johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - August 2013


    

        Saturday, August 31
        
St. Louis Beacon:  Blunt, McCaskill reflect conflicted congressional approach to Syria
          Riverfront Times:  Blunt's office describes difference between broad $50.5B Hurricane Sandy funding and the targeted help for Missourians affected by flooding
          AP:  Kansas City gets $20M grant for two miles of urban streetcar;  Comments from McCaskill's office
          The Missouri Times:  Allen West to keynote Midwest Republican Leadership Conference in September
          KWMU:  No support yet for a special session on tax-cut legislation
          CDT:  School funding will be cut if override is successful, Nixon says X
          Columbia Missourian:  UM System to divvy up state funding, if tax-cut veto is upheld
          Kraske:  Missouri GOP goal may be to lay gloves on Nixon before 2016 U.S. Senate race +
          AP:  Missouri authorizes $7M of tax credits before deadline
          KFVS:  Video:  Nixon stands by veto of House Bill 301
          Missourinet:  Doe Run lobbying for override of veto on punitive damage cap legislation
          Drebes:  Labor's Jeff Aboussie lobbying legislators, asking them to support override of Doe Run bill
          The Missouri Times:  Republican Woody Cozad, AFL-CIO's Hugh McVey reminisce about '78 Right to Work battle
          The Examiner (Independence, Mo.):  LeVota (D), Torpey (R) weigh in on Medicaid expansion and reform (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          The Missouri Times:  Jamey Murphy talks about state rep campaign, nabs endorsement of outgoing Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger (R-St. Charles County)
          P-D:  Kansas City's Danny Powell of Regional Growth Consultants - a consultant for three St. Charles County Democrats - fined for campaign law violations
          AP:  Judge denies restraining order over Missouri court fee
          Joplin Globe:  Local districts rated under new accountability system X
          KMOX:  Dave Spence accidentally leaves voice mail for departed Sansone in Chief Tim Fitch's mailbox
          TonysKansasCity.com:  KC Power Rankings:  McCaskill, LaFaver, Nixon's appointment of preacher man, unions and $15/hr. fast-food push
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Missouri Budget Project's examination of taxes shows Missouri can, and does, better than Texas
          KC Star editorial:  Koster's opinion boosts case to kill tax-cut bill in Missouri +
          NY Times editorial:  Missouri's statehouse swagger in gun debate X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Legalizing pot in Missouri is not the answer X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Nixon's "Governor's Challenge" helps build houses in Joplin X
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Hosting job-poaching Rick Perry was the wrong thing to do;  Missouri Chamber of Commerce did a disservice to Missouri's citizens
          KC Star's Abouhalkah:  Chris Koster angers Missouri's merry band of GOP leaders 
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Jon Carpenter (D-Kansas City):  Why I oppose HB 253 and what good tax reform looks like
          Dexter Daily Statesman op-ed:  Retired schoolteacher opposes "fat cat" Sinquefield's "wicked manipulation of tax system" via "mysterious" HB 253
          Helling:  KC police and local control:  It's time to choose +
          SNL op-ed:  Pseudoephedrine debate is over, but meth fight continues X
          Disclosure

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        Friday, August 30
        
SE Missourian:  Blunt makes Cape stop to discuss GAS Act, which he says will make specialty fuels more affordable and dependable +
          Wall Street Journal:  GOP lawmakers, lead by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, say government "intimidating" online lenders 
          CDT:  Obamacare education plan takes shape in Missouri X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Rick Perry:  Businesses will leave Missouri in droves if Nixon's veto of tax-cut bill stands
          97.1FM (St. Louis):  Audio:  Rick Perry talks to Dana Loesch about his visit, Missouri taxes and Texas
          The Missouri Times:  Perry rallies for veto override of HB 253 to show that Missouri is "open for business"
          The Missouri Times:  Photo gallery:  Rick Perry free event
          P-D:  Perry urges override of tax-cut veto in Missouri
          AP:  Rick Perry, Jay Nixon spar over tax cut
          KMOV:  Perry says he and Nixon are friends, and tax-cut battle "was never really about Jay"
          AP:  Rep. T.J. Berry (R-Kearney) wants Nixon to call special session - to run concurrently with veto session - to allow GOP to fix Nixon's concerns
          The Missouri Times  Berry suggests a special session for HB 253 following Koster's letter about a retroactivity trigger
          St. Louis Beacon:  Tax refunds possible if HB 253 goes into effect, Koster says
          AP:  Koster sides with Nixon on tax cut
          KMBC:  Video:  Fast-food workers protest for higher pay
          Mahoney:  More than 130 march on KC fast food restaurants at lunchtime
          Columbia Missourian:  Fast-food workers, supporters rally in Columbia;  Group congregates during workday, does "Corporate Shuffle"
          CDT:  Local workers join national fast-food wage protests;  Area sandwich artists, register-operators want $15/hr. X
          KRCG:  Video:  Columbia fast-food workers walk off job
          St. Louis Beacon:  Local fast-food workers back on the streets, again
          KMOV:  Video:  Fast-food employees rally
          P-D:  Fast-food workers walk out from work, rally in area;  15-year Taco Bell employee with 5 kids:  "We're the ones busting our backs. (White-collar employee) is the one getting into his pool."
          St. Louis Beacon/KWMU:  Audio:  Steve Tilley joins Mannies, Rosenbaum, McDaniel:  Talks about his days earning minimum wage then choosing a better life, veto session, ethics reform, more
          Washington Missourian:  National Association of Gun Rights rallies support to override veto of Missouri bill
          Missouri Lawyers Weekly:  Nullification bill largely symbolic, legal experts say
          AP:  Judge upholds summary for proposed Missouri initiative that seeks to limit interest, fees and finance charges on certain loans
          St. Louis Beacon:  Ferguson-Florissant's McCluer Berkeley South dethrones Normandy as most lawless area high school
          St. Louis Beacon:  Small changes could have big impact on evaluation, says Normandy
          KWMU:  ACLU seeks to block murderers' executions by disqualifying anesthesiologist;  MO Dept. of Corrections, Koster have yet to weigh in on ACLU gambit
          AP:  Missouri releases new highway map, but prints fewer
          KC Star:  Man who posted criticism of rodeo clown on Internet says he gets angry about some criticism of him on the Internet +
          P-D:  Slay to host fundraiser for Dooley
          P-D editorial:  Political courage needed to reform Missouri's sex-offender registry
          USA Today op-ed:  McCaskill and Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Cali.):  Commanders must fight sexual assault in military
          Disclosure

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        Thursday, August 29
        
SNL:  Missouri lawmakers urge caution on Syria X
          Missourinet:  Bill co-sponsored by Blunt would put five-year freeze on new state and local wireless taxes
          CDT:  Hartzler asks citizens to sign on as 'co-sponsors' of her legislation X
          KC Star:  McCaskill, Blunt seek Missouri disaster aid + 
          KY3:  Nixon visits Conway to discuss flood relief funding
          P-D:  St. Louis ConnectCare - the leading provider of health care to city's poor - cuts more than half of its staff, blames cuts in federal aid, Missouri Legislature's opposition to Medicaid expansion
          SNL:  CoxHealth gets grant to help with Obamacare sign-ups X
          Riverfront Times:  Three charged with election fraud:  Jerrell Sherod and Andrew Schafer of Jennings, Rachelle Oliver of Spanish Lake
          P-D:  Three charged with election fraud in St. Louis County
          P-D:  St. Louis unions organize fast-food protests, plan rally at Old Courthouse
          KC Star:  Fast-food protests will take place today +
          The Turner Report:  Temple's first MDP fundraising letter:  Restore common sense by electing more Democrats
          St. Louis Beacon:  Perry says he welcomes the debate over taxes in Missouri and Texas, and hopes it's civil
          The Missouri Times:  Perry trip aimed at recruiting Missourians to Texas, stumping for HB 253 override
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon touts Missouri Works program during St. Louis visit
          KSMU:  Nixon stops in Springfield, discusses Missouri Works program
          Joplin Globe:  Nixon salutes results of Habitat Challenge X
          Columbia Missourian:  Tax credits aim to benefit Missouri youth by encouraging education
          Joplin Globe:  With one minute to spare, Missouri Dept. of Economic Development awards tax credits to Joplin;  Sale expected to net $5.1M X
          KSMU:  With pseudoephedrine debate stalled, eyes now on legislature
          AP:  Judge blocks laws on cell phone towers
          P-D:  Missouri legislators get public input on region's taxation, government
          St. Louis Beacon:  General Assembly may once again weigh in on St. Louis County's perennial sales-tax fight
          KC Star:  Missouri disputes facts in court ruling that allowed Gordon Parks Elementary School to reopen +
          P-D:  Audit into St. Louis Public Schools expected next week
          Joplin Globe:  Crowder College earns 'fair' rating in state audit X
          KC Star:  KC mayor says 'no' to Schweich's request to audit the water department +
          KWMU:  Missouri DNR says Bridgeton Landfill fire is moving, wants more temperature monitors to track it
          KY3:  Sierra Club criticizes City Utilities' proposed rate hike
          AP:  Zweifel promotes state effort to seek owners of abandoned military medals
          SE Missourian:  Seeing improvement:  Several casino revenue-funded projects complete or in progress +
          KC Star:  Nixon picks John Modest Miles for Jackson County Sports Complex Authority +
          P-D:  Larry Conners files defamation suit against KMOV, parent company
          Riverfront Times:  Larry Conners seeks KMOV-TV damages, says station conspired to defame him, lied to press
          P-D editorial:  Spurned GOP lawmaker makes good move, discovers integrity;  Reaction to Gatschenberger's letter printed in The Missouri Times
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Schools can teach firearms' dangers;  Lessons from NRA's Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program can protect Missouri's children X
          P-D op-ed:  Gov. Jay Nixon on oppositon to HB 253
          Shelly:  Rick Perry invite looks bad for Missouri Chamber of Commerce  + 
          Washington Missourian letter:  Missouri Budget Project's Traci Gleason:  Liberal group disagrees with Missouri Chamber on tax cuts
          JCNT letter:  Rick Perry has bad intentions X 
          KC Star letter:  Lee's Summit man is tired of Sinquefield's ads, Missouri Legislature's rightward tilt +
          Disclosure

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        Wednesday, August 28   
        
