johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - May 2019



    

        Friday, May 31, 2019
       
The Missouri Times:  Missouri National Guard fans out across state in wake of natural disasters
          Joplin Globe:  Blunt visits Briarbrook area in wake of tornado damage X
          The Missouri Times:  Republican Josh Hurlbert launches 2020 bid to represent Smithville in Missouri House;  District currently represented by term-limited Ken Wilson
          P-D:  Bill Miller, chief of staff to Steve Stenger, pleading guilty to bribery scheme;  Former policy director for Jay Nixon at center of John Bardgett & Associates lobbying controversy X
          The Missouri Times:  Initiative petition walking back pro-life policies seeks approval to circulate
          SE Missourian:  Optimist Club honors area law enforcement officers;  Rep. Barry Hovis (R-Cape Girardeau) praises good law enforcement +
          KWMU:  Tensions high as activists await decision on Missouri's sole abortion clinic
          KWMU:  Q&A on abortion facilities safety dispute and pro-life policies
          SNL:  How abortion law in Missouri compares to those in bordering states X
          KC Star:  Planned Parenthood asks St. Louis judge to keep abortion clinic open X
          P-D:  St. Louis City alderwoman, others arrested as part of protest X
          Columbia Missourian:  Rollout of medical marijuana has been spotty in other states
          Missourinet:  Tornado damage forces popular Missouri penitentiary tours to get sidelined
          Columbia Missourian:  Ameren holds public meetings on coal ash management;  Environmental activists explain their theories on physics and chemistry to actual scientists
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Republican Party responds to Tony Messenger's "suburban moms" column
          P-D letter:  Illinois septuagenarian expresses outrage over pro-life legislation in Missouri and other states, threatens to never visit Alabama 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, May 30, 2019
       
SNL:  Blunt talks economy in Springfield visit, answers reporter questions regarding state abortion legislation X
          Missourinet:  Parson urges Corps to give states a seat at the table
          Joplin Globe:  Tornado recovery efforts progressing in Carl Junction, but still no word from FEMA X
          The Missouri Times:  Parson says Planned Parenthood must comply with safety standards, shouldn't get 'special treatment'
          Missourinet:  Video:  Gov. Parson press conference on Planned Parenthood lawsuit
          SNL:  Parson responds to Planned Parenthood lawsuit X
          KWMU:  Planned Parenthood asks court to keep Missouri from closing abortion clinic
          Columbia Missourian:  Parson urges Planned Parenthood to comply with law ahead of hearing
          P-D:  Hearing on fate of St. Louis City abortion clinic to take place today X
          Joplin Globe:  Residents claim $13,000 in lost property through Treasurer Fitzpatrick's visit X
          P-D:  Governor's Mansion in line for long-awaited repairs X
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Conservation Commission preliminarily approves fees for trout, nonresident permits
          P-D editorial:  Pro-life policy success is a reminder:  Elections have consequences X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  AG Eric Schmitt correct to fix elderly/disabled abuse hotline X
          P-D letter:  Springfield septuagenarian admires House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade, says GOP has "unfair" majorities in Legislature 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, May 29, 2019
       
The Missouri Times:  Missourians recall 1993 as they prepare for more 'historic' flooding
          JCNT:  U.S. Corps increasing Missouri River releases as flooding persists X
          JCNT:  Blunt surveys Jefferson City storm damage X
          JCNT:  State commission releases $104k to help find housing for tornado victims X
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Steve Roberts (D-St. Louis City) to run for Jamilah Nasheed's state Senate seat
          The Missouri Times:  From lawmaker to lobbyist, Joe Ortwerth retiring from public life in Missouri
          CDT:  State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick:  Housing tax credits need retooling
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Sen. Andrew Koenig (R-Manchester) talks with Rosenbaum about abortion legislation and legal challenges, GM incentives, upcoming re-election, more
          NPR:  Missouri could become first state without abortion clinic
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri has opportunity to become first state without abortion provider
          Missourinet:  Planned Parenthood sues Missouri, says state is 'illegally weaponizing licensing process'
          P-D:  Planned Parenthood could stop performing abortions as early as this week X
          The Missouri Times:  ACLU seeks to get abortion referendum on 2020 ballot
          SNL:  ACLU pushes for public vote on new abortion law X
          The Missouri Times:  Rules for Missouri's medical marijuana program finalized
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri finalizes medical marijuana rules
          The Missouri Times:  2020 session preview:  Next steps for Grain Belt Express legislation
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri's attempt to close state's last abortion clinic and a shameful attack on women X
          P-D editorial:  It makes no sense to suspend driver's licenses to force payment of court fines X
          KWMU op-ed:  Kaiser Health News' Lauren Weber:  Closing state's last abortion clinic is bad for Missouri women
          Priddy:  Gov. Parson and ag community should change their talking point - agriculture is not really the backbone of Missouri's economy
          KC Star letters:  Minnesota woman claims she and pals were going to attend Chiefs game this fall, but are cancelling trip due to abortion legislation;  Kansas City man angry over possible helmet-law repeal X
          P-D letter:  Overland octogenarian applauds Bruce Franks for "mental health" departure 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, May 28, 2019
       
Missourinet:  Hawley, state lawmakers praise volunteer response after Jefferson City tornado
          Missourinet:  Video:  Hawley walks through tornado-damaged streets
          Missourinet:  Parson activates National Guard in storm recovery and preparation
          KC Star:  Cleaver, other Midwest Dems tread cautiously on Trump, impeachment X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. LaKeySha Bosley (D-St. Louis City) on Better Together, abortion legislation, more
          KC Star editorial:  Parson could make a deadly mistake with repeal of Missouri's motorcycle helmet law X
          Columbia Missourian's Danielle Pycior and Jamie Hobbs:  Ameren and its lobbyists are the villains in coal ash dispute
          SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau septuagenarian disagrees with pro-life legislation, wants lawmakers to spend more taxpayer money on entitlements +
          P-D letter:  St. Charles woman wonders why Post-Dispatch ignores pro-life activists 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, May 27, 2019   Memorial Day
       
Missourinet:  Hawley wants Congress to approve disaster aid
          Missourinet:  U.S. Rep. Billy Long describes Carl Junction as 'total devastation'
          Joplin Globe:  Man-on-the-street interviews regarding Mueller Report:  Sexagenarian liberal playing guitar on college campus, "freelance photographer" at coffee shop with no opinions, etc. X
          KWMU:  Missouri steps up seat belt enforcement
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Missouri farmers are in the voodoo with this trade impasse X
          JCNT editorial:  DHSS failing with hotline X
          P-D editorial:  Promoting Christianity in public schools isn't just unconstitutional. It's un-American. 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, May 26, 2019
       
KC Star:  "I want to be a majority party." Ann Wagner's plan to save the suburbs for the GOP X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst on stalled disaster relief bill
          SNL:  Pro-life leaders expect challenges to legislation X
          P-D:  Feminists march in downtown St. Louis to protest pro-life legislation X
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  Woman with blue/green hair holds sign proclaiming that her vagina is disgruntled;  Man wears model vagina atop head;  Obese speaker says she believes in women's health;  etc. X
          P-D editorial:  David Humphreys should lead the charge to take GOP back from its extremists X
          SNL letters:  Battlefield sexagenarian expresses disdain for white males;  Springfield sexagenarian threatens to leave Missouri over abortion laws 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, May 25, 2019
       
