johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - February 2019



    

       
       
February 28, 2019
       
P-D:  Congressional briefs:  Blunt on emergency declaration;  Clay on "Green New Deal";  82-year-old Jack Danforth, who left Senate 24 years ago, weighs in on legislation X
          Missourinet:  Clay garners national spotlight for questioning of Cohen
          P-D:  Clay seizes spotlight, says Trump will be prosecuted for bank fraud X
          P-D:  Farm slump holds down third-quarter GDP in Missouri X
          The Missouri Times:  Schmitt names M. Keithley Williams coordinator of Sexual Assault Kit Initiative
          Columbia Missourian:  Schmitt appoints leader of Sexual Assault Kit Initiative
          P-D:  Schmitt spearheads effort to clear rape-kit testing backlog X
          The Missouri Times:  Freshman profile:  Rep. Jon Patterson (R-Lee's Summit)
          CDT:  DOR Director Joel Walters changes story about refund issue, credits Fitzpatrick for correcting him X
          Columbia Missourian:  Lower-income families hit by state's tax mix-up
          The Missouri Times:  Senate compromises on tort overhaul following filibuster
          The Missouri Times:  House gives omnibus abortion bill overwhelming approval
          KWMU:  House approves sweeping pro-life bill
          AP:  House passes pro-life legislation
          Columbia Missourian:  Abortion bill heads to Senate, where another fight looms
          P-D:  Pro-life legislation headed for showdown in Senate X
          JCNT:  Bill from Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) would let Pharmacy Board experiment with technology X
          SNL:  Rep. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) wants to give school districts the freedom to add elective Bible classes X
          P-D:  Missouri children are waiving their right to legal counsel. That's a problem, some lawmakers say X
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Tony Lovasco (R-O'Fallon) wants to do away with property taxes;  Some colleagues worry about effect on school funding
          JCNT:  Bill from Sen. Jeanie Riddle (R-Mokane) would allow some child death statistics to be public information X
          Joplin Globe:  New human trafficking poster law to take effect X
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold) statement on sex trafficking and life expectancy rated "False"
          The Missouri Times:  House committee advances proposal for funding convention, sports centers
          KWMU:  Q&A regarding activist complaints about coal ash containment
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Bridge program isn't a long-term fix
          JCNT editorial:  Stronger carjacking laws would make streets safer X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Give student journalists a voice with Walter Cronkite New Voices Act X
          P-D editorial:  Don't deny newspapers ad revenue from public notices X
          CDT op-ed:  Alzheimer's Association of Greater Missouri's Jerry Dowell:  Alzheimer's families need state support X
          P-D letter:  SEIU activist:  Legislature wrong for seeking minimum-wage adjustments X
          Disclosure


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



        February 27, 2019
       
AP:  Hawley to meet with Trump nominee Neomi Rao prior to committee vote
          KC Star:  Hawley campaign offers to pay back state $27 in incidental travel expenses from 2017 X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Phil Christofanelli (R-St. Peters) talks with Rosenbaum about the Nexus of Internet sales tax, as well as charter schools and Clean Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  DOR proposes $263k net reduction to department budget
          Missourinet:  Missouri House oversight committee to hold third hearing on DOR tax issue today
          The Missouri Times:  House moves forward with 'strongest pro-life bill in the country'
          KC Star:  After emotional debate, Missouri House poised to pass 'strongest pro-life bill' in U.S. X
          AP:  Missouri House advances pro-life legislation
          SNL:  Missouri House passes baby-heartbeat bill, with additional provisions added on X
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri House members debate, amend abortion bill
          P-D's Kurt Erickson:  Missouri House moves closer to passing pro-life legislation;  Comments from Rep. Nick Schroer of "St. Charles [sic]" X
          SNL:  Wallingford, Onder see budget savings in tax-credit adjustment X
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) could elevate student voter to Board of Curators
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Emery's number on Missouri impeachments against judges needs more context
          Missourinet:  Oh, the things you'll find in Missouri's Unclaimed Property division:  Clown suit, ski mask and handgun, other treasures
          SE Missourian:  Missouri Budget Project study promotes benefits of SNAP handouts +
          SNL:  Missouri medical marijuana cards:  Answers to frequently asked questions X
          KC Star:  Missouri Supreme Court rules in favor of transgender student in Blue Springs case;  Girl began demanding to be treated as a boy in fourth grade, sued school district over being blocked from boys' locker room X
          AP:  Missouri Supreme Court sides with girl who wants to dress with boys in locker room
          P-D:  LGBTQIA* groups cheer Missouri Supreme Court ruling X
          P-D editorial:  Taxpayers should foot the bill for female criminals' tampons X
          P-D letter:  Ameren President Michael Moehn says Post-Dispatch piece on coal ash lacked accuracy and context X
          P-D letter:  Oakland man wants Koenig to stop supporting charter schools and start advocating for workforce development X
          P-D letter:  Clayton sexagenarian opposes GOP lawmakers' state tax cuts X
          Disclosure


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



        February 26, 2019
       
KWMU:  Above-normal chance of major flooding in Missouri this spring
          KC Star:  Some conservative groups urge Hawley to support Trump nominee X
          P-D:  Judicial Crisis Network wants Hawley to support Trump nominee X
          KC Star:  Hawley to speak on tech industry at CPAC X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Janie Dunning:  Federal money for rural broadband a big help
          P-D:  Onetime St. Louis County resident admits sending money to terrorists overseas;  Bosnian man and family rallied support for Islamic State X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  On bridge tour, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe highlights state's needs:  "You don't do a mic drop in Northwest Missouri. You do a bridge drop."
          SE Missourian:  Bill from Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau) aims to boost military jobs +
          P-D:  Sen. Dan Hegeman (R-Cosby), Rep. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) want redistricting czar to accept input from public X
          Missourinet:  Schmitt, GOP lawmakers take steps to fight carjackings in Missouri
          KWMU:  Carjackers could get 10 years to life in prison under proposed law
          P-D:  Proposed Missouri law would better track, consistently sentence carjackers, backers say X
          AP:  Schmitt supporting statute aimed at slowing carjackings
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers consider awareness training, Internet's role in human trafficking
          JCNT:  House Democrats hold press conference, list qualms with GOP legislation;  Comments from House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) X
          CDT:  Insurance therapy bill makes headway in the House X
          KWMU:  Missouri utilities deal with unpredictable regulatory environment, incessant complaints from activists
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Legislature attacks Sunshine Law
          JCNT editorial:  Lawmakers should support Bernskoetter's bill to increase poaching penalties X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Bill moves to reduce prison population X
          P-D editorial:  Parson should pardon woman who hired hitman to murder husband X
          KC Star letter:  Town and Country woman wants Cleaver, Graves and Hartzler to join Ann Wagner in fight against tuberculosis X
          Disclosure


