johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - February 2020



    

       
       
Saturday, February 29, 2020
       
Columbia Missourian:  Inside Missouri's presidential delegate selection process:  Comments from Boone County Central Committee's Mike Zweifel, others
          Columbia Missourian:  Mid-Missouri for Bernie holds campaign kick-off today;  Local socialists to begin rallying troops ten (10) days before Missouri vote
          P-D:  Immigration officials decline to bend rules for illegal alien hiding out in Maplewood X
          KWMU:  Bill from Rep. Sara Unsicker (D-Shrewsbury) would penalize landlords for turning in illegal aliens
          P-D:  St. Louis hospital systems and health departments prepare for Chinese virus X
          KWMU:  St. Louis health officials tell public to brace for coronavirus
          JCNT:  Missouri students celebrate FFA Week at Capitol;  Gov. Parson, Lt. Gov. Kehoe drive John Deere tractors X
          Columbia Missourian:  Jay Ashcroft speaks at Columbia Chamber event, talks election security and felons voting
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Maggie Nurrenbern, Democrat running for Jon Carpenter's safe D House seat
          P-D:  Missouri's prison guard union says it is going broke X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  News-Press to drop newspaper printing to four days a week X
          JCNT editorial:  Recreational marijuana already? Seriously, dude? X
          Columbia Missourian's Tyler Messner:  Hawley exaggerates State Department's warning in claim about Confucius Institute
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  MU's Robert Schwartz and Kelly Dyer:  Rural 'brain drain' is real in Missouri, but we can overcome it
          P-D letter:  Manchester septuagenarian wants Blunt and Hawley to flip-flop on Trump, says Facebook is "deadly" X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  "Executive speechwriter" makes persuasive case for Galloway:  She'll support gun control, and Gov. Parson is too much like Trump
          Disclosure


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



        Friday, February 28, 2020
       
KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Jo Mannies and Jason Rosenbaum on why the Missouri Democratic presidential primary is very difficult to decipher:  Delegate math, Bloomberg spending, black vote, affect on Gov. Parson's re-election margin, more
          SNL:  10 local Republicans talk 2020 presidential race X
          KC Star:  Local moderates leery of Sanders' democratic socialism X
          SE Missourian's Jon Rust:  On Bernie Sanders, McCaskill-Akin, and how a socialist candidate could affect downballot races +
          Fox News:  Josh Hawley breaks down his coronavirus bill aimed at securing medical supply chain:  'Bring them back to U.S.'
          AP:  Missouri evaluates over 60 for new virus but none are ill
          The Missouri Times:  How Missouri lawmakers are preparing state for potential coronavirus outbreak
          Reuters:  Missouri smelter resurrected by Trump tariffs may close as losses mount
          Missourinet:  U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay previews topics he'll campaign on during his 2020 re-election
          AP:  Blunt, Clay, others send letter to Baseball Hall of Fame, advocate for Curt Flood's enshrinement
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri House Republicans condemn House candidate known for 'vile' statements
          SE Missourian:  Area coroner:  Gun-death rates have not grown in rural counties, but rates in urban areas growing "by leaps and bounds" +
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Tim Remole (R-Excello) would give private, religious schools flexibility on worker wages
          KWMU:  House bill could help private and religious schools keep tuition more affordable
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmaker says proposal would lessen burden on cash-strapped religious schools
          SNL:  Missouri House looks to ban remote medical marijuana certifications X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate perfects bill to allow certain state employees to run for local office
          AP:  Lawsuit:  4,600 on Missouri public defender 'wait lists'
          KC Star:  Missouri's public defender system is sued again X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri should side with students against archaic NCAA profit restrictions X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Dr. Wes Scroggins:  David Cole wrong on criticism of Mike Moon
          KC Star op-ed:   Former MADD Chairman Chris Mann:  Justin Hill's bill on DUI checkpoints a slap in the face to victims, law enforcement X
          Messenger:  ACLU goes to court again seeking fix to Missouri's broken public defender system 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.



        Thursday, February 27, 2020
       
Missourinet:  Billy Long predicts Republicans will retake U.S. House in 2020
          St. Joseph News-Press:  For Sam Graves' 2020 re-election, four challengers want to see their name on the ballot X
          SNL:  Overview:  Missouri's presidential primary ballot X
          Columbia Missourian:  DHSS' Randall Williams attends CDC coronavirus briefings
          Missourinet:  Missouri's flu-related deaths top 700 so far
          JCNT:  More flooding on Missouri River likely this year X
          SNL:  Who's running for Springfield's Missouri House seats in 2020 X
          AP:  Despite filibuster, Missouri Senate backs new limits on punitive damages
          The Missouri Times:  After 20 hours, Senate hits brakes on asbestos litigation in tort overhaul compromise
          Columbia Missourian:  Democrats filibuster asbestos bill for 20 hours
          AP:  Missouri House advances voter ID bill
          Columbia Missourian:  House gives initial approval to voter ID bill
          P-D:  Voter ID bill gets initial approval in Missouri House X
          Missourinet:  PDMP heads to Missouri Senate floor
          Columbia Missourian:  House supports measures to make medical marijuana licensing more stringent
          KWMU:  Community organizers want more state taxpayer dollars for early childhood education
          Columbia Missourian:  House Democrats oppose bill to protect female high school athletes
          KWMU:  House Democrats oppose bill to keep boys from competing against girls in high school sports;  14-year-old girl says bill will cause murders
          SNL:  House Democrats oppose Ross' bill to protect female athletes, Basye's proposal on "gender identity" sessions;  Rep. Greg Razer (D-Kansas City) says MONA passage inevitable X
          Columbia Missourian:  Liberal groups host forum on gun legislation, Basye's parental-empowerment legislation
          KC Star editorial:  Jack Danforth says the U.S. Senate is 'in crisis.' Fixing it won't be easy. X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Ben Baker (R-Neosho):  High school students need more info before signing up for student loans
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  GOP bills on 2nd Amendment rights won't prevent violence
          P-D letter:  University City man skeptical of legalizing recreational marijuana in Missouri X
          Disclosure


