johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - November 2013


    

       
       

       
Saturday, November 30
        
KC Star:  Missouri's push for Medicaid expansion runs into Republican opposition +
          Washington Examiner:  Survey finds doctors rebelling against Obamacare;  A look at Springfield and St. Louis (#3)
          P-D:  15 different unions represented at Ferguson Wal-Mart protest;  Coordinated effort appears to have no impact on store's business
          CDT:  Some lawmakers skeptical of Nixon's call for Boeing incentives;  Comments from Chris Kelly, Stephen Webber, John Wright, Ron Richard, Kurt Schaefer, Caleb RowdenX
          Missourinet:  Speaker Tim Jones weighs in on Nixon's call for special session, mentions competition from right-to-work states
          KC Star:  Nixon calls special session in effort to woo Boeing to St. Louis County
          St. Louis Beacon:  Nixon calls special session to woo Boeing, proposes $150 million a year in state tax breaks
          P-D:  Nixon to seek up to $150M annually in Boeing incentives
          KWMU:  Gov. Jay Nixon calls special session in attempt to land Boeing contract
          AP:  Nixon calls special session for Boeing incentives
          P-D:  Food stamp rolls drop as state slashes in-person help;  State officials say centralized process more efficient, but welfare advocates say there are now more hoops for handouts
          KC Star:  Interactive map:  Where are the most deer-vehicle crashes in Missouri? +
          P-D:  Popular Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer (D) won't run for seventh term
          P-D editorial:  In debate over school transfers, it's time to seek common ground
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri Association of School Administrators' exec Roger Kurtz:  Sinquefield's CEAM, MO DESE standing in the way of meaningful school improvement
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        Friday, November 29
        
KMOX:  Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Missouri Jobs With Justice to protest outside Florissant Wal-Mart today
          KWMU:  Rep. Jeff Roorda (D-Barnhart) wants to ban Missouri's private businesses from opening on Thanksgiving Day
          Missourinet:  McCaskill "angry and frustrated" over Obamacare website rollout, but says she found 28 different options for Missourians through the site
          P-D:  Gateway program for uninsured faces surprising obstacles;  "After decades of alienation, (the poor) harbor deep suspicions of authority"
          Helling:  Missouri's guns vs. butter debate:  It's better to spend $1.1B on Medicaid expansion than spending it on F/A-18 planes +
          KC Star:  Farm bill remains stuck in the mud;  McCaskill, Cleaver oppose House GOP proposal to cut food stamps by $39 billion +
          Shelly:  Missouri Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro too helpful to foes of teacher tenure, especially "meddling millionaire" Rex Sinquefield +
          SE Missourian:  Opinions mixed on Bright Flight proposal +
          SNL:  Sunlight Foundation provides county-by-county data on political contributions X
          Washington Missourian:  Franklin County Clerk Debbie Door is tired of defending her purchase of new election machines:  "I'm going to get disgusted with this"
          AP:  Nixon appoints Margene Burnett to circuit judgeship in Jackson County
          SE Missourian:  Experts address questions about grotto sculpin +
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Top 5 Turkeys of 2013:  Despite improving economy, dead-tree media continues its decline
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Rep. Tom Flanigan responds to Rep. Chris Kelly (D-Columbia):  The economic reality of Medicaid expansion
          P-D letter:  Expanding Medicaid more important than helping Boeing
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        Thursday, November 28   Happy Thanksgiving!
        
WGEM:  Missouri hospitals feeling impact of not expanding Medicaid coverage
          St. Louis Beacon:  Nixon could call special session for Boeing incentive proposal
          KWMU:  Nixon reiterates support for Boeing to choose St. Louis, but no special session yet
          P-D:  Nixon to seek special session for big Boeing tax breaks
          AP:  Nixon pitches bid to land Boeing aircraft plant
          St. Louis Business Journal:  Nixon:  Boeing special session could come in 'days not weeks'
          Missourinet:  Missouri races to catch a plane
          KC Star:  Kansas City gets bid requirements for GOP convention +
          Missourinet:  Campaign limits proposal partially approved by judge;  Kander's language given okay, Schweich's numbers must be corrected
          AP:  Judge rejects cost estimate for Missouri initiative;  Sinquefield's team challenged auditor's numbers
          KC Star's Abouhalkah:  Things to NOT be thankful for:  Missouri's "simple-minded" pro-gun legislators;  Rex Sinquefield and others who want low taxes;  "Obama haters," who are actually just racist;  More +
          SNL:  Rep. Charlie Norr (D-Springfield), Rep. Sonya Anderson (R-Springfield) say they try to keep Thanksgiving peace at their respective dinner tables X
          KC Star:  As time passes, child welfare cases in Missouri are in peril +
          CDT:  Suit seeks $30 million for Mamtek bonds X
          P-D:  Judge's plan to halt red-light camera program in St. Louis is forestalled
          Washington Missourian:  MoDOT won't 'buy job' until deficiencies fixed
          KWMU:  November deer harvest down this year from 2012
          Washington Missourian editorial:  MoDOT has listened to Highway 47 concerns and is addressing them
          KC Star's Diuguid:  Stall hits reactivation of red-light cameras +
          Washington Missourian letter:  McCaskill complicit in Harry Reid's power grab
          P-D letter:  State of Missouri waited too long to execute racist serial killer Joseph Franklin
          Washington Missourian letter:  In union dispute, NEA supporter says paper should have acknowledged staffer's familial tie to MSTA
          JCNT letter:  Missouri American Water failed to pay bills to city;  Therefore, no Missouri official should be re-elected X
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        Wednesday, November 27
        
SE Missourian:  Rep. Jason Smith hosts House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) for fundraiser and anti-Obamacare small-business roundtable +
          KWMU:  University of Missouri employee says SNAP cuts could increase number of Missouri's food-insecure
          Columbia Missourian:  MU sociology prof says Missouri becoming a leader in food insecurity;  Nixon changed stance on federal food assistance program after Dem outcry
          KWMU:  Commerce Department giving away nearly $1 million in taxpayer money to promote minority businesses in St. Louis region
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt greets high-court decision to hear religious freedom case X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Rep. Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) hopes Hobby Lobby case bodes well for his challenge to contraceptive coverage
          AP:  Nixon heads to St. Louis County to stump for Boeing plant
          KMOX:  Nixon, leaders to discuss Boeing 777X today
          CDT:  Nixon wants more money for Bright Flight program X
          AP:  Sen. Paul LeVota (D-Independence) and Rep. Genise Monticello (D-St. Louis) urge Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro to resign, cite "troubling tendency to abuse power"
          KWMU:  Two Missouri lawmakers call on DESE Commissioner Chris Nicastro to resign
          KC Star:  Democrats call on Missouri education commissioner to resign +
          St. Louis Beacon:  McCoy wants full explanation of why he was suspended;  Issues of DESE and false attendance numbers, school choice, and race converge in Ferg-Flor
          P-D:  Ferguson-Florissant superintendent superintendent says he was given no grounds for suspension
          KC Star:  KC Public Schools will reopen two schools for only seventh- and eighth-graders;  District envisions "villages of hope" for urban youth +
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri prioritizes pre-K funding, but programs are 'patchwork'
          Drebes:  Rep. Karla May (D-St. Louis) may run for Recorder of Deeds instead of running for re-election
          St. Louis Beacon/KWMU "Politically Speaking" podcast:  Journo gang discusses Nixon administrative troubles, transportation tax opposition, and execution drugs
          The Missouri Times:  Noranda, union, Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future's Irl Scissors comment on closing of an Ohio smelter and possible implications for Missouri manufacturing
          Missourinet:  Kander files civil action against Mamtek underwriter
          KC Star:  Kansas City's red-light camera law is again in doubt +
          AP:  Missouri Supreme Court rules against felon in gun case
          KC Star:  U.S. Justice Department's hate-crime task force to hold one-day public meeting at UMKC +
          P-D editorial:  Is Missouri for education or corporate welfare?  Boeing tax breaks vs. Missouri school funding
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Instead of pouring money into Bright Flight for kids who are already going to get a degree, spend the money to expand college access X
          Shelly:  Missouri should emulate the Mexican state of Guanajuato and spend more taxpayer money on education and transportation infrastructure +
          SNL letter:  Springfield man happy with Obamacare marketplace X
          KC Star letter:  KC woman says she is angry about food disparity, wants McCaskill and Blunt to protect SNAP +
          P-D letter:  Transportation funding:  For the poor, a gas tax is more fair than a sales tax
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        Tuesday, November 26
        
St. Louis Beacon:  Immigration protestors target Rep. Ann Wagner
          KWMU:  Immigration groups continue to pressure Rep. Ann Wagner
          KSMU:  McCaskill weighs in on Iran;  Station still seeking comment from Blunt, Long
          Joplin Globe:  Briefs:  Dem PR campaign seeking SW MO residents who got Obamacare website to work;  McCaskill on Farm Bill;  Rep. Bill Lant (R) holds child-abuse meetingX
          Missourinet:  Save the A-10 "Warhog" fighter jets, say McCaskill and Blunt
          The Missouri Times:  Labor leader Jeff Aboussie comments on Boeing bid
          Stars and Stripes:  McCaskill tries military sexual assault reform proposal as separate bill
          Missourinet:  Missouri stakeholders take "wait and see" approach to Kansas study of Missouri River diversion
          KC Star:  Lawsuit challenges ballot measure to raise sales tax to fund Missouri roads +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Missouri Association for Social Welfare challenges ballot language for transportation sales tax issue
          Missourinet:  Transportation petition challenged
          Missourinet:  Chamber says legislative solutions to be sought in 2014 for unemployment insurance debt
          St. Louis Review:  Catholice legislator - Rep. Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) - seeks court protection in HHS lawsuit
          KSMU:  Nixon:  New 'Bright Flight' scholarship deal for students who stay, work in Missouri
          AP:  Nixon proposes increasing Missouri scholarship program
          Drebes:  Jay Hahn adds American Cancer Society Action Network to his lobbyist registrations
          P-D:  MO Ethics Commission fines Jefferson Co. GOP Central Committee, chronic Abe Lincoln impersonator George Englebach, and Buddy Hardin for illegal campaign activities
          P-D:  Wash U. partnership boosts science performance at Hazelwood
          P-D:  State of Missouri purchases Camp Zoe, former home of Schwagstock marijuana/music festivals, at auction
          KC Star:  Kansas City seeks to change law, resume red-light camera enforcement +
          CDT:  First amendment heroine speaks in Columbia;  Mary Beth Tinker wore an armband in 1965, still available for speeches
          P-D editorial:  Turn the red-light camera debate back to safety
          Horrigan:  Nixon dismisses Kansas' water pipe dream
          P-D op-ed:  Rep. Chris Kelly (D-Columbia):  An economic argument for Medicaid transformation
          P-D letter:  Cities don't have safety in mind with red-light and speeding cameras
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        Monday, November 25
        