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



        February 25, 2019
       
This Week in Missouri Politics:  Sen. Roy Blunt on Trump, tariffs, rural broadband, filibusters, more;  Panel of Brittany Robbins, Joe Lakin, Reps. David Gregory (R-St. Louis County) and Raychel Proudie (D-Ferguson) on Blunt, Dem presidential candidates, Parson and workforce development, Better Together, more
          Missourinet:  Blunt, Cleaver weigh in on Trump's emergency declaration
          Reuters:  How a Missouri Supreme Court ruling could help Johnson & Johnson defeat St. Louis talc lawsuits
          AP:  National Weather Service:  High flood risk in Missouri this spring
          SNL:  Here's what you need to know about the trouble with Missouri taxes this year X
          P-D:  Parson's 'Fast Track' scholarship program slowed by budget concerns, skeptics X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Video:  Sen. Dan Hegeman (R-Cosby) seeks to add transparency to new redistricting process
          Missourinet:  Missouri House could give final approval today to fentanyl and date-rape drug legislation
          Missourinet:  Missouri House gives initial thumbs-up to ending required vehicle inspections
          Joplin Globe:  Legislators file bills to extend arts district deadline X
          CDT:  Hickman sophomore aces ACT on first try;  Minority female chooses to work hard, achieves success X
          SNL:  Monster brown trout smashes Missouri records X
          KC Star:  Missouri Highway Patrol used special phone call and messaging app during St. Louis-area riots X
          Messenger:  The accidental governor inherits a broken budget. What is he to do? X
          SNL letters:  Ozark man and Springfield man oppose GOP efforts to change voter-approved policies X
          P-D letter:  Multi-time Democratic candidate Glenn Koenen says Missouri bureaucrats make people go hungry X
          Disclosure


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



        February 24, 2019
       
KC Star:  Parson named to Trump's bipartisan Council of Governors X
          P-D:  Fourth inmate's lawsuit says Missouri prison guards groped her, and court filing says FBI is investigating X
          JCNT:  Scott Fitzpatrick settling in as state treasurer X
          KC Star:  Rep. Jon Carpenter (D-Gladstone) to run for Clay County commission seat X
          JCNT:  $9 million worth of property seized statewide in 2018 criminal activity X
          KWMU:  Missouri medical marijuana hopefuls have already earned state $3 million;  Comments from Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association's Jack Cardetti
          CDT:  Medical marijuana rules move ahead X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Legal weed leaves employees unprotected
          CDT:  Hemp rules likely to allow cultivation for 2020 growing season;  Rep. Rick Francis (R-Perryville) hopes to cut red tape X
          The Missouri Times - Clayton edition:  Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis City) tour local brewery, part of 'Buy Missouri' program
          JCNT:  Bill from Sen. Jeanie Riddle (R-Mokane) would give the poor access to hearing aids X
          P-D:  A private school turns charter, 20 years after the first charter schools opened in Missouri X
          KWMU:  A successful St. Louis City charter school has big plans to grow
          KRES/KWIX:  State Ag Director Chris Chinn speaks to FFA chapters at Western Farm Show in Kansas City
          P-D:  Activists unhappy with plan to bring regulatory authority over coal ash to state - rather than federal - officials X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Missouri's Title IX bill a work in progress
          Keller:  Deja vu all over again with property tax credit X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County septuagenarian dismayed that Missouri voters keep electing Republicans X
          Disclosure


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



        February 23, 2019
       
Daily Dunklin Democrat:  Blunt, Smith herald mental-health services project at FCC Behavioral Clinic +
          KC Star:  FBI and DOJ investigating Missouri prison where workers are accused of sexual assault X
          The Missouri Times:  Bruce Franks promotional video plays at Montana indy film festival;  28-minute clip documents Franks' valiant efforts against "overwhelmingly white and Republican Missouri House of Representatives," hits the big screen at Missoula Elks Lodge
          AP:  Greitens subpoenaed in open records dispute
          SNL:  Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield) says 'Stop Socialism Act' will help protect businesses from government poaching X
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) opposes charter-schools expansion bill +
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri explores legalized sports betting X
          The Missouri Times:  National association supports towing-law overhaul in Missouri
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bill aims to track sex offenders when moving between counties
          CDT:  Judge denies Planned Parenthood order to resume Columbia abortions X
          SNL:  Free tampons for prison inmates? Missouri House gives initial yes X
          The Missouri Times:  House Democrats plan Monday news conference to discuss blocking GOP legislation
          JCNT editorial:  Claim your unclaimed property X
          Messenger:  Public defender alleges Missouri judge is ignoring double jeopardy protections X
          SNL letters:  Springfield man says Blunt is soft on illegal aliens;  Kimberling City sexagenarian opposes Taylor's retirement-fund choice bill and GOP efforts to protect constituent privacy X
          P-D letter:  Frontenac man wants Blunt, Hawley and Wagner to oppose Trump's border wall funding X
          SNL letter:  Springfield septuagenarian feminist expresses anger at Missouri Right to Life for opposing ERA X
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield man says Messenger, editorial board demonstrate paper's liberal bias X
          Disclosure


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



        February 22, 2019
       
P-D:  Blunt talks border-wall funding scenarios X
          P-D:  Parson honors British man who spent decades remembering St. Louis pilot's sacrifice X
          The Missouri Times:  Freshman profile:  Rep. Dale Wright (R-Farmington)
          The Missouri Times:  Farm Bureau legislative briefing previews future ag growth, legislator relationships
          Brownfield Ag News:  State ag department funding among Missouri Farm Bureau priorities
          CDT:  Committee hears Parson bridge plan X
          AP:  Missouri Senate votes to cap low-income housing tax credits
          Columbia Missourian:  Overview:  Missouri Legislature's pro-life bills
          AP:  Missouri bill on minimum prison sentences heads to Senate
          Columbia Missourian:  For Missourians serving life without parole, a second chance could be coming
          P-D:  Asset forfeiture without a conviction would be banned under proposal from Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin)
          CDT:  New caucus formed to promote University of Missouri X
          Columbia Missourian:  UM Caucus hoped to lead to better relations between university and lawmakers
          AP:  Rowden, Razer form University of Missouri Caucus
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Universities struggle to find balance between federal, state medical marijuana law
          SNL:  Medical marijuana forum coming to Springfield X
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri American Water Co.'s filing will bring regulators into reservoir plan for first time X
          SNL:  DNR plans public meeting on TCE pollution X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Stop the initiative petition madness
          KC Star editorial:  Bible classes don't belong in Missouri's public high schools X
          JCNT editorial:  Increase penalties for deadly drugs X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Missouri schools need CBD policies now X
          KC Star op-ed:  State Auditor Nicole Galloway:  Public corruption in Missouri must be investigated X
          Keller:  Without a fuel tax, toll roads may gain traction X
          Messenger:  Supreme Court 'adds teeth' to criminal justice reform in Missouri X
          Washington Missourian letter:  Labadie anti-Ameren activist wants DNR to require 'clean closure' of ash ponds X
          Washington Missourian letter:  Pacific septuagenarian disputes modern-day energy technology with memories of shoveling fireplace ashes X
          P-D letter:  University City man opposes Lee Enterprises decision to centralize newspaper layout work in Indiana, attempts "hoosier" punchline X
          Disclosure


