johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - June 2018



    

        Saturday, June 30
       
Delta Dunklin Democrat:  GOP U.S. Senate Courtland Sykes, fiancee hold fundraiser in Kennett +
          The Missouri Times:  Number of waivers granted adds uncertainty to renewable fuel volumes;  Comments from Missouri Corn Growers Association's Shane Kinne
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens' dark money groups face FEC complaint
          KWMU:  Special prosecutor appointed in William Tisaby investigation
          P-D:  Special prosecutor will look into perjury claims against former Greitens investigator X
          Missourinet:  Judge in Greitens' Confide case orders forensic examination of staff phones
          AP:  Barnes, Wash U. cite contrary findings on Greitens book
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  St. Louis Labor Council encourages listeners to vote against 'right to work'
          Drebes:  Senate 18 preview:  GOP battle for Brian Munzlinger's seat
          KWMU:  Parson signs Missouri budget bills as state income unexpectedly goes up
          AP:  Parson signs Missouri budget that boosts school funding
          P-D:  With boost for education and worker salaries, Parson signs state budget X
          KC Star:  Planned Parenthood unhappy with state budget X
          AP:  Missouri among states in which Republicans are considering returning sales tax windfall to taxpayers
          KWMU:  Bridgeton Landfill to pay $16 million to settle state lawsuit over underground smoldering fire
          Missourinet:  Hawley announces settlement in Bridgeton landfill case
          P-D:  Bridgeton Landfill agrees to pay $16 million to settle 2013 lawsuit X
          AP:  Hawley settles suit with owner of smoldering landfill
          KC Star editorial:  From guns to abortion, McCaskill and Hawley should debate Supreme Court issues X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  The Wall Street Journal's hit piece on Mizzou was sloppy journalism X
          P-D's Kevin McDermott:  Tariffs could hopefully turn southeast Missouri residents against Trump X
          SNL letter:  Springfield septuagenarian disagrees with Eric Burlison on 'right to work' 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, June 29
       
The Missouri Times:  Hawley calls on McCaskill to debate Supreme Court issues
          SNL:  Hawley wants to talk about the Supreme Court. McCaskill's staying quiet, for now. X
          SNL:  Photo gallery:  Josh Hawley opens campaign office in Springfield X
          Missourinet:  Hawley challenges McCaskill to debate on Supreme Court nominee while in Springfield
          AP:  Republicans take aim at Cayman investments;  Comments from Jack Cardetti, John Hancock
          SE Missourian:  Man running as "Independent" for U.S. Senate brings self-promotion campaign to Cape Girardeau +
          Missourinet:  Senate passes farm bill;  Comments from McCaskill
          SE Missourian:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith wants to end chain migration, favors building wall +
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  SOS Jay Ashcroft talks about ballots, voting and marijuana
          KC Star:  Dark money groups that helped elect Greitens now facing FEC complaint X
          SNL:  Gas tax hike on November ballot gets boost from Gov. Parson in shift from Greitens' policy X
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air preview:  St. Louis Labor Council's Pat White to deliver anti-'right to work' messages
          Drebes:  Senate 16 preview:  Diane Franklin, Justin Brown, Keith Frederick and the impending Humphreys independent expenditure
          The Missouri Times:  Penman & Winton splitting practice, two new firms emerge
          Missourinet:  Parson to sign next Missouri state budget today
          Delta Dunklin Democrat:  Parson signs budget bill on port funding +
          P-D:  Fight over appointment of lieutenant governor heads to court next week X
          KWMU:  Uncertain future for efforts to ban lobbyist gifts in Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (R-Hallsville) sued for "permanently blocking [sic]" constituent on Twitter
          CDT:  Reisch sued in federal court for blocking constituent on Twitter X
          Missourinet:  Lawsuit against Legislature's Convention of States resolution tossed
          P-D editorial:  Waste, fraud and abuse in effort to cut waste, fraud and abuse:  MO DSS and McKinsey and Co. contract X
          KC Star editorial:  Poor and need a lawyer in Missouri? The public defender system is failing its clients X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri trooper in drowning case deserves to be fired 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, June 28
       
KWMU:  U.S. Supreme Court ruling won't directly affect most Missouri unions
          Missourinet:  U.S. Supreme Court ruling will affect Missouri unions
          Missourinet:  U.S. Supreme Court ruling last week has far-reaching impact on Internet sales in Missouri
          KC Star:  Newly open seat on U.S. Supreme Court puts pressure on McCaskill in key Senate race X
          Politico:  Trump's short list for Supreme Court:  Spanish Lake native Ray Gruender, others
          Brownfield Ag News:  Blunt:  Broadband expansion vital part of Senate farm bill
          P-D:  At public meeting, federal scientists sit through hours of chatter about Coldwater Creek report;  Longtime activist calls report "golden ticket" to "other resources"
          KMBC:  What would 'right to work' mean for Missouri?
          KMIZ:  Fact-checking anti-'right to work' ad:  Union group misleads on jobs, wages
          KC Star:  Sarah Palin urges support for Tony Monetti in GOP's U.S. Senate primary X
          Drebes:  Senate 14 preview:  Joe Adams vs. Sharon Pace
          Columbia Missourian:  Eapen Thampy's Better Way Missouri draws bipartisan crowd to show support for legalizing medical marijuana
          KWMU:  Parson pushes for voter approval of Missouri gas-tax increase
          The Missouri Times:  Schmitt continues pushing for changes to state pensions
          Missourinet:  Sen. Gary Romine (R-Farmington) seeks to replace Kehoe as majority floor leader
          The Missouri Times:  Opioid deaths in Missouri increased at slower rate than previous year
          KC Star:  Trooper in Lake of the Ozarks drowning death should not have been fired, judge rules X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  Week of June 27, 2018
          KC Star editorial:  With Justice Kennedy's retirement, McCaskill-Hawley race takes on new urgency X
          P-D op-ed:  Wash U. Medical School's Adie Wilson-Poe:  Cannabis could cure Missouri's opioid problem X
          P-D letter:  Florissant sexagenarian says 'right to work' will turn Missouri into Upton Sinclair's "jungle" 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, June 27
       
KWMU:  McCaskill highlights plight of nail company to illustrate tariff challenges
          SNL:  Billy Long, Josh Hawley, Campaign Life Missouri's Sam Lee laud 'pro-life' Supreme Court decisions, but there could be a catch X
          KWMU:  Legal Roundtable:  Bryan Cave's Barbara Smith, others discuss SCOTUS decisions, Stockley suit
          The Missouri Times:  James Klahr departing from Missouri Ethics Commission
          Drebes:  As August 7 approaches, watch for independent expenditures
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri GOP launches ad against Galloway in race for state auditor
          Missourinet:  Parson supports state employee pay increases
          Missourinet:  Nasheed asks Parson for money to fight urban homicides
          Missourinet:  Poor-performing KC charter school, set to close this week, sues to stay open
          Missourinet:  Ameren, opponents disagree over rate caps and grid modernization
          KC Star editorial:  Farm bill should cap subsidies for rich farmers, including Rep. Vicky Hartzler X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri could see a sales tax windfall X
          P-D editorial:  The law's the law. If Greitens broke it, justice still must be served. X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  University of Missouri Extension taking the lead on wind energy debate X
          KC Star op-ed:  State Auditor Nicole Galloway:  Don't give up on dark money's corrupting influence in Missouri politics X
          P-D letter:  University City man wants Lacy Clay to convince Maxine Waters to drop the unhinged histrionics X
          SNL letter:  LGBTQIA* activist says 'right to work' is bad for his community 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, June 26
       