Politico:  Sexual-assault debate could fizzle out;  McCaskill-Gillibrand duel could end with no vote
          SNL:  Senate committee to vote on Doug Harpool's bid for federal bench;  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) focuses questions on abortion, Harpool's comments on GOP X
          KC Star:  Cleaver says KC area will receive $1.1 million in home repair funds +
          KC Star:  Civil rights legend John Lewis speaks to Jewish group in KC +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Missouri House probes of former Nixon officials could overshadow new session;  EEOC to examine Gracia Backer's allegations
          AP:  Analysis:  Missouri tax policy dates to the Depression;  Missouri Budget Project, Sinquefield's Grow Missouri share thoughts on potential reforms
          Missouri Wonk's Brian Schmidt:  Who's the farthest left and right of them all?  Ranking every MO state senator - from 1993-2009 - on a Left-Right scale
          Drebes:  Libertarian may file as Republican, put name on ballot in Dem district vs. Rep. Mike Colona
          Daily Journal:  Registrants on Missouri's sex-offender list can face "lifetime of discrimination" (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          P-D:  Embattled superintendent had spoken out on school choice;  Art McCoy's defenders say union-backed board members are out to get him;  Comments from Rep. Steve Cookson (R-Poplar Bluff)
          SNL:  City, MoDOT officials to work on plan for Interstate loop around Springfield X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Some concealed-carry permits on hold;  Large class size at issue X
          KC Star editorial:  Fix Kansas City's red-light camera law to make streets safer +
          P-D letter:  President of Kirkwood Chamber wants McCaskill, Blunt to cut federal regulations on small businesses
          Washington Missourian letter:  WA woman with hard-knock history was helped by state's Medicaid - but Republicans refuse to expand the program in Missouri
          SNL letter:  Scooter enthusiast says Missouri should require all motorized-bike riders to wear a helmet X
          Disclosure

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        Sunday, November 24
        
AP:  Boeing solicits bids for site of 777X production
          KC Star:  Woman's allegation that sex was not consensual offers glimpse into Air Force justice +
          SNL:  Issue of Medicaid expansion in Missouri remains murky;  Meeting canceled after dispute between Nixon, Republicans X
          AP:  Missouri National Guard handling IDs for gay spouses
          JCNT:  Education community gears up for legislative session;  Comments from MSBA's Mike Reid, MNEA's Otto Fajen X
          JCNT:  Missouri legislators plan to review towers bill X
          P-D:  A caution light for Missouri's red-light cameras
          AP:  Feds use fraud cases to pitch corruption hotline
          KC Star's Steve Rose:  Chris Christie pushes teacher tenure;  GOP proposals have gone nowhere in Missouri, and even if they did, Gov. Jay Nixon would crush them +
          CDT op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Joseph Miller:  Ballot initiative lets motorists off the hook;  State sales tax for roads is a bad idea
 X
          CDT op-ed:  Grass Roots Organizing's Robin Acree:  Ideas better than sales-tax increase for roads: Gas tax, make upper-income Missourians "pay a little more," have corporations pay "their fair share" X
          KC Star letter:  Death penalty is uncivilized +
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        Saturday, November 23
        
MSNBC:  Sen. Roy Blunt:  With filibuster changes, Senate is turning into the House
          MSNBC:  Video:  Blunt on filibuster changes (video #5 in rotator)
          P-D:  Support growing for big 777X push in St. Louis
          AP:  Senate Majority Leader Ron Richard backs Boeing 777X incentive
          Kraske:  McCaskill's approach to military sexual assaults may win out;  Nixon to face GOP charge on hostile workforce environment next session +
          AP:  Nixon selects new Medicaid director:  Joe Parks
          Missourinet:  Missouri employers to pay more for unemployment insurance in 2014
          AP:  Missouri businesses will pay higher unemployment taxes in 2014
          AP:  Missouri-based paper company opening a plant that will create 200 jobs in Macon, Ga.
          SE Missourian:  Senior advocacy group shares priorities with area legislators:  Minnie May, others offer comments on "Silver Alert," property-tax break, phone use while driving, payday loans, more +
          Drebes:  Former state Rep. Mary Still (D-Columbia) registers as lobbyist;  First client is Schneider Electric
          KOLR:  Greene County clerk will not seek another term after 27-year run;  As first reported by Dave Drebes' MoScout.com subscription service on Thursday morning, Shane Schoeller intends to run
          Missourinet:  Nixon urges Kansas governor to scrap study of Missouri River diversion
          AP:  Nixon critical of diverting Missouri River water to Kansas
          KC Star:  Education commissioner's emails create flap in Missouri;  Comments from Sen. Paul LeVota (D-Independence), Missouri NEA's Mark Jones +
          P-D:  DESE says bloated attendance data may cost Ferguson-Florissant schools $80,000;  Superintendent Art McCoy has been on leave since Nov. 6
          KSMU:  What rural Missouri schools do when 75% of student population is out hunting
          CDT:  Ex-Mamtek treasurer agrees to settlement, will aid in recovering money X
          P-D:  UM curators approve KWMU/Beacon merger
          St. Louis Beacon:  UM curators OK merger of Beacon, St. Louis Public Radio
          St. Louis Beacon:  Beacon editor Margie Freivogel:  The Beacon and St. Louis Public Radio are now one:  What to expect from the merger
          KC Star op-ed:  A bracing celebration of KC's Transgender Day of Remembrance +
          Joplin Globe letter:  Only those who pay property taxes should vote X
          Disclosure

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        Friday, November 22
        
St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill votes for Harry Reid's change to filibuster rules;  Blunt says Dems are trying to shift focus away from failed Obamacare rollout X
          Missourinet:  McCaskill, Blunt agree on handling of military sexual assaults
          St. Louis Beacon:  Blunt, Nixon call for bipartisan effort to persuade Boeing to build 777X here
          P-D:  Nixon pitches St. Louis as home for Boeing 777X
          AP:  Missouri to compete for production of Boeing 777X
          P-D:  Nixon will allow health insurance policy extensions
          St. Louis Beacon:  Nixon administration to allow insurers to extend policies that don't comply with Obamacare
          AP:  Missouri to let insurers renew canceled health policies
          Missourinet:  Missouri health insurance companies to continue cancelled plans
          St. Louis Beacon:  Group focused on health care for vulnerable and elderly releases survey, says consumers haven't given up on insurance exchange;  Comments from President David Blumenthal
          St. Louis Beacon:  UM tuition projected to rise 1.7 percent next year
          P-D:  Proposed tuition hike for University of Missouri system would match inflation
          Missourinet:  Interview:  Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro says she did nothing unusual in working with lobbyist on development of ballot initiative
          CDT:  State Board of Education member says he sees no problem with Nicastro's actions;  Comments from Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R), Rep. Caleb Rowden (R) X
          CDT:  American Humanist Association files complaint against Fayette R-III schools, alleges that teacher participated in prayer sessions before school and promoted Fellowship of Christian Athletes X 
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City) hosts celebrity basketball game to help feed the homeless;  Rep. John Rizzo (D-Kansas City) among those in attendance
          Drebes:  John Sutton (D) may take on Rep. Noel Torpey (R-Independence) again
          SE Missourian:  Southeast students take part in pilot project studying e-voting machines +
          Washington Missourian:  Area sewer districts faced with costly upgrades due to stricter rules from Missouri Department of Natural Resources
          P-D:  Regulators OK delay of pollution controls for Ameren coal plants
          KWMU:  Nuclear policy analyst:  radioactive waste at West Lake Landfill must go
          P-D:  Nuclear critic urges removal of radioactive waste at West Lake Landfill
          CDT:  City limited on red-light ordinance options after cameras removed X
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Kansas City begs for another expensive red-light camera fight
          AP:  Nixon fills opening on appeals court:  Phil Hess, former president of MATA
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Schweich's office gives Savannah 'poor' rating X
          KSHB:  Schweich questions Excelsior Springs School District lease (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          Columbia Missourian:  Jack Danforth was studying for the bar exam when Kennedy was shot
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Chris Kelly (D-Columbia) was in high school English class when Kennedy was shot
          P-D:  Beacon-KWMU merger gets vote today;  Beacon reporters become state employees;  Tim Eby will lead entire operation, with Margie Freivogel heading up news department
          St. Louis Beacon:  Q&A on Beacon-KWMU merger
          SNL letter:  Billy Long deserves credit for not supporting Obama's you-can-keep-your-coverage lie X
          P-D letter:  Toll roads are not the answer to transportation-funding woes
          KC Star letter:  Instead of busing students from unaccredited districts to suburbs, bring staff from competent districts to now-vacant urban schools + 
          Disclosure

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        Thursday, November 21
        
