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Articles by Jackson West
Memoir Writing 101: Structure, Voice, and Publishing Tips
Anyone can tell a story about their life at a dinner table. Turning that story into a book is a different skill. Memoir writing asks you to choose, shape, and reflect, and it rewards writers who understand three things: how a memoir is built, how it sounds, and how it reaches readers. This beginner-friendly guide covers all three. Use these memoir writing tips as a checklist whether you are drafting your first chapter or preparing to share a finished manuscript.
Mayor Buffaloe encourages sustainable energy with Electric Innovation Awards partnership
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe announced Thursday that she is serving as a judge for the Electric Innovation Awards. The awards are run by the Electric Innovation Initiative, an organization founded by Hawaii State Senator Chris Lee and California Energy Commission chair David Hochschild.
Nearly half of MU’s federal funding appropriation going to unspecified programs
The University of Missouri is receiving nearly $40 million in funding, as outlined in the FY 2026 federal appropriations bills. Approximately $19.5 million of this funding is unspecified, with multiple national defense initiatives being announced, according to a University of Missouri System news release. The release summarizes UM System partnerships supporting national defense, including continued support of the Critical Hybrid Advanced Materials Processing initiative.
Nearly half of MU’s $40 million federal funding appropriation going to unspecified programs
The University of Missouri is receiving nearly $40 million in funding, as outlined in the FY 2026 federal appropriations bills. Approximately $19.5 million of this funding is unspecified, with multiple national defense initiatives being announced, according to a University of Missouri System news release. The release summarizes UM System partnerships supporting national defense, including continued support of the Critical Hybrid Advanced Materials Processing initiative.
CARE won’t lower pay despite potential youth minimum wage decrease
A Missouri bill is attempting to lower the minimum wage for minors, but Columbia’s Career Awareness Related Experience program said it won’t change its hourly rate. Missouri Senate Bill 1325, proposed by Sen. Joe Nicola, R-Grain Valley, intends to decrease the minimum wage for persons under 18 to $12.30 per hour from $15 per hour.
Columbia Utility Assistance budget adds $200,000 to support residents
An uptick in the need for utility assistance across Columbia led city officials to consider increasing the budget. The concern resulted in a $200,000 increase to Columbia’s Utility Assistance Fund made in an amendment to the budget in December.
Check out Columbia's top books of the year from DBRL and book clubs
Whether it’s a head-over-heels sprint through the year’s hottest romance novel or a month-long mulling of a classic work of literature, Columbians buried their noses in a wide array of books this year. According to the Daniel Boone Regional Library, some of the most checked-out books of 2025 were North Woods, The God of the Woods, Sunrise on the Reaping and The Let Them Theory, plus a whole host of Diary of a Wimpy Kid books.
A $200,000 grant will help expand MU undergraduate nursing program
A $200,000 state grant will expand the University of Missouri’s undergraduate nursing program, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. Mizzou spokesperson Travis Zimpfer said in an email that the funding could potentially allow the Sinclair School of Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to educate more aspiring nurses in the future.
Columbia parking meter rates north of Elm Street to increase in January
Parking meter rates north of Elm Street in downtown Columbia will increase to $1 per hour beginning in January. Rates will increase along the northside of Elm Street and for parking meters north of Elm Street. This is the first significant price hike for these 1,357 parking meters since 2013. The hike is necessary to keep up with increasing costs for general repairs in Columbia, said John Ogan, a spokesperson for the Public Works Department.
Don't snooze or you'll miss this Missouri-made horror film
Missouri indie directors Nick Toti and Rachel Kempf are doing something that’s virtually unheard of in the modern entertainment landscape — they’re not releasing their horror film online or through streaming. “Horror movies are already like going to a haunted house anyway, so there’s something that’s kind of cool about doing it where you have to come to this actual space,” Toti says.
Columbia police chief, The District release statements on downtown safety Original
In an official letter Tuesday, Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude outlined plans to increase police focus on downtown in response to a shooting Saturday. The District also released a statement on Facebook that highlighted its ongoing effort toward public safety in the area. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by gun violence in our community,” Schlude said in the letter.