SE Missourian:  Cape business lays off 4 in response to tariff-affected Poplar Bluff nail company +
          Missourinet:  Southeast Missouri company downsizes in response to business decline from major nail company
          The Missouri Times:  McCaskill discusses choking at caucus luncheon and pain from receiving Heimlich
          KC Star:  After Democrats' Sunshine request, Hawley campaign paid for third-party review of 19,000 documents X
          KWMU:  Legal Roundtable preview:  Bryan Cave's Barbara Smith, others discuss SCOTUS activity, Jason Stockley suit
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Supreme Court affirms decision to bar Curtis' state Senate bid
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court upholds decision that Democrat failed to prove wrongdoing when prevented from filing for office
          Drebes:  Missouri Ethics Commission dismisses complaints against Hawley, Schaaf's son
          SNL:  Barnes:  Eric Greitens' nonprofit was 'criminal enterprise' X
          The Missouri Times:  Barnes says House committee not 'appropriate entity for further investigation into Greitens,' will file MEC complaint
          KWMU:  House committee ends investigation of Greitens, but Barnes will file ethics complaint
          Missourinet:  Barnes issues letter announcing Missouri Ethics Commission complaint about Greitens and completion of House committee's work
          AP:  Leader of House review of Greitens to file ethics complaint
          P-D:  Greitens committed 'impeachable offenses,' nonprofit was 'a criminal enterprise from inception,' letter says X
          P-D:  Barnes highlights likelihood of literary fraud in Greitens' book of "letters";  Former governor's military pal stands by Greitens' version of manuscript story X
          Missourinet:  House Superminority Leader Gail McCann Beatty (D-Kansas City) wants interim committee to continue investigation of Greitens
          The Missouri Times:  St. Louis attorney suing A New Missouri for records
          JCNT:  Hanaway rejects separate A New Missouri lawsuit X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Great Flood of '93 retrospective:  Audio from Gov. Carnahan's visit to Brunswick
          KWMU:  Missouri Dept. of Conservation biologists work to control invasive hydrilla plant
          KWMU:  After federal report on Coldwater Creek, some activists still aren't satisfied;  Area woman shares epidemiological theory about dust, showering and lungs
          KC Star editorial:  After 'crimes, misconduct and moral turpitude,' it's time to hold Greitens accountable X
          Priddy:  Online sales tax decision:  A gift, if we want it
          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, June 25
       
KWMU:  Missouri Democrats, unions join forces against 'right to work' and to help McCaskill, Galloway
          KC Star:  Unions give big to block 'right to work' in expensive Missouri ballot initiative race X
          KC Star:  Anti-Trump rally draws hundreds;  Liberal brings "F@CK THIS" sign to event featuring children X
          KCUR:  Anti-Trump activists rally in Midtown
          Missourinet:  Libla says U.S. should tax imports on finished goods
          KC Star:  Kander confirms bid for Kansas City mayor X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Lowell Pearson talks legal issues around lt. gov. appointment, online sales tax, more;  Panel of Pat Dougherty, Franc Flotron, Gregg Keller, Renew Missouri's James Owen talk Parson, infrastructure spending, McCaskill, more
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Harry Roberts hits the airwaves, criticizes Tony Luetkemeyer in GOP state Senate primary X
          Missourinet:  Parson signs five bills, but 61 still await his attention
          Missourinet:  Former Mamtek CEO paroled;  Missouri prosecutors say he scammed investors out of millions
          SE Missourian editorial:  Vargas contract extension a good move by regents +
          KC Star's Melinda Henneberger:  On migrant families, McCaskill and Hawley finally find an issue worth arguing over 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, June 24
       
KWMU:  Trade tensions send waves through Missouri;  McCaskill hopes for possible opening to connect with rural voters
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air preview:  Great Rivers Habitat Alliance's David Stokes, others to discuss river and floodplain policy
          CDT:  Liberal "John Brown Gun Club" part of antifa movement X
          Columbia Missourian:  Black women organize 'Sister to Sister' chat group to discuss political issues;  Caucasoid woman seeking to fill Dem ballot slot against Hartzler attends, says she wants to represent black issues "in Congress"
          JCNT:  Kehoe talks about transition to statewide job X
          P-D:  St. Louis union members mobilize against 'right to work' X
          JCNT:  Five Republicans, one Democrat seek to succeed Bernskoetter in House X
          Drebes:  No primary opposition for Corlew's re-election
          SE Missourian:  U.S. Supreme Court ruling may eliminate need for use tax +
          CDT:  Local landscape uncertain after sales tax ruling X
          KWMU:  Opioid-related deaths in St. Louis region rose again in 2017
          SNL:  Hawley's audit finds more untested rape kits X
          Columbia Missourian:  State approves permit for Cooper County CAFO
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Book sees newspaper letters to the editor as vital to democracy X
          Horrigan:  Farewell column;  Post-Dispatch veteran retires, leaves editorial board X
          P-D letter:  Mehlville union member opposes 'right to work' X
          P-D letter:  Manchester liberal disagrees with Ashcroft on voter ID X
          P-D letter:  League of Women Voters septuagenarian disagrees with Ashcroft on voter ID 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, June 23
       
KWMU:  Sen. Kamala Harris keynotes local NAACP dinner;  California liberal praises McCaskill
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Immigration policy debate:  Three (3) Trump critics, zero (0) Trump supporters
          Washington Missourian:  Anti-Trump protest outside Luetkemeyer's office draws fewer than 10 X
          The Missouri Times:  Pruitt, Perdue cancel Friday's event in Northwest Missouri as renewable fuels policy is reassessed
          Clayton Times:  Missouri to host National Election Security Summit in September
          P-D's Chuck Raasch:  McCaskill faces a familiar problem:  Her and her husband's wealth X
          KC Star:  Environmental Working Group criticizes Hartzler for family farm's commodity subsidies X
          JCNT:  Pro-life supporters participate in national bridge event X
          Delta Dunklin Democrat:  Area senior citizen named National Federation of Democratic Women 2018 Member of the Year;  Dorothy Adams joined Democratic Party in Bootheel decades ago, believes in God and respects the American Flag +
          AP:  Parson signs first 5 bills as governor
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of June 18, 2018
          KWMU:  To appoint, or not to appoint a lieutenant governor:  A Missouri question for nearly 50 years
          Drebes:  Governor Gibbons:  Kirkwood state Senator served as acting governor in 2006 when Blunt was out of the country and Kinder was out of state
          SNL:  Missouri may start taxing online purchases from out-of-state retailers X
          JCNT:  State to expand virtual K-12 course access X
          Columbia Missourian:  Steelman punches back at Wall Street Journal editorial criticizing MU
          Missourinet:  Environmental group claims "clean energy" jobs are growing in Missouri;  Comments from Environmental Entrepreneurs' Tony Wyche
          Missourinet:  Nasheed calls on St. Louis-area residents to protest new movie called "SuperFly"
          Washington Post:  Four years after Michael Brown assaulted police officer Darren Wilson, some Ferguson residents unhappy about distribution of largesse X
          KC Star editorial:  Missourians deserve to know if Greitens administration violated open records laws X
          P-D editorial briefs:  Hawley residency question answered 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, June 22
       
The Missouri Times:  Democratic presidential candidate Jason Kander considering KC mayoral bid
          KC Star:  Kander eyeing run for KC mayor;  Comments from Jeremy LaFaver, others X
          The Missouri Times:  Scott Pruitt, Sonny Perdue to discuss biofuels in Northwest Missouri today
          JCNT:  Area farmers praise passage of House farm bill X
          Daily American Republic:  McCaskill announces nail manufacturer's layoffs to make point about Trump tariffs +
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air preview:  Three (3) guests to lament horror of Trump's migrant policy
          Missourinet:  Parson meets with Trump
          P-D:  Parson says first meeting with Trump was successful one X
          Drebes:  How and why Mike Parson's fresh air removes the foul stench of Greitens' gubernatorial arrogance
          Missourinet:  Parson responds to Missouri Democratic Party's lawsuit over Kehoe appointment
          Missourinet:  UM System President Mun Choi meets with Parson, emphasizes jobs, research and health care
          The Missouri Times:  Supreme Court ruling paves way for Missouri to collect online sales tax with lawmaker action
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the PSC:  June 20, 2018
          P-D:  Hundreds of pregnant women hospitalized in Missouri the past two years for opioid abuse X
          Obituary:  Kit Bond veteran Mary Beth Dobbs;  Memorial service to be held Wednesday
          P-D editorial:  Now's the time for Mike Parson to show Missourians what kind of leader he is, and he should start by criticizing President Trump X
          JCNT editorial:  Kehoe a wise choice for lieutenant governor X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Lawsuit over Parson's lt. gov. appointment a mistake by Missouri Democratic Party X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri COO Drew Erdmann costs taxpayers $125,000. Gov. Parson should let him go. X
          CDT editorial:  Missouri's abortion restrictions are punishment, not prevention X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  In 2017, State Treasurer Eric Schmitt returned more unclaimed property to taxpayers than any previous treasurer's first year X
          P-D's David Nicklaus:  From nails to soybeans, Missouri is feeling the effects of tariffs 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, June 21
       