SNL:  McCaskill efforts to combat sexual assault in military moves center stage X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Blunt joins McCaskill in Senate debate over military sexual assault cases
          KSMU:  Blunt joins McCaskill on sexual-assault bill
          Roll Call:  Video:  Key moments in the military sexual-assault debate
          P-D:  Obamacare fallout hits Missouri;  State officials ponder while canceled insurance customers wait
          L.A. Times:  Missouri-based attack plane could be scrapped by Pentagon
          Military.com:  Blunt among those moving to block A-10 Warthog retirement (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          Kraske:  McCaskill takes note of 2013 calendar:  40 days to pass Farm Bill +
          KC Star:  Former state Rep. Jason Klumb (D) is the new chairman of the Federal Executive Board +
          JCNT:  Public comment sought on 3 early voting petitions X
          Hartmann:  Race to the bottom:  Missouri need not follow Kansas off a fiscal cliff
          CDT:  Nixon, Barnes battle over Medicaid meeting;  Venue, format lead to dispute X
          Shelly:  Childish behavior sinks Medicaid meeting in Jefferson City.  Who's to blame?  Republicans, again. +
          AP:  Missouri ed chief advised ballot group;  E-mails, obtained by Missouri NEA via Sunshine Law, indicate Chris Nicastro met with Childrens Education Council of Missouri
          KC Star:  KC school district receives another clean audit +
          P-D:  State school officials hear frustrations of Riverview Gardens residents, staff
          St. Louis Beacon:  Riverview Gardens plots path back to accreditation
          AP:  Missouri may carry out more executions using new method
          P-D:  Debate over Missouri's new execution drug doesn't end with death
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Images from KC's transgender remembrance vigil;  Candle lit for Dee Dee Pearson, slain after john discovered she was a man
          P-D:  Red-light tickets suspended in some Missouri cities
          KWMU:  Laclede Gas gets tax help to move
          St. Louis Beacon:  Vote set for Friday on merger of Beacon, KWMU
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Insiders at The Pitch say Kansas City Star has only two years left
          SNL editorial:  Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) deserves credit for creative thinking on Medicaid X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri should stop state-sanctioned killing +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Push by Missouri NEA to be sole representative of Washington teachers is a threat to the district
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Katie Casas:  Missouri Association of School Adminstrators' plan falls short of quality options for all students
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Building lakes could bring economic hope to depressed parts of Missouri
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Missouri women not protected from sexual assault by landlords
          SNL letter:  On Medicaid expansion, Missouri Republicans are putting politics ahead of people X
          Disclosure

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        Wednesday, November 20
        
Sedalia Democrat:  Blunt, Nixon speak at Missouri Farmers Association event, address relevant and timely topics:  Farm bill, livestock disaster program, growth in Missouri's crop yield and exports
          St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune:  Activists rally, call on Wagner and Luetkemeyer to vote on immigration reform;  Piece includes comments from workers, local labor leader, unattributed paragraph from Associated Press
          Politico:  In military sexual assault debate, McCaskill arguing for reform, not overhaul
          SNL:  Sen. Harry Reid chooses Gillibrand's sexual-assault legislation over McCaskill's X
          AP:  Senate women unite in fighting sexual assault
          Northeast News:  Posty Cards goes green with help from New Market Tax Credits, gets attention from Blunt (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          P-D:  St. Louis man wins $8.3 million malpractice award against John Cochran VA hospital
          KC Star:  Georgia congressman enters tribute to Ike Skelton - who died in October - into Congressional Record +
          KOLR:  State unemployment dips to lowest rate in 5 years
          Missourinet:  Nixon meeting with legislative Medicaid committees canceled amid dispute
          St. Louis Beacon:  Nixon scuttles meeting with legislative leaders on Medicaid, after they seek to stipulate the terms
          Columbia Missourian:  Medicaid meeting falls through because of disagreement over venue
          The Missouri Times:  Disagreement about location, format stall Medicaid hearing planned between Republicans, Nixon
          P-D:  Nixon cancels Medicaid meeting after spat over format
          CDT:  Political fight could stop Medicaid meeting between Nixon, Republicans X
          KWMU:  Meeting between Nixon and GOP legislators is in jeopardy
          AP:  Plans falter for meeting between Nixon, lawmakers
          AP:  Doctors propose pilot program for Missouri Medicaid
          AP:  Speaker Tim Jones names members of committee looking into alleged Ag Dept. behavior
          St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune:  Black trades honor miners and fast food workers;  Attendees include Dem Reps. Karla May and Clem Smith, Jobs With Justice's Lara Granich
          AP:  Missouri executes serial killer
          Columbia Missourian:  Protesters 'cautiously optimistic' about serial killer's execution
          P-D:  Missouri executes serial killer
          AP:  U.S. Supreme Court denies execution stay for mass killer
          AP:  Deer kill down in Missouri on opening weekend
          Missourinet:  Missouri Department of Conservation blames windy weekend for low deer harvest numbers
          St. Louis Beacon:  Group launches to study - and discuss - city-county compact
          P-D:  Better Together group launches discussion of city-county governance
          KWMU:  Better Together?  St. Louis City and County look at reuniting
          SNL editorial:  Nixon's gay-marriage announcement reflects good policy X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Fraud and facts:  With Election Integrity Unit, Secretary of State Jason Kander puts transparency to work X
          P-D editorial:  Let the city-county Great Reconciliation talks begin
          Messenger:  Interlopers trying to buy Missouri judges again. They will lose. Again.
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Medicaid reform must start with care providers
          McClellan:  Ferguson-Florissant school district case:  Confidentiality can be a handy thing to hide behind
          CDT's Waters:  Nixon could have made an eloquent statement by sparing serial killer, but he didn't X
          CDT op-ed:  PROMO's AJ Bockelman:  State lags on issues of fairness;  Anti-discrimination bills fail every year X
          P-D letter:  Reaction to Nicklaus' piece on fast-food wages;  Worker says corporate shareholders have unreasonable profit margin expectations
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        Tuesday, November 19
        
Washington Post:  Upcoming battle will showcase rising power of women in the Senate;  Focus on McCaskill (D-MO) vs. Gillibrand (D-NY)
          CQ Roll Call:  Sex-assault proposal faces uphill battle
          AP:  11 members of Senate Armed Services Committee oppose Gillibrand proposal
          St. Louis Review:  Archdiocese of St. Louis and Catholic Charities of St. Louis refile lawsuit on health care mandate
          St. Louis Beacon:  New initiative petition proposals would require Supreme Court judges to run for office
          Missouri Wonk's Brian Schmidt:  A look at Missouri Works vs. Kansas' PEAK incentives program - and what's required to disallow incentives
          JCNT:  Pastors gather at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. church, discuss legislative priorities;  Group urges Nixon to push for Medicaid expansion, higher minimum wage, crackdown on payday loans, more X
          Mahoney:  Rep. Nick Marshall (R-Parkville) wants Nixon impeached over same-sex tax-return order, says he needs help from his GOP caucus
          Drebes:  Missouri health underwriters form PAC
          Drebes:  Help wanted at the Capitol:  House LA, House Research, Senate budget analyst
          St. Louis Beacon:  DESE will look into irregularities in attendance at Ferguson-Florissant
          P-D:  Suspended Ferguson schools chief is under state inquiry for attendance-reporting irregularities
          Independence Examiner:  Eastern Jackson County school officials have faith in accreditation plan (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          AP:  Court sets aside guilty verdict against Rep. Warren Love (R-Osceola) over escaped cattle 
          AP:  Nixon denies clemency to serial killer
          P-D:  Serial killer on death row says he has remorse, is no longer a racist
          Columbia Missourians:  Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty to protest Franklin execution
          P-D:  Group to begin St. Louis city-county governance discussion on Tuesday;  Comments from Sen. John Lamping (R-Ladue) fearful of talk "in the shadows" about potential ballot initiative
          KC Star:  Former KC Star columnist Steve Penn dismisses suit against paper because witness unable to testify, will refile suit +
          P-D editorial:  Time for campaign-finance restrictions;  Sens. John Lamping (R-Ladue) and Jamilah Nasheed (D-North St. Louis City) should get together and propose meaningful reforms
          KC Star editorial:  Gov. Nixon makes welcome move toward same-sex couples;  Decision is significant move for "a normally risk-averse governor of an increasingly red state" +
          P-D:  University City woman, who led once-existent Occupy St. Louis group, wants Clay and McCaskill to take position on Trans-Pacific partnership, says Blunt is already owned by Monsanto
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        Monday, November 18
        
USA Today:  Senators divided on military sexual assault measure
          AP:  Senate showdown this week over military sexual assault bill:  Missouri's Claire McCaskill vs. New York's Kirsten Gillibrand
          Fox 2 (St. Louis):  Obamacare troubles:  Charles Jaco talks to Missouri Foundation for Health's James Kinney, Wash U analyst/Missouri Budget Project collaborator Timothy McBride
          Joplin Globe's Redden:  McCaskill, Blunt push for infrastructure spending;  Kander establishes Elections Integrity Unit X
          SE Missourian:  Passport process slowed because of understaffing, local business owner says;  Request for comment from USPS branch met with busy signal +
          AP:  Analysis:  Gov. Jay Nixon shifts left politically;  MU, MSU profs weigh in on gay-marriage stance and positioning for 2016
          AP:  Analysis:  Wariness greets Nixon's call for KC-area truce
          SNL:  Rep. Nick Marshall (R-Parkville) says he plans to file articles of impeachment against Nixon over gay-marriage tax policy X
          Missourinet:  Nixon discusses joint session with House, Senate Medicaid committees
          Missourinet:  Transportation sales tax ready to go
          SNL:  Proposal would let cities, counties set tobacco tax rates;  Ballot measure would require amending Missouri's constitution X
          SNL:  KWMU database shows area lawmakers - except for one - take few lobbyists' gifts;  Largest expense for Rep. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield) was legislative trip to Israel X
          Missourinet:  Nixon shoots deer, donates to Share the Harvest
          Rosenbaum:  At UMSL panel, former state Sen. Joan Bray (D-University City), war reporter Jeremy Scahill share thoughts on journalism here and abroad
          SE Missourian:  Scott schools striving to improve MAP scores +
          CDT:  Boone County streams, lakes land on list of impaired waters X
          KC Star editorial:  Don't use the Farm Bill to conceal corporate agriculture;  In Missouri, Clean Water Commission set stricter limits on pollutants +
          JCNT op-ed:  Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City):  Market-based Medicaid for Missouri X
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's James Shuls:  State's public school retirement system:  Robbing Peter to pay for Paul's pension
          KC Star's Sanchez:  A life sentence for racist serial killer is smarter and more just than execution +
          SNL letter:  Vicky Hartzler and Billy Long correct on shutdown, but Roy Blunt voted with the Democrats X
          P-D letter:  Planned Parenthood's Paula Gianino responds to letter on Komen Foundation
          P-D letter:  Residents of states that do not expand Medicaid will miss out on mental health care access
          JCNT letter:  Oversight needed for Ameren and consistent requests for rate increases X
          SE Missourian letter:  Missouri Corn Growers Association President Jim Steuver responds to piece on ethanol +
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        Sunday, November 17
        
