johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - March 2020



    

       
       
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  U.S. Rep. Sam Graves talks stimulus spending and the unique civic fabric of rural communities
        Missourinet:  Video:  Gov. Parson's daily press briefing:  Updated stats, thoughts on potential pandemic peak, child care funding, more
        CDT:  Gov. Parson to extend rules;  China virus cases top 1,000 in Missouri
        P-D:  Missouri Press Association wants special exemption to visit Capitol for in-person briefings
        The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of coronavirus cases
        KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  Recreational marijuana campaign throws in the wet towel;  Casinos to remain closed;  More
        P-D:  China virus cases in Missouri now top 1,000
        KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) talks with Rosenbaum about federal stimulus, state budget, election-year criticism of Gov. Parson's orders, fate of non-coronavirus legislation, much more
        P-D:  Outbreak may mean bumpy roads ahead in Missouri with some transportation projects likely delayed
        JCNT:  Economic development aid network being deployed
        CDT:  Missouri Supreme Court:  Local judges will make decisions on release of prisoners
        KC Star:  ACLU, Missouri NAACP, Midwest Innocence Project, et al. want some inmates released from jails
        KWMU:  FBI warns St. Louis-area residents of cyberscams around coronavirus
        KC Star:  Missouri Democrats find candidate to fill ballot slot for Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe's re-election;  Alissia Canady received nearly 14 percent of vote in Dems' 2019 KC mayoral primary
        P-D editorial:  Not frightened enough? Local judges decide to release violent accused felons.
        KC Star editorial:  Sen. Ed Emery (R-Lamar) wrong to question conventional wisdom on coronavirus
        Columbia Missourian's Ken Midkiff:  President Trump full of lies, and Gov. Parson is "avoiding the press"
        P-D letter:  Webster Groves sexagenarian says Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina) should stop listening to Rush Limbaugh's radio show
        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, March 30, 2020
       
Missourinet:  Hawley calls for surge of personal protective equipment into Missouri hospitals
          Brownfield Ag News:  Blunt says Senate worked hard to include ag aid
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream
          P-D:  Two more die of China virus in Missouri as state tops 900 cases
          AP:  Henry County Democratic Party Chairman William "Al" Grimes dies after contracting coronavirus
          KC Star:  Al Grimes was the first death in Henry County from Wuhan virus
          Missourinet:  Gov. Mike Parson says fallout of coronavirus means tough Missouri budget cuts ahead
          Brownfield Ag News:  Ag Director Chris Chinn:  Food supply and farmers focused amid crisis
          Missouri Ruralist:  COVID-19:  3 documents you need to keep farming in Missouri
          P-D:  St. Charles County provides more information than St. Louis City on coronavirus cases
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Record flooding was the emergency a year ago
          Joplin Globe:  State funding for Neosho flooding buyouts smaller than hoped
          KC Star:  Lawmakers, hospitals debate MO HealthNet reimbursement proposal;  Comments from Todd Richardson, Missouri Hospital Association's Dave Dillon, state lawmakers
          KC Star editorial:  Gov. Parson's daily press briefings are self-pitying
          P-D editorial:  With gun sales rising, it's urgent that St. Louis City be exempt from Missouri Republicans' wild-west approach
          Messenger:  Illegal aliens, hiding out in St. Louis County trailer park, spread false rumors about ICE raids - while advocates complain that coronavirus information isn't printed in Spanish
          SNL letter:  MSU journalism prof says Gov. Parson's actions on coronavirus too closely resemble those of President 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.


        Sunday, March 29, 2020
       
Missourinet:  At least 838 people test positive for China virus in Missouri - 168 case jump from Friday
          P-D:  Widespread sampling leads to jump in Missouri's reported coronavirus cases
          The Missouri Time:  Updated county-by-county list of coronavirus cases
          AP:  Coronavirus claims 10th Missouri victim as cases increase
          Columbia Missourian:  Acquiring, distributing protective equipment is state's top priority
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  Missouri ships more than 200,000 masks to health workers and first responders around state;  More
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Public Service Commission requests utility workers be deemed 'essential' during coronavirus crisis
          SNL:  Coronavirus tests Missouri's strapped local health agencies
          P-D:  Hospitals in rural Missouri brace for coronavirus
          P-D:  St. Louis police traffic division quarantined after sergeant tests positive for Wuhan virus
          JCNT:  Coronavirus presenting new challenges for Missouri farmers
          Washington Missourian:  Spring flooding begins
          SNL:  NORML signals failure to achieve signature threshold for recreational marijuana ballot initiative
          KWMU:  How to get a REAL ID in Missouri - and why you might need one
          AP:  Maryville judge appointed to Missouri court of appeals
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Federal disaster declaration is good news for Missouri recovery
          JCNT editorial:  Gov. Parson should issue stay-at-home order
          P-D editorial:  Gov. Parson must summon the courage to usurp local control while there's still time
          KC Star's Bryan Lowry and Jason Hancock:  By not expanding Medicaid, Missouri lawmakers worsened coronavirus pandemic
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Renew Missouri's James Owen and Emily Piontek:  Missouri needs to bolster solar energy
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves septuagenarian expresses anger at Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina), other Republicans for expressing views on coronavirus
          P-D letter:  Washington sexagenarian demands KMOX issue public apology for broadcasting Rush Limbaugh
          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, March 28, 2020
       
Missourinet:  U.S. Reps. Clay, Cleaver, Hartzler, Luetkemeyer share thoughts on stimulus package
          The Missouri Times:  Video:  Sen. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) talks with Scott Faughn about coronavirus, plans to get lawmakers back to Jefferson City, more
          JCNT:  Cole County to invoke stay-at-home order in response to pandemic
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson mobilizes Missouri National Guard in fight against coronavirus
          AP:  Gov. Parson mobilizes National Guard for virus fight
          KC Star:  Gov. Parson mobilizes Missouri National Guard to help train, coordinate efforts in pandemic
          Missourinet:  Latest COVID-19 count in Missouri:  at least 10 dead, 670 people test positive
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  St. Louis County Executive Sam Page (D), other leaders praise federal stimulus package;  Gov. Parson mobilizes Missouri National Guard;  More
          P-D:  Inmates charged with violent crimes in St. Louis City and St. Louis County released amid spread of Wuhan virus
          AP:  Missouri Gaming Association says unregulated slots are a health risk
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri AFL-CIO criticizes Gov. Parson's efforts on coronavirus
          KWMU:  Galloway audit finds problems with how Missouri confirmed Medicaid eligibility
          AP:  AG Eric Schmitt appeals decision on Jonathan Irons;  WNBA "star" Maya Moore has campaigned to let burglar/assailant free
          KC Star editorial:  Is KC too small?  City may not make the cut for coronavirus aid in stimulus bill
          Phill Brooks:  Issues in covering coronavirus
          KWMU/Corporation for Public Broadcasting "Sharing America" racism reporter Andrea Henderson:  AG Eric Schmitt appeals inmate's exoneration, but WNBA "star"/amateur legal analyst Maya Moore continues brave fight against America's racist court system
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman angry at area Democrats and Republicans over President Donald Trump's daily press conferences, wants officials to "shout, shout, then scream"
          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, March 27, 2020
       
