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Roo News

The Student News Site of University of Missouri - Kansas City

Roo News

Roo News

Dana Valenzuela Portillo

Dana Valenzuela Portillo, Social Media Manager

This is my second year being a part of Roo News. I started during my freshman year as a staff writer and am now a sophomore. I love anything that requires creativity, especially journalism. My current goal is to become a public relations specialist, but I love all aspects of journalism, so that could (and probably will) change in the future. My other hobbies include learning philosophy & pop culture history, filming/editing videos, and finding new music.

All content by Dana Valenzuela Portillo
Chappell Roan mural next to Hamburger Mary’s, painted by Jared Horman and Christine Riutzel.

The “Midwest Princess” is home

Dana Valenzuela Portillo, Community Outreach Manager
October 4, 2025

  Kansas City is one of only three stops in Chappell Roan's “Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things” tour. UMKC students are surprised, but are feeling the energy of the “Midwest Princess.”   Roan, who grew up in Willard, MO, announced the mini tour on...

Student downloading the Yik Yak app on their phone.

Yik Yak: Creating community, or fostering hate?

Dana Valenzuela Portillo, Community Outreach Manager
September 26, 2025

  Yik Yak, the anonymous social media app for college campuses, has seen a significant increase in users at UMKC this fall 2025 semester, with mixed feedback from students.   Cesar Alonzo, a junior majoring in biology, has been an active user of Yik Yak since this summer....

Student performers, (from left to right) Athena Rose, Daisy Von Dutch, Gaudyzilla Unreste, Rosemary Go-Round and Anne Yurism, seated for Q&A after the show.

SAGA’s first-ever Student Drag Showcase

Dana Valenzuela Portillo, Staff Writer
October 2, 2024

  Students were entertained and inspired at the Student Drag Showcase organized by the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) on Sept. 24.   Hosted by UMKC alumni and Kansas City drag performers, KC Sunshine and Kiyanna Uchawi, the show had an astounding turnout of over...

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