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



        Wednesday, February 26, 2020
       
P-D:  Three illegal aliens charged in St. Charles after 11-year old girl gives birth in bathtub X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt, Hawley listen to testimony on coronavirus X
          The Missouri Times:  Ann Wagner receives Missouri Farm Bureau endorsement
          KWMU:  Gov. Parson and Nicole Galloway join scores of candidates on 2020 ballot:  A look at key matchups
          JCNT:  Almost 350 candidates file for August primary election X
          Missourinet:  2020 to be Gov. Parson's last run for office
          P-D:  Gov. Parson says the 2020 election will be his last X
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson, Galloway disagree on Medicaid cleanup, expansion
          Columbia Missourian:  Gov. Parson, Galloway make it official:  They're running for governor
          The Missouri Times:  Jason Bean files for SD 25, setting up crowded GOP primary
          KWMU:  Urban marijuana enthusiasts dream of 'Green Light District';  Area man believes Cherokee Street's ethnic diversity, mural of deceased rapper Nipsey Hussle will lead to riches
          Columbia Missourian:  Senators debate request for additional school transportation funds
          Columbia Missourian:  Low-income tax credit debate reignited in Senate
          Missourinet:  State officials, lawmakers celebrate Missouri S&T's 150th anniversary
          KWMU:  Missouri S&T hopes 150th anniversary celebration will lead to lawmakers forking over more cash
          Columbia Missourian:  House committee puts emphasis on keeping teachers in Missouri
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) gives parents freedom to remove children from "gender identity" school sessions
          Columbia Missourian:  Proposed law would empower parents to pull children from "gender identity" sessions
          Missourinet:  Famous country music star Porter Wagoner to be inducted into Hall of Famous Missourians
          P-D editorial:  Let voters decide if felons on probation or parole deserve voting rights X
          JCNT editorial:  Notary laws need updating for the electronic age X
          Columbia Missourian's Ken Midkiff:  If Missouri House superminority's gun bills fail, NRA is to blame
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Conservation Federation of Missouri's Tyler Schwartze:  Lawmakers should not tinker with state Conservation Commission
          P-D letter:  Rock Hill woman wants Blunt and Hawley to flip-flop on Trump X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man disagrees with Kevin McDermott on Greitens, calls columnist "Tony Messenger lite" 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.



        Tuesday, February 25, 2020
       
KWMU:  With Missouri's presidential primary looming, local Democrats pick sides among split field
          Missourinet:  Candidate filing begins today in Jefferson City
          P-D:  AG Eric Schmitt's inquiry leads to sex abuse charges against retired Missouri priest X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Sen. Brian Williams (D-University City) on expunging court records, charter schools, 2nd Amendment issues, more
          KWMU:  Mary Fox talks about leaving the courtroom to head Missouri's public defender office
          Columbia Missourian's Claire Colby:  PDMP passes committee hurdle;  Comments from "Sen. Bob Onder (R-St. Charles [sic])"
          KC Star:  Fate of PDMP uncertain X
          Columbia Missourian:  Syringe access program approved by House
          P-D:  Pot inquiry by Missouri lawmakers moves to top state health official X
          JCNT:  Bill from Rep. Steve Helms (R-Springfield) would help keep children in state Medicaid program X
          KCUR:  Bill from Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis) would protect in-state tuition breaks from illegal aliens;  Local Mexican coed complains
          P-D:  Gov. Parson leaning against Nasheed's bill on felons voting X
          JCNT:  Nasheed:  No voting rights extended to dangerous felons under bill X
          Columbia Missourian:  Felons could be restored voting rights faster
          Missourinet:  Missouri racks up $32 million in county jail bills
          P-D:  Effort to pay college athletes wins fans in Missouri House committee hearing X
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri's college athletes could soon be paid for use of their image
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Kevin Windham (D-Hillsdale) would require colleges and universities to insure student athletes
          Missourinet:  Missouri House advances proposal from Rep. David Wood (R-Versailles) to create Alzheimer's task force
          Columbia Missourian:  Livestock farmers would get more access to loans under Senate proposal
          P-D:  St. Louis City gay bar plans 'drag' caravan to Jefferson City to protest library-standards bill X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Seize Medicaid moment and sign the petition X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  National Coalition for Public School Options' Colleen Cook:  Parents shouldn't have to invoke legal counsel to educate their children
          CDT op-ed:  Washington University senior Emily Getzoff:  Bills from Sater, Evans and Coleman would protect children from harmful effects of parental incarceration X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles):  Clearing up misinformation on marriage bill
          P-D op-ed:  Asbestos bill from Eigel, Gregory was written by ALEC, should be rejected X
          P-D letter:  Pacific man says Greitens was victim of corrupt politicians X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Ashland septuagenarian unhappy with Caleb Rowden's vote on Cleaner Missouri
          JCNT letter:  Jefferson City sexagenarian couple vows to vote against lawmakers who support CAFOs 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.



        Monday, February 24, 2020
       
SNL:  'Can't impeach that':  Kellyanne Conway talks Trump, 2020 to close out Lincoln Days X
          Missourinet:  Task force gets some positive news on Missouri spring flooding potential
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Measure to monitor prescription drugs sits in Senate X
          Missourinet:  House committee could vote this week on bill to keep boys from competing against girls in high school sports
          Columbia Missourian:  Nearly 70 gun bills filed by state lawmakers this year
          KWMU:  Two Normandy High School students weigh in on gun control;  Girl:  "Bullets don't have no [sic] name";  Boy:  "It's just, they hating, all that stuff."
          Missourinet:  Missouri House oversight committee to hear additional sports wagering bills this week
          Missourinet:  Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark):  A casino would do well along the Osage River, if it's done right
          St. Joseph News-Press:  AG Eric Schmitt sues Missouri timeshare exit company X
          P-D letter:  O'Fallon woman supports pro-choice legislation X
          P-D letter:  University City septuagenarian responds to Missouri Farm Bureau's Blake Hurst op-ed on Grain Belt Express X
          P-D letter:  Olivette septuagenarian expresses anger at Ameren over Rush Island case 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.



        Sunday, February 23, 2020
       
SNL:  'This is Trump country':  Blunt, Hawley wake up Day 2 of Lincoln Days with jokes, victory laps X
          SNL:  With promise to revive voter ID, Jay Ashcroft announces 2020 re-election bid at Lincoln Days X
          KWMU:  At Lincoln Days, Missouri Republicans say socialism threatens democracy
          KC Star:  Missouri Democratic Party says every Democratic presidential candidate will appear at KC event March 8 X
          SNL:  Republicans seek to raise the bar on Constitutional changes X
          KC Star:  KC school worker fired for faking attendance records says bosses made her do it;  LaQuyn Collier says she and peers changed database codes to help district scam state X
          JCNT:  New Missouri government IT leader Jeffery Wann grew from one vocation to another X
          P-D editorial:  When corporate pig farms dominate the political agenda, residents suffer X
          P-D's Kevin McDermott:  Greitens and Blagojevich take a page from Trump's non-apology playbook X
          Columbia Missourian's Skylar Laird:  Trans Community Teach-in fights back against Missouri Legislature's anti-LGBT agenda
          SNL letter:  Springfield septuagenarian opposes Cleaner Missouri 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.