AP:  McCaskill's tax-practice taboo is haven for husband
          Missourinet:  McCaskill uses Poplar Bluff business to highlight opposition to Trump tariffs
          SNL:  Anti-Trump protesters gather outside Blunt's office, complain about migrant policy X
          KC Star:  Anti-Trump activists congregate outside Blunt's KC office X
          Missourinet:  Judge says Hawley can live outside Jefferson City;  Some Democrats had made issue of "reside at the seat of government" language
          The Missouri Times:  Ashcroft calls voter fraud 'exponentially greater threat than hacking' during U.S. Senate hearing
          KC Star:  Voter fraud much greater threat than election hacking, Jay Ashcroft says X
          P-D:  Blunt hearing on election cyberthreats evolves into Ashcroft-led discussion of voter fraud X
          The Missouri Times:  St. Louis to host National Election Security Summit in September
          Missourinet:  Missouri Foundation for Health provides $1 million grant to Springfield health provider to tackle opioid abuse;  Comments from Hartzler
          Missourinet:  Wash U., Mizzou profs weigh in on Supreme Court's punt on gerrymandering
          SE Missourian:  Voters' forum focuses on pros, cons of 'right to work' ballot measure +
          The Missouri Times:  Judge rules against Courtney Curtis' attempt to get on Democratic ballot in SD 14 race
          Drebes:  House 86:  Will the Clay machine torpedo Chappelle-Nadal?
          The Missouri Times:  Parson headed to D.C. to meet with President Trump, Cabinet members
          P-D:  Parson, St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger discuss public safety, jobs, Bi-State in brief meeting X
          Missourinet:  State Treasurer Eric Schmitt:  One in ten Missourians have unclaimed property
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Department of Conservation uses shallow waters at Schell Lake to kill large number of invasive carp
          P-D:  Galloway gives Kinloch fire district 'poor rating' from Missouri auditor after officials' theft of district money X
          KC Star editorial:  Jay Ashcroft is dead wrong about voter fraud and election hacking X
          P-D op-ed:  Normandy Schools Collaborative Superintendent Charles Pearson:  Response to Show-Me Institute's James Shuls' piece on inflated test sores X
          P-D letter:  In key Sunshine Law case, Republican politics prevails over transparency X
          P-D letter:  Area woman says 'right to work' is a conspiracy by "white male CEOs" to oppress women X
          SE Missourian letter:  David Steelman:  Wall Street Journal misses the story about Mizzou, strategic reallocation +
          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, June 20
       
KC Star:  McCaskill open to GOP plans to end family separation, but says Trump could fix now X
          SNL:  Area liberals to protest outside Blunt, Long offices today X
          KC Star:  McCaskill's husband invested $1 million in hedge fund set up in Caymans X
          The Missouri Times:  Voter fraud takes spotlight in U.S. Senate committee;  Jay Ashcroft to testify
          Missourinet:  Ashcroft, Shane Schoeller to testify on Capitol Hill today about election infrastructure
          The Missouri Times:  Democrats seek to block Kehoe's appointment, file suit calling for special election
          KWMU:  Missouri Democratic Party sues over lieutenant governor appointment
          Missourinet:  Missouri Democratic Party seeks to block appointment of Kehoe
          AP:  Missouri Democrats sue over lieutenant governor appointment
          P-D:  Missouri Democrats file suit challenging appointment of lieutenant governor X
          Missourinet:  Ron Richard supports Parson's move to fill lt. gov position
          The Missouri Times:  Supporters of fuel tax hope voters are more open to idea
          P-D:  Judge dismisses Courtney Curtis' bid to run for state Senate;  Missouri Democratic Party barred Democratic state rep from the race X
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Shawn Rhoads (R-West Plains) resigns from Missouri House
          Missourinet:  Rep. Shawn Rhoads resigns
          AP:  Missouri lawmaker who helped investigate Greitens resigns
          The Missouri Times:  Pedroli claims text proves Confide was used to conduct state business
          KWMU:  Lawsuit over use of Confide app moves forward, with limitations
          AP:  Judge sets limits on evidence in Greitens Confide case
          KWMU:  Obamacare advocates unhappy over states' lack of Medicaid expansion
          P-D:  St. Louis County Council calls for federal, state investigations into Northwest Plaza deal X
          Riverfront Times:  Post-Dispatch layoffs claim 5 more in newsroom;  Mike Faulk, health care advocate/reporter Samantha Liss, Bryce Gray among those let go
          P-D editorial:  In the leadership test on migrants, Blunt passes - and Hawley fails badly X
          KC Star editorial:  Gov. Parson wants to spend a day in Kansas City. Here's a suggested itinerary. X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri's tax cuts to blame for shortage of prison guards X
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Vote "No" on 'right to work'
          SE Missourian's Jon Rust:  The collateral damage of Mizzou's past failures +
          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, June 19   Juneteenth
       
SNL:  Elected officials, candidates weigh in on migrant melodrama;  Comments from McCaskill, Blunt, Long, Hawley, Austin Petersen X
          P-D:  Blunt weighs in on border hysteria X
          AP:  McCaskill, Blunt share thoughts on border dramatics
          AP:  Democratic ad slams Hawley over allegations against donor
          The Missouri Times:  Parson names Mike Kehoe as next lieutenant governor
          SNL:  Missouri has a new lieutenant governor;  Parson picks Kehoe to fill No. 2 role X
          JCNT:  Kehoe named lieutenant governor X
          Missourinet:  Kehoe appointed as Missouri's second in command
          Missourinet:  Kehoe:  "Public service is a privilege no one should take lightly"
          KWMU:  Parson appointes Kehoe as lieutenant governor
          P-D:  Parson picks Kehoe as lieutenant governor X
          AP:  Kehoe appointed Missouri lieutenant governor
          KC Star:  Parson picks his replacement as lieutenant governor, reopening a legal debate X
          AP:  Parson stands by contract for COO's former employer
          Columbia Missourian:  Parson profile:  From Wheatland to the Capitol:  How small-town values are shaping the new governor's role
          P-D:  Even a steak chalupa - a bit player in Greitens' Lyft stunt last year - drew scrutiny from Hawley X
          Missourinet:  Republican state senators lining up to fill leadership position in GOP dominated chamber
          P-D:  Long wait for adoptees seeking birth records in Missouri X
          JCNT:  State updating method to measure schools' success X
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Enterprise announces new board chairman, new members
          KWMU:  Federal report:  exposure to radioactive contaminants can increase risk of certain cancers
          P-D:  Report:  Coldwater Creek contamination may raise the risk of cancer in North St. Louis County X
          SE Missourian:  Southeast Missouri State to spend $150,000 to refresh brand with Ohio firm +
          KC Star:  California-based Juul Labs names Jay Nixon to advisory panel on underage vaping X
          KC Star editorial:  Blunt stands up to Trump:  Stop separating migrant families X
          KC Star editorial:  Parson makes a strong pick for lieutenant governor, and Legislature must clarify law X
          KC Star editorial:  How to fix Missouri's transportation dilemma:  Raise gas tax, then raise other taxes too X
          SE Missourian editorial:  Neal Boyd blessed us all with his God-given talent +
          KC Star op-ed:  U.S. Term Limits' Nicholas Tomboulides:  Don't ditch term limits under the guise of "ethics reform" 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, June 18
       