KC Star:  Senators find momentum shifting on military sexual-assault law;  McCaskill says Gillibrand is "making deals, and I'm sticking with policy" +
          P-D:  Health insurers face uncertain future;  A look at policy adaptations from Aetna, Anthem
          KMOX:  Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger (R-Lake Saint Louis) questions legality of Nixon's order on gay-marriage tax filings (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          Kirksville Daily Express:  Nixon stops by Kirksville school, talks funding
          Washington Missourian:  Washington School Board to vote on policies for recognizing unions
          P-D:  Up next for execution:  The man who shot Larry Flynt and Vernon Jordan
          Joplin Globe:  Public comment sought on watershed plan to improve Spring River;  Council received $30K from Missouri DNR to create plan X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  City's red-light cameras will remain off until Missouri Supreme Court issues a final opinion X
          P-D obituary:  Sharon Barnes, "the Republican leader in a city filled with Democrats"
          P-D letter:  Infrastructure needs should focus on more than just transportation, and include aiports, dams and parks
          Columbia Missourian letter:  McCaskill, Blunt should work to free small-business owners from excessive regulatory burdens
          Washington Missourian letter:  MSBA's Carter Ward responds to Show-Me Institute's James Shuls' letter on HB 253 and MSBA membership
          Washington Missourian letter:  Common Core needs to be stopped in Missouri
          KC Star letter:  Correcting misinformation, scare tactics from opponents of Common Core +
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        Saturday, November 16
        
National Journal:  McCaskill makes it personal in battle over military assaults, "appears miffed at attention Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is getting"
          KC Star:  McCaskill wants greater focus, transparency on search for war remains +
          AP:  McCaskill plans to introduce POW legislation
          SNL:  Health exchange navigators encouter errors - and some success - during scramble to fix website X
          P-D:  St. Louis Archdiocese sues again over Affordable Care Act
          St. Louis Beacon:  Missouri Republicans see political opening in fight against Obamacare
          St. Louis Beacon/KWMU Political Speaking podcast:  House Budget Chair Rick Stream (R-Kirkwood) on Missouri budget projections and reality, school transfers, Medicaid expansion and Obamacare
          P-D:  Former ag chief faces scrutiny;  Jon Hagler says he succeeded in promoting diversity of his office
          CDT:  Settlement shows Moberly is moving ahead after Mamtek debacle X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Attorney General Chris Koster supports Nixon's decision to allowing same-sex couples to file joint tax returns
          Phill Brooks:  The departure of indicted Missouri legislators:  In light of Rep. Steve Webb (D-Florissant), looking back at Speaker Bob Griffin (D) and Sen. Jet Banks (D)
          AP:  Racist serial killer facing execution facing execution in Missouri;  St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch (D) says murderer's actions were "cowardly"
          AP:  Salt Lake City NAACP asks Gov. Jay Nixon to halt execution
          WGEM (Hannibal):  La Grange, Mo. casino linked to debit card security breach
          P-D:  Dick Fleming and Joe Reagan - RCGA bosses new and old - took home a combined $1.2 million in 2012
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Photos:  Former state Sen. Charlie Wheeler (D-Kansas City) sells off his belongings
          P-D:  Larry Conners loses appeal on non-compete clause
          KC Star's Diuguid:  Nixon did the right thing allowing married same-sex couples to file joint tax returns +
          P-D letter:  Show-Me Cannabis' John Payne:  Prohibition doesn't prevent teens from using marijuana
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        Friday, November 15
        
Missourinet:  Missouri Insurance Dept. reviewing Obama's extension for those who've gotten cancellation notices from insurance providers
          P-D:  Obama will allow insurers to continue sale of canceled policies;  Comments from Missouri Foundation for Health, Missouri Budget Project collaborator Timothy McBride
          P-D:  McCaskill welcomes health law fix;  Blunt questions practical effect
          JCNT:  Blunt rips Obamacare failure X
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri health care guides respond to low enrollment figures
          KWMU:  U.S. Attorney General praises Missouri federal drug court as national model
          Military Times:  McCaskill's bill would give rape victims more say on trial venue
          KMOX:  Liberal group Progress Missouri says Show-Me Institute is not independent, and shares funding sources and research with other State Policy Network think tanks throughout the country
          AP:  Missouri to accept joint tax returns from gay couples
          SNL:  Speaker Tim Jones rips Nixon's order on gay couples X
          Missourinet:  Missouri to accept joint tax returns for legally married same-sex couples
          P-D:  Missouri to allow joint tax returns for legally married same-sex couples
          St. Louis Beacon:  Missouri's married same-sex couples can file joint state income taxes
          KWMU:  Same-sex married couples living in Missouri will be able to file joint state tax returns
          Columbia Missourian:  Order to let legally married same-sex couples file joint tax returns in Missouri
          Missourinet:  Secretary of State Jason Kander setting up election integrity unit to look into vote-fraud claims
          JCNT:  Jeanie Riddle (R-Mokane) ready for Missouri Senate bid X
          SE Missourian:  Home schooling gains popularity in Cape region +
          Kraske:  Former Sen. Charlie Wheeler (D-Kansas City) sells off his memorabilia;  Former mayor talks about meeting Ginger Rogers as he prepares for estate sale +
          P-D:  KPLR's Melanie Moon defends hugging man whose murder conviction was overturned
          Drebes:  Yahoo Sports infographic lists Sam Page's wife - a former KC Chiefs cheerleader - as elite cheer alumn with "beauty and brains"
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local NAACP chaptem given preview of March on Washington video X
          AP:  Black history museum to shutter in Ozarks
          Gateway Journalism Review:  Loesch's success turns her journalism professor into cynic;  Webster prof/liberal columnist Don Corrigan critical of conservative talk radio host's "persona"
          P-D editorial:  Missouri Republicans' attempts to sabotage health care law are shameful
          SNL editorial:  "Just common sense" editorial briefs:  State business groups should accept annual increases to minimum wage;  Pseudoephedrine purchases should require prescription;  more X
          Peterson:  Nixon grants gay couples joint tax status;  Next battle will be changing Missouri's constitution
          P-D op-ed:  Support McCaskill's effort to stop 'patent trolls' before they squelch our local tech startups
          Columbia Missourian:  PROMO Executive Director AJ Bockelman:  Fairness means inclusiive policies for all Missourians
          McClellan:  Nixon should grant clemency to man in jail on marijuana charge
          P-D letter:  Webster University economics professor:  We don't know what will happen if we pay fast-food workers $15/hour, so we might as well try
          SE Missourian letter:  Common Core does not help + 
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        Thursday, November 14
        
AP:  U.S. posts low number of health care signups;  In Missouri, just 751 picked exchange plans
          KC Star:  Only 1 in 4 new health insurance enrollees signed up on Obamacare website +
          KWMU:  McCaskill:  Obama should have apologized to those whose insurance was canceled:  "These problems are inexcusable, and it's embarrassing"
          SE Missourian:  In wake of Obamacare, some experience major increases in premiums, some see their coverage dropped +
          P-D:  GOP senators steer clear of Medicaid expansion, tackle reform
          AP:  Missouri Senate panel rejects Medicaid expansion
          Missourinet:  Republicans, Democrats split on Medicaid expansion
          KWMU:  Interim committee accepts recommendations that don't include expansion
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Senate, House appear far apart on Medicaid expansion
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate Medicaid panel splits over expansion;  Democrats stymied
          Politico:  Allies of McCaskill, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) ramp up lobbying for military sexual assault bill
          KC Star:  Kansas City tells Republicans it wants their convention here +
          KC Star:  Republican convention task force named +
          AP:  Kansas City ramping up effort for GOP convention
          St. Louis Beacon:  Lou Susman, top Democratic financier and former ambassador, talks politics and foreign affairs
          Communist Party USA's People's World:  St. Louis hearing spotlights government subsidies of fast food giants;  Comments from Missouri Jobs With Justice, member of state workers' union
          KC Star:  Former Sen. Charles Wheeler (D-Kansas City), facing money problems, to sell off his belongings - including Truman autographs - at old Westport Shopping Center on Friday and Saturday +
          Drebes:  Missouri lobbyists expenses during session:  Gamble & Schlemeier, Bardgett, Burton Liese, more
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon, lawmakers see different paths on 'border war' compromise
          JCNT:  Local legislators call for tax discussion beyond economic 'truce' with Kansas;  Rep. Chris Kelly (D) says KS is "simply smokescreen for a philosophical agenda" +
          CDT:  Moberly settles claim in Mamtek lawsuit;  City agrees to pay $95,000 in deal X
          SE Missourian:  Kathy Swan, Donna Lichtenegger attend League of Women voters town hall meeting;  GOP reps say hot topics will include Medicaid, education, health care +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Reversing course, Normandy board votes to pay tuition bills
          AP:  Missouri sees increase of international students
          KWMU:  Missouri moving forward with executions, despite secrecy over drug supply
          P-D:  Ameren agrees to $92 million in solar rebates
          AP:  Missouri regulators OK solar rebate agreements
          P-D:  Ameren Missouri eyeing O'Fallon for solar project
          P-D editorial:  McCaskill, Blunt wage bipartisan effort to help prevent victimizing military sexual assault victims
          KC Star editorial:  United front needed to resolve 'border war' +
          SNL editorial:  Road funding fix needed in 2014 X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Throwaway children:  Some parents are truly down on their luck - others "are lazy, give up and go on whatever dole they can find"
          KC Star editorial:  When justice falters:  Vast damage from Ryan Ferguson prosecution +
          KC Star's Sanchez:  Red flags aplenty in charter school debacle +
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Idea from Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) to privatize Medicaid only costs more money
          P-D letter:  State Rep. Mary Nichols (D-Maryland Heights):  Response to paper's editorial on Steve Webb:  Most elected officials do not expect to get gifts from lobbyists
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        Wednesday, November 13
        
