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Articles by Clivia Liang
The red-blue political divide in Missouri pits cities against rural areas
Across the country in 2020, voters in rural areas primarily backed Donald Trump in the presidential election while those in urban areas largely supported Joe Biden. Biden won just 551 of the counties in the United States, a record low for an election winner. Trump won 2,588 counties. According to The Associated Press, relying on U.S. Census data, Trump won about 70% of the vote on average in nearly half of the counties with fewer than 100 people per square mile.
The red-blue political divide in Missouri pits cities against rural areas
Across the country in 2020, voters in rural areas primarily backed Donald Trump in the presidential election while those in urban areas largely supported Joe Biden. Biden won just 551 of the counties in the United States, a record low for an election winner. Trump won 2,588 counties. According to The Associated Press, relying on U.S. Census data, Trump won about 70% of the vote on average in nearly half of the counties with fewer than 100 people per square mile.
The red-blue political divide in Missouri pits cities against rural areas Original
Across the country in 2020, voters in rural areas primarily backed Donald Trump in the presidential election while those in urban areas largely supported Joe Biden. Biden won just 551 of the counties in the United States, a record low for an election winner. Trump won 2,588 counties. According to The Associated Press, relying on U.S. Census data, Trump won about 70% of the vote on average in nearly half of the counties with fewer than 100 people per square mile.
Urban-rural divide in Missouri is deep and very tough to bridge
When Elad Gross was running for attorney general, he took a different approach than many Democrats. Gross wanted to reach voters statewide, not just in the largely Democratic urban areas. To meet that goal, he traveled 1.7 times the equatorial length of the world in the state of Missouri alone. His efforts represent a small but growing trend where politicians are beginning to bridge the urban-rural divide. A Jan.
Urban-rural divide in Missouri is deep and very tough to bridge
When Elad Gross was running for attorney general, he took a different approach from many Democrats. Gross wanted to reach voters statewide, not just in the largely Democratic urban areas. To meet that goal, he traveled 1.7 times the equatorial length of the world in the state of Missouri alone. His efforts represent a small but growing trend in which politicians are beginning to bridge the urban-rural divide. A Jan.
Speaking Startup: Without branches, neobanks take root
Neobanks are a type of financial technology, or fintech, aimed at making banking faster, cheaper and easier. They have grown significantly, especially alongside racial protests over the last year highlighting financial inequities, which have been exacerbated partly by lack of access to banking. Tim Prier started one of these neobanks, called Wicket, in the Kansas City area. He saw it a way to reach communities that couldn’t access traditional banking services.
Startups Bodify, Interplay selected for support from Digital Sandbox KC
Carlanda McKinney (left) and Jonaie Johnson are the latest entrepreneurs to have companies selected for support from Digital Sandbox KC. | Courtesy of Digital Sandbox KC Entrepreneurs Funding News Top Picks Digital Sandbox KC closed out its first quarter by announcing the addition of two startups led by Black women to its program. The Kansas City-based organization provides resources to help early-stage companies with high-growth potential move from concept to commercialization.
Speaking Startup: Parsing pandemic entrepreneurship data
Though economic recessions historically lead to increased unemployment, they also can lead to increased entrepreneurial activity. Dane Stangler, director of strategic initiatives at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Census numbers show a surge in business applications in the second half of 2020. Stangler said one cause of this is that when people lose their jobs and can’t find another, their next best option is to become self-employed.
MU to demolish and shutter buildings, alter class scheduling in cost-cutting move
The University of Missouri in Columbia is set to demolish and shutter multiple buildings in an effort to address an $868 million maintenance backlog. | Via Terry Robinson/Flickr Education Industries Top Picks The University of Missouri on Thursday announced plans to demolish several buildings and vacate multiple others across its Columbia campus.
