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Articles by Bannack Skillen
Sustain Mizzou hosts annual Zero Waste Showcase
Sustain Mizzou, the student-run environmental program at the University of Missouri, hosted its annual Zero Waste Showcase Thursday at Kuhlman Court. The event is part of Sustain Mizzou's Zero Waste Week, which involves a series of programming on the topic of waste and how to reduce the amount that is put into the environment. The showcase kicked off at 11 a.m. with a clothing swap meant to help teach students the importance of reusing items instead of throwing them away.
Graduate Professional Council and MSA provide updates to MU Faculty Council
The University of Missouri Faculty Council heard updates from the Missouri Students Association and the Graduate Professional Council at its Thursday meeting. GPC president Taylor Bosworth and MSA vice president Jase Decota presented the updates. MSA recently established an Undergraduate Student Artificial Intelligence Advisory Board. The Faculty Council chair Carolyn Orbann read an email from MSA's legislative clerk.
Students for Human Intelligence platforms AI concerns for Mizzou
With the recent growth of artificial intelligence use on the University of Missouri campus through the introduction of the AI Use Scale and Show-Me AI, students and professors have started to express their concerns. Nicole Monnier, teaching professor of Russian, is on the Academic Affairs Committee and the General Education Task Force. She has heard cynicism from fellow faculty and students alike regarding the rise of AI.
College students look for practical ways to celebrate Halloween season
Two of the main factors that college students say they are considering when choosing a Halloween costume this year are cost-effectiveness and the weather. Over the past three Halloween seasons, adults have made up nearly half of the $4.4 billion consumers have spent each year on costumes, according to the National Retail Federation. Some young adults are aiming to cut the cost of costumes by using supplies from home or past years.
MU Health Care to host final drive-thru vaccination clinic of the year
MU Health Care will offer flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations at its final drive-thru event of the year on Saturday. The clinic will be hosted at South Providence Medical Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Flu shots will be available to anyone 6 months or older, and COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered to anyone 12 months or older. High-dose vaccinations for those 65 and older will also be available, according to a news release from MU Health Care.
Missouri students tout the benefits of attending technical colleges
High school seniors have turned to two-year colleges and technical schools instead of traditional four-year universities over the past decade. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, enrollment for two-year and technical schools across the nation increased by around 5% in 2024 and 2025. Four-year institutions only saw enrollment increases of 1.7% and 2.5% over the same two years respectively.
Missouri students tout the benefits of attending technical colleges
High school seniors have turned to two-year colleges and technical schools instead of traditional four-year universities over the past decade. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, enrollment for two-year and technical schools across the nation increased by around 5% in 2024 and 2025. Four-year institutions only saw enrollment increases of 1.7% and 2.5% over the same two years respectively.
Downtown businesses prepare for the 'ZOU' Homecoming tradition
This weekend, businesses in downtown Columbia are preparing to welcome thousands of people celebrating the annual University of Missouri Homecoming tradition. Typically, downtown businesses see an uptick in traffic during game day weekends, but Homecoming is its own challenge.
MU Health Care audiologists urge hunters to use hearing protection this fall
With deer season for firearms opening Oct. 9, MU Health Care audiologists Amber Cichon and Julia Miesner urge hunters to seek out hearing protection. A single unrepressed gunshot can cause irreversible damage to the internal structures of the ear and lead to permanent hearing loss, Cichon explained. This damage can display itself as tinnitus, a ringing or low hum in a person's ear. Tinnitus is often a symptom of something more serious, like permanent hearing loss.
New restaurant hosts Main Street Summit attendees, opens Friday
Pablo, a new restaurant and nightclub located on Ninth Street next to Campus Bar and Grill, has its grand opening on Friday. On Thursday, Pablo played host to former NFL player Todd Peterson, a guest speaker for Main Street Summit, before debuting to the public Friday. kAm}@C>2= @A6C2E:?8 9@FCD 7@C !23=@ H:== 36 b A]>] E@ ` 2]>] %F6D52J E9C@F89 $2EFC52J] $E2CE:?8 2E h A]>][ E96 ?:89E4=F3 H:== @A6?
New restaurant Pablo opens to public, hosts Main Street Summit attendees
Pablo, a new restaurant and nightclub located on Ninth Street next to Campus Bar and Grill, had its grand opening on Thursday. Pablo kicked off its opening by playing host to former NFL player Todd Peterson, a guest speaker for Main Street Summit, before debuting to the public at 3 p.m. Normal operating hours for Pablo will be 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Starting at 9 p.m., the nightclub will open for patrons 21 years or older.
