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Articles by Kit Wiberg
The faces behind the booths
Fred Basserman pushed his merch cart against the cold wind, sporting one of his own hats to keep his red nose warm. Loaded with Trump-themed hats, pins, flags and magnets, he moved down the streets of Washington, D.C., during Donald Trump’s inauguration. Basserman has been a merch vendor for 30 years, traveling around the country to sell various items. “It is like a sport to us, too.
Photo Gallery: Inauguration at a glance
Supporters and security gather in the wake of the inauguration parade in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. The motorcade processed through to the Capitol after.
Photo Gallery: Carve out time for Night of 1000 Jack-o-Lanterns
To conjure up a spooky autumn mood, the Chicago Botanic Garden invites visitors to experience Night of 1000 Jack-o-Lanterns. Attendees can walk a trail filled with 1000 jack-o-lanterns that accompany 75 professionally-carved pumpkins. With nine different carving categories that range from Spooky Cartoons to Haunted Chicago, there is a little something for every ghost and ghoulfriend to enjoy. Stay informed with The DePaulia’s top stories, delivered to your inbox every Monday.
Large turnout, festive atmosphere mark 23rd Race Against Hate Original
Skip to content Thousands gathered on a warm, sunny Sunday to participate in the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate. This year marked the 23rd anniversary of the event. Sherialyn Byrdsong organized the race in memory of her late husband after he was shot by a white supremacist on July 2, 1999, while running in his neighborhood. The shooter went on to kill two others and wound six other people, all minorities. Byrdsong was the first African American Northwestern men’s basketball coach.
Climate change worsens flooding devastation across the Midwest - Investigate Midwest
Climate Change This story was originally published by the Missouri Information Corps. Loaded up with camera gear and permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get up close, John Moon III made his way to Harry S. Truman Reservoir in Warsaw, Mo. A contracted stormtracker for KSN TV, Moon stood on the side of gushing flood waters during the flooding in 2019. The water being 30-40 feet above a normal pool, Moon struggled to shield his equipment from the spray of the water.
Climate change worsens flooding devastation across the Midwest
Loaded up with camera gear and permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get up close, John Moon III made his way to Harry S. Truman Reservoir in Warsaw, Mo. A contracted stormtracker for KSN TV, Moon stood on the side of gushing flood waters during the flooding in 2019. The water being 30-40 feet above a normal pool, Moon struggled to shield his equipment from the spray of the water. “The spray itself [from the floodgates] made me feel like I was in a rainstorm,” Moon said.
Cover cropping: Small Missouri farmers, federal and state government invest in fostering better soil Original
The most consequential agricultural practice to the environment in Missouri, arguably, is cover cropping. And there’s good news – around the state it’s on the rise. The most recent 2017 Census of Agriculture listed cover crops as the third most planted crop in Missouri. At 850,000 acres, cover cropped land had doubled in a 5-year period. Cover cropping is the practice of planting crops during growing off-seasons to aid soil quality and capture carbon dioxide.
A winter walk: Remembering Columbia's cold spell through poetry
Inspired by Missouri winters, Hickman High School poet Grace Gomez-Palacio challenged herself to represent winter in unique ways through her poetry. Her work has previously won the Daniel Boone Regional Library's 2020 OneRead contest. "I wanted to try and come at the nebulous idea of winter from an angle I hadn't seen before," Gomez-Palacio said.
PHOTO GALLERY: Biden sworn in as 46th president
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn in Wednesday in Washington. Former President Donald Trump was not in attendance at the inauguration and instead traveled to his residence in Florida. This inauguration is unlike many before. For one, the number of attendees was limited because of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing. Everyone in the audience was required to wear masks.
PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri River Relief
1 of 5 Volunteers transfer garbage from one boat to another, hauling a large piece of styrofoam in between the boats Sunday at Cooper's Landing. According to Missouri River Relief operations manager Kevin Tosie, before COVID-19, there would be 250 people a day volunteering to help clean the river. Because of COVID-19 cut backs, there were 25 people on Friday. Shawn Hawks adds metal pipes from his trash haul into the scrap metal pile Sunday in Columbia.
PHOTO GALLERY: 6th Annual "Out of the Darkness" event
Around 1,150 pairs of shoes are displayed to represent the number of lives lost to suicide Around 1,150 pairs of shoes are displayed to represent the number of lives lost to suicide in Missouri alone in 2018 during the 6th Annual Out of the Darkness walk for Suicide Prevention event Sunday at Stephens Lake Park. In addition to the large display of citizen shoes, there were also 22 pairs of military boots to represent the lives of soldiers lost to suicide daily.