Brownfield Ag News:  MO Ag Director Chris Chinn joins Trump at announcement of trade aid package for farmers
          Missourinet:  Parson's update on storm recovery, damage assessments:  Missouri is making strong progress
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of May 20, 2019
          The Missouri Times:  Parson signs sweeping pro-life bill into law during private ceremony
          KWMU:  Parson signs abortion bill into law
          Missourinet:  Parson signs abortion legislation
          KC Star:  Parson signs pro-life bill X
          Missourinet:  Schmitt says judge has ordered popular swimming hole closed
          KC Star editorial:  The Navy doesn't need Eric Greitens. Former governor's return sends disturbing message. X
          Columbia Missourian's David Webber:  Let's stop talking about abortion
          JCNT letter:  Jefferson City sexagenarian unhappy with legislators over pro-life legislation 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, May 24, 2019
       
St. Joseph News-Press:  Area farmers stand with Trump on China trade issue X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Hawley measures would affect Missouri River management X
          Missourinet:  Hawley to tour tornado-damaged Carl Junction today
          Missourinet:  Video:  Parson, law enforcement discuss tornado recovery in Jefferson City
          KC Star:  Navy confirms Greitens' return X
          KWMU:  David Humphreys wants Parson to veto abortion legislation
          P-D:  GOP donor David Humphreys wants Parson to veto pro-life legislation X
          KCUR:  Missouri Department of Corrections to counties:  the check's in the mail for housing inmates, eventually
          KWMU:  Missouri lawmakers set later start date for schools
          SNL:  Missouri lawmakers debate repeal of motorcycle helmet law X
          JCNT:  National advocacy group says Missouri roads are in poor shape X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Parson should veto motorcycle-helmet repeal X
          P-D editorial:  Navy should tell Greitens thanks for your offer of service. But no thanks. X
          Priddy:  Thoughts on tornadoes, in-state tuition for young illegals, state lawmakers as cattle, steamboat museum legislation, the joy of napping, more (1,369 words)
          JCNT letter:  Jefferson City man says pro-life legislation has turned Missouri into Iran, also dislikes "Todd Aiken [sic]" X
          Disclosure


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



        Thursday, May 23, 2019
       
KWMU:  Liberal groups oppose Hawley's efforts on flood management, want senator to prioritize pallid sturgeon
          The Missouri Times:  Mark Osmack says he's running in 15th Senate District primary;  Democrat garnered 25% in congressional primary last year
          Missourinet:  Parson:  Major tornado hit Jefferson City;  Rescue efforts continue this morning
          Missourinet:  New mental health hospital to bear Jay Nixon's name;  Former governor was tireless advocate for better facilities
          KC Star:  Greitens says he will deploy with Navy X
          Columbia Missourian:  Schmitt launches investigation into state's elder abuse hotline
          The Missouri Times:  Medical marijuana seed-to-sale bid protest rejected by state
          P-D:  Pro-choice, pro-life advocates disagree on legal implications of abortion legislation X
          The Missouri Times:  A look at some of the low-profile measures passed this session
          Columbia Missourian:  Understaffing takes a toll on Missouri's corrections officers
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  May 22, 2019
          The Missouri Times:  Advocacy group says Missouri's transportation system ranks among lower half of states
          AP:  Judge reverses Missouri trooper's loss of officer's license after man's drowning
          P-D editorial:  Parson should leave Missouri's motorcycle helmet law firmly strapped in place X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Wind, not government, in your hair:  Adult motorcycle riders should have the freedom to go helmetless X
          P-D letter:  Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe:  Trade agreement vital for Missouri agriculture X
          P-D letter:  Overland woman says pro-life bill is misogynist, racist, and classist X
          P-D letter:  St. Ann sexagenarian compares pro-life legislators to slave owners 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, May 22, 2019
       
AP:  Hawley bill would allow people to opt out of data tracking
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  KCUR's Brian Ellison joins Rosenbaum and Rachel Lippmann to recap the ups and downs of the 2019 Missouri Legislature
          P-D:  Abortion rally photo gallery:  Morbidly obese woman rolls onto hindquarters, claims she is withholding intercourse from all male suitors due to abortion legislation;  other efficacious messaging X
          JCNT:  Pro-choice rally draws 30 in Jefferson City X
          Columbia Missourian:  Pro-choice rally draws 50 in Columbia
          SNL:  Abortion rally draws 50 in Springfield;  Planned Parenthood rep tells crowd that calling Parson's office will make a difference
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri's elderly population a target for scammers;  Bill from Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) aims to help victims
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislators say budget boost could help adult abuse hotline
          P-D:  Insurance group says motorcycle helmet law change will mean more deaths
          Messenger:  Sarcastic take on 2019 legislative session X
          P-D letter:  Lake Saint Louis man expresses disdain for white male Republicans X
          P-D letter:  Kirkwood man wants Parson to flip-flop on pro-life principles X
          P-D letter:  Self-described "women's studies scholar" opposes pro-life legislation X
          P-D letter:  University City feminist claims she and cohorts will kick Republicans' "sorry butts to the curb" next year X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman makes pro-life argument devoid of rage, hatred or threats 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, May 21, 2019
       
KWMU:  Hawley wants to institute an Internet 'do-not-track' list for personal data
          Missourinet:  Major disaster declaration approved for 13 Missouri counties
          KC Star:  Trump approves disaster declaration for 13 Missouri counties, bringing funds for repair X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Corn Growers Association's Mark Scott:  A trade win for corn industry
          Missourinet:  Schmitt's office joins FBI efforts to fight human trafficking
          SNL:  GOP says efforts to improve "Clean Missouri" will be back next year X
          SE Missourian:  Local lawmakers celebrate passage of pro-life legislation +
          P-D:  Missouri Democrats, in political exile, hope pro-life legislation will help them generate cash, interest X
          The Missouri Times:  A look at criminal justice measures passed this session
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers green-light partial motorcycle helmet repeal, vehicle fee increase, inspection triggers
          P-D:  In Missouri, some officials want to curtail feel-good Capitol color show X
          Joplin Globe:  Editor Carol Stark to be inducted into Missouri Press Hall of Fame X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Legislative session was about more than abortion X
          P-D editorial:  Abortion bill notwithstanding, Missouri dodged some big bullets this session X
          SE Missourian op-ed:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R):  The right to exist:  In support of Israel +
          KWMU op-ed:  Kaiser Health News' Lauren Weber:  Missouri should join 49 other states in passing PDMP
          Columbia Missourian's Ken Midkiff:  Missouri lawmakers are usually wrong, which is why their constituents end up re-electing them
          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, May 20, 2019
       
