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        Saturday, May 30, 2020
        P-D:  Black Lives Matter protesters block I-70 in St. Louis for three hours, start fire, break into delivery trucks
          KWMU:  Protesters block highway, start fire;  Groups to target Clayton, Ferguson today
          KC Star:  Mob, wielding a traffic barricade, successfully subdued by pepper spray;  Protesters throw traffic cones at police, bang on commuter's truck, break Westport business window; more
          SNL:  Black Lives Matter protesters congregate, interfere with traffic flow during workday in Springfield
          SNL:  Photo gallery:  Protesters hold signs declaring "F-ck 12 (police)," "Black Lives F-cking Matter," "Riot for Respect," other persusasive messages
          P-D:  Twitter user threatens to shoot Rep. Tony Lovasco (R-St. Charles County) after lawmaker shares views on defending property during riots
          SNL:  GOP state rep generates buzz after tweeting about looters;  House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) says Lovasco "unfit to hold public office"
          KWMU:  Gov. Parson defends decision to give local government more power on coronavirus restrictions
          The Missouri Times:  Interview series:  DHSS Director Randall Williams talks with Kaitlyn Schallhorn about reopening process and what's next
          Missourinet:  Missourian who partied at Lake of the Ozarks tests positive for coronavirus
          SNL:  Boone County resident positive for COVID-19 after visiting Lake of the Ozarks pool party venue
          The Missouri Times:  Medicaid expansion group violated ethics laws, complaint alleges
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri's lone abortion clinic granted victory in license renewal fight
          Missourinet:  Missouri panel grants abortion license renewal request for St. Louis Planned Parenthood
          KWMU:  State ruling means Planned Parenthood can continue to offer abortions
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri PSC expands Ameren solar project
          JCNT:  AG office report highlights disparities:  Men pulled over more than women;  Cole County "disparity index" 1.02 for both blacks and whites
          KWMU:  AG's office releases annual vehicle stops report
          P-D editorial briefs:  Gov. Parson should sign legislation cracking down on fake "service animals"
          Rust:  While still low, Cape Girardeau numbers bump back up. Here's why.
          Joplin Globe letter:  Joplin sexagenarian outlines disdain for President Trump and Gov. Parson, urges vote for Nicole Galloway
          P-D letter:  St. Louis man says high-speed scooters should be regulated as motorcycles
          P-D letter:  Wildwood sexagenarian opposes hunting season for black bears
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        Friday, May 29, 2020
        Fox News:  AG Eric Schmitt, 2 other GOP attorneys general:  Time for Congress to take action against China's communist government
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri's 'Phase 1' of reopening extended through mid-June
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson extends Missouri public health order 15 days
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson extends Missouri's reopening order through June 15
          SNL:  Gov. Parson extends 'Phase 1' social distancing order to June 15
          Columbia Missourian:  Gov. Parson's social distancing order extends through June 15
          Missourinet:  Missouri Gaming Commission to allow casinos to reopen Monday
          SNL:  Another 27k in Missouri file for unemployment amid continued uncertainty
          Joplin Globe:  Forecast:  Unemployment could affect 1 in 3 Joplin workers at peak, and 31% of Missouri workers
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson announces U.S. tooling provider to expand eastern Missouri location
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri's response to coronavirus:  A timeline
          KWMU:  Missouri's first coronavirus election could foreshadow shift toward absentee voting
          CDT:  Thousands use absentee ballot to avoid polls in Boone County
          The Missouri Times:  We Ask America poll of 500 Missourians, predominantly in urban areas, finds most Missourians support Gov. Parson's handling of coronavirus
          P-D:  Medicaid waiver waitlist not going away for Missourians with developmental disabilities
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri public defenders unhappy with workload
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmakers hope to see a cattle slaughter facility in the Show-Me State
          JCNT:  Missouri Department of Conservation seeks comment on black bear hunting proposal
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  Black Lives Matter protestors shut down traffic in St. Louis, cause car crash on I-44
          KC Star editorial:  Gov. Parson's comments on health safety and elections undermine democracy
          P-D op-ed:  Cato Institute's Simon Lester:  Hawley is wrong about a WTO withdrawal
          Washington Examiner op-ed:  Sen. Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan):  How Missouri protected the vote while also protecting the voter
          P-D letter:  Former Democratic state rep candidate Ed Shew:  Gov. Parson and Republican lawmakers wrong to oppose Medicaid expansion
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        Thursday, May 28, 2020
        Missourinet:  Hawley:  It's time for the Coast Guard to act on duck boats
          AP:  Second lawsuit filed against Missouri Medicaid expansion - this time by United for Missouri
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri Medicaid expansion campaign makes stop in Joplin
          Joplin Globe:  Video:  Healthcare for Missouri's Jack Cardetti stumps for Medicaid expansion
          Scott Faughn:  Legislative session winners 2020
          JCNT:  Missouri bill improves situations for children
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson to announce plans for soon-expiring health order
          The Missouri Times:  How is Missouri testing for coronavirus? A look at 3 methods.
          Missourinet:  Coronavirus testing underway among Missouri prison workers and inmates
          Columbia Missourian:  China virus testing begins in nursing homes around the state
          P-D:  Despite media pressure to name nursing homes with coronavirus cases, Missouri following law regarding privacy
          SNL:  Who should be tasked with breaking up rogue pool parties? State and county officials disagree.
          AP:  Amid backlash, Lake of the Ozarks business owner defends actions
          Scott Faughn:  Finger-wagging is no way to lead;  Urban liberal media narrative on breaking up pool parties is predictable
          SNL:  Online purchase scams continue, a consequence of COVID-19;  Area seasoned citizens fall for gift-card payment swindle
          Columbia Missourian's Anna Peterson:  U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler exaggerates China's influence on prescription drug supply chain
          KC Star op-ed:  "Progress Women" Executive Director Stacey Newman:  Missouri Legislature is out of control and failing Missouri
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman hopes Lake of the Ozarks party attendees spend afterlife "swimming in fire and brimstone"
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        Wednesday, May 27, 2020
        Missourinet:  Ann Wagner's plan seeks "justice and compensation" from China
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Local Census 2020 response in line with nation
          The Missouri Times:  Gov. Parson moves Medicaid expansion effort to August ballot;  Comments from House Budget Chair Cody Smith (R-Carthage), House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield)
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson says moving Medicaid expansion to August ballot will help state better plan budget
          AP:  Gov. Parson moves up vote on Missouri Medicaid expansion
          KWMU:  Expanding Medicaid in Missouri to go on August ballot
          Columbia Missourian:  Medicaid expansion will be on August ballot
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri begins testing all inmates, staff at Dept. of Corrections facilities
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of positive coronavirus cases
          P-D:  Gov. Parson says he has no plans to use National Guard to break up pool parties
          KC Star:  Gov. Parson says he trusts local law enforcement to monitor, act upon safety issues
          Columbia Missourian:  Gov. Parson addresses Lake of the Ozarks buzz, China virus testing data
          P-D:  St. Charles, downtown St. Louis casinos could be only two operating in region next week
          KWMU:  With traffic down during pandemic, Missouri road crews speed up projects
          JCNT:  Missouri Department of Conservation seeking comments on bear hunting proposal
          AP:  Missouri open records lawsuit sent back to lower court
          Missourinet:  Inmate who stomped an elderly woman to death during a 1982 robbery dies in Missouri prison
          P-D:  AG Eric Schmitt files consumer fraud charges against serial scammer
          KC Star editorial:  Gov. Parson, afraid of voters, plays politics with Medicaid expansion
          JCNT editorial:  Expanding remote work could benefit Missouri state government
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Lake of the Ozarks fiasco an embarrassment for Missouri
          P-D editorial:  History has lessons for Missourians who thumb noses at social distancing
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  State rep candidate Karan Pujji:  More tariffs on China would bring Missouri to its breaking point
          P-D letter:  Ballwin septuagenarian proposes helmet law compromise involving full-face helmets for newly-licensed motorcycle riders, and freedom to choose for experienced operators
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        Tuesday, May 26, 2020
        Missourinet:  Missouri offers free community sampling COVID-19 tests for 6 more counties
          AP:  Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks packed amid China virus pandemic
          P-D:  St. Louis area and state officials issue stern warnings after Lake of the Ozarks parties
          KC Star:  St. Louis County, KC health director urge Lake of the Ozark partiers to self-quarantine
          The Missouri Times:  Updated numbers:  Coronavirus cases among Missouri prisoners, staff
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri lacks COVID-19 tests, contact tracers. If this is a war, there's no cavalry.