UM System Board of Curators highlight milestones for upcoming projects
Updates on capital improvement projects, advising for future real estate developments and the University of Missouri System's milestone funding for critical minerals were among topics discussed during Thursday's Board of Curators meeting. UM System President Mun Choi shared that NextGen University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) will enter Phase I and Phase II in 2027.
Self-regulation is crucial for helping children manage stress
University of Missouri researchers have found that when parental stress creates issues at home, children are more likely to show signs like anxiety, pulling away or acting out. They also discovered one skill that consistently helps support kids through these challenges: self‑regulation. "Self-regulation is a child’s ability to manage big feelings, behavior, and attention.
MoDOT begins I-70 construction between Rocheport, Columbia
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday to kick off construction between Rocheport and Columbia, part of the Missouri Department of Transportation's Statewide Improve I-70 Program. The $441-million project will add a third lane of travel in each direction along the 14 miles of I-70 from the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to U.S. 63 in Columbia. Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2029.
MoDOT begins I-70 construction between Rocheport and Columbia
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday to kick off construction between Rocheport and Columbia, included in the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program. The $441 million project will add a third lane of travel in each direction along the 14 miles of I-70 from the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to U.S. 63 in Columbia. Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2029.
MoDOT begins I-70 construction between Rocheport and Columbia
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday to kick off construction between Rocheport and Columbia, included in the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program. The $441 million project will add a third lane of travel in each direction along the 14 miles of I-70 from the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to U.S. 63 in Columbia. Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2029.
MoDOT begins I-70 construction between Rocheport and Columbia
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday to kick off construction between Rocheport and Columbia, included in the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program. The $441 million project will add a third lane of travel in each direction along the 14 miles of I-70 from the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to U.S. 63 in Columbia. Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2029. kAm%9:D AC@;64E :D A2CE @7 2 =2C86C A=2? E@ C6923:=:E2E6 2?5 255 2 E9:C5 =2?6 @?
MoDOT begins I-70 construction between Rocheport and Columbia
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday to kick off construction between Rocheport and Columbia, included in the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program. The $441 million project will add a third lane of travel in each direction along the 14 miles of I-70 from the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to U.S. 63 in Columbia. Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2029.
MoDOT begins I-70 construction between Rocheport and Columbia
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday to kick off construction between Rocheport and Columbia, part of the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program. The $441 million project will add a third lane of travel in each direction along the 14 miles of I-70 from the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to U.S. 63 in Columbia. Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2029.
MU Faculty Council tables vote on IDE Subcommittee suspension
The University of Missouri Faculty Council yet again voted to table suspending the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Subcommittee on Thursday until further discussion can be held. Further discussion on the subcommittee will commence on May 14. The subcommittee was asked to change its name in December to comply with state and federal guidelines.
Heart of Missouri CASA breaks ground on new headquarters
Heart of Missouri Court Appointed Special Advocates broke ground on new headquarters Thursday morning at 2529 N. Stadium Blvd. According to a news release, the space will allow the nonprofit organization to serve more mid-Missouri foster children and youth.
MU Faculty Council IDE Subcommittee resolves to suspend activity
Inclusion, equity and diversity drew discussion at Thursday's Faculty Council meeting. UM System President Mun Choi requested in December that the name of the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Subcommittee be changed to be in compliance with state and federal guidelines. At the April 2 meeting, the resolution to rename the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Subcommittee to the Committee on Core Values was presented by Faculty Council Chair Carolyn Orbann.
MU Health Care under expected revenue eight months into fiscal year
MU Health Care's consolidated operating margin across Columbia and Jefferson City for the 2026 fiscal year remains $56.1 million below expected revenue. At Thursday's UM System Board of Curators' Health Affairs Committee meeting, Greg Damron, MU Health Care’s chief financial officer, updated the committee on the current financial situation. MU Health Care was expecting an operating gain of $57 million at this time, but has only reached approximately $900,000.
Updates to campus parking garages set to start in May
Guest speaker Joshua Ignagni, director of Parking and Transportation at Mizzou, met with the MU Faculty Council Thursday and shared updates on planned projects related to University of Missouri parking. The projects include a $5.6 million renovation to the Tiger Avenue Parking Structure, a $140,000 revamp to the Turner Avenue Parking Structure, an increase in wayfinding, signage and lighting across Hitt Street and University Avenue lots and roughly $2.7 million of paving across the campus.