Joplin Globe:  Blunt, Long lay out details of economic stimulus
          The Missouri Times:  President Trump approves Gov. Parson's request for federal major disaster declaration
          Missourinet:  Highlights from Gov. Parson's daily press briefing on COVID-19
          Missourinet:  Audio:  Q&A with Gov. Parson
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  President Trump issues major disaster declaration for Missouri;  Gov. Parson, National Guard to partner on expanding hospital capacity;  STL County Executive Sam Page asks retired doctors and nurses to aid response
          The Missouri Times:  AG Eric Schmitt proposes relaxing licensing regulations amid coronavirus pandemic
          Missourinet:  Missouri Grocers Association, led by Rep. Dan Shaul (R-Imperial), working with AG Eric Schmitt to prevent gouging during pandemic
          SNL:  Missouri unemployment applications jump tenfold as US numbers hit record high
          AP:  Missouri swamped by unemployment claims as cases exceed 500
          KWMU:  Missouri unemployment claims skyrocket
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson expects more cases of coronavirus could pop up in Missouri prisons
          SNL:  All Missouri prison staff deemed essential
          Missourinet:  Briefs:  Missouri House Democrats' spokesman Marc Powers says Rep. Joe Runions (R-Grandview) now recovering at home;  Gov. Parson says Capitol is being cleaned extensively daily
          The Missouri Times:  How Missouri compares to other states during coronavirus
          KWMU:  Tale of the coronavirus tape:  Missouri Gov. Mike Parson vs. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
          SNL:  Under stay-at-home orders, gun stores still have freedom to operate
          Missourinet:  Rep. Wes Rogers (D-Kansas City) says Small Business Administration web portal moves too slowly
          P-D:  SEIU, AFL-CIO, et al. criticize Gov. Parson
          KWMU:  Union wants grocery store workers classified as first responders
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers praise UM System President Mun Choi for taking interim position at Mizzou
          KWMU:  C-SPAN honors local students in documentary competition:  Winners include "If 'Boys Will Be Boys,' Girls Will Be Sexually Assaulted," "The Psychological Impact of Gun Violence in America," etc.
          P-D editorial:  Bolster Missouri's economic system for the pandemic's economic victims
          KC Star's Melinda Henneberger:  Sen. Josh Hawley wants to investigate China's coronavirus cover-up? Yes, please.
          P-D op-ed:  UFCW President David Cook:  During a crisis, grocery store workers should be considered first responders
          P-D letter:  Bonne Terre septuagenarian wants state lawmakers to allow voting by mail, early voting for November election
          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, March 26, 2020
       
Missourinet:  U.S. Senate approves $2 trillion stimulus package;  Blunt pleased with bill
          SNL:  Here are three big things Gov. Mike Parson has said about COVID-19 so far
          CDT:  Missouri tallies 101 new coronavirus cases;  Gov. Parson seeks federal disaster declaration
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson requests major disaster declaration for Missouri coronavirus response
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson's daily press briefing:  In one week, Missouri receives nearly 30% of total unemployment claims filed in 2019
          SNL:  Tens of thousands of jobs lost as Missouri hotel, travel industry 'devastated' by coronavirus
          P-D:  Jobless claims spike in Missouri as leaders look to get benefits paid faster
          Columbia Missourian:  State legislature faces tough budget choices amid coronavirus complications
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  St. Louis County Executive Sam Page (D) talks coronavirus:  ""This is really a public health emergency. It doesn't have a partisan home."
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of coronavirus cases
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  Missouri Historical Society seeking sad stories;  St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner (D) recommends 56 inmates for release;  more
          P-D:  St. Louis city and county to release more than 140 inmates amid coronavirus concerns
          Missourinet:  China virus count in Missouri:  at least 8 deaths, 356 infected people
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri leaders note 'alarming' drop in child abuse hotline calls during coronavirus crisis
          JCNT:  Child abuse concerns rise amid coronavirus outbreak
          KWMU:  Confirmed coronavirus case at Fort Leonard Wood won't slow down training
          KWMU:  Expanded absentee ballots possible for Missouri's elections this year
          JCNT:  Missouri Supreme Court extends suspension of proceedings, allows for remote oaths
          Missourinet:  Union wants grocery baggers, pharmacy workers, others classified alongside first responders as "essential workers"
          KWMU:  Latest forecast predicts only 'moderate' flooding in St. Louis region this spring
          JCNT:  Medicaid expansion campaign says measure will appear on November ballot
          KC Star editorial:  From disaster request to press conference Q&A:  A list of things Gov. Parson has done wrong while leading state through coronavirus crisis
          KC Star editorial:  Another Missouri health crisis:  Don't hoard malaria drugs to fight coronavirus
          Jon Rust:  Some good news in the analysis of COVID-19 rates
          P-D op-ed:  Advice on Wuhan virus from a Missourian living in China
          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, March 25, 2020
       
Missourinet:  Hawley touts stimulus package, says it benefits the working poor
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt, Hawley weigh in on pandemic stimulus package
          Missourinet:  Video:  Gov. Parson's daily press briefing on COVID-19
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson:  No quick end in sight for coronavirus
          P-D:  Missouri opens door for more sick people to get Wuhan virus tests
          KC Star:  KC Mayor Quinton Lucas compares Gov. Parson to "Strom Thurmond and the Dixiecrats"
          P-D:  Confirmed China virus cases jumps to 255 in Missouri
          Missourinet:  Columbia and Boone County issue new stay-at-home orders
          SNL:  Springfield, county order residents to stay at home
          The Missouri Times:  Coronavirus in Missouri:  Which counties have issued 'stay at home' rules?
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  Inmate at St. Louis City juvenile detention center tests positive for coronavirus;  Gov. Parson declines ACLU request to set criminals free;  more
          P-D:  Urban juvenile delinquent tests positive for Wuhan virus
          SNL:  Amid pandemic, Missouri health authorities approve weed patients
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri expands access to food stamp handouts during coronavirus pandemic
          Columbia Missourian:  State extends, expands welfare handouts
          JCNT:  Child care centers remain vital amid closures
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Public Service Commission issues guidelines on certain cases in wake of coronavirus
          SNL:  Missouri Department of Conservation:  No fishing permits needed starting Friday
          Columbia Missourian:  Forecast calls for more flooding in Missouri this spring
          SE Missourian:  Cape Girardeau County Democratic Committee officer volunteers to fill Democratic ballot slot for Kathy Swan's open state rep seat;  Andy Leighton says his campaign agenda is coronavirus and "health care, health care, health care"
          KC Star editorial:  Conservative Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina) wrong on questioning government's coronavirus shutdowns
          SE Missourian editorial:  Census participation is vital
          P-D letter:  Brentwood woman says Planned Parenthood's corporate leaders are hypocritical on women's health and state orders
          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, March 24, 2020
       
Missourinet:  Video:  Gov. Parson's briefing on COVID-19
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Capitol, state offices shutter as positive coronavirus cases rise
          JCNT:  Missouri State Capitol, state office buildings to close to public
          Missourinet:  Missouri Capitol closes due to coronavirus;  15,000 state employees working remotely
          SNL:  Greene County reports first coronavirus death
          P-D:  St. Louis City and St. Charles County report first Wuhan virus deaths
          P-D:  St. Charles, Jefferson counties issue 'stay home' orders to prevent Wuhan virus spread
          SNL:  Area medical society rep wants Gov. Parson to issue statewide stay-at-home order
          Missourinet:  Missouri prisoners to make hand sanitizer for coronavirus response efforts
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Department of Corrections confirms inmate has coronavirus
          Missourinet:  Missouri prison inmate tests positive for coronavirus
          KWMU:  St. Louis hospitals likely won't have enough room to treat every coronavirus patient
          Missourinet:  There have been more than 1,000 Missouri deaths from flu and pneumonia this season
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri lawmakers request bars, restaurants be allowed to sell mixed drinks to-go
          Missourinet:  Missouri DSS Acting Director Jennifer Tidball:  Calls are down substantially to Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, and that's not good
          P-D:  Some Missouri conservatives skeptical of Wuhan virus hysteria
          KWMU:  Medicaid expansion campaign says it met signature threshold to appear on ballot
          SNL:  Medicaid expansion campaign says it has signatures to go on ballot
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Laid-off Riverfront Times music editor Daniel Hill talks about his working-after-layoffs stunt and costume gimmick, calls Gov. Parson "worthless"
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air preview:  Interview with new ACLU-Missouri Executive Director Luz Maria Henriquez
          KWMU:  Mobile office helps rural Missouri women escape attackers
          P-D editorial:  Journalists serve as public's eyes and ears as pandemic restrictions grow
          Faughn:  Gov. Parson's response to coronavirus may not be what urban liberals want to hear, but it's a very Missouri response to a global problem
          KWMU Executive Editor Shula Neuman:  We are putting in herculean effort to bring you the news
          KC Star op-ed:  SLU associate sociology prof:  Instead of wasting time on PDMP, Missouri lawmakers should simply expand Medicaid
          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, March 23, 2020
       