        Saturday, February 22, 2020
       
SNL:  'One heck of a year':  Gov. Parson kicks off Lincoln Days prediciting GOP sweep X
          Columbia Missourian:  Galloway criticizes "old way" Gov. Parson at Boone County Democrats event
          KWMU's Sarah Fenske:  St. Louis on the Air hosts former NPR gabber Diane Rehm for Trump-bashing session;  Former public radio host assures public radio listeners that public radio is "honest and multi-viewed"
          KWMU:  Blunt visits St. Louis City, calls for more job training programs
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Army Corps of Engineers preparing for levee work X
          AP:  Meth still a Missouri problem, but now it comes from Mexico
          KWMU:  Schmitt says opioid settlement money would include rural areas
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Weekly news roundup:  PDMP and opioid dependency, kids and Medicaid dependency, Greitens fine
          Missourinet:  State urges parents to fill out paperwork for kids' Medicaid
          SE Missourian:  Rx marijuana facilities could open by mid-year +
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) champions bill to add protections for sexual assault victims
          The Missouri Times:  PSC tackles audit recommendations for Ameren Missouri's Actual Cost Adjustment balances
          SE Missourian's Lucas Presson:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith is an important ally for President Donald Trump +
          SE Missourian op-ed:  SLU Law students Haley Thomas and Rachel Clark:  Primary caregiver bills from Republicans David Sater, David Evans and Mary Elizabeth Coleman put children's health first +
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves septuagenarian bemoans Rush Limbaugh's name-calling, unironically calls Blunt, Hawley and Ann Wagner "cowards" X
          P-D letter:  Man from "Dardenne Prarie [sic]" supports "Random Act of Kindness" bill from Rep. Mike McGirl (R-Potosi) 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.



        Friday, February 21, 2020
       
Missourinet:  U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, Gov. Mike Parson warn about possible spring flooding
          SE Missourian:  Spring flooding likely north of Cape Girardeau +
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Hawley questions strategies in Afghanistan X
          SNL:  President Trump names Evangel grad as spy chief
          Columbia Missourian:  Bloomberg campaign hosting donut party in Columbia today
          Joplin Globe:  Medicaid expansion supporters rally in Joplin X
          KWMU:  Bill from Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis City) allows people on probation and parole to vote
          Missourinet:  Missouri House oversight committee to hold third hearing on medical marijuana issues
          Missourinet:  Missouri House panel questions medical marijuana program's choices, asks RFP agency to testify
          P-D:  Legislation from Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) would allow testing of Missouri workers for medical pot X
          Columbia Missourian's Kassidy Arena:  Bill from Sen. David Sater ("R-Casseville [sic]") would allow companies to fire employees for medical marijuana;  Comments from MoCannTrade's Tom Robbins
          JCNT:  Lawmakers seek to reinstate low-income housing tax credits X
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon) would have retired police, military veterans serve as paid or unpaid school security officers
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri branch of American Academy of Pediatrics outlines legislative agenda
          Missourinet:  Buchanan County is a step closer to banning wind energy projects
          KC Star:  Lawsuit claims guard at Missouri women's prison sexually assaulted inmate over 52 times X
          JCNT editorial:  Continue the push for PDMP X
          KC Star editorial:  KC couple's win over rogue gun dealers shows some weapons are illegal - even in Missouri X
          Priddy:  Eric Greitens was not "exonerated" (1,048 words)
          P-D letter:  Florissant sexagenarian says Blunt and Hawley should be more like Mitt Romney X
          P-D letter:  Woman from "St. Peter [sic]" dismayed by newspaper's downward spiral 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.



        Thursday, February 20, 2020
       
KWMU:  Missouri health officials, hospitals prepare for coronavirus patients
          Columbia Missourian:  The uncertain future of Missouri's levees
          AP:  Eric Schmitt announces campaign for Missouri attorney general
          KMOX:  Mark Reardon Show:  Eric Schmitt announces bid for attorney general
          FOX 2 St. Louis:  Video:  Schmitt makes his case to return as attorney general
          KSDK:  Schmitt announces campaign for Missouri attorney general
          KFVS:  Schmitt announces bid for attorney general
          Columbia Missourian:  Schmitt announces run to keep attorney general seat
          The Missouri Times:  Republican David Martin to put name on the ballot for Kiki Curls' Democratic state Senate seat
          JCNT:  Rep. Steven Roberts (D-St. Louis City) talks about dreams deferred and achieved X
          JCNT:  Bill seeks to 'close' Missouri primaries X
          SNL:  Republicans and Democrats grill Missouri marijuana czar Lyndall Fraker X
          P-D:  Grilling of medical marijuana officials continues in House committee X
          P-D:  Lawsuits, troubled business pasts plague some winners of Missouri's medical marijuana business licenses X
          Columbia Missourian:  As complaints pile up, state defends marijuana licensing decisions
          KRCG:  Bill from Rep. Justin Hill (R-Lake Saint Louis) to overturn controversial bail rules gets public hearing
          Columbia Missourian:  Sen. Doug Libla (R-Poplar Bluff):  Public shouldn't pay for electric car charging stations;  Thoughts from Evergy's Jason Klindt
          SNL:  Bill aims to keep boys from competing against girls in high school sports X
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Robert Ross (R-Yukon) would allow public vote on boys competing in girls' high school sports
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers advance anti-carjacking bill
          P-D:  Missouri lawmakers consider 'bill of rights' for sexual assault survivors X
          Columbia Missourian:  Sen. David Sater (R-Cassvile) proposes bill for victims of sexual violence
          The Missouri Times:  A look at Missouri's death penalty laws, history
          Columbia Missourian:  Court hears arguments over local control of CAFOs
          KC Star:  Ex-trooper in Lake of the Ozarks drowning is paid $200k, ends fight to get job back X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Hill's proposal on bail rules makes reasonable assumptions X
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Blake Hurst:  Proposed wind-power transmission line threatens our property rights X
          Columbia Missourian's Steve Spellman:  Thoughts on Missouri fuel tax, county jail tabs, Internet sales taxes, more
          P-D letter:  Eureka sexagenarian opposes tax cuts for Missourians X
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield sexagenarian calls Cleaner Missouri "voter suppression" X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Pacific sexagenarian considers Cleaner Missouri "insulting" X
          Disclosure


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



        Wednesday, February 19, 2020
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt objects to organ transplant policy X
          SNL:  Gannett begins process improvements in Missouri, moves News-Leader printing to Columbia;  Printing and production employees to be sent packing next month X
          AP:  Legal deadline in Missouri abortion license case pushed back
          JCNT:  Seneca business owner to put name on GOP primary ballot for governor X
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson speaks to Missouri Farm Bureau, talks rural broadband, flooding, infrastructure
          P-D:  A look at the winners of Missouri's medical marijuana licenses X
          SE Missourian:  Prescription drug monitoring legislation passes House, moves to Senate +
          The Missouri Times:  PDMP bill heading to Senate:  What to know
          JCNT:  Opponents of personal property tax hoping for legislative path to voters X
          KWMU:  Gun control advocates rally at Capitol
          JCNT:  Moms Demand Action holds gun-control rally X
          P-D:  Rep. Rob Vescovo (R-Arnold) wants to know origin of $120k paid to Greitens lawyer X
          Columbia Missourian:  House bill would repeal Missouri Supreme Court bail rules
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill would add requirement for public employee unions
          SNL:  MDC invests in new helicopter to track bears and elk, potentially fight feral hogs X
          P-D:  Missouri purchases new helicopter to help monitor flooding, wildlife X
          SNL:  Hanging hog in Dent County sends a message to Missouri Department of Conservation X
          AP:  Execution date set for man convicted of killing 81-year-old;  Walter Barton beat mobile home manager, raped her, then stabbed her to death
          Missourinet:  Murderer to be executed in May;  Walter Barton slashed 81-year-old woman's eye, bashed her head with a baseball bat
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri lawmakers will do anything to block Medicaid expansion - and voters' will X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Lawmakers should not alter Clean Missouri X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri should tax online sales to serve everyone, not just the rich X
          KC Star op-ed:  KC for Refugees founder Sofia Khan:  Gov. Parson does the right thing for all Missourians by supporting refugees X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Jay Ashcroft:  Secretaries of state partner to fight election misinformation
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis City):  It's time to unlock the vote
          Messenger:  Will the next chapter in the Eric Greitens story be titled 'Exonerated'? X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Eric Bohl on Grain Belt Express:  Eminent domain is not for sale in Missouri
          Columbia Missourian's Madison Czopek:  GOP senators seek to exempt many of their records from public scrutiny
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man wants Medicare for All, says McCaskill's 2018 defeat shows futility of centrism X
          P-D letter:  Ballwin resident thanks Blunt, Hawley for fighting liberals on impeachment X
          P-D letter:  League of Women Voters "Early Voting Committee" chair makes case for changing Missouri election rules 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.