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Listen to former Sen. Jack Danforth and vote 'no' on Cleaner Missouri
          Platte County Landmark's Guy Speckman:  Why Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) is this year's MVP of the Missouri Senate
          Columbia Missourian's Claire Colby:  Missouri's CAFO industry benefits from low fines, infrequent inspections
          P-D letter:  St. Albans septuagenarian disagrees with GOP lawmakers on notarized absentee ballots and helmet law repeal, calls lawmakers "lamebrains"
          P-D letter:  University City septuagenarian says Missouri GOP lawmakers are to blame for urban gun violence
          P-D letter:  St. Louis nonagenarian "horrified, angered and saddened" by execution of rapist-murderer Walter Barton
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        Monday, May 25, 2020   Memorial Day
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Local legislation advances to governor's desk
          KRES/KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) talks about quiet session for education
          KC Star's Crystal Thomas:  Lawmakers consider options for Medicaid reimbursements;  Comments from "Rep. Peter Meredith [sic]", others
          P-D editorial:  It's outrageous that quarantined nursing home workers are denied sick leave
          Phill Brooks:  Legislative successes, losses and missed opportunities
          Messenger:  Brief in Flynn case puts Missouri AG Eric Schmitt on both sides of prosecutorial discretion issue
          P-D letter:  St. Louis pediatrician unhappy with level of state guidance on testing expectations
          KC Star letter:  Lake Waukomis man says long hold time on state unemployment phone line shows Gov. Parson doesn't care
          P-D letter:  Florissant sexagenarian calls motorcycle helmet repeal "amazingly stupid"
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        Sunday, May 24, 2020
        Columbia Missourian:  State officials make recommendations for CARES Act federal aid
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri Hospital Association says rural hospitals see big hit from China virus
          JCNT:  State considers expanding remote work for staff
          P-D:  DHSS, Missouri National Guard provide free drive-thru testing in St. Charles and Jefferson counties
          KMBC:  Missouri improves reporting of coronavirus testing results, segregating different testing data types
          P-D:  Missouri updates approach to reporting China virus data
          KC Star:  Missouri follows CDC in updating Wuhan virus testing reports, separating antibody and viral tests
          Missourinet:  Lawmakers to hear update on Missouri slaughter facilities and economic impact from China virus
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Black bear hunting season proposed in Missouri
          SE Missourian editorial:  On Memorial Day we remember those who gave their life for this country
          JCNT editorial:  Pandemic won't stop honors for our war dead
          McClellan:  Lawsuits targeting Stan Kroenke, China a waste of time
          SNL op-ed:  Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller:  Legislature struck right balance with voting bill;  Gov. Parson should sign it
          SNL's Steve Pokin:  Rep. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) wrong on payday loans
          P-D letter:  Webster Groves man lists reasons why lawmakers should oppose Wayfair tax
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        Saturday, May 23, 2020
        Missourinet:  Hawley:  Volunteers who showed up after Jefferson City tornado "showed the very best of who we are"
          The Missouri Times:  Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft certifies Medicaid expansion ballot measure through 'expedited' method
          KWMU:  Medicaid expansion to appear on ballot
          Missourinet:  Ashcroft approves Medicaid expansion ballot measure
          KC Star:  Ashcroft approves Medicaid expansion petition
          Missourinet:  Term-limited Rep. David Wood (R-Versailles) to take over Missouri DSS' Children's Division;  Comments from Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield), Kids Win Missouri's Craig Stevenson
          AP:  Missouri jobless rate more than doubles to 9.7% due to China virus
          SNL:  Gov. Parson:  Without federal aid, $500M-$700M more in budget withholdings coming in July
          SE Missourian:  Most counties in region report new coronavirus cases
          Columbia Missourian:  DHSS to hold China virus testing event at Hickman High School
          KCUR:  Virginia Tech professor theorizes that some states, including Missouri, are undercounting Wuhan virus deaths
          Missourinet:  Update on Mark Twain National Forest recreational openings
          Washington Missourian:  Franklin County leaves regional PDMP
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri State Highway Patrol sees increase in traffic fatalities
          SNL op-ed:  Springfield pediatrician wants Blunt, Hawley, Long to support extension of SNAP handouts
          SE Missourian's Lucas Presson:  Gov. Parson's leadership during pandemic has been solid, though stance on masks could improve
          KC Star letter:  U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler responds to Star editorial on PPP loan, says newspaper left out important context
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        Friday, May 22, 2020
        Missourinet:  U.S. Rep. Sam Graves:  Some flood victims in danger of being victimized twice if Congress doesn't act
          Missourinet:  CARES Act spending team hears the up-to-date needs of Missouri agencies, businesses
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson:  3 strategies to drive increased COVID testing
          AP:  Missouri's increased virus testing to focus on nursing homes
          Columbia Missourian:  Gov. Parson outlines plan for statewide comprehensive COVID-19 testing
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson's Thursday press briefing and Q&A:  Strategies to focus testing;  CARES Act spending team update
          St. Joseph News-Press:  COVID-19 testing to expand locally and statewide
          P-D:  Missouri's health director says spike in China virus deaths due to reporting delays
          SNL:  27,000 more file for unemployment in Missouri as 'reopened' economy inches forward
          P-D:  As unemployment claims dip, some Missouri businesses struggle to lure back workers
          AP:  Gov. Parson not only allows graduation, but keynotes
          JCNT:  Jay Ashcroft delivers pandemic supplies to local election officials
          SE Missourian:  Coronavirus 'dashboard' up in Missouri;  Charleston prison still only lockup with outbreak
          The Missouri Times:  House Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann (R-O'Fallon) donates PPE throughout Missouri
          Missourinet:  GOP Reps. Adam Schnelting and John Wiemann:  major PPE donation highlights importance of Missouri State Defense Force
          Missourinet:  Every available Missouri state trooper is on the road and water this Memorial Day weekend
          The Missouri Times:  PSC tackles tariff disputes, extensions
          KC Star editorial:  Many Missouri House Democrats didn't bother with masks - wearing one is just "too tough";  Two House Democrat sources complain to newspaper about caucus colleagues' dinner gatherings, maskless behavior
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Pat Rowe Kerr:  Missouri should back common-sense approach to address flooding
          KC Star op-ed:  Former Florissant Mayor Tom Schneider:  GOP state lawmakers wrong on Wayfair tax, Cleaner Missouri
          P-D op-ed:  League of Women Voter sexagenarians:  Republican lawmakers wrong on Clean Missouri
          SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau woman says Medicaid expansion will keep rural hospitals open
          P-D letter:  Sullivan sexagenarian dismayed by Missouri's lack of PDMP
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        Thursday, May 21, 2020
        Columbia Missourian:  Blunt announces $17 million in COVID-19 aid for Missouri clinics