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



        February 21, 2019
       
KC Star:  Pelosi:  Trump's move on border security would divert millions from Missouri military projects X
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Jason Smith statement on overpaid federal workers rated "Mostly True"
          The Missouri Times:  Lucinda Luetkemeyer, Eddie Greim join redistricting fight in SCOTUS
          AP:  Schmitt investigates day care 'fight club';  Urban day care workers caught on video encouraging children to assault each other
          Missourinet:  Schmitt launches investigation into St. Louis City day care 'fight club'
          P-D:  'Day care fight club' in St. Louis City will be investigated by Schmitt;  Workers Mickala Guliford and Tena Dailey encouraged toddlers to batter each other in the face X
          JCNT:  Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick highlights unclaimed property finds from safe deposit boxes X
          The Missouri Times:  Discussion with DOR regarding withholding error continues in special committee
          Missourinet:  Walters:  DOR has not done a good job communicating about tax issue
          P-D:  Parson says some legislators are using DOR issue to grandstand X
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers tentatively remove $4 million from Fast Track allocation
          The Missouri Times:  House committee considers closed primaries for Missouri elections
          SNL:  Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) seeks to close primaries X
          AP:  Missouri bill targets fentanyl, date-rape drug possession
          Missourinet:  Missouri works to develop computer science standards for K-12 schools
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  Commission agrees they have Clean Line jurisdiction
          The Missouri Times:  What's happening in legal battle between State Auditor Nicole Galloway and Clay County
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association's Andrew Mullins:  More medical marijuana profit opportunities coming to Missouri
          Priddy:  On felons voting, and memories of Bob Griffin (1,326 words)
          KC Star letter:  Kansas City woman says medical marijuana will lead Missouri down a slippery slope of drug abuse X
          Disclosure


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



        February 20, 2019
       
The Missouri Times:  Missouri GOP to honor Ron Richard with Lifetime Achievement Award
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Federal spending bill offers some resources for region;  Comments from Blunt
          P-D's Chuck Raasch:  Ocasio-Cortez's 'Green New Deal' gets a co-sponsor:  Lacy Clay, the University City "Republican [sic]" X
          Columbia Missourian:  Hartzler advocates for statewide prescription drug monitoring program
          KCUR:  Steve Kraske among KC Star employees taking buyouts;  Veteran reporter/columnist to continue hosting KCUR's "Up to Date"
          P-D:  Proposal from Sen. Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) calls on legislators to oppose statewide vote on St. Louis City-County merger X
          The Missouri Times:  Gun-control advocates rally at Capitol
          Joplin Globe:  Joplin group joins Moms Demand Action rally;  Local ladies shuffle around Capitol, believe courtesy meetings with legislators will make a difference X
          JCNT:  Moms Demand Action members take day trip to Capitol, kibbitz about gun control X
          The Missouri Times:  During National FFA Week, Parson and ag leaders talk workforce development
          Brownfield Ag News:  Governor's tractor ride kicks off FFA Week
          JCNT:  Parson drives tractor to Capitol to support Missouri FFA X
          Washington Missourian:  State, local officials welcome Parson's transportation tour X
          SE Missourian:  State senators roll out idea for video lottery terminals;  some fear they would hurt casino revenue +
          SNL:  Quade bill would wave fines and fees for some taxpayers X
          P-D:  Rep. Ben Baker (R-Neosho) sponsors bill to allow high schools to offer elective course on the Bible X
          Columbia Missourian:  House committee advances two pro-life bills
          Columbia Missourian:  MU's Title IX officials oppose changes to their processes
          The Missouri Times:  Committee hears proposed changes to how colleges handle assault, sexual misconduct allegations
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers move to correct language that placed added burden on community colleges
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau) would limit property tax credit to homeowners
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Bill would allow children with disabilities outside autism spectrum to access funds
          SNL:  Bill from Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) would allow feral hogs to be processed into food X
          AP:  Missouri House approves bill to revamp minimum sentencing laws
          AP:  Missouri bill would require free tampons in prisons
          Columbia Missourian:  State education board meets to hear updates from computer science work group
          KWMU:  St. Louis Public Schools could be back under jurisdiction of city school board in April
          AP:  Keystone restarts pipeline after repairing Missouri leak
          P-D editorial:  Missouri Republican legislators wrong on minimum wage X
          Waters:  Thoughts on Title IX, "Betsy DeVoss [sic]," and investigating assault tales X
          SE Missourian Publisher Jon Rust:  An update on Southeast Missourian's changes in moderating comments +
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves septuagenarian seeks to persuade Roy Blunt, Josh Hawley and Ann Wagner to oppose Trump by calling them "cowards" X
          P-D letter:  Former Federal Reserve official John Tatom says Legislature should not restore housing tax credits X
          Disclosure


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



        February 19, 2019
       
Joplin Globe:  Ron Richard to be honored at Missouri Lincoln Days celebration in St. Louis X
        SE Missourian:  Kathy Swan, Holly Rehder to square off for state Senate seat +
        The Missouri Times:  MEC fines Virginia-based conservative group for campaign finance violations during August primary
        AP:  Tax incentive bill passes House, stalls in Senate
        The Missouri Times:  House approves changes to competitive bidding on state projects
        JCNT:  Missouri Legislature's joint education committee hears about computer science's potential future in state X
        Columbia Missourian:  Flying a drone over a prison could get you a criminal record of your own
        P-D:  Missouri prisons and jails are one step closer to becoming no-drone zones X
        KWMU:  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report says installing solar panels is fastest-growing job in Missouri
        P-D:  Better Together merger plan would lead to 'illegitimate' government, UMSL's Terry Jones argues X
        KSMU:  Two elk poached in Shannon County;  MO Dept. of Conservation seeking information
        The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers talk Black History Month, related legislation
        Missourinet:  Rep. Tommie Pierson (D-St. Louis) wants Parson to hand out agency slots to African-Americans
        Columbia Missourian:  Pierson:  Parson must prioritize handing out appointments to African-Americans
        P-D editorial:  West Lake Landfill cleanup is being studied to death X
        SNL op-ed:  League of Women Voters sexagenarian:  Republicans wrong to change Amendment 1 X
        P-D op-ed:  SLU prof:  Report card numbers don't tell the whole story on Missouri schools X
        SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau Democratic Party leader angry at Republicans over Amendment 1 cleanup efforts +
        P-D letter:  Glendale septuagenarian mocks GOP legislators' Christianity X
        Disclosure