SE Missourian:  Memorial honoring Vietnam veterans holds grand opening in Perryville +
          Rosenbaum:  6 observations as Gov. Parson finds success in first legislative session
          P-D:  In his first session as governor, Parson scores big wins X
          Missourinet:  Post-session analysis:  Thoughts from Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) and House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield)
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Panel of Ray Hartmann, David Barklage, Jay Kanzler, and St. Louis County Council Democratic candidate Kelli Dunaway talk GM incentives, pro-life legislation, Bruce Frank's departure, more
           KC Star:  Feminists gather at Plaza to protest pro-life bill;  Organizer celebrates her success gathering the "pissed off" after legislation is already passed X
           KWMU:  Cities prepare for legalized medical marijuana in Missouri
           Missourinet:  'Nathan's Law' to restrict capacity at in-home day cares goes to Parson's desk
           Missourinet:  Drones are one signature away from being banned near Missouri prisons, mental hospitals
           Missourinet:  The helmets could soon come off for many motorcyclists in Missouri
           KC Star:  Washington University law prof, allies continue campaign against Title IX due process legislation X
           Columbia Missourian:  Northwest Missouri wind-power projects a boon to some, a bane to others
           P-D:  Despite attacks, coal stands strong as power source for Missouri X
           Joplin Globe editorial:  State lawmakers did the right thing and prioritized education funding X
           P-D op-ed:  Rep. Tony Lovasco (R-O'Fallon):  The General Motors deal is a Great Deal - but only for GM X
           P-D's Nicklaus:  Yes, GM subsidy is corporate welfare, but it's necessary in a competitive world X
           P-D's David Nicklaus and Jim Gallagher:  "The Bottom Line" video:  Is GM subsidy corporate welfare or necessary investment? 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, May 19, 2019
       
P-D:  Congressional votes for the week:  Obamacare, Title IX, judges X
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Jason Smith supports Trump trade policy, says China responsible for farm woes +
          JCNT:  Child poverty declines in Missouri;  Advocacy group complains about "living wage," Medicaid expansion, etc. X
          AP:  Investigation into Greitens' staff's social media use ends
          AP:  Analysis:  Parson achieves most of his 2019 legislative agenda
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Lawmakers reflect on 'successful year' in Jefferson City X
          JCNT:  Mid-Missouri lawmakers look back at 2019 session X
          Joplin Globe:  MSSU, Crowder poised for more state funding for nursing, health sciences programs X
          SNL:  Waynesville, Kennett are both seeking direct deals with marijuana companies X
          P-D editorial:  Lessons for future leaders from the sad downfall of Bruce Franks, Jr.:  "Mental health" tearjerker a flimsy alibi for federal investigation X
          KC Star editorial:  Missourians subsidize Kansas City stadiums to the tune of $3 million per year. When will Kansas chip in? X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Eric Bohl:  Rural Missouri celebrates successful legislative session
          Waters:  Hammerschmidt - an unholy blend of tax credits X
          SNL's Christopher Dixon:  Legislation needed to stop excessive robocalls X
          CDT op-ed:  Gatehouse Media Regional Editor Allen Fennewald:  CAFO debate divides rural ideals X
          SNL letter:  Springfield septuagenarian opposes Dohrman proposal for "In God We Trust" in public schools, says students are oblivious to all signage 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, May 18, 2019
       
KC Star:  Missouri farmers, federal lawmakers weigh in on continued trade tensions X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Actress Glenn Close bolsters message for Blunt-backed bill X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  FCC approves funds to fill gaps in broadband access around area X
          KWMU:  Debate continues on Missouri medical marijuana supply and demand
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Senate live blog
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri House live blog
          KWMU:  Live blog:  The last day of the Missouri Legislature
          KWMU:  Last day of session:  Abortion, bridge bonding bill, term limits, and missed opportunities
          Missourinet:  2019 legislative session:  What passed, what failed
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislative session ends;  A look at what passed, what failed
          P-D:  How key legislation fared in 2019 Missouri legislative session X
          The Missouri Times:  Sweeping pro-life bill given final legislative approval
          SNL:  House passes pro-life legislation;  Parson to sign X
          Missourinet:  Abortion bill heading to Parson's desk
          AP:  House passes abortion bill
          P-D:  Abortion legislation approved by Missouri House, heads to governor X
          KC Star:  Parson says he'll sign abortion legislation soon X
          Columbia Missourian:  Pro-life legislation set to become law in Missouri
          SE Missourian:  Pro-choice activists, media allies seize upon verbal slip from Rep. Steve Hovis (R-Cape Girardeau) +
          P-D:  Urban municipal officials unhappy with Missouri Legislature's pro-life legislation X
          The Missouri Times:  Bonding compromise sent to governor's desk
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers OK $301M in bonds for bridge repairs
          P-D:  Legislative briefs:  School start date, bridge funding, motorcycle helmet law, motor vehicle inspections X
          The Missouri Times:  General Assembly sends constitutional amendment on term limits to ballot
          AP:  Missouri voters to decide on term limits for state officials
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers vote to have insurance plans cover kids with disabilities
          Columbia Missourian:  Therapy options for disabled children to be expanded with bill's passage
          AP:  Bill delaying school start date passes Missouri Legislature
          JCNT:  Bill requiring treatment courts passes Missouri Legislature X
          Columbia Missourian:  Effort to stop Grain Belt Express' use of eminent domain fails
          KC Star's Melinda Henneberger:  To my pro-life friends:  This brutal Missouri abortion ban is where we part ways 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, May 17, 2019
       
KC Star:  U.S. Senate passes Hawley bill to fund suicide prevention programs for police officers X
          KWMU:  Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to hold college "climate summit" at Wash U. next year
          P-D:  Bloomberg teams with Wash U. to expand climate-change activism X
          JCNT:  Missouri School Safety Task Force holds last public hearing before report to governor X
          KWMU:  Rep. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) resigns, cites mental health
          The Missouri Times:  Franks resigns, cites stress
          Missourinet:  Rep. Bruce Franks to resign
          P-D:  Bruce Franks quits Missouri House X
          KWMU:  Missouri lawmakers enter final day with major unfinished business
          SE Missourian:  Rehder rips Republican colleagues for avoiding PDMP bill +
          Faughn:  One more day, one day more:  Explaining Senate actions and motivations;  Greitens meeting with supporters, feeling out 2020 and 2022;  More
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Senate live blog
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri House live blog
          CDT:  Lawmakers make final push as session nears end X
          Missourinet:  House expected to debate abortion bill today
          SNL:  Abortion measure back in Missouri House X
          P-D:  Vote on abortion bill expected today X
          KC Star:  Abortion bill headed for passage X
          KC Star:  Q&A on abortion legislation X
          The Missouri Times:  'Border War' bill advances through Senate
          The Missouri Times:  General Assembly moves to make redistricting process more transparent
          SNL:  Bill inspired by Hailey Owens clears Missouri Senate, heads to Parson X
          The Missouri Times:  Omnibus 'child protection' bill receives final legislative approval
          P-D:  'Nathan's Law,' designed to crack down on dangerous day cares, headed to Missouri governor X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate again approves added protections for domestic, sexual violence victims
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate approves bill that helps trafficking victims expunge their records
          The Missouri Times:  Senate green-lights partial motorcycle helmet law repeal despite minor roadblocks on the floor
          AP:  Senate votes to relax helmet law, vehicle inspections
          AP:  State proceedings on hold for duck boats
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri's extreme abortion bill rivals Alabama in cruelty and doing harm to women X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Legislature's CAFO bill is a bad odor rising X
          P-D letter:  University City woman who works for abortion provider opposes pro-life legislation 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, May 16, 2019
       