          Columbia Missourian:  Gov. Parson:  Missouri National Guard to assist with China virus testing
          AP:  Gov. Parson's Wednesday press briefing:  Expanded testing, protecting businesses from coronavirus lawsuits, more
          Missourinet:  Missouri Chamber of Commerce calls on governor to deal with 'opportunistic' coronavirus lawsuits
          P-D:  Gov. Parson pushes for expanded China virus testing
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Legislature OKs adding cameras in nursing homes
          Missourinet:  Missouri motorcycle helmet law repeal has governor's support, but it's part of a larger bill
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of positive coronavirus cases
          CDT:  Former Sen. Chuck Graham (D-Columbia) dead at 55;  Comments from former Rep. Ted Farnen (D-Mexico), Caleb Rowden
          Missourinet:  Former Missouri lawmaker who championed jobs for the disabled dies
          JCNT:  Missouri State Penitentiary tours to resume June 1, CVB says
          Missourinet:  Missouri State Penitentiary ghost and history tours to resume in June
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri considering possible black bear hunting season
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Sen. Josh Hawley correct to identify meatpacking and food supply as priority for change
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri colleges could be coronavirus factories in the fall
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Rep. Mike Moon (R-Ash Grove):  Medicaid expansion would be a disaster for Missouri
          P-D letter:  Washington University School of Social Work student opposes Cleaner Missouri, vows to vote against Republican lawmakers
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        Wednesday, May 20, 2020
        The Missouri Times:  Republican state legislators oppose federal bailouts;  Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield) organizes effort
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri AFL-CIO pick Jake Hummel as next president
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  LaunchCode Executive Director Jeff Mazur, Sen. Brian Williams (D-Ferguson) discuss training Missouri's workforce for the post-pandemic era
          Washington Missourian:  Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft predicts safe elections in visit to Union
          AP:  Missouri lawsuit for absentee voting amid virus appealed
          P-D:  Absentee ballot applications for June 2 election soar amid coronavirus worries
          SNL:  Opponents of Cleaner Missouri say ballot summary language "unfair"
          Missourinet:  House Speaker Elijah Haahr (R-Springfield) talks session's successes, special session;  House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) offers criticism
          SE Missourian:  Clock runs out on PDMP bill
          Missourinet:  DOR Director Ken Zellers says no tax return backlog this year
          P-D:  Gov. Parson sets goal of 7,500 coronavirus tests a day
          Missourinet:  Coronavirus hits workers at Audrain County hog farm
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson:  Tough budget decisions ahead
          Columbia Missourian:  Gov. Parson:  More cuts needed to balance state budget
          Missourinet:  Missouri households eligible for free or reduced school meals can get pandemic handout
          KWMU:  Rare illness linked to Wuhan virus affects children in St. Louis region
          CDT:  University of Missouri worst-case budget plan sees cuts up to 25 percent
          Columbia Missourian:  Tuition increase, more cuts and layoffs expected as UM grapples with China virus
          Missourinet:  Missouri becomes first state to execute prisoner during coronavirus outbreak
          KC Star:  Missouri executs convicted rapist-murderer Walter Barton
          AP:  Missouri first in the nation to return to execution normalcy
          KWMU:  Missouri leads other states in resuming executions during pandemic
          JCNT editorial:  Missouri's elected officials should not shun face masks
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Skepticism reigns on Missouri cannabis licenses
          Columbia Missourian's Jack Kosowski:  Tweet analysis:  Gov. Parson said Missouri businesses could open May 4 if local regulations allowed it - but some local regulations did not allow it
          KC Star op-ed:  Qiana Thomason:  Coronavirus makes it clearer than ever Missouri needs Medicaid expansion
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        Tuesday, May 19, 2020
        The Missouri Times:  TWMP recap:  Ann Wagner says House response to coronavirus goes from collaborative effort to 'partisan charade';  GOP consultant David Barklage, Carpenters' Union's Mark Dalton talk Trump, Cleaner Missouri, PDMP
          KWMU:  Environmental groups sue U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, claim river barriers worsen flooding
          JCNT:  State 'kicking up' COVID-19 testing
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson says 163 long-term care sites have had coronavirus cases
          AP:  Gov. Parson:  Virus testing focus on long-term facilities
          P-D:  Gov. Parson says state targeting long-term care facilities for widespread coronavirus testing
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of positive coronavirus cases
          Missourinet:  Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft says expanded mail-in voting "not the most secure way to hold an election"
          AP:  Lawsuits claim Cleaner Missouri redistricting measure is unfair
          KC Star:  Cleaner Missouri opponents sue to change ballot question
          Missourinet:  Rep. Joe Runions (D-Grandview) receives standing ovation after battling China virus
          P-D:  PDMP legislation dies;  85% of state's residents covered by St. Louis County's own program as other counties have joined in
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence "very hopeful" about state's progress on rape kits, "survivors' rights" legislation
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson says execution of rapist/murderer Walter Barton "will move forward as scheduled"
          P-D:  WalletHub report:  Missouri better than many states for military retirees
          SNL:  Missouri Department of Conservation seeks comment on black bear hunting season in 2021
          P-D editorial:  Gov. Parson should oppose corrupt old system and stand against Cleaner Missouri bill
          SE Missourian's Jon Rust:  COVID-19 in Southeast Missouri:  The good news in the numbers
          Columbia Missourian's Ken Midkiff:  Lockdowns in Missouri probably not legal
          P-D op-ed:  Former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Wolff:  Gov. Parson should delay execution of Walter Barton
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        Monday, May 18, 2020
        This Week in Missouri Politics:  U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner talks with Scott Faughn about federal response to coronavirus;  Panel of David Barklage, Carpenters Union's Mark Dalton talk Cleaner Missouri, PDMP, Trump's job performance
          KWMU:  How the coronavirus upended Missouri's 2020 legislative session
          P-D:  Upended by pandemic, Missouri lawmakers limited in answering Gov. Parson's agenda
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Lawmakers approve bill to prevent taxation of stimulus checks
          Missourinet:  Missouri Legislature adopts medical marijuana changes
          Columbia Missourian:  Video gaming machines stir debate:  Perspectives from Missouri, Illinois
          JCNT:  Utilities weigh how to collect past-due payments
          KC Star:  Court clears way for Missouri to execute rapist/murderer Walter Barton tomorrow
          KC Star:  Some U.S. cities see less crime in pandemic, but KC starts May with rash of shootings
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Funny doglegs and elongated strips:  Missouri voters get another crack at redistricting
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri prisoner sentenced to 20 years as a teen seeks freedom. Gov. Parson should act.