Missourinet:  Blunt praises federal tax cut, hears concerns about labor shortage during Jefferson City roundtable
          KWMU:  McCaskill, Hawley ramp up their sparring over health care
          P-D:  Gun-control promotional tour makes stop in St. Louis City X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Bill Eigel talks tax cuts, differences between Mike Parson and Eric Greitens, state Senate races, more;  Panel of Mike Hafner, Carpenters' Mark Dalton, state rep candidate Joe Patterson (R), NAACP's John Gaskin talk Parson, McCaskill vs. Hawley, Democrat Courtney Curtis' support of 'right to work,' more
          SNL:  For Missouri prisoners working with broken dogs, healing goes both ways X
          KC Star editorial:  Politicians should stop using social media platforms' 'block' feature X
          Messenger:  Missouri COO Drew Erdmann's former company wins Medicaid bid despite being 3 times higher than others X
          KC Star:  Missouri Influencer series:  Surveying opinions on transportation 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, June 17   Father's Day
       
P-D:  Blunt, Wagner share thoughts on Trump and Greitens X
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  GOP state Senate candidates tackle a plethora of topics;  Craig Redmon, Lindell Shumake, Nate Walker seek to fill Munzlinger's seat
          JCNT:  Three seek Democratic nomination for 6th District Senate seat X
          Drebes:  Help Wanted:  Spire seeks government affairs specialist
          CDT:  Some see move toward more charter schools in online course bill X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Dept. of Agriculture's Garrett Hawkins gives update on dicamba, 2,4-D monitoring
          P-D editorial:  Former Gov. Eric Greitens should pay his own legal fees X
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Peter Kinder:  Saving tax dollars;  Hopefully more with my resignation +
          KC Star op-ed:  Joe Bednar and Lowell Pearson:  We're of different parties, but agree that Parson has the power to name his lieutenant X
          P-D letter:  Hazelwood septuagenarian supports 'right to work,' says unions care only about keeping themselves in power 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, June 16
       
The Missouri Times:  McCaskill, Hawley battle over health care coverage
          NPR:  McCaskill, other red-state Democrats hope health care is an election-year lifeline
          Missourinet:  Hawley says Trump's progress on North Korea talks has been "monumental"
          The Missouri Times:  Jane Dueker's ethics complaint against Josh Hawley dismissed
          AP:  Missouri Ethics Commission tosses complaint against Josh Hawley
          KC Star:  Ethics commission dismisses Dems' complaint against Josh Hawley X
          SE Missourian:  Peter Kinder resigns federal agency post, concludes position unnecessary and waste of taxpayer dollars +
          JCNT:  GOP state auditor candidates pitch campaigns X
          Drebes:  Aaron Griesheimer, son of John Griesheimer, to run for Alferman's vacated House seat
          The Missouri Times:  Todd Richardson honored with Legacy Award by St. Louis Regional Chamber
          Washington Missourian:  Former Franklin County Sheriff Gary Toelke says Parson's experience in law enforcement will benefit governor X
          AP:  Galloway backs Steelman's decision to not pay Greitens' lawyers
          SNL:  Impeachment lawyer says Greitens shouldn't pay $153k bill X
          KWMU:  Greitens attorneys say state should pay their bills
          Missourinet:  Another savage attack on St. Louis' MetroLink;  Missouri House committee has been investigating safety issues
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Sarah Steelman correct to deny payment for Greitens' lawyers X
          CDT editorial:  University of Missouri must stand alone, not expect more funding from Legislature next year X
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  The publisher, the governor:  Bolivar Herald-Free Press' Dave Berry paints a clear picture of Gov. Mike Parson's humility X
          P-D letter:  "Road to Zero Coalition" CEO wants Missouri lawmakers to pass motorcycle helmet 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.



        Friday, June 15
       
The Missouri Times:  Hawley, Republicans criticize McCaskill for use of plane
          KWMU:  Hawley touts Trump support, says he is still investigating Greitens
          P-D:  Anti-Trump immigration protest snarls downtown traffic, interferes with working people trying to do their jobs X
          Drebes:  Teamsters pump $1 million into "We Are Missouri"
          The Missouri Times:  "We Are Missouri" launches first video ad against Proposition A
          JCNT:  GOP candidates introduce themselves at party event X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Lauren Arthur talks to Mannies and Marshall Griffin about state Senate victory, union issues, more
          P-D:  Missouri and Illinois legislators compete in first bi-state softball game at Busch Stadium X
          AP:  OA chief Sarah Steelman denies legal bills for lawyers of ex-Gov. Greitens
          Missourinet:  State won't pay lawyers Greitens hired for impeachment defense
          P-D:  Missouri shoots down bills from Greitens' taxpayer-paid impeachment attorneys X
          P-D:  Greitens era brought big changes to Missouri DNR - a place where legacy could linger X
          JCNT:  DNR:  Mokane water situation worst in 30 counties X
          SNL:  Why Peter Herschend wanted back on state school board X
          SNL:  Greitens appointee subpoenaed in Confide case;  Eddy Justice says he never used texting app to communicate with Greitens or governor's staff X
          The Missouri Times:  State Board of Education meets for first time since 2017
          Missourinet:  Missouri Board of Education's fresh start brings drastically different mood
          KWMU:  Missouri State Board of Education gets back to work
          AP:  Education board takes first action since being revived
          SE Missourian:  SEMO University seeks $13.6 million in state funding to renovate Art Building +
          Missourinet:  Rehder hopes to meet with Parson to discuss Missouri's opioid epidemic
          KC Star:  Missouri will ask for another REAL ID extension X
          The Missouri Times:  In reversal, Missouri's high court rules administrative remedies must be exhausted
          AP:  Missouri officials offer tour of Missouri State Penitentiary
          KC Star:  Hawley's office investigating Frank White's personal financial dealings X
          Kraske:  Here's how Parson pleasantly surprised a tough crowd in Kansas City X
          SNL's Steve Pokin:  Parson event includes media;  Reporters should be included in all "listening post" sessions X
          KC Star letter:  Kansas City woman takes issues with reporter Bryan Lowry's anti-conservative bias X
          JCNT letter:  Woman running as Democrat for state Senate disagrees with Kehoe on state merit 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, June 14   Flag Day
       
KWMU:  Trump, McCaskill tangle over her campaign use of private plane
          SNL:  'So phony':  Trump slams McCaskill for flying on plane as part of RV tour X
          AP:  Trump slams McCaskill for plane use during RV road trip
          P-D:  Trump weighs in on McCaskill's "RV" plane trip X
          KC Star:  Liberal D.C. group files suit against Missouri's voter ID law;  Legal team includes Marc Elias, general council for Hillary Clinton X
          SE Missourian:  State auditor candidate Kevin Roach makes stop in Cape +
          SE Missourian:  Parson touts need for workforce development, better roads and rural, broadband service +
          Clayton Times:  Parson wraps up statewide listening tour with stop in St. Louis
          KWMU:  Upgrading roads and bridges to be among Parson's top priorities
          Missourinet:  Parson on transportation infrastructure:  'We cannot keep kicking that can down the road'
          P-D:  Parson talks transportation tax, education, use of state plane
X
          SNL:  Parson answers questions about LGBTQIA* issues, religious liberty X
          CDT:  Parson backs higher education funding needs in Columbia visit X
          Columbia Missourian:  MU hosts Gov. Parson on his listening tour of Missouri
          Missourinet:  Parson looks to fill remaining Missouri Board of Education spots in 2019
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Sonya Anderson (R-Springfield) looks to chair the House Republican Caucus
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) joins race for assistant floor majority leader
          KWMU:  Missouri sues McKee over state tax credits
          P-D:  Paul McKee's Northside Regeneration accused of tax credit fraud in lawsuit by Missouri attorney general X
          Missourinet:  Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood being stripped before Parson signs new law
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  June 13, 2018
          The Missouri Times:  Pro-Obamacare group pushes for Medicaid expansion, cites study on rural hospital closures
          Columbia Missourian:  Hawley wants claims of civil rights violations against state in DeBrodie lawsuit dismissed
          P-D editorial:  Parson's education board appointments reflect a welcome new approach X
          KC Star's Tessa Weinberg:  Missouri's elected officials should stop using "block" tool offered by social media platforms X
          KC Star letter:  Overland Park septuagenarian wishes Kansas congressional delegation was as gracious and humble as Mike Parson X
          P-D letter:  Aligned VP Linda Rallo responds to P-D editorial that blamed legislators for workforce gaps 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, June 13
       