Keke Chism makes a catch (copy)
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PHOTO GALLERY: Climate activists walk for change
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PHOTO GALLERY: New bishop leads drive-through communion
Calvary Episcopal Church welcomed the Rev. Deon Johnson, the new bishop for central and eastern Missouri, by allowing him to interact with members of the church through sharing Holy Communion in their parking lot on Sunday in Columbia. The communion service was followed by a Zoom coffee hour to get him even more acquainted with the congregation. The Rev. Deon Johnson reacts to a coworker The Rev.
David Schmidt shows off his recently discovered triceratops skull
David Schmidt shows off his recently discovered triceratops skull Sunday in a lab at Westminster College in Fulton. The skull was wrapped in plaster to protect it on the journey from South Dakota. “We have maybe a little less than 20% of the skeleton that we’ve recovered, and we know that there’s more there, but we just don’t know exactly how much at this point,” Schmidt said.
PHOTO GALLERY: Chalk walk welcomes teachers back to school
Columbia Special Education PTA organized a chalk walk event, where students could write encouraging messages to teachers. The chalk walk took place Sunday at various Columbia Public Schools. It was put on to remind teachers how appreciated they are by students and parents, and offer kindness in this uncertain time. Suzy Myers, 7, blows dust away from the heart she drew in chalk Suzy Myers, 7, blows dust away from the heart she drew in chalk Sunday at Beulah Ralph Elementary School.
PHOTO GALLERY: "CPS Burn Team" practices pyro on the prairie
The grass prairie crackled like popcorn on a hot stove as charred debris floated in the smoky air. Columbia Public Schools partnered with the state Department of Conservation to burn a prairie early Friday afternoon at Two Mile Prairie Elementary School. The event was the third in a series of educational lessons for Columbia Public Schools faculty and the only one so far where staff went hands-on out in the field. Nine teachers from seven schools took part.
PHOTO GALLERY: Drive-in at Cosmo calls families despite pandemic
Columbia Parks and Recreation coordinated a drive-in movie event Friday at Cosmo Park. Many events have had to be canceled due to the pandemic, but Columbia Parks and Recreation is still coordinating events like food trucks in the park and a kite-flying day. Cosmo Park will be hosting another drive-in movie next Friday.
PHOTO GALLERY: Local businesses prepare for incoming customers
As students and faculty return to Columbia for the school year, local businesses must prepare for the challenges of large crowds in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bernie McDonald sits by himself in the permitted seating area Bernie McDonald sits in the permitted seating area Tuesday at Shortwave Coffee. Shortwave has arranged for limited indoor seating options and barring anyone from sitting near the ordering counter to maintain social distancing.
Keke Chism makes a catch
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PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri softball beats Ole Miss 3-1
Missouri softball won over Ole Miss 3-1 on Sunday, securing yet another win for the Tigers. Brooke Wilmes, Cayla Kessinger, and Jazmyn Rollin scored the three runs for Missouri. The Tiger’s next game will be on Wednesday, March 11, against the University of Illinois. TownNews.com Content Exchange Missouri's Hatti Moore swings the Missouri's Hatti Moore swings the bat at the plate on Sunday at the Mizzou Softball Complex. Moore made one hit during the women's softball game against Ole Miss.
PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri softball beats Ole Miss 3-1
Missouri softball won over Ole Miss 3-1 on Sunday, securing yet another win for the Tigers. Brooke Wilmes, Cayla Kessinger, and Jazmyn Rollin scored the three runs for Missouri. The Tiger’s next game will be on Wednesday, March 11, against the University of Illinois. Missouri's Hatti Moore swings the Missouri's Hatti Moore swings the bat at the plate during a game on Sunday at the Mizzou Softball Complex. Moore had one hit during the 3-1 win against Ole Miss.
PHOTO GALLERY: Rock Bridge beats Battle in district finals
Rock Bridge defeated Battle 52-49 in the district final at Battle High School on Friday. The Bruins won the district championship last year and came into the district tournament this year as the top ranked team. They will advance to sectionals on Wednesday against Ozark. Rock Bridge guard Xavier Sykes, left, Rock Bridge guard Xavier Sykes, left, advances toward the Battle defense during his district final game Friday at Battle High School.