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



        February 18, 2019
       
Columbia Missourian:  Anti-Trump rally draws fewer than 50 in Columbia;  Featured speakers include 2018 electoral silver medalists Renee Hoagenson and Michela Skelton
          St. Joseph News-Press:  From cattle to the Capitol:  Gov. Mike Parson reflects on past year
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Sen. John Rizzo (D-Independence) on initiative petitions, state revenue, Rowden's leadership, more;  Panel of Dem Reps. Greg Razer and Jon Carpenter, Victor Callahan, KC Councilwoman Heather Hall on transportation funding, Medicaid, initiative petitions, more
          P-D:  Savings from Missouri's tax credit shift are not factoring into the budget X
          Missourinet:  Missouri House oversight committee plans second hearing on Department of Revenue tax issue
          Washington Missourian:  Franklin County residents to attend hearing on coal ash regulations X
          Missourinet:  Ameren Missouri undertakes major upgrades expected to create thousands of jobs
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri voters have spoken on 'right to work' law. Why do Republicans want a do-over? X
          P-D letter:  Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice Co-president Ruth Ehresman wants Missouri Republicans to expand Medicaid X
          Washington Missourian letter:  St. Clair woman opposes charter school expansion X
          Disclosure


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



        February 17, 2019
       
KCUR's Andrea Tudhope: Trump takes action on border security;  Thoughts from U.S. Reps. "Bill [sic] Graves," "Vicki [sic] Hartzler"   Corrected
          P-D's Chuck Raasch:  Congressional action for the week:  Josh Hawley's home state corrected, without acknowledgment of error X
          P-D:  Lee Enterprises, parent company of Post-Dispatch, finds efficiencies;  Eight union employees, including "copy editors," sent packing X
          Sikeston Standard-Democrat:  Holly Rehder plans run for state Senate +
          JCNT:  Food drive led by Gov. Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson nets 3,000 pounds for food pantry X
          Washington Missourian:  Parson says bridge outside St. Clair is worst he's seen on his statewide tour X
          Joplin Globe:  Cunningham bill would adjust minimum-wage rules X
          SNL:  Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville):  Able-bodied adults should work for Medicaid X
          SNL:  GOP abortion bills focus on heartbeats, pain sensitivity, other aspects of child's life X
          JCNT:  Dept. of Corrections officials say threats to staff real, constant X
          Joplin Globe:  Medical pot poses policy issues for schools;  Comments from Missouri School Boards' Association's Kelli Hopkins, others X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Missouri School Boards' Association's Brent Ghan shares thoughts on charter school expansion, "tax credit voucher scheme"
          P-D:  Ameren reports strong interest in solar energy 'subscription' program X
          Columbia Missourian:  Meth makes a quiet resurgence in Missouri;  Mexicans succeed in pushing dope across border
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  A reality check on Missouri marijuana
          P-D editorial:  Galloway's audit shows troubling signs at Harris-Stowe;  HBCU employees fritter away taxpayer dollars on entertainment expenses, gift cards, club memberships, etc. X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri should restore felons' voting rights after prison X
          KC Star editorial:  Amazon won't come to Missouri until state passes LGBTQIA* legislation X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says Post-Dispatch's editorializing begins on front page X
          Disclosure


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



        February 16, 2019
       
P-D's Chuck Raasch:  Congressional action for the week:  Photo of AG nominee William Barr with Josh Hawley of "Mississippi [sic]" X
          P-D:  Blunt says emergency declaration from Trump could set negative precedent X
          P-D:  Hawley's attorneys say former AG shouldn't be forced to be deposed in open-records case X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of Feb. 11, 2019
          CDT:  Rowden:  Another gas tax try, then toll roads X
          The Missouri Times:  Dept. of Corrections launches new website to track assaults on officers, major incidents
          Joplin Globe:  State association:  Hospital's online price lists confusing;  Comments from Missouri Hospital Association's Dave Dillon X
          P-D:  Missouri legislation would increase penalties for wildlife crimes X
          KWMU:  Q&A on Better Together:  Elements of potential statewide vote, much more
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  February 14, 2019
          The Missouri Times:  Ameren unveils $5.3 billion grid upgrade plan spurred by changes to utility laws
          KWMU:  Ameren to invest $5 billion to improve statewide electrical grid
          JCNT:  Ameren launches 5-year 'upgrade' program X
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers consider lower water, sewer bills for low-income residents;  Comments from Missouri American Water's Jim Foley
          KC Star op-ed:  Sen. Roy Blunt:  Misguided changes to national liver allocation policy will hurt KC-area patients X
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston):  Fighting the opioid crisis in rural America +
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Fairfax, Mo. hospital COO Ann Schlueter:  Let's reimagine rural health care in Missouri
          KC Star letter:  Kansas City sexagenarian wants Blunt and Hawley to oppose border wall X
          P-D letter:  Lake Saint Louis man wants state legislation to prevent "surprise" medical bills X
          Disclosure


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



        February 15, 2019
       
KC Star:  Blunt, Hawley disagree on border compromise bill X
          P-D:  Hawley votes 'no' on border security deal X
          AP:  State and federal officials expand efforts to fight violent crime
          Missourinet:  Schmitt expands new program aimed at violent crime
          KWMU:  Parson's bridge-repair barnstorming tour makes stop in Jefferson County
          KWMU:  State aims to boost correctional officers' pay to help fill vacancies
          The Missouri Times:  Hundreds share concerns, expertise, recommendations on medical cannabis
          The Missouri Times:  Richardson addresses recent Medicaid report at MO HealthNet Oversight Committee meeting
          AP:  Lawmakers ponder impact of abortion legislation on federal Medicaid funding
          The Missouri Times:  Senate makes several changes to controlled substances, drug-trafficking laws
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) would allow employers to test for medical marijuana
          SNL:  Bill from Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) would give new teachers freedom to contribute to 401(k) accounts rather than traditional pensions X
          JCNT:  Missouri joins 'Technology First' movement in disability services X
          AP:  Conservation agents report elk poaching in Shannon County
          P-D editorial:  Blunt exposes his hypocrisy with tweets of outrage over Democrats' 'obstruction' X
          CDT editorial:  Lawmakers should not roll back minimum wage X
          P-D editorial:  Medicaid eligibility crackdown pushes out genuinely needy Missouri families X
          SNL op-ed:  House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield):  Missourians in for a tax-time surprise X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Sen. Mike Cunningham (R-Rogersville):  Missouri's new minimum wage prices youth out of jobs
          P-D op-ed:  Race activist:  Missouri's medical marijuana licensing process needs racial quotas X
          P-D letter:  Missouri Association of Rehabilitation Facilities' Erika Leonard wants more state money for those who work with handicapped X
          P-D letter:  Sunset Hills liberal opposes GOP's state tax cuts X
          P-D letter:  St. Charles Democrat, who lost state Senate election to Bill Eigel, angry over GOP approach to Medicaid X
          Disclosure