P-D:  McCaskill disputes claim that her RV tour of Missouri last month was more of a fly-over X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Hawley vows to fight 'anti-ag agenda' X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Video:  Hawley vows to fight 'anti-ag agenda' X
          The Missouri Times:  Barnes urges state to withhold payment for Greitens' two impeachment attorneys
          KWMU:  Barnes to Steelman:  Don't pay Greitens' attorneys
          Missourinet:  Criticism of Greitens' use of private lawyers in governor's office continues to mount
          AP:  Barnes:  State shouldn't pay Greitens' bills
          KC Star:  Barnes:  Greitens illegally hired impeachment lawyers, should pay them himself X
          The Missouri Times:  St. Louis attorney alleging A New Missouri in violation of state's nonprofit laws
          SNL:  Building roads, opening doors are top priorities, Parson says in Springfield stop X
          KC Star's Bryan Lowry:  Parson to reconsider bill to fund UMKC arts campus, restore funding to "Missouri Department [sic] Tourism [sic]" X
          The Missouri Times:  Parson establishes Board of Education quorum with two appointments
          Missourinet:  Parson makes Missouri Board of Education functional again;  commissioner search can move forward
          KWMU:  Missouri state school board finally has enough members to meet again
          AP:  Parson revives education board with appointments
          SNL:  Parson reappoints Branson's Peter Herschend to state school board X
          The Missouri Times:  Pardon does not allow convicted felons to run for elected office, court rules
          The Missouri Times:  Judge denies Planned Parenthood request for injunction, medication abortions still limited in Show-Me State
          KWMU:  Missouri's restriction on medication abortions can continue, judge rules
          Missourinet:  Judge's decision blocks Planned Parenthood from expanding abortions in Springfield and Columbia
          Missourinet:  New possible case of tick-borne virus renews Fitzpatrick's call for more details
          P-D:  St. Louis County ethics committee wants Hawley to investigate Northwest Plaza deal X
          The Missouri Times:  90 percent of Missouri buses approved by Highway Patrol inspection personnel
          SE Missourian:  Feeding deer in Bollinger, Cape and Perry Counties prohibited soon to help curb spread of CWD +
          P-D:  Glendale bus stop decorated by girl with Down Syndrome is vandalized;  Caucasoid millennial females caught after spray-painting "Police Lives Murder" message X
          P-D editorial:  Parson, the anti-Greitens, hits all the right notes X
          KC Star editorial:  Parson is giving Missouri a desperately needed fresh start X
          SNL op-ed:  Billy Long:  Making critical investments in our military X
          P-D op-ed:  Wash U. gender studies professor Andrea Friedman:  On Bill Clinton, Eric Greitens and definitions of consent X
          KC Star's Jenee Osterheldt:  On decision to leave Kansas City and move to Boston;  Negative Midwest memories include reader feedback on columns, a supposed driving-while-black incident, other harrowing injustices 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, June 12
       
KWMU:  Parson promises new direction in tone but not policy
          SNL:  Mike Parson says he's ready to help Missouri move on from Eric Greitens X
          CDT:  Parson strikes healing tone X
          The Missouri Times:  Parson calls for unity and a fresh start in first address
          Missourinet:  Audio and transcript of Parson's address to joint session of Missouri Legislature
          Missourinet:  Parson:  'The welfare of the people will be my guiding principle and sole consideration'
          JCNT:  Parson urges a 'fresh start' in Missouri X
          Columbia Missourian:  Parson calls for unity and a 'fresh start'
          AP:  Parson:  'Time for a fresh start' in Missouri
          P-D:  Missouri's new governor offers 'fresh start' in first address X
          KC Star:  'Our wounds will heal,' Gov. Parson tells lawmakers gathered in joint session X
          JCNT:  Mid-Missouri lawmakers pleased with Parson speech X
          Missourinet:  Congressional delegation, minus Clay, meets with Parson
          The Missouri Times:  Grassroots:  The story of Parson and his longtime campaign treasurer
          Columbia Missourian:  Woman seeking to fill Democratic ballot slot against Vicky Hartzler draws fifteen (15) to campaign office grand opening
          SNL:  Woman challenging Mike Moon in GOP primary praises Barack Obama's "intelligence and passion," says priorities include "affordable housing and living wage jobs" X
          SE Missourian:  Former GOP state rep candidate Neal Boyd dies after struggle with health issues +
          Drebes:  Help Wanted:  Chiropractors seek lobbyist
          CDT:  Greitens panel done with special session X
          Missourinet:  Galloway still investigating Greitens' use of private lawyers
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway, Dixon call for Legislature to push forward with ethics and corruption-fighting legislation
          Warren County Record:  Rep. Bart Korman (R-High Hill) makes his case for sports betting in Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Meet Evergy, the product of Great Plains and Westar's merger
          SNL:  Big black bear found dead in Current River;  Missouri Dept. of Conservation suspects drowning X
          KC Star:  Fast-food workers complain about wages, make scenes in Kansas City and Jefferson City X
          Priddy:  Selecting a new lieutenant governor:  Lessons from 1825 and other reflections (1,594 words)
          SNL's Christopher Dixon:  Kudos to Hawley, lawmakers for doing the right thing on Greitens X
          P-D op-ed:  Rep. Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights):  Victims of sexual assault need legal protections, not humiliation X
          KC Star letters:  On 'right to work' and Eric Greitens X
          P-D letter:  Jefferson City man says merit system changes are part of GOP conspiracy to sabotage government X
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Area coed claims Missourians disagree with GOP pro-life policies
          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, June 11
       
Messenger:  The birth of a Twitter troll is disturbing side effect of Greitens saga;  In Missouri politics, cowards hide behind pseudonyms and lack courage to put their names on what they write X
          P-D's Chuck Raasch:  With Trump stirring the pot, the 2018 election is returning to 2016 themes X
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Guest Kit Bond on Mike Parson, Josh Hawley, transportation taxes, and the St. Louis Cardinals;  Panel of Reps. Tracy McCreery and Nate Walker, Strategic Capitol Consulting's Tommy Robbins, UFCW's Dave Cook talk Parson, SD 17 special election, more
          SNL:  Missouri lawmakers might drop investigation of Greitens now that he's resigned X
          AP:  Man convicted in 1997 murder received pardon from Greitens
          Missouri Farmer Today:  Missouri Legislature moves on taxes, ag issues;  Comments from Missouri Corn Growers' Samantha Davis, Missouri Soybean Association's Casey Wasser
          St. Joseph News-Press:  MoDOT seeking comment on roads program X
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Missouri Dept. of Conservation to stop selling federal duck stamps in offices across the state
          P-D editorial:  Getting a fuel tax increase on the ballot was the easy part X
          P-D letter:  Belton woman says virtual learning is right for some Missouri families 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, June 10
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill sings her praises in St. Joseph:  "I'm the hardest-working Democrat in the party" X
          CNN's Rebecca Berg:  Democrats using Eric Greitens to hit McCaskill's challenger in Missouri
          JCNT:  Mid-Missouri farming groups concerned about status of federal farm bill;  Comments from Missouri Farm Bureau's Todd Hays, Missouri Corn's Gary Marshall, Missouri Chamber's Dan Mehan, congressional delegation X
          Washington Missourian:  Filing now open for Alferman's state rep seat
          KC Star:  Missouri may be 'on the hook' for $150k for Greitens' private impeachment attorneys X
          KC Star:  Jeff Roe shares insight on Greitens' decision to resign X
          Washington Missourian:  Bourbon virus now listed as emerging illness in Missouri X
          CDT editorial:  Dropping of Greitens charges will reverberate X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri leaders must not let the dark-money investigation die X
          P-D editorial:  Voters should select a new lieutenant governor X
          McClellan:  Meandering thoughts on Greitens with bonus old-timey newspaperman anecdotes X
          SNL letter:  Springfield septuagenarian compares McCaskill to Marie Antoinette, urges voters to tell senator to "go fly a kite" X
          SNL letter:  Stockton octogenarian opposes 'right to work' 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, June 9
       