Missourinet:  Gov. Parson:  Coronavirus is not political issue;  Governor talks to legislative leaders in both parties
          The Missouri Times:  Gov. Parson calls Rep. Joe Runions (D-Grandview) in hospital;  79-year-old state rep says governor "understands the challenges our hospitals are facing"
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson calls Runions in hospital
          KC Star:  Runions still hospitalized
          Missourinet:  Missouri verifies 106 people with coronavirus
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of coronavirus cases
          The Missouri Times:  Fort Leonard Wood, Whiteman report positive coronavirus cases
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  New local numbers
          Missourinet:  Hawley wants probe into China's handling of Wuhan virus
          P-D:  Gun sales soar in St. Louis metro region during Wuhan virus pandemic
          KC Star:  As Chinese virus spreads, sales of guns and ammo surge at Kansas City-area gun shop
          SE Missourian:  Newspaper to beef up online offerings, temporarily reduce print days in response to coronavirus
          SNL:  Fewer Springfield students dropping out;  Nearly 250 enrolled in state's "Missouri Option Program"
          KWMU:  Ameren Missouri equipment supplier targeted in ransomware attack
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Gov. Parson should distance himself from lobbyist
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield woman applauds state lawmakers for protecting children from puberty blockers
          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, March 22, 2020
       
Missourinet:  Gov. Parson in Saturday briefing:  Extensions and waivers to help Missouri families
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson cites actions aimed to protect most vulnerable during health crisis
          SNL:  Gov. Parson orders statewide pause on gatherings of more than 10
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of coronavirus cases
          Missourinet:  Coronavirus count climbs to 90 in Missouri
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  New numbers;  Work requirements waived for SNAP handouts;  More
          SNL:  Greene County now has one more COVID-19 case;  CoxHealth 'soon' to have 120 ventilators
          Missourinet:  Three Missouri jurisdictions require citizens to stay home - with some exceptions
          KWMU:  St. Louis City, County issue 'stay-at-home' mandate;  state orders 'social distancing'
          KC Star:  Kansas City metro under stay-at-home order effective Tuesday as Wuhan virus spreads
          P-D:  U.S. Army solider at Fort Leonard Wood tests positive for Wuhan virus
          Missourinet:  Feds approve low-interest disaster loans for Missouri small businesses, non-profits affected by coronavirus
          Columbia Missourian:  Gov. Parson, state departments announce changes to state procedures for Wuhan virus
          SNL:  Missouri tax deadline delayed three months;  driver's licenses extended
          KC Star:  Missouri changes income tax deadline, child care, Medicaid, and driver's license rules
          P-D editorial:  Gov. Parson ends guessing game and finally closes schools
          KC Star editorial:  Mayor Quinton Lucas just saved lives with new shelter-in-place order
          P-D letter:  St. Louis City septuagenarian wants Blunt and Hawley to resign over coronavirus
          KC Star letter:  Washington, D.C. man wants Gov. Parson to make Missouri more like Beltway
          SNL letter:  League of Women Voters septuagenarian says coronavirus is a good reason to lower absentee-voting standards
          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, March 21, 2020
       
The Missouri Times:  Truman Building sees first positive coronavirus case
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Joe Runions (D-Grandview) tests positive for coronavirus
          KC Star:  State rep with coronavirus is 79 years old;  Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) says Runions is "over the hump"
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson describes coronavirus as "public health emergency";  Missouri now has 73 confirmed cases
          Missourinet:  Video:  Gov. Parson's media briefing on coronavirus
          SNL:  Gov. Parson to order statewide limits on gatherings over 10
          JCNT:  Missouri to ban gatherings of more than 10 people
          KC Star:  Gov. Parson to ban gatherings over 10 people
          The Missouri Times:  Updated:  County-by-county list of COVID-19 cases
          P-D:  Missouri cases of Wuhan virus jump to 73;  state's third death reported in St. Louis County
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  Metro offering "free" rides;  More
          KWMU:  St. Louis Public Radio General Manager Tim Eby amazed by web traffic to Wuhan virus update stream;  Station cancels spring pledge drive
          KCUR:  Some business leaders want Gov. Parson to order uniform social distancing
          KCUR:  Activists want Gov. Parson to force landlords to give "rent and mortgage holiday";  Area woman blames coronavirus for her poor financial condition
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri higher ed department lowers A+ scholarship standards due to coronavirus
          Missourinet:  Missouri says no standardized tests, makeup days this school year due to Wuhan virus
          KC Star:  Missouri officials:  No state testing for students, no makeup days
          SNL:  Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests canceled for year
          Missourinet:  Missouri eases some child care regulations during coronavirus outbreak
          KC Star:  A look at effects of coronavirus on rural Missouri towns
          The Missouri Times:  Ameren partners with United Way, others to provide $1M in energy assistance amid coronavirus crisis
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson orders flags at half-staff for fallen Springfield officer;  Christopher Walsh was shot by Joaquin Roman at convenience store
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Webster prof, students take aim at Trump policies on illegal aliens
          P-D letter:  De Soto sexagenarian thanks U.S. Reps. Jason Smith and Ann Wagner for support of flood legislation
          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, March 20, 2020
       
Missourinet:  Key takeaways from Gov. Parson's COVID-19 press briefing
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson to Missourians:  "We can conquer this. We can get through this."
          The Missouri Times:  Updated:  County-by-county list of COVID-19 cases
          SNL:  5th and 6th local coronavirus cases confirmed X
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson expects U.S. Small Business Administration to approve his coronavirus request for Missouri businesses
          SNL:  All Missouri public schools closed voluntarily, Gov. Parson says X
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  No statewide education assessments this year
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri schools will not lose funding for closing early for coronavirus
          KC Star:  Kansas City Public Schools still providing "free" food handouts to thousands of kids X
          JCNT:  State makes 'borrowed leave' available to its workers X
          KC Star:  Missouri waives work requirement for food handouts, expands Medicaid to Wuhan virus patients X
          P-D:  Democrats want state to waive rules for unemployment handouts X
          KC Star:  Missouri Republicans push back against Democrats' "doomsday" spending pleas X
          Missourinet:  Schatz optimistic about finishing budget
          The Missouri Times:  House passes supplemental budget amid coronavirus fears
          The Missouri Times:  How Ford, GM plants in Missouri are handling coronavirus
          Missourinet:  Geological drilling and testing to affect I-70 traffic near Rocheport Bridge
          P-D editorial:  Stop calling Chinese virus "Chinese virus" X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri needs a plan to stop the homeless from spreading Wuhan virus X
          JCNT editorial:  Tread carefully on bill to close public meetings X
          P-D family columnist/beauty-product reviewer Aisha Sultan:  St. Louis County, "Missouri Department of Health and Human Services [sic]" failing on coronavirus X
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Westminster University poli sci prof John Langton:  Missouri lawmakers should focus on gun control, "inequality," "despair," etc.
          Columbia Missourian's Julia Garlich:  Rep. Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles) wrong on marriage and domestic unions
          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, March 19, 2020
       