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




        February 14, 2019  Valentine's Day
       
KCUR:  Local minimum wage activist Terrence Wise testifies before U.S. House committee, claims he is the first person with a job to speak to members of Congress
          Joplin Globe:  Joplin VA clinic to open its doors X
          KCUR:  A member of The Satanic Temple loses her challenge to Missouri's abortion law
          KWMU:  Missouri Supreme Court throws out pro-choice challenge from The Satanic Temple
          P-D:  Missouri's high court tosses case alleging abortion law violated Satanic Temple member's rights X
          Columbia Missourian:  Accessibility, local commerce emphasized at medical marijuana forum
          JCNT:  Medical marijuana forum seeks regulation input X
          KCUR:  "Health clinic" opens doors months before marijuana is available in Missouri;  KC docs will certify customers' ailments after $299 "consultation"
          The Missouri Times:  Parson, Schatz stress infrastructure at annual Missouri Municipal League conference
          JCNT:  Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe explains small business successes X
          SNL:  Todd Graves leads push on 'right to work' petition X
          The Missouri Times:  Senators propose raising the standard for petitions
          Missourinet:  Lawmakers criticize Missouri Dept. of Revenue over tax calculation error
          Joplin Globe:  Lawmakers demand answers on potential tax surprises X
          Columbia Missourian:  DOR criticized for tax miscalculation, lack of transparency
          JCNT:  House committee begins exploring revenue-withholding issues X
          P-D:  Tax refunds in Missouri lower this year after tax changes, mistakes X
          The Missouri Times:  Amended low-income housing tax credit fix perfected by the Senate
          KC Star:  Senate sets cap on low-income housing tax credits X
          P-D:  Missouri Senate endorses tax credit plan axed by Greitens X
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate committee's turn to wrestle over proposed charter school expansion
          Columbia Missourian:  Secretary of state would have subpoena power under House bill
          The Missouri Times:  House committee tackles joinder venue bill
          Columbia Missourian:  Should able-bodied Medicaid recipients have to work for coverage? Some senators say yes.
          KCUR:  Advocates still pushing for Medicaid expansion
          The Missouri Times:  House begins vetting proposal to move art council to lieutenant governor's office
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri lawmakers ignoring will of voters on minimum wage X
          P-D letter:  Ballwin man disagrees with Nicklaus on film tax credits X
          Disclosure


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



        February 13, 2019
       
Missourinet:  Blunt has "real concern" about withdrawals of troops in Syria and Afghanistan
          KC Star:  Trump wants more money for border security, and Blunt knows where to look X
          P-D:  Blunt says Trump can find money for border security X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Raychel Proudie (D-Ferguson) talks with Rosenbaum about her opposition to Clean Missouri and why it hurts African-Americans, more
          AP:  Bill from Sen. Dan Hegeman (R-Cosby) would allow public to submit ideas on redrawing district lines
          The Missouri Times:  Report says state could save up to $1 billion annually in Medicaid costs
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Bill Eigel (R-Lake Saint Louis) looks to transition Missouri away from income tax to consumption tax
          AP:  Sen. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) says bill would protect constituent privacy
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmaker wants to see more veteran treatment courts in the state;  Comments from "Rep. David Evans (R-West [sic])"
          SNL:  House gives first approval to 'Hailey's Law' as 5-year anniversary nears X
          Columbia Missourian:  Legal sports gambling, video lottery terminal bill loses momentum in Senate
          The Missouri Times:  Stakeholders ask for fix to certificate of need laws, not repeal at public hearing
          The Missouri Times:  House committee hears bill creating council on school safety
          Missourinet:  Democrats seek to change criminal laws;  Comments from House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield)
          KWMU:  Study of groundwater toxins planned for West Lake Landfill
          P-D editorial:  Plan to undermine new minimum wage is latest display of contempt for voters X
          CDT's Philip Joens:  Republicans attack minimum-wage law from several directions - including bill from "Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Hannibal [sic])" X
          Disclosure



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



        February 12, 2019
       
Missourinet:  Blunt says negotiations over shutdown have stalled
          KWMU:  Better Together refiles statewide proposal with Ashcroft's office
          P-D:  Better Together refiles statewide petition to merge St. Louis City and St. Louis County X
          Missourinet:  Most state and county offices closed today for Lincoln Day
          Missourinet:  Parson:  Missouri must keep moving forward on workforce development
          P-D:  Sen. Mike Cunningham (R-Rogersville) says his proposed minimum-wage improvements can help young workers X
          AP:  Missouri House passes bill for opioid prescription tracking
          Columbia Missourian:  House passes PDMP
          P-D:  New report recommends $1 billion in annual savings with overhaul of Medicaid in Missouri X
          The Missouri Times:  Scott Sifton makes Medicaid push
          SNL:  Rep. Steve Helms (R-Springfield) wants more transparency on health care costs X
          JCNT:  Blind Missourians present 2019 agenda to lawmakers X
          SNL:  Rep. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) says "this could be the year" Hailey's Law passes X
          SE Missourian:  Lawmakers mull early start dates for school districts +
          P-D:  Small St. Louis County police departments would consolidate under House proposal X
          SNL:  DNR offers e-mail updates on Litton site groundwater X
          The Missouri Times:  House Democrats partner with Black Caucus on criminal justice overhaul
          CDT:  Reisch Twitter lawsuit to go to trial;  Centralia man angered after Reisch blocked him on social media platform X
          P-D editorial:  Tackling the hate and vitriol aimed at conservative students at Washington University X
          P-D letter:  St. Charles County man disagrees with Chipman on PDMP X
          P-D letter:  O'Fallon man disagrees with Schroer on constituent-privacy protections X
          Disclosure


