There are many different ways to identify a person, from economic status to differences in skin color. The “Race: Are We So Different” exhibit at the Discovery Center takes a scientific look at the history, genetics and politics that have developed around the classification system that we call race. KSMU’s Matthew Barnes reports.
To finish off a time full of local high school graduations, Bailey Alternative High School in Springfield held its commencement ceremony Wednesday morning. For many graduates at this unique school, this moment is the result of overcoming obstacles that most teenagers don’t face. One student received her diploma only moments prior to her departure back to her hometown, Joplin, where she plans to officially return, despite that her house was destroyed by last year’s tornado. KSMU’s Rebekah Clark has her story, along with details about the event.
Memorial Day Weekend usually marks different summer festivities for locals in the Ozarks. Some spend time outside, host cook-outs, or take time to honor those serving in the armed forces. For those who are race fans, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) is hosting Laps for Life Blood Drive, featuring the Indy 500, Coca-Cola 600 and numerous races on local tracks, like Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. KSMU’s Rebekah Clark has details.
For the one-year anniversary of the Joplin tornado, the Spiva Arts Center presents two new exhibits related to the storm and its impact on the people of Joplin. KSMU's Randy Stewart talks with Spiva Executive Director Jo Mueller.
KSMU's Randy Stewart revisits Joplin High School choral director Eric Eichenberger and some of his students in their temporary 11th- and 12th-grade school facility at North Park Mall in Joplin.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department has recognized six local child care providers that have been certified through its new “Child Safe Facility” program. KSMU’s Rebekah Clark shares details.
This year in Missouri, there’s a lot of emphasis on how state budget cuts will affect state colleges and universities. KSMU’s Jennifer Moore recently sat down with the president of the University of Missouri System, Tim Wolfe, and has this interview.
The end of May means one thing to the young people of the Ozarks: it's when school is out and summer has begun. For many, summer vacation includes more time spent in local recreational waters like streams and rivers. However, water in these swimming areas can contain harmful bacteria and parasites from wastewater runoff. In order to prevent sickness, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department is partnering with the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks to monitor different stream and river locations for E. coli and coliform bacteria. KSMU’s Rebekah Clark has details.
Cox Health, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and Kohl’s have partnered to bring a program for kids health to Springfield. KSMU’s Melanie Foehrweiser has more.
Drury University and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting a celebration next Thursday for the grand opening of Drury’s Commercial Street location. KSMU’s Brittany Donnellan has details.
There’s a debate in Congress over whether or not to provide a one-year extension for the subsidies for interest on certain types of student loans. For some students at Missouri State University, the outcome of this debate directly affects their bank account. KSMU’s Shane Franklin has the story.
Last year, the state auditor’s office conducted a review of Springfield Public Schools (SPS) and made some recommendations on how to improve the school district. Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder and the school board say they are addressing the findings. KSMU’s Rebekah Clark has an update.
Several local businesses and organizations are participating in the National Drug Enforcement Agency’s “Medicine Take Back” event this Saturday. The event was created to help people safely dispose of their expired or unused over-the-counter medicine, and to keep prescription drugs out of the hands of teens. KSMU’s Brittany Donnellan reports.
A group of young Saudi Arabian women studying in Springfield say they hope to join a women’s movement that’s underway in their home country when they return home. KSMU’s Jennifer Moore has details.
As another school year quickly winds to a close, some parents are looking for activities to keep their youngsters’ minds and bodies busy this summer. Local universities are offering programs to keep kids both entertained and educated. KSMU’s Rebekah Clark has details.
Civility training and anger management for kids, along with reducing childhood obesity are among several services awarded funding with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks first ever "Community Innovation" Grants. Mike Smith has the story.
Students from Ozarks Technical Community College have been given a unique learning experience with new technology. The product of their labor will be unveiled later this week. KSMU’s Melanie Foehrweiser has details.
Have you ever been driving home after a long day at work, or hurrying to get to work in the morning, only to be slowed down by bike riders in the street? How do you treat these cyclists? As KSMU’s Shane Franklin reports, there is more than just manners on the line.
During the four-year sesquicentennial of the Civil War, many local organizations are taking the time to recognize the effect of that conflict today and honoring those impacted by it 150 years ago. KSMU’s Sense of Place reporter, Emma Wilson, brings us an update on a new historical marker that will commemorate a local heroine of the American Civil War.
This year’s convocation theme at Drury University is The Changing Planet: Our Role in Nature’s Economy. On Thursday (April 19), three expert panelists will discuss the role that local agriculture plays in changing our planet. KSMU’s Samuel Crowe spoke with panelists Jonny Dubowski of the rock group Jonny Lives!, as well as Adam and Melissa Millsap, co-owners of the Urban Roots Farm in Springfield.
Missouri has been named one of the top ten states for enrolling veterans in post-secondary education. KSMU’s Melanie Foehrweiser looks into some of the programs these institutions are offering to veterans in the Ozarks.
This week, local faith leaders will gather at the Council of Churches of the Ozarks to take part in a two-day statewide event that focuses on placing a cap on interest rates on predatory payday loans. Churches in Kansas City, St. Louis, Jefferson City and Springfield will host this canvassing training for clergy members in their communities. KSMU’s Rebekah Clark has details on the event.