CDT:  Columbia sees first coronavirus death in Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri's first coronavirus-related death reported in Boone County
          KWMU:  First coronavirus death in Missouri is Columbia-area resident
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson:  Missourians must have plans to overcome COVID-19
          Missourinet:  U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner in self-quarantine
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update stream:  Rep. Ann Wagner self-quarantines
          Missourinet:  Blunt says many Missourians could get $1,000 or more from stimulus package
          The Missouri Times:  Gov. Parson suspends April municipal elections until June
          SNL:  Missouri House approves $40 million for coronavirus through June 30;  Democrats want to spend more X
          JCNT:  Missouri House approves Gov. Parson to spend federal funds in coronavirus response X
          P-D:  Missouri House OKs $40 million to fight Wuhan virus X
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers debate risks, rewards of increased COVID-19 funding
          Missourinet:  Missouri's Social Security offices halt in-person services
          P-D:  Extra screening and cleaning aimed at keeping coronavirus out of Missouri prisons, jails X
          KWMU:  Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) on coronavirus decisions, carjacking crimes, PDMP, more
          P-D:  Riverfront Times lays off staff members and suspends print edition, blames coronavirus X
          AP:  NAACP complains about treatment of black workers at KC VA hospital;  Shominicia Banks says deadlines for training programs are unfair, alleges "secret monitoring" of job performance
          JCNT editorial:  Gov. Parson correct to order Missouri casinos to close X
          KC Star editorial:  Gov. Parson in denial of coronavirus
          Columbia Missourian's Anna Peterson:  Mizzou coed shares musings on the play Hamilton, the American Revolution and a one-sentence tweet from Eric Burlison
          P-D letter:  Missouri Egg Council Director Jo Manhart:  Counties don't have resources to regulate pig farms X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis reverend responds to Post-Dispatch's complaints about religious beliefs and MONA 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, March 18, 2020
       
The Missouri Times:  Missouri Democrats, Republicans change convention approach over coronavirus
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson:  Missouri now has 15 confirmed casees of coronavirus
          AP:  Missouri reports 15 COVID-19 cases
          Columbia Missourian:  Gov. Parson says Missouri will increase COVID-19 testing, leaves many decisions up to local leaders
          P-D:  Gov. Parson working to expand coronavirus testing X
          KC Star:  Missouri to expand Wuhan virus testing X
          The Missouri Times:  House will not take up FY21 budget this week amid coronavirus concerns
          P-D:  With the Wuhan virus already hitting state revenues, Missouri House to delay budget vote X
          The Missouri Times:  An insider's look at how the Missouri legislative budget process works
          Missourinet:  Twice-daily Amtrak service across Missouri gets bipartisan support in House budget committee
          AP:  St. Louis Major League Soccer franchise gets $5.7M in state tax credits for stadium
          P-D:  Virus brings St. Louis region to standstill, but day care centers continue to bustle X
          SNL:  Missouri state parks open, but events suspended through April 30 X
          SNL:  Missouri Department of Conservation cancels organized events through April 15;  trails, ranges still open X
          P-D:  Missouri casinos closed at midnight X
          P-D editorial:  Coronavirus or not, officials don't have power to make their own laws X
          SE Missourian's Jon Rust:  Beware of fake coronavirus news:  Area man's malicious hoax about local coroavirus case spread by unwitting patsies +
          KWMU's Eric Schmid:  By forcing Americans to declare "male" or "female," U.S. Census makes area nonbinaries feel like they don't exist
          P-D letter:  Maplewood man responds to LGBTQIA* editorial, says kindergarten is too young to manufacture "gender identity" confusion X
          P-D letter:  Arch City Defenders intern demands Missouri lawmakers mandate paid sick leave 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, March 17, 2020   Happy St. Patrick's Day!
       
The Missouri Times:  Coronavirus in Missouri:  Where are the positive COVID-19 cases?
          Missourinet:  Two more coronavirus cases hit Missouri
          AP:  Missouri records seventh case of Wuhan virus
          Missourinet:  State to soon boost Wuhan virus testing of Missourians with certain symptoms
          SNL:  Plan changing how public meetings work in an outbreak moves through House committee X
          AP:  Lawmakers advance bill to limit public meeting access in outbreaks
          Missourinet:  Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) rules out Missouri House remote sessions
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Supreme Court suspends in-person proceedings in appellate, circuit courts over coronavirus
          SE Missourian:  Supreme Court of Missouri suspends in-person proceedings in appellate, circuit courts +
          Missourinet:  Public, private clinics with few coronavirus tests must choose most at-risk
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Area infectious disease physician explains why coronavirus testing is necessarily limited
          P-D:  Fight against coronavirus could get a $20 million boost from Missouri lawmakers +
          Columbia Missourian:  Sen. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia), Rep. Kip Kendrick (D-Columbia) seek to maintain school funding for schools that temporarily close
          KWMU:  'We do not have the answers':  K-12 schools try to figure out how to go online
          SNL:  DHSS:  COVID-19 won't delay medical weed program X
          P-D:  Complaint against former tourism director tossed;  Ward Franz accepted $1,330 worth of Boston Red Sox tickets from tourism department vendor X
          KC Star editorial:  Coronavirus outbreak should convince Missouri lawmakers to allow early voting X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  MOBIO CEO Kelly Gillespie:  Biosimilars offer savings for Missouri
          Columbia Missourian's Jack Kosowski:  Gov. Parson exaggerates value of his leadership in Missouri's job growth
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Ron Boyer:  It's time to bite the bullet and close Missouri schools
          P-D's Benjamin Hochman:  Finally, Missouri makes the right call and cancels high school basketball finals X
          P-D letter:  Northwoods woman hopes Lacy Clay, Ann Wagner, Josh Hawley lose more money in the stock market 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, March 16, 2020
       
SNL:  Coronavirus could change how governments meet during outbreak X
          SNL:  Gov. Parson, local officials urge pause on public events of 50+ as KC, STL issue bans X
          AP:  Gov. Parson:  Cancel or suspend gatherings larger than 50
          Missourinet:  Missouri to receive federal guidance this week on $13 million in coronavirus funding
          SE Missourian:  Proposal from U.S. Rep. Jason Smith targets price gouging during pandemic +
          SE Missourian:  Smith explains vote against Wuhan virus relief proposal +
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson calls for limit on public gathering size, with some exceptions
          The Missouri Times:  DHSS Director Randall Williams talks state's strategy for COVID-19
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri House approves Wuhan virus funding for local health agencies, other needs
          AP:  States turn to cash reserves as coronavirus strains budgets
          The Missouri Times:  Bill from Rep. Derek Grier (R-Chesterfield) could mitigate potential medical professional shortage brought on by coronavirus
          Washington Missourian:  Analysis:  Trump, Biden top local presidential primary ballots X
          KWMU:  Missouri won't gain or lose congressional seat after Census
          B Magazine:  Road to the future:  Proponents behind TransAmerica Corridor seek to transform how America uses highways forever +
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri officials awaiting congressional action on highway funding X
          SE Missourian:  Local lawmakers weigh in on prescription drug monitoring legislation +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Turnout for presidential preference primary is pitiful X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri should arrange the in-home care disabled children need X
          Phill Brooks:  Politicians can learn from past failures to control medical information 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, March 15, 2020
       