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



        February 11, 2019
       
Brownfield Ag News:  Hawley says no need for shutdown, is encouraged by trade talks with China
          Brownfield Ag News:  Hawley wants commitment from EPA's Andrew Wheeler on WOTUS and more
          P-D:  Feds to pay for half of work on approach to downtown St. Louis bridge;  Blunt, Clay secure funding X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon) talks with Scott Faughn about constituent-privacy protections, minimum sentencing, fentanyl, more;  Panel of Reps. Phil Christofanelli and Jim Murphy, Jeff Smith, Jeff Rainford on constituent-privacy protections, PDMP, charter schools, Better Together, more
          Columbia Missourian:  Schroer seeks to stiffen penalties for fentanyl trafficking
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bill proposes some marijuana charges be expunged
          Missouri Farmer Today:  Missouri Corn Growers Association leaders see value in meeting with legislators
          Missourinet:  Missouri agriculture groups back bill from Rep. Don Rone (R-Portageville) to increase Dept. of Agriculture fees
          CDT:  Ameren program part of effort to relieve electric car 'range anxiety' X
          KC Star:  Psychiatrist suspended in Kansas still can practice in Missouri, for now X
          KC Star editorial:  Blunt wants to speed confirmation of Trump appointees. Democrats should say yes X
          SE Missourian editorial:  Newspaper to host tours of printing press for school groups +
          Messenger:  On Jason Crowell vs. Kurt Schaefer, Better Together, and old parochial vendettas
          CDT op-ed:  MU School of Journalism's Sandy Davidson:  Republicans wrong for proposing Sunshine Law changes X
          Columbia Missourian's Ken Midkiff:  New Title IX rules collide with Missouri law
          Kaiser Health News' Phil Galewitz:  Missouri is pushing thousands off Medicaid - including children
          Disclosure


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



        February 10, 2019
       
SE Missourian:  Thanks to U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, deceased veteran's family receives medals earned during World War II +
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Hartzler talks ending government shutdown, supports Trump declaring national emergency
          JCNT:  State Tech president looks at workforce development X
          KC Star:  With eye on Supreme Court, Missouri Republicans file pro-life bills X
          JCNT:  Parson suggests Sunshine Law need privacy revisions X
          JCNT:  State legislators seek tweaks to Sunshine Law, want privacy protections X
          Washington Missourian:  Area House members vote to keep constituent correspondence private X
          Joplin Globe:  House members vote to approve constituent-privacy protections X
          P-D:  Ameren's pitch to promote electric vehicle charging efforts gets partial approval from state X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Behavioral health experts share concerns over marijuana's future impact on Missouri
          SNL:  Fly a drone at an MDC nature area? Now you can - with a permit X
          KWMU:  Activists promote CDC data on Missouri gun deaths
          P-D editorial:  Luetkemeyer, Wagner enable radical rollbacks of payday lending rules X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri's child-heartbeat bills in House and Senate demonstrate pro-life extremism X
          CDT editorial:  Caleb Rowden must save Missouri from Sunshine Law darkness X
          SNL's Content Coach Amos Bridges:  House Republicans wrong on constituent-privacy measure;  Burlison, Hough should oppose provisions in Senate X
          Waters:  Lawmakers should stop trying to change Amendment 1 X
          Disclosure


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



        February 9, 2019
       
P-D:  Congressional votes for the week X
          P-D:  Hawley co-authors letter probing tech giants' privacy policies X
          The Missouri Times:  Initiative petitions regarding 'freedom to work,' judicial elections, Medicaid expansion receive OK to circulate
          P-D:  Better Together withdraws its petition to merge city and county, says will refile on Monday X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of Feb. 4, 2019
          SNL:  Parson, Haahr talk $22 million scholarship plan X
          The Missouri Times:  Parson withdraws Conservation Commission appointee
          KWMU:  Behind the Headlines:  Jo Mannies talks Sunshine Law and challenges of dealing with Greitens administration
          P-D's Lexi Churchill:  Non-violent criminals could get out of jail sooner under Missouri legislation;  Comments from criminal defense attorney "Shannon Normam [sic]" X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Tim Remole (R-Excello) talks PDMP provisions, says bill could be approved in House next week
          Joplin Globe:  Agency on Aging wants more funding;  Bill from Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau) would help X
          KWMU:  Ameren Missouri gets green light to build electric-vehicle charging stations along highways
          P-D:  Missouri, Ameren will have more time to negotiate agreement on 144-mile Rock Island Trail X
          AP:  TransCanada says Keystone likely source of Missouri oil leak
          P-D:  Federal jury finds for St. Louis County police in Ferguson rioter's claims of excess force;  In original suit, troop of rioters sought $41.5 million payday X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri still needs prescription drug monitoring program X
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Gov. Mike Parson:  "Fast-Track' opens doors for Missourians +
          P-D's Lexi Churchill:  GOP legislators trying to undermine Missouri's petition process X
          KC Star letter:  Grandview man wants to see Blunt, Hawley, Cleaver display more empathy on gun violence X
          Disclosure


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



        February 8, 2019
       
Missourinet:  Hartzler discusses opioid epidemic, transportation and broadband with Missouri legislators
          Missourinet:  Luetkemeyer, Cleaver weigh in on illegal-immigration crisis
          Brownfield Ag News:  Graves:  China the exception to good faith trade bargaining
          KC Star:  Former Missouri Democratic Party Chair Mike Sanders sought to pay legal fees out of same campaign fund he looted X
          Washington Missourian:  Parson enjoys unexpected role leading the state, looks forward to legislative session
          The Missouri Times:  Fitzpatrick, Rep. Jon Patterson (R-Lee's Summit) look to clarify MO ABLE accounts' usage
          SNL:  Missouri collects $3 million in medical marijuana fees X
          KWMU:  Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) talks to KCUR's Brian Ellison about sports betting legislation, fake 'service animals,' more
          KWMU:  House votes to subject local officials to lobbying and campaign contribution limits, protect constituent privacy
          AP:  House passes bill on constituent privacy and Sunshine Law
          KC Star:  House passes constituent-privacy protections X
          Joplin Globe:  MoDOT announces $36 million plan for bridges on I-44 section X
          Columbia Missourian:  Parents make the case for insurance for those with developmental disabilities
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislation would put voluntary medical symbols on drivers' licenses
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers look to ease burdens of poor in justice system
          AP:  Missouri Supreme Court weighs issue of jail debt
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  February 6, 2019
          KWMU:  TransCanada shuts down Keystone Pipeline to investigate oil spill in St. Charles County;  Comments from Missouri DNR's Brad Harris
          P-D:  Tony Messenger wins newspaper guild writing award X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Legislators should not attempt to fix Amendment 1 X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri law should reflect today's medical and societal advances on HIV X
          Kraske:  A look at Mel Carnahan's blackface controversy X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Eric Bohl:  Modern Missouri agriculture requires better infrastructure
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Cape Girardeau Mayor Bob Fox:  Legislature should address Internet sales tax issue X
          Priddy:  I am a lobbyist:  Veteran newsman registers as lobbyist thanks to climate created by Clean Missouri
          Disclosure