St. Louis Business Journal:  St. Louis attorney takes prominent Trump re-election role:  Q&A with Jack Oliver
          KC Star:  Hawley delivers first major Senate floor speech, focuses on hardworking middle-class Americans X
          Missourinet:  Video:  Blunt calls for quick passage of federal disaster aid bill
          SE Missourian:  Soybean farmers brace for 'train wreck' of China tariffs and bad weather +
          P-D:  Parson's Uniting Missouri PAC attracts top talent;  Michael Hafner on board X
          KWMU:  Galloway to investigate St. Louis County contracts in wake of Stenger plea;  Port Authority, Economic Development to be included in audit
          Columbia Missourian:  AG Eric Schmitt intervenes in public defender agreement, says criminals could walk free
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Senate live blog
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri House live blog
          Missourinet:  House Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann (R-O'Fallon) outlines priorities for session's final two days
          KWMU:  Senate votes to substantially curtail abortion in Missouri
          KC Star:  Missouri Senate passes abortion legislation
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate passes abortion ban bill
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate passes abortion bill;  Back to House for final vote
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate abortion debate timeline
          AP:  Missouri Senate joins national pro-life wave with 8-week ban
          The Missouri Times:  Senate Democrats filibuster pro-life bill before it's even brought to the floor
          The Missouri Times:  General Assembly approves changes to Missouri's fledgling hemp program
          The Missouri Times:  Legislature votes to continue funding convention, sports centers
          Missourinet:  Lawmakers approve state aid for Enterprise Center
          AP:  Lawmakers OK state aid for St. Louis Blues arena
          KWMU:  St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Kelvin Adams aims to reverse trend of teachers getting "older and whiter";  Percentage of experienced Caucasoids simply unacceptable
          P-D editorial:  Real-life 'Handmaid's Tale' looms larger as lawmakers push draconian abortion laws X
          KC Star editorial:  Parson gets the facts wrong with happy talk about tariffs that hurt Missouri X
          KC Star editorial:  Attorney General Eric Schmitt wants to punish the poor by overworking and underfunding public defenders X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston):  Missourians deserve a Senate vote on PDMP
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County septuagenarian wants Blunt to stop supporting Trump policies 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, May 15, 2019
       
P-D:  Hawley to deliver his first Senate floor speech today X
          P-D:  Anti-Trump toilet paper sent to McCaskill at local NBC affiliate;  'Suspicious package' causes scare X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt, GOP leaders urge flood relief vote X
          AP:  FCC authorizes $22 million for broadband in rural Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Jennifer Tidball to serve as acting director of DSS
          JCNT:  Jennifer Tidball to head Department of Social Services again X
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the Senate:  Live blog
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the House:  Live blog
          KWMU:  GM incentives approved as Senate turns attention to abortion
          The Missouri Times:  GM workforce development bill survives Senate conservatives' marathon filibuster
          Missourinet:  First Missouri Senate deadlock of final week is over with deal reached on GM bill
          Missourinet:  Parson, DED's Rob Dixon:  This plan benefits all Missouri, not just GM
          P-D:  Senators end 27-hour filibuster on GM incentives X
          KC Star:  After 27-hour filibuster, GM incentive package passes X
          Columbia Missourian:  With filibuster behind them, Senate prepares to debate abortion
          P-D:  Time running out for GOP to make changes to 'Clean Missouri' this session X
          KC Star:  GOP effort on Clean Missouri stalls in Senate X
          P-D:  Missouri is on the verge of making hearing aids more accessible to the poor X
          The Missouri Times:  General Assembly moves changes to expungements to governor
          JCNT:  House sends Bernskoetter's CAFO bill to governor X
          The Missouri Times:  Protections for large livestock operations sent to governor's desk
          AP:  Lawmakers OK bill on livestock rules
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Bruce Franks (D-St. Louis City) uses CAFO debate to question colleagues' integrity:  "Not everyone in here has the right intentions"
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Grain Belt Express power lines would not be taller than the Statue of Liberty
          P-D:  Missouri extends special oversight of Riverview Gardens School District through 2022 X
          KWMU:  Education briefs:  DESE teacher survey results;  Riverview Gardens still needs state oversight;  Computer science no longer an elective
          P-D:  Missouri Supreme Court hears challenge to change Clean Water Commission membership X
          SE Missourian:  What's up with flashing yellow arrows?  MoDOT explains +
          P-D:  Ferguson, nearing fifth anniversary of attack on police officer and subsequent riots, searches for a new brand identity X
          P-D editorial:  In-state tuition for Dreamers just makes good business sense X
          P-D op-ed:  Regional Chamber's Tom Chulick:  GM and Gov. Parson want to keep Wentzville plant open. Why play games? X
          P-D op-ed:  Former Washington Post publisher Donald Graham:  I set up scholarships in my home town, and then I set up a nationwide scholarship program, and Missouri lawmakers should be as generous and compassionate and selfless as me X
          P-D letter:  Eureka sexagenarian thinks state economy would improve if lawmakers raised taxes X
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield septuagenarian angered by Eigel's proposal for Bangert Island X
          KC Star letters:  Raytown sexagenarian upset over drop in Medicaid enrollment numbers;  Warrensburg sexagenarian thinks writing to legislators about LGBTQ legislation will make a difference 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, May 14, 2019
       
