johncombest.com

Missouri's political news website since October 2001.

Archive - November 2014


    

       
       
Sunday, November 30
       
KC Star's Steve Rose:  Pundit Charlie Cook believes Claire McCaskill will run for governor
          P-D:  A+ Scholarship funding is rocky;  Comments from MNEA's Otto Fajen, DESE's Sarah Potter, others
          JCNT:  Preview of education issues for upcoming session:  MSBA's Mike Reid, MASA's Mike Lodewegen, Show-Me Institute's Brittany Wagner X
          AP:  Rep. David Wood (R-Versailles) to revive student transfer bill
          CDT:  Plan for campus repairs could open political scramble over available funds X
          CDT:  List of bond funding allocations by university X
          P-D/Kaiser Health News:  State cope with big bill for Hepatitis C drug;  Comments from Rep. Sue Allen (R-Town and Country), DSS' Rebecca Woelfel
          KC Star:  With no money to replace them, we may have to rely upon old voting machines +
          Washington Missourian:  Activist hopes new rule will prohibit Ameren landfill in flood plain
          P-D:  Advocates hope federal coal ash rules spur oversight in Missouri
          KC Star:  Probation caseload in western Missouri becomes an even greater challenge +
          Missourinet:  Filmmakers raise money to showcase "The Missouri Approach" to juvenile justice rehabilitation
          Missourinet:  Nixon to call Legislature back early due to cost incurred by Ferguson rioters
          P-D:  Nixon:  Rioters inflicted "more violence than we expected"
          GQ:  Nixon ranks #12 on magazine's "Least Influential People of 2014" (pic);  People of Ferguson "think their governor is a very large tank"
          Washington Missourian:  McCulloch's Franklin County counterpart says St. Louis County prosecutor made the right call in using grand jury
          SE Missourian:  Experts:  Court precedent made Wilson conviction unlikely +
          KWMU:  Darren Wilson resigns from Ferguson police department
          P-D:  Darren Wilson resigns from Ferguson police department
          P-D:  Police shut down peacekeeping "Oath Keepers" group in Ferguson
          P-D:  West Florissant Avenue may or may not ever revive
          AP:  St. Louis protesters march inside a Trader Joe's, block Brentwood-area traffic
          P-D:  Protesters flood Brentwood business district;  Civilian stuck in traffic:  "At least they aren't looting anything"
          JCNT:  NAACP march could disrupt holiday events;  Annual candlelight tours of Governor's Mansion have been canceled due to "security concerns" X
          KWMU:  NAACP begins march to Jeff City, while others protest area stores;  Organizer:  "They (?) can't have Target goods, no Trader Joe's groceries until they (?) acknowledge the police state we live in"
          Columbia Missourian:  150 begin march from Ferguson to Jefferson City
          AP:  Ferguson updates:  Wilson resigns;  Protesters begin march to Jefferson City;  Michael Brown's father takes a trip to Florida
          KC Star letters:  Mother of black son says Michael Brown would be alive if he showed some respect, while Kenisha Brown compares Michael Brown to MLK and Nelson Mandela +
          Disclosure


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



        Saturday, November 29
       
CDT:  Gov. Roger Wilson (D) gone from politics but not forgotten X
          SNL:  State funding for Head Start dries up;  Area director calls news "devastating" X
          KRES (Moberly):  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) hopes Sen. Rob Schaaf (R-St. Joseph) drops his opposition to prescription-drug monitoring program
          KRES (Moberly):  Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) concerned about rural bridge conditions
          CDT:  Number of new concealed-carry permits in Boone County jumped when Legislature overrode Nixon's veto X
          KRES (Moberly):  Ameren seeks higher energy efficiency surcharge
          KWMU:  Nixon to call special session to pay for Ferguson-related security costs
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon:  Rioting has pushed Missouri National Guard over budget;  Governor calling special session
          AP:  Nixon calls for special session over funding
          KSGF (Springfield):  Audio:  Rep. Eric Burlison (R) on what Nixon could learn from Slay;  Complainer/dependent culture;  Bill to stop legislators' pay increase;  Koster and campaign ethics
          KWMU:  Dellwood Mayor Reggie Jones 'demanding answers' from Nixon after 13 businesses burned in riots
          P-D:  Riot-damaged Dellwood vows to rebuild
          P-D:  Oath Keepers stand tall to protect Ferguson property owners from rioters, looters, arsonists
          NY Times:  Protesters in Ferguson are arrested after blocking traffic;  One chant:  "The only solution is a Communist revolution!"
          AP:  15 arrested as demonstrations return to Ferguson
          P-D:  Protest updates:  Packs of protesters beat drums, gyrate, yell inside area malls;  Communist literature distributed;  Caterwauling carolers change joyful "Silver Bells" to plaintive "Life is Hell";  More
          KWMU:  'Brown Friday' pauses shopping at three area malls
          AP:  Protesters pause purchasing at three area malls;  Galleria and Des Peres close momentarily, reopen;  Chesterfield Mall closes early at night
          P-D:  Video:  Two Galleria Macy's employees support effort to harm their employer's sales, chant "No Black Friday!"
          KC Star:  KC rally for Michael Brown draws 15 +
          Columbia Missourian:  Leaders of NAACP march say up to 50 protesters will hike from Ferguson to Governor's Mansion
          Washington Missourian editorial:  McCulloch's no-win situation:  No amount of evidence can sway the type of people who dislike police, prosecutors and the justice system
          P-D editorial:  We should spend more time talking about race.
          Rudi Keller:  Reporters unhappy about having their Capitol offices moved X
          P-D letter:  California man suggests McCulloch does not represent non-whites
          P-D letter:  Michael Brown's thievery, disrespect for law enforcement helps show black parents where work needs to be done
          P-D letter:  Brown's stepdad's "Burn this bitch down!" was an incitement to riot
          Disclosure


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



        Friday, November 28
       
KWMU:  Blunt, Missouri Chamber of Commerce oppose Obama administration ozone rule
        NY Times Magazine:  The military's rough justice on sexual assault;  McCaskill takes moderate and non-radical approach, serving as "the most vocal critic" to Gillibrand's proposal
        The Missouri Times:  Freshman profiles:  Sen.-elect Bob Onder (R-Lake Saint Louis)
        Missourinet:  Hunters "Share the Harvest" with needy families across Missouri
        KC Star:  Winter-like conditions didn't freeze Missouri deer hunters;  Shooters dropped 167,020 animals in season that ended Tuesday +
        P-D:  Dope discussions played part in Ferguson prosecutors' approach;  Construction-worker witness extolled virtues of "wax" THC to marijuana enthusiast Michael Brown
        P-D:  Nixon thanks National Guard, law enforcement working to maintain peace on Thanksgiving Day
        AP:  Fires, other incidents investigated after protests
        The Missouri Times:  Scott Faughn provides input on Murdoch's UK news network
        Kraske:  The Chat:  Kinder chews up Nixon on Ferguson +
        Missourinet:  Security ramped up for Show-Me Bowl;  Law enforcement seeks to provide safe environment for those watching state high school football championships
        AP:  Protesters say even if "Hands Up" narrative was a lie, it is an important symbol for larger issues
        Missourinet:  NAACP says it will launch 7-day, 120-mile march from site of Brown's attack to Governor's Mansion
        AP:  Protesters focus rage on Wal-Marts;  Demonstrations of strolling, chanting last "a few minutes at each store"
        Washington Missourian editorial:  With rioters less than an hour away from WashMo, be thankful for police, our justice system - and for grand jurors, who made the right decision
        Washington Missourian editorial:  Regardless of grand jury ruling, STL region's "criminal element was present to exploit any decision"
        P-D editorial:  Citizens review boards can build public confidence in police
        P-D op-ed:  Blake Ashby:  It's hard to see how burning down businesses will help residents who had their place of employment destroyed
        P-D:  14 out of 163 - or eight percent - of Missouri legislators called on EPA to increase smog regulations
        P-D letter:  Marcus Brown:  Minimum wage higher than the federal rate, but that's still not high enough
        KC Star letters:  Call McCaskill and Blunt staffers/secretaries/interns and tell them you oppose war;  If Nixon cared about black lives, he'd oppose death penalty +
        P-D letter:  Ferguson man says Nixon's use of National Guard was too late, and delay will harm town for decades to come
        P-D letter:  Nixon knew protesters were going to riot, but did nothing
        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, November 27   Happy Thanksgiving!   Thanks to riots, there will be no St. Louis parade on Thanksgiving Day
       
P-D:  Blunt says Obama administration's new ozone standards could be 'the most expensive regulation ever'
          Politico:  Blunt's bill aims for "less burdensome approach to menu labeling"
          P-D:  McCaskill denies Harry Reid claim she has 'hate' for former St. Louis Archbishop Raymond L. Burke
          KC Star:  Missouri lawmakers face renewed calls to change loose ethics laws +
          AP:  Schweich's audit:  Missouri commission kept veterans in the dark
          KC Star:  Schweich's audit finds improvement in Hickman Mills School District +
          AP:  Missouri taxpayers sue Nixon for Common Core test
          JCNT:  Schweich audit gives Miller County poor rating X
          SE Missourian:  Be safe - it's prime time for deer collisions;  In 2013, more than a quarter of traffic collisions involving animals happened in urban areas +
          Columbia Missourian:  Number of deer killed up six percent;  Shooters enter open season on antlerless animals
          AP:  Moment-by-moment look at August 9:  How Michael Brown and Dorian Johnson's Saturday morning wake-and-bake mission turned into tragedy
          P-D:  State of Missouri to assist in probe of Ferguson protesters' looting, arson and vandalism
          P-D:  Nixon:  There will be no special prosecutor in Darren Wilson case
          P-D:  New Black Panther Party's 'minister of law' plotted to blow up Arch, kill McCulloch;  Perps couldn't afford more bombs "until one suspect's girlfriend's EBT card was replenished"
          KWMU:  People are buying 'I Love Ferguson' mugs and donating to help damaged businesses
          P-D:  Donations roll in for Ferguson bake shop
          AP:  Protesters dwindle to small groups in Ferguson
          KWMU:  Protesters attempt to demonstrate inside City Hall;  Protest leader Rasheen Aldridge:  "It ain't [sic] right that they shut us down"
          P-D:  Police break up demonstration at City Hall, arrest 3
          P-D:  Ferguson video series:  Protest at City Hall;  Protesters in Ferguson shout at black officer, call him "Uncle Tom";  More
          KWMU:  Social media updates
          McClatchy:  Breaking:  People discussed Ferguson decision, riots on platforms widely referred to as "social media"
          KC Star:  Area protesters' march remains peaceful +
          Columbia Missourian:  MU chancellor to provide forum Monday for students to sit around and talk about their feelings
          SE Missourian:  SEMO president offers Ferguson students a place to stay +
          CDT's Waters:  Riots show that few people have the time or patience for thoughtful reflection of the facts X
          KWMU's Chris McDaniel, others:  Analysis:  Wilson provided inconsistent testimony;  Michael Brown's assault on officer's face wasn't really that bad;  More
          Priddy:  Words mean things;  Why did some media say "failed to indict" rather than "failed to find enough evidence to indict"?
          KWMU op-ed:  SLU law prof:  Wilson case shows why we should change Missouri's use of force law
          P-D op-ed:  Dana Milbank:  The face of racism is not Darren Wilson.  It is Bob McCulloch.
          P-D letter:  Looters use "life is so unfair" excuse to damage area small businesses
          P-D letter:  Post-decision editorial was balanced
          P-D letter:  Decent St. Louisans should attempt to show the world the region is not entirely comprised of looting and rioting savages
          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, November 26
       