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



        February 7, 2019
       
Missourinet:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith:  "We need to have strong border security"
          KC Star:  Blunt proposal would help expedite approval process for president's nominees X
          P-D:  Federal court nominee Stephen Clark, from St. Louis, approaching a year waiting for confirmation X
          P-D:  Ann Wagner to try a fresh push for a House vote on late-term abortions X
          AP:  Lawmakers trying again to replace U.S. Capitol's Benton statue with one of Harry Truman
          Missourinet:  Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin) weighs in on Virginia governor controversy
          SNL:  Austin Huguelet to cover Missouri politics for the News-Leader X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Sen. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) talks with Rosenbaum about low-income housing tax credits, Sunshine Law and privacy, Clean Missouri's gerrymandering, more
          Columbia Missourian:  Republican lawmakers try again for tort overhaul;  Comments from Rich AuBuchon, others
          The Missouri Times:  House debates statewide PDMP, Senate version fails in committee
          KWMU:  PDMP yet again a sticking point for Missouri legislators
          AP:  Rehder's opioid bill passes first test, but faces perils
          Columbia Missourian:  PDMP progresses in House, fails in Senate
          P-D:  Once again, Missouri legislators are at loggerheads over prescription drug monitoring program X
          KC Star:  Missouri House tentatively approves program to monitor opioid prescriptions for abuse X
          Missourinet:  Missouri woman who lost son to addiction says helping others get drug treatment is her 'saving grace'
          P-D:  Missouri lottery officials fighting cuts to ad budget X
          SNL:  State will fix, replace 19 bridges on I-44 starting this summer X
          Columbia Missourian:  Student journalists testify for New Voices Act;  Comments from "Rep. Peter Meredith [sic]"
          The Missouri Times:  Some with criminal record could get "fresh start" under bill from Rep. Derek Grier (R-Chesterfield)
          SNL:  Missouri officials will hold medical marijuana forum in Jefferson City next week X
          The Missouri Times:  DHSS to hold public forum on medical marijuana rules
          KWMU:  Missouri to regulate coal ash ponds for the first time
          Columbia Missourian:  Rowden takes to Senate floor to condemn NCAA for Missouri football ruling
          P-D:  'Debtors' prison' debate lands in front of Missouri Supreme Court X
          KC Star editorial:  Honoring concealed-carry rights on public transportation is too scary to consider X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon):  It is vital constituent communications remain confidential
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau):  Workforce challenge must be met with coordinated effort +
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Legislature should address Internet sales tax issue +
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves septuagenarian wants Parson to pardon woman who murdered husband in his sleep X
          P-D letter:  University City octogenarian wants Parson to pardon Patty Prewitt, says murderer has made great contributions to prison's theatre program X
          Disclosure


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



        February 6, 2019
       
Joplin Globe:  Local reaction to State of the Union:  Comments from Carthage Chamber of Commerce Director Mark Elliff, MSSU prof William Delehanty X
          KC Star:  Missourians named Trump know bullying;  Former Mizzou student received death threats, transferred to more tolerant school X
          KC Star:  Pompeo talks trade at Missouri-Kansas Forum breakfast X
          Missourinet:  Hartzler weighs in on NCAA sanctions against Mizzou
          KWMU:  Jean Evans leaving Missouri House to become executive director of Missouri Republican Party
          AP:  Evans to resign to lead Missouri Republican Party
          Twitter:  Austin Huguelet is the new Springfield News-Leader state government reporter
          AP:  Missouri revenues down 7 percent compared to last year
          KC Star:  Speaker Elijah Haahr creates oversight panel on revenue issues X
          P-D's Lexi Churchill:  Burlison's "Stop Socialism Act" aims to reduce local government competition with private businesses;  Comments from Sen. Doug Libla of "Popular [sic] Bluff," Ed Smith of "Missouri Coalition of [sic] the Environment" X
          Columbia Missourian:  $351 million bond plan for Missouri bridges avoids speed bumps in its initial discussions
          The Missouri Times:  Hearing on charter schools draws standing-room-only crowd
          Missourinet:  Missouri mother fights for special needs son's education, charter school expansion
          Columbia Missourian:  Charter school expansion on the table again in Missouri
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark) focuses on informing would-be grandparents that daughter plans to abort child
          Missourinet:  Law enforcement backs bill from Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon) that would toughen penalties on fentanyl
          The Missouri Times:  Stakeholders pack hearing room for Hoskins' video lottery bill
          P-D:  Critics of constituent-privacy bill weigh in on proposed Sunshine Law changes X
          Columbia Missourian:  Constituent privacy protections divide Missouri House along party lines
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Justin Hill (R-Lake Saint Louis) throws support behind proposed St. Louis Major League Soccer team
          P-D editorial:  Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon) is an enemy of the Sunshine Law, and he must be stopped X
          P-D op-ed:  AG Eric Schmitt:  Working toward safer streets X
          P-D letter:  Ballwin woman praises feral hogs' intelligence, says pictures of carcasses were "distressing" X
          P-D letter:  University City man wishes report on feral hogs would have included more nuanced reference to cannibalism X
          Disclosure


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



        February 5, 2019
       
P-D:  Rep. Jean Evans (R-Manchester) leaves seat to become executive director of Missouri Republican Party X
          SNL:  Blunt visits new Springfield VA clinic X
          P-D:  Ann Wagner's constituent guest at State of the Union is woman who started immune-disease philanthropy X
          P-D's Raasch:  20 years before Northam's blackface scandal, Mel Carnahan addressed his minstrel-show experience X
          The Missouri Times:  House debates constituent privacy, Clean Missouri provisions
          AP:  Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon) says bill would protect constituent privacy
          The Missouri Times:  Bills from Reps. Tracy McCreery (D-Olivette), Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) would update Missouri's HIV law
          JCNT:  McCreery, Rehder look to update criminal code concerning HIV X
          CDT:  Bills would update HIV transmission law X
          Columbia Missourian:  Proposals to reduce criminal penalties for HIV exposure encourage prevention
          P-D:  HIV advocates support GOP and Dem legislation X
          JCNT:  Parson, Kehoe celebrate Chinese New Year at the Capitol with students X
          Missourinet:  Asians dominate whites in K-12 testing across every subject matter;  Hispanics, blacks bring up the rear
          Washington Missourian:  Legislation from Sen. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) would allow home-school students to play on public school teams X
          KC Star:  Kids can now report abuse via text line;  Experts will study its success in Missouri X
          KCUR:  Bill from Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis) would honor Missourians' concealed-carry permits on public transit
          Columbia Missourian:  Having a fake service animal could become a misdemeanor under law proposed by Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg)
          SE Missourian:  Farm Bureau's BJ Tanksley:  Federal regulations for dicamba will not be too difficult for farmers +
          The Missouri Times:  House Democrats file assortment of health care bills;  Comments from Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield)
          Missourinet:  House Democrats offer health care wishlist
          SNL:  Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources hope extraction wells pull chemical out of northwest Springfield water X
          KWMU:  Local academics want state lawmakers to pay more attention to their environmental research, pass more regulations
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  For safer roads, trade vehicle inspections for a texting ban
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Midwest Cyber Security Alliance Executive Director Sarah Wood Martin:  MOLEG Cyber Week:  Innovations in Education and Workforce Development
          P-D's Jack Suntrup:  Missouri Republicans seek to weaken Sunshine Law X
          Disclosure