The Missouri Times:  Positive coronavirus tests climb to 5 in Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Coronavirus presumptive positive test at Clinton hospital
          Missourinet:  Clinton hospital reopens to patients
          SNL:  Second person in Greene County tests positive for Wuhan virus X
          Joplin Globe:  Gov. Parson confirms second Wuhan virus case from Greene County X
          KC Star:  A look at Missouri's quarantine powers X
          Brownfield Ag News:  AG Eric Schmitt joins amicus brief opposing California's Prop 12, says Missouri farmers and ranchers shouldn't be subjected to CA's burdensome regulations
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  It's time for Missouri to lasso illegal gambling X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Annual Sunshine Week editorial X
          SNL op-ed:  Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel responds to Show-Me Institute's Andrew Wilson on cost of Medicaid expansion X
          CDT op-ed:  A.T. Still University assistant prof:  Missouri should expand Medicaid X
          Waters:  Missouri conservation is envy of nation 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, March 14, 2020
       
The Missouri Times:  Gov. Parson declares state of emergency as number of coronavirus cases in Missouri climbs
          Missourinet:  As two new cases of coronavirus surface, Gov. Parson declares state of emergency
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson:  State of emergency was next appropriate step to protect Missouri's public health
          P-D:  Second Wuhan virus case likely in St. Louis County X
          SNL:  Gov. Parson declares state of emergency X
          SNL:   News analysis:  Gov. Parson:  Missouri 'well-equipped' for coronavirus X
          JCNT:  Gov. Mike Parson declares state of emergency in Missouri X
          AP:  Gov. Parson declares emergency, notes 2 new cases of Wuhan virus
          SE Missourian:  In the mail:  Census invites should be arriving soon +
          SNL:  Officials urge Missourians to complete census online X
          SE Missourian:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith to headline Cape Girardeau County Lincoln Day event tonight +
          SE Missourian:  2500 Missourians sign card for Rush Limbaugh;  Peter Kinder accepts card on Limbaugh's behalf +
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri sheriffs form new lobbying group, Missouri Sheriffs United
          AP:  NAACP calls voter ID requirement "racist," wants Jay Ashcroft to resign;  Secretary of state criticized KC Mayor Quinton Lucas for tweeting about elderly female poll worker's mistake
          Joplin Globe:  Rep. Ashley Bland-Manlove (D-Kansas City) proposes automatic voter registration measure X
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate bill to keep tabs on suspected mishandling of prescription drugs
          The Missouri Times:  General Assembly halts DNR commission's hazardous waste generator fee hike
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Lawmakers should oppose free speech bill from Rep. Dean Dohrman (R-La Monte) X
          KC Star op-ed:  Listen to Missouri AG Eric Schmitt and reach for the soap, not the silver X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Dan Cassidy and Eric Bohl:  Coronavirus fight shows need for broadband infrastructure
          SNL op-ed:  Rep. Craig Fishel (R-Springfield):  Video lottery terminals prey on poorest Missourians X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Holly Rehder:  Creating a 'safe space' for feral hogs benefits no one
          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, March 13, 2020
       
SNL:  Local coronavirus test likely presumed positive X
          Missourinet:  State's second likely case of coronavirus is in southwest Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri confirms second possible coronavirus case
          AP:  Missouri has second coronavirus case as cancellations grow
          P-D:  Second person in Missouri tests positive for Wuhan virus X
          SNL:  Missouri prisons suspend visits for 30 days X
          The Missouri Times:  Coronavirus and the Capitol:  How concerns, precautions are affecting state government
          Missourinet:  How coronavirus will affect Missouri's state budget
          Missourinet:  Missouri House will be in session next week:  Budget is top priority
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri House will return to work next week;  Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) driving forward on budget
          SNL:  Speaker of the House focused on constitutional requirement of passing state budget;  House superminority leader offers coronavirus spending wish list X
          Missourinet:  Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) issues coronavirus wish list:  Waive new handout rules, furlough certain criminals, force businesses to provide mandatory paid sick leave, etc.
          Missourinet:  Missouri Hospital Association's Dave Dillon:  There are laws we need changed in the short term to deal with coronavirus
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  The state of St. Louis print media:  "All-star panel" of Post-Dispatch's Gilbert Bailon, Antonio French to discuss Post-Dispatch and other topics
          The Missouri Times:  Galloway campaign using Eric Greitens as bogeyman foil for fundraising
          KWMU:  Prescription drug monitoring likely coming to Missouri
          AP:  Missouri could join other states in tracking opioids
          JCNT:  Missouri lawmakers consider repealing motorcycle helmet requirement X
          KC Star editorial:  Gov. Parson must declare state of emergency over Wuhan virus X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri lawmakers should pass MONA 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, March 12, 2020
       
Rosenbaum:  Breaking down Joe Biden's mammoth Missouri presidential primary victory
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Missouri Foundation for Health's Alex Rankin promotes group's 2020 census push
          KWMU:  As Planned Parenthood clinic awaits its fate, abortions in Missouri have virtually halted;  Only three babies aborted at Central West End clinic in February
          Missourinet:  Hawley outlines details about the $9.9 million in coronavirus funding heading to Missouri
          SNL:  Missouri opens toll-free coronavirus hotline X
          Missourinet:  Missouri launches coronavirus information hotline
          Joplin Globe:  DHSS:  Missouri has test supplies for coronavirus disease X
          KWMU:  AG Eric Schmitt sues televangelist Jim Bakker for selling fake coronavirus cure
          The Missouri Times:  Senate cancelling session week early due to coronavirus concerns
          SNL:  Here's what could happen if coronavirus hits the Capitol X
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri Senate cancels session next week
          Missourinet:  Mizzou journalism group exposed to coronavirus during New Orleans conference
          P-D:  Bayer employee tests negative for coronavirus;  Creve Coeur campus to reopen X
          JCNT:  Auditor Nicole Galloway:  Audit the office before legislative session's end X
          Columbia Missourian:  Senators want state auditor to be audited
          SNL:  Springfield Public Schools board opposes bill requiring members to live in different parts of the city X
          JCNT:  Missouri sheriffs looking for statewide representation X
          Missourinet:  Rep. David Evans (R-West Plains) proposes to clarify Supreme Court's bail rules
          SNL:  Missouri lawmakers endorse bill to end breed-specific rules for dogs X
          The Missouri Times:  House perfects bill banning breed-specific dog bans
          Columbia Missourian:  House members oppose dog breed discrimination
          SNL:  MSU Women's History Month event features "Me Too" founder Tarana Burke X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri National Guard crewman Dave Myers:  Sen. Blunt should support air medical access legislation
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri must apologize for slavery, then begin resourcing reparations 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, March 11, 2020
       
