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Articles by Leore Tal
Veterans Day celebration highlights principles of service and connection
As the bell at Memorial Student Union struck noon on Tuesday, University of Missouri students, faculty and active and retired military gathered to honor and remember those who have served in our armed forces. The annual Veterans Day ceremony took place in front of one of the university's most meaningful buildings. Now celebrating its 100th year, Memorial Student Union was constructed in 1926 to remember the lives of students at the university who died protecting U.S. freedoms in World War I.
Mizzou becomes trailblazer in AI integration into the classroom
With increasing controversy over the use of artificial intelligence, especially in the classroom, researchers at the University of Missouri are finding ways to integrate the technologies in ways that benefit both students and teachers alike. The newly relaunched AI Education, Research and Infrastructure program at Mizzou began its most recent project working on AI integration in classrooms this fall, bridging the gap between education and technology.
Mizzou becomes trailblazer in the integration of AI into the classroom
With increasing controversy over the use of artificial intelligence, especially in the classroom, researchers at the University of Missouri are finding ways to integrate the technologies in ways that benefit both students and teachers alike. The newly relaunched AI Education, Research and Infrastructure program at Mizzou began its most recent project working on AI integration in classrooms this fall, bridging the gap between education and technology.
Professor says he’s facing backlash for book on MIT’s treatment of Jewish students
Engineering professor says he was told to work ‘solely’ on his field of study, not ‘issues of antisemitism’ An engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology says he is facing backlash from the administration after publishing a book detailing how the university “failed” Jewish students. The book, “Unsafe at MIT: A Chronicle of Campus War on the Jews,” highlights the “lack of protection of Jewish students” on the MIT campus after the Oct.
How a lack of objectivity turns bias into truth
Three years after thousands of Palestinian anti-Zionists committed mass murder and sexual atrocities in Israel on Oct. 7, the world has seemingly sided with the perpetrators. College campuses around the world are full of activists who demand compliance from their peers and refuse to question their own beliefs.
Physicians warn against unregulated peptides
In the barrage of new social media fads, peptides have stood out to some users for their benefits — and to healthcare officials for their potential harmful effects. Peptides have been advertised on social media as a weight loss aid, but these substances are often compounded medications that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, said Regina DePietro, a family medicine physician at MU Health Care. DePietro held a media brief Tuesday to set the record straight on peptides.
Mizzou researcher pivots from the NFL to animal research
Don Cherry, a former NFL player, has found a home at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Cherry grew up in what he affectionately refers to as the “animal house,” living with three dogs, five cats, three guinea pigs, hamsters and a bird. It’s because of this upbringing that he has always had a natural affinity for animals, working in shelters and as a dog walker since a very young age.
Mizzou football is back with a bigger and better Memorial Stadium
Mizzou football returned Thursday with a long-awaited season opener in the newly renovated Memorial Stadium. At Thursday's sold-out season opener, University of Missouri alumna and Grammy winner Sheryl Crow sang the national anthem. Inside the stadium, the fan experience has been enhanced through new lighting effects, a brand new video board on the north end of the stadium, 360-degree fireworks displays during the game and the reinstallation of the iconic Rock M.
Mizzou football is back with a bigger and better Memorial Stadium
Mizzou football returned Thursday with a long-awaited season opener in the newly renovated Memorial Stadium. At Thursday's sold-out season opener, University of Missouri alumna and Grammy winner Sheryl Crow sang the national anthem. Inside the stadium, the fan experience has been enhanced through new lighting effects, a brand new video board on the north end of the stadium, 360-degree fireworks displays during the game and the reinstallation of the iconic Rock M.
Concerns about grade inflation extend to AP exams with rise in passing grades
The organization behind the Advanced Placement exams recently defended itself amid questions about grade inflation, a wider issue of concern spanning from high schools to the Ivy League. For high school students, passing these exams typically means earning college credit, oftentimes reducing the amount of general education courses they are required to take to earn a bachelor's degree.