Missouri’s weekly unemployment claims hit highest level since June
Via Bytemarks/Flickr Initial unemployment claims in Missouri surged to more than 19,000 for the week ended Feb. 20, their highest level in nearly nine months, according to the Missouri Department of Labor. It marked the fourth consecutive week of increasing claims and the ninth week in a row in which claims exceeded 10,000. As Missouri continues to face the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment numbers persistently exceed long-term historical averages.
Speaking Startup: Accelerating diversity in St. Louis startups
St. Louis entrepreneur Akeem Shannon has enjoyed a busy few months, pitching his smartphone accessory, the Flipstik, on the television show “Shark Tank” and earning a spot in the inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Accelerator at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He credits opportunities like the accelerator with helping him gain important introductions and access.
Staying in, shopping online, spending less: Survey reveals Valentine’s trends
Americans are projected to spend nearly $22 billion on Valentine's Day this year, but planned per-person spending is down amid the pandemic. | Via Liz West/Flickr Food & Beverage Industries Retail Top Picks Valentine’s Day this year will mean fewer nights out, more online gift purchases and less spending overall than last year, according to an annual survey from the National Retail Federation, or NRF.
Sink or swim in Kimmswick: Amid financial crunch, locals work to keep tiny river town afloat
During the last weekend of October, Kimmswick’s city square usually bustles with tourists and vendors, making it a lively hub for commerce. But the cancellation of Kimmswick’s two major events – the Apple Butter Festival and Strawberry Festival – due to COVID-19 concerns has left this town on the brink of financial ruin.
Zoom piano lessons give children another outlet during the pandemic
When Margaret Waddell gives a piano lesson, the atmosphere is relaxed — even when her students are learning through Zoom. As a piano teacher for 30 years, Waddell is serious about music teaching and learning, but she creates a friendly environment in her classes, even when they're taking place online. The children introduce their pets to her and their classmates as a way of getting to know each other.
Man hospitalized with gunshot wound after Tuesday night shooting
One man was wounded in a shooting Tuesday night in the parking lot of the Columbia Mall. Columbia Police said his condition was stable. The shooting was reported at about 7 p.m. More than 100 people were on the premises when police arrived. Police found several shell casings indicating the shooting occurred in the parking lot. While on the scene, they learned that one man had been transported in someone's personal vehicle to a local hospital with a gunshot wound.
Boone County Courthouse Increases Occupancy Rate And In-Person Proceedings
The Boone County Courthouse moved back to operational phase two Friday, increasing courtroom capacity to 25 people. The courthouse suspended most in-person activities after an employee tested positive for COVID-19 on July 24. According to a news release Friday from the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, no additional cases related to the patient from July have been recorded.
Professor emeritus Gordon Brown saw possibilities in the 'what ifs'
Sarah Laufenberg has a collection of dolls from all over the world, brought to her by her father, Gordon Brown. They’re souvenirs of the 27 countries he visited in his life’s mission to improve the world. Gordon Brown died July 29, 2020, at the age of 80. In his 30-year connection with MU, he brought new perspectives to the Department of Health Management and Informatics, said Patricia Alafaireet, director of applied health informatics.
Columbia commemorates 75th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings
Community members gathered Saturday night at Stephens Lake Park to advocate for a nuclear-free future. Mid-Missouri Peaceworks organized the event in memory of the lives lost during the atomic bombings that took place in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. This is the 34th consecutive year the event has taken place. In the past, around 80 people came to the event, Mark Haim, the director of Mid-Missouri Peaceworks said. This year, around 40 people attended.
Boone County Courthouse increases occupancy rate and in-person proceedings
The Boone County Courthouse moved back to operational phase two Friday, increasing courtroom capacity to 25 people. The courthouse suspended most in-person activities after an employee tested positive for COVID-19 on July 24. According to a news release Friday from the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, no additional cases related to the patient from July have been recorded.