P-D:  Ferguson coverage
        KWMU:  Ferguson coverage
        KWMU:  Live social-media updates from Ferguson
        KMOX:  Ferguson coverage
        KTRS:  Ferguson coverage
        KTVI:  Live social-media updates from Ferguson, Day 2
        KMOV:  Ferguson coverage
        KSDK:  Ferguson coverage
        Missourinet:  Ferguson coverage
        The Missouri Times:  Ferguson update
        Fox News:  Ferguson coverage
        MSNBC:  Ferguson coverage
        USA Today:  Protesters smash windows, torch police car in Ferguson
        P-D:  Looter roundup:  Thieves steal cigarillos, cigars, codeine, cough syrup, Legos, panties, more:  Names, ages, items pilfered, most recent dwellings
        St. Louis Business Journal:  Overnight arrest report:  45 perpetrators;  Molotov cocktail, guns, urine-filled bottles confiscated
        NY Times:  Security in Ferguson is tightened;  Michael Brown's stepfather urged protesters to "Burn this bitch down!"
        ABC News:  Video:  Darren Wilson discusses being attacked by Michael Brown
        Washington Post:  And so, Darren Wilson begins a life in danger
        Fox News:  Video:  Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder criticizes Nixon's handling of National Guard
        KC Star:  KC reaction, Day 2 +
        KOMU:  Columbia reaction, Day 2
        Columbia Missourian:  Columbia reaction, Day 2
        JCNT:  NAACP plans march for Saturday X
        SE Missourian:  Cape Girardeau reaction, Day 2 +
        SNL:  Springfield reaction, Day 2 X
        KODE:  Joplin reaction, Day 2
        Columbia Missourian:  Journalists talk about themselves, their influence on Ferguson
        SNL:  Going twice:  Billy Long's auctioneering skills in high demand in Washington X
        KOMU:  Lobbyist Kerry Messer makes first appearance since wife disappeared
        Drebes:  Office of Administration Director Doug Nelson's son, Trey Nelson, leaves DSS and joins governor's office as deputy director of scheduling
        SNL:  Can the homeless vote?  Where?  The answers from Greene County X
        KRES (Moberly):  AG Chris Koster to discuss government's regulatory effects on agriculture at Dec. 17 event in Columbia
        CDT:  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) leads push to set up prescription drug monitoring program X
        KRES (Moberly):  Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) plans to file comprehensive ag bill December 1
        KRES (Moberly):  MoDOT area engineer Brian Haeffner says agency finds bridges in poor condition - and situation will get worse unless legislators provide more funding
        KOMU:  Neighbors react to MO Dept. of Conservation issuing permit for hog farm
        P-D editorial:  Ferguson burns.  Time for Justice Dept. to act.
        KC Star editorial:  Ferguson pays a high price for mistakes by Nixon, McCulloch +
        SE Missourian editorial:  State program subsidizes utility bills for the poor +
        Shelly:  Police, National Guard did too little to protect Ferguson +
        KMOX op-ed:  MU Journalism icon Phill Brooks on political correctness and reality:  Affordable Care Act/Obamacare, African-American/black, revenue enhancement/tax increases, more
        KC Star letter:  Regardless of facts and careful deliberation, many in black community will be unhappy about grand jury ruling +
        P-D letter:  Silly for paper to compare property damage from storms to criminal handiwork of protesters
        P-D letter:  Kirkwood man says it doesn't matter if "hands up" storytelling was a lie - Wilson should not have shot Brown
        P-D letter:  Ladue man applauds work of Democrat Bob McCulloch, applauds jury for considering facts of the case
        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, November 25
       
P-D:  Ferguson coverage
          KWMU:  Ferguson coverage
          KWMU:  Live social-media updates from Ferguson
          KMOX:  Ferguson coverage
          KTRS:  Ferguson coverage
          KTVI:  Live social-media updates from Ferguson
          KMOV:  Ferguson coverage
          KSDK:  Ferguson updates
          Missourinet:  Ferguson coverage
          The Missouri Times:  Ferguson coverage
          Fox News:  Ferguson coverage
          MSNBC:  Ferguson coverage
          CDT:  Ferguson reaction X
          Columbia Missourian:  Ferguson reaction
          JCNT:  Ferguson reaction X
          SNL:  Ferguson reaction X
          KC Star:  Missouri politicians' reactions +
          Messenger:  Finding empathy is enduring struggle in post-Ferguson world
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Chuck Hatfield on Nixon and Ferguson;  Hanaway on Amendment 10;  Blunt on Iran sanctions +
          P-D:  In wake of Iran nuclear talk extensions, Blunt calls for tougher sanctions
          KODE (Joplin):  Billy Long speaks to elementary school students
          KOMU (Columbia):  Rep. Vicky Hartzler gives speech honoring MU's 175th anniversary
          P-D:  Nixon's comments to EPA suggest carbon-rule tweaks to give Missouri more time to comply
          Drebes:  Patrick Baker leaves Missouri Dental Association to be Sen. Mike Parson's chief of staff
          KRES (Moberly):  Sen. David Pearce (R-Warrensburg) on effects of Amendment 10
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) wants prescription drug database +
          P-D:  Holly Rehder makes new push for prescription drug monitoring in Missouri
          SE Missourian:  Pseudoephedrine sales down in Missouri, but meth problem remains +
          KRES (Moberly):  Missouri Public Service Commission concludes evidentiary hearings for Grain Belt Express
          The Missouri Times:  PSC's Cold Weather Rule in effect until March 31
          CDT:  Missouri DNR approves hog farm proposed for Callaway County X
          P-D:  KDNL Channel 30 to launch 'non-traditional' newscast starring Jamie Allman
          P-D editorial:  Response to grand jury decision
          KC Star editorial:  Response to grand jury decision +
          P-D op-ed:  Legal Services of Eastern Missouri's Amanda Schneider:  North County school districts should use suspension or expulsion of teens only as a last resort
          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, November 24
       
Kraske:  The Chat:  Silvey on expanding Medicaid;  Barnes on pay raises;  John Hancock vs. Ed Martin for control of MOGOP +
          KZRG (Joplin):  Audio:  Sen. Roy Blunt on Keystone XL, importance of allowing Ferguson officers to protect themselves
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Round 2 arrives for health care sign-ups X
          KWMU:  Missouri has much at stake as EPA nears deadline for regulating coal ash
          KZRG (Joplin):  Gubernatorial candidate Catherine Hanaway speaks to Jasper County Republicans in Carthage, says she's pleased with passage of Amendment 10
          The Missouri Time:  Update on marijuana-legalization petition
          Drebes:  Beverly Cain, former legislative assistant to Scott Rupp, will be working in the Secretary of the Senate's office this session
          KRES (Moberly):  Paris, Mo. native prepares to work with legislators as public policy manager for Missouri Corn Growers Association;  Samantha Davis will work with Shane Kinne
          AP:  Missouri agriculture bill to get second chance this session
          KC Star:  As Missouri education commissioner, Chris Nicastro ruffled feathers but also raised the bar +
          KOMU:  State promotes "Click It or Ticket" campaign
          P-D:  Court:  Judge hasn't agreed to release Ferguson grand jury evidence if no indictment
          P-D:  Protesters block traffic on Kingshighway near Shaw neighborhood;  LA Times reporter Matt Pearce hit by projectile
          KSDK:  Flora Place gates, near Shaw protests, vandalized:  "If we burn, you burn with us"
          KTVI (St. Louis):  Michael Brown, Sr. joins 1990s celebrity athletes at North County bar's grand opening;  Doorman gets shot and killed
          P-D:  Dreary Sunday passes with no grand jury updates;  Man-on-the-street interviews
          KC Star:  Area clergy in KC pray for peaceful outcome in Ferguson +
          KWMU:  Attorney for Brown family calls grand jury handling in Darren Wilson case 'unfair'
          KC Star editorial:  New postmaster faces lots of turmoil as more cuts loom nationwide +
          P-D editorial:  A Chris Koster-Tom Schweich race would lead to ethics reform in Missouri
          SE Missourian editorial:  Celebrating the virtues of drug court +
          CDT's Waters:  Missouri Republicans continue to deny heath care to millions of residents X
          KC Star's Joe Robertson:  How to fix Kansas City public education - stay tuned +
          P-D letter:  St. Louis leaders need to stand up to local coal companies
          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, November 23
       
AP:  Senate scrutinizes soaring generic drug prices;  Missouri man complains about cost of his Lyme-disease meds
          SNL:  Billy Long finds new passion in program that helps wounded veterans through fishing trips X
          KODE (Joplin):  Local environmentalist speaker draws crowd of 10 to Southwest Missouri Democrats' monthly meeting
          SNL:  Q&A with Matt Morrow, former Ashcroft aide now leading Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce X
          KOMU (Columbia):  Sen. Ryan Silvey (R-Kansas City) seeking to expand Medicaid for veterans
          JCNT:  Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City):  No raises for legislators while state employee wages lag X
          JCNT:  State funding has failed to keep pace with growing education needs X
          CDT:  MU graduate students take part in nationwide lobbying effort, tally 269 phone calls to congressional staff, secretaries, interns X
          The Arrow (SEMO):  Until state of Missouri approves alternative test, SEMO requiring students take MAPP 2 before graduating
          AP:  Missouri hunters still prefer lead bullets
          AP:  Daily update on protester/law enforcement statements;  Lesley McSpadden to protesters:  "I don't want nobody [sic] getting hurt"
          P-D:  Protesters block traffic, get arrested
          Missourinet:  Police union leader Jeff Roorda expects violence, says media underreported protesters' attacks on officers
          Missourinet:  St. Louis City Police Chief Sam Dotson has no qualms about Nixon's call for National Guard troops
          KOMU:  Missouri Task Force 1 prepared for civil unrest in Ferguson
          National Review:  Police consider worst-case scenario that involves loss of life by citizens, protesters, officers
          P-D:  Grand jury to reconvene Monday
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis), without gun, victim of attempted carjacking outside her home;  Detailed description of perp
          P-D:  Nasheed says she stood up to carjacker, scared him off;  Paper provides minimal description of perp
          SNL letter:  Area woman expresses anger over state's conservative economic policies, recommends legislators starve themselves to teach themselves a lesson 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, November 22
       
KWMU:  On immigration, McCaskill criticizes House GOP inaction and reliance on executive orders
          KWMU:  Immigrants react;  "Rosa":  "The illegal people like me, we live, like, under the table because we don't have driver's license, we don't have opportunities"
          CDT:  Local effects of Obama immigration order not yet known X
          Columbia Missourian:  Obama order on immigration sparks celebration, uncertainty
          AP:  Summary of Missouri and immigrant facts
          SE Missourian:  Rep. Jason Smith appointed to House Ways and Means Committee +
          Washington Times:  McCaskill, others probe contractor over documents silencing whistleblowers
          KC Star:  Senate hearing on air bags draws apologies from Japanese company and U.S. automakers;  Comments from McCaskill +
          AP:  No clear answers on air bag safety;  Comments from McCaskill
          AP:  As first reported weeks ago by Dave Drebes' Missouri Scout subscription service, John Hancock plans to challenge Ed Martin for control of Missouri GOP
          Drebes:  Power babies:  Rich and Betsy AuBuchon welcome Connor James last weekend;  Ryan and Sarah Hart welcome Eva Grace
          KWMU:  Region's Planned Parenthood announces new CEO:  Mary Kogut
          P-D:  Reps. Mark Parkinson (R-St. Charles), Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) balk at possible pay raise
          Columbia Missourian:  Chris Nicastro reflects on her controversial decisions as education commissioner before stepping down
          SE Missourian:  More than 40 nominated for state education commissioner +
          SNL:  Nixon touts bonds to repair aging MSU buildings X
          STLBJ:  Couple's $127K student loan debt is your problem, too;  Assistant AG Nicole Follmer, others lament struggle of borrowing large sums of money and being expected to pay it back
          KWMU:  Arguments heard in lawsuit seeking to save solar rebates in Missouri
          KTVI (St. Louis):  Protesters stage mock lynching in downtown St. Louis;  Adult men and women engage in asphyxiation, bondage role-play during workday
          P-D:  Two with Black Panther connections charged in St. Louis in federal firearms case;  Search warrants executed in St. Louis City, Spanish Lake
          AP:  FBI sends 100 additional agents to Ferguson
          P-D:  Preparation continues for grand jury announcement
          NY Times:  Region braces for grand jury decision
          Missourinet:  Holder releases guidelines for police/protester relations
          AP:  Police, protesters announce pact for Ferguson
          KWMU:  Slay, Dooley report some agreement between protesters and police
          P-D:  Obama has no plans to speak on Ferguson before grand jury decision
          AP:  Obama to Ferguson:  Keep protests peaceful
          P-D:  Ferguson area small business owners plead for civilized behavior
          P-D:  Local pediatrician specializing in poor kids urges protesters to keep offspring at home
          SNL:  Area officials plead for "civil" behavior after grand jury decision X
          AP:  Updated Michael Brown timeline:  From robbery of convenience store to Nixon's appointment of Ferguson Commission
          AP:  Daily update on protester/law enforcement statements
          KWMU:  Jennings School District cancels classes Monday and Tuesday
          KWMU:  Ferguson Commission profiles:  Rich McClure, Grayling Tobias, T.R. Carr
          KWMU:  Ferguson Commission:  Who didn't make it?
          P-D:  ACLU wins federal court orders on right to video police in Ferguson, elsewhere
          Washington Missourian editorial:  McCaskill, Blunt correct to support Keystone XL pipeline
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Legislators should follow Koster's lead on ethics;  Lack of limits on campaign contributions, lobbyist gifts is "unfathomable"
          JCNT editorial:  Issuance of Fulton State Hospital bonds shows state commitment to mental health X
          Kraske:  Ferguson may leave lasting scars on Missouri Democratic Party, or maybe not +
          Washington Missourian's Bill Miller:  Recap of Nixon vs. Kinder on Ferguson expenditures;  KMOX caller diagnoses Nixon with dementia
          P-D's Jeremy Kohler:  Ferguson statistics undermine media narrative of violence, looting
          CDT's Waters:  Ferguson:  Preparing for war;  Police should bear the brunt of responsibility for peace 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, November 21
       