St. Joseph News-Press:  Sequestration still poses threat in defense bill, McCaskill says X
          P-D:  McCaskill cites 'painful' arguments in fight over sexual assault in the military
          St. Louis Beacon:  McCaskill prepares for likely final showdown over competing sexual assault proposals
          KSDK:  McCaskill's office helps Korean War soldier get overdue Purple Heart
          St. Louis Beacon:  Obamacare discussion, sponsored by Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice, to be held in Clayton tomorrow
          Missourinet:  Nixon offers 'border war' solution;  Sen. Ryan Silvey says gov's speech is "side show" and an attempt at a power grab
          KC Star:  Business border war must stop, Nixon says;  Comments from Silvey, Speaker Tim Jones +
          Kraske:  Silvey's response indicates Nixon won't get unilateral authority the governor seeks +
          Shelly:  Lurching toward a truce in the border war +
          Mahoney:  Nixon calls for end to border war
          AP:  Nixon seeks moratorium in 'border war' with Kansas
          NY Times:  Missouri's governor calls for end to contest of incentives
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Nixon visits local school, says fully funding foundation formula will help X
          Drebes:  GOP candidate files paperwork in Rep. Jeremy LaFaver's safe Dem district
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Statewide marijuana conference coming to Kansas City this weekend
          KWMU:  Schweich's audit claims Missouri K-12 schools could save money by changing bond bidding process
          P-D:  No-bid bonds cost taxpayers $43 million, says Schweich
          P-D:  Changes to the GED have many cramming for the test
          KWMU:  Tyrone McNichols lays out plan to earn back state accreditation for Normandy;  Comments from ed chief Chris Nicastro, student Dianitia Butler
          St. Louis Beacon:  Big board meeting set in Normandy
          Missouri Wonk's Linda Rallo:  Five things we learned from the unveiling of MoDOT's long-range transportation plan
          P-D:  October is another slow casino month
          Missourinet:  University of California - Los Angeles study:  Missouri needs a law protecting LGBTQ citizens
          AP:  Attorney for man convicted of murdering blacks and Jews asks for execution stay
          Missourinet:  Koster's office says it will not retry Ryan Ferguson
          CDT:  Ryan Ferguson thanks family, supporters after release X
          KC Star:  Ryan Ferguson home in Columbia after court vacates conviction in sports editor's death +
          AP:  Ryan Ferguson freed after murder conviction overturned
          KWMU:  Missouri Supreme Court strikes down MSD storm water fee
          P-D:  Missouri high court rejects MSD stormwater charge
          P-D editorial:  GOP proponent of Medicaid expansion, issues strong challenge;  Rep. Jay Barnes' proposal deserves serious debate
          KC Star editorial:  A bigger governor-appointed police board is not an improvement for KC +
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri Association for Social Welfare and Bread for the World:  Missouri hunger cannot be solved by charity alone
          KC Star op-ed:  Chiropractor:  Tough choices ahead on Medicaid reform +
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Nullification:  The difference between proposed gun law and proposed marijuana law
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        Tuesday, November 12
        
KWMU:  Veterans Day celebration draws 100 at Missouri Capitol
          SE Missourian:  Food stamp recipients seeing smaller checks since Nov. 1 +
          Columbia Missourian:  McCaskill's staff to hold "Kitchen Table Talk" today
          Des Moines Register:  McCaskill to attend county-level Dem fundraising reception Saturday
          Rosenbaum:  Tom Schweich and Jay Swearingen size up auditor's race differently
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Chris Kelly (D-Columbia) endorses Kip Kendrick for his seat
          Drebes:  Brad Ketcher files initiative petition to limit campaign contributions
          SNL:  Report:  47 complaints of employment discrimination would be filed each year if Missouri had a nondiscrimination law X
          AP:  Nixon to address KC Chamber today, will propose end to Missouri-Kansas "border war"
          KC Star's Helling:  Nixon should push tax reform targeted to the middle class, not corporations +
          SNL:  State to raise minimum wage in 2014 X
          Drebes:  Former Sen. John Scott (D-St. Louis) deletes his registration for city, now repping only Harris-Stowe
          AP:  Nixon to attend higher-ed meeting focusing on expanding "Innovation Campuses"
          AP:  Failing Normandy district asks for more time
          P-D:   Normandy says transfer law is crippling district
          St. Louis Beacon:  State education officials hear plans, passion at Normandy meeting
          St. Louis Beacon:  City school superintendent keeps close eye on data, students
          KC Star:  Keep KC police under state control, committee says in close vote +
          P-D:  Judge denies lawsuit from Rep. Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) over contraceptive coverage
          P-D:  Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt, represented by ACLU attorney, enters Missouri capital punishment fray
          AP:  Larry Flynt joins those opposing execution of serial killer
          The Missouri Times:  Larry Flynt files suit in Missouri execution case
          P-D:  St. Peters aldermen remove ban on penalty points for red-light camera violations
          P-D:  Post-Dispatch parent company's 4Q loss widens;  Gains in digital ad revenue not enough to offset decreases in print advertising
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Sales tax for transportation faces rough road ahead X
          Joplin Globe op-ed:  Gov. Jay Nixon:  Veterans Day piece X
          P-D op-ed:  Sierra Club's Sara Edgar:  Activist in her early 30s says she has personally observed climate change, wants Ameren to move away from "dirty fossil fuels"
          CDT's Waters:  In Missouri, red-light camera enforcement should be on the same grounds as parking violations X
          P-D letter:  UMSL professor responds to P-D's Nicklaus regarding fast-food/welfare column
          P-D letter:  Missouri should embrace Obamacare, expand Medicaid
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        Monday, November 11   Veterans Day
        
Fox 2 St. Louis:  Affordable Care Act still a mess:  Missouri Foundation for Health's Thomas McAuliffe talks to Charles Jaco about how it happened
          Joplin Globe:  Newton County GOP Chair Nick Myers says Rand Paul will headline next year's statewide Lincoln Day;  Billy Long, Kurt Schaefer address county GOP, talk Obamacare and Common Core X
          AP:  Missouri's minimum wage set to rise, again, in 2014;  Missouri wage will be 25 cents higher than federal minimum wage
          AP:  Missouri ballot could have two tax questions
          St. Louis Beacon:  Jason Kander pledges to resume fight for early voting, ethics changes, when legislators reconvene
          Missourinet:  Senate Majority Leader Ron Richard wants tort reform with Medicaid legislation
          SNL:  2 of 7 colleges with highest default rates are in the Ozarks X
          Missourinet:  A proposal for something better for failing districts
          Fox 2 St. Louis:  Normandy School District hearings begin tonight
          SE Missourian:  Many factors contribute to Jackson test success:  "Parents with high expectations, plus 'great teachers and administrators'" set area apart, say officials +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  March of Dimes says Missouri ranks 'average' in premature deaths X
          Washington Missourian:  Efforts continue for small modular nuclear reactors
          KC Star:  Missouri-based rescue team leaps into action when disaster strikes +
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  Court's red-light camera ruling impacts Hannibal
          P-D editorial:  Labeling GMOs is a good idea but may not make a difference
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Rhodes Russell:  Veterans Day piece +
          KC Star's Diuguid:  Minority parents value high-quality education +
          Washington Missourian letter:  Show-Me Institute's James Shuls:  Missouri School Boards' Association (MSBA) fights to keep taxes high
          P-D letter:  Sad situation of trooper's gay partner could have been avoided if Missouri legalized gay marriage
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        Sunday, November 10
        
KOLR:  Rep. Billy Long seeks Southwest Missouri support for Farm Bill, says SNAP fraud/abuse should be cut to protect the truly needy
          JCNT:  Cuts to SNAP affect nearly 14,000 Lake residents receiving handouts X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Tough negotiating remains for farm bill;  Comments from McCaskill, Blunt X
          Boonville Daily News:  At listening post, constituents say they want to hear Rep. Vicky Hartzler talk more about Obamacare problems, "Amnesty Program for Illegal Aliens," Agenda 21, voter ID, more
          Boonville Daily News:  Rep. Vicky Hartzler visits Caterpillar plant
          P-D:  As federal health website stalls, so does marketing;  Comments from Missouri Foundation for Health, others
          P-D:  Confusion time:  How to pick a health insurance plan;  Comments from Kaiser Family Foundation, others
          SNL's Shorman:  Missouri not likely to follow Illinois in legalizing gay marriage X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local experts discuss pros and cons of marijuana legalization;  Sen. Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph) says he supports legalization, wants to see Missourians vote on issue X
          KC Star:  Seven out of 10 Missouri school districts are adopting Common Core +
          Joplin Globe:  MoDOT seeks public input on roads plan
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court sets new execution date for convicted murderer Allen Nicklasson
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers to review catfish regulation
          Douglas County Herald op-ed:  Sen. Claire McCaskill:  Veterans Day piece
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  State Treasurer Clint Zweifel:  Veterans Day piece
          KC Star's Abouhalkah:  Missouri's minimum wage is rising - again - in 2014 +
          Shelly:  Prosecutors who hide evidence harm justice +
          Disclosure