St. Louis Beacon:  Perry's presence - and pro-Texas ads - fuel unintended consequences in the tax-cut debate
          KC Star:  Missouri Chamber is under fire for hosting Rick Perry's job-hunting visit +
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon administration stops in Kirksville to talk HB 253;  Truman State president supports sustaining veto
          P-D:  Nixon warns state chamber it might 'undermine' economy with Perry visit
          P-D:  Texas Gov. Rick Perry's visit is shaking up Missouri tax fight
          KC Star:  Nixon fires back at Perry:  "You don't mess with Missouri" +
          Columbia Missourian:  Unions:  Thousands of Missouri teachers would lose jobs under tax-cut bill
          Joplin Globe:  Joplin School Board lines up against passage of tax-cut bill X
          AP:  Nixon touting overhaul of Missouri business incentives
          P-D:   Change to concealed carry, proof of insurance among new Missouri laws
          AP:  Highway penalties among new Missouri laws taking effect
          KWMU:  Most of Missouri's news laws take effect today
          The Missouri Times:  Common Core targeted during committee hearing on government efficiency
          The Missouri Times:  Update:  House Dem committee isn't actually giving candidate Sean Fauss support, but did have a conversation with candidate
          Joplin Globe:  Group advocating legalization of marijuana outlines its arguments during Joplin stop X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Koster sues Walgreens for overcharging customers
          Missourinet:  Koster sues Walgreens for false advertising
          KWMU:  Koster accuses Walgreens of 'deceptive pricing schemes,' files lawsuit
          P-D:  In the year's 10th protest in St. Louis, miners know the script
          KC Star:  Mayor Sly James to attend meeting at the White House, this time about youth violence +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Ray Wagner says his job, and nothing else, prompted decision to resign from county police board
          P-D:  Ray Wagner resigns from county police board
          SNL:  City council postpones pseudoephedrine vote X
          KC Star editorial:  GOP's odd campaign trashes Missouri, ignores tax facts +
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg):  House Bill 253, education and Nixon's "fake crisis"
          St. Louis Beacon op-ed:  Normandy education coach Inda Schaenen:  The state is failing the students who can't pass its tests
          KC Star's Joe Robertson:  Do KC schools finally have a superintendent, and a philosophy, that will stick? +
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Woman dislike Hartzler office's letter on NSA
          KC Star letter:  Rick Perry should mind his own business +
          Disclosure

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        Tuesday, August 27
        
P-D:  Oil sands pipeline avoids Keystone XL scrutiy:  McCaskill, Blunt and Nixon versus environmentalist groups
          Riverfront Times:  "Impeach Obama" protesters return to same overpass where they were arrested
          South County Times:  Exhibit captures faces of homeless vets;  Photographer praises support from Bond and McCaskill, says he's surprised fewer conservatives support "my penchant for doing gritty portraits"
          Drebes:  Hypothetically, in a 2016 gubernatorial race, John Brunner's personal wealth could match Koster's behemoth fundraising numbers
          The Missouri Times:  Dem donor and potential statewide candidate Barry Aycock disagrees with Dems on campaign contribution limits, says system "has never been more transparent"
          The Missouri Times:  Sean Fauss to run for Roorda's seat;  24-year-old worked for HDCC, says he's talked to House Dem exec Jordan Overstreet and "already received support"
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Jeremy LaFaver's arrest earns him a time-out;  KC Dem "stepping aside" from House Dem campaign role, will return after unspecified period of time
          CDT:  LaFaver resigns campaign committee role after arrest in Boone County X
          P-D:  LaFaver steps down from Dem campaign committee after arrest
          KC Star:  Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) staying put in legislature despite pot arrest +
          The Missouri Times:  Dems, Republicans, pro-pot group weigh in on LaFaver's arrest
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Rory Ellinger (D-St. Louis County) still plans to push marijuana bill despite LaFaver's arrest
          Missouri Wonk:  Big changes to sex offender registry:  Map of sex offenders by Missouri state rep district
          Rosenbaum:  NRA keep low profile on Missouri's 'gun nullification' bill;  Conservative Dems to vote with GOP, Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) to vote with Dems
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri sheriffs to start printing gun permits Wednesday
          AP:  National tax-cut battle turns intense in Missouri
          KC Star:  Americans for Prosperity plans caravan to veto session +
          KWMU:  Rep. Marsha Haefner (R-Oakville) criticizes requirement that MO DSS workers must also provide voter registration services
          St. Louis Beacon:  Normandy may go to court in transfer case
          KWMU:  DESE's Margie Vandeven, UMSL's Kathleen Sullivan Brown discuss what new scores mean for the future of St. Louis area schools
          The Missouri Times:  Inside the deteriorating Fulton State Hospital
          KCTV:  Rodeo clown who wore Obama mask speaks out, claims to have received death threats
          AP:  Columbia banker admits using TARP funds for condo
          P-D editorial:  Rick Perry's secret:  Taxes are higher in Texas.  Oops.
          KC Star editorial:  Jeremy LaFaver:  Setting a bad example +
          Messenger:  Roy Temple will try to fire up Missouri Democratic Party
          St. Louis Beacon op-ed amalgamation:  Liberal activist Martin Rafanan, conservative researcher Michael Saltsman, Webster University's Benjamin Akande submit statements on minimum wage
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Used-record-store owner Lew Prince:  American Dream needs fair minimum wage
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  For Missouri, energy conservation and clean-energy adoption "a no-brainer"
          Joplin Globe op-ed:  House Bill 253 would lead Missourians into dark hole X
          SNL letter:  Cutting state tax via House Bill 253 would help the rich get richer X
          KC Star letter:  Rex Sinquefield, Koch brothers "and their ilk" need to "butt out" +
          CDT:  Medicaid expansion fiscally irresponsible X
          Disclosure

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        Monday, August 26
        
Boston Globe:  Dems meddle in GOP primaries;  McCaskill staff recounts tales of summer 2012 machinations
          Joplin Globe:  Briefs:  Rep. Billy Long, Tom Schweich, Ron Richard speek an annual GOP watermelon feed;  SW MO Dems seeking silent-auction items X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Obamacare could shake up businesses;  Forever 21 capping hours at 29.5/week, temp agency owner says ACA is good for his industry but bad for workersX
          KTVI:  Video:  St. Louis City Health Director Pam Walker on Missouri law and Obamacare health exchanges:  "If we don't break the (Missouri) law, that's great - but if it's a violation of the law, so be it"
          AP:  Private lobbyists get public pensions in some states - including Missouri
          AP:  List of states that allow private lobbyists in pension
          KOLR:  Changes coming to Missouri concealed carry laws
          The Missouri Times:  School-calendar effort from Rep. Steve Cookson (R-Poplar Bluff) garners some, but not all, education support
          JCNT:  Environmentalists sue Missouri over renewable energy X
          P-D:  Overview of debate on sex-offender registry
          KC Star:  Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) arrested on marijuana citation, issues statement +
          P-D:  State Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) charged with marijuana possession
          AP:  Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) arrested on marijuana citation
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) arrested for traffic warrant and marijuana possession
          Drebes:  Former Lembke staffer Jamey Murphy wants to run for Gatschenberger's open seat
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Jason Grill is looking for interns
          P-D editorial:  Obama, Missouri should look to Oregon for creative college funding ideas
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Legislators should override Nixon's veto and give Missouri a chance at growth X
          P-D letter:  Response to Wentzville Obamacare editorial:  Area gets 600 jobs, while tens of thousands get their hours cut to support bureaucracy
          Disclosure

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        Sunday, August 25
        
St. Louis Beacon:  Roy Temple takes reins of Missouri Democratic Party and cracks the verbal whip at Republicans
          The Missouri Times:  Roy Temple elected chair of Missouri Democratic Party;  Story includes link to publisher Scott Faughn's Twitter Q&A with Temple
          P-D:  Missouri Democrats select Roy Temple as chairman
          AP:  Missouri Democrats choose Roy Temple as chairman
          P-D:  Dems weigh possibilities for 2014, 2016
          AP:  Mike Sanders may consider attorney general bid in 2016
          Daily American Republic:  Rep. Jason Smith (R) convinces federal agency to reverse policy on river baptisms +
          KWMU:  Coalition calling for override of tax cut veto brings tour to Jefferson City
          SE Missourian:  Critics say tax-cut bill will wreck education funding;  Comments from Nixon, Steve Hodges, Dennis Fowler +
          SE Missourian:  Tax-cut supporters say it will boost economy, jobs;  Comments from Carl Bearden, Wayne Wallingford, Kathy Swan, Donna Lichtenegger, Melanie Abrajano +
          Drebes:  Stephen Witte, who manned Senate research for 15 years, departs;  Job is available
          P-D:  New ratings send St. Louis schools back to square one
          SNL:  Union protests state plan to centralize Family Support Division;  30 processing centers to replace offices currently found in every county X
          P-D:  Labor leader, police group chafe at Dooley's police board nomination of Republican Dave Spence and black Democratic pastor
          SNL:  Anti-meth law in Springfield could start chain reaction X
          SNL editorial:  By not embracing reality of Obamacare, Missouri failed its residents X
          P-D's Nicklaus:  Business group opens its arms to a job-poaching Texan
          McClellan:  To fix city schools, just get Katie Casas and a few others in a room for a brainstorming session
          KC Star letter:  Man says Republican National Convention not welcome in Kansas City;  "Beezlebub will reign for the duration and Sprint Center will be his temple" +
          P-D letter:  Wentzville Obamacare jobs a sign not of prosperity, but redistribution of wealth
          P-D letter:  State Sen. Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors):  Post-Dispatch headline disparaged North County, furthered misconceptions
          Disclosure

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        Saturday, August 24
        
St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill discounts chance of government shutdown, says House stubborness "a hot mess," wants a corporate tax cut X
          SNL:  Rep. Billy Long sees chance of showdown ending in a shutdown X
          KQ2 (St. Joseph):  McCaskill meets with city officials, talks sequestration and advocates for Medicaid expansion
          St. Louis Beacon:  Citing voter-backed Prop E, DESE removes Obamacare information from website;  Pro-Obamacare groups prepare for fall PR campaign
          P-D:  For people in the coverage gap, health insurance exchange won't help
          KCUR:  McCaskill will wait for KCUR pitch before deciding KCI swing
          KC Star:  Sam Graves' role in KCI project called essential - but using airport's lobbyist, Kit Bond Strategies, could elicit negative reaction from Graves camp +
          Daily Journal:  Rep. Jason Smith stops at bison ranch on Farm Tour
          Ozark Radio News:  Audio:  Smith talks about Farm Tour, his crusade against "ridiculous" federal overreach
          The Hill:  Rep. Jason Smith bashes the feds for restrictions on river baptisms
          Salem News:  Park service rescinds permit requirement for baptisms after Smith's push
          AP:  Missouri Club for Growth threatens to recruit primary candidates against GOP reps who vote "no" on tax-cut override
          JCNT:  Grow Missouri discusses override of Nixon's veto X
          St. Louis Beacon:  KTRS drops Texas governor's ads because of move-to-Texas message
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) says he'll work to alleviate tensions in caucus, says he will support right-to-work legislation any way he can
          KC Star:  Area districts cheer progress of Kansas City schools +
          The Missouri Times:  Q&A with Rep. Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield)
          KC Star:  Fulton State Hospital employees complain about working conditions;  MO Dept. of Mental Health wants more money from legislators +
          Riverfront Times:  Mentally-handicapped man plays with gun, shoots sister:  St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson says, "This is why we need gun control"
          SNL:  Jury says death for Jesse Dean Driskill;  Koster helps prosecute man who killed Laclede County retirees, raped 76-year-old woman X
          AP:  Jury recommends death for man who elderly couple's killer;  Koster teamed with Laclede County prosecutor to bring murderer to justice
          Drebes:  Political baby boom:  Jeff Smith, Caleb Jones, Shawn Furey become fathers
          St. Louis Beacon:  Area labor boss, police union upset over Spence's appointment;  Dooley says he doesn't run potential appointees before special-interests groups
          SE Missourian:  Isle Casino Cape Girardeau fined for security mistakes last fall +
          P-D editorial:  Everything in the economy is related when you connect the dots:  North County schools are bad, lines for Section 8 are long, and it's all a "very ugly picture"
          JCNT editorial:  With Hall of Famous Missourians move, Speaker Tim Jones' unselfish act wins him popularity X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Rick Perry's business poaching:  Nixon not always right, but he's been a good leader in the area of economic development
          KC Star editorial:  Kander right to criticize Perry + 
          KC Star editorial:  State should reward KC school district's progress +
          P-D's Peterson:  Jason Kander writes a clever letter to Rick Perry
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Value of a college education;  HB 253 would reduce quality of education, and subsequently quality of life
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Rep. Chris Kelly (D):  Veto of HB 253 should stand
          KC Star's Abouhalkah:  National gun rights group slams Nixon's veto - and Obama +