        Tuesday, February 18, 2020
       
P-D:  Pete Buttigieg campaign sends former Obama aide to St. Louis City to rally black support X
          JCNT:  John D. Ashcroft speaks about liberty at Cole County Republicans' Lincoln Day event X
          CDT:  Democrat seeking to challenge Rep. Sara Walsh (D-Ashland) opposes anti-porn legislation X
          KWMU:  Missouri House approves statewide prescription drug monitoring
          AP:  Missouri PDMP bill still faces roadblocks
          Columbia Missourian:  Fate of opioid monitoring program back in Senate hands
          P-D:  Bill from Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) would let voters decide on Medicaid work requirement X
          Missourinet:  Rep. Jay Mosley (D-Florissant) proposes legislation to help protect Missouri Lottery winners from criminals, parasites
          KWMU:  Family of man who died of dope overdose in jail blames Missouri Dept. of Corrections
          SNL:  Missouri Democrats want "pause" on Medicaid cleanup X
          KWMU:  House Democrats file Medicaid legislation
          JCNT:  Parents of tens of thousands of children receiving Medicaid failed to reapply X
          Columbia Missourian:  Young criminals could be tried as adults for firearms offenses under proposed law
          JCNT:  Senate bill proposes to require adult certification hearings for youth charged with weapons offenses X
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles) would redefine Missouri marriages as civil unions
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill would reclassify Missouri marriages as civil unions
          P-D editorial:  Cut Missouri military families a break with license reciprocity to professional spouses X
          KC Star editorial:  This parolee is a law-abiding business owner. Why would Missouri send him back to prison? X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Air Conservation Commission's Ron Boyer:  A modest proposal for selling carbon tax credits to Delta Airlines
          JCNT letter:  Jefferson City septuagenarian reads Josh Hawley's mind, says senator hates minorities X
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood septuagenarian blames state GOP lawmakers for puppy mill legislation (2011), Clean Missouri fix and robocalls 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.



        Monday, February 17, 2020   Presidents' Day
       
KSDK (St. Louis):  Illegal alien's 17-year-old spawn charged in St. Charles with incest, rape of 11-year-old after baby born in bathtub;  Father of rapist was previously deported
          KWMU:  Election officials say online registration expanded voter rolls for presidential primary
          St. Joseph News-Press:  FEMA approves public aid for one project, more on the way X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  KC Mayor Quenton Lucas talks with Scott Faughn about economic development, taming urban crime, more;  Panel of Jeremy LaFaver, John Mayfield, state Senate candidate Ryan Myers (D) talk Dem presidential primary, charter schools
          Missourinet:  PDMP could get final Missouri House approval today
          Missourinet:  House panel to continue to question DHSS on medical marijuana application screening
          P-D:  GOP lawmakers propose multiple mechanisms to capture online sales tax revenue X
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Hannah Kelly (R-Mountain Grove) would ban some sex offenders from going near Missouri nature and conservation centers
          KWMU:  Missouri lawmakers consider early release for inmates 65 and older
          JCNT:  National Federation for the Blind lobbying in Missouri for disability support X
          Columbia Missourian:  Gun-control rally draws fewer than 50 in Columbia;  Dem Reps. Kip Kendrick, Martha Stevens speak
          KC Star's Caitlyn Rosen:  Missouri lawmaker's transgender bill could hurt teens at risk of suicide X
          P-D's Tynan Stewart:  The drop in children from Missouri Medicaid is alarming - but what about other social programs? X
          P-D letter:  Valley Park sexagenarian irked by Post-Dispatch's hateful brand of liberalism 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.



        Sunday, February 16, 2020
       
SNL:  Missouri kicks off Census 2020;  State officials, patriotic Springfield crowd demonstrate respect for American flag and national anthem X
          P-D:  Census job fair attracts seasoned citizens X
          Missourinet:  Presidents' Day is a federal and Missouri holiday
          Missourinet:  Repair of broken levee system in northwest Missouri hindered by weather
          P-D:  Report details mysterious PAC's ties to Greitens campaign in 2016;  Dark money was used against John Brunner and Catherine Hanaway under "LG PAC" name in failed attempt to besmirch Peter Kinder X
          KC Star:  National gun-control group wants to end safety drills in school;  Comments from Missouri NEA's Mark Jones X
          KY3 (Springfield):  Missouri farmer battling feral hogs is losing money and fields;  Missouri Department of Conservation says problem is getting worse
          JCNT:  Farmers look for solutions to black vulture attacks on cattle;  Comments from Missouri Department of Conservation X
          P-D:  Black males outpace black women, whites in Missouri opioid overdose deaths;  Racism to blame X
          P-D editorial:  Greitens' lack of accountability for his campaign is hardly 'exoneration' X
          McClellan:  A doper's guide to free enterprise:  Local woman burns $30k on medical marijuana dreams, fails to receive licenses 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.



        Saturday, February 15, 2020
       
Missourinet:  Lacy Clay to host Census job fair in St. Louis City today
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking:  How Rex Sinquefield money was funneled to Steve Stenger, more
          KC Star:  Activists, political science professors hypothesize about an Eric Greitens return X
          The Missouri Times:  Republican Josh Barrett announces Senate bid for Gary Romine's seat
          KWMU:  Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield) explains his vote against Cleaner Missouri
          CDT:  Gov. Parson promises state will catch up on jail payments X
          SNL:  Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold) wants shorter applications for state benefits X
          Missourinet:  Bill would add hyperloop to list of projects that could be funded by public-private partnerships
          Missourinet:  Haahr and Hansen focused on Missouri property rights legislation
          The Missouri Times:  Inside the Senate's fight to change the asbestos claims process
          P-D:  Sen. Doug Libla (R-Poplar Bluff) discusses his investment in marijuana company, says existing application process is 'boondoggle' X
          KWMU:  Missouri House to vote on prescription drug monitoring next week
          JCNT:  Bills seek to clarify legality of video gaming machines X
          SE Missourian:  Gov. Parson appoints Judge Michael E. Gardner to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District +
          SNL:  Missouri Pork Association backs MDC feral hog plan X
          KC Star editorial:  No, Eric Greitens, you weren't 'fully exonerated' by the Missouri Ethics Commission X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Smoke Free's A.J. Moll:  Lacy Clay wrong on menthol tobacco ban
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove):  I stand for life - without compromise
          Joplin Globe op-ed:  Phill Brooks:  When should conversations with lawmakers be protected? X
          P-D op-ed:  UMSL criminology professor Beth Huebner:  Missouri needs better criminal data-tracking system X
          P-D letter:  Crestwood septuagenarian psychoanalyzes Blunt and Hawley via impeachment vote X
          P-D letter:  Ballwin "Moms Demand Action" septuagenarian wants more gun control in Missouri 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.