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        Saturday, November 9
        
St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt says nation could see a manufacturing revival X
          Joplin Globe:  Decrease in federal food-stamp funding increases demand on local pantries X
          Washington Post:  New census report:  Poverty rate rate is lower in Missouri than originally thought (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          The Hill:  McCaskill wants help from patent troll whistle-blowers
          The Hill:  McCaskill issues deadline to deal with POW 'mess'
          AP:  Plan calls for new Missouri riverways restrictions
          KWMU:  Draft management plan released for Ozark National Park
          Columbia Missourian:  Ozark riverways management plan calls for change
          AP:  Ronnie White nominated for federal judgeship for the third time
          P-D:  Obama nominates Ronnie White to federal judgeship he was denied
          Kraske:  Nixon is forced to confront complaints of workplace hostility +
          AP:  Ballot proposal seeks cap on Missouri tax credits
          P-D:  Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) invites critiques of his Medicaid analysis
          Drebes:  Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) tweets that education chief Chris Nicastro talks out of "both sides of her mouth"
          St. Joseph News-Press:  MoDOT maps vision for future X
          KSMU:  MoDOT asks for feedback after release of 20-year plan
          KSMU:  On proposed landfill, City Utilities says they won't "jeopardize the environment"
          AP:  Missouri Supreme Court will impose new fee on lawyers to aid the poor
          AP:  New execution date set for Missouri inmate;  Pentobarbitol will be used to close chapter on murderer Allen Nicklasson
          KC Star:  Secrecy around Missouri execution drug is drawing criticism +
          CDT:  Special prosecutor named in Ryan Ferguson case at county prosecutor's request X
          AP:  Assistant attorney general Susan Boresi named as special prosecutor in Ryan Ferguson case
          KTVI:  Video:  Elliot Davis vs. Monarch Fire District and former state Sen. Jane Cunningham (R)
          P-D editorial:  Alleged activities of Rep. Steve Webb (D-Florissant) aren't any worse than what others - especially Republicans - do
          KC Star editorial:  Numbers look good for Medicaid change in Missouri +
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Protecting Missouri's water X
          KC Star editorial:  A red light for cameras in Missouri +
          P-D editorial:  State penitentiary opens in Jefferson City
          SNL op-ed:  Missouri Association for Social Welfare's Jeanette Mott Oxford:  Tax reform needed to support services X
          P-D op-ed:  Local director of anti-drug group:  Legalizing marijuana in Missouri means children will be targeted
          KC Star letter:  Missouri should expand Medicaid +
          P-D letter:  Missouri should expand Medicaid to help the mentally ill
          Disclosure

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        Friday, November 8
        
Politico:  In wake of special elections, Blunt says GOP needs to return to model of pushing forward "the most conservative candidate that can be elected," not unrealistic fringe types
          Politico:  University of Missouri study:  Televised debates help moderates pick candidates
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Jason Smith says EPA emission proposals are too costly +
          The Rolla Daily News:  Congressman Jason Smith meets with Rolla Municipal Utilities on new EPA regulations
          The Licking News:  Rep. Jason Smith at Intercounty co-op:  Stopping EPA bans on coal plants
          KWMU:  At the St. Louis VA, it's a mixed bag for veterans waiting on claims
          JCNT:  Blunt:  Changes needed for health care plan to work X
          Politico:  White House map colors outside Medicaid lines;  Missouri named among states hostile to Medicaid expansion
          Missourinet:  Plan to save money on Medicaid expansion would mean reduced eligibility to children
          KETC (PBS):  Video:  The Health Insurance Marketplace in Missouri;  Coverage supported in part by the Missouri Foundation for Health
          The Pitch:  State senators Shalonn "Kiki" Curls and Ryan Silvey (R) are the top lobbyist schmoozers in all of Missouri (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          Missourinet:  House Minority Leader Jake Hummel says Rep. Steve Webb (D-Florissant) should resign
          The Missouri Times:  Reps. Steve Webb, Jake Hummel make contradictory statements on resignation
          AP:  Missouri Republicans want Nixon to call special election for Jason Smith's state rep seat
          Missouri Viewpoints with Mike Ferguson:  Video and text:  Rep. Vicki Englund (D) previews Missouri legislature's most contentious 2014 issues
          The Missouri Times:  Five questions with Rep. Wanda Brown (R-Lincoln)
          AP:  MoDOT:  More money needed to keep up with demands
          KWMU:  MoDOT unveils 20-year plan for transportation, but state can't afford it
          Missourinet:  MoDOT talks long-range plan
          SNL:  MoDOT looks down the long road, says desires exceed budget X
          SE Missourian:  MoDOT says its long-range funding falls short of what the public wants +
          St. Louis Beacon/KWMU "Politically Speaking" podcast:  State Sen. Joe Keaveny on school transfer debate, more
          AP:  DESE:  Districts are rolling out new standards
          KWMU:  Panel talks accreditation process overhaul, school transfers
          AP:  Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro lauds effort to fix failing schools
          Joplin Globe:  Board of Education expresses support for formation of LGBTQ group;  Board member anticipates objections from parents and taxpayers who are "intolerant" X
          SE Missourian:  SEMO foundation launches public fundraising campaign +
          AP:  SEMO's $40M fundraising drive enters public phase
          KSMU:  Sierra Club says coal ash landfill could lead to water contamination
          KC Star:  Peter Brownlie, local chief of Planned Parenthood, is retiring +
          St. Louis Beacon:  City of St. Louis' red-light cameras will stay in place, as court kills those in Ellisville
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Red light cameras suspended in St. Joseph X
          The Turner Report:  Longtime blogger Randy Turner opens up about firing, future of his blog(s);  Former teacher begins drawing pension, adds PayPal button for reader donations
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Red-light cameras' future in doubt X
          P-D's Nicklaus:  Burger activism isn't the answer to social problems:  Outrageous $15/hr. demands for unskilled jobs would increase unemployment
          Messenger:  Speaker Tim Jones makes a mistake in appointing Rep. Casey Guernsey to lead Hagler investigation
          KC Star letter:  Reminiscing over Ike +
          SNL letter:  Grass Roots Organizing's Robin Acree:  McCaskill, Blunt should vote to make corporations "pay their fair share" X
          Disclosure

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        Thursday, November 7
        
Sikeston Standard-Democrat:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith:  War on coal is war on Missouri
          Missourinet:  Patent trolls draw McCaskill's attention;  Senior senator wants to crack down on "bottom feeder" scam artists
          KWMU:  McCaskill, Blunt introduce legislation to protect sexual assault victims in the military
          KSMU:  Food pantries gather to discuss possible impact of SNAP cuts
          P-D:  Terry McAuliffe once worked for Dick Gephardt
          Columbia Missourian:  As pressures mount, Ozark National Scenic Riverways updates management plan
          Columbia Missourian:  Health care 'navigators' push forward despite website setbacks
          KWMU:  Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) presents 'cost estimates' of potential Missouri Medicaid expansion
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Jay Barnes unveils budget with Medicaid expansion saving the state money
          P-D:  Potential for savings from Medicaid expansion draws support, skepticism
          AP:  Missouri lawmaker projects savings if Medicaid changed
          St. Louis Beacon:  Rep. Steve Webb (D-Florissant) faces campaign finance-related charges
          KWMU:  Rep. Steve Webb accused of stealing, numerous campaign violations
          P-D:  Rep. Steve Webb charged with stealing political funds;  Minority Leader Jake Hummel anticipated resignation, but Webb now says he has no plans to resign
          Missourinet:  State rep charged with theft of political funds
          AP:  Missouri lawmaker charged with stealing
          P-D:  Missouri Ethics Commission fines former Rep. Eileen McGeoghegan (D-St. Ann);  Candidate and campaign consultant Rory Riddler made "multiple false statements" to investigator
          SNL:  Legislative town hall addresses education funding X
          AP:  Schweich to review KC charter school
          KC Star:  KC School Board President Airick Leonard West a finalist for 2013 Urban Educator of the Year +
          P-D:  Hearings planned for Riverview Gardens
          AP:  Public hearings set on Riverview Gardens schools
          KWMU:  NPR host Michel Martin coming to St. Louis tomorrow, says school transfer is "a hot story"
          CDT:  Hickman forum explores U.S. military interventions;  Guests include Marine/state Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri Western event focuses on oppression;  "Tunnel of Oppression" display includes eating disorders and bullying alongside racism, sexism X
          P-D:  Missouri panel OKs long-overdue water-quality standards
          SE Missourian:  Stoddard County sheriff disputes auditor's claims +
          Missourinet:  Agreement announced between between Jefferson City, state on use of historic prison
          KWMU:  State of Missouri and Jefferson City to split cleanup costs at old Missouri State Penitentiary
          JCNT:  State commits to reopening MSP X
          AP:  Costs to be split for fixes at former Missouri prison
          Joplin Globe:  Grand jury indicts man in Planned Parenthood arson attempts X
          AP:  Westminster College to host state appeals court
          P-D:  Battle over red-light cameras continues with ruling in Ellisville case;  Ruling says ordinance is in conflict with state law
          KC Star:  Missouri court says red-light camera laws like those in KC are invalid +
          AP:  Missouri appeals court:  Red-light camera law invalid
          P-D:  Lack of accord with park service threatens to delay Arch project
          P-D:  Larry Conners goes back to court today in fight with KMOV
          P-D editorial:  Illinois embraces gay marriage, while Missouri embraces discrimination
          Messenger:  Justice served in Ryan Ferguson case;  truth remains elusive X
          SNL op-ed:  Kelley Ryun:  Tweet from Sen. Kevin Elmer (R-Nixa) about LGBTQ school club was foolish X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Mizzou football attendees were booing Obama, cheering the soldiers
          P-D letter: Illinois man says McCaskill, other Dems should experience the wonders of Obamacare themselves
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield woman says UMSL professsor "should get off her high horse" and experience difficulty of standing over fast-food grill for eight hours
          SE Missourian letter:  Missouri Militia is a state-sanctioned volunteer group;  Unlike other militias, is is not for "kooks," "anarchists" nor "racists" +
          Disclosure

