
          Missourinet:  Missouri Farm Bureau members meet Missouri congressional delegation, visit Canadian embassy
          Washington Missourian:  Leader of group serving area olds worries about cuts to HHS funding X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Sen. Jake Hummel (D-St. Louis City) chats with Mannies & Rosenbaum about labor's future, charter school legislation, and value of Greitens' city living experience
          Drebes:  Second-half legislative preview:  Friction between House and Senate over workrate and priorities;  Legislators' antipathy toward Greitens;  more
          St. Joseph News-Press:  State legislators map out the final stretch X
          P-D:  Second-half legislative preview:  Tax credits, school choice, PDMP, more
          SNL:  Americans for Prosperity's Missouri chapter pushes forward with conservative legislative agenda X
          P-D:  GOP legislators to continue pro-life push
          Missourinet:  Legislation to override St. Louis City minimum wage hike could see quick action in state Senate
          Missourinet:  Assistant Truman prof says other options are superior to upholding and implementing Missouri voter ID law
          CDT:  DESE releases new report for teacher preparation programs X
          Stateline:  Missouri, other states see population boomlet among women in their 30s
          P-D endorsement:  Ferguson Mayor James Knowles deserves re-election
          CDT op-ed:  MU biology prof George Smith:  Hartzler goes out of her way for Israeli occupation X
          Messenger:  Sheriffs' Retirement Fund Series, Part II
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves man disagrees with Wagner on financial issues, suggests that incumbent - re-elected by 21-point margin - is in election peril come 2018
          Washington Missourian letter:  "A Better Road Forward" anti-tax group:  Say no to double taxes and toll roads X
          P-D letter:  Mother of special needs child thanks lawmakers for passing charter school legislation
          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 26
       
NY Times:  Paul Ryan escapes from health care defeat badly damaged;  Billy Long says critics will blame Speaker "for everything"
          Washington Missourian:  Local library director opposes federal, state cuts to his budget X
          P-D:  Tug-of-war nearly derailed NGA's move to North St. Louis City
          Columbia Missourian/Politifact:  Blunt remark about length of Cabinet-approval process labeled "False"
          KC Star:  Hawley follows through on campaign pledge to push back against federal regulations +
          KTVI (St. Louis):  Eric Schmitt touts Missouri Linked Deposit Program;  Arctic Ice's Jerry Camsenzind says low-interest loan helped his company expand
          AP:  Second-half legislative preview:  Labor, lawsuits, education, budget, other bills
          Columbia Missourian:  Unemployment benefits bill would allow jobless to receive payments for up to 13 weeks
          Kirksville Daily Express:  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) makes pitch for prescription drug database during Kirksville stop X
          AP:  Effort to stop 'right to work' dealt a blow in Missouri court
          Washington Missourian:  Bill from Sen. Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan) would fund Scottrade renovations up to $6 million X
          St. Louis Record:  Missouri Senate bills take on infrastructure fees due to population changes;  Comments from Missouri American Water's Brian Russell, others
          West Plains Daily Quill:  Warm weather stirs activity among snakes, black bears;  Missouri Dept. of Conservation gives tips to avoid dangerous animals
          P-D:  African-American march draws 200 in St. Louis
          P-D editorial:  Missouri educators must provide student access to AP coursework and exams
          Messenger:  Sheriffs' Retirement Fund Series, Part I
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Security is expensive at the Missouri Capitol and other government buildings X
          P-D's Samantha Liss:  Missouri Republicans refuse to expand Medicaid - to the detriment of Missouri's poor
          KC Star letter:  Local septuagenarian applauds editorial board's sarcastic invitation to Trump +
          Disclosure



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



        Saturday, March 25
       
P-D:  Blunt, others champion mental health funding
          Missourinet:  Hartzler wants to see forward movement on GOP health care bill
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local liberals rally against GOP health care bill X
          KMOX:  McCaskill speaks with border patrol about illegal immigrants
          KC Star:  After KC Public Schools' publicity push, ICE reiterates alien-gathering policy +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Trip to D.C. secures 100 jobs at Rosecrans Memorial Airport;  Group met with McCaskill, Blunt, Graves last year X
          Washington Post:  McCaskill, others get justice for Energy Department whistleblower X
          The Hill:  McCaskill leads bipartisan group investigating military group-intercoursing pics
          P-D:  Congressional votes for the week
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Panel of Rep. Dan Houx (R-Warrensburg), Axiom's Travis Smith, Independence Mayor Eileen Weir, and Fred Dreiling talks prevailing wage, Missouri Plan, ethics, 'right to work,' budget, and which Republican will take on Claire McCaskill
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of March 20
          KWMU:  Greitens to meet with Trump in D.C. over the weekend
          KC Star:  Greitens to make another D.C. trip this weekend +
          The Missouri Times:  Five questions with Rep. Hannah Kelly (R-Mountain Grove)
          Missourinet:  Ashcroft confident voter ID funding request will be honored
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) talks funding for education, social services
          Washington Missourian:  Bill from Sen. Bill Eigel (R-St. Charles) would give roads back to counties;  First District Commissioner Tim Brinker (R) calls move "appalling"
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Tim Remole (R-Excello) gives update on special subcommittee looking at Dept. of Corrections
          The Missouri Times:  Emery's bill targets grid modernization
          Brownfield Ag News:  Ag Director Chris Chinn proud of Missouri farmers helping those affected by wildfires
          P-D:  Ferguson activist gets probation for attacking SUV driver who tried to push through blockade
          KC Star editorial:  Graves let constituents down by not taking a position on GOP health care bill +
          P-D editorial briefs:  Revisiting animal-breeding debate;  Public defenders
          CDT letter:  Columbia man wonders why news organizations don't investigate voter fraud involving dead people X
          P-D letter:  Ellisville woman opposes auctioning off state park
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County man says deaf drivers deserve a special license plate
          P-D letter:  UMSL Dean of Enrollment Services Alan Byrd:  Bright Flight scholarship program wrong to use discriminatory ACT scores
          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 24
       
Washington Post:  Blunt, other Senate Republicans hesitant to focus on to House GOP bill until its passage
          PBS:  Mini-profiles of Obamacare supporters, opponents:  Weldon Spring sexagenarian says she supports GOP health care bill
          KRES/KWIX:  Luetkemeyer explains his support of GOP health care bill
          Missourinet:  Billy Long says CBO's uninsured figure is misleading
          CDT:  Missouri Health Care for All turns out fewer than twelve (12) Obamacare supporters for Hartzler protest X
          KBIA (Columbia):  Missouri Health Care for All turns out ten (10) Obamacare supporters to protest Hartzler
          SNL:  Some pro-Obamacare protesters gathered outside Long's office acknowledge futility of their efforts;  Passerby honks horn, points to Trump bumper sticker X
          P-D:  Greitens joins other GOP governors to sign on to pro-AHCA letter
          Missourinet:  St. Louis airport exec testifies before Blunt subcommittee on infrastructure needs
          Politico:  Hill Republicans growing frustrated with Mattis;  Marine general has bristled at nominating Missouri's Jim Talent, other qualified GOP pols for posts
          Drebes:  Update on Ann Wagner for U.S. Senate campaign
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) chats with Mannies & Rosenbaum about PDMP, 'right to work,' her future as Speaker of the House
          The Missouri Times:  Five questions with Rep. Mark Ellebracht (D-Liberty)
          Missourinet:  GOP legislative leaders preview 2017 session's second half
          The Missouri Times:  Tort reform battle heats up in Missouri as Washington gets involved
          Kraske:  It's time for Missouri to rethink all things judicial +
          KWMU:  Legislature yet to pass lobbyist-gift ban
          Missourinet:  Group hopes Legislature will support "convention of states"
          Missourinet:  Missouri prosecutors want changes to laws involving child sex crimes
          Columbia Missourian:  MU Faculty Council debates "validating white people's anxiety," memorial to honor slaves who built campus, etc.
          P-D:  Union organizers file suit against the University of Missouri curators
          KWMU:  UMSL faculty sues UM System, alleges unionization rules are too strict
          AP:  Government:  Ferguson making 'meaningful progress' in reforms
          KC Star editorial:  Trump should visit KC for WWI Centennial and stick around for lectures on infrastructure spending, refugees and immigrants, etc. +
          JCNT editorial:  Blunt's legislation eases transition from military to civilian jobs X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Policymakers in Washington and Jefferson City can use a reminder:  Missouri depends on farm economy X
          P-D's David Nicklaus:  States' economic handouts are poorly targeted;  Comments from University of Missouri's Joseph Haslag
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says standards for expert witnesses benefit big companies, not individuals
          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 23
       