        Friday, February 14, 2020   Valentine's Day
       
The Missouri Times:  FCC approves $175M for rural broadband expansion in Missouri
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Gov. Parson recaps meeting with Trump, govs on flooding;  Governor talks online sales taxes, cost of expanding Medicaid beyond the 1 in 6 who already receive it X
          SE Missourian:  2020 flooding forecast released +
          KWMU:  Forecasters warn everyone along the Missouri River to brace for another year of flooding
          AP:  Newspaper chain McClatchy, parent of Kansas City Star, files for bankruptcy protection;  Company yet to make announcements on trimming newsroom staff
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Ethics Commission fines Greitens $178K;  former governor says he's 'exonerated'
          KWMU:  Ethics Commission fines Greitens $178K;  Greitens insists his "future is bright"
          SNL:  Eric Greitens fined $178K after probe of 'criminal enterprise' apparatus X
          P-D:  Missouri Ethics Commission fines Eric Greitens $178K for campaign finance violations X
          JCNT:  State education board OKs new evaluation standards X
          Columbia Missourian:  Elderly prisoners could become eligible for parole hearings under bill
          Columbia Missourian:  Advocates promote Missouri anti-pornography legislation
          SNL:  Auto website says Missouri is tops in taking to Twitter to complain about potholes X
          P-D editorial:  McClatchy newspapers' failures threaten the future of America X
          P-D editorial:  Rex Sinquefield money was well-washed, but that rotten smell remains X
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  "Pain management specialist" Shavonne Danner says Gov. Parson's pro-life policies are bad for women
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Jack Bondon (R-Belton):  Loosely regulated mini-casinos are not good for our state
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  David Cole:  Latest legislation from Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove) is more of the same grandstanding
          P-D op-ed:  Kaiser Health News' Lauren Weber:  Missouri should spend more money preparing for health crises X
          Messenger:  Dope dealer with a heart of gold hopes AG Eric Schmitt will let him off scot-free X
          P-D letter:  St. Charles woman scolds Blunt and Hawley for impeachment votes X
          JCNT letter:  Centertown septuagenarian wants increase in state fuel tax, decrease in federal fuel tax X
          P-D letter:  Former Rep. "Stacy [sic] Newman" says Post-Dispatch criticism of Nicole Galloway is sexist 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.



        Thursday, February 13, 2020
       
Missourinet:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith pleased with fentanyl vote and State of the Union address
          CDT:  Hawley questions FCC about rural broadband expansion X
          SE Missourian:  League of Women Voters prepares for 'Day of Action';  Sexagenarian leader of Southeast Missouri group plans to activate her group's five (5) members +
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Rep. Trish Gunby (D-St. Louis County)
          Missourinet:  Missouri House gives initial approval to PDMP
          SNL:  Legislature grapples with weed business licensing process X
          JCNT:  House committee hears from state's medical marijuana director X
          P-D:  Missouri medical marijuana officials respond to allegations of bad scoring, conflicts of interest X
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate bill would give advanced nurse practitioners license
          Columbia Missourian:  Gov. Parson names two new members to UM System Board of Curators
          JCNT:  Lincoln University wants more money from lawmakers X
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis City) drives her 'legislative legacy' to restore voting rights:  'Enough is enough'
          JCNT:  Missouri lawmakers looking to restore voting rights to ex-convicts X
          SNL:  Experts:  Missouri 'moving in right direction' on feral hogs X
          Columbia Missourian:  Expert warns of feral hog 'explosion'
          SE Missourian editorial:  Limbaugh Presidential Medal of Freedom recognition is a uniquely American story +
          JCNT editorial:  In-state tuition should be limited to legal residents X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Evergy gets a jolt X
          Kaiser Health News' Lauren Weber:  Expanding Medicaid will help Missouri solve opioid crisis
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Andrew Wilson:  The myth of 'free' Medicaid expansion +
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Library standards bill from Rep. Ben Baker (R-Neosho) is equal to banning books
          Disclosure


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



        Wednesday, February 12, 2020
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  Graves wary about politics sidetracking infrastructure upgrades X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Pork Association's Don Nikodim optimistic about trade issues
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Gateway Arch National Park superintendent discusses lack of visitors to urban landmark, attributes dearth of traffic to parking and flooding
          SE Missourian:  Missouri DHSS officials monitor coronavirus outbreak +
          KWMU:  Coronavirus impacts St. Louis-area students studying in China
          JCNT:  Former Gov. John Ashcroft to speak at Cole County Lincoln Day X
          SNL:  Springfield-area senators split on Cleaner Missouri X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Farm Bureau pleased with Senate passage of Cleaner Missouri
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Columbia Dem Reps. Kip Kendrick and Martha Stevens talk Medicaid expansion, Cleaner Missouri, raising gas tax, more
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate debates proposed gas tax hike
          KY3 (Springfield):  Sen. Doug Libla (R-Poplar Bluff) calls medical marijuana license scoring 'inconsistent'
          KWMU:  Area doctors hold diverse opinions on whether medical marijuana is safe, legal and ethical
          The Missouri Times:  Senate's punitive damages bill doesn't move, for now
          AP:  Bill would protect Missouri from financial court penalties
          KWMU:  Missouri military spouses could get reciprocity for out-of-state professional licenses
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill would lower licensing barriers for those with criminal records
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. David Sater (R-Cassville) champions effort to cut 'middlemen' in pharmaceutical industry
          AP:  Bill from Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis) would ban in-state tuition break for illegal aliens
          JCNT:  Bill would protect Americans' in-state tuition breaks from illegals X
          KWMU:  Missouri Dept. of Education makes updates to its school accountability measures
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers consider easing access to mental health care for teens who are on their own
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Sen. Scott Sifton (D-Affton) would require DNA testing for all felony arrests
          Missourinet:  Missouri House committee considers strengthening charge for criminals who fuel high-speed chases
          SNL:  Feral hog rule won't be ready for turkey season X
          P-D:  DOJ says Ameren failed to comply with pollution order at Jefferson County's Rush Island X
          The Missouri Times:  Resolution from Rep. Jim Murphy (R-St. Louis County) opposes Major League Baseball polluting the Senior Circuit with designated hitter
          P-D editorial:  State lawmakers advance incumbent-protection plan X
          SE Missourian's Jon Rust:  SEMO can do better with MLK speaker next year;  Angela Davis' speech was meandering, inexplicably anti-Israel, and marked by vacuous name-calling +
          P-D op-ed:  American Wind Energy Association's Tom Kiernan:  Grain Belt Express offers Missouri jobs and grid resiliency X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man displeased by Hawley's impeachment vote X
          P-D letter:  DeSoto man calls Blunt and Hawley "spineless" X
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood sexagenarian upset at Hawley over impeachment vote, Galloway audit X
          P-D letter:  Overland sexagenarian angered by Trump honoring Missouri's Rush Limbaugh, blames 2020 political climate on talk-radio host and 1990s sitcom "Married With Children" 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.