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        Wednesday, November 6
        
Rosenbaum:  Courage and kindness on Skelton's journey from Warm Springs to Capitol Hill
          St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill, Blunt introduce bill addressing sexual assault cases X
          KC Star:  Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) wants to change how military investigates sexual assault;  Comments from McCaskill +
          97.1FM (St. Louis):  Rep. Ann Wagner talks to Dana Loesch about health care, says members of her staff will subject themselves to Obamacare
          SNL:  Man challenging Billy Long for Congress speaks to masked group as part of Anonymous event X
          P-D:  Video:  Immigration advocates protest in St. Louis
          KMOX:  Immigration reform activists demonstrate downtown
          St. Louis Beacon:  Illinois gay marriage impact on Missouri uncertain
          Missourinet:  House members say they're please with Nixon's call for joint Medicaid hearing
          St. Louis Beacon:  Nixon calls meeting of legislative panels to discuss Medicaid;  Speaker Tim Jones responds
          P-D:  Nixon seeks meeting to chart course on Missouri Medicaid
          AP:  Nixon proposes Thanksgiving-week meeting on Medicaid
          Missourinet:  Committee to investigate Dept. of Agriculture, Hagler
          KWMU:  State House committee created to investigate allegations at Missouri Department of Agriculture
          SE Missourian:  Tax cuts topic of Missouri School Boards' Association regional meeting;  MSBA's Brent Ghan says HB 253 epitomized "race to the bottom" +
          AP:  State officials:  KC charter school inflated attendance numbers
          KC Star:  At KC public school, parent assaults elementary school principal, kicks over flower pot during dress code dispute +
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Trend:  Hickman Mills parents continue bad behavior and beatdowns
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Roundup of KC Public Schools news of the day:  Attendance fudging, failing students being passed to next grade anyway, more
          P-D:  Superintendents pitch plan to aid struggling schools
          Drebes:  Former state Rep. Melissa Leach won't run again, will attend law school instead
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Chris Mollendorp (R-Cass County) named executive director of ConnectCASS
          The Missouri Times:  Staff profile:  Caitlin Kerber, legislative assistant for Speaker Pro Tem Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg)
          AP:  Schweich's audits:  Money missing from southeast Missouri sheriffs' offices
          AP:  Child support contractor to pay over late cards
          SNL:  State to hold meeting Thursday on City Utilities coal ash landfill proposal X
          JCNT:  MoDOT crews prepare for first winter storms X
          AP:  Officials to discuss Missouri State Penitentiary
          CDT:  Appeals court sides with Ryan Ferguson X
          AP:  Missouri appeals court overturns conviction of man accused in murder of Columbia newspaper editor
          P-D editorial:  Republicans' failure to expand Medicaid in Missouri was a moral failure
          KC Star's Maria Rose Williams:  Rep. Rick Stream (R-Kirkwood) asks KC supe a probing question:  Should a teacher's race match a student's race? +
          Columbia Missourian's Rosman:  Sen. Ron Richard's gun bill is a waste of time;  Republicans should be removed from office "before Missouri becomes politically and morally bankrupt"
          P-D letter:  Poverty activist:  Those who want more taxpayer dollars spent on food stamps should contact McCaskill, Blunt
          KC Star letter:  5th Congressional District liberal is happy she's not represented by 4th Congressional District conservative Vicky Hartzler +
          P-D letter:  Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights):  Sen. Ron Richard ignores gun violence victims
          P-D letter:  Reaction to Glossip coverage:  State trooper's gay partner has a sad story - and had plenty of options to avoid being left in current sorry state
          P-D letter:  New Missouri law might allow unwanted protests
          Disclosure

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        Tuesday, November 5
        
Missourinet:  Ike Skelton praised as 'warrior';  Audio of Rep. Emanuel Cleaver's eulogy
          JCNT:  Skelton remembered as 'regular guy' X
          AP:  Military, officeholders mourn ex-U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton
          Fox4 Kansas City:  Ike Skelton remembered for service to country
          KMBC:  Never-before-seen-video:  In 2003 interview, Ike Skelton talks about polio fight and how it changed his life
          Missourinet:  Fans at Mizzou game boo reference to Obama;  Rep. Clem Smith (D-Velda Village Hills) "embarrassed and angry"
          KSHB:  Fans at Mizzou football game boo reference to Obama
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Roundup of Obama-booing Mizzou football coverage
          AP:  Missouri's senators miss gay-rights vote due to Skelton's funeral;  McCaskill would have voted yes, Blunt would have voted no
          Newton:  A past vote that lingers in Missouri:  In 2004, 71 percent of Missourians voted against gay marriage X
          KWMU:  Nearly 100 attend immigration reform rally, call on Rep. Ann Wagner (R) to take stand
          The Hill:  Senate postal bill hits a setback;  Comments from McCaskill
          P-D:  Clashing views on climate, coal plant regulation on display at EPA listening session
          KWMU:  Delmar Boulevard urgent care center, sexually-transmitted disease clinic to shut doors
          St. Louis Beacon:  ConnectCare, a St. Louis City facility for the poor, tells workers it will close urgent care center;  CEO says services will keep being cut until Medicaid expands
          P-D:  Closure of Smiley Urgent Care Center hurts patients;  About 60 percent of patients at Delmar Boulevard center are uninsured
          St. Louis Beacon:  Latest Missouri revenue numbers show slower growth in October
          Missourinet:  Former Ag Director Jon Hagler speaks about allegations of hostility, threats;  Includes full 37-minute interview
          St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune:  Chris Koster pledges funds to elect Dems, fight right-to-work in Missouri
          Drebes:  In Senate 24 and House 90, Dems Jill Schupp and Deb Lavender get jump start on yet-unnamed GOP candidates
          The Missouri Times:  Attorney Robert Butler (D) pursues Rep. Paul Wieland's House seat
          The Missouri Times:  Paul Berry to run against Rep. Mary Nichols (D-North St. Louis City);  Bail bondsman awaits trial date for lawsuit against incumbent 
          St. Louis Beacon:  Bipartisan panel of former legislators - Mike Gibbons, Joan Bray, Emmy McClellan, Rita Days - extol the seemingly-lost art of true compromise
          The Missouri Times:  Budget lawmakers weigh in on foundation formula promise
          SE Missourian:  Local housing projects among dozens seeking state tax credits +
          KC Star:  School superintendents offer solution to student-transfer woes +
          Columbia Missourian:  Community honors Deaton at retirement reception;  Comments from Sen. Kurt Schaefer (R-Columbia)
          St. Louis Beacon:  A.T. Still University teams up with Grace Hill to expand dental care
          SE Missourian:  Computer glitch creates 'big headache' for courts;  Missouri system crashes, leaving paperless courts out of luck for most of day +
          AP:  Federal appeals court halts horse slaughterhouses in New Mexico, Missouri
          Joplin Globe op-ed:  Missouri State Board of Education President Peter Herschend:  Common Core presents an opportunity for Missouri X
          P-D op-ed:  Think tank president and St. Louis native Michael Petrilli:  Common Core is a conservative win for Missouri
          Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel op-ed:  Think tank president and St. Louis native Michael Petrilli:  Common Core is a conservative win for Wisconsin
          Deseret News op-ed:  Think tank president and St. Louis native Michael Petrilli:  Commond Core is a conservative win for Utah
          News Observer op-ed:  Think tank president and St. Louis native Michael Petrilli:  Common Core is a conservative win for North Carolina
          Greenville Journal op-ed:  Think tank president and St. Louis native Michael Petrilli:  Common Core is a conservative win for South Carolina
          P-D letter:  Blunt wants to cut the budget yet spend billions on military jets
          Disclosure

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        Monday, November 4
        
JCNT:  Hundreds offer condolences at Ike Skelton's visitation X
          Lebanon Daily Record:  Rep. Vicky Hartzler delivers Halloween-themed speech to Rotary, says Obamacare is a threat to families in her district
          Fox2 St. Louis:  What Obamacare means to the self-insured;  Charles Jaco talks to insurance broker
          Kraske:  Peter Kinder bows out of another race +
          AP  Missouri workers to get Friday off after Thanksgiving
          Drebes:  Missouri Association for Social Welfare (MASW) opposes transportation tax ballot initiative
          AP:  Interview:  Ag Director Jon Hagler says departure was his own idea, and that timing was "horrible coincidence"
          Brownfield Ag News:  Gov. Jay Nixon joins Missouri Corn Growers Association's Gary Marshall to celebrate corn harvest, laud ethanol
          KMOX:  Rise in homeless students brings high transportation costs
          KSMU:  Nerf guns used at MSU "Humans Versus Zombies" make some nervous;  Poll indicates overwhelming majority of students not frightened by soft-projectile toys
          The Missouri Times:  The mystery behind Missouri's execution drugs
          AP:  Analysis:  Texas abortion case could impact Missouri
          P-D editorial:  Voter ID laws disenfranchise women
          SNL op-ed:  Lawmakers must agree to negotiate;  Vicky Hartzler, Billy Long guilty of "hijacking" legislative process and "holding hostage" reputation of U.S. government X
          KC Star op-ed:  Ike Skelton leaves a legacy of military education reform +
          The Current (UMSL):  Point-counterpoint:  Should Missouri become a "right to work" state?
          Disclosure