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        Friday, August 23
        
Politico:  In Buffalo speech on college affordability, President Obama cites University of Central Missouri (transcript)
          P-D:  Blunt wants protections of Christians after attacks in Egypt
          Drebes:  McCaskill, Blunt, House delegation reiterates support of Westinghouse small modular reactor (SMR) grant
          St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill wants industry help in curbing robocall scams X 
          KWMU:  McCaskill wants to see sexual-assault reform in military by end of the year
          Kraske:  Peter Kinder says he's getting encouragement to run for 8th District seat, currently held by Jason Smith +
          The Pitch:  Steve Kraske leaving KC Star, will teach full-time at UMKC
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Nate Walker says he was "the only one who had the guts" in GOP to speak out against tax-cut bill, says "momentum is going the other way" and override won't happen
          Kraske:  The power of one:  Nixon can win legislative battle, now that he's fully engaged +
          Park Hills Daily Journal:  Governor warns of HB 253's effect on education
          CDT:  Board of Education passes resolution supporting Nixon's veto on HB 253 X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) launches ad blasting Nixon's veto of tax-cut bill;  Nixon, Kander respond
          KMOX:  Gov. Rick Perry hopes to lure Missouri businesses;  Comments from Nixon, Kander, STL labor boss Bob Soutier
          The Missouri Times:  Kander pens letter regarding Perry's "poaching"
          KWMU:  Secretary of State Jason Kander weighs in on Governor Rick Perry's visit
          Missourinet:  MU President Tim Wolfe continues campaign against tax-cut bill
          KMWU:  Audio:  Sen. Scott Sifton (D-South St. Louis County) talks Senate's role in veto session, ethics reform, more
          JCNT:   Changes expected to improve concealed-carry laws;  Sheriff departments to take control of CCW permits and renewals X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Facts and figures behind debate over minimum wage
          AP:  KC district on pace for accreditation upgrade
          KC Star:  Missouri report card gives Kansas City better grades +
          AP:  How districts fare under new accreditation system
          P-D:  New ratings for Missouri's public schools offer a broader picture of student performance
          St. Louis Beacon:  St. Louis schools fare poorly in first version of new accreditation standards
          P-D:  Troubled school systems fall far from Missouri's mark
          KWMU:  St. Louis schools score in 'unaccredited' range under new grading scale but won't lose accreditation
          St. Louis Beacon:  A look at how Missouri calculates accreditation scores
          Missourinet:  Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro on MAP scores:  Proud of some gains, other achievement gaps 'unacceptable'
          P-D:  Mehlville will subsidize funding for after-hours buses for transfer students
          St. Louis Beacon:  Changing schools can change student test scores, research shows
          St. Louis Beacon:  Audio:  Beacon reporters recap the stories they wrote on school transfers, minimum wage
          The Missouri Times:  Some legislative oversight committee members announced as organizing begins
          KSMU:  Heads up, Missouri drivers - new traffic laws likely affect you
          Missourinet:  Rural advocacy group says outstate hospitals in crisis
          Washington Missourian:  PSC responds to link posted here, says Ameren not asked to look for other landfill sites
          KWMU:  EPA holds public hearing over Ameren's coal ash contamination in Jefferson County
          St. Louis Beacon:  Former GOP gubernatorial candidate Dave Spence tapped by Dooley for St. Louis County Police Board
          P-D:  Sansone out, Dave Spence in at St. Louis County Police Board
          Riverfront Times:  Rodeo clown who once wore an Obama mask, Tuffy Gessling, may get a talent agent after being "overwhelmed" by support
          CDT:  MU's Maneater newspaper reduces to weekly print publication X
          Rosenbaum:  People power!  Six very long shots for Hall of Famous Missourians:  WWE Superstars Randy Orton and Glenn Jacobs (Kane), Tyler Hansbrough, Jim the Wonder Dog
          St. Louis Beacon's Margie Freivogel:  A smooth start on student transfers
          P-D letter:  Wentzville's Obamacare jobs are paid for by those Americans who actually pay income taxes
          P-D letter:  Show-Me Institute's Michael Rathbone:  Tax cuts are creating jobs on Kansas' side of the border
          Disclosure

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        Thursday, August 22
        
P-D:  Obamacare jobs don't change Rupp's stance on health care overhaul;  State senator says locating telemarketers in old US Fidelis building is ironic
          P-D:  Day care center workers train to get kids to move more, eat better;  Taxpayers pay for program via CDC grant to "Child Care Aware of Missouri"
          SNL:  No refunds after Glenn Beck conference moves from Highlandville, Mo. to Kansas City X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Environment Missouri issues "Citizens's Guide to the Current River"
          SNL:  Abandoned circuit board factory to get EPA cleanup X
          Austin American-Statesman:  With trip to Missouri, Gov. Rick Perry continues tour to lure companies to Texas
          San Antonio Business Journal:  Gov. Rick Perry to lead business-recruiting trip to Missouri
          KC Star:  Due to taxes and fees, it's more expensive to operate a car in Missouri than in Kansas +
          SNL:  Nixon has no plans to stop Koster from defending gun nullification bill against lawsuits X
          The Missouri Times:  Campus-wide letter from Mizzou student president expresses concern about HB 253
          Branson Tri-Lakes News:  Nixon continues campaign defending tax-cut veto
          Dexter Daily Statesman:  Rep. Dennis Fowler (R) vows to let HB 253 veto stand
          KC Star:  Nixon stands by veto of bill that would remove names of sex offenders from state registry +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Nixon blasts effort to override veto of bill removing teens from state sex-offender list
          KWMU:  Nixon sharply denounces bill that would allow some sex offenders off the registry
          AP:  Vetoed bill could affect 870 Missouri sex offenders
          The Missouri Times:  Jon Dolan leaves Missouri Health Care Association
          Drebes:  Republican Carol Veillette files campaign committee for Dwight Scharnhorst's state rep seat
          KWMU:  Speaker Tim Jones seeking public input for new members of Hall of Famous Missourians
          Columbia Missourian:  The Maneater cutting print production from twice-weekly to once a week
          SNL editorial:  Time to put Obamaphones on hold;  McCaskill joins Republicans to kill - or at least reform - "Lifeline" phone-handout program X
          P-D editorial:  GOP's moment of truth on Obamacare has arrived, in Wentzville of all places
          KC Star editorial:  Kansas City would be a good fit for the GOP convention in 2016 +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Missouri's GOP legislators do a sloppy job writing legislation - at the expense of legislative success
          SNL op-ed:  Former health care exec:  Medicare for all is GOP's best bet X
          P-D letter:  AIM's Ray McCarty responds to editorial on Taxpayers Research Institute of Missouri (TRIM)
          P-D letter:  Urbanites should get out of the city, visit the State Fair and show some appreciation for Missouri's farm families
          P-D letter:  Funding for State Fair is money well spent
          Disclosure

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        Wednesday, August 21
        
KRCG:  Head Start program budgets slashed by sequestration cuts;  Grass Roots Organizing activists, children protest during workday/school day
          KC Star:  Kansas City makes a pitch for the 2016 Republican National Convention
          SE Missourian:  Corps hears about flood project from local officials;  Comments from Rep. Jason Smith, Blunt's Downey Palmer +
          P-D:  Obamacare processing center to hire 600 in Wentzville
          P-D:  State board OKs Express Scripts subsidy package
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Rep. Emanuel Cleaver weighs in on Michael Brooks' sexting:  "He's a good man, he did something dumb"
          P-D:  A year after "legitimate rape" snafu, money still trickling in for Akin;  Campaign has raised more than $100K since late November
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Critics take aim at City Hall for not getting Rep. Sam Graves aboard KCI single-terminal plan
          KC Star:  Graves' opposition to single-terminal plan isn't new +
          The Maneater:  Nixon attends Mizzou football practice;  Sophomore Dorial Green-Beckham:  Visit "is really going to set our tone for this year"
          KSMU:  Nixon attempts to build support for other vetoed bills, in addition to HB 253
          KOLR:  Nixon warns of higher driver's license fees if veto is overridden
          Missourinet:  Jones expects lots of overrides, still unsure about final tax-cut vote
          CDT:  Republicans think they are still short of votes for override of tax-cut bill X
          SNL:  Springfield Chamber of Commerce comes out against tax-cut bill X
          KRZK:  Nixon:  Branson to lose more than $800,000 under HB 253
          The Maneater:  Republicans push to override Nixon's veto of tax cut bill
          P-D:  State education board plans more oversight in failing schools
          St. Louis Beacon:  With new powers, state school board debates best way to help unaccredited districts
          AP:  Missouri to increase oversight of unaccredited schools
          St. Louis Beacon:  Missouri hires outside firm to help with struggling schools
          P-D:  Transfer students start school in Kirkwood
          JCNT:  State ACT scores below expectations X
          KC Star:  Scores on ACT point to many disparities
          SNL:  Missouri students' test scores rise in science X 
          The Missouri Times:  DOR committee eyes possible changes to JCAR, state law following investigation
          P-D:  St. Louis police department preparing for city control
          Drebes:  Gina Loudon, EBT vigilante:  Former STL radio host confronts able-bodied welfare recipient at San Diego grocery store
          P-D editorial:  Rep. Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) says contraception coverage in state health plan is 'intrinsically evil'
          SNL reporter Jonathan Shorman's "Capitol Notes" column:  Jones ties Obama protest controversy to Nixon;  Journalist corps must stand vigilant against pols' factual inaccuracies, hyperbolic Tweets X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Chris Kelly on opposition to HB 253
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Rep. Paul Curtman (R-Pacific):  Reducing taxes and investing in education:  We can have it both ways
          SNL op-ed:  Rep. Josh Peters (D-St. Louis):  Expanding Medicaid in Missouri would cover an additional 159K dependents in 2014 X
          Priddy:  Arresting the federal prosecutor:  The problem with vetoed gun bill
          Columbia Missourian's Karl Miller:  Overreactions to the Obama mask incident:  Liberal newspapers - and others - crying racism degrades us all
          Jensen:  Lessons from two-week vacation:  Mid-90s rodeo gag with Bill Clinton mask was okay, but perhaps some men are more "sensitive" now +
          Messenger:  Pep rally at Normandy sets the tone
          JCNT letter:  Frequent Ameren critic has more questions about Ameren
          P-D letter:  Black Jack woman believes Missouri employers will learn to like Obamacare
          The Maneater letter:  Pro-choice woman offended by Brian Nieves' Facebook post
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        Tuesday, August 20
        