          KC Star op-ed:  Mark Woodworth:  Gov. Parson, don't let Walter Barton be a victim of Missouri AG's prosecutors like I was
          Joplin Globe letters:  Webb City man asks media outlets to report demographic context of coronavirus deaths, including location and age;  Webb City septuagenarian says Gov. Parson and GOP lawmakers will worsen coronavirus pandemic
          P-D letter:  Lake Saint Louis sexagenarian says "Missouri Leigslature [sic]" protects puppy mills
          P-D letter:  Pro-life SLU student responds to pro-choice SLU student's op-ed
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        Sunday, May 17, 2020
        SNL:  Roundup:  Here's what Missouri lawmakers passed - and didn't pass - this session
          Missourinet:  Summary:  Key bills passed by the Missouri Legislature this session
          JCNT:  Local legislators reflect on wins, losses in pandemic-dominated session
          Columbia Missourian:  Wayfair tax dead for another year
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Time is of the essence for levee repairs
          JCNT:  Public forums for Missouri State Penitentiary proposals on tap Monday
          JCNT:  Missouri Dept. of Agriculture's "Missouri Grown" Director Christi Miller also Missouri-grown
          P-D editorial:  China gets the meat that risks U.S. workers' lives. Missouri helped it happen.
          JCNT letter:  Jefferson City septuagenarian not attending economic reopening "party" supported by "President Trump and his friends like Gov. Parson"
          SNL letters:  Springfield septuagenarian opposes Cleaner Missouri, says Republicans in "state Congress [sic]" can only win elections by cheating;  Springfield woman opposes closed primaries
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        Saturday, May 16, 2020
        KWMU:  Truncated Missouri Legislature ends but extra time may be coming
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the Senate:  Friday activity
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the House:  Friday activity
          AP:  Sen. Eric Burlison (R-Battlefield) coordinates effort to oppose U.S. House Dems' 'unacceptable solution to the financial woes of individual states'
          JCNT:  Leaders tout successes of shortened legislative session
          The Missouri Times:  PDMP legislation dies
          Columbia Missourian:  New pandemic voting changes approved by Legislature
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri elections bill would give secretary of state subpoena power in investigations
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers OK mail-in voting on final day of work
          P-D:  On final day, Missouri lawmakers approve new vote-by-mail options
          P-D:  End-of-session recap
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  "Missouri ends first legislatve [sic] session during COVID-19"
          The Missouri Times: Omnibus health care bill, with coronavirus testing provisions, passes through Legislature
          Columbia Missourian:  Crime bill passes, expands definition of 'dangerous felon'
          Columbia Missourian:  End-of-session briefs:  Cleaner Missouri, medical marijuana, PDMP, crime, budget, gambling, schools, MONA, Wayfair
          AP:  End-of-session briefs:  Pseudoephedrine, edibles, Hyperloop, motorcycle helmets, more
          KC Star:  End-of-session recap
          Missourinet:  Missouri vaping bill heading to Gov. Parson's desk
          JCNT:  Heartland Port bill sent to governor
          Moberly Monitor-Index:  Missouri prisons facing coronavirus challenges
          AP:  Federal court grants Missouri murderer 30-day execution stay
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Newly-passed Missouri bill helps sexual assault survivors
          SE Missourian's Lucas Presson:  Gov. Parson:  'We made decisions based on facts'
          SE Missourian's Jon Rust:  Why Missourians should wear a mask:  Faith, fear, responsibility and freedom
          KC Star's Caitlyn Rosen:  Missouri retains dubious status as only state without PDMP program
          KC Star letter:  Sugar Creek sexagenarian opposes Cleaner Missouri
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        Friday, May 15, 2020
        SNL:  As Missouri unemployment claims slow, two southwest Missouri companies report furloughs
          JCNT:  Governor:  More Missouri budget withholdings expected
          The Missouri Times:  Missourians receiving SNAP handouts can order freebies online - and the option is 'permanent'
          Missourinet:  SNAP handouts can now be used for online grocery shopping in Missouri
          The Missouri Times:  Interview series:  Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst talks with Scott Faughn about China virus impact on corn growers, dairy farmers and cattle ranchers
          P-D:  St. Louis area China virus hospitalizations continue to fall as region prepares to reopen
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the Senate:  Activity from Thursday
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the House:  Activity from Thursday
          The Missouri Times:  Amid claims of dishonesty, Senate unanimously reconsiders omnibus bill after finding 'hidden' language from House
          SNL:  Missouri House OKs plan to let everyone vote by mail this year, revive voter ID
          KC Star:  Missouri lawmakers seek new mail-in ballot system
          Columbia Missourian:  Mail-in voting option included in wide-sweeping elections bill
          SNL:  Sen. John Rizzo (D-Independence) pushes for free COVID testing for uninsured
          P-D:  Democratic plan would pay for Wuhan virus testing using federal funds
          SNL:  Rep. Steve Helms (R-Springfield) says he's not behind robocalls supporting education bill
          AP:  Missouri lawmakers pass bill against boycotting Israel
          P-D:  Legislative session winding down
          SNL:  Campgrounds at Missouri state parks reopening in phases
          SE Missourian:  SEMO revises reopening plan;  former Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder weighs in on debate
          KC Star editorial:  Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R) wrong to take PPP loan, then balk at further Wuhan virus spending
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  League of Women Voters septuagenarian:  Cleaner Missouri is outrageous
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Former Rep. Tila Hubrecht (R-Dexter):  The conservative case for Missouri Medicaid expansion
          SNL op-ed:  Former Rep. Ray Weter (R-Nixa):  Medicaid expansion better for health care, economy
          P-D letter:  Ladue sexagenarian praises Jack Danforth for opposing Cleaner Missouri, says current GOP lawmakers are infected with partisan "disease"
          P-D letter:  Richmond Heights septuagenarian asks for and receives clarity from St. Louis County election board on absentee voting rules for seasoned citizens
          Disclosure

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        Thursday, May 14, 2020
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Hawley, Hartzler, Graves focus on food supply and Missouri's meat producers
          JCNT:  Missouri has plan to develop flood-monitoring system
          Missourinet:  Video:  Gov. Parson's Wednesday press briefing and Q&A
          JCNT:  DHSS' Williams:  8,800 COVID-19 tests can be done daily
          KC Star:  Missouri on FEMA list of states with growing coronavirus cases
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the Senate:  Activity from Wednesday
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the House:  Activity from Wednesday
          AP:  Lawmakers move to expand Missouri absentee voting amid virus
          The Missouri Times:  Voters will get to decide on Cleaner Missouri
          KWMU:  Cleaner Missouri proposal will go to voters
          SNL:  House approves redistricting plan, sending it to November ballot
          Missourinet:  Missouri Legislature wants voters to decide fate of Cleaner Missouri
          KC Star:  Houses passes bill to give voters a voice on redistricting plan
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers send restricting proposal to voters
          Missourinet:  PDMP expected to hit Missouri Senate floor today;  House floor debate gets heated
          P-D:  Plan to track opioids gets House approval
          Columbia Missourian:  House approves amended PDMP