Concerns about grade inflation extend to AP exams with rise in passing grades
The organization behind the Advanced Placement exams recently defended itself amid questions about grade inflation, a wider issue of concern spanning from high schools to the Ivy League. For high school students, passing these exams typically means earning college credit, oftentimes reducing the amount of general education courses they are required to take to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Southern Boone School District gets grant reimbursement payment after 10-month delay
Southern Boone School District announced that it received $640,000 from the federal government as part of a grant reimbursement payment at its regular meeting July 20. The district originally submitted the request for reimbursement in September 2025, as part of the $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to build a Ranken Technical College instructional site in Ashland.
600 paddlers will race down Missouri River, beginning today
The MR340 will bring together 652 paddlers in 465 boats this week for the race down the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Louis. Racers should begin arriving in Jefferson City on Wednesday. Founded in 2006, the MR340 features racers attempting to paddle the length of the lower Missouri River in less than 85 hours.
Over 600 paddlers will race down the Missouri River next week Original
The MR340 will bring together 652 paddlers in 465 boats next week for the race down the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Louis. Founded in 2006, the racers attempt to paddle the length of the lower Missouri River in under 85 hours. Solo racers start at 7 a.m. Tuesday at Kaw Point near Kansas City with all other divisions pushing off at 8 a.m. All paddlers must make it to the final stop in St. Charles by 9 p.m. Friday to officially qualify as a finisher.
Over 600 paddlers will race down the Missouri River next week
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Paddlers stop at Cooper’s Landing during the MR340 River Race (copy) Paddlers stop at Cooper’s Landing during the MR340 race on July 9, 2025, in Columbia. As sunset approached, hundreds of racers remained on the river while others stopped to sleep for the night. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The MR340 will bring together 652 paddlers in 465 boats next week for the race down the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Louis.
New Boone Health clinic opens in Glasgow to reach nine counties and 4,000 patients
Boone Health opened a new primary care clinic Wednesday in Glasgow, expanding health care services for nine counties and approximately 4,000 patients in surrounding communities. Made possible through a $1.1 million donation from the Boone Health Foundation, the 3600-square-foot clinic allows Boone Health to add additional providers and services. The new clinic replaces an older building that presented physical accessibility challenges and had room for only one provider.
New Boone Health clinic opens in Glasgow to reach nine counties and 4,000 patients
Boone Health opened a new primary care clinic Wednesday in Glasgow, expanding health care services for nine counties and approximately 4,000 patients in surrounding communities. Made possible through a $1.1 million donation from the Boone Health Foundation, the 3600-square-foot clinic allows Boone Health to add additional providers and services. kAm%96 ?6H 4=:?:4 C6A=246D 2? @=56C 3F:=5:?8 E92E AC6D6?E65 A9JD:42= 2446DD:3:=:EJ 492==6?86D 2?5 925 C@@> 7@C @?=J @?6 AC@G:56C] %96 4=:?:4 92D >@C6 E92?
Southern Boone School District receives grant reimbursement payment after a 10-month delay
Southern Boone School District announced that it received $640,000 from the federal government as part of a grant reimbursement payment at its regular meeting July 20. The district originally submitted the request for reimbursement in September 2025, as part of the $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to build a Ranken Technical College instructional site in Ashland. kAm%96 C6:>3FCD6>6?E 7@C E96 4@?DECF4E:@? @7 E96 (@C<7@C46 s6G6=@A>6?E r6?E6C H2D 56=2J65 :?
New Missouri law requires drunk drivers to pay child support if they kill a parent
In the spring of 2021, Cecilia Williams lost her son, daughter-in-law and grandson to a drunken driver. Williams, who lives in Bonne Terre, is now raising the two orphaned grandchildren who survived, Bentley and Mason. kAmp J62C =2E6C[ |6=2?:6 (2?<F> H2D 9:E 9625\@? 3J 2 5CF?<6? 5C:G6C[ <:==:?8 96C :?DE2?E=J 2?5 :?;FC:?8 2 A2DD6?86C @? E96:C H2J 324< 7C@> 2 H655:?8]k^Am kAmx? 3@E9 EC2865:6D[ 72>:=:6D @7 E96 G:4E:>D 3642>6 25G@42E6D @? E96:C 3692=7[ 492>A:@?:?8 E@F896C =2HD :? |:DD@FC: 282:?DE 5CF?<6?