KC Star:  Blunt, McCaskill:  Efforts to shut down government will fall short +
          The Hill:  McCaskill demands the telecom industry stop fraudulent robocalls
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Jason Smith visits Christmas tree farm in Jackson +
          P-D:  Arrest of anti-Obama protesters on St. Charles overpass sparks controversy
          KCTV:  Rep. Sam Graves opposes expensive single terminal at KCI (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          AP:  Murder trial begins in south-central Missouri;  Koster working with Laclede County prosecutor, presenting evidence and questioning witnesses
          AP:  Several Dems will join Republicans in gun-bill override vote;  GOP members meet, discuss tax-cut override vote
          KC Star:  Missouri Republicans will try to override Nixon's tax-cut veto +
          Columbia Missourian:  Columbia City Council shies away from statement on state tax cut, citing uncertainty about the bill's impact
          SNL:  Nixon will visit Branson today, will hold event at Branson School District offices X
          Missourinet:  State Sen. Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) still opposes HB 253
          AP:  Missouri unemployment rate topped 7 percent in July
          Drebes:  Missouri Senate's help wanted:  Those with at least three years of journalism/writing experience can work under tight deadlines and deal with Legislature for $30K a year
          CDT:  Court order delays timeline in Mamtek case X
          The Missouri Times:  Committee investigating Department of Revenue nears completion
          The Missouri Times:  Lobbyist profile:  Bardgett's Erika Leonard
          KWMU:  Outside experts sought in fixing failing Missouri schools
          St. Louis Beacon:  Despite transfers, Normandy supporters say first day of school was 'great day to be a Viking'
          P-D:  Community turns out to cheer on returning Normandy students
          KWMU:  Normandy welcomes students on first day of school amid optimism, excitement, financial concerns
          CDT:  MU out-of-state enrollment climbs X
          Riverfront Times:  Mizzou student body accepts more black, Hispanic students than ever before
          KWMU:  Callaway nuclear plant back online
          The Missouri Times:  Kirksville joins list of cities that have expanded nondiscrimination policies;  Comments from Rep. Nate Walker (R)
          St. Louis Beacon:  Kirksville becomes latest Missouri community to expand LGBT protections;  Webster Groves up next
          P-D editorial:  Save-the-oxpecker and other absurd arguments against campaign money limits
          Messenger:  Speed cameras on I-70 - a bad idea is tested
          P-D's Nicklaus:  Web entrepreneurs are losers in sales-tax battle
          P-D op-ed:  Immigration reform will benefit St. Louis
          P-D letter:  Law on school transfers has unintended negative consequences on districts like Ferguson-Florissant
          P-D letter:  Missouri ratepayers avoided one avalanche, but Ameren - Missouri's largest monopoly - trying to create another one
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        Monday, August 19
        
St. Louis Beacon:  Groups named as navigators to guide consumers through maze of insurance exchange
          Missourinet:  Medicaid expansion advocates argues for reform, too;  Comments from Mercy's Executive Director Tom Hale
          Sikeston Standard-Democrat:  Rep. Jason Smith to experience his first farm tour of 8th District
          JCNT:  Immigration reform part of Farm Bill;  Quotes from White House report, Hartzler and Luetkemeyer websites X
          KC Star:  Todd Akin legitimate-rape remark hits one-year anniversary;  Comments from Rep. Myron Neth (R-Liberty), incoming Missouri Democratic Party chair Roy Temple +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Flanagan South Pipeline raises concerns, offers benefits to Missouri
          SNL:  Table Rock Lake proposals get public input X
          Rosenbaum:  'Right to work' still faces long odds in the Missouri Legislature
          Joplin Globe's Redden:  Ron Richard previews veto session;  Billy Long, Tom Schweich to headline annual Newton County Watermelon Feed X
          St. Louis Beacon:  GOP contest to choose next House speaker coincides with veto session
          Missouri Wonk:  Number of transfer students beats expectations:  A look at updated numbers and where dollars are flowing
          Drebes:  Future "Parkinsons" hold the key to transfer student fix next session
          Missourinet:  Concerns arise over teacher-tryout tests
          CDT:  Nixon visits MU football practice, speaks to players X
          AP:  Missouri could consider juvenile sex offender measure
          SNL:  Sheriff's departments to take over concealed carry weapons permit X
          Joplin Globe:  State licensing fee straining budgets of animal shelters X 
          The Missouri Times:  Rea Scharnhorst prepares to run for her husband's seat
          P-D:  What is John Temporiti's role for Charlie Dooley?  Critics, including police union, say Missouri Democratic Party chairman has influence over county operations, spending decisions
          The Missouri Times:  Where Missouri falls in government size, legislator salaries
          KC Star editorial:  Embrace our linguistic diversity;  Two years ago, Missouri legislators attempted to ensure driver's license test was administered only in English +
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Joe Don McGaugh (R):  If Nixon starts working with the Legislature, he can spend next summer signing legislation in rural areas rather than grandstanding in urban areas
          P-D letter:  Feeding, providing health care and offering before-and-after-school hangouts for youths will help unaccredited schools
          P-D letter:  Education must become a regional concern;  Creation on individual school districts has created "deliberate ghettoization"

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        Sunday, August 18
        
SNL:  Push by McCaskill, GOP lawmakers to revamp Lifeline/"Obamaphone" program sparks lobbying battle X
          SNL:  How much will health insurance cost in Missouri? X
          SNL:  Low-income Missourians left in limbo X
          SNL:  What Missourians need to know about health care changes X
        
CDT:  As health insurance exchanges near, one official thinks back to Medicare Part D rollout X

          The Missouri Times:  How it works:  The Missouri Ethics Commission's complaint system
          The Missouri Times:  Staff profile:  Eric Jennings, Chief of Staff to Sen. Bob Dixon (R-Springfield)
          AP:  Doe Run wants Missouri lawmakers to override veto
          KC Star:  Is four-day school week the answer in improving education;  Ten Missouri districts try it out  + 
          Joplin Globe:  Common Core critics voice their concerns at Neosho meeting X
          KC Star:  Kansas City school district enters pivotal time +
          P-D:  Impending closure of Beaumont High tells a larger story;  St. Louis Public Schools continues transformation into magnet, choice schools
          Washington Missourian:  GOP Reps. Dave Hinson, Paul Curtman, Dave Schatz weigh in on last weekend's rodeo clown story
          P-D:  Family Arena sales tax refund rejected by state Supreme Court
          Washington Missourian:  Public Service Commission asks Ameren to look for alternate landfill sites
          The Turner Report:  Randy Turner begins pledge drive, seeking contributions for old blog, new blog
          JCNT editorial:  Misdirected barbs aimed at State Fair dissipate X 
          SNL editorial:  City Utilities rates need critical look X
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  State Treasurer Clint Zweifel:  Saving for higher education may be easier than you think
          P-D letter:  Taxpayers should consider Medicaid an investment in Missouri


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        Saturday, August 17
        
CDT:  "Great Plains Tar Sands Resistance" activist group urges opposition to pipeline that would pass through Randolph County X
          The Hill:  McCaskill among Senate Dems asking DOD to protect service members from predatory lenders
          P-D:  Pentagon acts on sexual assaults as Congress weighs change
          KC Star:  McCaskill, Gillibrand (NY) differ on roles for military brass in sexual assault cases +
          Kraske:  As reported last month, Roy Temple set to take over reins as Missouri Democratic Party chief +
          The Missouri Times:  Koster "no comments" Speaker Tim Jones' call for an opinion on HB 253
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) wins Speaker Pro Tem role in caucus election
          AP:  GOP race for Speaker continues;  Diehl, Caleb Jones letters similar, but Diehl says he won't use position as a financial stepping stone for higher office
          The Missouri Times:  Letter from Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger (R-St. Charles) requests policy change for staffers;  Tom Smith, who works for Tim Jones, is working for Gatschenbergers' state Senate opponent
          KC Star:  Amazon shuts down Missouri associates program over sales tax dispute +
          KWMU:  FAQ:  Comprehensive compendium of what you need to know about Missouri school transfers
          AP:  Missouri law on protecting property faces a test
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Casey Guernsey (R-Bethany) running for state Senate, gives $100K to his campaign
          Drebes:  Starting the Draft Zweifel for County Exec movement
          P-D:  Lumiere casino sold to Tropicana for $260 million
          CDT:  PrideFest adds new entertainment:  "Drag extravaganza" to feature Cher impersonator Chad Michaels, plus kids' activities X
          AP:  AOL's local news site "Patch" to lay off up to 500;  In STL, 4 of 16-member editorial staff laid off, with many others to be dismissed October 15
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Obama wise to ignore rodeo-mask "controversy"
          KC Star editorial:  Uphold Nixon's veto of costly tax-cut bill +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  It's time for the Legislature to extend texting-while-driving ban to drivers of all ages
          P-D editorial:  Look to Louisiana for troubled schools turnaround model
          JCNT editorial:  Timing an issue in scheduled executions;  Once murderers are sentenced to death, let punishment be carried out X
          KC Star editorial:  Councilman Michael Brooks' poor judgment embarrasses himself and Kansas City +
          SNL op-ed:  State Sen. candidate Terry Traw (D) on Obama rodeo clown mask;  60-year-old uses "Wayne's World" (Paramount Pictures, 1992) punchline, reflects upon Johnny Carson era X
          JCNT letter:  Expanding Medicaid would cushion RR Donnelley job losses X
          KC Star letters:  Rodeo clown's mask, gun safety lessons for Missouri children +

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        Friday, August 16
        
Politico:  HHS announces Obamacare 'navigators,' sending $67M to Planned Parenthood, other groups;  Comments from SLU Law health policy fellow
          Washington Post:  Obama rodeo clown incident illustrates nation's continued racial divide;  WaPo reporter visits rural MO, talks to senior citizens and a 58-year-old
          P-D's Nicklaus:  With yet another raise, Missouri among 19 states with higher minimum wage than federal mandate;  Period of high unemployment is not a good time to raise minimum wage
          KCTV:  Border business battle:  Another business switches sides, moving from Missouri to Kansas
          Joplin Globe:  Nixon praises expansion at Leggett & Platt operation X
          The Missouri Times:  Short profiles of all term-limited legislators:  Where they're going, who's taking their spot
          P-D:  At ham breakfast, Nixon denounces rodeo clown's mask, defends state fair
          CDT:  Nixon fights to sustain veto at annual ham breakfast X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Missouri Republicans gather here to see which vetoed bills can be rescued
          Fulton Sun:  Speaker Tim Jones pushes for override of Nixon's tax-cut veto
          Columbia Missourian:  UM President Tim Wolfe urges GOP to reconsider tax-cut bill
          Drebes:  Thinking ahead:  After veto is sustained, GOP will introduce another tax-cut bill - without prescription-drug goof
          Messenger:  AIM's "Taxpayer Research Institute of Missouri" another example of how Sinquefield's consultants/staff are wasting his money
          P-D:  State legislative committee plans school transfers hearing
          St. Louis Beacon:  Legislators announces legislative hearing on student transfers August 1
          AP:  Children's Education Alliance of Missouri won't pursue lawsuit against Mehlville district
          St. Louis Beacon:  Mehlville School District communications staff stages camera-ready first day;  Riverview transfers greeted with "pulsating music, bubble machine"
          P-D:  Riverview students arrive in Mehlville
          P-D:  Kinder moves forward with waste website
          The Missouri Times:  Q&A:  Rep. Donna Lichtenegger (R-Jackson)
          KC Star:  Sierra Club says KCP&L is breaking 'green' agreement +
          P-D:  Former chair of St. Charles County Democratic Committee charged with marijuana possession;  St. Peters Alderman Tommy Roberts cites "medical issue"
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Video:  KC's MD Alam debates Million Muslim March vs. Sean Hannity
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Rep. Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) tops list of replacements from embattled Councilman Michael Brooks
          KC Star:  KC Councilman Michael Brooks (D) admits online relationship, says woman tried to blackmail him +
          P-D editorial:  Right-wing GOP should stick to being the party of 'No' - and say 'no' to overriding Nixon's sensible vetoes
          Shelly:  Rex Sinquefield's new jobs program:  More campaign spending +
          P-D op-ed:  County-wide district would help fix Normandy, Riverview Gardens schools
          SNL letter:  Missouri Budget Project consultant Brian Schmidt:  Tax cuts would hurt education X
          SNL letter:  HSUS distorts the facts on Missouri horse slaughter X