KC Star:  McCaskill on Trump:  'Constitution was written to make sure no one was above the law' X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Northwest Democrat Days attendees to hear McCaskill re-election pitch, Jason Kander presidential stump speech today X
          Washington Missourian:  EPA seeking priority list designation for former plant X
          Drebes:  Becky Dunn joining Dept. of Higher Ed
          SE Missourian:  Chris Limbaugh stepping down as prosecutor to take job with Gov. Parson +
          Missourinet:  Consensus could be building around Mike Kehoe to fill vacant lt. gov seat
          KC Star:  Parson to meet with KC leaders during nine-city listening tour X
          The Missouri Times:  Special prosecutor declines to file further charges against Greitens
          Missourinet:  Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker (D) won't pursue Greitens on felony charge
          KCUR:  Greitens won't face charges for behavior during 2015 affair
          AP:  Prosecutor won't refile case stemming from Greitens' affair
          KC Star:  Baker declines to charge Greitens despite 'probable cause' for sexual assault X
          P-D:  No further charges against Greitens, prosecutor says X
          P-D:  St. Louis judge threatens to hold Al Watkins in contempt over gag order X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  June 6, 2018
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Update on Ameren's Mark Twain Transmission Project
          KC Star editorial:  Eric Greitens won't face criminal charges. Missouri knows the truth. X
          KC Star editorial:  Baker declined to charge Greitens, but she did right by the victim X
          CDT editorial:  A win and a loss in the Greitens saga X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri a lousy place to live if you're poor. X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) unveiled X
          SNL op-ed:  Billy Long:  Pulling out of Iran was right thing to do X
          SE Missourian's Lucas Presson:  Parson has opportunity to move Missouri forward +
          Messenger:  Despite what GOP legislators say, Missouri's education funding is unfair X
          KC Star letter:  Lee's Summit man suggests that instead of caterwauling about 'profiling,' scofflaws start following traffic 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.



        Friday, June 8
       
Washington Post:  Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao pushes to free air traffic control from "government shackles;"  Blunt says pilot training issue is holding up aviation bill X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill appears on MSNBC, talks Giuliani, trade, more X
          The Missouri Times:  Hawley, Jay Ashcroft to join Missouri dairy farmers for field day, June Dairy Month celebration today
          Drebes:  Greitens' campaign committee might - potentially - have suffered high burn rate due to billables from Jeff Roe and Austin Chambers
          The Missouri Times:  NAACP, others claim 'right to work' will disproportionately harm black workers
          Missourinet:  Missouri Democrats hoping Tuesday's special election has lasting impact
          JCNT:  Justin Alferman's new job causing changes to ballots X
          Missourinet:  Roger Wilson says having a second-in-command soon is important
          JCNT:  Confide hearing scheduled for June 19 X
          CDT:  Committee members surprised by dropped Greitens subpoena X
          JCNT:  Rep. Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City) speaks to Jeff City Chamber, recaps 2018 legislative highlights X
          The Missouri Times:  State roughly $4.2 billion under Hancock Amendment limit in 2017
          The Missouri Times:  MOSERS gets new executive director, Fitzpatrick joins board
          P-D:  Parson to announce school board picks next week X
          CDT:  University of Missouri to cut $45.4 million and eliminate 185 jobs on Columbia campus X
          KC Star:  MU eliminates 185 jobs, blames state legislators and enrollment drop X
          Missourinet:  For the third year in a row, Mizzou to slash its budget and jobs
          P-D:  Mizzou makes $45 million in cuts, including 185 jobs X
          SNL:  Pro-choice groups want Planned Parenthood to get more money;  Comments from seasoned feminist M'Evie Mead, Campaign Life Missouri's Sam Lee X
          SNL:  Missouri approves law to combat Anthem's controversial ER policy X
          KWMU:  Missouri's new coal pollution regulations designed to hold utilities accountable
          The Missouri Times:  New state law cuts and caps electric rates;  Ameren Missouri says customers should see benefits quickly
          KWMU:  Rape-kit rules intended to eliminate confusion, backlog for survivors
          KC Star editorial:  A pardon for Eric Greitens?  Gov. Parson, don't even think about it. X
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri Chamber's Dan Mehan:  Freight rail connections give Missouri an edge in global marketplace X
          Waters:  Missouri's racial-profiling histrionics:  Traffic-stop data doesn't prove a point one way or another X
          P-D letter:  Wentzville sexagenarian applauds Messenger column on dark money, says solution is to elect Democrats X
          JCNT letter:  Jefferson City sexagenarian castigates GOP legislators for "ambushing" Greitens X
          P-D letter:  Microsoft govt. affairs lead applauds Romine, Swan, Libla, Fitzwater, Bahr, Christofanelli, Rizzo, Wasson for STEM efforts 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, June 7
       
Bloomberg:  McCaskill co-sponsors bipartisan legislation for disabling terrorist drones in flight
          KWMU:  Parson continues meetings with local and state officials
          The Missouri Times:  Parson to host meet-and-greet on June 11
          The Missouri Times:  Robert Knodell accepts role as Parson's deputy chief of staff, pens letter to HRCC members
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri House drops lawsuit against pro-Greitens groups
          Missourinet:  Missouri House committee probing Greitens drops subpoenas, for now
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri vs. Illinois:  Legislators face off in first-ever softball matchup
          Washington Missourian:  Bills from local legislators signed, become law
          SNL:  Eric Greitens agreed prosecutors had enough evidence to build a case, settlement says X
          KWMU:  In deal to resign, Greitens admitted state had evidence in donor-list case
          Missourinet:  St. Louis Circuit Attorney releases previously sealed portions of agreement with Greitens
          P-D:  Greitens acknowledged there was enough evidence for trial;  defense says admission 'means nothing' X
          The Missouri Times:  Pedroli argues Greitens leaving office doesn't absolve him of alleged crime
          SNL:  Missouri Southern State University faces $1.1M state penalty for 15 percent tuition hike next year X
          Missourinet:  Ameren's efficiency plan backed by clean-energy supporters
          AP:  Missourians granted pardons include abuse victims
          Missourinet:  Convicted murderer's fate on hold after change of Missouri governors;  Marcellus Williams broke into woman's home, stabbed her 43 times with butcher knife
          SE Missourian:  Report shows racial disparity of traffic stops in area, state;  Officers say they stop cars for violations, not race +
          KC Star editorial:  Help Wanted:  Missouri needs a new lieutenant governor X
          KC Star editorial:  Parson's shift on lobbyist gifts is a step toward cleaning up the Capitol X
          SNL op-ed:  Aaron Hedlund:  Greitens did not illegally request foreign donations X
          Washington Missourian's Joe Barker:  Greitens leaves X
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  The Greitens soap opera continues
          SNL's Steve Pokin:  MSU Board of Governors to consider removing Greitens from Public Affairs Hall of Fame X
          P-D op-ed:  Stephen Davis:  Office may be called 'light gov,' but it's still needed X
          KC Star's Bryan Lowry:  A Democrat won a Trump district by 19 points. Missouri Republicans should panic. X
          P-D op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's James Shuls:  Easier tests cost Normandy students the right to transfer X
          P-D letter:  Wentzville sexagenarian surprised to find himself agreeing with Tony Messenger on dark money X
          SNL letter:  Area millennial says 'right to work' will make life tough on him 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, June 6   D-Day
       