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri extends ability for restaurants, bars to sell mixed drinks to go
          KWMU:  Budget bill allows for feral hog meat to be donated to Missouri food pantries
          Missourinet:  Missouri's casinos to remain closed through May 31
          P-D:  Missouri casinos set to open June 1
          KWMU:  Sunshine Law loss leaves Mizzou with $175k bill
          AP:  Missouri moving ahead with execution plans;  Walter Barton pushed 81-year-old woman to the ground, beat her, sexually assaulted her, then stabbed her more than 50 times
          KC Star editorial:  St. Louis had nearly twice as many China virus cases, but the KC area is spiking now
          P-D op-ed:  Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller (R):  Legislature is running out of time to approve absentee balloting
          Columbia Missourian's Sara Dingmann:  Three weeks ago, Rep. Louis Riggs (R-Hannibal) got a statistic wrong regarding percentage of counties with China virus cases
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        Wednesday, May 13, 2020
        Missourinet:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith emphasizes importance of rural hospitals and telehealth, talks 8th District economy reopening
          Missourinet:  Video and summary:  Gov. Parson's Tuesday press briefing and Q&A
          P-D:  Gov. Parson focuses on Missouri's economic recovery, as DED's Rob Dixon warns 'it's going to take years'
          SNL:  Missouri getting 4,000 doses of key COVID drug
          AP:  China virus cases reach 10,000 in Missouri, with deaths topping 500
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of positive coronavirus cases
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the Senate:  Activity from Tuesday
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the House:  Activity from Tuesday
          The Missouri Times:  Auditor could have say in Cleaner Missouri ballot language
          KWMU:  House votes to raise standards for punitive damages;  Rep. Bruce DeGroot (R-Chesterfield) says measure "brings back some common sense" to court system
          Missourinet:  Missouri K-12 districts can request to start school earlier this fall
          P-D:  Missouri schools prepare for online learning in the fall, while cases of mystery inflammatory syndrome pop up in St. Louis
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers discuss Grain Belt Express, rape kit testing
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Legislature OKs measure streamlining rape kit testing process
          AP:  Missouri passes bill requiring hospitals to offer rape kits
          KC Star editorial:  Forcing in-person voting could cost Missouri lives
          Columbia Missourian's Ashlyn O'Hara and Galen Bacharier:  Missouri lawmakers push to overturn Clean Missouri even though their constituents supported it
          KC Star's Crystal Thomas:  With no public scrutiny, GOP lawmakers push through a bill to trap borrowers in a cycle of debt
          Columbia Missourian's Sara Dingmann:  Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft got statistic wrong in anecdote on Milwaukee polling places
          KC Star letter:  Gladstone nonagenarian wants newspaper print edition to list full summaries of every legislative proposal discussed in editorials, along with lawmakers' votes
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        Tuesday, May 12, 2020
        KWMU:  Hawley charts out big shift in how America handles unemployment amid coronavirus
          P-D:  Missouri to receive almost $18 million from HUD to combat coronavirus
          Missourinet:  Video:  Gov. Parson's Monday press briefing and Q&A
          AP:  Gov. Parson calls it 'encouraging' to see some return to normalcy
          P-D:  Missouri set to receive remdisivir for coronavirus treatment
          SE Missourinet:  GOP state Senate opponents Holly Rehder, Kathy Swan differ on use tax
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the Missouri Senate:  Activity from Monday
          The Missouri Times:  Final week in the Missouri House:  Activity from Monday
          AP:  Few days left for Missouri opioid tracking bill
          Missourinet:  Missouri PDMP personal for Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Scott City):  Don't judge "unless you've walked a mile in their moccasins"
          SNL:  Missouri voters could expand Medicaid, then let lawmakers block it on the same ballot
          SNL:  Rep. Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark) on Cleaner Missouri:  "This will go down in flames"
          Missourinet:  Departing GOP lawmaker predicts Cleaner Missouri will lose at polls
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of positive coronavirus cases
          Missourinet:  Coronavirus hits eastern Missouri jail
          KC Star:  Death toll in Missouri from China virus could be undercounted, depending upon interpretation of CDC data
          JCNT:  Missouri road fatalities increase despite less traffic
          Columbia Missourian:  Calls to Missouri DSS child abuse hotline plummet as pandemic isolation grows
          The Missouri Times:  'What do you do with these pigs?' Inside Missouri hog farmers' struggles with coronavirus
          SNL:  HSUS report says Missouri leads the nation in dog breeders
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Arming school teachers should not be part of the solution for school shootings
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Brass knuckles not worthy of legislative discussion
          SE Missourian's Lucas Press:  Blunt's 'Shark Tank' initiative unleashes private sector ingenuity on pandemic
          CDT op-ed:  Ashland septuagenarian wants Rowden to flip-flop on Cleaner Missouri
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Harold Selby:  Don't let opponents of Grain Belt Express block progress for rural Missouri
          P-D letter:  Santa Maria, Calif. man objects to Hawley's objection to Missouri subsidizing bailouts of fiscally irresponsible states
          P-D letter:  St. Louis septuagenarian says Gov. Parson's choice to not wear a mask was a calculated "dog whistle" to fringe voters
          P-D letter:  University City man opposes state lawmakers' proposals to expand right-to-carry freedoms
          Disclosure

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        Monday, May 11, 2020
        SE Missourian's B Magazine:  Missouri counts:  An overview of the 2020 Census
          SE Missourian's B Magazine:  20% of Missourians - more than a million people - without high-speed Internet;  A look at Missouri Department of Economic Development efforts
          SNL:  National group targets Springfield for "cancel rent" campaign;  People's Action touts its success convincing seven (7) Springfield households to sign online petition
          P-D:  Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and wife contribute $500 to two local county commissioner candidates
          This Week in Missouri Politics:  KC Mayor Quinton Lucas talks with Scott Faughn about city's coronavirus response;  Panel of Charlie Shields and Victor Callahan talk testing efforts, local government response, Missouri Senate's last week of session
          P-D:  Missouri's testing rate trails Illinois, but reflects different strategy, reality
          SNL:  Rep. Steve Helms (R-Springfield) says tax break for makers of medical supplies will bring jobs to Missouri
          Missourinet:  Rep. Steven Roberts (D-St. Louis City) works with DHSS, Affinia Healthcare to hold second COVID-19 testing event in his district
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Measure to overhaul foster care could pass Legislature
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  Gov. Parson should flip-flop on execution of convicted murderer Walter Barton
          P-D letter:  Septuagenarian Clean Missouri supporter criticizes octogenarian Clean Missouri supporter for failing to mention party ID of Cleaner Missouri supporters
          P-D letter:  Crystal Lake Park septuagenarian wants state to collect sales taxes directly from credit card processors and car dealers
          P-D letter:  SLU priest and theology professor responds to SLU student's pro-choice op-ed
          Disclosure

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        Sunday, May 10, 2020   Happy Mother's Day!