KWMU:  Mayors of river towns talk flooding, solutions
          KWMU:  Maxine Waters returns to St. Louis, speaks at Vashon High School
          Show Me Missourah:  Cooper County:  Scott Faughn talks with leaders about county's history, political composition and evolution, landmarks and tourist destinations, more
          KCUR:  Missouri joins multi-state lawsuit against generic drug companies
          KC Star:  Editorial board names new member:  Caucasoid male Michael Ryan
          The Missouri Times:  Bills to watch in the final days of session
          The Missouri Times:  Senate live blog for Monday
          The Missouri Times:  House live blog for Monday
          The Missouri Times:  GM workforce, incentive 'vehicle' causes strife in General Assembly
          Missourinet:  Missouri House approves second Wentzville GM bill;  overnight Senate filibuster continues
          AP:  Missouri Senate in stalemate over GM incentive package
          KWMU:  General Assembly actions:  GM incentives, criminal sentencing, Clean Missouri
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate stuck on Fast Track, GM incentive legislation
          P-D:  Disagreement over General Motors incentives brings work in Missouri Senate to a halt X
          JCNT:  Despite filibuster, mid-Missouri lawmakers still hoping for some legislative success X
          The Missouri Times:  General Assembly sends criminal justice overhaul measure to governor
          AP:  Lawmakers vote to ease prison and jail sentences
          P-D:  'Debtors' prison' legislation sent to Parson's desk X
          Columbia Missourian:  Effort to address Clean Missouri face hurdles in final week of session
          Columbia Missourian:  'Debtor prison,' Simon's Law sent to governor
          The Missouri Times:  Simon's Law given unanimous approval, sent to governor's desk
          AP:  Missouri passes parental rights in do-not-resuscitate cases
          KWMU:  ACLU and state reach agreement on public defender workloads
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri can't afford to risk losing GM plant. Tax incentives are a small price to pay X
          KC Star editorial:  After lawmakers fail to pass drug-monitoring bill, Missouri remains in a class by itself X
          P-D editorial:  Legislators head home this week, leaving LGBT discrimination legal in Missouri X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Missouri Farm Bureau's Eric Bohl:  Rural broadband closer to becoming reality
          Columbia Missourian's Sky Chadde and Yue Yu:  Business lobbyists get sympathy from powerful legislators in Jefferson City
          Columbia Missourian's Sky Chadde:  New Columbia Missourian database exposes which lobbyists testified before committees since 2013
          SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau man dislikes tax incentives for film companies and GM +
          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, May 13, 2019
       
Brownfield Ag News:  Blunt weighs in on China tariffs, Army Corps' river management
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Cleaver correct on student loan approval data
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Panel of Joe Lakin, Brittany Robbins, Gregg Keller, Sam Gladney talk GM incentives, Better Together, in-state tuition for aliens, pro-life bills
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Ald. Jack Coatar:  St. Louis City wunderkind talks with Rosenbaum about Better Together's collapse, medical marijuana, more
          P-D:  State of Missouri accuses Stenger crony of bilking investors out of $1.2 million;  Five area residents duped by John Rallo scam involving Oriental "coconut water slurry" X
          Missourinet:  Rep. Rebecca Roeber (R-Lee's Summit) continues to recover from March car crash
          Missourinet:  End-of-session preview:  GM incentives, Grain Belt Express, redistricting
          Missourinet:  National spelling bee whiz kids prepare to take the stage;  Missouri's delegation dominated by minority females
          CDT:  Mamtek case takes new twist with objections to settlement X
          P-D editorial:  Revival of Missouri's low-income housing tax credit is urgent, but so is overhaul X
          Rudi Keller:  Unwelcome mat remains out for young illegals X
          Waters:  Sunshine Law:  Galloway vs. Parson 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, May 12, 2019   Mother's Day
       
P-D:  Congressional votes for the week:  Import-Export bank, funding for young illegals, more X
          KC Star:  Veteran's group leader says KC VA's yearlong silence on Missouri vet's death could be a coverup X
          JCNT:  Income tax collections jumped in April;  state revenues continue ascent X
          SE Missourian:  Parson to graduating SEMO students:  "We can all work together to ensure the future is bright" +
          KC Star:  Senate's Conservative Caucus remains steadfast in opposition to Parson's workforce-training bill X
          Joplin Globe:  End-of-session preview:  Pro-life bills, workforce development, bridge bonding, cultural districts, more X
          P-D:  End-of-session preview:  GM subsidies, pro-life legislation, redistricting, charter schools X
          KC Star's Jason Hancock and Crystal Thomas:  End-of-session preview:  Comments from "Sen. Jeannie [sic] Riddle" X
          SNL:  MSU notches win in state budget, could cut tuition hikes X
          JCNT:  Dept. of Revenue urges employees to review their withholding instructions X
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Restore low-income housing tax credits X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  The 'better' in Better Together was never clearly explained X
          Washington Missourian letter:  Show-Me Institute's Patrick Ishmael:  GM incentives and low-income housing tax credits are pure cronyism X
          Washington Missourian letter:  Pacific man disagrees with sale of Eleven Point River State Park X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis food-stamp recipient disagrees with Missouri Republicans on Medicaid eligibility 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, May 11, 2019
       
KC Star:  Sam Graves breaks with GOP to support disaster aid bill critical for Missouri X
          AP:  Missouri River causes new problems in areas levees broke
          KWMU:  Key figures in Stenger case facing their own federal charges
          P-D:  St. Louis economic development chief Sheila Sweeney pleads guilty in pay-to-play scheme;  Stenger donor John Rallo indicted
          AP:  Sheila Sweeney pleads guilty to federal felony for role in pay-to-play scam
          SNL:  Missouri may license many more marijuana testing facilities than required by Amendment 2 X
          P-D:  Missouri could license 10 marijuana testing facilities;  Wednesday is deadline to suggest marijuana rules X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of May 6, 2019
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers pass $30 billion budget proposal
          JCNT:  Missouri Senate passes Rock Island Trail funding bill X
          SE Missourian:  Drug-monitoring bill faces Senate opposition as end of session looms +
          Washington Missourian:  Local lawmakers support effort to give voters a voice on redistricting X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  May 9, 2019
          KWMU:  Pallid sturgeon released into Missouri River in effort to save the endangered species
          Hannibal Courier-Post:  Gatehouse Media unloads Courier-Post to Quincy Media, which operates Quincy Herald-Whig X
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri GOP scrambles to do the wrong thing and bar Dreamers from in-state tuition X
          P-D's Raasch:  Farewell column series, Part V:  Earmarks:  Thoughts from Blunt, former Talent Chief of Staff Mark Strand X
          CDT op-ed:  Lindenwood prof R.W. Hafer:  Missouri is overdue to revise its tax structure X
          Phill Brooks:  Remembering Ken Rothman X
          Messenger:  Rural Missouri judges are still holding on to debtors prison scheme X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man angered by Alzheimer's nonprofit's ad thanking Blunt for support 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, May 10, 2019
       
Vanity Fair:  Jack Oliver organizes unofficial kick-off to Trump's 2020 campaign
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Hawley bill helping law enforcement heads to full Senate X
          Missourinet:  Graves talks impact of flood on farmers
          KWMU:  EPA to conduct more testing at West Lake Landfill
          P-D:  Federal charges against Sheila Sweeney and John Rallo in Stenger's pay-to-play scam;  Port Authority's sham "marketing consultant" contracts in focus X
          The Missouri Times:  Republican lawmakers welcome author Michael Knowles to Capitol after UMKC incident
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) announces bid for floor leader, says he "wants to give back"
          The Missouri Times:  FY 2020 budget finalized, sent to governor's desk
          Missourinet:  Lawmakers approve $29 billion budget;  tuition for alien students was key issue
          The Missouri Times:  DACA language in budget sent back to conference committee
          Missourinet:  House rejects conference committee report on alien tuition
          P-D:  Missouri Republicans reverse move to grant in-state tuition to illegals X
          Columbia Missourian:  Illegal aliens unlikely to be offered same tuition rate as legal Missourians
          AP:  Missouri House passes bill to re-start low-income housing
          The Missouri Times:  House approves incentive package aimed to attract GM Wentzville expansion
          Missourinet:  Missouri House hits the gas on incentives plan for GM expansion
          P-D:  Missouri House approves incentives for Wentzville GM plant X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate Republicans, House Rules chairs trade volleys over stalled bills
          The Missouri Times:  Senate committee advances bill from Rep. Chris Dinkins (R-Annapolis) to aid domestic violence victims
          JCNT:  Missouri River port bill still alive as session winds down X
          Columbia Missourian:  Statement from Rep. Patricia Pike (R-Adrian) on powdered alcohol rated "True"
          Columbia Missourian:  Feral hogs are destroying Missouri farmland, and stakeholders seek consensus on fighting them
          SNL:  Anti-discrimination bill gets hearing X
          P-D editorial:  Missouri's new marijuana industry already seeding state politics with cash;  Donors gave a whopping $15k to Parson's PAC X
          KC Star editorial:  'We have a God-given right to discriminate.' Is this the state Missouri wants to be? X
          KC Star's Crystal Thomas:  Missouri GOP was pressured by the right to break Dreamers' hearts 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, May 9, 2019
       