        Tuesday, February 11, 2020
       
The Missouri Times:  Mike Bloomberg has spent more than $4 million on Missouri primary ads
          JCNT:  Bids sought for Missouri River levee repairs X
          P-D:  Gov. Parson's Uniting Missouri makes ad buy, touts incumbent's law enforcement experience X
          KC Star:  AG office says Eric Schmitt runs tight ship:  No campaign consultants involved in state business, no state cars used for campaign travel, no official business on personal devices X
          Joplin Globe:  AG Eric Schmitt, Joplin police working to clear rape kit backlog X
          The Missouri Times:  Clean Missouri passes out of Senate
          KWMU:  Missouri Senate passes plan to give voters a voice on redistricting
          AP:  Missouri Senators OK new redistricting proposal
          Columbia Missourian:  Senators follow party lines - with one Republican exception - in Clean Missouri vote
          KC Star:  Missouri House seeks testimony from medical marijuana czar after licensing complaints X
          SNL:  Rep. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) says tort overhaul bill would allow suits against companies for unsafe practices, calls opponents' sympathy ploy involving duck boat victims "unfortunate" X
          Columbia Missourian:  House committee approves bill to tax online sales
          P-D:  Missouri counties call on state to stop shorting them on jail costs X
          Columbia Missourian:  County officials testify before House committee about jail debt
          P-D:  New warning in Missouri House:  'False testimony' could lead to perjury charges X
          JCNT editorial:  Legislative proposal to allow food pantries to receive and distribute deer jerky will help the hungry X
          P-D op-ed:  Mothers Against Drunk Driving President Helen Witty:  Bill from Rep. Justin Hill (R-Lake Saint Louis) to outlaw sobriety checkpoints puts everyone in Missouri at risk X
          P-D letter:  Florissant nonagenarian says Blunt and Hawley should be charged with racketeering crime for impeachment vote 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.



        Monday, February 10, 2020
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  After Iowa Democrats botch caucus, Buchanan County residents still have faith in Missouri's vote counting X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest host Joe Lakin and panel of Rep. Donna Baringer (D-St. Louis City), Irl Scissors, Gregg Keller, and Jim Lembke talk Dem caucus fiasco, State of the Union, impeachment, Cleaner Missouri, Hawley vs. Galloway, more
          P-D:  Rex Sinquefield donated $700,000 to Steve Stenger;  Following the money flow through Great St. Louis, St. Louis-Kansas City Carpenters Regional Council, consultant vigorish, and more X
          Missourinet:  Missouri Medicaid Director Todd Richardson to present budget this week
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Lawmakers warn of budget damage coming from Medicaid expansion X
          Missourinet:  Missouri Public Defender System Director Mary Fox asks lawmakers for more money
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Louis Riggs (R-Hannibal) raves about bill for professional licensing for military spouses
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Hannah Kelly (R-Mountain Grove) would keep sex offenders away from Missouri conservation areas
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg) talks TIF bill, organ donations
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Democrats' anti-Hawley audit spin fizzles X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri will probably legalize pot sooner or later. Why not make it sooner? X
          KC Star editorial:  Mandatory minimum sentences won't stop violent crime in Missouri X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  AG Eric Schmitt's office provides valuable service by handling consumer complaints X
          Messenger:  Audit shows Hawley's office used private e-mail for public business. Lock him up? X
          P-D letter:  Ballwin septuagenarian offers litany of grievances against Missouri's federal and state Republicans, from puppy mills (2010) to impeachment votes (2020) 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.


        Sunday, February 9, 2020
       
Washington Missourian:  Missouri's presidential primary in March 10 X
          KWMU:  USDA program sends more than $60 million in grants and low-interest loans for Missouri broadband
          Detroit News:  St. Louis union leader Vance Pearson strikes deal with feds;  UAW capo sings on schemes that spent member dues on cigars, luxury resorts, burner phones, more
          SNL:  Sen. Kit Bond, Gov. Bob Holden among Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame inductees X
          SNL:  Rep. David Wood (R-Versailles) explains how many parents failed to refile Medicaid paperwork for eligible kids X
          CDT:  Gov. Parson holds on filling curator posts X
          CDT:  Public defender director wants more state funding X
          JCNT:  Cultivation of industrial hemp has room to grow in Missouri X
          JCNT:  Lincoln University at forefront of industrial hemp research in Missouri X
          P-D editorial:  Galloway turns up the heat on Hawley. But can she take it herself? X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Door is open for gambling at Lake of the Ozarks X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri should act to help consumers avoid cellphone 'spoofing' scams 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.



        Saturday, February 8, 2020
       
SE Missourian:  Cape's Rush Limbaugh awarded high honor +
          SE Missourian's Lucas Presson:  Prayers from Cape Girardeau for Rush Limbaugh - America's latest Medal of Freedom recipient +
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking:  Quick hits on Hawley vs. Galloway, rejected medical marijuana applicants, Trump's Chiefs tweet
          KWMU:  St. Louis-area hospitals formulating medical marijuana policies;  Insights from Missouri Hospital Association's Jane Drummond, others
          Washington Missourian:  Gaming bill may be used as leverage - against gambling expansion X
          Missourinet:  Fast Track financial aid funding still available
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Change in legislation to require anti-abuse training in schools X
          The Missouri Times:  DNR's commission for hazardous waste generator fee increases could hit snag in General Assembly
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Federal grant for teacher training program a positive step X
          P-D letter:  University City sexagenarian disagrees with Hawley on impeachment, wants senator to release tally of phone calls to office X
          KC Star letter:  Kansas sexagenarian disagrees with Blunt and Hawley on impeachment vote and Senate resolution congratulating Chiefs X
          P-D letter:  Oakland sexagenarian social worker says lack of Medicaid expansion is forcing olds onto the streets 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.