New Missouri law requires child support if drunk driver kills a parent
A coalition of hemp businesses filed a federal lawsuit Thursday in an attempt to halt a statewide ban on intoxicating hemp products from going into effect in November. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District, claims the ban state lawmakers passed this spring contains “unconstitutionally vague” definitions for hemp and marijuana.
Man charged in cold case murder appears in court once again without a lawyer
Sentrell Wilson, charged in the 2000 cold case murder of Candice Richie, appeared in court again Friday without an attorney, seeming to exasperate the judge. Wilson has appeared before Boone County Circuit Judge Stephanie Morrell at least five times since his indictment in January, never bringing counsel to represent him. When the judge asked him why, Wilson opted to read a rambling three-page statement he had written.
New Missouri law requires drunk drivers to pay child support if they kill a parent
In the spring of 2021, Cecilia Williams lost her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson to a drunken driver. Williams, who lives in Bonne Terre, is now raising the two orphaned grandchildren who survived, Bentley and Mason. A year later, Melanie Wankum was hit head-on by a drunken driver, killing her instantly and injuring a passenger on their way back from a wedding.
New Missouri law requires drunk drivers to pay child support if they kill a parent Original
In the spring of 2021, Cecilia Williams lost her son, daughter-in-law and grandson to a drunken driver. A year later, Melanie Wankum was hit head-on by a drunken driver, killing her instantly and injuring a passenger on their way back from a wedding. In both tragedies, families of the victims became advocates on their behalf, championing tougher laws in Missouri against drunken driving.
Man charged in cold case murder appears in court once again without a lawyer
Sentrell Wilson, charged in the 2000 cold case murder of Candice Richie, appeared in court again Friday without an attorney, seeming to exasperate the judge. Wilson has appeared before Boone County Circuit Judge Stephanie Morrell at least five times since his indictment in January, never bringing counsel to represent him. When the judge asked him why, Wilson opted to read a rambling three-page statement he had written.
Missouri joins the nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence Original
Across nine time zones, Americans in all 50 states and 16 U.S. territories simultaneously read the Declaration of Independence to public audiences Wednesday, including 11 locations in Missouri. A reading in Columbia took place at 5 p.m. at the State Historical Society of Missouri, with the same document being recited at the same time in Jefferson City, Springfield, Joplin, Rolla, Richland, Cape Fair, Caruthersville, Marionville, Aurora and Clinton.
Missouri joins the nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Mitchell Moore, right, cheers for America Mitchell Moore, right, cheers for America on Wednesday at the State Historical Society of Missouri in Columbia. The Sons of the American Revolution give three cheers to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
A roundup of Fourth of July events in Columbia and Boone County
Here is a rundown of activities in Columbia and Boone County that are scheduled for July 4. When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 4 Where: The Missouri Theater, 203 S. 9th St. Contact: 573-882-3781 Details: A performance by The Missouri Symphony that “captures the excitement of fireworks and recreates it onstage through music that sparkles and soars.” Features performances of “America the Beautiful” and “Armed Forces Medley,” among other pieces.
From Bargersville civic leaders to Seattle baseball players: This is America at 250
Washington graduate student Casen Taggart swings during the series opener against UCLA on May 14 at Husky Ballpark in Seattle. From the zoning board to the farmers market, this couple makes Bargersville, pop. 10k, run By Lauren Warner, TheStatehouseFile.com BARGERSVILLE, Ind.—Large silver grain silos dominate the skyline of downtown Bargersville, population 10,000, in central Indiana just south of Greenwood.
The collection of military uniforms at the State Historical Society reflects the country's history
As a curator for the State Historical Society of Missouri, Nicole Johnston knew she had to commemorate America’s 250th birthday in a meaningful way. After spending two years on the project, she decided to represent the history of the United States with a collection of military uniforms gathered from Missouri veterans, along with war-era posters and contemporary art. The exhibit runs through Aug. 15.
Penn State law school forces students to confront ‘systemic racism’: complaint
Penn State Dickinson Law School is facing civil rights complaints due to its Strategic Plan, criticized for promoting a 'Marxist ideology' and allegedly forcing white students to confront systemic racism. The plan emphasizes institutional anti-racism and aims to restructure the land-grant mission to promote equity and justice, but has been labeled as discriminatory by critics who believe it undermines true legal education.