KWMU:  Missouri's U.S. Senate race kicks back into high gear
          Bloomberg TV:  State Treasurer Eric Schmitt explans how Missouri tackled its underfunded pension system
          The Missouri Times:  SD17 special election:  Lauren Arthur (D) wins bellwether seat
          Drebes:  Help Wanted:  Missouri Coalition for the Environment seeks communications director
          The Missouri Times:  Parson announces Aaron Willard as new chief of staff
          The Missouri Times:  Parson meets with mayors, announces new staff members:  Marylyn Luetkemeyer, Robert Knodell, Justin Alferman, Steele Shippy, Kelli Jones
          Missourinet:  Parson filling key positions;  Robert Knodell to be deputy chief of staff
          KWMU:  Parson meets with mayors, continues hiring staff
          Missourinet:  Parson indicates he'll get behind proposed gas tax increase in Missouri
          P-D:  Parson signals support for gas tax boost, names new staffers X
          CDT:  State education board sets meeting pending appointments X
          The Missouri Times:  Hawley:  Undisputed Stipulation constitutes an open record under the Sunshine Law
          Missourinet:  Sealed conditions in agreement to drop charges against Greitens can be disclosed
          The Missouri Times:  St. Louis County attorneys remain persistent in Confide lawsuit against former Gov. Eric Greitens
          JCNT:  Lawyer in Confide case seeks sanctions against state X
          The Missouri Times:  After years of legislative work, farmers can once again cultivate industrial hemp
          SNL:  Dead Missourians don't eat, but someone is spending their food stamps, auditor says X
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway audit finds inadequate prevention, detection of SNAP abuse
          KWMU:  Galloway:  Missouri wasting milions on incarcerated, out-of-state recipients
          Missourinet:  Galloway audit:  DSS fails to detect millions in questionable food stamp transactions
          AP:  Galloway criticizes food stamp fraud investigations
          Missourinet's Jason Taylor:  Legislature passes bill from "Rep. John Weimann [sic]" to let Medicare cover chiropractic care
          KWMU:  Changing needs, strategies in foster care as number of children in Missouri's system increases
          The Missouri Times:  Ameren Missouri proposes bold long-term energy efficiency plan
          KWMU:  Ameren Missouri proposes a six-year program to cut customers' energy costs
          Missourinet:  Transcript:  Bob Priddy's induction speech at Missouri Broadcasters Hall of Fame
          AP:  Death row inquiry on hold after Greitens resignation
          KC Star editorial:  Josh Hawley plays politics with Trump pardon question X
          JCNT editorial:  End of Greitens administration shouldn't be end of Greitens investigations X
          KC Star editorial:  Parson's views on LGBTQIA* issues are a cause for concern X
          KC Star editorial:  'Driving while black' in Missouri is becoming more perilous, traffic stop report shows X
          SE Missourian's Jon Rust:  Missouri takes a breather as Greitens moves on;  Analysis of johncombest.com headlines shows waves of media reaction +
          Waters:  Who knew what was to come of Eric Greitens? X
          KC Star's Bryan Lowry:  Arthur's victory provides hope that GOP grasp on Jefferson City has weakened X
          Messenger:  After 18 years, no progress in Missouri for those "driving while black" X
          Disclosure


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


        Tuesday, June 5
       
KCUR:  Partial transcript of Steve Kraske's interview with Claire McCaskill
          KCUR:  Partial transcript of Steve Kraske's interview with Josh Hawley
          KRES/KWIX:  Luetkemeyer evaluates possibility of Trump meeting with North Korean leader
          The Missouri Times:  Parson says he intends to work with current Cabinet members, is considering options for lieutenant governor
          KWMU:  Parson may call special session;  not looking to dump Greitens' cabinet
          Missourinet:  Parson talks cabinet, will meet with KC Mayor Sly James today
          AP:  Parson praises Greitens' cabinet
          P-D:  Parson says he'll keep top agency heads hired by Greitens X
          Washington Missourian:  Justin Alferman will serve in Parson administration X
          The Missouri Times:  Alferman leaving House to join Parson's team as legislative director
          Missourinet:  Parson:  I don't like the state of Missouri being without a lieutenant governor
          Missourinet:  Does Missouri need a lieutenant governor ASAP?  Opinions vary.
          KRCG:  Former Missouri Gov. Roger Wilson has high hopes for Mike Parson
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Conservatives Jim Lembke and Rob Schaaf, along with liberal Sean Nicholson, talk to Rosenbaum about "Clean Missouri" initiative
          The Missouri Times:  Marc Ellinger, Stephanie Bell branch out into their own practice
          KC Star:  "The Influencer Series" to offer political and policy thoughts ahead of elections;  Panel to feature ideas from Scott Charton, Bob Holden, John Hancock, James Harris, Gregg Keller, Dan Mehan, Roy Temple, Jane Dueker, John Danforth's ghostwriters, others X
          AP:  Missouri revenue up 2.1 percent compared to last year
          The Missouri Times:  Sanctions sought in Confide lawsuit for 'unaffirmed answers' by Greitens' defense
          Missourinet:  Hearing set for Greitens' attorney to argue against turning over documents from A New Missouri
          P-D:  Should Greitens resignation agreement with St. Louis City prosecutor be released in full? Hawley asked to decide
          KWMU:  Planned Parenthood seeks to block Arkansas abortion law that could affect Missouri
          Missourinet:  Galloway to announce results of probe into Missouri's delivery of food stamps
          KWMU:  Urban groups unhappy with Vehicle Stops Report;  St. Louis City police reported finding contraband more often when searching black drivers
          Missourinet:  NAACP, others complain about traffic stops
          KC Star editorial:  Greitens is gone, but investigation into A New Missouri should continue X
          Washington Examiner's Emily Jashinsky:  Claire McCaskill struggles to explain why she wants a third term
          Priddy:  For posterity's sake, the investigation into Greitens must continue
          P-D letter:  Kirksville woman resents smugness of those celebrating Greitens' downfall 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, June 4
       
The New York Times:  Senate Republicans are newly hopeful about the midterms - for good reason;  Greitens' resignation deprives Dems of divisive tool
          Missouri Farmer Today:  Missouri Farm Bureau VP Todd Hays talks NAFTA, MO DNR and Dept. of Ag regulations, more
          Missourinet:  Parson continues outreach this week;  Cabinet meeting set for today
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Hoskins, Remole praise Parson
          Washington Missourian:  Lawmakers look forward to working with Parson, say Greitens' resignation was necessary X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Rep. Jim Neely (R-Cameron):  Despite "spin" from dramatic types, Greitens no factor in revenge-porn bill X
          Drebes:  Text of Morning Consult op-ed about SCR 43 and utilities' hedging
          KC Star editorial:  With Greitens gone, UMKC's plan for a downtown arts campus could be revived X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri educators must proceed cautiously with virtual learning X
          P-D letter:  Manchester conservative Richard Buckley displeased by Greitens and Gardner over resignation deal X
          SNL letter:  Local IBEW rep opposes 'right to work' X
          Disclosure