        Friday, February 7, 2020
       
KWMU:  National gun-control advocate Deanna Hollas to rally troops in St. Louis this weekend;  Washington University hosts 'minister of gun violence' pep talk tonight
        CDT:  Hartzler:  Antibiotic supplies at risk;  Congresswoman sponsors bill with California Democrat to protect military personnel X
        JCNT:  Corps of Engineers increases Missouri River releases X
        AP:  Corps increases water flowing into lower Missouri River
        Columbia Missourian:  Corps of Engineers preparing for predicted Missouri River flooding
        The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Rep. Rasheen Aldridge (D-St. Louis City)
        The Missouri Times:  Galloway "likely" violated state law in Hawley audit, AG Eric Schmitt says
        KWMU:  Galloway audit of Hawley finds no laws broken
        Columbia Missourian:  Audit of Hawley finds no laws broken
        JCNT:  Galloway:  No evidence of state laws being broken by Hawley's office X
        AP:  Galloway's audit manager says her suggestion to "beef up" allegations against Hawley actually meant "finish up";  Galloway says Hawley used state vehicle for campaign stops, including one Chiefs game
        SNL:  Hawley, Galloway trade blows over audit;  Galloway staffer says reference to "beef up" Hawley audit actually meant "finish" X
        Missourinet:  Galloway and Hawley blast each other over attorney general closeout audit
        P-D:  Hawley campaign to file complaint with Missouri State Board of Accountancy for "misconduct" by Galloway X
        P-D:  Schmitt says disclosing transcripts is illegal;  Galloway releases them anyway X
        KC Star:  Former Hawley staffer says he downloaded Confide three years ago, trolled pal about KU basketball X
        The Missouri Times:  Missouri general revenue sees increase at start of 2020
        The Missouri Times:  Grain Belt Express line will include 'first of its kind' broadband infrastructure, impacting 1 million rural Missourians
        Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers advance proposal for casinos at Lake of the Ozarks
        Brownfield Ag News:  Dept. of Agriculture asks to expand pesticide complaint staff
        KWMU:  Lawmakers considering budget request to give Dept. of Ag more staff to investigate pesticide complaints;  Some applicators choose to break law, apply herbicides after cutoff dates
        Brownfield Ag News:  Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe describes challenges dealing with feral hogs on his property
        SNL:  Hog hung next to 'No Hunting' sign sends message X
        KC Star editorial:  Audit of Josh Hawley shows a secretive politician focused on climbing the ladder X
        Joplin Globe editorial:  Unknowns cloud recreational pot proposal in Missouri X
        St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Time has come for Missouri PDMP X
        KC Star op-ed:  MU Health assistant prof:  Don't panic over coronavirus, but Missouri is unprepared X
        P-D letter:  "State Street Tenant Resistance co-founder" Myisha Johnson displeased over Ameren's focus on shareholder value 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.


        Thursday, February 6, 2020
       
The Missouri Times:  Missouri Democratic Party staffers submit demand for union recognition
          AP:  Missouri Democratic Party staff to unionize
          SNL:  Billy Long to Pelosi:  Auction that speech copy you tore in a tantrum X
          Missourinet:  Hawley:  House Democrats have given America first purely partisan impeachment
          KC Star:  Blunt, Hawley share thoughts on House Democrats' impeachment efforts X
          Missourinet:  Missouri sues agencies, others in effort to halt North Dakota water project
          KWMU:  New National Parks leadership in Ste. Genevieve aims to grow historic site
          The Missouri Times:  SEMA Director Ron Walker retiring after 41 years with Public Safety
          JCNT:  Missouri SEMA Director Ron Walker to retire X
          Faughn:  Gary Romine was a senator's senator
          Missourinet:  House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) says she'll pick up seats this November
          AP:  Missouri House panel backs raising the bar for initiative petitions
          JCNT:  Missouri Recovery Network hosts advocacy day at Capitol X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri Department of Conservation adds new landowner registry X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Justin Hill (R-Lake Saint Louis):  Congress, there's a better way to fix surprise billing
          KC Star op-ed:  Area doctor says Missouri should emulate Kansas and expand Medicaid X
          P-D letter:  Manchester man expresses anger at Blunt and Hawley over impeachment vote, makes timely cultural references to Robert Redford and Ernest Hemingway X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Retired professor responds to Hartzler's response to piece on government health care
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman "appalled" by Cleaner Missouri, cheers Post-Dispatch X
          Disclosure


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


        Wednesday, February 5, 2020
       
Mannies:  Bloomberg is pouring money into Missouri in advance of the state's March primary
          SNL:  Still time to register for the 2020 Missouri presidential primary X
          Missourinet:  President Trump recognizes Missouri child and mother during State of the Union Address
          KC Star:  President Trump highlights Kansas City girl born at 21 weeks:  "Every child is a miracle of life" X
          KC Star:  Cleaver's office says congressman skipped State of the Union (Tuesday) to attend Chiefs parade (Wednesday) X
          Columbia Missourian:  Levee failures cause massive losses to Missouri farms
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Group now pushing for recreational marijuana approval X
          CDT:  Gov. Parson's office, Galloway campaign go back and forth on Galloway's phone and deleted messages X
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Pattie Parris, Missouri's first female doorkeeper in the General Assembly
          The Missouri Times:  Changes to Missouri primary elections floated in Senate
          SNL:  Senate gives approval to Cleaner Missouri redistricting plan X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate perfects Cleaner Missouri bill despite Democrats' efforts
          AP:  Senate Republicans pitch redistricting plan
          Columbia Missourian:  Senators take step to give voters a voice on redistricting
          P-D:  Senate Democrats end their filibuster, allow Cleaner Missouri to advance X
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers vote to allow grants for Hyperloop track
          Columbia Missourian:  Proposal from Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield) targets gaps in state's anti-sanctuary law
          JCNT:  Sponsors of tort overhaul bills say legislation would help stop frivolous lawsuits X
          SNL:  Rep. David Wood (R-Versailles) wants to ban vaping in public schools - for kids and adults X
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers consider vaping ban, education about vaping in schools
          P-D:  Plan to lift residency requirements for cops narrowly applied to only St. Louis City X
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Sen. Bill Eigel (R-Weldon Spring) would help first responders get treatment for PTSD
          The Missouri Times:  House advances legislation restructuring Capitol Police
          Columbia Missourian:  City-county fire protection district dispute hits the Capitol
          SNL:  Missouri Dept. of Conservation to rewrite definition of hunting 'handgun' X
          Missourinet:  MoDOT uses technology to help with winter weather efficiencies
          Missourinet:  Missouri House caucus to focus on radioactive waste studies, spending
          Messenger:  Veteran who spurred historic Missouri prison debtors ruling finds himself back behind bars X
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri Moms Demand Action member wants more gun control 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.