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        Thursday, August 15
        
KOLR:  Video:  Blunt says cutting back gas blends would reduce price spikes
          SNL:  Blunt seeks fuel study X
          AP:  Nixon, executive officials, lawmakers to attend State Fair's annual ham breakfast
          P-D:  Rodeo clown brouhaha draws in city, TX pols:  Tishaura Jones clarifies comments on Obama critics' racism, and TX GOP rep invites Tuffy to perform
          KC Star:  Texas congressman invites Tuffy to perform;  "Liberals want to bronco bust dissent, but Texans value speech" +
          KC Star:  History has shown that every White House faces humor at its expense +
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Final verdict:  Winners and losers in the Obama mask hot mess
          The Missouri Times:  Sinquefield takes fight over proposed campaign finance reform amendment to court
          KC Star's Sanchez:  Missouri voters deserve a say on campaign donation limits +
          Missourinet:  Jobless rate back to July 2012 levels;  Unemployment levels "not as good as Dept. of Economic Development tries to say"
          AP:  Campaign continues over tax-cut legislation;  Jones calls on Koster to weigh in
          KWMU:  Republicans step up criticism of tax-cut veto
          P-D:  Texas Gov. Rick Perry to talk tax policy in Missouri
          St. Louis Beacon:  Texas Gov. Rick Perry to stop in Missouri at end of August to aid groups seeking override of tax-cut veto
          Drebes:  2013 session showed that Dems are largely irrelevant - underscoring the importance of 2014 House races
          KWMU/St. Louis Beacon audio:  Rep. John Diehl talks tax-cut veto, veto session agenda, his ascension to Speaker in 2015
          KWMU:  Missouri Senate panel hears from opponents, supporters of Medicaid expansion
          P-D:  Suggestions flow as Missouri legislators weigh options for Medicaid
          St. Louis Beacon:  Supporters of Medicaid expansion pack state House hearing here;  Comments from Express Scripts, PROMO, "Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice"
          The Missouri Times:  Senate Medicaid committee hears testimony on reform
          St. Louis Review:  Rep. Paul Wieland (R-Imperial) files suit against HHS mandate
          St. Louis Beacon:  Rep. Paul Wieland challenges state insurance coverage for contraception, sterilization
          KWMU:  Rep. Paul Wieland going to court to opt out of 'abortion-inducing drugs' coverage
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Paul Wieland sues federal government because of civil liberty concerns over Affordable Care Act
          P-D:  Missouri legislator files suit to be exempted from contraception mandate in state health plan
          AP:  Missouri state rep going to court over health law
          P-D:  Interactive timline:  Missouri student transfers issue
          AP:  Children's Educaion Alliance of Missouri says it will decide by today whether or not to sue Kirkwood, Mehlville districts 
          St. Louis Beacon:  Homeless students add complication to transfers out of Normandy, Riverview Gardens
          P-D:  District transfer tuition could add millions to district budgets
          St. Louis Beacon:  Normandy hopes to avert bankruptcy this school year
          Columbia Missourian:  UM Press narrows director search to three finalists
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Social media rage over Amazon pushback on Missouri's Internet tax
          AP:  Fuel charge increase approved for KCP&L
          KC Star:  Execution dates set for two murderers;  Koster:  "(A)n important step to see that justice is finally done for the victims and their families" +
          AP:  Supreme Court sets two execution dates for fall
          The Missouri Times:  Jeff Roe spins off voter-contact piece of business
          P-D:  Pinnacle completes deal for Ameristar
          KSHB:  Alderman Michael Brooks (D) at center of sexting scandal;  A community activist blackmailed pastor/alderman with Floyd Mayweather appearance as front
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Alderman/pastor Michael Brooks responds:  Says he made a terrible mistake, but that loose-lipped woman's blackmail attempt has nothing to do with missing Mayweather money
          SNL editorial:  Get facts on food stamps:  Billy Long, other conservatives unfair to scapegoat SNAP X
          JCNT editorial:  Let's not be silly about clown's antics;  Don't punish the state fair for unanticipated antics of one contracted clown
          Washington Missourian editorial:  State Fair rodeo clown mask was in poor taste
          P-D op-ed:  Mental health advocates:  Let the governor's veto of HB 253 stand
          Washington Missourian letter:  Nixon wrong on gun law - bill does not creat constitutional crisis
          KC Star:  Readers weigh in on rodeo clown's mask
          Washington Missourian letter:  Anti-prayer lawsuit not a surprise, given ACLU's anti-Christian history

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        Wednesday, August 14
        
P-D:  Missouri consumers in the dark as health insurance exchange nears
        CDT:  Hartzler convenes group to discuss importance of military to the state X
        SNL:  Attorney posts on Facebook that he is "considering a run" against Billy Long X
        St. Louis Beacon:  Sinquefield part of lawsuit to derail proposed campaign contribution limit
        The Missouri Times:  State tax bill debate continues as Jones visits Fulton and Nixon travels statewide;  Video of Jones' message
        digitalBURG (UCM student news outlet):  Nixon vows to keep HB 253 veto
        Sikeston Standard-Democrat:  Sikeston R-6 Board of Education passes resolution opposing HB 253 +
        Drebes:  For perception purposes, GOP needs to pass something substantive during veto session
        St. Louis Beacon:  St. Louis health director among Medicaid advocates to address Missouri House panel
        Hartmann:  How Missouri flunked another civics test:  GOP could have remedied transfer issue - and on education leadership, Jay Nixon is no Mel Carnahan
        P-D:  Riverview Gardens OKs contract to bus transfer students
        P-D:  AFT union president speaks at mine worker rally, also stops by Gateway Elementary School
        St. Louis Beacon:  AFT union president says education dollars should not be diverted to charter schools or vouchers
        P-D:  Video:  AFT union president Randi Weingarten gives forceful rallying cry at UMWA protest
        KWMU:  UMWA back in St. Louis
        Missouri Wonk:  Missouri plays hard ball in high-stakes competition for lottery dollars
        AP:  Missouri casino revenue continues to drop
        AP:  Missouri court rejects challenge to animal shelter fees
        The Missouri Times:  Association profile:  Amy McLard and Missouri Credit Union Association
        TonysKansasCity.com:  Will Royster is correct that nobody cares about years-old Royster-Rizzo Dem primary controversy
        SNL:  New City Council members bring difference of opinion on pseudoephedrine issue X
        KC Star:  Rodeo fans and conservatives defend skit mocking Obama +
        Missourinet:  NAACP:  Obama clown mask warrants investigation by Secret Service, Dept. of Justice;  Group wants Nixon to stop attending State Fair
        TonysKansasCity.com:  Missouri is losing a border war with Kansas, KC is headed toward bankruptcy ... and Missouri Democrats are focused on a rodeo clown's mask
        P-D editorial:  ALEC's backers run and hide from Durbin inquiry
        SE Missourian editorial:  St. Johns Bayou and New Madrid Floodway Project gets its due attention +
        P-D op-ed:  Missouri Budget Project's Amy Blouin:  Missouri shouldn't follow Kansas down the road of decline
        P-D op-ed:  Mizzou law prof:  School transfer law makes funding inequities even worse
        Shelly:  Sadly, rodeo clown stunt is too reflective of Missouri +
        McClellan:  Thoughts on rodeo clown, San Diego mayor, popular 2010 "Hitler reacts to ..." Internet meme
        KC Star letter:  A poem about rodeo clown

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        Tuesday, August 13
        
St. Louis Beacon:  McCaskill's heightened profile runs through Jefferson City
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt wants data released on health insurance premiums
          St. Louis Beacon:  What gridlock?  Delegation wants continued funding for unique health program
          The Missouri Times:  Behind the bench:  Q&A with Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Rhodes Russell
          KC Star:  Campaign finance lawsuit pits Rex Sinquefield against Missouri Roundtable for Life's Fred Sauer +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Republicans launch counter-offensive as Nixon continues to defend veto of tax-cut bill;  Comments from Eric Schmitt, Rick Stream
          SE Missourian:  Nixon cites hit to autism services to make case for veto;  Schmitt, whose son is autistic, says scaring autistic parents is "inappropriate" +
          KFVS:  Nixon stops in Cape Girardeau to discuss HB 253
          KRCU:  Nixon visits Cape, discusses HB 253
          Rosenbaum:  Legislators may shoot down ban on publishing info on gun owners
          St. Louis Beacon:  Nixon, who appoints state fair board, orders review of contracts related to rodeo event that included a clown wearing Obama mask
          97.1FM (St. Louis):  Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) talks to Dana Loesch about rodeo clown wearing Obama mask
          P-D:  Missouri State Fair bans rodeo clown "Tuffy"
          AP:  Missouri State Fair bans rodeo clown who wore Obama mask;  Rep. Steve Webb (D-Florissant) calls on Nixon to cancel governor's annual ham breakfast
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Final news-link roundup of overblown "story":  Everybody hates the rodeo clown
          Drebes:  MO Development of Finance Board gives $10.7M in incentives for Bannister Mall;  Roster list of Polsinelli, Cerner lobbyists
          P-D:  At HB 253 press conference, Nixon says he'll wait until next year to address "impractical and expensive" school-transfer law
          P-D:  At first day in Riverview Gardens, students show up to cheers
          AP:  Classes begin at unaccredited Riverview Gardens School District
          AP:  Schweich:  Transportation districts could owe $17M
          The Missouri Times:  Kander promotes Business Outreach Office
          P-D:  St. Louis casinos' slump continues
          SE Missourian:  Attendance up in July at Cape casino +
          Missourinet:  State reminds students to take protection - as in insurance - to college
          P-D:  Patriot Coal, mine workers' union reach deal
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Mayor Sly James chooses to print campaign materials with non-union printers
          AP:  MO DHSS reports fourth cyclospora stomach-bug case
          St. Louis Beacon:  ACORN, Organization for Black Struggle, Intercommunity Ecological Council, others to circulate anti-Peabody petition
          The Missouri Times:  Paper hires Brittany Ruess as new reporter;  Webster U. grad comes highly decorated with college-media awards for reporting, photojournalism
          The Turner Report:  Former teacher Randy Turner to beef up Missouri government, education coverage
          KC Star editorial:  Nothing funny about clown rodeo skit;  Mocking George W. Bush was okay, but putting rodeo clown in Obama mask an "obvious and offensive" display of racism +
          Messenger:  Is Missouri really better than the rodeo clown?  Evidence says no.
          Priddy:  The clown:  Check out facts before you believe every bit of hyped-up Internet hysteria
          St. Louis Beacon op-ed:  Beacon General Manager Nicole Holloway:  Rodeo clown mask, other incidents show reasons why it's a waste of time to debate whether something is racist
          St. Louis Beacon op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's James Shuls:  A real choice for students in unaccredited districts
          KC Star letter:  Clay, Platte County Dems need to dump old people serving on party committees and elect younger people