McClatchy:  DSCC, gearing up to defend McCaskill and other vulnerable Dems, releases ad targeting GOP health care bill
          Missourinet:  New Missouri Republican Party Executive Director Austin Stukins talks Obamacare repeal, retiring Claire McCaskill, more
          CDT:  Pro-life changes win Hartzler's vote on GOP health care plan
          KTTS (Springfield):  Missouri Health Care for All organizes pro-Obamacare protests outside GOP congressional offices
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri Health Care for All turns out sixteen (16) for protest outside Billy Long's office
          CDT:  CoMo for Progress event provides Obamacare supporters opportunity to vent;  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) calls President Donald Trump a "con artist"
          Missourinet:  McCaskill undecided on Gorsuch
          P-D:  Liberal groups pressure McCaskill to oppose regulatory overhauls
          Missourinet:  Wagner, Hawley target Federal Reserve agency
          CDT:  Liberal group "Race Matters, Friends" wants Columbia Public Schools to oppose federal enforcement of immigration laws
          P-D:  Phyllis Schlafly's daughter alleges that brothers sabotaged her inheritance in ongoing family fight
          The Missouri Times:  Five questions with Rep. Nick Schroer (R-St. Charles)
          The Missouri Times:  Charter schools highlighted at rural education forum
          KWMU:  Legislators will tackle federal REAL ID law in second half of session
          SNL:  With no taxes or tolls likely, MoDOT makes due
          Missourinet:  Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Reiboldt (R-Neosho) says there will not be a major transportation bill this year
          P-D:  University of Missouri System joins the growing list of schools using Common Application
          KC Star:  UM System schools join the 'Common App,' and expect an enrollment boost
          Columbia Missourian:  UM System schools to begin using the Common Application
          P-D:  Group opposing Christian sex education materials to hold rally March 28
          The Missouri Times:  More cities line up for Grain Belt Express deals as PSC hears case for a second time
          The Missouri Times:  PSC taks steps to change rules to improve transparency
          KWMU:  Ferguson's next mayor faces repairing city's reputation
          KWMU:  Activists unhappy with speed of implementing Ferguson's federal consent decree
          P-D editorial:  Ann Wagner's loyalty to financial industry stinks of swamp politics
          Jensen:  State bill looks at driver civility;  Noble legislation underscores sad reality that miscreants have no respect for authority
          Columbia Missourian's Steve Spellman:  Tuition flexibility could help fix higher ed budgets
          P-D op-ed:  Local union rep opposes GOP changes to prevailing wage
          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 22
       
Roll Call:  McCaskill, other vulnerable Senate Democrats stand firm in opposing GOP health care plan
          SNL:  Billy Long shrugs off GOP divisions over Obamacare replacement X
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  Local "Show Me Indivisible" group draws fewer than 30 to rally;  Obamacare supporters congregate during what most Missourians consider the work day X
          Vox:  Health care fact checks:  Luetkemeyer comment on state-run health exchanges is inaccurate
          Washington Post:  Mini-profiles of the "vulnerable":  O'Fallon, Mo. Obamacare supporter, once obese and now old, opposes GOP health plan
          CDT:  Local artists' anti-Trump rally draws fewer than 40;  Local thespian says she turned to art as "my therapy" X
          Columbia Missourian:  Advocates protest Trump budget cuts;  Area artist thinks calling and writing letters to congressional offices will make a difference
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt:  FBI probe should move with haste +
          P-D:  Rep. Ann Wagner takes aim at consumer protection chief
          Missourinet:  Jason Smith says Trump will make it to Missouri;  Congressman - who stayed loyal to Trump when other GOP politicos bailed in the fall - wants President to visit southeast Missouri
          Drebes:  Jason Smith on Trump's wiretapping allegations
          The Missouri Times:  Kit Bond shares his thoughts on the current state of Missouri politics:  Greitens, state budget, gas tax, advice for freshmen legislators
          The Missouri Times:  Austin Stukins named new Missouri GOP executive director
          The Missouri Times:  Joe Lakin's Victory Enterprises earns Pollie for Missouri GOTV piece
          The Missouri Times:  Mini-profile:  Q&A with Rep. Crystal Quade (D-Springfield)
          The Missouri Times:  Finding Lynn Messer:  Investigation Discovery special airs Sunday
          AP:  Missouri jobless rate drops slightly in February
          St. Louis Record:  Choices for Missouri Supreme Court seat prompt debate over 'elitist' system;  Thoughts from James Harris, others
          KWMU:  Missouri's public defenders to get help with large caseloads
          Columbia Missourian:  Dueling prescription drug monitoring proposals on collision course in Legislature
          KC Star:  Missouri lawmakers backing off Medicaid prescription limit +
          Missourinet:  Missouri Department of Mental Health Director Mark Stringer wants more money for addiction caseworkers
          AP:  Federal judge defers ruling on Missouri abortion rules
          Missourinet:  Campaign Life Missouri, NARAL-Missouri view pregnancy resource centers differently
          Missourinet:  Measure to oversee big event ticket purchases could pass Missouri House
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Galen Higdon (R-St. Joseph) would restrict taxi and Uber/Lyft drivers from using some smartphone operations while driving
          SNL:  Missouri lawmakers likely to support convention of states X
          CDT:  UM System president warns of closed programs amid budget crunch X
          KWMU:  Webster University to host sex-trafficking seminar
          KC Star editorial:  Tolls? Gas tax? Let's at least have a chat about funding Missouri highways +
          P-D op-ed:  Locs [sic] of Glory proprietor Tameka Stigers:  State of Missouri should get out of braiders' hair
          CDT letter:  Fulton man says ag bills from Munzlinger, McGaugh threaten Missourians X
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves sexagenarian expresses anger that Post-Dispatch eliminated the children and news beat, especially in light of dastardly Missouri Republicans' reign
          Disclosure



          X
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        Tuesday, March 21
       
Ozark Radio News:  Pro-Obamacare group protests outside office of Rep. Jason Smith;  "Stand and Resist" campaign draws crowd of fifteen (15)
        CDT:  Trump's victory lamented at NAACP dinner;  Mary Ratliff:  "We feel that" we're "a nation in mourning" X
        KC Star:  Trump might make stop in KC for World War I centennial +
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Local group takes part in annual fly-in, will meet with McCaskill, Blunt and Graves
        KC Star:  Missouri Republican Party announces new executive director:  Louisiana native Austin Stukins +
        The Missouri Times:  Profile Q&A:  Rep. Bruce DeGroot (R-Chesterfield)
        Columbia Missourian:  At-a-glance updates on Missouri legislative issues:  Charter schools, medical malpractice, many more
        The Missouri Times:  Senate postpones confirming gubernatorial appointments over Greitens' executive order
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Proposal to sell bridge, highway naming rights X
        P-D:  At midpoint of session, Missouri Republicans on track with changes to legal system
        The Missouri Times:  Rural Economic Development caucus hopes to expand view on state's economy
        Missourinet:  New Missouri House Rural Economic Development Caucus to raise awareness about farmer suicide rates
        Missourinet:  Newly-formed organization aims to alleviate Missouri public defender system caseloads
        P-D:  Private attorneys pledge to take on some cases from St. Louis public defenders
        KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Bill from Rep. Tim Remole (R-Excello) would make juvenile officer an elected position
        Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Shane Roden (R-Cedar Hill) would eliminate most of Missouri's motorcycle helmet law
        Missourinet:  Emery, Libla disagree on potential rate increase under proposed utility change
        KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Hearings take place this week in Grain Belt Express case
        AP:  Wind energy firm trying again for OK of cross-country line
        Washington (D.C.) Monthly op-ed:  How an obscure Obamacare provision is quietly saving lives, and money, in Missouri
        Messenger:  On family leave, Greitens embraces Obama and wins for Missouri families
        P-D op-ed:  Sexagenarian home health care worker, via SEIU communications staff:  Greitens cuts to home health care are "dramatic"
        Environment America press release:  Cars are polluting 40% less than they were 20 years ago;  Instead of accelerating this process, Trump is considering slamming on the brakes
        CDT letter:  Environment Missouri's Taylor Hale:  McCaskill should continue opposing Trump policies;  Talking points lifted verbatim from press release above X
        P-D letter:  Chesterfield man wonders if minimum-wage protesters understand their predicament if proposal is enacted
        P-D letter:  Chesterfield septuagenarian grows weary of Post-Dispatch's obsession with street pharmaceuticals salesman/police assailant Michael Brown
        Disclosure


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        Monday, March 20
       
SNL:  McCaskill effort allows cities, counties to receive federal money for prescription drug tracking programs X
          Washington Missourian:  Federal funds could be available for county roads;  Trump may unveil program
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Kit Bond on Eric Greitens, gas tax, Trump, advice for first-year legislators;  Panel of former Sen. Tim Green (D-Spanish Lake), Reps. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) and Nick Schroer (R-St. Charles) talk charter schools, "paycheck protection," Greitens' paid-leave push
          Rosenbaum:  Taking the temperature of the Legislature on paid parental leave
          Missourinet:  Auditor's website with daily tracking of general revenue fund will expand details
          SNL:  Existing 'cliff effect' program helped 0 (zero) people in five years, report from MO Dept. of Social Services says X
          Missourinet:  Rep. Nate Walker (R-Kirksville) expects proposed charter school expansion to fail in Missouri Senate
          KWMU:  Educators focus on helping adopted children overcome behavior problems, separation anxiety
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Liquor Wars 2.0, tobacco and guns on the docket after Legislature's Spring Break X
          Missourinet:  Lawmakers consider airport alcohol bill
          AP:  Missouri DED program helps exports from small Missouri companies
          AP:  Man gets 25 years for shooting 2 cops in Ferguson protest
          P-D editorial:  Sen. Gary Romine (R-Farmington), other Missouri Republicans aim to hurt workers
          KC Star editorial:  Bill from Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) to crack down on TIF development goes way too far +
          KC Star's Scott Canon:  Amid Trump-inspired xenophobia and violence against immigrants, fewer than half as many foreign students apply to UMKC +
          Washington Missourian Editor Bill Miller:  Anti-toll roads fever X
          Waters:  Questioning state tax cuts 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 19
       
