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Articles by Maya Bensaoud
Disneyland's Main Street begins in Marceline, Missouri
For most people, Walt Disney's name evokes cartoons, castles and the sprawling theme parks in California and Florida. But for a group of students from Western Michigan University, understanding Disney's imagination meant starting somewhere much smaller: a town of roughly 2,000 people in north-central Missouri. Walt Disney spent just four years of his childhood in Marceline, Missouri. But nearly a century after he left, traces of the small town can still be found in the worlds he created.
Hearings set for next week on ballot question issues Original
A Cole County judge has scheduled hearings for Tuesday on two separate challenges to decisions by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ to block ballot questions sought by citizen groups. Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green also ruled Wednesday that a Republican coalition can join opposition to a lawsuit challenging Hoskins' decision to block a referendum on Missouri’s congressional map.
GOP groups allowed to join lawsuit over Missouri congressional map
A Cole County judge ruled Wednesday that a Republican coalition can join a lawsuit challenging Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ decision to block a referendum on Missouri’s congressional map. The Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee and Missouri Republican State Committee asked to intervene in the case, saying they should have a role in defending the Republican perspective.
Spring rain relieves much of Missouri’s drought
After months of widespread drought, Missouri's chronic soil dryness has significantly changed. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 95 percent of the state was experiencing some level of drought in the beginning of January. But by last week, that number had fallen below 20 percent following months of above-average rainfall.
Spring rain evacuates much of Missouri from drought
After months of widespread drought, Missouri's chronic soil dryness has significantly changed. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 95% of the state was experiencing some level of drought in the beginning of January. But by last week, that number had fallen below 20% following months of above-average rainfall. Missouri State Climatologist Zach Leasor said repeated rounds of spring rain replenished soil moisture across much of the state, which improved conditions for many farmers.
Record rainfall raises concerns about continued flooding in Columbia
Nearly four inches of rain fell Sunday — flooding roads, parks and low-water crossings throughout Boone County. The storm prompted road closures, water rescues and travel disruptions throughout Columbia. While many of the flooded locations are familiar trouble spots during periods of heavy rain, experts said the issue is being intensified by weeks of persistent rainfall that have left the ground fully saturated and waterways already full before new storms arrive.
Record rainfall raises concerns about continued flooding in Columbia
Nearly four inches of rain fell on Sunday — flooding roads, parks and low-water crossings throughout Boone County. The storm prompted road closures, water rescues and travel disruptions throughout Columbia. While many of the flooded locations are familiar trouble spots during periods of heavy rain, experts said the issue is being intensified by weeks of persistent rainfall that have left the ground fully saturated and waterways already full before new storms arrive.
What the “skinny” farm bill means for Missouri: SNAP cuts and farm revenue
The House has passed a new five-year farm bill — a scaled-back, or “skinny,” version that leaves some of its biggest impacts tied to decisions made last year. The legislation maintains earlier cuts to SNAP benefits, which about one in eight Missourians rely on to afford groceries. While the bill itself doesn’t introduce those reductions, experts say it makes it harder for those reductions to be reversed.
Asian American Association fears loss of connection after funding cuts
The Asian American Association is less an organization and more an ecosystem. A network of friendships layered over years; under-organizations, bigs and littles, sorority sisters and friend groups within friend groups. A place where strangers become something closer to family. Hayden Le, second from left, holds the tickets and looks at the result of Bau Cua Cá Cop during the Asian American Association’s annual Asian Night Market on April 11 at Kuhlman Court.
Columbia urges to remove Bradford pear trees, plant native ones
The City of Columbia is encouraging residents to remove invasive Bradford pear trees this Earth Day as part of ongoing efforts to protect native ecosystems. Also known as Callery pears, the trees spread quickly and out-compete native vegetation. Columbia Tree Board member Jacob McMains said the species has moved beyond residential areas and into natural landscapes.
An inside look into the lives of public workers who keep Columbia going Before the city wakes By 7:30 a.m., when the city of Columbia is beginning to wake up, James Brown and his crew are already at work. They guide a street sweeper down city blocks, plow snow off the curb line and scan for glass, leaves, gravel or anything that might catch a tire or trip a pedestrian.
After theft case, accessibility at center of meter change debate
Following the arrest of Columbia’s parking manager for the alleged theft of thousands of dollars in coins from parking meters, many are asking why Columbia is still using coin-operated meters at all. Currently, most meters take both coins and digital payment, but the potential elimination of coin meters could raise accessibility concerns. Digital meters in Columbia use ParkMobile, an app that requires a smartphone to download.
Farm workshop tackles labor shortages and efficient production
Amid droughts, a federal crackdown on immigrant labor and uncertain crop prices, Missouri farmers are seeking solutions. On Wednesday, local farmers attended a workshop sponsored by Missouri Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education with speakers giving advice on how to handle labor shortages, time management efficiency and funding opportunities.
'The water remembers': Speaker connects hydrology, culture and spirituality
Hydrology is often taught as a science. But on Tuesday night, cultural preservationist Angela da Silva asked her audience to also consider it as a means of interpreting culture, history and spirituality. “Water is a delivery system for knowledge. And we're going to talk about how living waters respond, how Africans address it and how they use water to guide their lives,” da Silva said.
Newfound protein in plants can increase resilience against droughts
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered SRFR1, a protein found in plants that holds a significant role in determining root length. Understanding how to regulate root growth can ensure resilient crops in the face of environmental effects, such as drought.