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



        February 4, 2019
       
This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Bill Eigel on Senate Conservative Caucus, Parson's bonding proposal, St. Louis City-St. Louis County merger, more;  Panel of Reps. Doug Beck (D-Affton), Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City), Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon), GOP consultant Jake Silverman talk Better Together, sentencing overhaul, sex trafficking legislation, more

          Washington Missourian:  Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) favors vouchers for vets in facilities, won't commit to new care home X
          AP:  Rule change enhances privacy protections for those making sexual harassment allegations against House members
          P-D:  Movies and TV shows set in Missouri aren't filmed here, but reboot of incentive program could change that X
          Columbia Missourian:  Access Missouri recipients want more taxpayer money
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bill from Rep. Sheila Solon (R-Blue Springs) would provide easier access to birth control
          Washington Missourian:  House committee hears Ebker bill testimony X
          P-D:  Some school bus cameras are already on the lookout for illegal passing in the St. Louis area, and one bill in the Legislature would provide more X
          P-D editorial:  St. Louis County GOP should have nothing to do with Sheriff Joe Arpaio X
          Messenger:  Missouri leaves taxpayers in a smoky haze when it comes to marijuana licenses X
          P-D op-ed:  Former Dept. of Corrections Director George Lombardi:  Parson should pardon woman who murdered husband X
          Disclosure


          X = Think before you click;  this site has chosen to limit its reporters' access to you and holds every one of your clicks against a monthly pageview limit.
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        February 3, 2019
       
JCNT:  1,000+ people join ninth annual Midwest March for Life X
          JCNT:  Parson, Kehoe, Schmitt discuss their new state roles at annual Missouri Press Association event X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Bill from Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) would establish pilot program to help introduce agriculture into state elementary school standards
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) on city-school bus pacts a point of contention in Columbia mayoral race
          CDT:  Columbia's black, Hispanic and poor students disappoint on annual tests X
          KC Star:  Missouri court makes new rules for jailing suspects X
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri American chooses eastern site for planned reservoir X
          Joplin Globe:  Landowners in proposed reservoir site still have questions X
          P-D:  In-depth look at Missouri's feral hog problem X
          P-D:  Judge orders state to release lab reports related to Stockley riots X
          KC Star editorial:  Place your bet:  Will Missouri legalize sports gambling before next Super Bowl? X
          Rudi Keller:  This old cynic believes Parson's sincerity X
          Phill Brooks:  How to win money for highways X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Robert Ross (R-Yukon):  Cutting back the mismanagement of state government
          SNL letter:  Springfield sexagenarian disapproves of GOP attempts to clean up Amendment 1 X
          Disclosure


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        February 2, 2019
       
KC Star:  Cleaver's new role gives him power to push for stronger sanctions on Russia X
          P-D:  Congressional votes for the week:  Shutdowns, foreign policy, more X
          The Missouri Times:  Initiative petition looks to address St. Louis City-St. Louis County merger
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of January 28, 2019
          Joplin Globe:  Parson visits Ozark Center, Range Line bridge to discuss workforce development, infrastructure X
          Washington Missourian:  Local lawmakers get committee assignments;  Legislature ends third week X
          KC Star:  Former Rep. Kevin Corlew (R-Kansas City) testifies before Senate's Government Reform committee X
          The Missouri Times:  Chinese New Year celebration to be held at Capitol
          P-D:  Missouri Dept. of Conservation reminds anglers to properly discard old fishing line X
          JCNT:  MO DHSS violated Sunshine Law, Cole County judge rules X
          KC Star:  Hawley critics continue campaign over January 2017 office records X
          Messenger:  In Missouri, road to debtors' prisons starts with cash bail X
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood councilwoman says Better Together's plan for statewide vote is dealbreaker X
          Disclosure


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        February 1, 2019
       
February 2018 Missouri political news headlines
          February 2017 Missouri political news headlines
          February 2016 Missouri political news headlines
          February 2015 Missouri political news headlines
          February 2014 Missouri political news headlines
          KC Star:  Roy Blunt's secret weapon in border security talks:  Democrats love him X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Farm Service Agency says that with shutdown detente, payments are on track
          SNL:  HUD renews funding for local homeless programs X
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Doug Beck (D-Affton) seeking state Senate seat;  District's term-limited incumbent, Sen. Scott Sifton (D-Affton), running for governor
          The Missouri Times:  Some Missouri newspapers significantly increased ad price for state
          P-D:  Post-Dispatch sues Parson's administration, wants medical marijuana applicant names;  DHSS abiding by privacy language in medical marijuana constitutional amendment X
          Missourinet:  Parson takes nearly 45 minutes of questions at Missouri Press Association event
          CDT:  Parson discusses road bond plan, more in Q&A with press X
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri Press Association highlights:  Schmitt on urban violent crime and clearing rape-kit backlog;  Kehoe on DED and economy
          KCUR:  Parson's push for higher state employee wages could lead to less turnover
          JCNT:  Parson says bridge bonding first step in infrastructure improvements X
          AP:  Parson, senators split on Missouri bridge repairs
          The Missouri Times:  Bill aimed at combatting sex trafficking heading to Senate
          CDT:  State Senate considers sports wagering bill X
          P-D:  Missouri students bomb new test;  State promises no more changes X
          KC Star:  Kansas City school district celebrates its highest state performance score ever X
          KCUR:  After another good report card, accreditation for Kansas City Public Schools seems likely
          KWMU:  What your school's report card actually means is 'pretty confusing'
          Columbia Missourian:  Proposed bill could reduce prison populations in Missouri
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Agribusiness Association supports fee increase bill
          P-D:  Parson, state legislators weigh in on proposed St. Louis City-St. Louis County merger X
          The Missouri Times:  Bernskoetter wants to relocate Arabia Steamboat Museum to Jefferson City
          P-D:  Phishing attack reported at state government offices X
          The Missouri Times:  In Missouri, workplace fatalities drop, injury accidents increase in 2018
          KC Star editorial:  Blunt could avert another government shutdown, or cede governing to Donald Trump X
          P-D editorial:  High cash bail without due process violates defendants' fundamental rights X
          Kraske:  'It's huge.' Kansas City Public Schools superintendent delivers monster test scores X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina):  I support school choice in areas with failing schools
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood woman corrects factual errors in beauty-product reviewer/adjunct editorial board member Aisha Sultan's anti-Covington Catholic piece X
          Disclosure


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