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        Monday, August 12
        
Joplin Globe's Redden:  McCaskill, Long disagree on food stamps' place in farm bill;  Carthage attorney promotes his Facebook page, says he's considering primary bid vs. Long X
          SNL:  Rep. Billy Long (R) favors cuts to food-stamp program X
          The Missouri Times:  McCaskill, Blunt eye changes to federal gambling laws
          NBC News:  Video:  McCaskill on Meet the Press
          P-D:  McCaskill on Meet the Press:  No 'coddling' Pentagon on sexual assaults
          The Hill:  McCaskill:  Military commanders should handle sexual assault claims
          P-D:  Battle over income tax cut heats up in Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Union leaders ready to "pump millions of dollars to protect labor rights" in right-to-work skirmish
          KMOX:  As school year nears, West Plains principal defends arming teachers:  "We're not going to wait for the sheriff's department to show up"
          P-D:  Urban public school officials take to churches to encourage school attendance
          FOX2 (St. Louis):  Video:  Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro talks to Jaco about school transfer issue
          KWMU:  Ferguson-Florissant superintendent says district may add transportation for transfer students
          KC Star:  Medicaid expansion, as promoted in Obamacare, faces long odds in Missouri +
          P-D, with "news coverage" sponsored by Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation:  In states not expanding Medicaid, poor could still get Obamacare help;  Comments from Centene subsidiary
          Drebes:  Michelle Trupiano leaves Planned Parenthood to work as advocate for Medicaid expansion
          AP:  Missouri State Fair clown draws criticism for Obama mask worn Saturday
          St. Louis Beacon:  Political leaders, Missouri Rodeo Clown Association weigh in on rodeo clown wearing mask
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Collection of rodeo clown "news":  "a sideshow for opportunistic hacks and partisans attempting to most effectively over-dramatize and benefit from a stunt"
          Sedalia Democrat:  Nixon shows up at State Fair on Sunday, honors general with state's highest military honor X
          KMOX:  Activists want County Exec Charlie Dooley to pressure congressional delegation, others on landfill
          SNL:  Progress stalls for anti-meth measure X
          SE Missourian:  Perryville to request DNR make wood quarantine statewide +
          KC Star editorial:  Basic services take a hit in economic border war +
          P-D op-ed:  In light of so many transfers, hold off on MAP tests next year
          P-D op-ed:  Successful districts should oversee Normandy, Riverview Gardens
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri doesn't spend enough on its public schools
          KC Star's Abouhalkah:  It's shameful for a rodeo clown to wear an Obama mask +
          P-D letter:  Shame on the Post-Dispatch for supporting Jeff Smith (D), Rod Jetton (R)
          KC Star letter:  Missouri Hospital Association's Herb Kuhn responds to paper's coverage of hospital billing issues + 
          JCNT letter:  Anti-tax-cut form letter from retired teacher Luana Gifford:  State will never have sufficient revenue, children are precious, etc. X
          JCNT letter:  Anti-tax-cut form letter from Maries County School Board's Amy Bledsoe:  State will never have sufficient revenue, children are precious, etc. (July 10) X

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        Sunday, August 11
        
SNL:  Information about the Affordable Care Act is in short supply in Missouri;  No one seems to know exactly what's going on. X
          KC Star:  State hospital in Nevada, Mo. - originally known as "Lunatic Asylum No. 3" - is almost gone, but memories linger +
          NBC News:  McCaskill to appear on Meet the Press this morning to discuss military sexual assaults
          SE Missourian:  New congressman jumps into the action in Washington;  Rep. Jason Smith (R) targets Obamacare, federal regulations +
          SNL:  Tug of war continues over Table Rock future X
          Drebes:  Help wanted:  Parents as Teachers seeking to hire a policy and advocacy associate
          JCNT:  Missouri helping turn back tide of low-income child obesity; Administrator credits healthier WIC packages with less juice, along with an increase in breastfeeding 
          Linn County Leader:  HB 253 presents differing "facts";  Comments from Education Committee Chair Mike Lair (R-Chillicothe)
          Marshall Democrat-News:  County Commission urges state reps to uphold Nixon's veto of tax-cut bill
          CDT:  Tax cut scenarios depend on interpretation;  Retrospective effects debated X
          CDT:  Local lawmakers likely to stick to party lines on any override votes X
          The Missouri Times:  Weekly Q&A:  Rep. Gary Cross (R-Lee's Summit)
          Dexter Daily Statesman:  Proposal in Dexter would simplify arrests for synthetic drugs +
          SNL:  City Utilities argues geology concerns with MO Dept. of Natural Resources X
        CDT editorial:  Nixon's vetoes should be upheld X

          P-D op-ed:  Post-Dispatch editor Gilbert Bailon:  The Post-Dispatch is the best at covering transfer issue, and will continue to be better than any other local outlet
          SNL op-ed:  SNL opinion page editor Linda Leicht:  Mental health funding in Missouri needs help
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. T.J. Berry (R):  Nixon broadcasting half-truths on HB 253, and district educrats are blindly repeating it
          P-D letter:  Defenders of rapist/murderer Reginald Clemons go to great lengths to justify their existence
          P-D letter:  Transfer students will show some academic improvement by 10th grade
          KC Star letter:  Environment Missouri wants McCaskill, Blunt to vote against "dirty water" attack;  Man seeking help with auto company gets better help from Rhode Island than Koster's office +
          SNL letter:  Pseudoephedrine prescriptions X
          SNL letter:  Pseudoephedrine prescriptions X


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        Saturday, August 10
        
ABC News:  Claire McCaskill looks forward to Hillary Clinton's moment
          Washington Post:  EMILY's List PAC takes "Madam President" campaign on the road
          US News & World Report:  'Madam President' effort kicks off in Iowa;  McCaskill shills for Hillary
          Des Moines Register:  McCaskill takes part in 'Madam President' confab X 
          St. Louis Beacon:  McCaskill attracts attention over 'women's issues,' but insists her Senate interests are broader
          JCNT:  McCaskill notes Missouri's roles in civil rights battles;  Senator speaks at NAACP dinner X
          Kraske:  Momentum is behind KC nabbing 2016 GOP convention +
          Drebes:  Schaaf to St. Louis for fundraiser;  Radio personality and OB/GYN Dr. Randy Tobler to headline
          The Missouri Times:  Friends of the late Chris Sifford take part in annual memorial golf tournament
          St. Louis Beacon/KWMU audio:  Rep. Mike Colona (D-St. Louis City) joins Mannies, Rosenbaum and McDaniel to talk HB 253, gun laws, LGBT legislation
          SNL:  Castle Doctrine concern entered into plea deal in slaying;  Principle of Missouri law may have protected Joshua Brown in shooting of Javon Carter X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Riverview Gardens superintendent tries to woo students still in limbo
          KMOX:  Audio:  UMSL's Martin Rochester talks to Charlie Brennan about student transfer issue
          AP:  Former SEMO student sentenced in bomb plot;  Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis gets 30 years +
          P-D:  Horse slaughterhouse plans stalled in Missouri
          P-D editorial:  Stop the political and economic evil of payday lenders
          CDT editorial:  School transfers:  Bound for failure X
          Shelly:  ALEC pipeline of bad/conservative ideas runs through Missouri +
          Messenger:  Some interesting goings-on in Kansas City:  City to the West shows cojones on HB 253, more
          SNL op-ed:  HSUS' Amanda Good:  Slaughter no help for horses, or Missouri X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Columbia's Alison Schwartz considers Nieves' comments on abortion to be insensitive

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        Friday, August 9
        
Roll Call:  McCaskill sends campaign pitch for farm bill;  Supporters encouraged to contact House members, push for food stamp funding
          KBIA:  McCaskill frustrated by farm bill "in limbo":  "There's nothing evil about compromise"
          Missourinet:  McCaskill concerned about future disaster relief
          KOLR:  Why do Missourians care about immigration? Comments from Blunt, Rep. Jason Smith, Immigration Policy Center
          Columbia Missourian:  Local peace group turns out five people to protest treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay
          SNL:  Ike Skelton to serve on World War I commission X
          Missourinet:  State Fair to feature visit from Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Scuse
          KSMU:  Nixon visits flooded portions of southern Missouri
          St. Louis Beacon:  Nixon says opponents attack him to 'change the subject' because they're losing the fight over tax cut bill
          AP:  Travis Brown, others attend ALEC conference in Chicago
          AP:  At ALEC, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder says right-to-work proposal likely to go on Missouri ballot
          Mike Ferguson's Missouri Viewpoints:  Paying for Renewable energy in Missouri:  Renew Missouri's P.J. Wilson on 2008's Proposition C, KCP&L, Ameren, and solar-power rebates
          Washington Missourian:  Local lawmakers differ on meth law issue
          St. Louis Beacon:  Transfer case lawsuits averted, at least for now
          The Missouri Times:  CEAM to delay potential lawsuit against Mehlville
          KWMU:  One Normandy bus goes to wrong school, arrives comparatively past time;  otherwise, a smooth first day
          P-D:  Normandy youth tells story of her day;  Bus goes to wrong location, she misses breakfast - otherwise, pretty good
          St. Louis Beacon:  Francis Howell officials offer optimistic public comments as Normandy transfers arrive
          P-D:  School officials offer statements on first transfer day
          St. Louis Beacon:  Riverview Gardens parents react to transfer issues
          SNL:  Schools teaching lesson in financial literacy;  Comments from local state-school officials X
          P-D:  Jetton, Jeff Smith sign books at Pi Pizzeria
          Drebes:  Jane Cunningham enjoying life, no interest in running for Lamping's seat
          P-D:  State Rep. Karla May (D-St. Louis City) seeks St. Louis license collector office
          St. Louis Beacon:  After move to 18th Ward, Jamilah Nasheed resigns committeewoman posts
          The Missouri Times:  The 100+ List:  Part Seven of Seven
          SE Missourian:  Heavy rains cause sewage releases into Mississippi River;  MO DNR notified +
          SE Missourian editorial:  Rush Limbaugh's 25th:  Regardless of political opinion, Cape native's story offers encouragement +
          KC Star editorial:  Despite roadblocks, some progress progress on health exchanges in Missouri and Kansas +
          P-D editorial:  Missouri's funding promise to its schoolchildren is empty and unfulfilled
          St. Louis Beacon op-ed:  Normandy "instructional coach" Inda Schaenen:  On racist Francis Howell taxpayers, namby-pamby white liberals and critics of Normandy's education system
          The Missouri Times letter:  Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Tuscumbia):  Legislature should stand strong, override Nixon on HB 253