KWMU:  Biden easily wins Missouri's Democratic presidential primary
          Missourinet:  Biden sweeps Sanders in Missouri Democratic primary
          Missourinet:  Missouri's presidential primary draws 23 percent
          SNL:  Biden wins big in Missouri's Democratic presidential primary X
          P-D:  At election-night party, Bernie Sanders supporters vow to keep fighting X
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  Democratic watch parties:  Jack Coatar, Megan McBride, others celebrate at Biden party;  Human with dyed red hair comforts congressional candidate Cori Bush at Sanders party;  More X
          AP:  Biden wins Missouri's Democratic primary
          AP:  VoteCast:  In Missouri, 7 out of 10 Dem primary voters under 30 preferred Sanders over Biden;  Significant majority of Dem voters call economic system "unfair"
          AP:  Donald Trump wins Republican presidential primary in Missouri
          KC Star:  Missouri voters find 'comfort' with Biden, reject Sanders' call for revolution X
          AP:  McCaskill pleased with her new career appearing on MSNBC talk shows
          AP:  Urban poll worker can't find Mayor Quinton Lucas' name in voter database after searching for "Lucas Quinton"
          KC Star:  Mayor Quinton Lucas takes to Twitter to complain after poll worker's error X
          P-D:  Former U.S. Rep. Jack Buechner (R) dies at 79 X
          Missourinet:  DHSS Director Randall Williams testifies about coronavirus funding and St. Louis County case
          SNL:  Lawmakers encourage people to avoid non-business visits to the Capitol X
          The Missouri Times:  Coronavirus concerns shutter some public areas of Capitol;  lawmakers urge guests to avoid visits
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers say avoid Capitol over virus concerns
          KC Star:  AG Eric Schmitt says televangelist Jim Bakker pushes fake coronavirus cure X
          The Missouri Times:  PDMP finally finds path forward in Senate
          KWMU:  Missouri House agrees to end residency requirement for police statewide
          The Missouri Times:  Senate bundles legislation helping sexual assault victims:  'One step closer to providing justice'
          KWMU:  St. Louis City could join county's special education district
          KWMU:  Indians overtake Mexicans as largest foreign-born population in St. Louis area
          KC Star editorial:  Mayor Quinton Lucas should have been allowed to vote, even if workers couldn't find his name X
          P-D op-ed:  Ellisville woman opposes puberty-blocker ban from Rep. Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles), says daughter decided at 2 (two) years old she wasn't actually a girl X
          P-D letter:  Ladue septuagenarian mocks GOP lawmakers' focus on "small" issues, says they should tackle big issues like texting while driving 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, March 10, 2020
       
KWMU:  Missourians head to the polls for presidential primary
          KWMU:  Sanders banking on support in Missouri to get campaign back on track
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Bernie Sanders talks coronavirus, health care, and Trump;  Analysis from Jo Mannies
          Missourinet:  Bernie Sanders rallies supporters in St. Louis
          AP:  Sanders touts energy at St. Louis rally
          P-D:  Bernie Sanders, Jill Biden rev up supporters in St. Louis X
          The Missouri Times:  Biden to Missouri voters:  We're the campaign to defeat Trump
          CDT:  Jill Biden pumps up Columbia crowd in advance of primary X
          Columbia Missourian:  Jill Biden stops in Columbia in mad dash through Missouri
          AP:  Missouri primary could help Biden preserve recent momentum
          Missourinet:  Missouri House superminority leaders Crystal Quade (D-Springfield), Tommie Pierson, Jr. (D-St. Louis) decline to take a stand in presidential primary
          JCNT:  U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R) seeks re-election X
          KWMU:  St. Louis area election officials prepare for primary vote amid coronavirus outbreak
          KC Star:  Election officials take coronavirus precautions X
          KWMU:  St. Louis County Exec Sam Page:  Focus on coronavirus prevention, not quarantine breakers
          AP:  Missouri virus case shows 1 exposure can mean major response
          P-D:  Bayer closes Creve Coeur campus over concerns employee may have coronavirus X
          SE Missourian:  Missouri Veterans Home access restricted amid COVID-19 concerns +
          Columbia Missourian:  PDMP bill reaches Senate floor, encounters resistance
          AP:  Missouri Senate backs development-zone tax break for businesses
          AP:  Bill from Rep. Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles) would create a state department of defense
          Columbia Missourian:  Seclusion and restraint bill heads to the Senate
          AP:  Missouri Senate passes ban on marijuana-infused candy
          The Missouri Times:  Senate advances 'fix' to gas companies' infrastructure replacement processes following Spire court case
          P-D:  Spire seeks 'green light' to speed recovery of infrastructure investments X
          KWMU:  Jeff Smith talks about SLU's "second chance" job fair and value of hiring former inmates
          KC Star editorial:  Use caution before signing Missouri recreational marijuana petition X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Gay couple, raising two boys as girls, opposes bill to keep boys from playing girls' high school sports
          KC Star letter:  The Nature of Conservancy of Missouri's Adam McLane thanks Sen. Blunt for supporting National Parks Services' Land and Water Conservation Fund 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, March 9, 2020
       
SE Missourian:  Missouri to hold presidential preference primary tomorrow +
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Gov. Jay Nixon talks with Scott Faughn about Missouri Democratic presidential preference primary, how Dems should view work vs. entitlement, MO Senate Democrats, more;  Panel of former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O'Malley and Rep. Rasheen Aldridge (D-St. Louis City) talk Biden vs. Sanders
          CDT:  Leonard and Velma Steinman take on Biden, Sanders in Missouri presidential preference primary X
          Missourinet:  Pro-lifers hold 3rd Annual "March on the Arch";  Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold) among speakers
          P-D:  Family of Missouri's first coronavirus patient broke self quarantine, St. Louis County officials say X
          KWMU:  Family of St. Louis County woman with coronavirus violated quarantine by going to school dance
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson:  pavilion being built at State Fair in Sedalia will create off-season event space
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Voters could expand term limits in Missouri X
          SNL:  Rep. Craig Fishel (R-Springfield) proposes way to diversify Springfield Public Schools school board X
          Joplin Globe:  School districts increasingly adopting four-day weeks, looking for new incentives for teachers X
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri dentists reducing number of opioids prescribed
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Education funding is the answer for districts struggling to recruit and retain teachers X
          KC Star's Melinda Henneberger:  Joe Biden's KC rally brings out supporters who've had enough of Bernie Sanders' backers X
          McClellan:  On Gov. Parson and Missouri medical marijuana selection process X
          Phill Brooks:  Tips for cub reporters on Capitol spots to score news items X
          P-D letter:  Dittmer septuagenarian wants to help Missouri Dems, but says state party leadership is just collecting a paycheck X
          Joplin Globe letter:  Joplin septuagenarian dislikes Cleaner Missouri, threatens to vote against Sen. Bill White (R-Joplin) in 2022 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, March 8, 2020
       
KWMU:  In St. Louis City, Joe Biden makes case to Democrats
          P-D:  Biden brings his resurgent campaign to St. Louis City, criticizes President Trump X
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  Biden rally in St. Louis City X
          P-D:  Bernie Sanders, Jill Biden to make last-minute campaign stops in St. Louis on Monday X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Biden visits Missouri X
          SNL:  With the Missouri primary in sight, here's where local liberals are leaning now X
          Columbia Missourian:  Area liberals weigh in on Democratic primary;  Thoughts from sometimes-candidate Michela Skelton
          KC Star:  Biden and Sanders offer Democrats stark choice X
          KWMU:  First Missouri coronavirus case is in St. Louis County
          P-D:  Gov. Parson:  St. Louis County woman is Missouri's first positive case of coronavirus X
          SNL:  Missouri sees first apparent coronavirus case X
          Columbia Missourian:  First coronavirus case in Missouri tests 'presumptively positive'
          KC Star's Mike Fannin:  McClatchy throws in the towel on Star's Saturday print edition, but the paper will continue its bold advocacy journalism X
          Brownfield Ag News:  U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R) asks USDA Director Sonny Perdue about crop insurance amid broken levees
          Brownfield Ag News:  Gov. Parson, Ag Director Chris Chinn break ground for new Director's Pavilion at Missouri State Fairgrounds
          KWMU:  Area man peddling marijuana-growing lessons finds takers in downtown St. Louis City;  Student Tarraze Merriweather thinks four-hour class will help her create "growing station" for "pain management"
          JCNT:  Missouri road projects at risk if federal spending plan not renewed X
          KC Star:  Missouri's payouts in prison lawsuits keep getting bigger X
          JCNT:  Drag queens rally against bill opposing Drag Queen Story Hour;  bill supporters host prayer walk X
          Columbia Missourian:  Drag queens hold performance at Capitol;  Men dressed as women praise free speech and open dialogue, use rainbow umbrellas to block opponents
          P-D editorial:  Hawley, McConnell give Trump a free pass on incivility X
          P-D editorial:  Medical marijuana licensing process draws well-earned fire from GOP lawmakers X
          P-D's Jim Gallagher and David Nicklaus:  "The Bottom Line" video series:  Missouri unions buck national trend, increase membership X
          KC Star op-ed:  Michael Ryan:  A year after a sorry attack on conservative speaker Michael Knowles, is UMKC all-in on free speech? X
          KC Star op-ed:  Democratic secretary of state primary candidate Yinka Faleti:  Jay Ashroft is openly attacking our democracy 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, March 7, 2020
       
