Mary Bell Journalist Profile

Articles

Missouri Democrats filibuster open enrollment bill in Senate

2 weeks ago | komu.com | Molly Gibbs |Mary Bell

JEFFERSON CITY — A House bill to expand public school choice was put aside Wednesday after Senate Democrats spoke in opposition and amendments were passed that would send it back to the House. After some five hours of debate, the bill was moved to the informal calendar to potentially be taken up at a later date. House Bill 711 would establish the Public School Open Enrollment Act, which would allow students to attend public schools outside of the district they live in.
Capitol Report 4/21/2025

3 weeks ago | mopress.com | Natanya Friedheim |Mary Bell |Sterling Sewell |Molly Gibbs

Statehouse Reporting Posted Monday, April 21, 2025 9:23 am Missouri News Network: Statehouse News for MPA Members This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students for publication by MPA member newspapers in print and online. ----------------------------------------------------- Missouri News Network coverage this week includes coverage of efforts to eliminate paid sick leave provisions of Proposition A, House action on a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict abortion...
Democrats filibuster to defend minimum wage, paid sick leave

1 month ago | bransontrilakesnews.com | Mary Bell |Sterling Sewell |Molly Gibbs

JEFFERSON CITY — Verbal battle was joined on the Senate floor Wednesday over minimum wage and paid sick leave provisions approved by voters last fall. Republican leaders brought to the floor a House bill that eliminates paid sick leave and limits the impact of the minimum wage increase, prompting a filibuster by Democrats. Missouri voters passed Proposition A with almost 58% of the vote in the November election. But House Bill 567, proposed by Rep.
Capitol Report 3/21/2025

1 month ago | mopress.com | Jackson Cooper |Mary Bell |Hannah Taylor |Natanya Friedheim

Statehouse Reporting Posted Friday, March 21, 2025 10:55 am Missouri News Network: Statehouse News for MPA Members This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students for publication by MPA member newspapers in print and online. ----------------------------------------------------- With the legislature on break, Missouri News Network coverage this week focused on topics that are getting attention and where bills stand on those topics at the session’s midpoint. If you have...
$150,000 awarded to Columbia Public Schools for classroom equipment, programs

Dec 8, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Katie Grawitch |Mary Bell

Over $150,000 in grant money will be awarded for learning resources to 30 schools in the Columbia Public School District. The money is slated to bring new books, equipment and programming to elementary, middle and high schools as well as district-wide programs. The Columbia Public Schools Foundation is a private, volunteer-based organization that funds projects at schools across the district.
Columbia's 'The Littlest Magic Tree' has a new spotlight

Dec 4, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Amber Roldan |Mary Bell |Dmitry Martirosov

By Amber Roldan,Mary McCue Bell,Dmitry Martirosov Columbia's Magic Tree Lighting will take place Thursday evening at the Village of Cherry Hill. This year, a new tree has stepped up to take part in the decades-long tradition, inspiring an upcoming children's book. Will Treelighter, the artist behind Magic Tree, will light the tree at 5:30 p.m., accompanied by the Mary Paxton Keeley Elementary School Choir singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."
Commerical trash collection improved in the city

Dec 4, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Annie Goldman |Mary Bell

By Annie Goldman,Mary McCue Bell After the city was not consistently collecting trash from some commercial locations in Columbia last month, business owners are now reporting improved communication and more consistent pickups. Como Smoke and Fire, a barbecue restaurant with locations in north and south Columbia, initially brought attention to the city frequently skipping out on commercial trash collection and leaving dumpsters overflowing for days at a time.
Plans set in motion for a new Chick-fil-A location in Columbia

Dec 4, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Annie Goldman |Mary Bell

A new Chick-fil-A location in south Columbia is in the early stages of development. The city is reviewing a request to open a new Chick-fil-A restaurant and drive-thru at Red Oak Plaza. The timeline for completion is in flux, said Patrick Zenner, the city's development services manager, but it will be at least several months before residents can expect to visit the restaurant.
City Council discusses gun violence, updates to law enforcement

Dec 3, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Lola Jahant |Annie Goldman |Mary Bell

A heartfelt speech kicked off the beginning of the Columbia City Council meeting Monday night, coming from the father of a University of Missouri student who was involved in a shooting in downtown Columbia last month. In the early hours of Nov. 10, Terry Osthoff's daughter, a freshman at MU, was wounded by a gunshot.
City Council discusses gun violence, updates to law enforcement

Dec 3, 2024 | columbiamissourian.com | Lola Jahant |Annie Goldman |Mary Bell

A heartfelt speech kicked off the beginning of the Columbia City Council meeting Monday night, coming from the father of a University of Missouri student who was involved in a shooting in downtown Columbia last month. In the early hours of Nov. 10, Terry Osthoff's daughter, a freshman at MU, was wounded by a gunshot.