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt, Hawley prioritize virus testing, jobs
          AP:  Gov. Parson, other U.S. governors aim to boost production of medical supplies
          P-D:  The St. Louis area has seen more China virus cases than Kansas City;  theories abound
          P-D:  State, local health officials ponder utilizing more contact tracers
          P-D:  Gunfire causes more damage in city on Saturday than coronavirus, police reports show
          KWMU:  Last week of Missouri legislative session could be unusually quiet
          Joplin Globe:  Rep. Ben Baker (R-Neosho):  Limit on medical marijuana licenses, other rules unfair
          P-D editorial:  The pandemic should figure into this year's flood preparation
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Virus fuels urgency in online sales tax debate
          KC Star op-ed:  KC NAACP's Rodney Williams;  Politicians' attack on Clean Missouri is outrageous even by Jefferson City standards
          P-D op-ed:  Children's Education Alliance of Missouri's Brian Murphy:  Missouri Legislature, DESE should support virtual education
          Disclosure

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        Saturday, May 9, 2020
        P-D:  St. Louis-area hospitals to receive $82 million from HHS
          AP:  County election officials, religious groups share thoughts on absentee voting
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Legislature passes FY21 budget:  What to know
          The Missouri Times:  Tax relief bill from Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer (R-Parkville) goes to governor
          SNL:  Lawmakers pass bill to keep stimulus checks tax-free
          Missourinet:  Missouri House gives final approval to budget;  feral hog debate gets heated
          AP:  Schools, colleges spared in stripped-down Missouri budget
          KWMU:  Missouri lawmakers pass $35.2 billion state budget
          Joplin Globe:  Missouri Senate advances sexual assault law
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Cattlemen's Association disappointed in eminent domain filibuster
          KC Star:  Missouri medical marijuana officials will comply with lawmakers' demands for records
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  Televangelist Jim Bakker is not a coronavirus villain, says his attorney Jay Nixon
          P-D:  St. Louis-area China virus hospitalizations continue to fall
          AP:  St. Louis County, Kansas City plan restricted openings
          KWMU:  Most St. Louis County businesses can reopen with limits on May 18
          P-D:  St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson explain the gradual reopening of region to begin May 18
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of positive coronavirus cases
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Public Service Commission grants CCNs to utility companies
          AP:  Missouri House panel dismisses sexual harassment complaint
          Washington Missourian endorsement:  Yes on Medicaid expansion
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Missouri lawmakers must pass Internet sales tax
          St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Lawmakers' discussion of brass knuckles a waste of time
          SE Missourian's Lucas Presson:  CARES Act funds to local counties should be scrutinized
          KC Star letter:  Man who chooses to live in Kansas wants Gov. Parson to wear a mask
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County Democratic committeewoman wants SOS Jay Ashcroft to ask senior citizens to vote absentee
          Disclosure

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        Friday, May 8, 2020
        KWMU:  U.S. Rep. Jason Smith part of delegation seeking aid for rural hospitals
          FOX 2 (St. Louis):  U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner addresses the problems people are having reviewing unemployment benefits
          FOX 2 (St. Louis):  U.S. Rep. Sam Graves says more people will be flying soon, with masks
          The Missouri Times:  State auditor's office launches 'transparency portal' for federal coronavirus funds;  State treasurer's office launched website last month
          Missourinet:  Video and summary:  Gov. Parson's Thursday press briefing and Q&A
          JCNT:  Governor, first lady explore how merchants adapt to pandemic
          Missourinet:  Gov. Parson emphasizes safety and expanded COVID-19 testing during stops at two mid-Missouri businesses
          Brownfield Ag News:  Gov. Parson says he'll review coronavirus data before giving recommendation on State Fair
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of positive coronavirus cases
          Missourinet:  500k Missourians file for unemployment since mid-March
          AP:  Over 50,000 Missourians filed for unemployment last week
          KWMU:  Missouri Department of Labor handling massive influx of unemployment applications
          P-D:  China virus slashes Missouri tax revenues in half of April
          AP:  Missouri budget director:  Economy 'turned off like a faucet'
          P-D:  Your federal stimulus check would be exempt from Missouri income tax under House plan
          The Missouri Times:  Breaking down the omnibus discussions in the Senate
          Columbia Missourian:  Compromise eliminates state higher ed cuts, restores UM project - with a catch
          SNL:  Rep. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) says banking bill won't prevent cities from imposing burdens on payday lenders
          KC Star:  Legislative probe into medical marijuana rollout continues
          KC Star editorial:  Gov. Parson was for a coronavirus shutdown before he was against it
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Gov. Parson must start wearing a mask in public
          P-D editorial:  Missouri lawmakers fight crisis with hyperloop fantasies, restoring debtors' prisons
          The Missouri Times op-ed:  Health care and safety groups oppose Missouri motorcycle helmet repeal
          P-D letter:  Maryland Heights sexagenarian opposes Cleaner Missouri, predicts voters will kick GOP supermajority out of office in November
          P-D letter:  St. Peters octogenarian says Post-Dispatch is a reputable newspaper
          Disclosure

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        Thursday, May 7, 2020
        Missourinet:  Hawley:  "The meatpacking industry has become too consolidated"
          AP:  Judge dismisses lawsuit over meat worker safety
          Brownfield Ag News:  Gov. Parson says workers' choice whether to return to Triumph Foods
          Missourinet:  Video and summary:  Gov. Parson's Wednesday press briefing and Q&A
          JCNT:  Federal funding available for child care needs
          KWMU:  Missouri receives $66 million in federal aid for coronavirus child care needs
          SNL:  Greene County, local agencies to receive millions in relief from the federal government
          The Missouri Times:  SNAP handouts could be used online in Missouri by next week
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of positive coronavirus cases
          The Missouri Times:  Updated numbers:  Coronavirus cases among prison inmates, staff
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Steve Roberts (D-St. Louis City) organizes COVID-19 testing center in North St. Louis City
          AP:  St. Louis City, county to begin reopening May 18
          KWMU:  St. Louis businesses can start to reopen May 18, but many aren't ready
          SE Missourian:  WalletHub report:  Amid pandemic, Missouri among least freedom-restricting states
          Missourinet:  Missouri State Fair board of directors meets today to discuss plans for this year's event
          P-D:  Coronavirus could cancel or shorten the Missouri State Fair
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri budget:  5 differences between Senate, House plans
          SNL:  Missouri Senate budget proposes gambling expansion
          SE Missourian:  Local government, business leaders hope for Wayfair legislation this year
          JCNT:  Late-moving proposal could keep local health departments from making health rules
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  House Supeminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield) on "frustrating" legislative session
          SNL:  Liberal Christian group says TV network tied to Oral Roberts University drops Jim Bakker show
          P-D:  How coronavirus could change Missouri schools when they reopen
          SNL:  New cases of chronic wasting disease found in Polk, Stone, Taney counties
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Lawmakers should not change Clean Missouri
          KC Star editorial:  Allowing brass knuckles and feral hog hunting? Missouri lawmakers have gone off the rails
          P-D editorial:  Workers deserve minimal protections before nursing homes receive liability shield
          Rust:  Where do we start when opening up the economy?