PHOTO GALLERY: Marching through March March
In celebration of True/False Film Fest, the annual Friday afternoon March March led crowds of local and visiting festival-goers alike down Ninth Street from the courthouse to the Missouri Theatre. Featuring costumes, music, dancing and art, the march through downtown set up the next two days of the festival. Donna DeLong looks up at community members perched on a balcony Donna DeLong looks up at community members perched on a balcony during True/False on Friday in Columbia.
PHOTO GALLERY: Mizzou softball wins against Wichita State
Missouri softball won their game against Wichita State 5-4 on Sunday, at the Mizzou Softball Stadium. Jazmyn Rollin scored two runs during the game, while Cayla Kessinger also had some notable moments. The Tigers will have another game on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in Columbia. Cayla Kessinger waits for her teammate Cayla Kessinger waits for her teammate to hit the ball while at first base on Sunday, at the Mizzou Softball Complex.
PHOTO GALLERY: Mizzou softball wins against Wichita State
Missouri softball won their game against Wichita State 5-4 on Sunday, at the Mizzou Softball Stadium. Jazmyn Rollin scored two runs during the game, while Cayla Kessinger also had some notable moments. The Tigers will have another game on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in Columbia. TownNews.com Content Exchange Cayla Kessinger waits for her teammate Cayla Kessinger waits for her teammate to hit the ball while at first base on Sunday, at the Mizzou Softball Complex.
PHOTO GALLERY: Columbia College hosts third annual Black Expo
Columbia College hosted the third annual Black Business Expo on Saturday at the Southwell Complex. The event hosted nearly 30 vendors to bring awareness to their business and the work the owners put forth. This event helps the community together to support local businesses. Lorenzo Shepard, left, laughs at his friend Lorenzo Shepard, left, laughs at his friend while he cuts Ayden Thompson’s hair Saturday at Columbia College. Shepard is a master barber at Pro Kutz Elite and has a variety of clients.
PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri women's basketball tops Ole Miss on senior night
Missouri Women's basketball defeated Ole Miss 82-67 Sunday at Mizzou Arena. Aijha Blackwell lead the team in field goals scoring seven times out of her 15 attempts. Missouri's conference record is now 5-9 and overall 8-9. The women play Auburn University Thursday, Feb. 27 at Mizzou Arena. Mississippi's Mimi Reid knocks down Missouri's Amber Smith Mississippi guard Mimi Reid knocks down Missouri's Amber Smith while shooting during a game Sunday at Mizzou Arena. Missouri won 82-67.
PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri gymnastics loses to LSU 197.025-196.850
MU gymnastics lost 197.025-196.850 to LSU at their meet Friday at Hearnes Center. Helen Hu had the highest all-around score for the night and took first place on beam. MU gymnastics' next meet is at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 against No. 7 Minnesota, Ohio State and Lindenwood at Hearnes Center. Helen Hu rotates to the lower bar during her uneven parallel bar event Helen Hu rotates to the low bar during her bars routine Friday at Hearnes Center. Missouri lost to LSU, 197.025-196.850.
PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri men's wrestling beats Iowa State on senior day
Missouri finished its regular season, beating Iowa State 27-6 Saturday at Hearnes Center. The team ended its regular season with an overall record of 12-7. Brock Mauller won his 12th straight match, beating Ryan Leisure. Missouri will compete in the MAC championships March 7-8 in Dekalb, Illinois. Allan Hart throws Iowa State's Todd Small Allan Hart throws Iowa State’s Todd Small to the mat on Saturday at Hearnes Center. Hart won the match over Small.
Allan Hart throws Iowa State's Todd Small
Missouri seniors went 3-1 to lead an upset over the Cyclones on Saturday.
PHOTO GALLERY: High school students fight for the title at the 2020 MSHSAA Championships
The 90th Boys and second Girls MSHSAA Wrestling Championships kicked off in Columbia on Thursday at Mizzou Arena. High school athletes from all over the state ranked in classes one through four compete for the top spot in the three-day tournament. Marquette's Alex Nicozisin tries to pin Hickman's Jacob Waldron during the MSHSSA Wresting Championship on Friday at Mizzou Arena. The state tournament continues Saturday.
PHOTO GALLERY: Pinson drives Missouri to second straight SEC win
Missouri picked up their second consecutive win against SEC opponent Ole Miss with a final score of 71-68 Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Mizzou Arena. Again, the Tigers were led in scoring by sophomore guard Xavier Pinson, who had 32 points and shot a perfect four of four from behind the three point line. Dru Smith also made scoring contributions with 17 points.
PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri loses to Arizona State in wrestling
Missouri wrestling faced off against Arizona State University on Sunday, at the Hearnes Center. Missouri lost to Arizona State, 21-13. With a few big wins from Wyatt Koelling and Allan Hart, Mizzou was unable to close the gap to secure a win. TownNews.com Content Exchange Arizona State University's Brandon Courtney Arizona State University's Brandon Courtney flips University of Missouri's Cameron Valdiviez on Feb. 9 at Hearnes Center.
PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri loses to Arizona State in wrestling
Missouri wrestling faced off against Arizona State University on Sunday, at the Hearnes Center. Missouri lost to Arizona State, 21-13. With a few big wins from Wyatt Koelling and Allan Hart, Mizzou was unable to close the gap to secure a win. Arizona State University's Brandon Courtney Arizona State University's Brandon Courtney flips University of Missouri's Cameron Valdiviez on Feb. 9 at Hearnes Center. Missouri wrestling's next dual is on Wednesday at SIU-Edwardsville.
Columbia College men and women's basketball fall short against Freed-Hardeman University
Columbia College's men and women basketball teams played against Freed-Hardeman University on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at Columbia College. Both teams lost their games, but will be playing again on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, against Missouri Baptist University. Columbia's Thibault Benabid(left) and Justin Shaw block Columbia College's Thibault Benabid (left) and Justin Shaw defend Bryan Battle during their basketball game against Freed-Hardeman on Saturday at Columbia College.
PHOTO GALLERY: Battle finds victory over Moberly
The Battle Spartans won 50-41 over the Moberly Spartans on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, at Battle. The Spartans on Spartans match up marked the second of three scheduled Varsity games for this week for Battle. The next game for Battle will be against Lafayette in St. Joseph tomorrow, Feb. 8.
Kansas City Chiefs defeat San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl
“You can’t board the streetcar until you say ‘Go Chiefs!’” “Go Chiefs!” The Kansas City Chiefs won the 2020 Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 on Sunday, February 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Power & Light district in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, hosted a free watch party in their KC Live! outdoor event space. The venue opened at 9 a.m., and by 11, thousands had flocked in to hold spots for the 5:30 p.m. game.
PHOTO GALLERY: Kansas City Chiefs defeat San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl
“You can’t board the streetcar until you say ‘Go Chiefs!’” “Go Chiefs!” The Kansas City Chiefs won the 2020 Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Power & Light district in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, hosted a free watch party in its KC Live! outdoor event space. The venue opened at 9 a.m., and by 11 a.m., thousands had flocked in to hold spots for the 5:30 p.m. game.
PHOTO GALLERY: MU Gymnastics falls just short of win
Missouri's gymnastic team hosted a meet against Arkansas on Friday at the Hearnes Center. The team had a few teammates who shined throughout the night, but overall they lost the meet to Arkansas. Missouri's next meet is on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, at Alabama. Morgan Porter stands ready to start her floor routine Morgan Porter stands ready to start her floor routine Friday at the Hearnes Center. Porter is a redshirt senior who won three titles during the meet with Arkansas.
PHOTO GALLERY: Final panel of Boone County bicentennial mural complete
Community members gather to help paint a mural piece celebrating the Cooper's Landing area Sunday at Cooper's Landing. This River Communities mural will be joined with other pieces from other areas of Boone County as part of the bicentennial celebrations. The completed mural will be displayed at the Boone County History & Culture Center and each individual piece will be given back to their communities at the close of the bicentennial year.
PHOTO GALLERY: Columbia settles for the night after a day full of snow
Since the storm began Thursday evening, the temperature has cooled down to around 34 degrees during the day on Friday in Columbia according to previous Missourian reporting. Snowfall accumulation is expected to be totaled between 4-7 inches according to KOMU/NBC. Both Columbia Public Schools and the MU campus were closed Friday. Boone County Joint Communications suggested residents avoid going out today if not necessary.
PHOTO GALLERY: Wrestling tournament at Hickman high school is under way
Hickman High School hosted the Hickman Invitational for wrestling. It is a two day tournament that will conclude Saturday afternoon. In addition to Hickman, Rock Bridge, Battle, and several other schools from around the state also participated. Willard's Garrett Smith, left, looks up at the official during his match Willard's Garrett Smith, left, looks up at the official during his match against Rock Bridge's Zach Tran on Friday at Hickman High School.
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