UMKC Roo News took home nine awards at this year’s Missouri College Media Association (MCMA) awards. In competition against the largest universities in Missouri, the newspaper has continued to build on its past success, notably earning first place in website design. “I...

UMKC’s policies regarding COVID have gone into “half-pregnant” territory. Both masking and vaccination are “strongly encouraged,” which, in practice, translates to no coherent direction.  Admittedly, it is an odd time when — we hope — we are nearing the...

The historic and independently-owned Screenland Armour Theater is offering free movie tickets and popcorn for select showings Nov. 13 and 14 through a partnership with Pluto TV.  Free tickets are available during regular business hours now through the weekend at the...

UMKC is offering free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters every two weeks through Dec. 7 inside the Student Union.  Those who opt to get vaccinated on campus will receive a $25 Visa gift card in addition to entry into a lottery of $250 and $500.  “I feel like I...

If you saw the headline and chose to read this story, dear reader, you must fall into one of three factions:   I’m curious, let’s see where this goes.Hello! I’m the choir, please preach to me. Hell no! Vaccine mandates are un-American and violate my rights! Let’s...

UMKC has coordinated a new series of eatery concepts to rotate throughout the school year inside the Student Union. Temporary limited-menu restaurants, known as pop-up restaurants, have existed since the 2000s. Typical pop-up restaurants are a way for aspiring chefs to experiment...

UMKC facilities, classrooms and common places are open again for full capacity in-person sessions. Buildings and programs have also resumed normal hours and operation.  UMKC fully opened on Aug. 23, the first time since March 2020. The 18-month stretch equates to nearly...

Whether you are an international student, from out-of-state or a local, welcome to the Paris of the Plains. When it comes to lively happenings, Kansas City punches outside its weight class.  Rodgers and Hammerstein were right when they said everything is up-to-date in...

The House of Representatives passed a bill this month that would establish Washington, D.C., as the fifty-first state.  The addition of a new state presents at least one superficial problem: The U.S. flag would lack symmetry with 51 state-representing stars. We can’t...

An outsized, bronze-cast kangaroo statue will be formally revealed on April 26 by UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal on University Walkway near the Miller Nichols Learning Center.   UMKC’s Student Government Association commissioned local visual artist Tom Corbin to...

Tax increment financing isn’t the sexiest subject. It sounds wonky. But if you can get past what it is and get to how it is used, things get juicy. We find city greed, corporate welfare and an outrageous use of our tax dollars.   In short, tax increment financing...

The Subway sandwich shop at 312 E. 51st St. closed for business this month. Subway joins Sahara Mediterranean in shuttering its doors within the past year, further limiting walking-distance food options for UMKC students living on campus.    Restaurant closures...

In restaurant vernacular, “86” means you have run out of something. It is with poetic tragedy that L.C. Richardson, founder and proprietor of LC’s BBQ, passed away at the age of 86.   I worked a few years at one of the newer, fancier BBQ spots in town. ...

A seditious mob erected gallows steps from the U.S. Capitol and called for sitting Vice President Mike Pence to be hanged. Insurrectionists hunted for congressmen. Revolters thrashed through Capitol buildings smearing feces on the walls. What we witnessed on Jan. 6 is the...

It’s Friday, March 13, and UMKC Foundation President Lisa Baronio is in her office for the last time.  Things should be back to normal in four to six weeks, she thinks, maybe April or May. The chancellor had notified her UMKC was moving to an all virtual format. She’s...

Protestors took over the steps of City Hall during a 21-day occupation protest for police reform, turning a portion of downtown Kansas City into a camp. The average number of protesters for each day peaked at 60, with demonstrators living in a camp that featured dozens of...