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri Chamber's Dan Mehan:  Missouri should enact commonsense coronavirus legal reforms
          Daily American Republic letter:  Eddy Justice:  The unwavering strength of southeast Missouri is inspirational
          P-D letter:  St. Louis County septuagenarian "disgusted" by Gov. Parson's decision to not wear mask
          Disclosure

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        Wednesday, May 6, 2020
        St. Joseph News-Press:  Blunt takes part in first socially-distanced Senate hearing
          AP:  Gov. Parson urges Missourians to support state-based businesses
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson:  Recovery hinges on shopping locally
          Missourinet:  Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe praises Missouri's economic recovery plan, emphasizes importance of expanding testing capabilities
          SNL:  COVID-19 vaccine under trial being produced in Missouri
          KWMU:  St. Louis on the Air:  St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann on reopening amid pandemic
          KC Star:  'We need to get back to work.' Missouri restaurants, stores begin to reopen
          P-D:  Mayor Lyda Krewson claims state shortchanged St. Louis City, counties on federal coronavirus aid
          The Missouri Times:  Updated county-by-county list of positive coronavirus cases
          Joplin Globe:  Pandemic forces political campaigns to adapt
          The Missouri Times:  Statewide bench tipsheet:  Scott Sifton, Tracy McCreery, John Rizzo, Crystal Quade, Brian Williams, Peter Merideth, others
          The Missouri Times:  AG Eric Schmitt urges federal government to investigate meatpacking industry
          AP:  Schmitt among 11 attorneys general seeking probe into meatpacking industry
          AP:  Missouri Senate tries to spare colleges from budget cuts
          SNL:  GOP budget chief eyes work requirement for Medicaid
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri lawmakers consider work requirement for Medicaid
          P-D:  Rep. Dan Houx (R-Warrensburg) says bill would shield front-line caregivers, first responders from predatory lawsuits
          The Missouri Times:  House approves medical manufacturing incentive
          P-D:  Senate OKs expansion of gambling at Missouri truck stops
          Columbia Missourian:  Debate on public safety omnibus bill involves firearms, brass knuckles
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Legislature advancing omnibus bills during pandemic 'tarnishes' institution, bipartisan coalition says
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Missouri Highway Patrol phasing back in written driver exams
          Missourinet:  Missouri's 2020 Katy Trail Ride cancelled
          P-D editorial:  Daughters, husbands, grandparents not worth sacrificing for Gov. Parson's hasty reopening
          KC Star editorial:  Missouri wrong to want to be the first to allow concerts, live events during Wuhan virus pandemic
          Priddy:  This reopening better work
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri Right to Life's Steve Rupp:  Pandemic focuses our mission on saving lives. That's why abortion is relevant.
          P-D op-ed:  SLU co-ed studying "women's and gender studies":  Abortion services are more essential during pandemic - not less
          Disclosure

        Tuesday, May 5, 2020
        Missourinet:  Video and summary:  Gov. Parson's Monday press briefing and Q&A
          JCNT:  Gov. Parson extends executive orders, funds being disbursed to counties
          KWMU:  Wuhan virus update thread:  St. Louis City to receive federal funds this week;  SBA to provide loans to ag businesses;  more
          Columbia Missourian:  Local governments to receive CARES funds tomorrow
          SNL:  Gov. Parson kicks off economic reopening at Bass Pro, Cox South
          SNL:  Photo gallery:  Gov. Parson visits Springfield as it begins to reopen
          AP:  Gov. Parson on freedom and personal responsibility in pandemic:  "I don't think it's government's role to mandate who wears a mask and who doesn't."
          P-D:  Businesses reopen in some areas of Missouri
          AP:  Like much of Missouri, St. Charles gently begins to reopen
          SE Missourian:  The Reopening:  Local business, health, government leaders weigh in
          Columbia Missourian:  Lawmakers seek to make coronavirus funds available for short-term shortfall;  Comments from State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick
          Brownfield Ag News:  373 asymptomatic COVID-19 cases at Triump Foods
          Missourinet:  About 15 percent of workers so far have China virus at pork plant in NW Missouri
          P-D:  Mass testing at meat processing plant boosts Missouri's China virus numbers
          KWMU:  Coronavirus effects on Missouri agriculture are severe but inconsistent
          P-D:  Federal lawsuit seeks to block city, county stay-at-home orders
          The Missouri Times:  Timeline:  Gov. Parson's executive orders on coronavirus
          SNL:  Missouri AG Eric Schmitt sued televangelist Jim Bakker over coronavirus elixir claims. Jay Nixon says Bakker was right.
          KWMU:  SEIU demands hazard pay boost for all nursing home workers
          P-D:  SEIU rally features demands for more money, claims that nursing home operator killed woman by denying extra sick leave
          The Missouri Times:  Statewide bench tipsheet:  Elijah Haahr, Mary Elizabeth Coleman, Bob Onder, Caleb Rowden, David Gregory, Bill Eigel, Rob Vescovo, Lincoln Hough, Tony Luetkemeyer, Jon Patterson
          The Missouri Times:  Lawmakers appeal to Gov. Parson for clemency for convicted murderer Patty Prewitt
          P-D:  State audit says St. Louis comptroller has inadequate procedures to track city property
          KC Star editorial:  Kansas City PPP loan information should not be secret
          JCNT editorial:  State employees never stopped providing services
          SE Missourian editorial:  As Missouri reopens, continue to follow health guidance
          P-D editorial:  Moratorium on evictions, utility cutoffs needed to prevent homeless surge
          P-D op-ed:  Jack Danforth:  Let's stick with Clean Missouri
          SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau septuagenarian wants Missouri lawmakers to raise state income tax
          Disclosure

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        Monday, May 4, 2020
        This Week in Missouri Politics:  St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson talks with Scott Faughn about Wuhan virus, reopening, testing, more;  Panel of Gregg Keller and Democrat consultant Lou Hamilton on President Trump vs. Biden, reopening state's economy, Clean Missouri fix, Schmitt's lawsuit against ChiComs, more
          KC Star's Melinda Henneberger:  Nicole Galloway can't win from her basement;  KC Mayor Quinton Lucas:  "She's missing the moment."