Boone County reports its fifth COVID-19 death
Boone County reported its fifth COVID-19-related death Friday, bringing the death rate to 2.778 per 100,000. The individual who died was in the 65-to-69 age group, according to Columbia Health Department. The first death in Boone County was reported in March. That also was the first COVID-19 related death in Missouri. Boone County on Friday reported 1,345 total COVID-19 cases, according to the county's Information Hub, which brings the statewide total to 57,396 when combined with state data.
Boone County Art Show canceled
The 61st Boone County Art Show has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The art show, which usually takes place the second weekend of October, is a big event among the local arts community. Kelsey Hammond, executive director of Columbia Art League, said this art show serves as a platform where people can submit their works and display them. "Promoting art in this community is always our goal," Hammond said.
Central Pantry Reduces Its Service Hours
Central Pantry will reduce its operating hours in order to continue its drive-through service during the pandemic. The new schedule for Central Pantry starting Tuesday is: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The pantry changed its distribution model to drive-through option in March in response to COVID-19, according to its news release.
Central Pantry reduces its service hours
Central Pantry will reduce its operating hours in order to continue its drive-through service during the pandemic. The new schedule for Central Pantry starting Tuesday is: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The pantry changed its distribution model to drive-through option in March in response to COVID-19, according to its news release.
Eight Missourians compete for job of lieutenant governor
There’s a crowded field of candidates for the job of Missouri lieutenant governor on Tuesday’s primary ballot. Four Republicans, two Democrats and one member each of the Libertarian and Green parties appear on the ballot. Those who win on Tuesday will continue on to the Nov. 3 general election. Here’s a look at the candidates: REPUBLICANS Arnie “A.C.” Dienoff Hometown: O’Fallon. Occupation: Legal consultant.
CoMoUnity aims to bring local organizations together
A coalition of Columbia groups has launched the CoMoUnity campaign to convey a spirit of positivity and resilience in the community during the coronavirus pandemic. The concept of CoMoUnity is asking people in Columbia to work together to get through difficult times, according to a Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau's news release. CoMoUnity also hopes to promote equity and racial justice.
City Hall work intended to improve customer service
City government hopes to renovate two areas within the Daniel Boone City Building to boost public and employee safety. The city plans to create a new customer service center on the first floor and to convert a freight elevator to a recycling chute. The changes will not only enhance customers' experience, but also boost employee safety, City Manager John Glascock said at his July 24 budget presentation.
Douglass High School celebrates the class of 2020
Rain did not stop the graduation ceremony for Frederick Douglass High School. The pandemic did not stop the graduates of the class of 2020 from getting their diplomas, either. Originally, the ceremony was scheduled to be held on the front lawn at Douglass High School. Due to the wet weather, the ceremony was held inside the Hickman High School Auditorium. Debra O'Neal said she was both apprehensive and scared to attend this special ceremony with masks and social distancing requirements.
Columbia Police Department arrests second homicide suspect
Marlin Cortez Johnson, 24, of Columbia has been arrested on charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action related to a homicide downtown Saturday. Johnson will be remanded in the custody of the Boone County Jail, according to the Police Department's news release. Joseph Hecht, 38, of Sturgeon died from the gunshot injuries in the homicide. Police identified two suspects involved in the gun shooting.
Five parties place candidates for secretary of state on the ballot Original
The f{span data-sheets-value=”{“ data-sheets-userformat=”{“}ive candidates for secretary of state.{/span} All five of the candidates for Missouri secretary of state face no opposition in Tuesday’s primary, which means the same slate of candidates will appear on the November general election ballot.
FAA Puts Nearly $10 Million Toward Columbia Runway Project
By Clivia Liang & Columbia Missourian • 27 minutes ago Columbia Regional Airport will receive a $9.9 million federal grant to help with its runway project. The grant will be used to extend Runway 2-20 at Columbia Regional Airport, which is 6,500 feet and will be extended to 7,400 feet, Airport Manager Michael Parks said. The extension will allow for larger aircraft, increased takeoff and stopping distances.