        Tuesday, February 4, 2020
       
Missourinet:  Poplar Bluff police chief will be U.S. Rep. Jason Smith's guest at State of the Union tonight
          SNL:  Blunt, Hawley share thoughts on impeachment ahead of tomorrow's vote X
          Columbia Missourian:  Gov. Parson visits Iowa for Trump:  "America will never, ever, be a socialist country."
          P-D:  Ann Wagner continues building war chest;  MOGOP's Jean Evans' premortem for Jill Schupp's campaign mocks eventual "grassroots" mantra X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan) talks with Rosenbaum about Cleaner Missouri, gaming machines, police officer emancipation, Medicaid expansion, audit of Galloway
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in Missouri Politics recap:  February 2, 2020 episode
          P-D:  Gov. Parson's trip to Super Bowl involved no taxpayer money X
          P-D:  Missouri paid out more than $24 million for lawsuits last year;  Big jackpots for winners of "discrimination" and "harassment" claims against Department of Corrections X
          Missourinet:  Number of flu cases more than doubles in Missouri
          JCNT:  Missouri Health Insurance Innovation Task Force releases report X
          Columbia Missourian:  Expanded charter school bill goes to Senate
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) meant to streamline services for vulnerable adults
          P-D:  Lawmakers target use of phony "service animals" X
          SNL:  Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (R-Hallsville) advances bill to open jobs to offenders X
          Missourinet:  AG Eric Schmitt, law enforcement groups say Missouri carjackings are an epidemic
          Columbia Missourian:  GOP bill would allow transfer of historic black cemetery to state
          KWMU:  Black Caucus legislation:  Creating St. Louis-area black history museum, adding another state holiday, more
          JCNT:  Black Caucus proposes legislation commemorating black Missourians X
          KC Star editorial:  KC should be offended by President Trump's tweet about "great state of Kansas" X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Applause for innovative approaches to MoDOT's problems X
          P-D editorial:  Schmitt is right to restore tough court overhaul for St. Louis County cities X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Great Northwest Day pays off for region X
          P-D letter:  Lake Saint Louis man copies language from Missouri Budget Project's Medicaid expansion report verbatim 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.



        Monday, February 3, 2020
       
KWMU:  St. Louis Corps of Engineers plan would help residents along Meramec River with floods;  Comments from Great Rivers Habitat Alliance Executive Director David Stokes
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Louis Riggs (R-Hannibal) files bill to protect against future flooding
          Missourinet:  Secretary Ashcroft calls for eliminating Missouri's symbolic presidential preference primary
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Trump Administration's EPA changes benefit St. Joseph X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Sen. Brian Williams (D-St. Louis City) talks with Scott Faughn about Cleaner Missouri and PQs, Medicaid expansion, more;  Panel of Carl Bearden, Mark Dalton,  Bloomberg campaign's Ryan Hawkins, state Senate candidate Michelle Sherod (D-St. Louis City) talk Dem presidential primary, Gov. Parson's margin of victory, Cleaner Missouri, more
          KWMU:  National hospital group wants Medicaid expansion
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson speaks at Midwest march to support life X
          Washington Missourian:  Galloway says she welcomes audit of her office X
          Missourinet:  Super Bowl champion Chiefs to receive invite to Missouri Capitol
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson:  Removing St. Louis City police residency requirement is the right thing to do
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Crime-fighting measures moving through Missouri Senate X
          P-D:  AG Eric Schmitt seeks to revive municipal police and court overhaul efforts X
          AP:  Missouri bills would ease licensing for military spouses, out-of-state workers
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Bill from Rep. Sheila Solon (R-St. Joseph) aims to stop squatters on public property X
          KC Star editorial:  Licenses to grow and sell medical marijuana in Missouri will go to the highest bidder X
          KC Star editorial:  Electricity customers in Missouri could be the losers in battle over Evergy X
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood septuagenarian chastises "youngster" Hawley for impeachment stance X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler responds to student reporter Will Okay's incomplete piece on government health care, provides actual data from Congressional Budget Office
          P-D letter:  University City septuagenarian angry over Cleaner Missouri proposal 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.



        Sunday, February 2, 2020
       
Brownfield Ag News:  States join forces for Missouri River study
          Joplin Globe:  State opens comments to prevent future Neosho flooding X
          Washington Missourian:  In wide-ranging conversation with press corps, Gov. Parson talks state's economic successes, cost of Medicaid expansion, taming urban crime X
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri group aims to pitch recreational marijuana to voters in November X
          P-D:  It's official:  St. Louis-area medical marijuana businesses are hiring X
          P-D:  Former state Rep. Mike Sutherland (R-Warrensburg) named Missouri parks director X
          P-D:  Gov. Parson picks Jason Dodson for circuit judgeship in St. Louis County X
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) helps U.S. Census Bureau with recruitment
          SNL:  Drag queen story hour promotes "the gender fluidity of childhood;"  Man dressed as girl from "Frozen" reads book about two boys falling in love X
          P-D editorial:  If Galloway's perfunctory campaign against Gov. Parson stands a chance, staffer Pamela Allison's e-mail about altering Hawley audit requires explanation X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Missouri drivers should have license suspended for handling phone while driving X
          SNL op-ed:  Area Democrat running against Rep. Steve Helms (R-Springfield) wants Medicaid expansion X
          KC Star op-ed:  UMKC Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal:  No more test-score requirement for applicants;  Old-fashioned standards like "achievement" and "metrics" stifled diversity X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man disagrees with Blunt on impeachment, attempts "Show-Me" punchline X
          SNL letter:  Greene County Democrats donor applauds House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) for holding town hall X
          P-D letter:  Illinois man hopes Missourians think twice about allowing recreational marijuana X
          SNL letter:  Nixa septuagenarian submits form letter in support of Clean Missouri X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Columbia septuagenarian submits form letter (see above) in support of 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.



        Saturday, February 1, 2020
       
February 2019 Missouri political news headlines
          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
          SNL:  Local Democrats make their picks for 2020 presidential election:  Interviews with 10 area liberals X
          KC Star:  Blunt calls House Dems' impeachment case "half-baked"
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Examining the allegations of political bias in Hawley audit, more
          The Missouri Times:  Mike Sutherland named Missouri State Parks director
          SNL:  DNR names new state parks director;  opening Bryant Creek at top of list X
          P-D:  Liberal group continues campaign for Medicaid expansion;  Missouri Budget Project says spending more will save money X
          Columbia Missourian:  Petitioners push for recreational marijuana use in Missouri
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson says grey area should be cleaned up in Missouri's gambling laws
          SNL:  St. Louis County judge strikes down "paycheck protection" law from Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa)
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri educators could see tax deduction option next year under plan from Sen. Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City)
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Nick Schroer (R-O'Fallon) would allow St. Louis police to turn over cases to Schmitt's office;  Union leader Jeff Roorda blasts "clown" Kim Gardner
          KWMU:  St. Louis City aldermen pass resolution chastising state lawmakers for officer-emancipation legislation
          SNL:  Missouri announces weed 'seed-to-sale' permits X
          KC Star:  Complaints mount over private company that scored Missouri marijuana applications X
          P-D:  Missouri killed a record number of feral hogs in 2019. And it might not be enough. X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Blake Hurst:  Fixing "Clean Missouri" will restore common sense to redistricting
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Dottie Bailey (R-Eureka):  Supporting children's futures with child support legislation;  Deadbeat dads and other derelicts should pay up before receiving SNAP handouts
          Messenger:  Tale of two defendants highlights the gamble poor people take with justice system X
          Disclosure


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


         









       

       


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