Another student housing complex proposed, this one with 320 units near campus
Plans for a nearly 3-acre development with 320 units for students housing near the University of Missouri campus will be on the agenda Thursday at the city Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The complex at the intersection of University and College avenues would be called Theory Sterling and have one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units inside two towers. A seven-story building would be built at Paquin and Matthews streets and an eight-story building would run along University Avenue.
How Journalism Schools Are Baking Bias Right Into The Cake
Over the past decade, the biggest news outlets in our country have resorted to reporting that is tainted by their journalists’ personal beliefs, regardless of political affiliation. Apparently, the virtue of objective reporting has become a thing of the past. Being a student at the Missouri School of Journalism has shown me that the main contributor that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves is the dwindling standards of journalistic ethics.
Homelessness in Columbia called an 'escalating crisis' as Opportunity Campus nears completion
Columbia counted 309 homeless people in 2025, a number that is roughly consistent with the totals recorded over the past few years. The homeless population was reported to be 323 in 2024 and 270 in 2023, according to the 2025 State of Homelessness Report produced by the city. Numbers during the pandemic from 2020 to 2022 were not recorded, but in 2019, the homeless population was 268.
Fast-track online degree program at U. Maine draws accreditor’s scrutiny
One student says she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less than six months The University of Maine’s YourPace program, what some describe as “degree hacking,” or earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees at a rapid pace, has prompted an investigation from the institution’s accrediting body.
Big Lake State Park: A summer getaway for fishing, boating and lakeside cabins
Big Lake State Park sits on 407 acres near the small town of Craig with a long list of activities for visitors in northwest Missouri. Big Lake is the largest oxbow lake in the state, covering more than 600 acres of land. The U-shaped body of water was originally part of the Missouri River before a bend in the river separated it. kAm%@52J[ =@42=D 2?5 E@FC:DED 42? 7:D9[ 3@2E 2?5 FD6 E96 =2<6D:56 42>A8C@F?5D :? E96 DE2E6 A2C<] r2>A8C@F?5D 2C6 @A6?
The Patee House: A rotating door for U.S. history in St. Joseph
Built as a luxury hotel in 1858, the Patee House in downtown St. Joseph has been a rotating door to United States history. It became the headquarters for the Pony Express before being turned over to the Union Army during the Civil War. Later, it became a women’s college, twice, and a garment factory. Today, the Patee House is a museum of communications and transportation with a restored Pony Express office, full-size locomotive, indoor carousel, recreated Western town and an old-fashioned saloon.
The Gen. John Pershing home: A piece of U.S. military history in northwest Missouri
Built in the small town of Laclede, Gen. John J. Pershing’s boyhood home has become a state historic site and a piece of history in northwest Missouri. Nicknamed “Black Jack,” Pershing became one of the highest-ranking military officers in the United States. He graduated from West Point and served in a number of important international conflicts, including as a commander during World War I. kAm!6CD9:?8’D 49:=59@@5 9@>6 :? {24=656 :D ?@H @A6?
Walt Disney's early life story can be found all around Marceline
The iconic Disney franchise began in Marceline, a charming town of 2,000 in Linn County. Walt Disney was born and raised in the Missouri, with his roots in northwest Missouri where his family lived for most of his childhood. It was here that the famous producer of animated films began his artistic endeavors, and the town has dedicated many of its assets to his legacy. The family farm, an elementary school, post office, main street and museum are all associated with Disney.
The 'home of sliced bread,' Chillicothe's history is showcased in a series of downtown murals
Given its nickname as the first place in the world to sell presliced bread in 1928, the town of Chillicothe still treasures its past, culture and reputation. Main Street Chillicothe, which runs straight through town, features restaurants, boutiques and antique shops, with at least 20 murals on downtown buildings that illustrate the town’s history since its foundation in the mid-1800s.
Veterans living at Patriot Place get home makeovers
For its anniversary, Patriot Place Apartments is getting a makeover. The apartment building opened in 2016 and provided homeless veterans with permanent housing. Columbia Housing Authority employee Justin Anthony, left, and Randy Cole, the Columbia Housing Authority CEO, right, move a couch into an apartment on Tuesday at Patriot Place Apartments. With the help of Veterans United, the Columbia Housing Authority exchanged old, worn out furniture with new furnishings.
