1. GOP trust in MDs declining.

2. Trump endorsements happening earlier.

3. 2022 a referendum on Biden?

4. Income map.

5. Demographic look at “gig economy”

6. Workers with a disability.

7. Top foreign language (excepting Spanish) by state.

Martin Subpoenaed

Ed Martin was subpoenaed by the January 6 Committee.

Health Departments Buckle Under Ruling

Some local health departments announced they were ceasing all COVID related activity.

Schmitt Contra School Boards

Attorney General Eric Schmitt is taking on school boards across the state over an interpretation of Judge Daniel Green’s order nullifying health authorities mask mandates. Schmitt has informed districts that the order prohibits their mask and quarantine policies. A lot of districts are disagreeing.

52% of Missourians are now fully vaccinated, including nearly 84% of the most vulnerable 65+ age group.

Parson to Boost State Pay

Press release: Governor Mike Parson announced that he will recommend a 5.5 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and $15 per hour minimum base pay standard for all state employees across state government.

Greitens Flip Flops on SAPA

Like touching a hot stove, Eric Greitens quickly backed off his criticism of the Second Amendment Protection Act when he felt the heat.

1. DHSS masked versus unmasked chart.

2. Drug overdoses, by state.

3. Missouri’s new “center of population.”

4. Missing workers.

5. Small business paying higher wages.

6. Amazon’s holiday hiring.

7. Self-employment rises.

8. Cybersecurity jobs.

9. Why some folks don’t vote.

10. Drinking and regret.

Rizzo Hummel Schools Battle

The high school alma maters of Sen. John Rizzo and former Sen. Jake Hummel meet today in Columbia (Faurot Field no less) to battle for the state championship (Class 3).

Two stories yesterday of Governor Mike Parson having trouble dealing with the truth. They remind me of a quip from a lobbyist a few months ago: Parson is basically Greitens without the affair.

Onder Hearts Onder

In the large contributions James Onder gives $100,000 to the campaign committee of his brother, Sen. Bob Onder.

Greitens Torches SAPA

Jack Suntrup reports that Eric Greitens is positioning himself as anti-SAPA (Second Amendment Protection Act).

Schaefer Out in CD-4

After a few weeks of speculation, former Sen. Kurt Schaefer announced he won’t run to replace Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler for CD-4.

Budget Issues Await Next Session

Budget issues will likely dominate the early months with deadlines in February and March.

Strickland Wheeled Out of Prison

After 43 years in prison, Kevin Strickland left in wheelchair yesterday, exonerated for the murder charge which robbed him of his freedom.

Brattin OK with 6-2 Map

As a data point that the Senate GOP might not split over the congressional map, one reader offers this hopeful sign… Sen. Rick Brattin went on the record in favor of a 6-2 map

Keep the Promise MO PAC

Keep the Promise MO PAC received $15,000 from American Federation of Children.Keep the Promise (see its paperwork here) is the vehicle of education pro-choice supporters.

Talk on Haffner

Lots of traffic on the Rep. Mike Haffner and his plans. The speculation and rumors are running in all directions. A few things…

Haffner Hints?

Rep. Mike Haffner was not at the Republican House Caucus leading to speculation about his future.

Schatz Intro

Sen. Dave Schatz released an introductory video for his US Senate bid. He’s positioning himself as a unpolitician – not slick, not a career pol, not interested in speechifying.