KWMU:  D.C. roundup:  Blunt on immigration, McCaskill on Ferguson and campus sexual assault
          AP:  Missouri delegation weighs in on Obama immigration action
          SNL:  Limited impact for Missouri's undocumented immigrants X
          KC Star:  Local immigrants, activists weigh in on Obama's immigration announcement;  Comments from Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D) +
          P-D:  Obama's order will bring people 'out of the shadows,' St. Louis immigrant advocates say
          Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal:  Blunt says change in Senate won't affect support for Missouri's military installations
          WSJ:  McCaskill co-sponsors whistleblower bill for auto industry
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Jason Smith (R) has historic rise to Ways and Means Committee
          KWMU:  Twitter billionaire Jack Dorsey says McCaskill's tweet from Obama speech convinced him that his work was "amazing"
          The Hill:  McCaskill settles World Series bet with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA);  Missouri's senior senator forced to deliver Missouri goods, pose with octogenarian liberal
          P-D/Kaiser Health News:  Missouri health insurance subsidies in jeopardy
          KWMU:  Schweich team launches another "open letter" campaign, this time for gov race;  Sam Fox, Jack Danforth, Jim Talent, others sign on
          The Missouri Times:  Schweich releases endorsement list:  GOP elected officials, local party leaders, donors, more
          AP:  Schweich touts endorsement list in bid for governor
          Drebes:  Rep. Keith English (D-Florissant) sues failed GOP candidate Rekha Sharma
          KC Star:  Rep. Mark Parkinson (R-St. Charles) to fight pay raise proposal +
          AP:  Rep. Mark Parkinson vows to try to block pay raises
          Truman Index:  Minimum wage set to increase in Missouri - again
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Nixon on college affordability +
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri international student enrollment increases 5.2 percent
          Missourinet:  Study Missouri Consortium estimates international students put a half-billion dollars into Missouri economy
          KRES (Moberly):  Kirksville City Council opposes Ameren's Mark Twain Transmission Project;  Comments from Assistant City Manager Ash Young
          AP:  Police union:  Charges seem unlikely for Darren Wilson;  Comments from Jeff Roorda
          KC Star:  Area police agencies outnumber prospective candidates at minority recruitment job fair +
          P-D:  Riverview Gardens prepares to deal with grand jury decision, fallout;  Assistant supe says anxiety "is being worn on our staff members' faces"
          KC Star:  Michael Brown Sr. tapes video, urges calm;  Father of deceased teen swaps out "No Justice No Peace" t-shirt for cardigan +
          The Current (UMSL):  UMSL prepares for grand jury decision
          P-D:  Churches to serve as safe spaces amid post-decision unrest
          P-D:  Country singer David Nail cancels St. Louis City show in light of 'state of emergency'
          KC Star:  Twelve students walk out of Nixon speech at school +
          KC Star editorial:  AG Chris Koster ups Missouri's ethics ante +
          P-D editorial:  Unify St. Louis Public Schools (Part II)
          KC Star's Yael Abouhalkah:  Recap of Washington Post columnist's response to Hartzler's climate-change Twitter joke +
          KC Star's Sanchez:  NY Times report and campaign ethics:  It's a shame Chris Koster had to be pressured into the sunlight +
          Priddy:  Nixon's Miss South Carolina moments:  Capitol press corps versus "Nixon's Communications Ministry"
          P-D op-ed:  Bevis Schock:  Missouri GOP can change traffic laws to help the working poor
          KC Star letter:  Kansas man dislikes Missouri gun laws +
          P-D letter:  Appointing "haves" - instead of "have-nots" - to Ferguson commission is "all a bunch of political hooey"
          Disclosure


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



        Thursday, November 20
       
AP:  Obama to announce immigration action today;  Comments from Blunt, Ann Wagner
          KC Star:  Blunt:  Obama's plan to change immigration policy violates the Constitution +
          Missourinet:  Obamacare open enrollment begins;  Interview with Missouri Foundation for Health's Ryan Barker
          P-D/Kaiser Health News:  Kaiser Family Foundation data shows premiums increased in St. Louis area;  Joan Bray's group unhappy with insurance rate disclosures
          CDT:  Veterans seek answers at Truman Hospital town hall X
          KWMU:  Stung by NY Times, AG Chris Koster announces personal campaign-finance limits
          KC Star:  Chris Koster cracks down - on himself +
          AP:  Koster announces self-imposed donation limits
          Drebes:  Jake Zimmerman's interest in AG race accelerates Scott Sifton's timeline as latter looks to nail down donors, endorsements
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Rep.-elect Deb Lavender (D-Kirkwood) share outlook on serving in minority, Medicaid expansion, more
          P-D:  Nordyne finishing closure of Missouri factories, cutting 700 jobs
          AP:  Nordyne closing plants in Poplar Bluff, Boonville
          JCNT:  Missouri Development Finance Board approves issuance of bonds for Fulton State Hospital X
          JCNT:  Missouri officials hail success of tracking program, as 23,600 boxes of cold medicine were blocked last year X
          CDT:  Cole County case tests attorney general's power under no-call laws X
          P-D:  EPA says subsurface fire at Bridgeton Landfill won't spread radioactive material via air
          P-D:  Nixon appoints Sandra Farragut-Hemphill as new circuit judge for St. Louis County
          Missourinet:  Victim's niece after execution:  "We lost him one spring day ... when a coward (Leon Taylor) came in to rob the store"
          P-D:  Lawyer identifies St. Louis officer who killed sandwich-gun inventor VonDerrit Myers Jr.
          P-D:  Protesters stage raucous protest outside Ferguson police headquarters;  Live-stream video captures protesters screaming profanities at law enforcement
          KC Star:  Tensions mount in Ferguson with every day of waiting;  Insight from beauty salon owner Triondus "Tree" Sleet, gun store owner Steven King, others +
          AP:  Possibility of Ferguson-related histrionics leads country star Hunter Hayes to cancel St. Louis show
          AP:  E-mails obtained via open-records request showed law enforcement tried to protect clergy
          P-D:  St. Louis City Alderman Antonio French takes dig at Nixon's request for guardsmen;  Slay spokesman Jeff Rainford suggests French improve listening skills
          KWMU:  "Five questions" journomeme:  Things to know about the Missouri National Guard and Ferguson
          KWMU:  Red Cross ready to respond if need in Ferguson;  Group provided food handouts in August
          Columbia Missourian:  Missouri Faith Voices, NAACP, others say they'll behave peacefully after grand jury delivers justice
          P-D editorial:  Bureaucratic chaos is choking off help to poor kids, parents;  Nixon and Republicans both to blame
          P-D op-ed:  Missouri Children's Leadership Council's Judy Dungan:  Extend funding for children's health insurance
          KWMU op-ed:  SLU med school prof Terry Weiss:  There is no reasonable justification for not expanding Medicaid
          P-D op-ed:  Wash U law prof:  Why the grand jury can't be trusted:  Structural racism of St. Louis County conspires against minorities
          P-D letter:  McCaskill can't criticize Republicans on immigration
          Disclosure


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



        Wednesday, November 19
       
KRCG:  Despite support from McCaskill and Blunt, Keystone XL pipeline loses vote
        The Missouri Times:  Keystone XL fails;  McCaskill, Blunt express disappointment
        AP:  McCaskill, Blunt disappointed in Senate's failure to pass Keystone XL
        Roll Call:  Blunt on Keystone:  "If there's a simpler formula than more American energy equals more American jobs, I don't know what that formula is"
        McClatchy:  Democrat McCaskill makes nice with Senate Republicans
        Quincy Herald-Whig:  Thanks to McCaskill, Hannibal school getting used computers from U.S. Senate
        P-D:  Missouri woman whose son accidentally suffocated at day care takes trip to White House
        The Missouri Times:  Marijuana legalization, ethics initiative petitions awaiting public comment
        The Missouri Times:  Catherine Hanaway gathers endorsements ahead of 2016
        P-D:  Former state Rep. Jake Zimmerman (D-Olivette) says he may seek Democratic nomination for attorney general
        AP:  Pay raises recommended for Missouri officials
        P-D:  Renewed push for Medicaid expansion;  Veterans to lead push;  Missouri Hospital Association hires Advantage Capital Partners' Rob Monsees to lobby
        Missourinet:  Dempsey, Kehoe explain disagreements with Nixon over criminal code overhaul, state office project
        The Missouri Times:  Franklin County economic development project tests new lawmakers
        The Missouri Times:  Freshman profile:  Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport)
        KC Star:  Schweich's audit slams two charter school closings for financial waste, missing receipts +
        P-D:  Normandy schools to open doors for tours
        SE Missourian:  Drug court saves money and lives +
        Missourinet:  Missouri executes Leon Taylor for murder in Independence
        Missourinet:  Comments from Gov. Jay Nixon (D), AG Chris Koster (D) in support of murderer's execution
        KWMU:  Nixon ties Mel Carnahan for most executions in one year (nine) with one month to go
        Missourinet:  Murderer's accomplice cleared to witness execution, then doesn't show up
        AP:  Missouri executes Leon Taylor
        Missourinet's Mike Lear:  Nixon struggles with question of where 'buck' stops in policing Ferguson protests
        P-D:  Where does the buck stop on Ferguson?  Nixon's convoluted answer makes global waves
        Shelly:  With world watching, Nixon needs to get a grip +
        JCNT:  Nixon's 'state of emergency' covers entire state X
        JCNT:  Black Caucus:  Nixon's activation of the National Guard is stirring anxiety:  Rep. Brandon Ellington (D-Kansas City):  "Rioting and protests historically is the voice of the voiceless" X
        KWMU:  Nixon appoints 16-member Ferguson commission
        The Missouri Times:  Nixon names Ferguson commission as area awaits grand jury decision
        P-D:  Nixon announces members of Ferguson commission
        P-D:  Commission granted $100K from Development Finance Board, Lt. Gov. Kinder disagrees
        AP:  Overview of Ferguson commission:  What members will do, how much it will cost taxpayers, more
        Missourinet:  Ferguson commission vows it will focus on reconciliation, healing
        AP:  Gun sales surge ahead of Ferguson decision
        KWMU:  Slay lays out plan to deploy 400 National Guard troops
        P-D:  Slay asks for 400 National Guard troops
        SNL:  Possibility of uncivilized behavior could prompt venue change for seven state high school football championship games, set to be held in St. Louis City X
        P-D:  Police refuse to waive security guard rules to meet Ferguson demand
        AP:  Probe of Ferguson police could spur broad change
        St. Joseph News-Press editorial:  Regardless of gubernatorial intentions, McCaskill deserves credit for voting against Harry Reid X
        P-D editorial:  Nixon demonstrates "precognition," tries to calm things down by declaring an emergency
        P-D editorial:  Nixon nails it with the Ferguson commission
        P-D letter:  It's ridiculous that protesters can block traffic with no consequences
        P-D letter:  Teach the importance of respecting the grand jury process
        Disclosure


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



        Tuesday, November 18   AP:  Zweifel, term-limited as state treasurer, not running for any office in 2016
       
Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal:  Blunt hopeful about getting spending bill, says moderate Democrats will play a key role
          KCUR:  Missouri Foundation for Health's Cover Missouri targets the hard-to-reach - with particular focus on black, Latino, Vietnamese, Bosnian, LGBTQIA communities
          Kraske:  The Chat:  McCaskill on immigration;  Nixon on protecting law-abiding Missourians from violence;  Diehl on GOP and female voters' desires +
          The Hill:  McCaskill a co-sponsor of Landrieu's Keystone bill
          McClatchy:  McCaskill says she's part of "moderate middle," aims to "driv(e) people to the center"
          Washington Post:  Senators of both parties sign letter agreeing to eat lunch together;  McCaskill takes pro-bi-partisan dining stand
          KC Star:  McCaskill's book to land on bookshelves next summer +
          SE Missourian:  Local "No on 3" masterminds describe their path to victory:  50 yard signs, three letters to the editor, "random canvassing," other advanced tactics +
          Drebes:  Dilemma:  Raise tobacco tax for business incentives, or for kids?
          KWMU:  Fewer Missouri children using subsidized child care
          Riverfront Times:  Cornealious Anderson, set free earlier this year due to clerical error, arrested for purse snatching;  Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce (D) refutes criminal's claim of mistaken identity
          P-D:  Armed robber who got out of sentence because of clerical error arrested again;  Cornealious Anderson targeted a woman, grabbed her purse and dragged her before snatching it free
          KRES (Moberly):  Deer harvest on the rise;  Legal shooters bag increasing number of animals
          KWMU:  "Theatrical protest" to mark Day 101 after Michael Brown robbery/assault/shooting draws 50
          P-D:  Protesters congregate in Clayton;  Sign laments "Fake @ss baby steps toward jusice [sic]"
          AP:  Protesters block traffic in Clayton
          P-D:  Ferguson rioters succeeded in harming St. Louis convention business
          KWMU:  With grand jury decision looming, Nixon declares state of emergency
          AP:  Nixon activates National Guard to help keep order in Ferguson
          KC Star:  Nixon declares state of emergency, activates National Guard +
          P-D:  National Guard troops will hit St. Louis City streets in secondary role
          P-D:  Ferg-Flor, Riverview send homework packets home in case Ferguson protesters cause school cancellations
          KWMU:  Missouri Black Legislative Caucus wants arrest charges dropped for non-violent Ferguson protesters:  "Basically, an amnesty program," says Rep. Karla May (D-St. Louis)
          Washington Times:  Can we have some decorum, please?  Tennessee man successfully raises cash to fund "Pants Up, Don't Loot" billboard in Florissant
          KWMU:  Darren Wilson could go free even if convicted, legal experts say
          P-D op-ed:  Thomas B. Fordham Institute's Michael Petrilli:  Higher expectations for Missouri schools
          CDT letter:  Grain Belt Express is a land grab for personal profit X
          KC Star letter:  Grandmothers Against Gun Violence member shares details of long road trip, visit to a Colorado Wendy's, and being "flabbergasted" by the sight of an armed man +
          Disclosure


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



        Monday, November 17
       
KMOX:  Affordable Care Act's second enrollment begins;  Lacy Clay says GOP won't repeal
          KWMU:  Obamacare enrollment begins;  Morbidly obese man explains it's "very stressful" to tote around weight of high blood pressure, COPD, and edema of the legs
          P-D:  McCaskill 'not crazy about' Obama immigration order, but says Republicans have forced it
          KWMU:  With lame-duck session underway, McCaskill weighs in on Iraq, immigration
          KC Star:  USPS says it will close 82 more processing centers;  Union unhappy +
          Missouri Viewpoints:  What do election results mean for 2015?  Thoughts from Ed Martin (conservative) and Lindenwood's Joe Cernik (liberal)
          KWMU:  Kit Bond supporting Catherine Hanaway in her bid for governor
          Priddy:  Tom Schweich may seem "a little geeky" but don't underestimate his intensity;  Auditor should drop the facade of contemplation and announce he's taking on Hanaway
          Missourinet:  After deciding against 2016 run, Speaker Tim Jones plans to use his campaign cash to help other candidates
          AP:  Number of women in Republican House grows
          Columbia Missourian:  State of Missouri deceives minority- and women-owned businesses with "bad information and misleading officials"
          Missourinet:  Missouri natural gas supply called "robust"
          P-D:  Participation in subsidized child health care drops in Missouri;  No state saw a greater decline
          Drebes:  Missouri Association for Social Welfare changes name, wants to be called "Empower Missouri"
          P-D:  Three dozen protesters hold "die-in" in St. Louis City;  Group yells, blocks traffic near Delmar Loop
          P-D:  Photo gallery:  Adults role-play cops & strong-arm robbers, pretend to shoot finger guns at "victims" already lying in chalk outlines
          P-D:  Q&A about Michael Brown grand jury:  Insight from attorneys Dwight Warren, Donald Wolff, Eric Zahnd
          KWMU:  Antonio French says he believes grand jury might indict Darren Wilson
          KWMU:  Musicians respond to Ferguson:  Protest celebrity Tef Poe:  "Mayor Slay is a slave master/Ron Johnson is a m&thaf@ckin' house n!gger"
          KC Star editorial:  Benefits of Obamacare mount, but so do attacks;  Missouri Republicans who refuse to expand Medicaid are mean-spirited +
          SNL op-ed:  Missouri Health Care for All's John Mihalevich:  Expanding Medicaid is a moral imperative X
          KWMU op-ed:  Susan Uchitelle:  Missouri should take its time in finding new education commissioner
          AlJazeera America op-ed:  The labor movement helps Ferguson heal;  Comments from Missouri AFL-CIO boss Mike Louis
          P-D op-ed:  Clay, Cleaver, others:  In Ferguson, memorialize Michael Brown and mobilize black voters - with 80 percent voter turnout next time
          JCNT letter:  Conservative letter-writer has a message for liberal frequent letter-writers:  "Ha, ha!" X
          P-D letter:  Trans-Pacific Partnership is a threat to Missouri
          JCNT letter:  Missourians, not the courts, should decide on gay marriage X
          KC Star letter:  Area man disagrees with Will Kraus on abortion, guns +
          P-D letter:  Reaction to Ferguson agenda editorial:  How about teaching young people to be respectful, and perhaps stop packing Section 8 denizens into North County?
          Disclosure


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



        Sunday, November 16
       
KWMU:  Health care navigators sign up low-income North Countians at area fair;  Lacy Clay says MO Republicans' refusal to expand Medicaid is 'cynical'
        P-D/Kaiser Health News:  Health insurance enrollment kicks off to tempered expectations
        KFVS:  Health care groups working to get people insured during open enrollment
        SNL:  Carthage-based Leggett & Platt lobbies for contentious trade bill X
        SE Missourian:  Postal union rallies against local distribution center phase-out +
        P-D:  Missouri Guard Unit home after taking down bases in Afghanistan
        KC Star:  The next national election could shape up as a rush for legal marijuana;  Comments from Dan Viets +
        KC Star:  Legal views of same-sex marriage, like public opinion, have evolved;  Comments from PROMO's A.J. Bockelman +
        CDT's Rudi Keller:  For the first time in 40 years, a majority of Boone County lawmakers will be Republicans X
        Drebes:  Brian Nieves is writing two books;  Departing state senator posts creatively-capitalized preview
        P-D:  Black Leadership Roundtable proposes city-county school district
        Missourinet:  Application period for taxpayer-funded utility-bill subsidies opens
        P-D:  Ameren Missouri, other utilities say coal stockpiles near 'dire' levels
        Washington Missourian:  Franklin County hearings on coal ash landfills argued at Supreme Court
        Missourinet:  Leon Taylor set to die;  Of 8-year-old girl he tried - and failed - to shoot, murderer said, "I should have choked the bitch"
        AP:  Law enforcement across U.S. brace for uncivilized behavior;  Ferguson protest organizers urge lawbreakers to provide false names to police
        P-D:  Ferguson protesters train for grand jury ruling demonstrations;  Comments from ACORN/MORE
        AP:  ACLU sends letter to Nixon and others, wants Ferguson demonstrators to "protest in public without interference"
        CDT:  UMSL Chancellor Tom George says Ferguson riots helped cause decline in enrollment, loss of athlete recruits;  International students "thought St. Louis was burning" X
        P-D:  Ferguson event designed to help young black youths succeed draws mostly-white crowd of 50;  Event was held in morning
        CDT op-ed:  NAACP's Mary Ratliff:  Execution order driven by misfortune, systemic racism;  Leon Taylor had a really rough upbringing, and Nixon should give him a break X
        SNL letter:  It's a good thing Charlie Norr was re-elected X
        Washington Missourian letter:  The thugs and criminals threatening Darren Wilson and Ferguson Mayor James Knowles are not protesters - they're domestic terrorists
        Disclosure


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




        Saturday, November 15
       
KOMU:  Health insurance exchange begins 2015 open enrollment today
        Columbia Missourian:  Enrollment for 2015 Obamacare coverage begins today
        KWMU:  Overview:  Missouri, Affordable Care Act and the role of Medicaid and non-profits
        KC Star:  Here's your guide to Obamacare 2.0, which starts today +
        KCTV:  Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack visits KC, encourages rural residents to sign up for Obamacare
        KWMU:  McCaskill, GOP delegation support Keystone;  Clay, Cleaver vote no
        AP:  McCaskill, Missouri GOP delegation supports Keystone pipeline
        P-D:  Luetkemeyer says feds to investigate Operation Choke Point
        KWMU:  St. Louis postal workers protest possible increase in mail delivery time;  Comments from area union boss
        CDT:  Potential state Senate candidate Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) speaks to Muleskinners, assesses Dem losses;  Veteran member/MU prof says Missouri Democratic Party lacks focus, vision X
        KWMU:  UMSL holds public policy conference;  Will Kraus on MO Legislature, Hanaway on Medicaid expansion, Tim Green on campaign contribution restrictions, more
        AP:  Panel debating pay raise for Missouri
        P-D:  Nixon lauds Missouri National Guard in national awards address
        KODE (Joplin):  Missouri Community College Association gives Most Distinguished Legislator award to Rep. Tom Flanigan (R-Carthage)
        KWMU:  Education funding could take a hit as lotto, gaming revenue drops
        KRES (Moberly):  Missouri Department of Conservation's Aaron Jeffries speaks to Rotary group, says part of his work is educating legislators
        AP:  Democratic state lawmakers seek tougher smog standards
        JCNT:  Youth in Government 'YIG-sters' take over Missouri Capitol X
        P-D:  Paper obtains records via Sunshine Law request;  Police, EMS docs note Michael Brown's robbery, attack on officer, shooting, fallout
        P-D:  Democratic Committeewoman Patricia Bynes says she was threatened by protesters;  RbG Black Rebels leader Zulu Gaddafi offers bounty for information on Wilson, family members
        P-D:  Crime up after Michael Brown riots;  St. Louis City Police Chief Sam Dotson explains "Ferguson effect":  "the criminal element is feeling empowered by the environmet"
        KWMU:  St. Louis City Police Chief Sam Dotson questions presence of Revolutionary Communist Party, Occupy, other agitators
        AP:  Hazelwood School District supe says district will get 24-hour notice before grand jury delivers justice
        P-D:  Schools think they'll get advance notice of grand jury decision
        KWMU:  Riot prep series:  Businesses hit in first round of looting board up their windows
        KWMU:  Riot prep series:  Area woman practices shooting wasp/hornet spray, believes it will keep home invaders at bay
        Washington Missourian editorial:  The Democrat is becoming an endangered species in Missouri
        JCNT editorial:  As Koster probe moves forward, Rep. Jay Barnes (R-Jefferson City) looks to be on the right track to affect change X
        Washington Missourian editorial:  Claire McCaskill might run for governor
        Washington Missourian editorial:  Missouri not ranked in top ten in cost-effective state highway systems
        P-D editorial:  Toward a single standard of police excellence
        Washington Missourian editorial:  Preparing for Ferguson unrest:  Despite best efforts of Nixon and others, peace can be elusive
        KC Star's Mary Sanchez:  Ferguson "is about to blow" +
        KC Star's Lewis Diuguid:  Community engaged in conversations on ways to improve Kansas City public schools +
        SE Missourian letter:  Bollinger County Clerk Diane Holzum:  Hand count of ballots shows optical scan machine works +
        Disclosure