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        Sunday, November 3
        
St. Joseph News-Press:  A year after election, politics remains polarized:  Comments from McCaskill, Blunt, Missouri Western prof, Jeff Roe X
          Missourinet:  Blunt introduces bipartisan cybersecurity measure
          JCNT:  'Frequent fliers' ground health care;  Repeat visits to emergency rooms driving up costs X
          SNL:  How much will insurance cost Missourians on new exchange?  A look at the options X
          KC Star:  Young people, the key to Obamacare, ponder whether to enroll;  Comments from area millennials +
          JCNT:  Two community health groups say health exchange enrollment is improving X
          Kraske:  Another adult in Missouri politics is leaving the room;  Thoughts on Rep. Chris Kelly's mid-October announcement +
          Washington Missourian:  Legalizing marijuana is a tough sell
          Drebes:  Rep. Jeremy LaFaver raises $15K - pretty strong for a House Dem busted for pot
          TonysKansasCity.com:  A reality check:  Republicans can't actually beat Jeremy LeFaver in an overwhelmingly Democratic district
          JCNT:  PROMO eyes more legislative involvement, says Missouri Supreme Court's 5-2 ruling marked "a difficult day for equality and justice in Missouri" X
          P-D:  Lost Supreme Court battle redoubles survivor's pain;  Man at center of gay-trooper ruling has run out of savings, feels that legal system let him down
          P-D:  St. Louis County Election Board short at voters head to polls;  Nixon, Schmitt disagree over why lack of quorum exists
          AP:  Agreement reached in Missouri renewable energy program
          P-D:  EPA 'listening tour' precedes coal-plant carbon rule
          Washington Missourian:  Proposed coal ash landfill delayed
          SNL:  City councilwoman:  'I hope it's not going to take a dead child' to restrict cold meds X
          P-D:  McKee talking team-up with McCormack Baron on NorthSide
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Ike Skelton had strong ties to Franklin County
          P-D editorial:  Gov. Jay Nixon owes explanation for departed department heads;  Questions about dept. heads' alleged hostility toward women draws silence from Nixon administration
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Evolving attitudes on marijuana:  Missouri reps not ready to legalize, but willing to listen to smarter policy approaches
          KC Star letter:  Republican analogies around voter ID are flawed +
          P-D letter:  Not enough living-wage jobs to go around
          P-D letter:  UMSL's Susan Feigenbaum:  Public deserves to foot welfare bill for fast-food workers;  it's a proper penalty for letting public schools churn out unskilled youths
          Disclosure

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        Saturday, November 2
        
MSNBC:  Video:  Blunt, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) discuss bipartisan mental health bill;  Blunt weighs in on Congress' no-compromise mood (video #2)
          JCNT:  National Organization for Women, Missouri ProVote, Grass Roots Organizing protest outside Luetkemeyer's office for immigration reform
          KRCG:  NOW, ProVote, Grass Roots Organizing turn out "more than a dozen" for immigration rally
          Columbia Missourian:  Food stamp benefit decreases take effect
          KSMU:  Liberal think tank says food-stamp decreases will keep $96 million of taxpayer dollars from heading to Missouri
          SE Missourian:  Kinder won't run for Congress in 2014 +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Peter Kinder drops plans to run for Congress in 2014, will remain as lieutenant governor
          P-D:  Peter Kinder won't run for Congress
          KMOX:  Kinder decides against 2014 congressional run
          AP:  Peter Kinder won't run for Congress
          St. Louis Beacon:  Major Tom Schweich fundraiser at home of Sam Fox could be harbinger of 2016 gubernatorial bid
          St. Louis Beacon/KWMU Politically Speaking:  Former Sen. Jane Cunningham (R) on Kurt Schaefer eliminating her district (4:00); right-to-work "squishies" and Eric Schmitt (20:30), much more
          AP:  Speaker Tim Jones wants hearings on allegations of hostile work environment in Nixon administration
          KFVS:  Members of pro-marijuana group want retired narcotics officer to apologize for Facebook post;  Area smoker starts local pro-legalization offshoot
          KC Star:  MU's next chancellor will set the tone for years to come +
          KC Star:  Missouri superintendents want to stop student transfer law +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Superintendents list recommended school changes
          P-D:  Plans to open charter school in Riverview Gardens scuttled
          SE Missourian:  Former state Rep. Mike Sutherland (R-Warrenton) talks to area groups about the use tax +
          Drebes:  State Sen. Tim Green (D), formerly of Spanish Lake and now of St. Charles County, is the new Director of Government Relations for St. Louis Electrical Connection
          JCNT:  State to lease two floors of Jefferson City post office
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Missouri Department of Conservation sets youth deer season for this weekend +
          P-D:  Judge in New Mexico clears way to slaughter horses for meat, but local lawyer says Missouri packing plant still blocked
          AP:  Missouri Supreme Court considers lawsuit against Royals from fan injured by hot dog
          KC Star editorial:  Sales tax is the wrong vehicle to fix Missouri roads;  Increasing gasoline tax is a much better option +
          P-D's Horrigan:  Plenty of warning that Legislature will waste more time on guns
          Shelly:  What the food stamp debate says about us:  We're not spending enough taxpayer money on education, and wages should be raised +
          P-D letter:  Former state Sen. Ted House (D-St. Charles County:  Ike Skelton was one of America's staunchest defenders
          KC Star letter:  Banker/donor Crosby Kemper III:  Skelton video available at kclibrary.org +
          CDT letter:  Rehabilitation center CEO:  Hartzler right to express rehabilitation-hospital concerns to Sebelius X
          P-D letter:  Alliance for Healthy Communities:  Increasing access to marijuana will not help Missouri educate its children
          P-D letter:  GOP activist Herman Kriegshauser on value of education tax credits
          Disclosure

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        Friday, November 1
        
St. Louis Beacon:  McCaskill claims victory in FAA decision to allow broader use of electronic devices on planes
          P-D:  McCaskill praises end of 'dumb rule' limiting in-flight gadget use
          KC Star:  Rules for electronics during air travel are eased +
          Washington Post:  FAA to allow gate-to-gate use of personal electronics;  McCaskill has led push for easing of restrictions
          USA Today:  FAA loosens rules for electronic devices during flights
          Washington Post:  Focusing on Navy Yard shooting, McCaskill and others examine security clearances
          JCNT:  Blunt, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) push for improved mental health care X
          CDT:  Former Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) draws 40 to Columbia event, discusses views on D.C. and GOP X
          AP:  Creighton University economist says shutdown hurt Midwest business conditions
          P-D:  Automatic cut in federal food stamps kicks in today;  Comments from Missouri Association for Social Welfare's Glenn Koenen
          KC Star:  Cuts in food stamp benefits begins today;  About 15 percent of Missourians are on the dole +
          KWMU:  Blunt:  Website problems not really what's wrong with Obamacare
          KWMU:  Second day of Medicaid hearings:  Several GOP House members remain opposed to expansion
          CDT:  House Medicaid panel talks about political hurdles;  Some lawmakers cite inevitability X
          SE Missourian:  Retired state patrolman posts observations of pro-cannabis meeting;  Sgt. Kevin Glaser says marijuana supporters unfamiliar with library, should "go back to drawing their welfare check" +
          AP:  Cattlemen say Mo. ag chief Jon Hagler made threats
          St. Louis Beacon:  House panel recommends cutting state vehicle fleet, bolstering state auditor's powers
          Missourinet:  Rep. Paul Curtman (R-Pacific) wants to look for more opportunities for government downsizing
          KWMU:  Missouri House committee recommends ways to downsize state government
          Missourinet:  Senate Majority Leader Ron Richard releases draft of new gun legislation
          AP:  Senate Majority Leader Ron Richard releases new gun legislation
          KMBC:  Missouri program helps sex offenders get early release;  Soccer coach serves just 120 days of 15-year sentence (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          SE Missourian:  University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe's higher-ed advocacy tour makes stop in Cape Girardeau +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Normandy votes to pay student transportation bill;  Comments from Superintendent Tyrone McNichols, board members
          P-D:  Normandy School Board reverses decision on transportation payment, chooses to pay bill
          AP:  Hearings planned on unaccredited Normandy schools
          Fulton Sun:  State auditor Tom Schweich gives Callaway courts 'poor' rating
          CDT:  Schweich rates Callaway courts 'poor,' cites missing money X
          AP:  Audit:  Money missing from circuit clerk office
          AP:  Missouri utility 'cold weather' rule takes effect;  Those who have not paid their bill are guaranteed to receive service from now through March
          St. Louis Beacon:  Nevada official to speak here about water issues
          Sikeston Standard-Democrat:  National commander of American Legion to speak at Sikeston +
          Joplin Globe:  Jedidiah Stout, who burned down mosque and botched similar attack on Planned Parenthood, is ordered to remain in jail without bail X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Remembering Ike Skelton:  A Democrat who was moderate, conservative on a number of issues, and not flamboyant
          P-D editorial:  Piling on the Missouri Public Defender system
          Helling:  Ike Skelton's approach departs along with him;  Today, ideology trumps accomplishment +
          P-D op-ed:  Sen. Roy Blunt:  Preserve St. Louis-built fighter jet innovations for our troops
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Christians outside Planned Parenthood demonstrate "abuse of their inherent white, middle-upper class privilege"
          P-D letter:  Response to unions' organizing push:  Fast-food companies are employers, not parents of minor children
          KC Star letter:  In support of minimum-wage increase:  Most workers live paycheck-to-paycheck, which is why they have no savings +
          Disclosure

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