Growing grassroots organization hopes to 'Move the Needle"
What began as a gathering of 33 friends and family at Gary Oxenhandler’s house quickly grew into more than 200 citizens of Columbia, united by like-minded progressive values and committed to creating change. Oxenhandler, a former Boone County judge, said the organization began with a conversation. He was speaking with friend Kurt Mirtsching about the state of the union and what would happen to their kids and grandkids in the future.
From knowing to acting: What Columbia’s Holocaust exhibit says about American responsibility
As guards onstage pounded at the prop door, Cyrus Bostwick learned just how real Anne Frank’s fear was. As a freshman at Hickman High School herself, Bostwick understood that Anne Frank was, after everything, just a teenager. “I feel like part of it is how much I identify with the character and how much I become her, and became her, during this,” Bostwick said.
MU study suggests road salt poses damage to snails, freshwater ecosystems
Missouri is home to and using road salt to keep the roads safe during winter could threaten this snail population. New research from the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources revealed that when road salt is used for de-icing, the resulting runoff can lead to higher mortality levels for snails. Snails serve as algae consumers that help maintain water quality, and without them, Missouri loses a key decomposer.
From knowing to acting: What Columbia’s Holocaust exhibit says about American responsibility
As the guards on stage pounded at the prop door, Cyrus Bostwick learned just how real Anne Frank's fear was. As a freshman at Hickman herself, Bostwick understood that Anne Frank was, after everything, just a teenager. "I feel like part of it is how much I identify with the character and how much I become her, and became her, during this," Bostwick said.
From knowing to acting: What Columbia’s Holocaust exhibit says about American responsibility
As the guards on stage pounded at the prop door, Cyrus Bostwick learned just how real Anne Frank's fear was. As a freshman at Hickman herself, Bostwick understood that Anne Frank was, after everything, just a teenager. "I feel like part of it is how much I identify with the character and how much I become her, and became her, during this," Bostwick said.
Missouri bill to address antisemitism in schools raises concerns over free speech
Last month, Representative George Hruza (R-St. Louis County) introduced a bill to the Missouri House of Representatives that would create stricter protections for Jewish students in Missouri public education. HB 2061 would adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism and hold schools accountable to a stricter system of addressing and reporting antisemitic behavior.
MU students use fashion to express their beliefs.
At the University of Missouri, protest lives on backpacks and jackets. It is stitched into patches, clipped onto bags and stuck across laptops. A keffiyeh, a traditional Arab headdress often used as a symbol for Palestinian resistance, signals solidarity. A rose nods to socialism. These are not just fashion statements; they are values worn in plain sight. For a generation fluent in visual storytelling and digital shorthand, students are turning to visual expression to convey their beliefs.
REVIEW: ‘Writing Hawa’ forces audiences to reckon with the stolen futures of many Afghan women
What started as a documentary following a mother’s business venture ends up being a heart-wrenching story of a family separated and the oppression from the Taliban’s rule faced by people in Afghanistan. In its abrupt ending, Najiba Noori’s “Writing Hawa” reflects the interrupted and unfulfilled lives of many women in Afghanistan, leaving the viewer with the same sense of loss that the filmmaker experiences. The film opens with a plane touching down in France in 2021.
REVIEW: ‘Abo Zaabal 89’ depicts intergenerational wounds left by political instability
In a bittersweet exploration of a father-son relationship evolved through time, Bassam Mortada’s “Abo Zaabal 89”, shown at True/False Film Fest, showcases the realities of growing up under an oppressive regime, paralleling Egypt’s tumultuous history with his family’s emotional journey. In August 1989, Mahmoud Mortada, Bassam’s father, was taken from their home by law enforcement officials in the middle of the night.
Homecoming and heritage: Creating cross-generational memories
To the legacy community at the University of Missouri, the emotional connection that plants their roots within Columbia extends far past any familial ties to MU. Legacy status comes with a set of values, all of which are reflected in the iconic Homecoming celebration founded at MU. Students recognize that Homecoming is a legacy in and of itself, and it creates a space for non-legacies and legacies alike to share their love and pride for MU.
“Bumpin’ That: an XCX Dance Party” brings “brat summer” to the Columbia community
Neon green is a hard color to miss — yet it was in plain sight at Rose Music Hall before the “Bumpin’ That: An XCX Dance Party” on Friday, Sept. 13. Seen under green string lights were a range of outfits, many of which feature the iconic color of neon green that became associated with Charli XCX after the release of her electropop album “brat”. Attendees came to channel their full “brat summer” spirit as they waited in line anticipating the start of the event.
Monthly Recs: books, albums, shows and more to get you through this month
September in Missouri brings changing leaves, windy days and unfortunate remnants of the August heat. As we try to convince ourselves that it’s acceptable to wear a sweater in 90 degree weather, we look for media that emulates fall, puts us in the mood to learn and allows us to embrace the beginning of the semester. Bensaoud: Just a few weeks ago I finished “Babel” by R.F. Kuang, and it left its impression as a captivating ‘dark academia’ book.
Blink Twice: When Shock Drowns Out Substance
“Blink Twice” attempts to create a thought-provoking commentary, but struggles to achieve any depth past gruesome sexual violence. Zoë Kravitz, a self-proclaimed cinephile, made her directorial debut last month in a thriller that is both baffling and mesmerizing. “Blink Twice” was by far the most oddly captivating movie to come out so far this year. Its meticulously placed sounds pull you deeper into an unsettling world.
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