Columbia police chief releases letter outlining downtown safety plan
In an official letter Tuesday, Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude outlined plans to increase police focus on downtown in response to a shooting Saturday. The death of a Stephens College student during a downtown shooting, as well as other recent incidents of gun violence in downtown Columbia, prompted an official statement from the Columbia Police Department, according to the letter.
Columbia police chief releases letter outlining downtown safety plan
In an official letter Tuesday, Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude outlined plans to increase police focus on downtown in response to a shooting Saturday. The death of a Stephens College student during a downtown shooting, as well as other recent incidents of gun violence in downtown Columbia, prompted an official statement from the Columbia Police Department, according to the letter.
MU Health on ‘cutting edge’ in its approach to childhood cancer | Jefferson City News-Tribune
Cancer is the number one cause of death from disease in U.S. children, and MU Health Care is "on the cutting edge," says an MU Health doctor. Tyler Severance, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist for MU Health Care, recently spoke about the organization's role in the fight against childhood cancer. "We try to learn and grow from every single child who's diagnosed. Education is a big part of what we do as well.
The Jester 2 hits the streets of Columbia with a scare
When The Jester 2 debuts in a limited theatrical release, Columbians might see some things they recognize. Directed by Colin Krawchuk and Cole Payne, the follow-up to 2023’s The Jester was shot in Columbia and includes local actors. Vox spoke with Payne to learn more about the upcoming film. Who are the filmmakers? Payne grew up in Russellville, outside Jefferson City. His first movie was Downloading Nancy, which was released in 2008 after four years of production.
Repeal of paid sick leave spurs confusion among employers statewide | Jefferson City News-Tribune
State legislation ending mandatory paid sick leave in Missouri was enacted last week, repealing a short-lived proposition. Missourians voted in favor of Proposition A during the November 2024 general election. In part, House Bill 567 walked back the portion of Proposition A that mandated many employers provide paid sick leave for workers. The repeal was introduced in the House of Representatives in April and signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe in July.
Repeal of paid sick leave spurs confusion among employers statewide
State legislation ending mandatory paid sick leave in Missouri was enacted last week, repealing a short-lived proposition. Missourians voted in favor of Proposition A during the November 2024 general election. In part, House Bill 567 walked back the portion of Proposition A that mandated many employers provide paid sick leave for workers. The repeal was introduced in the House of Representatives in April and signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe in July.
Repeal of paid sick leave spurs confusion among employers statewide
State legislation ending mandatory paid sick leave in Missouri was enacted last week, repealing a short-lived proposition. Missourians voted in favor of Proposition A during the November 2024 general election. In part, House Bill 567 walked back the portion of Proposition A that mandated many employers provide paid sick leave for workers. The repeal was introduced in the House of Representatives in April and signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe in July.
Mizzou Tennis Freshman Zoe Lazar has hit the ground running
Three months ago, Zoe Lazar had never practiced with a collegiate tennis team. Now, after an incredible turnaround, she’s starting as a freshman for the Missouri Tigers. It was November 2024 when Lazar left her home in Pinamar, Argentina, to visit the University of Missouri for the first time, and she immediately fell in love with the campus. “It was tough because I had the visit [at the end] of November, and then I had to decide the week after I visited here,” Lazar said.
Mizzou Tigers women’s tennis swept by Gamecocks, Bulldogs
Missouri tennis was pushed to its limit this past weekend with high-ranked matchups against No. 18 South Carolina and No. 1 Georgia on the road. After starting Friday with a 4-0 loss against the Gamecocks, the Tigers continued their losing streak, falling 4-0 again to the Bulldogs on Sunday. Despite the 4-0 final score, Missouri fought hard against South Carolina, dropping multiple close games.
Missouri drops two straight in third week of SEC play
No. 69 Missouri tennis made two stops on the road this weekend, first playing No. 14 Oklahoma on March 7, before traveling to face Arkansas on March 9. Despite high expectations following a bounce-back win against No. 55 Mississippi State, the Tigers fell short in both matches. Their first match came against Oklahoma, their highest-ranked opponent of the season.