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




        Friday, November 14
       
Kraske:  McCaskill's opposition to Harry Reid hints at gubernatorial ambitions +
          Kraske:  McCaskill at top of Dems' statewide 2016 ticket could help negate Catherine Hanaway's advantage with women +
          P-D:  McCaskill opposes Harry Reid remaining leader of Democrats;  Blunt keeps Senate leadership spot, Ann Wagner remains a whip
          USA Today:  Claire McCaskill takes a stand against Harry Reid
          Washington Post:  Harry Reid sees dissent but holds onto Democratic leadership role
          AP:  Dems choose Harry Reid as leader despite McCaskill's opposition
          AP:  SLU law prof study:  Missouri insurance prices to vary widely
          AP:  Health advocates target urban minority populations, rural areas
          AP:  Small business insurance exchanges seek rebound;  Comments from Rep. Sam Graves (R)
          KMZU (Carrollton):  National Farm Service Agency administrator visits Missouri
          Drebes:  Hold the Krauts:  Scott Charton points out that GOP is set to consider an all-German-sounding ticket:  Schweich, Kinder, Kraus, Schaefer, Schmitt
          AP:  Ray Wagner chosen as chairman of the board for Associated Industries of Missouri
          CDT:  Rep. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) sees hope for ethics law reform in Koster investigation X
          P-D:  Grow Missouri releases list of public ideas
          KRES (Moberly):  State Treasurer Clint Zweifel hosts local 529 winners as part of poster contest
          Missourinet:  Annie E. Casey foundation ranks Missouri 29th in child well-being
          SE Missourian:  Meetings to map out long-range transportation needs +
          KRES (Moberly):  Natural gas rates dropping for Empire customers
          Missourinet:  Federal panel denies stay to murderer Leon Taylor
          Columbia Missourian:  Local NAACP, others oppose murderer's execution
          SE Missourian:  Deer season isn't just trophy hunting;  Shooting helps control wild-animal population +
          P-D:  Don't Shoot Coalition holds protester training for upcoming grand jury decision
          Missourinet:  Michael Brown family attorneys say Nixon spoke too much to protesters - and not enough to law enforcement - in his riot-prep statement
          P-D:  Governor Jay Nixon should have condemned police, Michael Brown family lawyers say
          KWMU:  With grand jury decision looming, Charlie Dooley and incoming county exec not speaking to each other
          KWMU:  Grand jury hears from Brown family pathologist;  Attorneys say law enforcement "not equally condemned by the governor"
          Missourinet:  Michael Brown family attorneys say trial of Darren Wilson needed
          KMWU:  Holder calls Missouri officials regarding Ferguson
          P-D:  Richard Rothstein - "a research scholar for the liberal Economic Policy Institute" - blames Ferguson shooting on history of segregation
          KWMU race/diversity fellow Emanuele Berry:  Corrections made to spelling of Zaki Baruti and New Black Panther leader name;  Grammar error fixed
          P-D editorial:  Time for Legislature to adopt a Ferguson agenda;  GOP legislators should care about traffic tickets, inner-ring schools
          P-D editorial:  Could pot legalization make Missouri's 2016 ballot?  Let's hope so.
          KC Star editorial:  Ferguson Democratic committeewoman Patricia "@Patricialicious" Bynes is right - both sides must demonstrate discipline when grand jury delivers justice +
          P-D op-ed:  Washington University Law School Dean Nancy Staudt:  Wash U Law School cares about Ferguson
          P-D op-ed:  Don't Shoot Coalition:  Q&A for people tired of hearing Ferguson protester noise
          P-D letter: U.N.'s deliberation on Ferguson is a waste of time and money
          P-D letter:  Ferguson police chief should retire and stop dealing with Nixon's malarkey
          Disclosure


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



        Thursday, November 13
       
KWMU:  Medicare enrollment open through Dec. 7;  Q&A with KC-based Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Julie Brookhart
          KWMU:  Rate review laws could reduce health insurance costs, consumer group says
          P-D:  Blunt says Obamacare architect has proven President 'intentionally hid' law's costs
          KOLR:  Missouri, Arkansas take different approaches to Medicaid expansion;  Missouri hospitals continue push for expansion, but GOP victories make such a move uncertain
          KBIA:  Forum set for Missourians facing long waits for MO DSS programs
          P-D:  Ann Wagner helps lead House freshman orientation
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Roy Blunt on coal, Tim Jones on Koster committee +
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  2016 GOP state treasurer candidate Eric Schmitt on Medicaid expansion, tax cuts, school transfers, more
          The Missouri Times:  Freshman profile:  Rep.-elect Shane Roden (R-Hillsboro) brings public safety priorities to Capitol
          Drebes:  Dems, Republicans dispute they've lost Jefferson County and St. Louis County, respectively
          KWMU:  Outgoing Speaker Tim Jones names panel to probe Koster's actions and donations
          The Missouri Times:  Jones targets Koster with special committee
          P-D:  Oversight committee created to examine Koster contribution allegations
          SNL:  Union for home health care workers reaches tentative agreement on wages X
          KC Star:  Cerner breaks ground for its Trails Campus;  Nixon dons hard hat, wields shovel +
          Columbia Missourian:  NORML to hold pro-pot presentations, reception today
          Missourinet:  Missouri Supreme Court rejects appeal of double-murderer;  Brian Dorsey executed his cousin and her husband, then had sex with his cousin's dead body
          AP:  PROMO, others urge Koster to not defend Missouri law on gay marriage
          KWMU:  Website claims gay marriage would bring Missouri $38 million
          The Missouri Times:  Public Service Commission approves fuel adjustment charge change for Empire
          KWMU:  Nixon backs pursuit of 'Promise Zone' designation for poor people in North County, North City
          P-D:  Businesses brace for behavioral difficulties after grand jury decision
          KWMU:  Dooley and Slay advise public to 'calm down' in runup to grand jury decision
          AP:  Officials urge calm ahead of Ferguson announcement
          P-D:  Ferguson police chief resists feds' continued efforts to remove him
          P-D:  Michael Brown Coalition calls for boycott during Black Friday weekend;  Comments from New Black Panther Party's Dacia Polk, Zaki Baruti
          KWMU's Emanuele Berry :  Activists call for Black Friday boycott;  Comments from "a coalition of Michael Brown supporter [sic]', "Dasha [sic] Polk" and "Zaki Biruti [sic]"
          Messenger:  Justice in Ferguson is about long-term change
          Jensen:  The self-appointed Michael Brown Coalition issues laughable "demands" for law enforcement;  It's not hard to tell what Ferguson race-baiters are all about +
          P-D letter:  A two-hour heads-up from McCulloch's office would give law-abiding people a chance to flee Clayton
          P-D letter:  Savage beating of protester-sympathizer shows dislike for peace
          Disclosure


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




        Wednesday, November 12
       
Rosenbaum:  When losing an election isn't the end of the story;  Many of Missouri's federal, state officeholders have learned from their defeats
          KWMU:  Legislators still have to-do list for lame-duck session;  A look at McCaskill, Blunt legislation
          KRES (Moberly):  Rep. Vicky Hartzler wants to remain on Armed Services Committee, says she's concerned about Ebola in West Africa
          St. Joseph News-Press' Ken Newton:  Despite Blunt's optimism, it's unlikely Obama and Congress will do anything worthwhile X
          Missourinet:  Ford rolls out design of F-150, soon to be built in Claycomo, Missouri
          SE Missourian:  Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder arranges visit from Brad Pitt's brother to benefit area Care to Learn program +
          Drebes:  Kyle Juvers leaves Missouri Secretary of State's office for Dave Leipholtz's Better Together
          AP:  Rex Sinquefield giving weekly contributions to Catherine Hanaway
          Missourinet:  Outgoing Speaker Tim Jones will announce committee in response to NY Times piece on Koster
          KRES (Moberly):  Incoming Rep. Chuck Basye (R) says John Wright didn't walk the walk on campaign finance reform, says voters can keep tabs via Ethics Commission website
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Nixon reassures citizens that law enforcement will be prepared to deal with protesters' behavior;  Linda Black on party switch +
          Missourinet:  Rep. Jake Hummel (D-St. Louis) says Linda Black lied to the voters of St. Francois County;  She says he flip-flopped on abortion since coming to Jefferson City
          Missouri Viewpoints:  The environment and your energy bill:  Mike Ferguson talks to Renew Missouri's P.J. Wilson, United for Missouri's Carl Bearden about state's energy priorities
          Missourinet:  Proposed power line across northern Missouri debated
          AP:  Clemency requested for condemned Missouri inmate;  Leon Taylor shot man in the head in front of victim's 8-year-old daughter
          KWMU:  Some area gun shop owners attribute spike in sales to upcoming Ferguson unrest
          KWMU:  Nixon talks Ferguson, says he's prepared to bring in National Guard
          P-D:  Nixon tries to reassure public, as citizens prepare for the worst
          Missourinet:  Nixon, law enforcement make preparations for grand jury's delivery of justice
          The Missouri Times:  Nixon, law enforcement prepping for grand jury decision
          AP:  Nixon outlines Ferguson preparations
          P-D:  Police chaplains offer support for officers enduring Ferguson protesters
          P-D:  Pathologist for Michael Brown family to testify before Ferguson grand jury
          Missourinet:  U.S. Human Rights Network sponsors Michael Brown's parents' first trip overseas
          P-D editorial:  More women in Congress doesn't necessarily mean progress, particularly if they're conservatives like Ann Wagner and Joni Ernst
          P-D op-ed:  La June Montgomery Tabron;  Ensure that safe, legal demonstrations can take place;  Michael Brown's race - not his attack on officer - likely caused his death
          KC Star letter:  Missouri Coalition for the Environment supports EPA's proposed water rule +
          P-D letter:  Response to Show-Me Institute's Amendment 3 letter:  Rex Sinquefield runs the state of Missouri
          P-D letter:  Response to reader's response to gay-marriage ruling:  Conservatives resist change, and there's more to relationships than mere intercoursing
          Disclosure


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        Tuesday, November 11
       
Politico:  Red-state Dems Manchin (WV), Heitkamp (ND) rise in Senate;  McCaskill says moderates must put "policy issues first before politics"
          Wall Street Journal:  Estimated enrollees for 2015 health care decrease;  In Missouri, monthly premiums will go up - and to get lowest price, customers must switch carriers
          P-D/Kaiser Health News:  Missouri consumers to pay more for health care next year;  Comments from Missouri Foundation for Health's Ryan Barker, Missouri Health Care for All's Jen Bersdale
          KWMU:  Missouri gets first peek at 2015 health plans on federal exchange
          KCUR:  Medicaid expansion still on table following elections;  Sen. Ryan Silvey (R-Kansas City):  "It is going to be damaging to our hospitals if we don't do something"
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Blunt on net neutrality;  Caleb Jones, Tim Jones on John Diehl and GOP Legislature's dominance +
          P-D:  Federal agency narrows sites for move within St. Louis area
          SNL's Amos Bridges:  Journalist's "no free cookies" rule could have helped Chris Koster avoid NY Times story X
          AP:  Scott Sifton officially announces bid for attorney general in 2016
          Drebes:  Ethics complaint against Rep. Keith English (D-Florissant) dismissed
          SE Missourian:  Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder teams up with Brad Pitt's brother to help children in poverty +
          The Missouri Times:  Q&A with newly-minted Republican Rep. Linda Black
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Club for Growth looks to pivot election wins into legislative success
          The Missouri Times:  Incoming GOP state Rep. Becky Ruth says she'll bring Jefferson County priorities to Capitol
          AP:  Missouri panel:  Boosting judges' pay not a priority;  Comments from Chairman Charlie Schlottach (R)
          JCNT:  Office of Administration's agency for children marks 10th year X
          CDT:  Former Mamtek CEO sentenced to seven years in prison X
          Missourinet:  Architect of Mamtek scam in Moberly sentenced to prison
          KRES (Moberly):  Former Mamtek CEO Bruce Cole sentenced
          P-D:  Former CEO of Mamtek sentenced to 7 years in prison for theft, fraud
          AP:  Former Mamtek CEO gets 7 years for theft, fraud
          Missourinet:  Same-sex marriage debate has many fronts in Missouri
          KWMU:  What's changed, what's next for Missouri's same-sex marriage laws
          The Missouri Times:  KCP&L takes center stage with Public Service Commission
          The Missouri Times:  Public hearings looming for water cases around Missouri
          P-D:  Public Service Commission hearings on Grain Belt Express transmission line begin
          Missourinet:  Video:  Bob Priddy goes behind the scenes at Missouri's only commercial nuclear reactor
          KFEQ (St. Joseph):  New deer restrictions in effect for state;  Rules regulating shooters do not apply in Missouri's urban areas
          AP:  New riot gear at the ready in Ferguson
          P-D:  McCulloch says grand jury still working, decries 'rank speculation' on decision timing
          P-D:  Michael Brown's parents get free trip to Switzerland;  Lawyers say Officer Darren Wilson's actions violate U.N.'s anti-torture convention, want Nixon to apologize to protesters
          KWMU:  Lacy Clay, Maria Chappelle-Nadal discuss temporary Ferguson-inspired fissure in solid St. Louis County Democratic voting bloc
          CDT's Waters:  Timing was bad for John Wright;  For District 47 voters to oppose a Democrat based on party is ridiculous X
          Columbia Missourian's David Rosman:  Time for same-sex marriage to apply to all in Missouri
          SNL letter:  Constituents of Roy Blunt and Billy Long are not concerned about climate change, but legislators should push for a carbon fee anyway X
          KC Star letter:  Kansas woman passes judgment on Missouri's Medicaid system +
          CDT letter:  Sexagenarian questions motives behind Rex Sinquefield's public policy agenda X
          P-D letter:  Beating of protester-sympathizer shows where the real brutality lies
          P-D letter:  Paper's anti-police headline fans the Ferguson flames
          P-D letter:  Paper's anti-police headline puts police officers in danger
          P-D letter:  Ferguson residents can ward off savagery by hanging their Christmas decorations;  A big red bow or festive window candle should do the trick
          Disclosure