KMIZ:  Hartzler continues practice of holding town halls via telephone
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Hartzler stat about high-speed Internet access rated "Half True"
          Forward:  Eric Greitens, Missouri's first Jewish governor, is eyeing the White House
          Drebes:  Former state Rep. John Mayfield (D-Independence) considering another bid
          SNL:  Legislative roundup:  Lawmakers vote to expand charter schools, cut tax credit for the elderly X
          SE Missourian:  Reps. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau), Donna Lichtenegger (R-Jackson) back charter school bill;  Rep. Rick Francis (R-Perryville) opposes it +
          P-D:  Chesterfield's Alice Liu named champion in St. Louis Post-Dispatch Spelling Bee;  Minority female chooses to work hard, achieves success
          AP:  Paid parental leave for state workers considered in Missouri
          AP:  Missouri prisons head orders change after harassment claims
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Current Medicaid-funding system is no longer a viable option, and block-grant funding would provide solution X
          SNL editorial:  Push forward on prescription drug monitoring X
          JCNT editorial:  MoDOT's "Pothole Patrol" to the rescue X
          KC Star op-ed:  UMKC Chancellor Leo Morton apologizes for not sending out alert after campus rape, acknowledges feelings of campus feminists and LGBTQIA* groups, takes official position against "sexism, racism, homophobia and transphobia" +
          KC Star letter:  Area woman says Blunt, other Republicans opposed to Obamacare wish "death sentence" on poor and middle-class Americans +
          P-D letter:  American Cancer Society thanks Ann Wagner for her work on Medicare glitch
          P-D letter:  Millennial planning future state rep bid thanks Greitens for work on higher ed
          Disclosure



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        Saturday, March 18
       
The Hill:  U.S. Chamber of Commerce ad campaign pressures McCaskill, other red-state Dems to back Trump on cutting federal regulations
          Bloomberg:  Bosnians, who chose to immigrate legally, make positive contributions to St. Louis;  Comments from St. Louis County Republican Central Committee's Rene Artman, Mayor Francis Slay, others
          KWMU:  Musicians band together to fight Trump's racist immigration policies;  Public radio station promotes concert with ticket information, free download of anti-Trump group song, more
          Yesterday:  KWMU General Manager Tim Eby:  Stand up against the Trump budget so we can continue to bring you unbiased journalism
          KC Star:  Trump budget could affect Kansas City streetcar expansion +
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  McCaskill statement about importance of small-business job creation rated "True"
          P-D:  Congressional votes for the week
          USA Today:  Military investigating soldiers' same-sex group intercoursing pics on websites;  Comments from McCaskill
          P-D:  U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals' Ray Gruender make appearance at Wash U. Law School event
          SNL:  Law offices of prominent local Republicans Dee Wampler and Joe Passanise honored as "Best Lawyers" X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Guest Kit Bond on Greitens, more;  Panel of former Sen. Tim Green (D-Spanish Lake), David Barklage, Reps. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) and Nick Schroer (R-St. Charles) talk charter schools, "paycheck protection" and family leave pushes
          The Missouri Times:  Eric Schmitt joins partnership to expand MO ABLE program
          KOMU:  MO ABLE program designed to help people with disabilities save money
          The Missouri Times:  House and Senate accomplishments - so far - in the 2017 session
          KWMU:  At the halfway mark, Missouri GOP legislators tout session's successes - and promise more
          KWMU:  Behind the Headlines:  Reporter Marshall Griffin recaps most important stories of the Missouri Legislative session;  Host Don Marsh leads off with gathering of twelve (12) transgender students blocking a Capitol bathroom
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmakers look at task force to dive into state's road problems
          KC Star:  Fate of lobbyist gift-ban legislation unclear +
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Legislature raises fines for off-label herbicide application
          P-D:  Ferguson documentary fans the flames surrounding 2014 attack on police officer
          KC Star editorial:  Greitens pursues family-friendly policy;  Washington should follow +
          JCNT editorial:  With leave policy, Greitens provides key benefit to state workers X
          KC Star letter:  Country Club, Mo. octogenarian mocks $80,000 price tag for UMKC basketball coach search +
          Disclosure


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        Friday, March 17  Happy St. Patrick's Day!
       
KWMU General Manager Tim Eby:  Stand up against the Trump budget so we can continue to bring you unbiased journalism
          KWMU:  Mid-America Arts Alliance opposes Trump budget;  Comments from arts group CEO, no input from Trump budget supporters
          KC Star:  Cleaver, urban officials oppose Trump budget +
          P-D:  Area liberal environmental groups oppose Trump budget;  Comments from Sierra Club's John Hickey, Missouri Coalition for the Environment's Ed Smith, landfill agitator/amateur epidemiologist Dawn Chapman
          P-D:  Blunt has concerns with nondefense discretionary cuts in Trump budget
          KWMU:  GOP health care bill doesn't account for aging population
          Missourinet:  McCaskill:  many Missourians can't afford GOP health care plan
          CDT:  Hartzler:  GOP health plan tax credits are too generous X
          P-D:  San Francisco sexagenarian's pro-Obamacare letter earns response from Blunt
          Messenger:  Area workshops help illegal immigrants avoid law enforcement;  Bill from Sen. Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester) would be hard on illegals
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Dark money in Missouri politics:  Thoughts from UMSL's Wally Siewert, Show-Me Institute's Patrick Ishmael, UC-Irvine prof
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Rising releasing first TV ad in support of tort overhaul
          The Missouri Times:  GOP leaders tout successes in legislative session as Spring Break arrives
          Missourinet:  Spinning into Spring Break:  Speaker Todd Richardson (R-Poplar Bluff), Superminority Leader Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) provide halftime analysis
          The Missouri Times:  Senate passes Wasson's job training bill before spring break
          AP:  Missouri House votes to end tax break for old, disabled renters
          AP:  Missouri House OKs bill to limit medical malpractice suits
          The Missouri Times:  House passes charter school legislation in close vote before Spring Break
          Missourinet:  Charter school expansion bill passes House by one vote
          AP:  Missouri House passes charter school expansion bill
          P-D:  Charter school expansion plan heads to Missouri Senate
          CDT:  University of Missouri reveals plan for covering budget cuts X
          AP:  Missouri House votes to raise marriage age
          Washington Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Kevin Corlew (R-Kansas City) to add tolls to I-70 draws attention and resistance X
          SE Missourian:  Missouri House passes bill raising fines for pesticide applicators who choose to break the law +
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Bill on pesticide application sent to governor's desk +
          Dexter Statesman:  Stoddard County first in region to adopt drug-monitoring program +
          CDT:  County may consider drug-monitoring program X
          JCNT:  Lawmakers react to Greitens' parental-leave order X
          The Missouri Times:  MoDOT joins in on paid family leave policy
          Missourinet:  Current Dept. of Corrections employee:  "The system is broken."
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) aims to help inmates return to the workforce
          SNL:  AG's office says it's not the right body to investigate police union allegations X
          AP:  Missouri prosecutor seeks death penalty against woman
          P-D editorial:  Too many tax credits in Missouri?  First, whack poor senior citizens.
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Greitens shows how dark money flows in Jefferson City
          P-D letter:  Spanish Lake man opposes GOP minimum wage bill
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Columbia man says Medicaid block grant would hurt poors, olds, et al.
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves sexagenarian dislikes rural Missouri legislators' impact on St. Louis region
          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 16
       
Buzzfeed:  After years of running from Obamacare, McCaskill and other vulnerable Democrats find themselves defending the law
          Politico:  McCaskill, other red-state Democrats choosing party over president;  Senior senator has voted against all of Trump's most contentious Cabinet picks, and six of eight GOP regulatory rollbacks
          P-D:  Pro-Gorsuch group makes stop in Missouri, urges vote for Supreme Court nominee
          Columbia Missourian:  Hartzler continues tradition of holding telephone town halls, takes questions on health care and more
          Columbia Missourian:  Faculty, students weigh making MU a 'sanctuary campus' for illegal aliens
          KWMU:  St. Louis Jewish Community Center receives another bomb threat
          The Missouri Times:  Plan from Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Shell Knob) calls for full funding of K-12, major cuts to Medicaid funding
          AP:  House Budget Chair Fitzpatrick proposes full aid for schools
          P-D:  Missouri budget taking shape
          SE Missourian:  Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau) seeks cell phone tax for cash-strapped 911 services +
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate considers "paycheck protection"/"paycheck deception" legislation
          Columbia Missourian:  UM System would score limited budget relief in House proposal
          KC Star:  Bonds for UMKC downtown arts campus win approval from House, now go to Senate +
          SNL:  Senate committee meets MSU Board of Governors' nominees X
          Missourinet:  Missouri House committee considers plan aimed at avoiding school make-up days
          KWMU:  St. Louis City charter school Preclarus granted reprieve by UMSL to stay open
          JCNT:  Disability activists rally at Capitol X
          AP:  Missouri Senate passes rules for vetting expert witnesses
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri Senate committee takes up measures limiting multiparty lawsuits
          KWMU:  Group opposed to St. Louis City minimum wage hike want another day in court
          The Missouri Times:  Wieland holds up speedy passage of Uber bill
          The Missouri Times:  House pefects ticket resale legislation
          Missourinet:  Bill in Legislature to speed delivery of new alcoholic beverages to shelves
          Missourinet:  Anti-tobacco group rallies at Capitol;  Comments from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids's Ginny Chadwick
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway, Rep. Mark Ellebracht (D-Liberty) call for more transparency during Sushine Week
          KWMU:  Transgender students visit Capitol, block men's room, chant catchphrases;  Capitol Police called to office of Sen. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) after discussion gets huffy
          SNL:  Video:  Transgender students confront Emery in senator's office, curse him for bathroom bill;  Profanities include references to derrieres, "Jesus Mother<intercoursing> Christ" X
          KWMU:  Some Ferguson residents worry about an understaffed police department
          Columbia Missourian:  Newspaper asks for donations to support its operations
          P-D editorial:  Greitens is smart to boost funding that keeps Missouri's brightest students in state
          P-D op-ed:  Anti-addiction activist Gary Henson:  Prescription drug monitoring program is a win for Missouri
          KC Star letter:  Kansas sexagenarian criticizes Blunt for opposing Obamacare +
          P-D letter:  Florissant man says film depicting Michael Brown as a drug dealer doesn't cast police assailant in a better light
          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 15
       