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Lawmakers set to make big cuts to budget
          Missourinet:  Bipartisan Missouri legislative effort seeks to restore cuts to Mizzou's NextGen Precision Health Initiative
          P-D:  Exuberance and caution as Missouri opens for business
          SNL:  Risk, input and necessities:  How local officials decided what to open up on Monday
          P-D:  How rural counties prepared for reopening
          KWMU:  DHSS:  State law does not allow department to name nursing home facilities with coronavirus cases
          KWMU:  How Missouri students are learning about the virus that has them stuck at home
          Joplin Globe editorial:  Responsibility for making Missouri's economic reopening work falls on each of us
          Messenger:  Missouri's medical marijuana licensing program 'defies logic,' new lawsuit asserts
          P-D letter:  Brentwood man challenges nurse practitioners' campaign, says government officials should focus on PPE and testing
          Disclosure

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        Sunday, May 3, 2020
        SNL:  In Paycheck Protection loans for small businesses, Missouri punches above its weight
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Ethanol industry reaps downside of fuel prices;  Comments from Missouri Corn's Gary Marshall
          P-D:  Rural hospitals, without coronavirus patients, see empty beds and dark hallways instead
          CDT:  On the curve:  Experts say it is bending but caution against rapid reopening
          Columbia Missourian:  Extent of domestic violence during lockdown might never be known
          Missourinet:  DHSS:  359 workers at Triumph Foods in northwest Missouri have tested positive for coronavirus
          AP:  Coronavirus strikes nearly 80 Missouri nursing homes
          P-D editorial:  As state focuses on virus, GOP quietly tries to kill Clean Missouri reforms
          KC Star op-ed:  Gov. Mike Parson:  Show Me Strong Recovery is a blueprint to move Missouri past coronavirus
          SNL op-ed:  House Superminority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield):  Missouri GOP using China virus to push bills through
          Columbia Missourian letter:  U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler responds to anti-Hartzler piece, asks newspaper to uphold standard of fairness and accuracy in reporting
          P-D letter:  St. Louis woman unhappy with Blunt and Hawley over USPS funding
          P-D letter:  O'Fallon septuagenarian wants AG Eric Schmitt to sue Donald Trump over coronavirus
          P-D letter:  Ballwin sexagenarian wants no-excuse absentee voting
          P-D letter:  Wash U. social work grad student wants Missouri voters to expand Medicaid
          Columbia Missourian letter:  Jobs With Justice organizer opposes Cleaner Missouri
          P-D letter:  Manchester man disappointed by Post-Dispatch's lack of original content, extreme liberal bias
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        Saturday, May 2, 2020
        KWMU:  Wuhan virus update thread:  Blunt announces more federal funding for hospitals;  Employees who voluntarily quit jobs not eligible for Missouri unemployment checks;  more
          CDT:  U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler shares first-hand perspective of challenges facing small-business owners, says Paycheck Protection Program is helping family business maintain employment of team members
          Columbia Missourian:  Some state office buildings reopening Monday
          Missourinet:  Ag Director Chris Chinn:  Localized meat shortages, higher prices for some items possible in Missouri
          Missourinet:  Nearly 300 Missouri meat processing plant workers test positive for COVID-19
          AP:  Missouri senators set aside $20 million in federal funding for meat packing plants
          KC Star:  Nearly 300 workers at Missouri pork plant test positive for coronavirus
          The Missouri Times:  Updated numbers:  Coronavirus cases among prison inmates, staff
          SE Missourian:  State disburses $9.2 million to Cape Girardeau County for virus costs
          P-D:  At least 70 Missouri nursing homes in St. Louis area report COVID-19 outbreaks
          The Missouri Times:  Medicaid expansion campaign stages petition dropoff at secretary of state's office
          SNL:  Medicaid expansion campaign files signatures for 2020 ballot
          Joplin Globe:  Medicaid expansion campaign says it secured more than twice the number of required signatures
          AP:  Petition expected to put Medicaid expansion on Missouri ballot
          Missourinet:  Missouri Capitol dome and law enforcement memorial lit blue this weekend
          SNL:  Missouri Department of Conservation flooded with applications for Missouri's first elk hunt in the fall
          SE Missourian Publisher Jon Rust:  Former U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson tests COVID-free in D.C.
          Columbia Missourian's Jack Kosowski:  Statement from Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina) about unprecedented freedom restrictions overlooks Spanish flu
          SE Missourian letter:  Cape Girardeau man wants legislators to focus on China virus, not Cleaner Missouri
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        Friday, May 1, 2020
        May 2019 Missouri political news headlines
        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
        Missourinet:  Video:  Gov. Parson's Thursday press briefing and Q&A
        SNL:  Around 54k more file for unemployment in Missouri as state prepares to ease orders
        Missourinet:  Missouri pays out more than $500 million in unemployment benefits since mid-March
        P-D:  Massive surge of unemployment claims leads to backlog of applicants
        P-D:  Missouri hits 7,500 China virus cases Thursday
        Missourinet:  Pneumonia and flu have now killed more than 1,500 this season in Missouri;  DHSS battling multiple health threats
        KC Star:  92 new coronavirus cases found among workers at Missouri pork plant
        KWMU:  Wuhan virus update thread:  Missouri Republican Party to hold congressional district conventions by mail;  Missouri extends federal unemployment benefits;  more
        SNL:  From Cleaner Missouri to abandoned planes:  Here's what's going on in Jefferson City
        The Missouri Times:  House committee advances Cleaner Missouri
        Missourinet:  Democrats on House committee oppose Cleaner Missouri on party-line vote
        KC Star:  Missouri Republicans pass Cleaner Missouri over Democratic opposition
        SNL:  MDC, Missouri State Parks begin plans for reopening some areas
        CDT:  Protesters rally at Capitol for right to skip out on rent;  Woman holds "#CancelRent" sign next to new car
        KWMU:  SEIU complains about nursing homes' handling of China virus
        P-D:  SEIU capo, other union reps complain about state government policies
        KC Star:  Star hires 3 reporters - Jelani Gibson, Humera Lodhi and Kaitlin Washburn - through "Report for America" advocacy program;  Recent college grads to expose how guns hurt "vulnerable communities"
        P-D editorial:  Trump's order, supported by Gov. Parson, protects meatpacking plant owners at workers' expense
        KC Star editorial:  St. Louis gets $32 million in coronavirus aid;  KC gets nothing
        SNL op-ed:  AG Eric Schmitt wrong to sue China and Communist Party of China
        The Missouri Times op-ed:  Show-Me Institute's Patrick Ishmael and Foundation for Government Accountability's Gregg Pfister:  What Missouri can do right now to help in the battle against COVID-19
        The Missouri Times op-ed:  State rep candidate Karan Pujji (R):  Absentee voting the right path forward for Missouri
        P-D letter:  St. Louis County's Michelle Chen applauds AG Eric Schmitt for holding China accountable for wrongdoing
        P-D letter:  Kirkwood male nurse wants Blunt to expand absentee voting, quotes musical "Hamilton"
        Disclosure

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