Mizzou Tigers Tennis wins first SEC match of the season
The Missouri tennis team hosted two SEC matches this past weekend. On Friday, Feb. 28, Missouri faced off against No. 17 Alabama before playing No. 55 Mississippi State on Sunday, March 2. Friday’s doubles action started with two losses for Missouri. On court one, Alabama’s pairing of junior Klara Milicevic and graduate Sara Nayar took down Missouri senior Inah Canete and freshman Korina Roso, 6-3.
Missouri tennis loses first SEC matchup of the season 0-7 to Vanderbilt
The Missouri tennis team hosted three matches over the weekend, competing in an exhibition doubleheader against Lindenwood and Western Illinois on Saturday, Feb. 22. The Tigers then kicked off SEC play, starting by hosting No. 31 Vanderbilt on Sunday, Feb. 23. Match one against Lindenwood saw freshman Andrea Artimedi and graduate student Lailaa Bashir sweep opposing sophomores Fabiana Labrador and Sarah Ben Aba 6-0 on doubles court two.
Missouri Tennis extends winning streak to 19, taking down Missouri State and Southeast Missouri State University
The University of Missouri tennis team returned home on Saturday, Feb. 15 hosting two in-state opponents, Missouri State and Southeast Missouri State, in a doubleheader exhibition. The first match against MSU resulted in hard-fought doubles from graduate student Lailaa Bashir and freshman addition Zoe Lazar. The duo prevailed 6-4 over the MSU tandem of senior Sandra Lukacova and junior Raluca Puscas.
Missouri Tennis wins 11 straight to close out Sunday doubleheader
Missouri Tennis played three matches in Minneapolis, Minnesota Feb. 7-9. On Friday, the team lost its first match of the season 2-5 against the University of Minnesota. Junior Andrea Artimedi and senior Mary Brumfield won 6-3 against Golden Gopher sophomores Yinong Ma and Anlin Xie on doubles court two to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
Canete, Roso highlight TCU Fall Open for Missouri tennis
Missouri tennis concluded their fall season at the TCU Jae Foundation Fall Open in Fort Worth, Texas from Thursday, Oct. 31 to Sunday, Nov. 3. The team lost in several singles matches by TCU and only won one of their two doubles matches. Senior Inah Canete and freshman Korina Roso won 6-3 over Yekaterina Dmitrichenko and Andreea Lila from Texas Tech.
Senior Inah Canete is stepping up to lead the Missouri tennis team
The Missouri tennis team is much different now than it was a year ago, but perhaps the biggest difference has been the growth of player Inah Canete. Over the past two years Inah and her sister, Mae, led the Tigers to a 21-17 doubles record playing in the top doubles slot together. The Canete sisters’ path to playing at such a high level wasn’t a traditional one either, after starting at Central Oklahoma. “I transferred here from a D2 college,” Inah said.
Mizzou Tennis ITA Regional Championships Recap
The Missouri tennis team finished their second event at the International Tennis Association Women’s Central Regional Championship from Oct. 9-14 at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. The team’s play was highlighted by a standout performance from Tiger freshman Gian Octa, who logged singles wins over Isabella Basson from the University of Tulsa on Thursday and Sati Aubakirova from Wichita State University on Friday.
Missouri tennis complete roster breakdown before ITA Regional Championships
The season has officially started for Missouri tennis. After wrapping up a successful showing at the Penn Invitational in mid-September, the Tigers are gearing up for their next tournament, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regional Championships in Memphis, Tennessee, taking place from Oct. 9 to Oct. 14. With one event down, here’s a look at the state of the Tiger tennis team. Bashir is the Tigers’ only graduate student after transferring from Grand Canyon University at the end of last season.
3 big name free agent targets for the Tennessee Titans this offseason
The Tennessee Titans enter the 2024 offseason with the most useable cap space of any team in the entire NFL, allowing them the opportunity to add a true superstar at any position. Thus, the "Break The Bank" section will be highlighting three potential free agent pickups that would have projected contracts above $20 million per year. Obviously, when you are looking at big name players, there is always a chance that none of them hit the market.