KSDK (St. Louis):  Blunt, Clay weigh in on GOP health care bill
          SNL:  Hartzler treads carefully on GOP health care bill X
          SNL:  How the House GOP health care bill would affect Missourians X
          AP:  Mexican duo busted for growing pot in Missouri federal wildlife refuge area
          SE Missourian:  Area schools look to secure federal funds for new gyms that double as tornado shelters +
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Overtime panel:  Thoughts on potential 2018 GOP U.S. Senate candidates:  Ann Wagner, David Wasinger, Todd Richardson, more
          KWMU:  Nixon on Missouri Democratic Party's leftward slide, his legislative legacy, more
          Columbia Missourian:  Pro-life rally at Capitol draws Republican leaders
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens, pro-life groups mending fences
          Missourinet:  Greitens tells pro-life crowd he'll fight attempts at establishing abortion "sanctuary cities"
          Missourinet:  Rep. Phil Christofanelli (R-St. Peters) says bill would address abortion "sanctuary cities"
          Drebes:  Galloway audit of tax returns may answer important questions
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens reminds state workers 'this is the people's money' in e-mail
          SNL:  Greitens to hold live Facebook event today X
          AP:  Missouri House passes bill prohibiting local elected officials from accepting lobbyist gifts
          KC Star:  GOP officials debate best approach to protecting state employees' pension plan +
          Missourinet:  House will debate "senior services protection fund"
          SNL:  Sen. Bob Dixon (R-Springfield) receives "Defender of the 6th Amendment Award" from Missouri State Public Defender Commission and Missouri State Public Defender System X
          P-D:  After 'right to work' passage, lawmakers continue debate on labor topics
          KWMU:  Charter school legislation slowly progressing in Jefferson City
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill proposes statewide charter school expansion
          The Missouri Times:  Facing transportation budget cuts, school districts look to fuel options;  Neosho school district opens up to propane-fueled school buses
          SNL:  Wasson bill could benefit Care to Learn X
          Columbia Missourian:  Resolution from Rep. Rory Rowland (D-Independence) aims to unite Missouri sheltered workshops against federal act
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Joe Don McGaugh (R-Carrollton) pushes bill to stop funeral fraud
          P-D:  Bill from Rep. Jean Evans (R-Manchester) would raise Missouri marriage age to 17
          AP:  Legislature considers two bills on traffic stops
          P-D:  Proposal would help educate drivers on how to behave when pulled over
          Missourinet:  Sen. Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan):  Scottrade Center in St. Louis is in need of upgrade
          P-D:  Slay, Blues president ask legislators for help with Scottrade renovations
          SE Missourian:  Court sides with utility company, affirms 2015 PSC ruling in subdivision rate increase +
          Missourinet:  In wake of filmmakers' agitation, Ferguson City Council meets;  Ferguson sexagenarian:  "If you don't like it here, get out."
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Join Ashcroft, Reps. Justin Alferman (R-Hermann) and Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) in supporting voter ID education X
          SNL op-ed:  Billy Long:  Explaining D.C. staff and its responsibilities X
          Columbia Missourian's Steve Spellman:  It may be time for the state and higher education to part ways
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Ron Calzone:  Privacy and REAL ID in Missouri +
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Missouri public defenders crushed by case overload
          Jensen:  Whether Michael Brown was a good guy or a petty drug-dealing thug, new film doesn't change the fact that he assaulted a police officer +
          KC Star letter:  Independence woman declares Blunt and most GOP congressmen "morally corrupt" +
          CDT letter:  Columbia woman wants Hartzler to hold in-person town halls X
          P-D letter:  Septuagenarian liberal expesses her "disillusion" at Greitens' success in raising cash
          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 14
       
P-D:  McCaskill, Lacy Clay oppose House GOP health care bill
          KMBZ (Kansas City):  NAACP holds pro-Obamacare rally outside Blunt's office, draws nearly two dozen
          Columbia Missourian:  Hartzler continues practice of holding telephone town halls
          Missourinet:  St. Louis Metro Transit System visits D.C., lobbies for more money
          P-D:  McCaskill campaign hires former Koster fundraiser Erika Brees;  Kander urges supporters to pony up for senior senator
          KWMU:  Liberal journalist charged in Jewish bomb threats to remain behind bars until trial
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens' executive order on paid parental leave for executive branch employees expected to cost taxpayers more than $1 million
          KWMU:  Greitens grants paid parental leave for executive branch employees
          Kraske:  Greitens remains big on image, weak on policy +
          CDT:  Galloway plans deep look into state budget crisis X
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Statement from Sen. Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) on employment numbers rated "Mostly True"
          Drebes:  GOP may seek emergency clause on 'right to work' to preempt labor's referendum efforts
          CDT:  Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (R-Hallsville) backs legislation targeting voter rolls X
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Donna Lichtenegger (R-Jackson) wants to close loophole to protect domestic violence victims +
          Missourinet:  Dept. of Mental Health Director Mark Stringer says demand for substance abuse treatment far exceeds spots available in Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  House passes bill limiting professional registration and licensing
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Randy Pietzman (R-Troy) would stop expansion of state parks until repairs are made
          SNL:  Lawmakers move to provide suicide prevention training X
          Missourinet:  Missouri House committee gives green light to "Hailey's Law"
          SNL:  Bill may exempt engagement rings from bankruptcy X
          Missourinet:  About 300 pothole-patching crews work on Missouri roadways in March
          KC Star:  Police ponder how UMKC strip club worker's car ended up in Missouri River +
          KC Star:  UMKC holds media-free safe space session for activists to complain about "rape culture" +
          Columbia Missourian:  Muslim anti-Trump panel at MU draws fewer than 50;  L.A. Times "race and justice" reporter applauds his paper's landmark advances, like use of "LGBTQ" rather than antiquated "LGBT"
          P-D:  Bill from Rep. Don Rone (R-Portageville) stiffens penalties for pesticide applicators who choose to break law
          Missourinet:  St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch (D) calls filmmaker's attempt to promote Michael Brown conspiracy theory "pathetic"
          P-D:  Ferguson police prepare for more attacks on law enforcement after filmmaker's agitation;  North County residents charged with assaulting police officer, attempting to set cop car on fire
          AP:  McCulloch:  Filmmaker's edits to Ferguson robbery video "pathetic"
          KWMU:  McCulloch critical of filmmaker's conspiracy theory
          KWMU:  Election season just warming up in St. Louis County;  Ferguson Mayor James Knowles seeks re-election
          KC Star editorial:  Trump's dismissal of Tammy Dickinson, other U.S. attorneys is not a scandal +
          P-D editorial:  Shortchanging Missouri's public defenders prompts lawsuit
          SNL editorial:  Bipartisan 'cliff effect' bill offers solution X
          KC Star op-ed:  Blunt:  Missourians deserve a better health care system +
          KC Star op-ed:  St. Louis sexagenarian recounts trip to D.C. to let her anti-GOP "anger boil over," wants Blunt to flip-flop on Obamacare +
          SE Missourian's Adrienne Ross:  'A day without a woman' just a day to complain;  African-American columnist says self-pitying liberal females should get over the fact Clinton lost +
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Blake Hurst:  Chronic malcontent Ken Midkiff gets facts wrong about environmental laws
          SE Missourian letter:  8th Congressional District GOP Chair Eddy Justice invites community to Butler County Republicans' education reform roundtable at noon on March 22 +
          KC Star letter:  Area man dislikes Greitens' use of violent imagery +
          SNL letter:  Area man responds to previous LTE on cost of natural gas, says prices are based on supply and demand 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.



        Monday, March 13
       
Fox News:  Video:  Blunt on Russia probe:  Important to answer all questions
          Missourinet:  Hartzler considers House health care plan, waiting on CBO
          P-D:  Ann Wagner supporting Trump on health care overhaul
          Columbia Missourian:  Under-26 provision of Affordable Care Act likely to survive;  Comments from 24-year-old grad student still on her parents' insurance
          Columbia Missourian:  Area pastor wants Blunt, Hartzler to help refugee family members
          KWMU:  Deadline looms again for retired coal workers' health care;  McCaskill co-sponsors Miners Protection Act of 2017
          SNL:  Greene County Democrats to abandon "Jackson Day" moniker after this year's annual dinner;  Missouri Democratic Party's Genevieve Williams says mentioning the former president's name evokes too much "pain and anger" X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Lyda Krewson;  Panel of Reps. Donna Baringer (D) and Paul Curtman (R-Union), Husch Blackwell's Jay Atkins, Remington Research's Titus Bond talk Dems' decline in rural Missouri, minimum wage, University of Missouri financial hijinks, and who won the week (Richardson, Haahr, Ann Wagner, Galloway)
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Jean Evans (R-Manchester) talks with Rosenbaum about minimum wage, marriage age, more
          Drebes:  Justin Brown, running for his dad's GOP state Senate seat, wins friends in Jefferson City
          AP:  State budget leader questions wisdom of 2015 tax break bill
          JCNT:  Alzheimer's caregivers oppose cuts to their funding X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bipartisan bill takes aim at student identity theft X
          The Current (UMSL):  UM System faces scathing criticism in state audit
          P-D:  Conspiracy theory in new Michael Brown film prompts fresh protest outside Ferguson convenience store;  Protesters fire shots, stuff rag in police car gas tank
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri's public defender problems a failure of leadership +
          P-D editorial:  Don't dump parole. Wisconsin emphasis on full prison terms is one Missouri should ignore
          P-D editorial:  College administrators and local authorities could curb binge drinking;  Photo of comely coed submitting to man's projectile shot
          JCNT editorial:  Uber, other next-gen ride services come with convenience, baggage X
          St. Joseph News-Press' Alonzo Weston:  Local Social Welfare Board reps oppose changes to Obamacare X
          Priddy:  "Day at the Capitol" dreams shattered:  Going office-to-office handing out brochures is pretty much worthless, no matter how good it makes you feel
          The Current (UMSL) editor Kat Riddler:  Greitens doesn't answer enough questions from the press
          SNL's Will Schmitt:  Greitens embraces national media stage while fending off local reporters X
          CDT op-ed:  Bob Roper:  University is in the midst of perilous times;  Galloway audit, lack of legislative clout, inviting "well-known communist" Angela Davis to campus don't help university's cause 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 12
       