KWMU:  Politically Speaking:  Jason Rosenbaum and others talk Dem presidential primary, coronavirus, giving children puberty blockers to retard their natural development, more
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri Democratic Party tells presidential campaigns it won't provide congressional district-level results on election night;  State party submitted request to Ashcroft after ballots had already been printed
          P-D:  Preview:  Missouri's Democratic presidential preferency primary X
          P-D:  Biden, Sanders to hold St. Louis rallies this weekend X
          KC Star:  Bernie Sanders cancels GOTV rally scheduled for downtown KC on Monday X
          Missourinet:  Bernie Sanders cancels Monday rally in Kansas City
          SNL:  Blunt says $9.9M coming to Missouri within 30 days for COVID-19 X
          SNL:  No cases of coronavirus found in Springfield area, four tests come back negative X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Blunt introduces Missouri River flood protection bill
          SNL:  Missouri wants to expand number of programs eligible for 'Fast Track' grant X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Gov. Parson calls Missouri Center for Soy Innovation 'a great opportunity to learn'
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-Ballwin) joins Jill Delston, author of "Medical Sexism," to promote effort on pelvic exam consent
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Missouri Gaming Commission would do a better job than DHSS regulating medical marijuana X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  State Senate candidate Megan Green (D-St. Louis City):  Bernie Sanders shares our Missouri values
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Louis Riggs (R-Hannibal):  It's time for rural Missourians to stand up and speak out;  Urban elitists, "news" media stereotype hardworking people
          KC Star op-ed:  MATA's Brett Emison:  If big business gets 'legal reform,' Missourians lose constitutional rights in court X
          SE Missourian op-ed:  Area woman responds to Show-Me Institute's response to Medicaid expansion campaign piece +
          P-D letter:  St. Peters sexagenarian disagrees with Hawley on impeachment 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, March 6, 2020
       
SNL:  Here's where Biden and Sanders will rally before the Missouri primary X
          Missourinet:  Hawley:  We have allowed our medical supply chain to be compromised
          KWMU:  Coronavirus Q&A
          AP:  Senators urge changes to reduce Missouri River flooding
          P-D:  Businessman at center of former St. Louis County Exec Steve Stenger (D) corruption scheme gets 17 months X
          KWMU:  Campaign donor in St. Louis County corruption scandal gets 17 months in prison for bribery
          AP:  Across the country, state lawmakers debate gerrymandering
          KWMU:  Missouri Senate to take up prescription drug monitoring with increased chance of passing
          KC Star:  Missouri marijuana czar says lawmakers sought to embarrass him on behalf of 'big donors' X
          Missourinet:  House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) describes Missouri medical marijuana rollout as 'atrocious'
          Missourinet:  Rep. Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles) says bill would protect children from gender reassignments and puberty blockers
          AP:  Missouri House backs rear-facing car seats for babies
          SNL:  'Her legacy lives on':  Rep. Becky Ruth (R-Festus), a grandmother who helped create newborn screening law, tells history of the bill X
          Columbia Missourian:  'Get Government Out of Marriage' bill from Rep. Adam Schnelting (R-St. Charles) killed in House committee
          AP:  Missouri Senate passes bill targeting fake caller IDs
          The Missouri Times:  Former police officer asks Missouri lawmakers to consider app to protect schools from shooters
          SNL:  Rep. Robert Ross (R-Yukon):  Let feral hog hunters on public land X
          Joplin Globe:  Ross says he supports funding for Share the Harvest X
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers considering stricter restrictions to imposing the death sentence
          P-D endorsement:  Joe Biden in Missouri's Democratic presidential preference primary X
          SNL op-ed:  Missouri Chamber's Dan Mehan:  Ex-Im, USMCA provide opportunity and growth 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, March 5, 2020
       
Rosenbaum:  8 things to watch when Missouri Democrats pick a presidential nominee
          Missourinet:  Missouri Democratic Party cancels presidential candidate forum
          2/23/20:  KC Star:  Missouri Democratic Party says every remaining presidential candidate will appear at March 8 rally X
          KC Star:  Biden supporters predict big win in Missouri after campaign's 'resurrection' X
          KC Star:  Bernie Sanders will visit Kansas City to get out the vote X
          The Missouri Times:  Sanders campaign adds Missouri offices as primary looms
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Hawley wants China's 'TikTok' app banned from government devices X
          Missourinet:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith describes rural Missouri hospital closings as unacceptable
          SNL:  Missouri closing in on 1,200 flu-pneumonia deaths X
          Columbia Missourian:  Local, state officials to host coronavirus briefing
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Supporters of Missouri Medicaid expansion say it's moving closer to ballot X
          The Missouri Times:  Hough's economic development bill survives nearly 10-hour filibuster
          SNL:  Lawmakers resume bashing marijuana rollout X
          P-D:  Missouri officials ripped for handling of medical pot program X
          Columbia Missourian:  Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) proposal would require able-bodied Medicaid recipients to meet work requirements X
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Phil Christofanelli (R-St. Peters) would let virtual schools count enrollment of some students, not school districts
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers accuse Columbia Public Schools of putting up 'roadblocks' to inquiry into seclusion rooms
          KC Star:  House gives initial approval to restrictions on seclusion and restraint in schools X
          Columbia Missourian:  Proposed bills would expand, regulate gambling
          Columbia Missourian:  Sen. Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis) says bill would "protect Missouri taxpayers from subsidizing abortion, cloning or stem cell research"
          P-D:  Repeal of cop residency rule advances in Missouri House X
          Columbia Missourian:  'Blair's Law' enjoys bipartisan support;  Bill would make firing gun in celebration a felony
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Ann Kelley (R-Lamar) would allow expanded sales of raw milk
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Senate advances 'fix' to gas companies' infrastructure replacement processes following Spire court case
          The Missouri Times:  Evergy, Elliott Management reach 'agreement' resulting in changes to utility's board
          P-D:  Glendale murderer seeks change in Missouri sentencing laws for teens X
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court considers case that could affect sentences for teen murderers
          P-D endorsement, updated:  Joe Biden in Missouri's Democratic presidential preference primary X
          KC Star editorial:  How Missouri screwed up medical marijuana licenses X
          P-D op-ed:  Michael A. Wolff:  A cartel could control Missouri medical marijuana X
          P-D's Tynan Stewart:  Proposals from GOP state lawmakers would deny transgender kids the medical procedures and therapy they need 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, March 4, 2020
       