Fire Department extinguishes two fires overnight Tuesday
Fire department units responded to two structure fires overnight Tuesday. The first structure fire happened at 12:06 a.m. at 1408 Fir Place, and the second fire took place at 4:01 a.m. at 300 Clinkscales Road, according to a news release from the Columbia Fire Department. There were no deaths reported in either of the fires. Two firefighters were evaluated for minor injuries, one after each of the fires.
FAA puts nearly $10 million toward Columbia runway project
Columbia Regional Airport will receive a $9.9 million federal grant to help with its runway project. The grant will be used to extend Runway 2-20 at Columbia Regional Airport, which is 6,500 feet and will be extended to 7,400 feet, Airport Manager Michael Parks said. The extension will allow for larger aircraft, increased takeoff and stopping distances.
Columbia Police identify second suspect in Saturday's homicide
Columbia Police have identified and are looking for the second suspect in Saturday's homicide near South Eighth Street and Locust Street. Joseph Hecht, 38, of Sturgeon died early Sunday from the gunshot injuries. He was shot around 12:40 a.m. Saturday. The first suspect, Kesan Tyree McNeal, 23, was arrested Sunday on suspicion of second-degree murder and taken to the Boone County Jail. Marlin C. Johnson, 24, is considered the second suspect. He is 5’10 and weighs around 160 pounds.
Governor Mike Parson announces new nonprofit relief and recovery plan
Up to $22 million will be provided for Missouri nonprofit organizations in response to COVID-19 through a grant from the state government. "This grant will ensure that they are able to continue helping those who need it most,” Gov. Mike Parson said in a news release Wednesday. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, according to the program guidelines: Located in Missouri.
Clardy provides insight on COVID-19 concerns
Scott Clardy, the assistant director at Columbia Health Department, spoke Friday to clear up misunderstandings about COVID-19 testing and positive cases among young people. Clardy said the optimum time for people to get tested is seven to nine days after their last exposure.
Columbia College Embraces New Instructional Mode
By Clivia Liang & Columbia Missourian • 16 minutes ago Columbia College has offered online education for 20 years and virtual classes for five. Now, because of the pandemic, the college is offering students a flexible teaching model for the fall semester. The High-Flex program will allow students to choose each day how they want to attend classes, in-person or virtually. That means they can choose to attend in-person classes on a particular day and switch to virtual learning whenever they like.
Columbia College embraces new instructional mode
Columbia College has offered online education for 20 years and virtual classes for five. Now, because of the pandemic, the college is offering students a flexible teaching model for the fall semester. The High-Flex program will allow students to choose each day how they want to attend classes, in-person or virtually. That means they can choose to attend in-person classes on a particular day and switch to virtual learning whenever they like.
Columbia College embraces new instructional mode
Columbia College has offered online education for 20 years and virtual classes for five. Now, because of the pandemic, the college is offering students a flexible teaching model for the fall semester. The High-Flex program will allow students to choose each day how they want to attend classes, in-person or virtually. That means they can choose to attend in-person classes on a particular day and switch to virtual learning whenever they like.
Hams sold for around $18,000 at youth ham auction
It is the third time Aedan Benskin has attended the youth ham auction. He arrived early on Saturday with his family at the Hallsville Fairgrounds’ Bob Lemone Building. He and his family took pictures of his cured ham, which got a 93 out of 100 score. For Benskin's mother, Terri Benskin, Saturday's ham auction event is a good educational opportunity for her son. "It teaches him about the curing process," she said. "He really enjoys doing it.
One-day ham show replaces annual county fair
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a one-day youth ham show and auction has replaced the annual Boone County Fair. The auction will be held 6 p.m. Saturday at the Hallsville Fairgrounds’ Bob Lemone Building. The county fair was canceled in June due to concerns about crowd size and social distancing.