The Hill:  Senate Republicans eyeing alternative tax reform plan;  Comments from Blunt
          St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill, Graves support efforts to roll back regulations X
          KWMU:  Area illegal immigrants and enablers attend workshops, learn tricks to avoid deportation
          Colorado Statesman:  Jason Kander speaks at Colorado Democratic Party dinner
          McClatchy:  Rising-star Dems are caught in red-state trap;  Kander's nationwide promotional tour not the traditional path for those seeking to run statewide again
          Drebes:  Remington Research poll on state energy issues
          SNL:  Governor's tax study group gets organized, picks focus areas and discusses town halls X
          JCNT:  Lawmakers ponder Greitens' staff budgeting X
          Columbia Missourian:  Medicaid debate in Legislature centers on financing, flexibility
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Rowden statement about Medicaid costs rated "Mostly True"
          P-D:  Ashcroft fundraising pitch touts efforts on voter ID
          SE Missourian:  Area GOP lawmakers back bill to block St. Louis City plan to increase minimum wage +
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Lindell Shumake (R-Hannibal) talks about stopping cities from creating their own minimum wage
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Tim Remole (R-Excello) talks passage of tort overhaul bill
          CDT:  Planned Parenthood case moves forward;  Lawsuit seeks to invalidate certain state laws on abortions X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  911 coordinator for Missouri to be appointed;  Comments from Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown)
          JCNT:  MoDOT safety engineer Eileen Rackers retires with 28 years of knowledge X
          P-D:  Film screened at South by Southwest presents new Michael Brown theory:  Violent teen was attempting to settle earlier drug deal, not simply strong-arming and assaulting a minority business owner
          P-D/KC Star joint editorial:  Annual Sunshine Week editorial:  Greitens still governing in the dark, should reveal benefactors
          KC Star editiorial:  Missouri should rein in sweetheart deals for high-ranking state employees +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Missouri lawmakers must protect teachers from violent students' attacks
          SNL letter:  Local octogenarian mocks McCaskill for Russian ambassador statements, calls her "Sen. Shifty" X
          SNL letter:  Local nonagenarian applauds McCaskill for standing up to Trump X
          SNL letter:  Local sexagenarian suggests Greitens is hiding something about The Mission Continues X
          Washington Missourian letter:  Local sexagenarian dislikes Lt. Gov. Mike Parson's plan to allow veterans to access private nursing homes X
          Disclosure



          X
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        Saturday, March 11
       
Politico:  17 Democrats join Blunt in push for security funding for Jewish centers
          KC Star:  Hartlzer, Graves not ready to commit to GOP health care bill +
          KWMU:  House GOP health care bill could add another nail in the coffin to Missouri Medicaid expansion;  Comments from Missouri Hospital Association's Dave Dillon, state reps
          KC Star:  Obama appointee Tammy Dickinson among 46 U.S. attorneys asked to resign under new administration +
          Washington Missourian:  Greitens has nearly $3 million war chest;  Post-election donations flow in X
          P-D:  Throughout the country, Democrats and Republicans have set up 501(c)(4) organizations to aid policy agendas;  Greitens is the latest
          Messenger:  Jet-setting Gov. Greitens to voters:  My finances are none of your business
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate posting archived audio of debate
          KC Star's Jason Hancock:  Recap of the week's Associated Press original reporting:  Randall Williams as new DHSS lead, Ron Richard on venue shopping +
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens' tax credit committee meets for the first time
          Missourinet:  Rowden proposes tax deduction for first-time home buyers
          Missourinet:  Senate passes bill to increase penalties for illegal alien criminals
          The Missouri Times:  House passes Christofanelli's 20-week abortion ban
          KWMU:  Pro-life bills set to be debated in Legislature
          KC Star:  As his city racks up homicides, KC Mayor Sly James "saddened" by GOP legislators' lack of appetite for gun control +
          Drebes:  Liquor War II
          CDT:  University of Missouri System president ends executive incentive pay after critical audit X
          CDT:  UM Faculty Council denounces incentive pay X
          P-D:  University of Missouri abandons incentive pay program for execs
          Columbia Missourian:  New UM president talks tuition hikes, program cuts at first news conference
          Missourinet:  University of Missouri System considers tuition hike, cuts to programs and jobs
          CDT:  MU to use reserve funds to cover $20 million shortfall X
          KC Star:  Missing UMKC coed found dead;  20-year-old strip club worker drove car into Missouri River +
          Missourinet:  AG Josh Hawley applauds repeal of Obama-era environmental rule affecting coal industry
          CDT:  Appeals court upholds ruling in Mamtek case X
          KWMU:  "Behind the Headlines" feature:  Jo Mannies discusses St. Louis City mayoral election, history of women in Missouri politics
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) changes mind, won't run as write-in for St. Louis City mayor
          KWMU:  Bruce Franks will not pursue write-in candidacy for St. Louis mayor
          KC Star editorial:  Holsman correct in wanting to shrink number of state reps, change term limits +
          P-D letter:  Ferguson man says Missouri legislators who oppose REAL ID are displaying selective outrage
          SNL letter:  KC "Moms Demand Action" member who lives in bad neighborhood wants Missouri women to push GOP legislators for more gun control X
          Disclosure



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



        Friday, March 10
       
Bloomberg:  Blunt talks balancing defense spending increase with mental health funding
          SE Missourian:  Jason Smith:  GOP bill first step to replace Obamacare +
          CDT:  Local officials offer caution, concern on GOP health care bill X
          Vox.com:  Vox, Kaiser Health News, ProPublica teaming up on new "fact-check" advocacy campaign;  Obamacare claims from Blunt, other GOP congressmen will be criticized
          Politico:  McCaskill, other Democrats from Trump states seek to partner with Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) on cutting red tape
          KY3 (Springfield):  Branson businesses appeal to Blunt, Long on H-2B visa program;  Resorts can't hire enough locals to do housekeeping work
          Columbia Missourian:  At-a-glance updates on Missouri legislative issues:  Guns, REAL ID, marijuana, higher ed and K-12 funding, more
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) says Missouri budget shortfall due to 2015 GOP bill on business taxes
          The Missouri Times:  Minimum wage restriction passes through House
          AP:  House moves to block higher minimum wage in St. Louis City
          KWMU:  House passes minimum wage bill
          Missourinet:  House moves to bar cities from increasing minimum wage
          KC Star:  KC Council passes minimum wage increase by 8-4 vote +
          KWMU:  Missouri House passes bill targeting crimes by illegal aliens
          The Missouri Times:  Senate passes bills on workers' comp, re-entry of illegals, more
          AP:  Missouri Senate approves health, highway patrol appointees
          AP:  Missouri House passes change to tort lawsuits
          The Missouri Times:  Reps. Michael Pace (R-West Plains), Gregg Smith (R-Clinton) swap seats on Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission
          Drebes:  Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations' legislative agenda focuses on marijuana, income tax exemption
          Washington Missourian:  East Central College may increase tuition if state budget issues remain
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri Western debate team a casualty of state budget cuts X
          The Missouri Times:  New community college network seeks to build skilled workforce
          SNL:  OTC to be part of community college network X
          CDT:  Missouri community colleges sign agreement to collaborate on workforce training X
          KWMU:  Harris-Stowe President Dwaun Warmack shares stories from trip to D.C., visit to Oval Office
          KWMU:  "Workforce High" hands young urbanites high school degrees after completion of online tests
          KRES/KWIX:  Bill from Rep. Craig Redmon (R-Canton) would help rural districts find bus drivers
          P-D:  More schools shut out materials from Christian sex ed group
          Missourinet:  Bill would stiffen penalties for protesters who block roadways
          Fort Leonard Wood Guidon (Gannett):  Warm weather means uptick in ticks;  MO Dept. of Conservation provides tips for those who can't avoid dangerous, dirty parasites
          KC Star:  Greitens preaches peace at KC march, says law-abiding urbanites will "take back" the streets +
          AP:  Lawmakers question response to Missouri prison complaints
          The Missouri Times:  ACLU sues Missouri over public-defender funding
          P-D:  Questions swirl around deaths at state halfway house near downtown St. Louis
          P-D:  Rep. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) claims he'll run as a write-in for mayor of St. Louis
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Protests lead to more protests;  Trump backers stand up after liberals' displays of anger - but Trump still needs to reach political adulthood X
          KC Star editorial:  UMKC's response to alleged rape was inadequate at every turn +
          CDT's Darkow cartoon:  MU administration pay X
          Springfield Business Journal op-ed:  McCaskill:  Bring back jobs to Missouri, United States
          Waters:  UM audit:  Twisting in the wind X
          P-D op-ed:  Raising the minimum wage will lift St. Louis
          P-D op-ed:  Stacy Washington:  Minimum wage hike will hurt St. Louis
          P-D letter:  West County Community Action Network, a Caucasoid "Black Lives Matter" offshoot, opposes voter ID law
          P-D letter:  Former St. Louis Community College trustee Candace Gardner - who resigned after her failure to pay taxes was revealed - wants Greitens to give more money to higher ed
          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 9
       