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        Thursday, August 8
        
Washington Post:  Race is on to define Hillary Clinton's potential presidential candidacy;  McCaskill, an early Obama supporter, to visit Iowa for Clinton X
          KSMU:  McCaskill:  Current construction permitting process adds costs, delays
          St. Louis Beacon:  At veterans' small biz conference, VA secretary says he's committed to timely delivery of 'best care' and benefits to vets
          KMOX:  McCaskill to small businesses:  Hire more veterans
          Politico:  President Obama MIA on military sexual assault;  McCaskill weighs in
          AP:  Missouri National Guard called out for flood relief, as rising waters close I-44 near Rolla
          P-D:  Tour gives students close look at health disparities;  Incoming Wash U med students hear sad stories of Pruitt-Igoe, white flight and North St. Louis' diabetes/HIV/heart disease rates
          The Missouri Times:  Jason Grill (D), Rod Jetton (R), Jeff Smith (D) sign copies of their co-authored book on dealing with political crises
          Berger:  Deadline in Disaster - conceived by Scott Charton, produced by Doug Crews - nominated for Mid-America EMMY award
          St. Louis Beacon:  Rep. Jeff Roorda (D-Barnhart) undecided on HB 253;  State senate candidate says he hasn't received any pressure from Democrats
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Lawmakers get earful on Medicaid's woes X
          Missourinet:  Medicaid committee chairman Noel Torpey (R-Independence):  discussion has shifted to reform plus expansion
          P-D:  Legislators head to Chicago for ALEC retreat
          Drebes:  RCGA splits with lobbyists, as new CEO Joe Reagan re-examines all aspects of Chamber operations
          CDT:  Judge in Mamtek case denies request for recusal X
          AP:  Missouri school transfer ruling opens old wounds;  Many Francis Howell families moved from St. Louis County, seeking better schools and safer environment for their children
          P-D:  Student transfers become a reality today in Francis Howell;  District will absorb 475 transfers - more than any other district
          The Missouri Times:  Lawsuit to be filed against Mehlville over transfer students, battle looms over what to do with failed districts
          KWMU:  Data from school transfer lottery released, as groups question legality of process
          KWMU:  Kirkwood administrators hear concerns, say they are ready to support incoming students
          KWMU:  Superintendent, mayor take part in annual push to "get kids in school and off the street"
          St. Louis Beacon:  Rockwood gets good follow-up report from Schweich
          P-D:  Rockwood receives praise instead of criticism from state auditor
          KWMU:  Schweich has good news for Rockwood schools;  $1.2M still in question
          The Missouri Times:  Jack Bondon announces run for House seat, Molendorp decides against running again
          The Missouri Times:  The 100+ List, Part Six
          P-D:  CDC says smoking ban would not hurt state's bars and restaurants
          KWMU:  County councilman calls for stricter regulation of Ameren's Meramec power plant
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Won't be long before the Hillary brigade has a campaign office in Missouri
          SNL op-ed:  Former state Rep. Thomas Long (R):  Medicaid expansion is gun to Missouri's head X
          Washington Missourian letter:  Common Core is "a massive liberal brainwash that will create a country full of socialists"
          The Missouri Times letter:  Missouri Education Reform Councils Joseph Knodell on transfer issue and putting kids first
          P-D letter:  Valley Park man says Rex Sinquefield has too much influence, closes with homophonic "Missouri/misery" punchline

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        Wednesday, August 7
        
Washington Examiner:  Claire McCaskill beats Hillary Clinton, other 2016 Dems to Iowa;  Senior senator to attend EMILY's List "Madame President" town hall
          Kraske:  McCaskill heads to Iowa, laying groundwork for Cabinet role in Clinton administration +
          Stars and Stripes:  At the crux of sexual assault debate:  the role of command;  Comments from McCaskill
          Politico:  Sexual assault unchecked as Defense Department ducks reform;  Comments from McCaskill
          The Missouri Times:  McCaskill continues pushing military sexual assault prosecution changes through committee
          SNL:  Seven protestors rally against Obama along Springfield overpasses X
          SE Missourian:  Floodway project meetings planned +
          KFVS:  Federal assistance for sinkholes in the works
          St. Louis Beacon:  Profile:  Tommy Sowers visits downtown Pi, talks about VA role
          AP:  Nixon declares emergency following flash flooding
          KC Star:  Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback open to border-war negotiations with Missouri +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Missouri group backing tax cuts launches new video accusing Nixon of misleading the public
          KC Star:  Nixon goes into Kraus' backyard to oppose tax cut +
          SNL:  Speaker Tim Jones says override of veto to save tax-cut bill not likely;  Summary of St. Louis Beacon/KWMU interview from a week ago X
          SNL:  City's lobbyist talks to council of gains, setbacks;  Outcome of HB 253 will determine if local programs get money X
          KMOX:  NAACP threatens to sue Mehlville, Kirkwood for turning down some transfer students;  Comments from Children's Education Alliance of Missouri, Mehlville School District
          KSDK:  Children's Education Alliance of Missouri prepares to file lawsuit against Mehlville School District
          St. Louis Beacon:  Mehlville faces lawsuit by parents over transfer limits
          The Missouri Times:  As thousands of students transfer, lawmakers search for possible fixes
          P-D:  Kirkwood shares support, concerns about transfers;  Sens. Scott Sifton (D), Eric Schmitt (R) attend
          KSDK:  Kirkwood School District holds meeting to address transfer concerns of parents;  Comments from Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Glendale)
          Missourinet:  CDC sees some decline in obesity rates among low-income pre-schoolers
          Joplin Globe:  State tells Joplin Redevelopment Corp. it must act quickly to apply for tax-credit program X
          Missourinet:  Zweifel to kick off series of Personal Finance Institutes in college towns this week
          Riverfront Times:  Husband of Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights) may sue over bill to block Missouri bill to block feds' gun law
          Drebes:  Misty Snodgrass, formerly of American Cancer Society, takes new job as director of public policy at Coalition of Community Mental Health Centers
          The Missouri Times:  The 100+ List, Part Five
          P-D:  Judge:  Chain of Rocks rapist/murderer Reginald Clemons failed to establish innoncence
          SE Missourian editorial:  Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education a success, offers opportunities +
          Priddy:  Sunday school parable:  Hell, tax cuts, Sinquefield, McKenna and more
          Columbia Missourian's Rosman:  Politicians lack integrity in debate over nullification
          P-D op-ed:  Some St. Louis County schools say it loud:  No blacks allowed
          KC Star letter:  To enroll in KC public schools, you must show ID and two proofs of residency - but somehow, we can't require that to vote +

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        Tuesday, August 6
        
St. Louis Beacon:  Congress may seek more transparency in government collection of phone data;  Comments from McCaskill, Blunt
          KWMU:  Obama's "Organizing for Action" holds immigration rallies at offices of GOP Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer, Ann Wagner
          SE Missourian:  Cape Girardeau could receive federal funds to help sinkhole problem +
          St. Louis Beacon:  Doug Harpool - creator of Missouri Ethics Commission - nominated for federal bench
          FOX4KC:  Health insurers trying to reach uninsured as marketplace nears (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          AP:  Nixon to speak at automotive conference in Michigan this week
          St. Louis Beacon:  New political group in favor of Nixon's tax-cut veto emerges to fight override effort
          AP:  Missouri Dept. of Social Services says its contractor mailed personal Medicaid info to incorrect addresses
          KCTV:  School administrators worry House bill lowering state income tax would also destroy teaching jobs (link via TonysKansasCity.com)
          Washington Missourian:  School board supports veto of tax-cut bill
          SNL:  Springfield school board meeting agenda includes discussion of HB 253 X
          St. Louis Beacon:  ACLU says schools can't legally limit transfers
          P-D:  ACLU says Kirkwood, Mehlville wrong to limit transfer students based on class size
          KWMU:  Placing of transfer students continues, next steps uncertain for those who missed deadline
          P-D:  No shortage of legal advice for families denied school transfers
          St. Louis Beacon:  In Normandy homes, parents and kids don't always see eye-to-eye on transfers
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Upcoming Kansas City online charter high school soon to decimate enrollment at old KCPS institutions
          P-D:  Schweich returns to Rockwood on Wednesday;  Original audit found district overpaid construction management firm by $1.2M
          Drebes:  Franc Flotron to take part in "Is the Missouri General Assembly broken?" workshop sponsored by Missouri Catholic Conference
          The Missouri Times:  Staff profile:  Stephanie Boeth, legislative assistant for Rep. Noel Torpey (R-Independence)
          The Missouri Times:  The 100+ List, Part Four
          SNL:  E. coli to no longer close Missouri public beaches;  DNR says warning signs will suffice for high bacteria X
          St. Louis Beacon:  Planning commission denies request to rezone Oakville facility;  Sen. Scott Sifton (D) has stood with residents against construction of low-income senior housing
          P-D:  St. Louis County planners toss low-income senior controversy back to council;  Comments from Rep. Marsha Haefner (R-Oakville)
          Brian Schmidt's Missouri Wonk:  Crime in St. Louis:  Breaking down 2012 St. Louis crimes, and possible reasons why criminals found some dates more inspirational than others
          P-D editorial:  Time for governor, legislature to provide transfer clarity
          P-D editorial:  Post-Dispatch looking for op-eds dealing with specific transfer fixes
          SNL editorial:  New good-news editorial feature called "'Tis a Privilege":  NRA museum in Springfield X
          P-D editorial:  SOS Jason Kander:  Remember history of Voting Rights Act
        Columbia Missourian letter:  Hartzler wrong to oppose Obamacare
        CDT letter:  Hartzler wrong to oppose Obamacare, other things X
        CDT letter:  Pointing fingers won't help Medicaid expansion effort;  Jeff Mazur responds to CDT editorial on Medicaid expansion X
        P-D letter:  Editorial fails to explain why Sinquefield is so bad
          SNL letter:  Opponents of Blueways Program, including Rep. Billy Long (R), can't say what rights are being taken away X

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




        Monday, August 5
        
Missourinet:  McCaskill:  Pentagon MIA search a 'disgrace'
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Federal government:  is it just too big to work?  Blunt, Cato Institute say yes X
        P-D:  Jason Smith, Missouri's newest congressman:  Regulatory reform is 'my passion'

          The Turner Report:  Rep. Billy Long on KZRG:  Seven of 40 anti-Obamacare votes brought results
          KC Star:  Nation has arrived at a new 'libertarian moment,' experts say;  Comments from UCM prof Jim Staab, GOP's Jeff Roe +
          KC Star:  Elections are Tuesday in some Missouri suburbs +
          AP:  Fast-food protests may spur higher minimum wage;  Comments from Kansas City fast-food worker Terrance Wise
          ProPublica, "investigative non-profit journalism group" reprinted by Post-Dispatch:  Payday lenders work to get black leaders in their camp
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Nixon, GOP at polar opposites on tax-cut issue;  Comments from GOP Reps. Casey Guernsey, Mike Lair X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Briefs:  Prosecutor says state law keeps him from prosecuting animal abuse;  Melanie Robinson-Smith, formerly of MO DNR and Lottery, to lead chamber X
          Rosenbaum:  Municipal woes rekindle interest in disincorporation;  Comments from Rep. Bob Burns (D-South St. Louis County), others
          KTVI:  Video:  Charles Jaco talks to Mike Jones, Rep. Genise Monticello (D-South St. Louis County) about school transfer issue and possible state solutions
        KTVI:  New deadline for transferring Riverview Gardens and Normandy students
          Joplin Globe:  Teacher retention remains challenge for Joplin schools X
          The Turner Report:  Joplin Globe whitewashes Joplin teacher turnover problem
          Joplin Globe:  State audit of Crowder College to be public soon X
          Missourinet:  House committee wraps up eastern leg of ports tour
          JCNT:  State gearing up to help RR Donnelley workers X
          SE Missourian:  Area's economy is looking up, despite recent layoffs +
          Washington Missourian:  RCGA's Joe Reagan speaks at city hall, says newcomers, education can help local economy
          P-D:  Interstate 270 grows more congested in North County;  Comments from MoDOT
          The Missouri Times:  The 100+ List, Part Three
          KC Star editorial:  U.S. attorneys are right - Americans pay the price for sequestration +
          CDT editorial:  Nullification;  Rep. T.J. McKenna (D-Festus), others wrong to vote for gun-veto override X
        P-D editorial:  Note to T.J. McKenna (D-Festus), other Missouri lawmakers:  the constitution is not a Chinese buffet
        St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Missouri's problem gamblers should know when to fold X
        JCNT editorial:  Lottery's new self-exclusion program aids problem gamblers X
        KC Star's Diuguid:  Strengthen U.S. voting rights for a better future;  Thoughts from KC Board of Election Commissioners' A. Shelley McThomas (D) +
        KC Star's Sanchez:  Local grandmothers join campaign against gun violence +
        P-D letter:  Missouri's challenge to federal gun-control legislation
        KC Star letter:  Kansas resident on Missouri animal-abuse loophole +