KWMU:  Don Marsh whistleblower/anti-lookism advocate Evie Hemphill:  Democratic congressional primary losers promote Netflix special;  2018 Silver Medalist Cori Bush brags about her hips, complains about hordes of men flocking to hug her
          P-D:  Parson surveys St. Louis area flooding, as waters recede but another crest looms X
          KWMU:  Amid floods, St. Louis area governments work to update regional disaster plans
          P-D:  EPA to do additional testing at West Lake Landfill;  Activists hope potential payday not in danger X
          The Missouri Times:  General Motors incentive bill targets entire automotive industry
          KWMU:  Parson seeks Wentzville GM plant expansion with tax incentive proposal
          Missourinet:  Missouri unveils incentives plan to attract major GM expansion
          The Missouri Times:  Hoskins on PDMP bill:  Bring it on
          CDT:  Lawmakers poised to pass state budget X
          SNL:  MSU poised to receive $10 million boost in state funding X
          The Missouri Times:  Bill funding higher education in FY2020 scheduled for another conference committee meeting
          JCNT:  Missouri House briefly considers gas tax to help repair infrastructure X
          JCNT:  Abortion takes center stage at Capitol X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate stalls on 'comprehensive' abortion bill - but supporters say it'll be back soon
          Columbia Missourian's Caitlyn Rosen:  Final confrontation over abortion legislation postponed in Senate;  Comments from "Sen. Jill Schupp (D-Creve Couer [sic])"
          Columbia Missourian:  Campus carry legislation unlikely to pass this session
          P-D:  Emissions testing in the St. Louis region could be dropped next year X
          The Missouri Times:  Legislature passes bill from Rep. Greg Sharpe (R-Ewing) providing more funding for utility training programs
          SNL:  House sends poaching bill to Parson X
          KOMU:  Missouri Dept. of Conservation begins effort to increase pallid sturgeon population
          Missourinet:  Both sides on sexual orientation bill testify before House committee
          Columbia Missourian:  Committee hears testimony on MONA
          P-D:  Lawmakers consider sexual orientation legislation X
          KC Star editorial:  Parson is hiding behind the First Amendment to keep public records secret X
          P-D editorial:  Parson tries to evade Sunshine Law compliance by invoking First Amendment X
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Eminent domain bill would undermine local city councils X
          SNL op-ed:  Attorney General Eric Schmitt:  Fighting the opioid crisis and how people can help 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, May 8, 2019
       
NY Times:  Trump embraces the traditional fundraising he once shunned:  Jack Oliver says campaign has been "strategic, focused and on point" with new approach
        Rosenbaum:  5 takeaways from a St. Louis City-County merger plan that never got to voters
        KWMU:  Despite suspension, St. Louis County NAACP backs John Gaskin III
        The Missouri Times:  Republicans nominate Lee Ann Pitman for Jean Evans' vacant seat
        The Missouri Times:  Freshman profile:  Rep. Doug Richey (R-Excelsior Spring)
        KWMU:  St. Louis County Council heeds Sam Page's call for state audit
        The Missouri Times:  Galloway requests legal opinion on Sunshine Law exceptions
        KC Star:  Galloway:  Schmitt must decide if 1st Amendment can be used to redact public records X
        SNL:  Audit:  Former Miller chief steals, loses money X
        KC Star:  Galloway:  Ex-police chief, lieutenant brother stole thousands from taxpayers X
        Missourinet:  Parson heading to Wentzville to discuss GM legislation
        P-D:  In pursuit of an expansion of GM's Wentzville plant, Missouri offering up to $50 million in subsidies X
        P-D:  Senate leaders in Missouri pledge to get redistricting question on 2020 ballot X
        The Missouri Times:  Senate conservatives continue 'defense' filibuster against House bills, avoid PDMP
        Columbia Missourian:  With session winding down, lawmakers discuss PDMP and other topics
        The Missouri Times:  Does 'Fast Track' have a path forward? Not without education overhaul, conservatives say
        The Missouri Times:  Finishing touches:  Conference committee hashes out budget differences
        JCNT:  Bridge bonding plan still in Missouri budget bills X
        AP:  Lawmakers may end high tuition rate for aliens in Missouri
        KC Star:  Missouri budgeters lift in-state college tuition ban for aliens X
        Columbia Missourian:  Budget compromise includes funding plan for Rocheport Bridge, MU medical complex, consensus on alien tuition
        The Missouri Times:  Senate considers changes to parole option for elderly inmates
        KC Star:  Texting-app legislation not a priority at end of session X
        Missourinet:  Four months remain for Missouri to gather number of untested rape kits or lose $2 million in federal funding
        P-D editorial:  Suspending Better Together was smart, but the effort needs to continue X
        P-D letter:  St. Louis man disagrees with Clean Missouri opponents X
        P-D letter:  Florissant septuagenarian expresses anger over GOP efforts on animal breeding in 2011, recent action on Clean Missouri, etc. X
        SNL letter:  Area liberal disagrees with "House Majority Leader [sic] Elijah Haahr" on Clean 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, May 7, 2019
       