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



        Monday, November 10
       
Omaha World-Herald:  Small businesses give an Obamacare program a new look, and some pass;  Small Business Health Option program tested in Missouri, four other states
          KWIX (Moberly):  Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer on national GOP's path forward and his future plans for Missouri office
          SNL:  Greene County Clerk predicts record turnout in 2016 general election;  Outdated speculation about Tim Jones' plans, more (updated with correction) X
          Kraske:  The chat:  Dems will have a hard time finding someone to fill ballot slot against Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder +
          KWMU:  Scott Sifton set to jump into 2016 contest for Missouri attorney general
          The Missouri Times:  Scott Sifton announces bid for 2016 Democratic attorney general nomination
          P-D:  Scott Sifton will seek 2016 Democratic nomination for attorney general
          AP:  Analysis:  With record margin and Amendment 10, voters give new powers to Missouri GOP lawmakers
          Washington Missourian:  UM System President Tim Wolfe visits Washington Middle School, emphasizes benefits of college degree
          SE Missourian:  Nixon restores $2M in A+ funding +
          JCNT:  Juvenile justice reformers prepare proposal X
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Silver Haired Legislature meets, recommends real legislators spend more taxpayer money on programs for the old, Medicaid, more X
          Brownfield Ag News:  Missouri Ag Director Richard Fordyce urges Missourians to nominate farmers for awards in categories of innovation, stewardship, education and food animal/vet
          St. Joseph News-Press:  Woman awarded $850,000 in MoDOT discrimination case X
          Missourinet:  Missouri State Parks Director Bill Bryan says camping is up six percent this year, continuing a trend
          KWMU:  Index of Ferguson coverage across all categories:  Michael Brown's robbery and assault/shooting, riots, looting, impact on taxpayers, facts about grand jury, more
          KSDK:  Demonstrators march in support of police;  No looting, vandalism, or violent crime reported
          Missourinet:  Ahead of grand jury decision, Captain Ron Johnson sets high behavioral expectations
          KWMU:  Protesters hold trainings in preparation for grand jury decision
          CDT's Waters:  Even with Democrat John Wright's defeat, ban of lobbyist gifts could succeed through legislation from Rep. Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) X
          KC Star's Diuguid:  Health care advocacy group:  1 in 10 people are mentally ill, and they're costing Missouri $2.5 billion every year +
          Columbia Missourian op-ed:  "Gone Girl," other movies provide minimal long-term benefits
          P-D letter:  Gerrymandering to blame for GOP legislature
          P-D letter:  Missouri Supreme Court is not vehicle for change in municipal courts
          P-D letter:  Ferguson protesters should channel energy into halting St. Louis City's savage beatings
          Disclosure


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        Sunday, November 9
       
SNL:  Shifting power:  Roles figure to be changing for McCaskill, Blunt in wake of elections X
          Gannett:  With GOP in firm control, Louisiana Senate race loses national luster;  McCaskill lends name to Landrieu's "Off and Running Moneybomb" effort
          Washington Missourian:  Franklin County Clerk Debbie Door disappointed in county's 38 percent turnout
          Washington Missourian:  Republicans dominate House, Senate races;  Comments from Dave Schatz, Justin Alferman, Paul Curtman
          KC Star:  Republicans rule in Missouri and Kansas statehouses, and consequences could be profound +
          P-D:  Speaker John Diehl will be a strong counterpoint to Nixon
          Drebes:  Compendium of new campaign committee, government staff changes;  Rachel Mobley gets new title at Missouri Department of Agriculture, more
          Drebes:  Missouri Optometric Association's Jay Hahn fakes in-flight engine failure, proposes to Senate Research's Kayla Crider
          P-D/Kaiser Health News:  Advocates concerned about truncated health plan enrollment period;  Data from Kaiser Health Foundation, comments from Missouri Foundation for Health
          P-D/Kaiser Health News:  Multi-state small businesses face challenge with new insurance marketplace;  Comments from progressive Small Business Majority, Urban Institute
          P-D Gallagher:  Pre-paid tuition plans:  Trust them, or don't;  State-sponsored plans carry risk, while private college plans come with limitations
          AP:  Mexican meth increasingly supplanting at-home labs in Missouri;  Comments from Franklin County chief narcotics officer Jason Grellner
          CDT:  Black clergy, NAACP, Missouri Faith Voices hold Ferguson vigil;  Group leader predicts evidence-based ruling will bring "black rage and white backlash" X
          Columbia Missourian:  Black clergy organize Michael Brown vigil:  "We have witnessed the swelling of pain felt by young black men and women"
          KC Star:  In wake of Ferguson, black teens and KC police discuss trust;  17-year-old Tyrese Gully recounts hardships encountered whilst driving his mother's Mercedes-Benz +
          KMOX:  McCaskill talks Ferguson;  Missouri's senior senator weighs in on personnel issues of a municipal police department
          SNL editorial:  Submissive pleas to dominant GOP:  Billy Long should do more;  Amendment 10 should be sorted out;  Republicans should be gentle with tax cut, and loosen voting laws X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Tim Wolfe's experience as a businessman and change agent will serve him well as he leads the University of Missouri into the future
          SE Missourian editorial:  Local schools deserve credit for trying new approaches:  Reading Plus and ABC Today +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Be alert:  Monday's robbery and assault is a reminder WashMo is close enough to urban St. Louis for crime fallout to occur
          CDT op-ed:  KC ob/gyn urges congressional delegation to expand Medicaid payment increase X
          P-D letter:  Post-Dispatch, other mainstream outlets ignore election of Tim Scott and Mia Love in favor of tired liberal cliches on race
          KC Star letter:  Normal, decent people are leaving urban areas to find refuge in civilization;  Sad, slow decline of once-fine Kansas City Star is much deserved +
          P-D letter:  Olivette man says he is disgusted, revolted by St. Louis judge's ruling on gay marriage
          P-D letter:  Olivette man asks:  If two people of same sex can marry, why not cousins?
          Disclosure


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



        Saturday, November 8
       
The Hill:  McCaskill, other Dems renew call for patent reform
        Washington Post:  This 'egregious' patent troll just got smacked by the FTC;  McCaskill calls company "bottom feeder"
        NY Times:  McCaskill, others seek inquiry of Takata airbag accusations
        KWMU:  St. Louis veteran receives long-overdue Purple Heart
        AP:  McCaskill helps Korean War vet get Purple Heart six decades later
        P-D:  Photo gallery:  McCaskill, Ann Wagner attend medal presentations this week
        Kraske:  2014 general election highlights:  Cleaver's opponent gets within single digits;  Jay Ashcroft takes an L;  Jeff Roe piece on Schaaf opponent is funny +
        SE Missourian:  AG Chris Koster's office cancels First Friday speaking engagement after NY Times article +
        Drebes:  Kinder begins gearing up for 2016 re-election
        Washington Missourian:  Area education officials celebrate Amendment 3's overwhelming defeat
        The Missouri Times:  Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) joins Senate leadership as whip
        KWMU:  Top leaders in House Democratic, Black Caucuses remain unchanged
        KC Star:  Rep. Brandon Elllington (D-Kansas City) to lead Missouri Legislative Black Caucus +
        AP:  Nixon will use $4.5M in TANF money to fund another 1,500 summer jobs;  Urban youth will earn $8/hr.
        AP:  Second judge rules against gay marriage ban;  Koster will appeal
        The Missouri Times:  Federal judge strikes down Missouri's ban on gay marriage
        Missourinet:  ACLU:  Judge strikes down Missouri same-sex marriage ban
        P-D:  Another gay-marriage victory in Missouri, as federal judge in Kansas City strikes down ban
        KWMU:  Federal judge declares Missouri's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional
        AP:  Gay couples begin to marry in Kansas City
        CDT:  Waiting begins for area lesbians seeking marriage license X
        Columbia Missourian:  Second ruling tosses out gay marriage ban, but leaves Boone County unaffected
        KC Star:  Missouri oil production is strong but growing +
        AP:  Nixon briefs Obama on Ferguson
        P-D:  Man beaten at Ferguson protest strategy meeting;  Dem committeewoman Patricia "Patricialicious" Bynes attributes attack to Lost Voices, but group leader Bud Cuzz says he saw nothing
        KWMU:  Justice Department teaches police to counter their implicit instincts
        AP:  Justice Department hosts St. Louis police training
        P-D editorial:  There's value in having an NFL team in St. Louis, but at what cost?  Consider the plight of Spanish Lake youth, and how they might one day turn out.
        KC Star op-ed:  Area woman's diabetic daughter, unemployed pal benefit from Obamacare - and you should, too;  Legislators must support Medicaid expansion +
        P-D letter:  Koster, state legislators far too enamored with Jefferson city honey pot
        P-D letter:  Show-Me Institute's Brittany Wagner on Amendment 3:  Tenure protects underperforming teachers
        P-D letter:  WGU Chancellor Angie Besendorfer:  Online university helps make college education a reality
        KC Star letter:  Lee's Summit woman says legislators who support concealed-carry are bullies, and maybe even terrorists +
        Disclosure