COVID-19 recovery plan, hearing on capital projects top Columbia City Council agenda
A public hearing on the capital improvements budget for fiscal 2021 and a report on a COVID-19 Long-term Recovery Plan for Boone County are among the main items on the Columbia City Council's agenda for its regular meeting Monday night. The council also is scheduled to hear more comments from residents on policing in the city and a presentation from a proponent of roll carts for trash collection.
Livestreamed concert for the homeless set for Sunday
Room at the Inn will turn to a virtual fundraising event Sunday as it seeks support for the coming winter. A fundraising concert featuring individuals with a Columbia connection will be livestreamed at 2:30 p.m. Sunday on the Room at the Inn Facebook page, according to a news release from the organization. Kyle Stegall, a graduate of the universities of Missouri, Michigan and Yale, will be the tenor at the concert.
Live-streamed concert for the homeless set for Sunday
Room at the Inn will turn to a virtual fundraising event Sunday as it seeks support for the coming winter. A fundraising concert featuring individuals with a Columbia connection will be livestreamed at 2:30 p.m. Sunday on the Room at the Inn Facebook page, according to a news release from the organization. Kyle Stegall, a graduate of the universities of Missouri, Michigan and Yale, will be the tenor at the concert.
Universities, international students celebrate demise of ICE 'go home' rule
Some international students were rejoicing Tuesday after hearing the Trump administration has rescinded an Immigration and Customs Enforcement directive that would have forced them to go home if they ended up taking all online classes in the fall. But some were still not sure whether they would come back to Columbia from their countries as uncertainty persists during the pandemic.
JCPenney in Columbia survives recent round of closings
JCPenney in Columbia Mall will remain open despite a corporate organizational restructure plan. J.C. Penney Co. announced Wednesday it will close 152 stores, affecting 1,000 jobs, according to a news release. The company identified 154 stores for its first phase of closing June 4, and it updated its closing lists Wednesday. JCPenney in Columbia is not on either of the lists. The company said it would announce additional phases of closing in the future.
Housing authority will seek financing again for new central-city apartments
COLUMBIA (Missourian) - The Columbia Housing Authority hopes the third time’s a charm. The authority plans to apply for money from several sources to help it build 36 new apartments for low-income families that now live on Trinity Place and Providence Walkway. The total estimated cost of the project is $9.84 million, and the housing authority hopes to have the apartments ready to move into by June 2022. Previous attempts to win financing for the project in 2018 and 2019 failed, however.
MU Police Chief Doug Schwandt bids policing goodbye with pride
As he leaves policing in Columbia after 40 years, retiring MU Police Chief Doug Schwandt warned against stereotyping police officers at a time when instances of police brutality are coming to wider public attention in the U.S. “Even though you can do all the right things over the years, there can be one incident that somebody does something inappropriate. But should that be a reflection of the whole agency?” he said.
MU's Chief Doug Schwandt bids policing goodbye with pride
As he leaves policing in Columbia after 40 years, retiring MU Police Chief Doug Schwandt warned against stereotyping police officers at a time when instances of police brutality are coming to wider public attention in the U.S. "Even though you can do all the right things over the years, there can be one incident that somebody does something inappropriate. But should that be a reflection of the whole agency?" he said.
Saturday's Black Lives Matter Protest Attracts A Church Crowd
Around 100 people gathered at 5 p.m. Saturday on the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail for "Let Freedom Ring: A March for Black Lives." Brittany Hughes, the regional organizer for Missouri Faith Voices, one of the event's sponsors, said this event’s appeal may look different from other similar protests due to the faith-based nature of the protest. The event was organized by several local churches.
Saturday's Black Lives Matter Protest Attracts a Church Crowd
Around 100 people gathered at 5 p.m. Saturday on the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail for "Let Freedom Ring: A March for Black Lives." Brittany Hughes, the regional organizer for Missouri Faith Voices, one of the event's sponsors, said this event’s appeal may look different from other similar protests due to the faith-based nature of the protest. The event was organized by several local churches.
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