P-D:  Blunt talks federal budget priorities
          Tri-City Herald (WA):  McCaskill, others to Energy Secretary Rick Perry:  Reinstate whistleblower rules
          P-D:  Harvard law prof to join Clay's defense of cops-as-animals painting
          AP:  No ruling yet on liberal journalist's bond request in Jewish threats case
          Columbia Missourian:  Columbia woman seeks to fill Democratic ballot slot against Vicky Hartzler;  Renee Hoagenson shares dreams of universal health care, election victory ensuring "politics will not be for the rich anymore," etc.
          Huffington Post:  Profile:  Professional wrestler and Bernie Sanders supporter Curtis Wylde, who defeated mainstream Missouri Dems for spot on Democratic National Committee
          KC Star:  Greitens team opens new non-profit policy arm:  "A New Missouri Inc." +
          The Missouri Times:  Centerpoint Medical Center surgeon Jon Patterson to run for House seat of Rep. Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee's Summit)
          The Missouri Times:  Minimum wage bill gets speedy approval from House
          AP:  Missouri House votes to block St. Louis minimum wage hike
          SNL:  Waterworks flow as women testify on "cliff effect" bill X
          AP:  House Budget Chair Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Shell Knob) says services to poor seasoned citizens and the handicapped can be saved by ending some tax breaks
          The Missouri Times:  As part of Budget Integrity series, Galloway to audit Dept. of Revenue's issuing of tax refunds
          The Missouri Times:  Senate to hold confirmation hearing for new UM curators
          KWMU:  UM System curator appointees poised for Senate confirmation
          CDT:  Senators focus on critical state audit while questioning nominees for University of Missouri curators X
          Columbia Missourian:  Mizzou not unique in trend of states trimming higher education budgets
          Columbia Missourian:  Mizzou has money to cover budget gap with university reserves
          KC Star:  Video:  Pack of UMKC students, unhappy over administration comments regarding supposed rape, push their way into employee's office;  Group surrounds African-American administrator, interrupts his attempts to speak +
          Drebes:  Bill from Rep. Bart Korman (R-High Hill) would let voters choose "None of the Above" on ballots
          Missourinet:  Families, Rep. Tom Hurst (R-Meta) want answers about Missouri's missing Vietnam War heroes
          Columbia Missourian:  Proposal from Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) targets TIFs
          KWMU:  ACLU files class-action suit against state over public defender workload
          P-D:  ACLU uses state over public defender funding, workload
          Missourinet:  MoDOT launches pothole patrol;  pothole patching costs about $15 million annually
          P-D:  If the St. Louis Zoo wants more taxes, state lawmakers want to have a say
          AP:  PSC approves Ameren rate increase
          The Missouri Times:  PSC approves evidentiary hearing dates in Great Plains merger case
          P-D:  Mizzou journalism professor to speak at National Press Club event;  David Kurpius recounts getting defensive with stranger over importance of reporters
          P-D editorial:  Missouri Plan is a model for choosing judges
          Bolivar Herald-Free Press' Dave Berry:  How simple facts can counter a weak hit piece:  At Missouri Press Association event, Lt. Gov. Mike Parson corrects formulaic, rote criticism from Post-Dispatch's Kurt Erickson
          Disclosure


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        Wednesday, March 8
       
P-D:  Blunt, other Republicans express doubts House GOP health care bill can pass
          AP:  Conservative backlash threatens to sink new House GOP health care bill;  Comments from Blunt
          Columbia Missourian:  Kaiser Family Foundation opposes GOP health care plan;  Report highlights potential impact on Missouri
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt:  Senate panel is best place to investigate Russia X
          KC Star:  McCaskill invites Trump's Treasury secretary to meet retired Teamsters +
          KWMU:  Iranian man working at SLU Hospital dislikes Trump's approach to immigration
          KWMU:  Is St. Louis City in danger of becoming a "sanctuary city"?  Thoughts from Governing Magazine's Alan Greenblatt
          KWMU:  Radioactive contamination along Coldwater Creek does not pose health risk - but taxpayers will pay to have it removed by Army Corps anyway
          SE Missourian:  Cape County Lincoln Day dinner April 1 to feature national security, 'right to work' keynote speakers +
          KCTV:  State Treasurer Eric Schmitt activates loan program for small businesses impacted by Oak Grove tornado
          AP:  Missouri unemployment ticks down
          SNL:  Senate asks Greitens to absorb COO's salary X
          KWMU:  Bill from Sen. Mike Cunningham (R-Rogersville) would stiffen penalties for deported illegals who enter Missouri and commit crimes;  Immigrant activists visit Capitol to lobby against bill
          KWMU:  Inspired by havoc caused by Ferguson mobs, Rep. Nick Marshall (R-Parkville) proposes tougher penalties for protesters who block roadways
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislation addresses law-abiding citizens being "unlawfully detained" in their cars by protester mobs
          SNL:  Missouri Senate backs bill for program to fight opioid abuse X
          AP:  Missouri counties do what state won't:  Track opioid sales
          Missourinet:  Missouri House Budget Committee to tackle circuit breaker legislation on Wednesday
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmakers consider joining movement to push for congressional term limits
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislation from Rep. Hannah Kelly (R-Mountain Grove) would clarify protection for religious groups, school activities
          CDT:  Kael Miranda faces tough battle, but repeats as Tribune Regional Spelling Bee champion;  Immigrant student chooses to work hard, outperforms competition X
          One year ago:  11-year-old immigrant student works hard, achieves success in spelling competitions;  Kael Miranda brought strong work ethic from Japan, crushes Caucasoid competition
          P-D:  Colleges do a good job training Missouri's future teachers, new state ratings say
          The Missouri Times:  House committee passes alcohol advertising bill, despite protests
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court to hear tax dispute between St. Louis Rams and state
          P-D editorial:  Good news, bad news as Missouri Supreme Court upholds St. Louis City minimum wage
          Jensen:  Unlike the West Lake Landfill plaintiffs' "chronic stress" maladies, the nation's growing political divide not going away any time soon +
          KC Star letter:  Parkville man disagrees with Sam Graves on 2nd Amendment protections +
          CDT letter:  Anonymous author disagrees with GOP legislators on unemployment benefits X
          P-D letter:  Mid-East Area Agency on Aging opposes cuts to its programs
          P-D letter:  Clayton octogenarian says Post-Dispatch doesn't do enough to promote local feminists' lamentations, activities
          Disclosure



          X
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        Tuesday, March 7
       
Hannibal Courier-Post:  Demo Days report:  Webber talks Trump, Kendrick talks about struggle ofr serving in superminority, more X
          KWMU:  20 months out, Missouri Republicans and Democrats already strategizing around McCaskill's re-election race
          P-D:  Ann Wagner ends 2016 with more cash on hand than any other federal officeholder in Missouri - including McCaskill
          CDT:  Columbia woman seeks to fill Democratic ballot slot against Hartzler;  Renee Kennedy Hoagenson hopes to narrow incumbent's 40-point re-election margin X
          Washington Post:  McCaskill calls for investigation of DEA enforcement slowdown amid opioid crisis X
          P-D:  Blunt says answers on wiretapping will come quickly
          Missourinet:  Congressman Jason Smith returns to Missouri Capitol to address House Republicans;  Former state rep talks Trump, Perryville, praises Rep. Ben Harris (D-Hillsboro), more
          CDT:  Missouri Hospital Association says Missouri hospitals could lose billions with Obamacare repeal X
          Chicago Tribune:  Mentally ill Missouri woman shoots, kills father;  Mother blames gun laws
          Riverfront Times:  Post-Dispatch "TRUTH" video goes up, comes down as newsroom fumes;  Ad depicting "newsroom" uses actors, avoids showing any actual Post-Dispatch reporters
          The Missouri Times:  Schmitt campaign ad wins Reed Award
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Donna Lichtenegger (R-Jackson) says she has not endorsed Tony LaForest in GOP primary for her state rep seat +
          Drebes:  Jon Patterson running for seat of Rep. Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee's Summit)
          The Missouri Times:  50 Years of Gubernatorial Portraits:  Greitens forgoes official headshot, chooses family photo
          The Missouri Times:  Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Reps. Justin Alferman (R-Hermann) and Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) promote voter photo ID education
          KWMU:  Rep. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis) appears alongside Ashcroft, Alferman to promote voter photo ID education
          P-D:  Franks, Ashcroft, Alferman promote voter photo ID education
          AP:  Ashcroft begins effort to educate voters on photo ID law
          Missourinet:  Proposal from Sen. Jason Holsman (D-Kansas City) would change makeup of House and Senate, extend term limits
          Missourinet:  Budget Chairman Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Shell Knob):  We must preserve services for vulnerable people
          Missourinet:  Missouri House committee considers proposed propane motor fuel tax
          Columbia Missourian:  Arbitration bill voted out of House Litigation Reform committee
          KC Star:  Sly James says only way to raise minimum wage is through statewide petition +
          The Missouri Times:  Republicans continue fight against St. Louis City minimum wage hike
          P-D:  St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay makes a trip to Jefferson City, speaks on minimum wage hike
          SNL:  City mayors, state lawmakers at odds over minimum wage increase X
          KRES/KWIX:  Reimbursement bill from Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) would benefit a number of counties
          Riverfront Times:  Law banning truthful advertising on booze sales comes under fire in Missouri
          KC Star:  Missouri lawmakers propose HOA legislation, but critics say it won't protect homeowners +
          CDT:  University of Missouri defends $2.4 million in extra payments for top administrators after critical audit X
          The Missouri Times:  University of Missouri System audit reveals more than $2 million in 'hidden bonus pay'
          P-D:  Audit of University of Missouri System highlights problems with former Chancellor Bowen Loftin
          KWMU:  University of Missouri System audit:  Millions in hidden payments to top administrators
          Missourinet:  Scathing audit finds excessive pay for executives in UM system
          AP:  Audit:  $2 million in hidden bonuses at University of Missouri
          Columbia Missourian:  State lawmakers respond to Galloway's audit on UM System
          SNL:  Missouri State issues statement on transgender accommodations X
          Missourinet:  Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights) proposes school threat bill
          Columbia Missourian:  Columbia City Council votes to join prescription drug database
          SNL:  Legislation would increase scrutiny on police "bias" X
          KC Star editorial:  Blunt must help sort fact from fiction in Trump wiretap claims +
          P-D editorial:  If Christian group's sex education program is effective, parents should demand proof
          KC Star editorial:  Meet the Star's new editorial board Tuesday night at the Plaza library branch +
          Daily Dunklin Democrat's Steve Patton:  Greitens should hold a press conference or two, and grant a few interviews +
          Disclosure