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



        Sunday, June 3
       
KCUR:  U.S. Senate showdown:  Steve Kraske talks with Claire McCaskill and Josh Hawley
          KWMU:  Gun-control march ambles through St. Louis City
          P-D:  Gun-control advocates congregate in North St. Louis City X
          Drebes:  What will become of Greitens' war chest?
          P-D:  Greitens' resignation will leave his dark-money mysteries forever unsolved X
          KC Star:  Profile:  Gov. Mike Parson X
          JCNT:  Legal experts disagree if new governor can appoint his successor as lieutenant governor X
          Washington Missourian:  Greitens' resignation result of plea deal;  Computer tampering charges dropped X
          KC Star editorial:  McCaskill vs. Hawley:  List of issues the candidates should be talking about X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Good luck to Gov. Mike Parson X
          P-D editorial:  Dark money giveth Eric Greitens, and taketh away X
          Horrigan:  Imagining how Eric Greitens learned his 'Republican' values X
          KC Star's Andy Marson:  GOP legislators wrong to oppose Dem proposal to study state's maternal mortality rate X
          P-D letter:  Self-described "ultra-liberal" wishes Parson success X
          KC Star letter:  KC sexagenarian celebrates Greitens' departure, wants Trump gone too X
          P-D letter:  St. Charles sexagenarian dislikes Greitens and Trump, wants voters to pass 'Clean Missouri' initiative X
          P-D letter:  Manchester sexagenarian says Greitens and family deserve privacy that has been given to accusers X
          SNL letter:  Springfield octogenarian says media deserves blame for forcing Greitens out, suggests paper rename itself to "Springfield Liberal Democrat" 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, June 2
       
The Missouri Times:  Veterans, guns and abortion framing Missouri's U.S. Senate race
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking:  As the Greitens World Turns, Part 13:  Season finale
          CDT:  Parson pledges 'honor, integrity, transparency' in governor's office X
          The Missouri Times:  Farmer, sheriff, lawmaker, and now, governor:  Parson takes the reins
          KWMU:  Parson becomes governor with high expectations - and heavy challenges
          Missourinet:  Audio:  Parson's speech
          Missourinet:  Audio:  Q&A with Mike and Teresa Parson
          Columbia Missourian:  Parson pledges "to bring honor, integrity, transparency"
          P-D:  Parson pledges fresh start as he is sworn in as Missouri's new governor X
          KC Star:  Mike Parson takes oath as state's governor X
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens issues pardons and commuted sentences hours before stepping down
          KWMU:  Greitens busy signing bills, issuing pardons in final hours of his tenure
          P-D:  Greitens pardons 5, commutes sentences of 4 more X
          Missourinet:  On last day, Greitens signs more than half the bills passed by the Legislature
          P-D:  List of bills Greitens signed X
          AP:  Greitens resigns in scandal, signs 'revenge porn' law
          AP:  Greitens enacts law against his alleged actions
          CDT:  Legal issues follow Greitens as he departs X
          The Missouri Times:  New information shows Greitens and 19 staffers used Confide app
          Missourinet:  Greitens ordered by judge to provide information concerning Confide app
          KC Star:  Fewer than 20 Greitens staffers used Confide app X
          P-D:  Judge delays decision on whether controversial Greitens nonprofit must turn over records X
          Missourinet:  Judge delays order calling for documents from Greitens' nonprofit to be turned over
          AP:  Parson replaces Greitens, but who replaces Parson?
          Drebes:  Impact of Greitens' resignation on Arthur vs. Corlew
          Missourinet:  Missouri voters to decide if gas-tax increase will be implemented for road upgrades
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Kathy Swan (R-Cape Girardeau):  Legislature approves tax cuts, pay raise and gas-tax ballot measure +
          Washington Missourian:  Productive session for local legislators as several bills sent to governor X
          The Missouri Times:  Hawley issues 2017 Vehicle Stops Report
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri mess:  What if a Democratic lieutenant governor were succeeding Eric Greitens? X
          Phill Brooks:  Greitens failed to adjust to battlefield realities as governor
          Messenger:  An open letter to Missouri voters about Eric Greitens and dark money X
          KC Star letter:  Lee's Summit man glad Greitens is gone, says Kim Garnder still looks very bad X
          P-D letter:  Woman who ran in 7th Congressional District Dem primary criticizes Kim Gardner for focusing on Greitens instead of important urban priorities 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, June 1
       
June 2017 Missouri political news headlines
          June 2016 Missouri political news headlines
          June 2015 Missouri political news headlines
          Missourinet:  McCaskill, Blunt sign letter to address rural broadband coverage
          USA Today:  Hawley's campaign wanted Greitens to 'go away';  How much will governor's exit help Senate bid?
          Missourinet:  Lacy Clay hosts gun-control rally, promotes march set for tomorrow
          Drebes:  Help Wanted:  KCUR seeks reporter for Missouri government and politics
          SE Missourian:  GOP state auditor candidate David Wasinger calls for more transparency in state government +
          Missourinet:  Parson's office releases swearing-in ceremony details for today in Jefferson City
          JCNT:  Transition of power on tap today X
          KWMU:  Details announced for Parson's private swearing-in as governor
          P-D:  Low-key swearing-in ceremony planned for Missouri's new governor X
          P-D:  Parson has far different views from Greitens on controversial low-income tax credits X
          SNL:  As governor, Parson will reshape, restart state school board with six appointments X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Missouri School Boards' Association's Brent Ghan explains impact of Greitens' departure, expresses group's satisfaction with legislative session
          Missourinet:  Missouri Cattlemen's Association 'thrilled' Parson to lead the state
          The Missouri Times:  Greitens has yet to submit formal resignation letter to Secretary of State
          The Missouri Times:  Despite Greitens resigning, House says A New Missouri must still provide documents as ordered by court
          KC Star:  House says Greitens' campaign nonprofit must comply with judge's order and turn over records X
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway urges lawmakers to pursue influence of dark money and special interests
          Missourinet:  Schaaf on Greitens:  "Dark money wins."
          Missourinet:  Rep. Greg Razer (D-Kansas City) dissects Greitens' resignation speech:  "It sounds like he's admitting he's broken laws"
          AP:  Retrospective:  Greitens took a path less trod to win, lose office
          KWMU:  Gardner defends prosecution of Greitens, says it's cost $65,000 so far
          P-D:  Prosecution of Greitens may cost St. Louis about $100,000, Gardner says X
          Missourinet:  Greitens could still face legal trouble even though he's leaving
          The Missouri Times:  Dept. of Revenue says they're on pace to issue all tax returns more quickly than last year
          KWMU:  Federal education report aims to compare state standards;  meanwhile, the tests keep changing
          AP:  Lawsuit details alleged atrocities endured by disabled man at private care facility;  Missouri Dept. of Mental Health named as defendant
          Washington Missourian:  Bi-State Development Agency bill sent to governor's desk
          Missouri Farmer Today:  Water priority for commodity groups sees legislative action
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  May 30, 2018
          SE Missourian editorial:  Greitens did the right thing;  Time for Missouri to move on +
          CDT editorial:  Probe into allegations against Greitens should continue X
          KC Star editorial:  St. Louis City prosecutor made a secret, no-good deal with Greitens X
          JCNT editorial:  Greitens' undoing caused by his own actions X
          SNL editorial:  Greitens complained of 'forces' in his resignation. We should thank them. X
          KC Star editorial:  These people deserve the credit for ousting Gov. Eric Greitens X
          P-D editorial:  Nearly 5,000 untested rape kits signals ongoing injustice to Missouri victims X
          Kraske:  Missouri voters deserve some blame for electing too-good-to-be-true Eric Greitens X
          Messenger:  The ultimate outsider turns over reins of Missouri government to a man with a record X
          P-D op-ed:  Former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Wolff:  Office of lieutenant governor deserves some respect X
          P-D op-ed:  Former assistant AG Elliott Usher:  Hawley can show us why Greitens resigned - it's his duty X
          P-D letter:  Maplewood sexagenarian nonplussed by McCaskill's husband's investments X
          KC Star letter:  KC octogenarian dislikes Greitens' propensity to shift blame for his predicaments 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.



       



       

       


       E-mail John Combest at john {at} johncombest {dot} com.
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