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



        Friday, November 7
       
KWMU:  GOP control over Senate brings Blunt to new prominence
          Kraske:  Blunt on GOP's approach, Cleaver on Obamacare prospects +
          The Maneater:  GOP has a banner night in Missouri, U.S. legislative elections
          The Maneater:  MU Socialists and CoMO Socialists celebrate election day with event at LGBTQ Resource Center
          Dexter Daily Democrat:  Dem state rep candidate who lost Tuesday recovering from serious colon damage
          P-D:  Candidates who received Sinquefield money did well in general election
          CDT:  Nixon's staff changes elevate Columbia's Chris Pieper to top post X
          KWMU:  Group files petition to put marijuana legalization on 2016 ballot
          AP:  Proposal would put marijuana on 2016 ballot
          KMZU (Carrollton):  Carroll County Clerk Peggy McGaugh (R) previews work of Jason Kander's Elections Integrity Task Force
          KWMU:  At St. Louis Regional Chamber lunch, Chris Koster lays out proposals for state economy, education and Ferguson
          KMOX:  Audio:  Tom Schweich talks about last week's NY Times piece on Chris Koster (third clip on page)
          Shelly:  In election night speech, Tom Schweich takes aim at Chris Koster, Jay Nixon - and, subtly, Catherine Hanaway
          The Missouri Times:  Tim Jones not running in 2016, will join Lindenwood University's Hammond Institute
          AP:  Tim Jones won't seek office in 2016
          CDT:  Republicans celebrate while Nixon looks past Democratic defeats X
          KWMU:  Missouri Senate re-elects Republicans Tom Dempsey, Ron Richard to top leadership
          P-D:  Tom Dempsey elected again to President Pro Tem
          The Missouri Times:  Sen. Joe Keaveny (D-St. Louis) to lead Senate Dems
          Missourinet:  Missouri Senate picks leaders, lists priorities
          AP:  Missouri state senators pick leaders
          CDT:  Senate leaders talk cooperation despite GOP gains in Chamber X
          JCNT:  Senate leaders still not interested in Medicaid reform X
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Jake Hummel (D-St. Louis) will continue to lead Missouri House Democrats
          The Missouri Times:  Dems see long fight over caucus chair vote;  Rep. Gina Mitten (D-St. Louis) prevails after unnamed members flip
          AP:  Missouri House Democrats keep leadership
          Missourinet:  Missouri lawmakers consider using new budget powers
          KODE (Joplin):  Republican majority grows at Missouri Capitol;  Rep. Bill White (R-Joplin) says caucus will see healthy intra-party debate on issues
          KRES (Moberly):  Audio:  Rep. Tim Remole (R-Excello) says second-term priorities include economic growth, reducing regulations
          KODE (Joplin):  Video:  Missouri Chamber's Dan Mehan speaks to Carthage chamber, explains his group's priorities for improving Missouri's business climate
          CDT:  Despite funding release, officials still expect reduced A+ scholarship reimbursements X
          SE Missourian:  At MSBA meeting, staff attorney says school officials should keep an eye on elimination of Lottery funding, report cards for school buildings, Amendment 10 impacts +
          SNL:  Springfield is Missouri's largest school district - again X
          AP:  Missouri launches site tracking bridge closures
          KMOX:  On LGBTQIA marriage, AG Chris Koster walking fine line between personal position and duties of office
          AP:  Many Missouri counties not granting LGBTQIA marriage
          P-D:  Same-sex marriage ruling in St. Louis leads to confusion across the state
          SNL:  No same-sex marriage in Greene County, but some think there should be X
          AP:  Schweich's audit gives real estate agency a good score
          Drebes:  Rep. Sue Meredith (D-St. Louis) sole legislator in mock police experience to find perp's hidden gun
          KWMU:  Local Normandy board could gain more authority
          SE Missourian:  Youth deer harvest down 3 percent in Missouri;  Shooters have taken down just over 18,000 of the wild animals +
          NY Daily News:  Michael Brown's mother might face felony armed robbery charge;  Fiery redhead allegedly led posse that beat up her ex's mother-in-law
          P-D:  Police investigating Brown family fisticuffs;  Lesley McSpadden upset over ex's mother-in-law profiting from Michael Brown bandanas, other stylish wearables
          Washington Post:  Police investigating assault involving Michael Brown's family members
          KMOX:  Audio:  Ferguson Mayor James Knowles on riot preparedness (second clip on page)
          KWMU:  With grand jury set to deliver justice, "protests are expected to erupt;"  ACLU unveils "mobile justice" app to record police
          P-D:  ACLU unveils smartphone app for recording police
          P-D:  Attorney General Eric Holder praises SLU president for handling of campus trespassers
          KWMU:  A look at chasm between young and old black protesters;  Insight from Ferguson Democratic Committeewoman Patricia "Patricialicious" Bynes
          JCNT editorial:  Victorious politicans should learn to compromise, power should be wielded wisely, always put constituents first, etc. X
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Unlimited campaign spending, negative ads lead to frustrated Missourians
          P-D editorial:  Gay marriage comes to Missouri. Wait, what?
          KC Star editorial:  Celebrate positive legal ruling for gay marriage in Missouri +
          Student Life (Washington University) editorial:  Missouri's same-sex marriage ruling a step in the right direction
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Politicians can promise "job creation," but results depend on the work ethic of people in a community
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Preparing for the worst:  When Ferguson grand jury delivers justice in Michael Brown case, some people will refuse to face facts
          P-D op-ed:  Don't Shoot Coalition's Deborah Jacobs:  Missouri making no progress in human rights;  Racist state legislators moving state back to era when women were barefoot and pregnant
          SNL op-ed:  Chris Nicastro:  Children need best education we can offer X
          JCNT letter:  EPA's waters rules for Missouri aim to protect, not punish X
          Washington Missourian letter:  Former teacher defends tenure
          JCNT letter:  According to articles found on the Internet, public schools are teaching Islam X
          P-D letter:  Editorial's reference to fear, grumpiness is more accurately applied to editorial board cranks
          Disclosure


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


        Thursday, November 6
       
NY Times:  Blunt:  GOP has short window to impress voters;  "(I)mportant to appear to want to be a governing party rather than a complaining party"
          SE Missourian:  Blunt looks forward to Republicans leading the Senate +
          P-D:  Blunt:  One area of common ground may be government modernization
          P-D:  Flip of Senate shifts Missouri senators' roles
          St. Joseph News-Press:  McCaskill, Blunt weigh in on new balance of power X
          KMBC:  Cleaver says GOP set to do "some damage" to Obamacare
          P-D:  St. Louis County Election Board's Rita Days on ballot security:  "Hey, they hacked the Pentagon. So I know they can hack the St. Louis County election authority."
          97.1FM (St. Louis):  Audio:  Speaker Tim Jones not seeking statewide office in 2016, will join Lindenwood conservative think tank (4:00 mark)
          Rosenbaum:  Answers to the six pre-election questions
          KWMU:  Politically Speaking:  Journo gang conducts Missouri election postmortem
          The Missouri Times' Scott Faughn:  Winners and losers from Election Day
          Kraske:  The Chat, Election edition:  Schweich takes jab at Koster;  Diehl demonstrates modesty in light of huge GOP gains +
          P-D:  John Diehl to lead House with historic GOP majority
          CDT:  Diehl:  GOP gains "not a failure the Democrats can pin on Jay Nixon. This is their collective failure on a grand scale." X
          Missourinet:  Linda Black switches parties, joins GOP;  Minority Leader Jake Hummel not pleased
          The Missouri Times:  Linda Black switches parties
          AP:  Election brings new power to state Capitols, including Missouri;  AP forecasts "lower taxes and perhaps fewer dollars flowing to social safety net programs"
          Missourinet:  Nixon says he's worried about Amendment 10
          P-D:  Nixon releases $5.7M of FY15 funding
          The Missouri Times:  Rep. Todd Richardson (R-Poplar Bluff) chosen as House Majority Floor Leader
          AP:  Missouri House GOP picks new leader:  Rep. Todd Richardson (R-Poplar Bluff) to serve as Majority Floor Leader
          KWMU:  Briefs:  Nixon disagrees with Diehl on Amendment 10;  GOP caucus elections;  Nixon staff changes;  Rep. Linda Black of Desloge leaves Dems for GOP
          AP:  Nixon staff shifts:  Chris Pieper to replace John Watson as chief of staff;  Nia Ray to lead DOR, with John Mollenkamp returning to previous role as deputy director
          The Missouri Times:  Chris Pieper to serve as new Nixon chief of staff
          Missourinet:  John Diehl, Jake Hummel on Medicaid-expansion prospects
          P-D/Kaiser Health News:  Missouri primary care doctors face substantial Medicaid cut
          KC Star:  Missouri House committee hearings on patrol merger have prompted changes, official testifies +
          Washington Missourian:  Parents as Teachers celebrates 30 years in Missouri
          SE Missourian:  Department of Social Services promotes Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program;  In FY14, taxpayers chipped in to pay 146,000 households' bills +
          KWMU:  Missouri Foundation for Health issues report on Baby Boomer health care needs
          KODE:  MoDOT begins winter operations drills
          AP:  Judge overturns Missouri ban on gay marriage;  Koster immediately appeals ruling
          AP:  Koster appeals gay marriage ruling
          The Missouri Times:  St. Louis circuit judge knocks down Missouri's same-sex marriage ban
          AP:  Ex-brewery exec, lawyer tapped by Nixon to weigh stadium options
          Missourinet:  Nixon gives 60 days for viable stadium plans to be completed and presented to the Rams to keep the NFL in St. Louis
          P-D:  Nixon is working on game plan to keep Rams in St. Louis
          P-D:  Photos:  Masked protesters confront police in Ferguson as part of Anonymous' "Million Mask March"
          P-D:  Protesters want 48-hour notice, scaled-down police presence with Michael Brown ruling
          KWMU:  "Don't Shoot Coalition" want 48-hour notice before grand jury delivers justice
          AP:  Ferguson protest leaders want 48-hour heads-up on grand jury decision
          P-D editorial:  Post-election lamentation:  A wave of fear and grumpiness carries GOP to big victories
          JCNT editorial:  Awards honor state workers' productivity X
          KC Star editorial:  Kansas City should watch and learn from Nixon's Ferguson commission +
          KC Star op-ed:  College student Jared Weese:  Nixon must release student aid funds +
          P-D letter:  P-D website is cluttered, clunky and slow
          P-D letter:  P-D downplayed GOP victories
          P-D letter:  Missouri's profit-based energy decisions hurt community
          P-D letter:  Welfare recipients should be given higher ed subsidies, then be allowed to count their school hours as real work
          KC Star letter:  Area man exposes GOP conspiracy to cut taxes, put transportation tax on ballot, then humiliate voters +
          Disclosure


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        Wednesday, November 5
       
Secretary of State Jason Kander's Election Results Page
          P-D:  Voters rebuke Obama as GOP takes control of U.S. Senate;  Comments from Blunt
          Missourinet:  GOP tsunami means changes ahead for McCaskill, Blunt
          AP:  Lacy Clay re-elected
          AP:  Ann Wagner re-elected
          AP:  Blaine Luetkemeyer re-elected
          AP:  Vicky Hartzler re-elected
          AP:  Emanuel Cleaver re-elected
          AP:  Sam Graves re-elected
          AP:  Billy Long re-elected
          SNL:  Billy Long wins re-election easily, expects opponent Jim Evans to once again fail to extend dignified congratulatory remarks X
          SE Missourian:  Jason Smith re-elected +
          P-D:  Ann Wagner's push to get more Republican women in U.S. House has modest results
          SE Missourian:  Schweich retained by wide margin over Libertarian candidate +
          P-D:  Schweich vows to fight Jefferson City corruption, takes swipe at Chris Koster
          AP:  Missouri GOP wins big;  Teacher tenure measure dies
          AP:  Highlights of Tuesday's election
          P-D:  Teacher tenure, early-voting measures go down big
          KWMU:  Voters split on amendments
          AP: Missourians approve child-abuse proposal
          AP:  Amendment 3 goes down
          Missourinet:  Missouri State Teachers' Association, Speaker-Elect John Diehl (R) look ahead after Amendment 3
          AP:  Missourians nix early-voting proposal
          AP:  Missourians limit governors' budget-cutting powers
          Missourinet:  With big night, Republicans extend supermajority in Missouri Legislature
          The Missouri Times:  General Assembly sees historic supermajority
          AP:  GOP lawmakers keep supermajority
          Missourinet:  Speaker-Elect John Diehl (R) says election results show Missourians' support for GOP platform
          KWMU:  GOP consolidates hold over Legislature;  Jill Schupp a rare bright spot for Democrats;  Cloria Brown (R) beats Vicki Englund (D);  Wieland (R) over Roorda (D)
          P-D:  Jill Schupp takes Senate seat, but Republicans expand legislative majorities
          Fulton Sun:  Republicans continue reign in Callaway County;  Jeanie Riddle (R) defeats Ed Schieffer (D) for state Senate
          CDT:  Chuck Basye scores upset over Rep. John Wright (D-Rocheport) in tight 47th District race X
          Columbia Missourian:  Chuck Basye (R) beats John Wright (D)
          KOMU:  Basye wins tight race for House seat
          CDT:  Caleb Rowden (R) wins landslide victory to retain seat X
          Columbia Missourian:  Caleb Rowden elected to second term
          SE Missourian:  Kathy Swan sweeps into another term in District 147 +
          SNL:  Elijah Haahr (R) easily defeats opponent X
          SNL:  Charlie Norr lone Ozarks Democrat with state rep seat X
          SNL:  Lynn Morris (R) trounces Democrat to earn second term X
          SNL:  Sonya Anderson (R) holds on in District 131 X
          SNL:  Lyndall Fraker (R) wins re-election X
          KWMU:  St. Louis County election officials to 'reasses' after paper ballot shortage causes delays
          KMBC:  Nixon's office tweets voting pic that shows woman's exposed rear;  Governor's office deletes picture
          KMBC:  Half-moon pic (NSFW)
          USA Today:  Nixon office's #booty #creepshot goes viral
          P-D:  Nixon to discuss Rams stadium situation today
          Fulton Sun:  U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to decide on Ameren plant's license renewal request next month
          CDT:  Mamtek CEO sentencing postponed one week X
          AP:  Missouri firearms hunters take 5,700 turkeys
          P-D:  McCulloch says grand jury still hearing evidence in Michael Brown assault/shooting case
          AP:  Ferguson protesters arrested at St. Louis County Executive-elect's acceptance speech
          P-D:  Ferguson demonstrators disrupt county Dems' party
          P-D:  Michael Brown's parents headed to Switzerland;  Website collecting donations to provide free trips to others as well
          P-D editorial:  Missouri ignored municipal courts for generations. It's time to fix them.
          SNL op-ed:  MSU sociology professor Mike Stout;  Springfield liberals get their news from the Internet, while Springfield conservatives get their news from radio X
          P-D letter:  Response to McClellan's paywall-blocked column;  If Missouri Republicans weren't so heartless, protagonists Jamaal and Janicia would have Medicaid and day-care subsidies
          P-D letter:  Protester-sympathizing pastor calling for Darren Wilson's arrest is not fighting the good fight
          Disclosure