Missourinet:  Blunt announces emergency funding bill for coronavirus
          KWMU:  Missouri ready for expected coronavirus cases, Gov. Parson says
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson focused on educating Missourians about coronavirus
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson discusses preparations for coronavirus X
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri has conducted about 15 coronavirus tests;  none positive
          KC Star:  Lawmakers pepper DHSS Director Randall Williams with questions about coronavirus X
          Missourinet:  Coronavirus concerns blamed for gas price drop in Missouri and nationwide
          P-D:  Joe Biden plans St. Louis stop ahead ahead of Missouri presidential preference primary next week X
          KC Star:  Joe Biden to make stops in Kansas City, St. Louis on Saturday X
          The Missouri Times:  Profile:  Rep. Michael Person (D-Ferguson)
          SNL:  Highlights from Missouri's marijuana industry conference:  Comments from Jack Cardetti, Dena Ladd, others X
          JCNT:  DHSS releases draft medical marijuana rules on complaints against physicians X
          Columbia Missourian:  Edible medical marijuana would require stricter labeling under Senate proposal
          KWMU:  Sen. Gina Walsh (D-Bellefontaine Neighbors) steps aside as Senate minority leader, gives John Rizzo (D-Kansas City) a head start in role
          The Missouri Times:  Rizzo replaces Walsh as minority leader in Senate
          AP:  Missouri state Senate Democrats shuffle leadership
          The Missouri Times:  Senate passes bill to allow state employees to run for local office
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri House attempts to pass drone regulation for second year in a row
          Columbia Missourian:  Columbia schools will not appear at House seclusion hearing, citing short notice
          P-D:  Lawsuit against DSS claims Missouri fails severely disabled kids X
          Missourinet:  State House backs plan requiring Alzheimer's support group in every county in Missouri
          KWMU:  Missouri House Democrats oppose requiring women to get pelvic exams before aborting babies
          Columbia Missourian:  Democrats file legislation to remove pelvic exam requirement prior to abortion
          AP:  Man who shot and killed wife seeks clemency from Gov. Parson
          P-D editorial:  Josh Hawley's bill to spotlight tax-funded slumlord housing deserves bipartisan support X
          Priddy:  Missouri should stop wasting money on worthless presidential preference primary
          SE Missourian letter:  Area assistant music professor threatens to vote against Republicans who support 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.



        Tuesday, March 3, 2020
       
KWMU:  St. Louis-area Census Bureau office lags behind Springfield, KC regions in recruiting workers
          AP:  Corps decreasing water flowing into lower Missouri River
          Columbia Missourian:  Coronavirus discussions in Washington center on containment, funding, economy
          SNL:  Here's what top Missouri medical experts advise for coronavirus X
          Columbia Missourian:  Health officials say Missouri at low risk of coronavirus outbreak
          Missourinet:  Missouri's health director testifies the state is well-prepared for coronavirus
          JCNT:  Missouri legislators briefed on coronavirus X
          Columbia Missourian:  League of Women Voters klatch pokes holes in Cleaner Missouri;  Gals gab, laugh about GOP proposal
          Detroit News:  Kirkwood septuagenarian pleads guilty to embezzling union member dues;  UAW capo Edward "Nick" Robinson says he enjoyed "cigars, good liquor"
          AP:  "Good liquor" and other joys:  ex-UAW official pleads guilty
          SNL:  Weed czar:  Missouri dispensaries coming soon X
          AP:  State:  Top ailment earning medical marijuana prescriptions is "psychological disorders," followed by "chronic conditions"
          P-D:  Missouri lawmakers have their own ideas for medical marijuana programs X
          SNL:  Springfield sees mini-boom in hydroponics after medical marijuana legalization X
          AP:  Missouri House faces revamped voter photo ID plan
          P-D:  Changes to Missouri voter ID law approved by House X
          Columbia Missourian:  House gives approval to voter ID plan
          Missourinet:  Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold) wants to simplify paperwork for federal safety net programs
          KWMU:  Rep. Justin Hill (R-Lake Saint Louis) talks repeal of 'flawed' bond rules
          P-D:  Missouri pays out another $2 million over prison worker discrimination case;  Richard Dixson was subjected to discrimination and hostile work environment for being white X
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri could join 31 other states in uniform AP exam credit policy
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers seek to tighten language around punitive damage suits
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Robert Ross (R-Yukon) seeks to expand MDC meat donation program - while changing how it's funded
          The Missouri Times:  Country music artist Porter Wagoner inducted into Hall of Famous Missourians
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Soybean Association chooses Ronnie Russell as new president
          P-D endorsement:  Democratic presidential primary:  Joe Biden or Michael Bloomberg X
          P-D editorial:  A Missouri smelter revived by Trump's tariffs is again on the ropes X
          KC Star editorial:  If Sen. Hawley, Mayor Lucas want to punish deadbeat landlords, there's more they can do X
          P-D op-ed:  Woman who left Kirkwood for New York City in the 1990s says Missourians should vote for Michael Bloomberg X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man responds to letter critical of Grain Belt Express 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, March 2, 2020
       
SE Missourian:  DESE, county health department offer tips to avoid coronavirus +
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Dem Reps. Tracy McCreery and Wiley Price, along with Jim Lembke and Arnold Councilman Jason Fulbright, talk with Scott Faughn about Dem presidential primary, Ann Wagner's re-election, state Senate primaries and tort overhaul legislation
          KC Star:  Hawley, KC Mayor Quinton Lucas partner in effort to crack down on neglectful landlords X
          Washington Missourian:  A look at local state rep primary filings X
          KC Star:  Missouri legislators continue probe of alleged conflicts in medical marijuana program X
          SNL:  Missouri House wants private schools exempt from minimum wage bumps X
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Louis Riggs (R-Hannibal) pleased with continued broadband bill progress
          P-D:  Missouri lawmakers looking at guidelines for autonomous delivery services X
          SNL:  Rep. Robert Ross (R-Yukon) seeks to erase MDC's Share the Harvest funding X
          JCNT:  Hundreds wait to have dicamba complaints investigated X
          JCNT:  Historian Bob Priddy speaks about Jefferson City's start at annual dinner X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri should not exempt private and religious schools from minimum wage increase X
          Joplin Globe letter:  Missouri Right to Life's Steve Rupp says pro-lifers should oppose Medicaid expansion X
          SE Missourian letter:  Area woman who failed to file Medicaid paperwork blames Gov. Parson +
          P-D letter:  "Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing of Missouri" rep supports Nasheed's bill to restore voting rights 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, March 1, 2020
       
March 2019 Missouri political news headlines
          March 2018 Missouri political news headlines
          March 2017 Missouri political news headlines
          March 2016 Missouri political news headlines
          March 2015 Missouri political news headlines
          March 2014 Missouri political news headlines
          P-D:  Top Missouri Democrats won't take a stand in presidential primary:  Nicole Galloway, Lacy Clay, Jill Schupp take a powder X
          SE Missourian:  Presidential primary turnout expected to be low;  Thoughts from Cape Girardeau County Clerk Kara Clark Summers +
          Missourinet:  Graves focusing on flooding and levees
          CDT:  Local, state health agencies prepare for coronavirus arrival X
          JCNT:  Local officials prepare for spread of China virus X
          AP:  Ads for Gov. Parson in rural areas focus on Trump support, illegal immigration
          St. Joseph News-Press:  How safe is our voting equipment?  Thoughts from Jay Ashcroft, Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey X
          JCNT:  Missouri Republicans look to reinstate voter ID law X
          JCNT:  Missouri senators defend filibusters, despite the cost in time and energy X
          SNL:  "It's about individual responsibility and individual freedom':  Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield) tries again on motorcycle helmet law repeal X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Research critical for medical marijuana;  Local doctor:  "Most people who are getting prescriptions are simply wanting to be on marijuana, which is fine, but let's stop pretending that it's medicine." X
          P-D:  More than 800 appeals filed by jilted pot companies in Missouri licensing fight X
          KWMU:  St. Louis Public Schools face reality of urban demographics:  dwindling population base, poor test scores X
          JCNT:  Missouri Department of Conservation staff share knowledge of wildfires with agencies X
          P-D letter:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Leslie Holloway:  Missouri's industrial farms are well-regulated X
          P-D letter:  St. Peters octogenarian disagrees with Missouri Farm Bureau president, thinks Grain Belt Express will not affect farmers X
          Washington Missourian letter:  Show-Me Institute's Patrick Ishmael:  State should track local labor contracts 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.








       

       


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