Jacque Sample: A strong sense of justice turned into an elected position
Jacque Sample found her voice when she was in elementary school. The boys would chase her and the other girls around during recess, and the girls would scream and run away. Sample thought it was “ridiculous.” kAm“xE >256 >6 D@ >25 E92E E96D6 3@JD E9@F89E E96J 4@F=5 492D6 FD 8:C=D[” D96 D2:5] “$@ x DE2CE65 DE2?5:?8 FA 2?5 DE@AA:?8 E96>]” k^Am kAm$@@?
Four government benefits older adults can claim
Getting older has some perks — cheaper movie tickets, early-bird specials and travel discounts. Government benefits are also in the mix, but they aren’t often well-publicized. Four of the most important ones are listed below. Often called food stamps, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits are often easier to access for older adults because of the decrease in their gross annual income.
Thinking about running for public office? Here's a strategy to consider
Jacque Sample knows quite a bit about running for public office. Sample is a member of the Columbia City Council who was elected to the Third Ward seat last year. She also served as chair of Columbia’s Disabilities Commission and ran for a Missouri House seat in 2020 but lost to Cheri Toalson Reisch. Here she shares her campaign experience for any resident who wants to make a bid. First, pretend you’re already in the office you seek.
Work Zone Awareness Week finds a home in mid-Missouri Original
As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week from Monday to Friday, the Missouri Department of Transportation is shedding light on the dangers of work zone traffic while urging drivers to put down their phones and be patient and courteous when driving through construction zones.
Flood watch and enhanced risk in effect ahead of upcoming storm
A flood watch from 4 p.m. today until 4 a.m. Saturday has been issued for Columbia and surrounding areas in addition to enhanced risk of severe storms. Thunderstorms are expected to start at 6 p.m. and continue throughout the night, with winds between 13 and 18 mph and precipitation levels between 50 and 100%, according to a forecast from KOMU. kAm%96 6?92?465 C:D< C676CD E@ D6G6C6 E9F?56CDE@C>D[ 3C:?8:?8 H:?5D[ 92:= 2?5 A@E6?E:2= E@C?25@6D E@ E96 2C62[ D2:5 q6?
A firsthand look at the anti-Israel bias in college classrooms
I’ve begun to understand why college students are so anti-Israel, and most of the time, I don’t believe it’s their fault. The combination of having information taught in classes that is so deeply saturated with anti-Israel content and the sometimes blind trust my peers have toward the authority of professors is difficult to challenge.
Missouri Startup Weekend returns to town
Missouri Startup Weekend will be held in Columbia for the 14th year, bringing together entrepreneurs to network and pitch business ideas. The event will take place at the EquipmentShare Headquarters from April 17-19, with tickets including all meals, speakers and events for the weekend. For prospective business owners, the weekend is a competition to pitch ideas in hopes of winning one of three cash prizes.
Missouri Startup Weekend returns to Columbia
Missouri Startup Weekend will be held in Columbia for the 14th year, bringing together entrepreneurs to network and pitch business ideas. The event will take place at the EquipmentShare Headquarters from April 17-19, with tickets including all meals, speakers and events for the weekend. For prospective business owners, the weekend is a competition to pitch ideas in hopes of winning one of three cash prizes.
Easter brings new hope for Columbia congregations
This week, Holy Thursday marked the end of Lent and the beginning of commemorating the Easter holiday. Lent is a period, beginning Ash Wednesday and ending Holy Thursday, otherwise known as Maundy Thursday. The last seven days are known as Holy Week, in which each day reflects on the biblical events in the week before Jesus’ crucifixion, which took place on Good Friday.
Lily Thies: As a child, she set out to become a medical doctor
Lily Thies always knew she wanted to be a doctor. As a little girl, instead of playing dress-up with dolls , she would treat hers as patients, often leaving them bandaged up at the end of the day. “Stereotypical little girls play with dolls, play house, dress up,” Lily’s mother, Marjorie, said. “She was taking her dolls apart, trying to figure out how to put them back together.” Fast forward to today.
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