Brian Callahan is the Perfect Coach for the Tennessee Titans
It has been a very eventful offseason thus far for the Tennessee Titans, and Monday was no different, as the Titans secured their new head coach in Brian Callahan, former offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. Firing Mike Vrabel, alongside the presumed loss of Derrick Henry, has created a huge rift in the identity of the Tennessee Titans.
The Tennessee Titans must hire and offensive-minded head coach
In the aftermath of the first two days of the NFL’s Super Wildcard Weekend, one thing has become apparent: a great offense will almost always beat a great defense. The Tennessee Titans have to adapt to this new NFL. Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers dominated what was thought of as an outstanding Dallas Cowboys defense, limiting Micah Parsons to a nonfactor. C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans similarly had their way against an elite Cleveland Browns defense.
Amy Adams Strunk has destroyed the Tennessee Titans identity by firing Mike Vrabel
The Tennessee Titans now must navigate into the unknown without their longtime head coach, Mike Vrabel, after his firing on Tuesday morning. Although on the surface this move makes sense, I have some serious questions about the timing and validity of his firing. While Vrabel and the Tennessee Titans have severely struggled over the past two seasons, with a combined 13-21 record, a lot of that can be attributed to a lack of talent.
The Tennessee Titans had a meltdown for the ages in Week 13
The Tennessee Titans Week 13 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts was easily one of the weirdest, wackiest games of 2023. What started off as a vintage first-half performance from Derrick Henry escalated into pure chaos as just about everything went wrong for Mike Vrabel and crew in the second half. A sign of what was to come came when the game was knotted at seven apiece.
Why Derrick Henry is Guaranteed to make the NFL Hall of Fame
Although the Tennessee Titans’ win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 11 likely won’t mean much in the outcome of this season, it was important for one player. In that game, Derrick Henry became the 38th player to ever reach 9,000 career rushing yards. Henry’s two scores also brought him within one touchdown of legendary running back Marshawn Lynch’s 85 career rushing touchdowns, establishing Henry’s stats as a pro in some very good company.
Is Derrick Henry in the Tennessee Titans plan for the future?
As the Tennessee Titans playoff hopes grow slim, many fans are shifting their sights to next season. The Tennessee Titans are set to lose a few key veterans following the 2023 campaign, including future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry, who has been the face of the franchise since his breakout in 2019. Henry is going to be a free agent after the end of the season, and deciding whether the franchise should bring him back is a very complex subject.
Tennessee Titans rookie QB Will Levis looks sharp in loss to Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers escaped with a 20-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in rookie QB Will Levis's first primetime action. In what was at times a low-scoring game, it came down to the final play when Levis was picked off at the goal line to seal it. Despite a lackluster stat line (22/39 for 269 yards and 1 INT), Levis looked poised in his road debut.
Franchise quarterback or fluke, breaking down Will Levis's debut
In a game Tennessee Titans fans will likely remember forever, rookie quarterback Will Levis stunned the Atlanta Falcons with a monster debut, passing for 238 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions while bringing home a win. Levis was obviously the biggest question mark going into the day, but his performance now has him seen as the potential heir to Ryan Tannehill. Just about everything seemed to go right for number 8, and he showed some amazing upside in the victory.
Will Levis Changes Everything for the Tennessee Titans
All it takes is one game, one player, or even just one play to turn around the entire momentum of a franchise. Will Levis is that player for the Tennessee Titans, and anyone who was watching Sunday’s win over the Atlanta Falcons knows it. For so long as Tennessee Titans fans, it has felt like we were biding our time. With Tannehill running the offense, our days of certainty were limited, and it constantly seemed that time was running out.
A Guide to the Tennessee Titans Rebuild: Derrick Henry Has to Go
Sunday’s loss against the Baltimore Ravens may mark the end of an era for the Tennessee Titans. Ryan Tannehill’s time in Tennessee has run its course, and it has come full circle with a quarterback change coming after a 2-4 start. I highly doubt we will see the Tennessee Titans anywhere close to an AFC Championship game this time, however.