          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, August 4
        
NationalJournal.com
          Hotline On Call
          TonysKansasCity.com:  Kansas City frustration with Obama:  Activists hold "Impeach Obama" streetcorner rally, grumblings of lack of money for streetcar
          Drebes:  Johnny Destafano now president of Data Trust, a third-party GOP digital strategy company
          Columbia Missourian:  Mid-Missouri Peaceworks gathers to mourn anniversary of bombs used to end WWII
          KOMU:  Mid-Missouri Peaceworks holds gathering for nuclear disarmament
          AP:  Jay Nixon participates in National Governors Association meeting in Milwaukee, jokes with Gov. Scott Walker about beer
          KC Star:  Area hospitals being sued for not submitting bills to health insurers
          P-D:  School transfer issues spawns logistical headaches and legal questions
          KSDK:  Normany School District holds rally to inspire remaining students
          KTVI:  Video:  First Normandy students official transfer out of their home district
          KC Star:  Volunteers pound the pavement for KC school enrollment;  Nearby, national education innovation conference meets
          The Missouri Times:  Top 150 or so people you should know on social media, Part 2
          P-D:  StudioSTL facilitates one newspaper issue with content from urban youth;  Students will share opinions on Zimmerman self-defense ruling, other topics
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau):  State tax cuts are important for economic growth
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Rep. Steve Hodges (D-East Prarie):  Tax-cut bill would reduce education dollars in Missouri
          KC Star's Steve Penn:  To improve education, abolish the Kansas City School District
          KC Star letter:  Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Kansas City) supports $15/hr. fast-food wage - so how much did he pay his car-wash workers?
          Disclosure



        Saturday, August 3
        
NationalJournal.com
          Hotline On Call
          St. Louis Beacon:  McCaskill, Blunt frustrated by lack of progress in Congress
          PBS NewsHour:  McCaskill:  Keep military sexual assault cases in chain of command
          St. Louis Beacon:  Large group of officials attend ceremonial groundbreaking for Arch grounds redevelopment
          AP:  Post-storm loans offered in eastern Missouri counties
          NY Times:  Missouri citizens face obstacles to coverage;  Comments from MHA, Schaaf, Missouri Health Care for All
          ProPublica, "investigative non-profit journalism" group reprinted by P-D:  A peek inside payday loan industry fight to keep interest cap off ballot
          St. Louis Beacon:  Missouri revenue collections drop in July, as battle over proposed tax cut heats up
          P-D:  Student transfer process is half complete
          St. Louis Beacon:  Riverview, Normandy districts will lose millions in state funding;  Ed chief Nicastro on costs, expected drop in host sites' test scores, more
          97.1FM (St. Louis):  Rodney Boyd talks to Dana Loesch about school transfer issue
          The Missouri Times:  Q&A with Rep. Margo McNeil (D-Florissant)
          Drebes:  Missouri Association of Social Welfare is hiring
          The Missouri Times:  Twitter Top 100 accounts:  Lobbyists, consultants, staffers (Part 1 of list)
          P-D:  Larry Conners' bid for new TV job stalled by judge
          P-D editorial:  South County opens pawn shop/gun range/BBQ joint - and it will fit in well
          Messenger:  Former Sen. Jason Crowell (R) and others killed Ameren's risky bill;  Florida example proves a cautionary tale
          Horrigan:  "Missouri is awesome" campaign;  Sarcastic swipe at philanthropist/megadonor Rex Sinquefield, more
          P-D letters:  Clay, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) and fast-food protestors exemplify why country has economic troubles
          P-D letters:  To earn more money, perhaps fast-food protestors should make an effort to become educated
          Disclosure




        Friday, August 2
        
NationalJournal.com
          Hotline On Call
          SE Missourian:  Cape Girardeau native Rush Limbaugh marks 25 years on national airwaves
          P-D:  Crystal City native Bill Bradley's land in Jefferson County for sale for $8.95M
          AP:  Pentagon to probe alleged waste, fraud in MIA unit
          KWMU:  McCaskill to officials on POW/MIA reforms:  "Get it frickin' done"
          Missourinet:  Support group for Fort Wood mobilizing to fight sequestration cuts
          Riverfront Times:  Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R) takes to House floor to speak against government overregulation, uses illustration of magician's rabbit
          KWMU:  Jury still out of Missouri sales tax holiday
          KMIZ:  RR Donnelly to close in Jefferson City, leaving 500 without jobs;  Reaction from Sen. Mike Kehoe (R), Rep. Jay Barnes (R)
          The Missouri Times:  State Democrats hold strategy meetings with members, GOP wraps up listening tour
          P-D:  Incoming Missouri Democratic Party Chairman Roy Temple talks about GOP legislature, says he feels good about Dems' 2016 statewide slate
          Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Residents, providers meet in Kennett to discuss Medicaid expansion
          Drebes:  Rep. Jeff Grisamore (R) leaning against veto override
          Riverfront Times:  Rep. Keith English (D-Florissant) among Dems backing pro-gun bill, says some liberal Dems are "totally anti-gun"
          Shelly:  Profiles in courage are blurry in the Missouri Legislature;  On gun bill, McKenna (D) to side with GOP, Barnes to side with Nixon
          Helling:  Freedoms and their limits:  Missouri GOP shows "casual hypocricy" on First and Second Amendments
          St. Louis Beacon:  Today is decisive day for students wishing to transfer from failing schools
          KWMU:  More than a thousand students to leave unaccredited Normandy
          St. Louis Beacon:  With a quarter of students leaving, Normandy superintendent urges community to support district
          P-D:  School transfer deadline leaves Normandy, Riverview Gardens families waiting
          St. Louis Beacon:  Audio:  Beacon reporter Bob Joiner summarizes school transfer coverage
          The Missouri Times:  Lobbyist profile:  Kyna Iman
          P-D:  Monthly lobbyist report:  Sen. Tom Dempsey finds John Mayer concert a wonderland, while urban Dems rock the bells with LL Cool J
          St. Louis Beacon:  Smith, Jetton to hold book-signing;  Steve Brown, whose snitching sent childhood friend to prison, disputes Smith's account
          AP:  Motion from defense in murder plot:  Koster backed out of deal to free Saudi
          AP:  Missouri Lottery starts self-exclusion program
          Missourinet:  Missouri Lottery launches problem gambler program
          Riverfront Times:  City slams ACORN's ballot initiative, says it will badly damage economy
          P-D editorial:  Sequestration cuts deep;  U.S. courthouse mostly closed for criminal matters two days a month
          KC Star editorial:  Time for a pay raise for fast-food workers
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Great cooperation for veterans;  Nixon's staff very cooperative in planning wreath presentation
          KC Star editorial:  Heed lessons from the Gordon Parks case
          Missourinet's Jessica Machetta:  A summary of Obama's Warrensburg visit from Machetta and her daughter, an Obama fan
          Columbia Missourian's George Kennedy:  Medicaid panels not likely to bring results
          P-D letter:  Fast-food protestors and common sense
          P-D letter:  $15/hr. for burger-flipping is ridiculous, but minimum wage should still be raised
          Disclosure




        Thursday, August 1
        
NationalJournal.com
          Hotline On Call
          P-D:  Blunt versus tea party in GOP squabble over government shutdown;  Presidential candidates Rubio, Cruz seek to outflank each other on the right
          KSMU:  Blunt co-sponsors bill to streamline, update government regulations
          SE Missourian:  SEMA to provide public assistance for flood damage
          The Patch:  Fast food workers target "modern day slavery" in Ballwin;  Cinnamon Tigner says she'd like $15/hr., but would settle for $10/hr.
          St. Louis Beacon:  Mike Sanders steps down at Missouri Democratic Party;  Roy Temple set to take over
          KC Star:  Mike Sanders to step down as MDP chair;  Roy Temple expected to take over
          The Missouri Times:  Mike Sanders steps down as Democratic Party chairman;  State committee to select replacement at Aug. 24 summer caucus meeting
          Missourinet:  Nixon takes "Save the Veto" tour to Fulton
          Columbia Missourian:  At Mizzou, Nixon criticizes tax-cut bill's effect on higher education
          97.1FM (St. Louis):  Speaker Tim Jones talks to Dana Loesch about interview on "the enemy" (public radio);  Says liberals took his bait "hook, line and sinker" and lit a fire under conservatives
          NY Times:  In Missouri, race complicates a transfer to better schools
          P-D:  Deadline today for Normandy, Riverview Gardens students to apply for transfer
          St. Louis Beacon:  School transfers:  The numbers game
          KMOX:  Audio:  John Hancock and Mike Kelley talk to former state Sen. Jeff Smith (D) about his book and next week's book signing in St. Louis
          Drebes:  Matt Hill, formerly with John Britton, available for hire
          AP:  Regulators say Ameren Missouri to refund $26.3M
          St. Louis Beacon:  Proposed charter amendment from ACORN - rebranded as "MORE" - aimed at Peabody may be headed to court
          P-D:  Activists file signatures for initiative to ban St. Louis tax incentives;  Slay Chief of Staff Jeff Rainford calls ACORN proposal "an anarchist's dream"
          KWMU:  Petition to end St. Louis tax incentives delivered with thousands of signatures
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Legacy of service:  Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, Gov. Jay Nixon pay tribute to Korean War vets
          P-D editorial:  Will Missouri ever put its AAA credit rating to use?  With interest rates low, there's no time like the present.
          P-D editorial:  Mehlville school officials' figures don't add up
          KC Star op-ed:  Tom Schweich wants to audit KC's long-troubled water department - and it's a great idea
          SE Missourian letter:  Missouri should reject electronic voting machines, return to paper ballots
          JCNT letter:  Missourians Against Agenda 21's Todd Skelton:  Legislature should override Nixon's veto
          KC Star:  Gordon Parks Board President says state should not appeal court ruling;  Man says McCaskill, Blunt give money away to wealthy farming interests
          P-D letter:  Francis Howell School District literacy coach welcomes Normandy transfers
          Disclosure






       



         


         

       


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