Wall Street Journal:  Trump campaign woos GOP donors who sat out 2016;  Trump team's cash pipeline built upon advice and guidance from Missouri's Jack Oliver
          P-D:  Hawley says Silicon Valley offers little good while monetizing social media addictions X
          AP:  Midwest rivers recede, but flooding danger lingers
          Missourinet:  U.S. House to debate disaster aid to help states, including flood-stricken Missouri
          KC Star:  Trump's pick to head ICE attended UMKC Law, served as deputy sheriff in Platte County X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D-University City) on Better Together and the damage that Clean Missouri would do to African-American voters
          KWMU:  Better Together pulls St. Louis City-County merger plan, will aim for local vote if revived
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers keep focus on local vote in wake of Better Together withdrawal
          AP:  Plan for St. Louis City-County merger pulled back
          P-D:  Better Together pulls St. Louis City-County merger proposal X
          P-D:  Medical marijuana advocates contribute to campaigns, including Parson's PAC X
          Missourinet:  End-of-session preview:  'tough path' for charter schools;  sports betting not dead;  GM package to be fast-tracked
          Columbia Missourian:  Conservative Caucus filibuster stops Senate action
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmakers trying to finalize language on GM Wentzville legislation
          The Missouri Times:  Differences between Senate, House budgets heading into conference committee
          CDT:  Tax credits bill moves toward House vote X
          The Missouri Times:  Eminent domain bill, targeting Grain Belt project, survives Senate committee vote
          JCNT:  Bernskoetter's Rock Island Trail bill goes back to Senate X
          JCNT:  Senate panel hears 'religious liberty' lawsuits bill X
          SNL:  Lawmakers, city leaders seek tax option for possible convention center X
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Zel Fischer visits Joplin, solicits feedback on rule changes X
          The Missouri Times:  Certificate of Need approved for psychiatric care facility in Maryland Heights
          SE Missourian:  Isle Casino Cape Girardeau one of several casinos named in class-action lawsuit over wages +
          P-D editorial:  State should spend more money on student services, which would improve behavior X
          P-D op-ed:  Farmers to blame for flooding X
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Cameron City Councilwoman Julie Ausmus:  Expanding gambling with new slot machines won't help veterans, and it shouldn't be done without voter approval
          SNL letter:  Springfield sexagenarian says Blunt too obedient to Trump X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man wants Lacy Clay to support 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.



        Monday, May 6, 2019
       
KWMU:  Floodwaters inundate Missouri river towns
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  Dem Reps. Tracy McCreery and LaKeySha Bosley, along with David Barklage and Jared Brown, talk with Scott Faughn about Stenger corruption, CAFOs, "Clean Missouri," more
           P-D:  Efforts underway to tighten requirement that candidates pay their taxes X
           St. Joseph News-Press:  Lawmakers negotiate education funding, broadband expansion ahead of budget deadline X
           P-D:  Missouri moving closer to restarting low-income housing tax credit program X
           Columbia Missourian:  Liberal institutions oppose Medicaid work requirements
           St. Joseph News-Press:  Rep. Sheila Solon (R-St. Joseph) taks aim at eminent domain X
           KWMU:  Local academics study the toll that prisoners put on jail officers' mental health
           Missourinet:  Rep. Greg Razer (D-Kansas City) wants Legislature to pass sexual orientation bill
           Washington Missourian editorial:  Family farming is thriving in Missouri X
           KC Star editorial:  Missouri taxpayers should provide more higher-quality feminine products to female prisoners X
           P-D letter:  Chesterfield septuagenarian disagrees with Post-Dispatch and Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield) on robocall legislation, says citizens should simply ignore spam calls 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, May 5, 2019   Cinco de Mayo
       
P-D:  Congressional votes for the week:  House Dems' environmental bills;  Senate war-powers bill X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt visits region, talks improvements to rural health care X
          AP:  4 killed in Midwest flooding;  roads closed, levees strained
          AP:  Missouri loses appeal over large North Dakota water project
          P-D:  Investigation into Greitens case shows St. Louis City prosecutor's office lied about testimony, evidence X
          The Missouri Times:  Initiative petition to expand Medicaid approved to gather signatures
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Governor's Office:  Week of April 29, 2019
          JCNT:  Safety, quality lead concerns of Parson's Child Care Working Group X
          JCNT:  Legislature moves forward on tort overhaul X
          CDT:  Senate passes bill on CAFO rules X
          Joplin Globe:  Gambling bills in Legislature appear to have minimal impact on region X
          SNL:  Bill from Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield) would honor state's agreement with Nixa on childhood education center lease X
          The Missouri Times:  This Week in the Missouri PSC:  May 1, 2019
          P-D op-ed:  St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann:  Background on state oversight of St. Louis Public Schools:  history of irresponsible spending, patronage jobs, deseg nightmare, and more 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, May 4, 2019
       
SE Missourian:  Mississippi River expected to reach major flood stage by Tuesday +
          Brownfield Ag News:  Flooding getting worse
          KWMU:  River town mayors nervously watch rising water, want more funding for flood prevention
          Brownfield Ag News:  Agencies converge to meet with northwest Missouri farmers regarding flood recovery
          Missourinet:  Inmates sandbagging again in northeast Missouri's Clarksville;  Mississippi River to crest there Sunday
          Missourinet:  St. Louis, Kansas City among narrowed list for future USDA research sites;  Comments from Blunt
          KC Star:  U.S. Dept. of Transportation sends $2 million to Missouri for flood-damaged roads
          Brownfield Ag News:  USDA narrows relocation sites for ERS/NIFA
          KWMU:  Former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger (D) pleads guilty;  Sentencing in August
          P-D:  Stenger pleads guilty to pay-to-play charges;  Sham Port Authority contract scam, lobbying contract among criminal schemes X
          P-D:  Stenger timeline:  Elections, payoff to Lacy Clay capo John Cross, more X
          P-D:  Off-the-books bake sale leads to ethics fine for urban Democrat candidate;  Kimberly-Ann Collins says she'll challenge Steve Roberts again in 2020 X
          The Missouri Times:  Revenue collections bounce back in April
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) would increase visitation rights for grandparents
          The Missouri Times:  Senate adopts resolution pertaining to elective Bible classes in public high schools
          Missourinet:  Missouri Rural Crisis Center unhappy with CAFO bill
          The Missouri Times:  Judge who sentenced man to 241 years meets with lawmakers seeking his clemency
          KC Star editorial:  In Barr hearing, Josh Hawley stirs the same partisan contempt he ran against X
          KC Star editorial:  After Title IX brouhaha, wife of Richard McIntosh must resign X
          SNL op-ed:  New Approach Missouri's John Payne:  Missouri's medical marijuana law one of the best X
          SNL's Claudette Riley:  Putting guns in the hands of teachers is an extreme measure 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, May 3, 2019
       
AP:  Flood approaches, tops 1993 levels in some locations
          CDT:  Democratic activist Nate Irvin arrested for child pornography;  Former campaign manager for Renee Hoagensen's bid against Vicky Hartzler used file-sharing site to swap videos of toddlers being sexually abused
          KWMU:  Former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger (D) to plead guilty today;  Prosecutors do not rule out future indictments of others in pay-to-play contracts scheme
          P-D:  Stenger to plead guilty today X
          Brownfield Ag New:  Dave Drennan retires from Missouri Dairy Association
          The Missouri Times:  100-year-old World War II veteran joins Missouri's Day of Prayer event
          JCNT:  Day of Prayer at Capitol acknowledges need for prayer, sacrifices of service members
          The Missouri Times:  Audit rates Missouri State Treasurer's Office performance as 'excellent'
          The Missouri Times:  Officials looking at potential incentive package to win $1B GM expansion
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri competing for billion-dollar GM plant expansion
          Missourinet:  Speaker Elijah Haahr optimistic about GM legislation
          AP:  GM discusses expansion plan with state leaders
          The Missouri Times:  Senate reaches 'genuine compromise' on tort overhaul bill during another late-night debate
          SNL:  Bill from Rep. Dean Dohrman (R-La Monte) would put national motto in schools X
          Columbia Missourian:  Senate adopts resolution on elective Bible classes, OKs CAFO bill
          Brownfield Ag New:  CAFO bill advances to Missouri House
          The Missouri Times:  Senate advances contentious CAFO bill after overnight filibuster
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Pork Association's Don Nikodim says science won the CAFO debate
          KWMU:  Missouri House backs requiring local approval for St. Louis City-County merger
          The Missouri Times:  House passes resolution requiring local vote for St. Louis City-County merger
          SNL:  Senate passes tough poaching bill, with minor change X
          AP:  Title IX legislative strategy included highlighting false reports from jilted "victims"
          Columbia Missouria's Laura Murgatroyd:  Fact-check:  Statement on vehicle inspections from GOP Rep. Dave Muntzel from "Booneville [sic]"
          KC Star editorial:  Parson has opportunity - and experience - to show leadership on "NAACP travel advisory" X
          Messenger:  Bangert Island proposal recalls floodplain boondoggles of the past X
          P-D letter:  St. Charles octogenarian says thoughts and prayers are unhelpful, wants more gun control X
          Disclosure