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        Monday, March 6
       
Hannibal Courier-Post:  Missouri Democrat Days photo gallery:  Stephen Webber, McCaskill's sister, Wes Shoemyer, more
          Drebes:  At Lincoln Days, potential GOP candidates and their consultants insert names into chatter surrounding 2018 U.S. Senate primary
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Women's Foundation's Wendy Doyle;  Panel of Mindy Mazur, Rep. Tracy McCreery (D-St. Louis), Casey Burns, ACLU's Daniela Velaquez talk school choice, GOP discrimination bill, McCaskill, more
          SE Missourian:  Republican disabled veteran Tony LaForest announces candidacy for Donna Lichtenegger's term-limited seat in 2018 +
          Washington Missourian:  Lt. Gov. Mike Parson will push for private care of vets;  Veterans homes may not be needed X
          P-D:  Alternative prescription drug database could be one of most expensive in the nation
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Farm Bureau members meet with lawmakers at Capitol;  Comments from MFB's Blake Hurst, BJ Tanksley
          P-D:  Robert Ziehmer, former director of Missouri Dept. of Conservation, still getting paid under a separation and release agreement with Missouri Conservation Commission
          Missourinet:  Both sides testify on Missouri medical marijuana legislation
          Missourinet:  Wireless provider trying to stamp out smart phone use behind the wheel;  Comments from AT&T Missouri's John Sondag
          P-D:  Two state troopers injured when tractor trailer hits their vehicle, overturns
          SNL:  Area girl wants to use boys' restroom;  Mother demands public school administrators accommodate daughter's wishes X
          KWMU:  West Lake Landfill group's complaints now include "chronic stress;"  Activist Dawn Chapman laments large credit-card debt she chose to rack up
          KC Star op-ed:  Solar-power company founder applauds McCaskill for opposing Scott Pruitt +
          JCNT op-ed:  Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft:  Missourians overwhelmingly passed photo voter ID, now what? X
          Messenger:  Reminiscing on the Tony Messenger vs. Ed Martin e-mail battle of 2007
          Midkiff:  Missouri Farm Bureau wrong about Rock Island Trail
          P-D letter:  Olivette woman dislikes Blunt's comments about Democratic Party
          CDT letter:  Citizens Climate Lobby wants Hartzler to support fines on companies for greenhouse gas emissions X
          SE Missourian letter:  Kirkwood woman equates Greitens' school-busing budget cuts with state legislators "stealing your hard-earned cash" +
          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 5
       
KWMU:  Missouri Democrats face do-or-die scenario in rural Missouri;  Report from Democrat Days in Hannibal
          KWMU:  St. Louis area Trump supporters rally in Ballwin, Jefferson City
          P-D:  Trump supporters rally at Missouri Capitol:  "It's our turn"
          JCNT:  Crowds come to support Trump in Jefferson City X
          KOMU:  Trump supporters rally at Capitol
          CDT:  Trump critic holds pro-media rally;  Jacob Davis-Hannson encourages shaming friends who do not subscribe to newspapers X
          CDT:  Mizzou's Queer Trans People of Color group, others hold Black Trans Women's Lives Matter Vigil, complain about Emery's transgender-accommodations bill X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics preview:  Women's History Month edition:  Women's Foundation's Wendy Doyle on the Missouri Plan;  Panel of Mindy Mazur, HRCC's Casey Burns, Rep. Tracy McCreery (D-St. Louis), ACLU's Daniela Velazquez talk McCaskill and Russia, GOP discrimination bill, school choice, more
          CDT:  Michela Skelton, filling Dem ballot slot versus Republican Sara Walsh, complains about boundaries of district she seeks to represent:  "They gerrymandered it real good [sic]" X
           Columbia Missourian:  Several gun-related bills filed in General Assembly
           St. Joseph News-Press:  Rep. Pat Conway (D-St. Joseph) proposes election-related bills X
           P-D:  Pro-life group provides sex-ed materials at area public schools;  Lindbergh School District parent outraged over abstinence themes
           JCNT:  State shifts to new plan for paying Medicare providers X
           JCNT:  City pushes for state help with Missouri State Penitentiary redevelopment X
           P-D obituary:  Former state Sen. John Schneider (D-Florissant)
           Washington Missourian editorial:  On McCaskill and Russian ambassador:  Politicians can't be expected to remember every conversation they have X
           JCNT editorial:  Greitens saves taxpayer money, but who's paying for his air travel? X
           SNL editorial:  A change for endorsements:  News-Leader readers have expressed annoyance with endorsements, so editorial board will make fewer of them X
           P-D's Nicklaus:  Businesses fear long-term harm from city's $11 minimum wage
           CDT letter:  Columbia septuagenarian says he has complained to Hartzler about Trump, but has "not heard boo from her" X
           P-D letter:  Clayton septuagenarian opposes GOP legislators' discrimination bill
           P-D letter:  Missouri Charter Public School Association's Douglas Thaman:  Closure of charter schools won't benefit students
           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 4
       
WGEM:  46th annual Missouri Democrat Days underway in Hannibal
          McClatchy:  Democrats' 2018 plan:  More bluster, same policy;  Excerpts from Jason Kander's speech to Democratic National Committee
          Mediaite:  Man arrested for JCC bomb threats was liberal journalist fired for fabrication
          Riverfront Times:  Before bomb threats, Juan Thompson unraveled - and called Riverfront Times reporter "white piece of sh!t"
          P-D:  FBI says liberal journalist's threats against Jewish groups was part of campaign against ex-girlfriend
          P-D:  University City police want to question Juan Thompson in cemetery vandalism
          Faughn:  Diversity is a sham as long as Southern Missouri is excluded from the Missouri Supreme Court;  Tax credit programs can be saved if Haahr and Rehder show the courage to stand up for rural Missouri
          Drebes:  Speaker Todd Richardson creates two Dem-chaired subcommittees
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of Feb. 27
          AP:  Nixon's final months of flights cost taxpayers $50,000
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact Check:  Greitens' statements on crimes rated "Half True"
          KDNL:  The Allman Report:  James Harris on how the Missouri Supreme Court's nominee process is weighted toward non-conservatives
          Missourinet:  Ron Richard wants judge selection process sacked while fellow Republicans seek to reverse recent high court ruling
          Missourinet:  Galloway's audits reveal millions in waste, abuse
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Craig Redmon (R-Canton) talks budget updates for biodiesel producers, Greenwood Autism Clinic at Truman State
          The Missouri Times:  Schaaf's PDMP bill passes through the Senate, Rehder ready to oppose
          KWMU:  Don't expect Missouri to start a prescription drug monitoring program this year
          KC Star:  Monitoring prescription drugs:  Missouri likely to remain only state without program +
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  At local League of Women Voters meeting, Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) shares concerns with REAL ID bill
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Prevailing wage a hot topic;  Kennett Mayor Bob Hancock calls law "the single biggest deterrent to construction in Missouri"
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Missouri School Boards' Association's Brent Ghan still has concerns over charter school expansion bill
          P-D:  State lawmakers ramp up efforts to nullify St. Louis ordinances
          KWMU:  Greitens says he's open to 'investments' on state land for MLS stadium
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Representatives of OAKS Senior Nutrition Center meet with Lt. Gov. Mike Parson
          KMOX:  Missouri Dept. of Conservation conducts black bear den checks
          KWMU:  National Urban League conference returns to St. Louis this summer
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri needs prescription drug monitoring program +
          P-D editorial:  Missouri Dept. of Corrections deserved more than a slap on the wrist for slow-walking drug information
          Waters:  New University of Missouri System President Mun Choi is off to a good start X
          P-D letter:  Wentzville woman says GOP legislators' stance on Medicaid is "reprehensible"
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman disagrees with GOP legislators on Medicaid
          Disclosure