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        Tuesday, November 4  Secretary of State Jason Kander's Election Results Page
       
Helling:  Election Day in perspective:  The American experiment will survive our small vanities
          AP:  What to look for in today's election
          AP:  Republicans seek to keep supermajority in Missouri
          Missourinet:  Secretary of State's challenge to voters:  Prove turnout prediction wrong
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri Democrats, labor leaders, departing GOP state Rep. Chris Molendorp defend Koster
          The Missouri Times:  SOS Jason Kander spent the final week going door-to-door for Dem candidates
          P-D:  Write-in candidate upset with Maria Chappelle-Nadal's Ferguson actions;  Christine LaPorta describes herself as "pretty darned liberal"
          CDT:  Partnership compiles data on Missouri women;  Mizzou, KC Women's Federation will examine the female struggle, present recommendations to General Assembly
          JCNT:  Appeals court ruling blocks Koster on sex offender appeal
          Missourinet:  A look inside maintenance at Ameren's Callaway Nuclear Reactor
          Missourinet:  Condemned Missouri inmate dies in prison;  Kenneth Baumruk, 75, assumes room temperature Halloween night
          P-D:  Kenneth Baumruk, who went on shooting rampage in St. Louis County courthouse, dies in prison
          P-D:  Protesters picket the Post-Dispatch, say the paper is biased against Ferguson protesters;  Group hands out mock copies of "Post-Disgrace"
          P-D:  Area police, firefighters postpone annual charity boxing event due to Ferguson
          AP:  Liberal group ColorofChange.org uses Ferguson references in campaign literature throughout the country
          AP:  White House:  Ferguson no-fly didn't restrict media
          P-D:  St. Louis County police say no-fly zone was for safety, not to keep media away
          SE Missourian editorial:  Vote
          JCNT editorial:  Vote;  Cameo from Pinky and the Brain
          P-D editorial:  The no-media-fly zone cover-up threatens trust in police
          SNL's Amos Bridges:  On the no-call list?  Be careful you don't call them.
          P-D letter:  College readiness affects how states fund education
          KC Star letters:  Consumers should complain to PSC about KCP&L rate increases;  Missouri GOP tax cuts are not significant
          Disclosure


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        Monday, November 3   Election Eve
       
Rosenbaum:  Six things to look for in tomorrow's election
          KC Star:  SOS Jason Kander predicts tomorrow's turnout:  39.8% +
          Missouri Viewpoints:  Video:  How will left, right fare in tomorrow's elections? Thoughts from liberal Sean Nicholson (Progress Missouri) and conservative Ryan Johnson (Missouri Alliance for Freedom)
          AP:  Individuals, committees have donated more than $1.5M during last week
          Kraske:  The Chat:  Missouri NEA confident on Amendment 3;  More +
          Missourinet:  Missouri prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys disagree on Amendment 2
          Missourinet:  Amendment 6 would bring early voting to Missouri;  Comments from Sen. Will Kraus (R), League of Women Voters
          Missourinet:  Opponents say Amendment 10 could lead to unbalanced Missouri budgets;  Comments from Rep. Chris Kelly (D), Missouri Budget Project
          P-D:  Bootheel features two close races:  Bill Burlison (D) vs. Don Rone (R) and Walter Dearing (D) vs. Andrew McDaniel (R);  List of other races to watch
          Drebes:  It's a good time to be a Burlison:  Rex, Rita and Erin prosper with help of Nixon appointments
          KC Star:  Motorcycle fatalities have increased in Missouri;  Comments from MoDOT +
          KTVI (St. Louis):  Nixon discusses plans to handle protesters' anger over grand jury decision
          The Current (UMSL):  Nixon commissions study of Ferguson unrest
          AP:  Government approved Ferguson no-fly zone to keep press out
          KWMU:  Michael Brown's parents set to take trip to Geneva
          KWMU:  Calverton Park - neighbor to Ferguson - tries amnesty court, but less than ten show up
          SE Missourian editorial:  The Southeast Missouri celebrates 110 years +
          P-D editorial:  Missouri must put higher education back within reach
          The Maneater editorial:  State must fund critical MU renovations
          KC Star editorial:  Nixon must consider clemency petition for 14 women in Missouri prisons;  Each convict has a hard-knock tale, and some are in poor health +
          Messenger:  2,000 jobs for poor kids is a start
          St. Joseph News-Press' Steve Booher:  No on Amendment 3 - but we need to start holding administrators and school boards accountable;  Sources include Gateway Pundit Jim Hoft X
          JCNT letter:  Area sexagenarian urges "No" vote on every amendment:  Legislators need to start making decisions themselves X
          P-D letter:  If Nixon had appointed a special prosecutor, upcoming riots would never have happened
          Disclosure


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        Sunday, November 2
       
P-D/Kaiser Health News:  Health insurance brokers say Obama administration had an attitude adjustment;  Comments from HHS' Kit Wagar
          NY Times:  Defects found before debut of health insurance site for small businesses;  Testing began in Missouri, four other states last week
          P-D:  Change in balance of power in U.S. Senate would affect roles of McCaskill, Blunt
          Monett Times:  Billy Long takes on Democrat, Libertarian challengers
          Webster-Kirkwood Times:  Arthur Lieber, Bill Slantz fill Democratic, Libertarian ballot slots for Ann Wagner's re-election
          SE Missourian:  Area Democrat, Libertarian, Constitution Party candidates fill ballot slots for Jason Smith's re-election +
          SE Missourian:  Turnout predictions:  Cape Girardeau County, 45-50 percent;  Perry County, 48 percent;  Scott County, 25 percent +
          Washington Missourian:  Franklin County Clerk Debbie Door predicts 45 percent voter turnout
          JCNT:  Cole County turnout predicted to be 34 percent X
          Washington Missourian:  Union School District officials, union oppose Amendment 3
          The Missouri Times:  Missouri House campaign tip sheet:  Updated with reader input
          The Missouri Times:  Candidates in close races make weekend GOTV push
          CDT:  Website made with MU grant shows contributions to lawmakers, voting records X
          CDT:  Liberal group Progress Missouri to hold "Progressive Summit" Dec. 5 and 6 in Columbia;  GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson in town Nov. 16 X
          Drebes:  Shawn and Melissa Furey share maternity-ward floor with Jason and Nicole Klindt
          P-D:  Facilitators at Common Core meetings paid $500;  Comments from Rep. Kurt Bahr (R-O'Fallon), DESE
          Kirksville Daily Express:  Leaders meet in Kirksville on Missouri's energy future
          Columbia Missourian:  Promise of cheaper wind power drives Grain Belt Express power line
          P-D:  Michael Brown protest held in low-40s temperature draws small, peaceful crowd
          KWMU:  McCulloch urges public to have faith in grand jury proces;  SLU's Ken Warren says that angry types unswayed by facts will likely remain that way
          KWMU:  Community groups, union host "Michael Brown vs. Board of Education"
          P-D:  No-so Anonymous:  How hackers wreaked havoc on the Knowles family, others in Ferguson case
          KC Star endorsements:  Yes on Amendment 2, No on everything else +
          Washington Missourian editorial:  Koster's response to NY Times piece is "laughable;"  Perhaps the piece will be the impetus for Missouri to change, but probably not
          CDT cartoon:  Koster and corporations X
          SNL Executive Director Paul Berry:  Restructuring at the News-Leader will be painful, but will lead to valuable journalism X
          Washington Missourian letter:  Glendale man says NY Times piece makes him mad at Koster and corporations
          P-D letter:  Improve Common Core standards instead of rewriting them
          P-D letter:  Nixon can show commitment to justice by granting clemency to women convicted of crimes
          P-D letter:  Slay's comments on guns belie city's savagery
          Disclosure


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        Saturday, November 1
       
Kraske:  2016 questions:  Will McCaskill shove Koster aside?  Will Mike Sanders run statewide?  In Blunt's re-election, who will be the sacrificial Dem? +
        KWMU:  Politically Speaking podcast:  Journo gang discusses NY Times' Koster story, McCaskill's gubernatorial desires, Roorda-Wieland and Schupp-Ashcroft
        JCNT:  Overview:  Luetkemeyer's re-election:  Dem, Libertarian candidates do not respond to reporter inquiries X
        Nevada Daily Mail:  Local Chamber of Commerce forum features Hartzler's Evan Helmeth vs. Nate Irvin (D), Patricia Pike and her opponents for the late Randy Pike's seat
        CDT:  Amendment 3 opponents say they're confident, not complacent X
        JCNT:  Overview:  Amendment 6 early-voting proposal X
        JCNT:  Overview:  Amendment 10 X
        The Missouri Times:  Hanaway stumps for Ashcroft;  GOP candidate continues emphasis on Schupp's sex-offender vote
        Washington Missourian:  District 109:  Rep. Paul Curtman (R) vs. Barbara "Bobbie" Bollmann
        Columbia Missourian:  Ron Calzone leads petition drive to oppose incoming Speaker John Diehl (R)
        Columbia Missourian:  Area state rep candidates weigh in on lobbyist gifts, campaign contributions
        CDT:  Direct mail costs exceed $2 million as parties battle over legislative seats X
        CDT:  Grow Missouri GOTV effort uses publicly-available voter information;  Some denounce "voter-shaming" X
        SNL:  Area voters weigh in on Grow Missouri mailer;  One voter is proud of his outstanding voting history, another feels ashamed of her mediocre record X
        Drebes:  Chris Roepe joins Noranda to lead government affairs group
        The Missouri Times:  911 reform on 2015 legislative agenda
        The Missouri Times:  Houston-based Clean Line Energy Partners seeks PSC approval for wind power transmission line
        AP:  Koster announces lawsuits against telemarketing firms
        KMOX:  Show-Me Cannabis purchases two billboards, wants Nixon to pardon man with three felony drug convictions
        Missourinet:  Twenty counties considered disaster areas
        CDT:  MU purchase of radio station license will boost KBIA news operation X
        KMOX:  Al Sharpton comes to town, disputes law enforcement's testimony:  Michael Brown "ain't got no [sic] gun ... I mean, the story don't even [sic] make sense!"
        P-D:  Al Sharpton back in St. Louis;  Mother of Michael Brown wants officer to "suffer the consequences"
        AP:  Al Sharpton calls for federal prosecution in Ferguson
        P-D:  Summit on racial inequality in St. Louis area schools set for Saturday
        CDT endorsement:  No on Amendment 2 X
        JCNT endorsement:  No on Amendment 10 X
        P-D editorial:  Missouri Democrats have talked a big game about turning out the vote, but there are few signs of it
        SNL's Richard Thompson:  Vote for Billy Long's opponent, even though he's going to lose;  Elderly columnist succumbs to urge of making "Long shot" pun X
        Columbia Missourian op-ed:  MU prof urges opposition to "Teach Great," Amendment 3 and Rex Sinquefield
        KC Star letter:  "Liberty for All" group opposes Hartzler, says she supports military-industrial complex and tax subsidies to the rich +
        P-D letter:  Beyond Housing's Chris Krehmeyer:  Low-rent housing wasn't the only reason for Ferguson's decline
        P-D letter:  New Haven woman says "race" does not exist;  "Black" and "white" are social constructs used by one group of humanoids to oppress another
        Disclosure


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