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



        Thursday, May 2, 2019
       
Fox News:  Hawley calls ex-FBI agent's 'open disdain' for Trump the 'real crisis' during Barr testimony
          P-D:  The $30,000 mystery:  Lacy Clay capo John Cross given no-show job for support of Stenger's 2014 campaign;  Operative's resume includes work for SEIU, ACORN, et al. X
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Attorney General Eric Schmitt talks with Rosenbaum about crime crackdown, municipal courts, pro-life "heartbeat" bills, more
          KWMU:  St. Louis Community College employee stole $5.4 million in state money
          P-D:  St. Louis Community College employee stole $5.4 million;  Cash orginated from DED's job-training fund X
          SE Missourian:  Parson to speak at SEMO commencement +
          JCNT:  Parson recognizes veterans with Silver Star Service banners X
          KWMU:  Parson attends event to congratulate high-school graduates joining the armed forces
          JCNT:  Stakeholders provide input through Parson's Child Care Working Group X
          P-D:  General Motors in talks with state over expansion at Wentzville plant X
          KWMU:  Clean Missouri debate zeros in on impact on minority representation
          SE Missourian:  Area lawmakers support effort to give voters a say in redistricting +
          The Missouri Times:  House Budget Committee starts vetting bonding compromise for bridge repairs
          Missourinet:  Rep. Greg Razer (D-Kansas City) on bridge funding plan:  "We've maxed out the MoDOT credit card"
          Columbia Missourian:  Borrow money to build bridges?  Senate says yes, but House isn't so sure
          The Missouri Times:  Joinder and venue alterations headed to governor's desk
          Columbia Missourian:  Joinder and venue legislation headed to Parson
          The Missouri Times:  Fast Track workforce bill stalls in Senate over charter school impasse
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) requires companies to prove they aren't boycotting Israel
          Missourinet:  Rowden legislation would authorize independent audit of Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway
          P-D:  Rep. Robert Ross (R-Yukon) says sale of state-owned property in Ozarks will likely be litigated X
          CDT:  Lawmakers take on Grain Belt quarrel X
          Missourinet:  Bill from Rep. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) would require Amber Alert oversight committee to meet at least annually
          Columbia Missourian:  Fact check:  Statements from Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina) on PDMP and other states rated "Half True"
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Legislators wrong to change Clean Missouri X
          P-D letter:  Chesterfield man "disgusted" by efforts to give voters a voice in redistricting X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman unhappy with GOP efforts on Clean Missouri, says she has spoken to "thousands" of people who support measure 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, May 1, 2019
       
May 2018 Missouri political news headlines
          May 2017 Missouri political news headlines
          May 2016 Missouri political news headlines
          May 2015 Missouri political news headlines
          May 2014 Missouri political news headlines
          Politico:  Meet the woman behind the Pete Buttigieg media frenzy:  Koster/McCaskill alum Lis Smith
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Congress returns to discord, hint of cooperation X
          P-D:  Federal investigation finds people exposed to North St. Louis County's Coldwater Creek radiation had risks "small and unlikely to affect overall cancer rates," don't need additional health screenings;  Activists still plan to seek payday from feds X
          KWMU:  New St. Louis County Executive Sam Page questions statewide vote on city-county merger
          AP:  House plan hinges St. Louis City-County merger on local voter approval
          P-D:  St. Louis Democratic Central Committee opposes Better Together plan X
          The Missouri Times:  Democrats nominate Trish Gunby for Jean Evans' state rep seat
          The Missouri Times:  Senate doorkeeper Bill Wyrick retires after 25 years
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate allocates $8 million in flood aid
          Missourinet:  Missouri Dept. of Conservation expected to escape proposed funding changes
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers consider whether conservation tax should be renewable
          Columbia Missourian:  State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick wants more changes before reviving low-income housing tax credits
          KC Star:  Conservative Caucus hopes for charter-schools compromise in exchange for Fast Track scholarships support X
          Columbia Missourian:  Fast Track workforce grant program slowed by GOP filibuster
          Columbia Missourian:  NEA study shows Missouri teachers raking in more cash than last year
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislation would put U.S. motto on display at public schools
          P-D:  'In God We Trust' could be a part of all Missouri public schools X
          Columbia Missourian:  Senators consider plan to allow high school students to take city transit to and from school
          JCNT:  House bill seeks to expand protections against sexual abuse by school staff X
          Columbia Missourian:  Bill from Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark) to expand child abuse protections in schools passes House
          Columbia Missourian:  Legislation from Sen. Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur) focuses on unlicensed day cares
          JCNT:  Senate committee hears liability lawsuit limits bill X
          The Missouri Times:  Senate perfects CAFO legislation following 12-hour filibuster
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate gives initial approval to proposed local restrictions for large livestock operations
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Rural Crisis Center says there is "huge outpouring" of opposition to CAFO bill
          AP:  Missouri Senate advances bill on industrial farm rules
          Columbia Missourian:  Rep. Kent Haden (R-Mexico) says CAFO legislation would clarify who has inspection power
          JCNT:  Lawmakers:  Keep marijuana away from industrial hemp X
          JCNT:  State publishes draft rules for medical marijuana facilities X
          KC Star:  Title IX due process bills likely on hold until next session X
          SNL:  Fake post claims mushroom hunting banned on Missouri public lands X
          P-D op-ed:  Former Winfield Police Chief Betty Taylor:  Closing civil forfeiture loophole would enable law enforcement to build public trust X
          Priddy:  Steamboat museum campaign series:  Legislators must stand up against casino interests (only 711 words)
          Messenger:  An obituary for Better Together, smothered by the shadow of Steve Stenger X
          P-D's Jack Suntrup:  Sen. Bill Eigel (R-Weldon Spring) slips $2 million economic development provision into state's $30 billion budget X
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man wants Onder to bring drug syringe service program bill up in committee X
          JCNT letter:  Centertown septuagenarian shares thoughts on campus free speech bill, toll roads 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.




       



       

       


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