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



        Friday, March 3
       
Washington Post:  McCaskill's misfired tweet on contacts with Russian ambassador earns "3 Pinocchios" on scale of 4
          National Review's Charles Cooke:  Claire McCaskill vs. Claire McCaskill on Russia
          KWMU:  McCaskill, Blunt weigh in on Jeff Sessions
          The Missouri Times:  Stephen Webber, Nicole Galloway will be keynote speakers at 46th Missouri Democrat Days
          AP:  Parent company of Smith & Wesson to expand in central Missouri
          P-D:  Post-Dispatch wins awards for children & families series by Nancy Cambria, other pieces
          P-D's Nancy Cambria:  Post-Dispatch editors have eliminated the children & families beat
          Last week:  Gateway Journalism Review:  As three veteran journalists depart Post-Dispatch, Editor Gilbert Bailon insists paper is dedicated to news reporting;  Paper uses print space to run self-promotional "TRUTH" ads
          KWMU:  Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol:  Q&A with Greitens, Parson, Ashcroft, Galloway
          Missourinet:  Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol:  Greitens takes questions
          SNL:  Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol:  Statewide officials brief reporters X
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol:  Greitens talks funding budget, more
          AP:  Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol:  During media Q&A, Greitens says he'll interview Missouri Supreme Court nominees
          The Missouri Times:  Court plan likely up for review after latest panel picks
          P-D:  Ron Richard seeks overhaul of judge selection process
          SNL:  Greitens chooses to not fly on taxpayers' dime;  Missouri State Highway Patrol blocks real-time tracking of state planes X
          P-D:  Greitens leases planes through charter company
          AP:  Galloway launching series of audits to explore reasons state is facing budget shortfall
          Missourinet:  Audits underway target policymaking weaknesses, causes of Missouri budget gap
          CDT:  Galloway says state seized $6.2 million in cash, property in 2016 X
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) statement about reduced corporate tax collection rated "Mostly True"
          KWMU:  Workplace discrimination bill heads to Missouri House
          AP:  Missouri Senate passes bill for prescription drug tracking
          The Missouri Times:  Bush touts education measures at Missouri Capitol
          Missourinet:  Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush tells Missouri GOP legislators to "be bold" on school choice
          KWMU:  Jeb Bush touts charter schools and vouchers at Missouri Capitol
          AP:  Jeb Bush:  School choice is in Missouri's future
          Jason Rosenbaum for NPR:  As state budget revenues fall short, higher education faces a squeeze
          CDT:  UM System outlook turns stable, retains AA+ bond rating X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Airport booze bill is probably fine, but not very important X
          JCNT editorial:  A tale of two universities:  MU funded, Lincoln University slighted X
          P-D editorial:  Failure-factory charter networks like Confluence Academy must be held accountable
          KWMU Diversity Fellow Jenny Simeone:  UMSL black history prof shares advice on how civil rights crusaders can fight Trump
          P-D op-ed:  Wash U. adjunct prof Susan Craig:  Blunt should support independent commission in Russia investigation
          KC Star's Jason Hancock:  Weekly update on Greitens' inauguration expenses +
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  GOP pro-life bills are an attack on freedom
          Washington Missourian letter:  Area doctor says Hinson is wrong - prescription drug monitoring programs work
          KC Star letter:  Smithville sexagenarian uphappy with Kraus over REAL ID +
          CDT letter:  Area woman supports proposal from Rep. T.J. Berry (R-Kearney) to abolish death penalty X
          P-D letter:  Glendale sexagenarian opposes last year's gun bill, now signed into law
          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 2
       
KC Star:  McCaskill bashes ICE boss for not meeting with Senate on illegal-alien murder defendant +
          USA Today:  Widow chronicles husband's murder by illegal Mexican alien;  Comments from McCaskill
          P-D:  After Trump speech, spotlight on murderous illegal immigrants turns to Wentzville widow
          NY Times:  McCaskill wins Quotation of the Day for quip regarding Republicans and Obamacare
          Missourinet:  McCaskill condemns DeVos' comment about history of black colleges and universities
          KC Star:  Teamsters retirees would offer 'earful' to Trump team on failing Central States pension;  Group meets with McCaskill, Cleaver, Hartzler +
          The Missouri Times:  Trump starts process to rescind Waters of U.S. rule, earns kudos from Missouri farmers
          P-D:  Harris-Stowe president reflects on Trump's HBCU order, time in D.C.
          Washington Post:  After Bernie Sanders supporters knock off Hillary Clinton backers in Missouri, progressives chatter about recruiting "populist" into 2018 Democratic primary
          Columbia Missourian:  Social media posts started relationships that ended in Muslim's wannabe-jihadist indictment
          The Missouri Times:  Emilee Lakin leaves HRCC for Victory Enterprises;  Becky Willard joins HRCC as Finance Director
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Lt. Gov. Mike Parson explains office refurbishment costs
          Missourinet:  State Treasurer Eric Schmitt encourages affected Perry County farmers and business to participate in disaster relief program
          Drebes:  Proposal from Sen. Shalonn "Kiki" Curls (D-Kansas City) would provide public employees automatic COLAs
          The Missouri Times:  Benjamin Lipman, Lisa Hardwick, Brent Powell selected by commission in first round of Supreme Court process
          KWMU:  Judges, St. Louis lawyer the 3 candidates for open state Supreme Court seat
          P-D:  Two judges, private attorney are nominees for vacant Missouri Supreme Court seat
          KWMU:  Greitens' appointee for DHSS director questioned about North Carolina job
          SNL:  Rep. Robert Ross (R-Yukon) wants to stop government agencies from competing with private businesses X
          P-D:  Lawmakers renew push to try 17-year-olds in juvenile court
          P-D:  Senate OKs discrimination bill
          SNL:  Brown Derby among small Missouri liquor companies opposing alcohol advertising bill X
          CDT:  New UM president addresses legislative rally X
          KC Star:  University of Missouri System reclaims stable financial outlook rating from S&P +
          SNL:  Ozarks Technical Community College freezes 19 positions, says tuition increase is likely X
          Columbia Missourian:  State Higher Ed Committee considers requirement to post detailed data about course offerings
          Columbia Missourian:  Tears flow at marijuana legislation hearing;  Waterworks from supporters as they discuss current and potential health impacts
          Columbia Missourian:  House passes bill to increase fines for farmers breaking herbicide-application laws
          AP:  Missouri Senate votes down LGBT discrimination proposal
          Missourinet:  Proposals from Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) address criminal behavior in urban areas
          P-D editorial:  Medicaid block grants would be a disaster. Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) can't wait.
          Waters:  Profile:  Missouri marijuana advocate Dan Viets X
          P-D op-ed:  Wash U Law professor Pauline Kim:  Missouri GOP discrimination bill is bad
          P-D op-ed:  Humanist activist James Croft:  Why I love lobbying:  Walking the halls of the Missouri Capitol with the ACLU is not a self-indulgent, feel-good waste of time and will totally change what the GOP supermajority does
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Women's Foundation CEO Wendy Doyle:  It is Women's History Month.
          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 1
       
Archive:  March 2016 Missouri political news headlines
          Archive:  March 2015 Missouri political news headlines
          Archive:  March 2014 Missouri political news headlines
          Missourinet:  McCaskill not opposed to Trump's defense spending
          SNL:  McCaskill wants GOP lawmakers to rethink border wall X
          SNL:  Blunt:  White House didn't ask me to spin Russia contacts X
          KWMU:  Mitt Romney speaks at Wash U., talks climate change, Obamacare, more
          KWMU:  LGBTQIA* activists who attacked police officers at rally complain about how they were treated during arrests
          The Missouri Times:  MDP Chair Stephen Webber pokes Greitens over ideological makeover, photo op with Trump
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway says Missouri seized $6.3 million in property in 2016
          KWMU:  Public Insight Network reader input:  'Right to work' brings sense of unease to Missouri's union members
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Sen. Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph) pushes his version of drug monitoring bill X
          Missourinet:  Rep. Jason Chipman (R-Steelville) supports meth monitoring system as alternative to PDMP;  Comments from Consumer Healthcare Products Association's Jim Gwinner
          JCNT:  Pharmacy software works to limit meth production X
          The Missouri Times:  Jeb Bush joins state lawmakers today to discuss school choice
          KWMU:  Missouri NEA, others oppose Emery's bill to provide alternative restroom accomodations for students calling themselves "transgender"
          KWMU:  In competition for students, some area colleges erase in-state tuition parameters
          SNL:  Missouri could stop offering ACT for free X
          Columbia Missourian:  Mike Middleton saw interim president job as calming UM's troubled waters
          Missourinet:  Business and labor groups view arbitration legislation differently
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate gives initial approval to discrimination bill
          P-D:  Senate debate on workplace discrimination bill goes past midnight
          KWMU:  Liberal groups speak out against discrimination bill;  Press conference features NAACP, ACLU, Planned Parenthood, et al.
          AP:  NAACP, others oppose discrimination bill
          The Missouri Times:  KCP&L's track to acquire Westar must overcome one more regulatory hurdle
          KC Star:  Bill would bar punitive damages for state employees in discrimination cases +
          P-D:  Missouri Dept. of Corrections fined $2,500 for dragging feet on Sunshine request
          Missourinet:  With proposal from Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis City), women who claim to be abused could break leases early, change their locks
          Drebes:  Denny Hoskins, Brian Munzlinger and Old Drum the "historic" dog
          Missourinet:  Hawley says Northeast Missouri man sexually assaulted children and an elderly woman
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Supreme Court upholds minimum wage raises in St. Louis
          KWMU:  St. Louis City minimum wage will rise to $11/hr. by 2018
          AP:  St. Louis City to raise minimum wage after court decision
          P-D:  Missouri Supreme Court upholds St. Louis minimum wage hike
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri should loosen term limits +
          P-D editorial:  Missouri legislators should reject Schaaf's sham prescription database
          P-D op-ed:  Local liability lawyer opposes GOP discrimination bill
          Columbia Missourian's Steve Spellman:  Missouri tort overhaul proposals are a sad symptom of a litigious society
          CDT letter:  MU social work prof wants Hartzler staff to clean out voice mail box X
          Disclosure



          X
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