Columbia College set to demolish historic properties this spring
Columbia College plans to demolish several homes on North Eighth Street, leaving the west side of the street vacant, according to city officials. Columbia College said it has no current plans to redevelop these properties. The Historic Preservation Commission considered three demolition permit applications in March for 401, 407 and 409 N. Eighth St., after releasing the demolition of 403 N. Eighth St. in February.
Faculty Council continues discussion on AI usage scale
Despite intensive conversation concerning the AI use scale, the University of Missouri Faculty Council voted Thursday to table further discussion until the next meeting on April 2. Cruz Lewis, an undergraduate student at Mizzou, attended the meeting to voice his opinions on policy. “I don’t think this scale is all that useful; I think it’s too complex,” Lewis said.
Growing student concerns about AI may tip scales for stricter policies
In response to a student organization's growing concern around AI, a new scaling system used to clarify the level of AI usage on student work was proposed by the Artificial Intelligence Committee. Faculty Council will vote on a proposed AI policy that will designate the acceptable amount of AI usage in the classroom at the meeting on Thursday.
Civic Muscle Index measures community strength in Boone County
A University of Missouri Extension program director has created a way to measure collective community health. When using this civic muscle index in Columbia, Boone County received a below average score. Claire Rippel, who leads the MU Extension community development team, discovered the term civic muscle a few years ago.
MU Faculty Council discusses software and AI usage policy changes
A possible new student AI usage scale and updates to an internal faculty software system were discussed by the University of Missouri Faculty Council on Thursday. Associate Provost for Academic Progress, Brian Houston and Senior Business Services Consultant, Cathleen Wood, appeared in front of the council to provide an update on the University of Missouri System software, myVITA.
Boone County firefighters respond to residential fire
Firefighters from the Boone County Fire Protection District responded to a residential structure fire Thursday morning east of Columbia. BCFPD Support Services Bureau Director Gale Blomenkamp said 20 firefighters were dispatched at 6:43 a.m. for a reported structure fire at 202 Snead Drive. “The first engine arrived very quickly, had smoke showing from all sides of the house and heavy smoke coming from the front of the split-level home,” he said.
MU Faculty Council votes on amendments to faculty handbook
University of Missouri Faculty Council met Thursday to make final revisions to the diveristy, equity and inclusion language in the faculty handbook. Conversations centered on language in the handbook that went against the Trump's administration executive orders. These orders emphasized that DEI initiatives are unlawful discrimination. James Crozier and Nicole Monnier, co-chairs of the Academic Affairs Committee, brought forth the amendments proposed by the committee.
MU Faculty Council discusses changes in language in the faculty handbook
On Thursday, the MU Faculty Council met to discuss several topics, including changes in language contained in the faculty handbook. Discourse rose among council members as changes to the faculty handbook regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives spurred confusion and backlash during the meeting. Changes came after federal lawmakers cracked down on specific wording in the faculty handbook.
Blue Shield grants for police department continuing this year Original
This week, Gov. Mike Kehoe announced that applications for Blue Shield designation for Missouri counties, towns and cities are now open. The Blue Shield Program offers $10 million in grant funding for selected communities to invest in law enforcement equipment and training. Recipients of the grants are considered eligible if they show continued commitment to public safety, demonstrate effectiveness in reducing crime and comply with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements.
UM System president and AD address changing financial picture of MU athletics
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom. Read our AI Policy. Veatch and Choi briefed Faculty Council on NIL growth and shifting athletics finances. NCAA set a $20.5M institutional cap; third-party investors face no limit. MU treats athletes as 1099 contractors via Every True Tiger Brands, blocking unionization. University of Missouri athletic director Laird Veatch and UM System President Mun Choi updated the MU Faculty Council on its yearly financial report late this week.
UM System president and AD address changing financial environment of MU athletics
University of Missouri Athletic Director Laird Veatch and UM System President Mun Choi updated the MU Faculty Council on the yearly financial report Thursday. During the meeting, faculty members were concerned about the continued expansion of name, image and likeness (NIL) and its relationship with the university as well as its impact on the Mizzou Athletics budget. “We don’t have a stable environment where (the players are) committed for a certain amount of time.
UM System president and AD address changing financial environment of MU athletics
University of Missouri Athletic Director Laird Veatch and UM System President Mun Choi updated the MU Faculty Council on the yearly financial report Thursday. During the meeting, faculty members were concerned about the continued expansion of name, image, and likeness (NIL) and it's relationship with the University as well as its impact of the Mizzou Athletics budget. "We don't have a stable environment where (the players are) committed for a certain amount of time.
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