How returning wide receivers could bolster the Tennessee Titans passing game
The Tennessee Titans are eagerly eyeing a Week 5 win over their fierce rivals, the Indianapolis Colts. After an OT loss in which Matthew Stafford and the LA Rams, the Colts are sitting at 2-2 (just like the rest of the AFC South). It should be interesting to Tennessee Titans fans that before the Rams decided to get conservative late in the third quarter, Stafford was torching the Colts secondary to the tune of 27/40 for 319 yards passing and 29 points.
Tennessee Titans Rookie Grades Through 4 Weeks
The Tennessee Titans are coming straight off their biggest win in almost a year against the Cincinnati Bengals, and heading into their first divisional matchup of the season versus the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are being led by their star rookie quarterback, Anthony Richardson, who has commanded an efficient offense thus far despite a somewhat lackluster passing attack.
Tennessee Titans Offensive Line Set for a Shake-Up Next Week
The Tennessee Titans are a team known for their physicality and hard-nosed mentality on the football field, embodying the persona of their head coach, Mike Vrabel. Their unrelenting desire to bully opponents through the run game has allowed them to be very successful over the past few years. Playing this style of smash-mouth football requires strong play in the trenches, something the Titans have lacked on the offensive side of the ball for over a season and a half now.
When will Mike Vrabel on the Hot Seat for the Tennessee Titans?
The Tennessee Titans’ embarrassing 27-3 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 3 is just the latest in a nearly unbroken series of defeats spanning back to November 27, 2022. Since taking over as Head Coach of the Tennessee Titans, Mike Vrabel boasts a 49-36 record and has since established himself as one of the league’s elite coaches who actually has the ability to elevate a team’s strength over the collection of its individual players.
Less Derrick Henry Might be the Biggest Key to Success for the Tennessee Titans
When you consider the concerns of the Tennessee Titans fan base and the outcome on the field, it isn't hyperbole to say that Week 2 could not have gone better for the Tennessee Titans. Ryan Tannehill lit the Los Angeles Chargers secondary on fire with explosive plays and efficient passing all throughout the day, and the defense was able to get off the field in the biggest moments, resulting in the first Titans win in 303 days.
Should the Tennessee Titans trade up for Anthony Richardson?
Now that the Tennessee Titans have locked up Jeffery Simmons, fans have fully shifted their attention to the 2023 NFL Draft and the future of this franchise. With the draft less than a month away, the hype is starting to build around this year’s QB class. The Tennessee Titans haven’t really had to focus on drafting a quarterback in a while since they have been layering winning season on top of winning season.
Should the Tennessee Titans reload include a Derrick Henry trade
The Tennessee Titans’ 2023 offseason has been plagued with constant rumors of extreme change in the foundation of the roster. As Tennessee faces a potential rebuild, of course, the greatest player who has ever played for their franchise (yeah, I said it) is being mentioned in trade talks. If there ever was a time to trade Derrick Henry, it would be now, seeing as he is likely nearing the end of his prime.
How the Tennessee Titans should address wide receiver
The Tennessee Titans are always going to be a team more focused on running than passing, but they still need to address the receiver position. One of the biggest storylines so far this offseason has been the uncertainty surrounding veteran wide receiver Deandre Hopkins’ tenure in Arizona. Although still very productive when on the field, Hopkins is coming off a year where he missed 6 games due to a PED suspension.
Robert Scoble plays dirty uncle in Amsterdam
A tipster writes in to tell us he was a little skeeved out by Fast Company TV videoblogger Robert Scoble. The offense? Manhandling the ladies at the NextWeb conference in Amsterdam two weeks ago. Recently in Amsterdam Scoble brought great embarrassment to the conference organization by not keeping his hands to himself. Every woman that had her picture taken with him was squeezed against him with his hands going everywhere.
Marina District Could Finally See Legal Marijuana
By Jackson West | How much longer can San Francisco’s wealthiest area go without a legal medical cannabis retailer?
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