News Tribune On Tap

Jan. 26, 2022 - HER Magazine "New Beginnings" Issue

In this week's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with HER Magazine Editor Molly Morris about the process of creating HER Magazine and the stories and themes in the first two issues of the year, including the “new beginnings” issue, which came out Wednesday, January 26.

Nov. 19, 2020 - How Cole County is addressing rising COVID-19 cases (ft. Cole County Health Director Kristi Campbell)

News Tribune on Tap · How Cole County is addressing rising COVID-19 cases

In today's episode, Cole County Health Director Kristi Campbell outlined how Cole County and Jefferson City are responding to increasing COVID-19 cases, as well as provided practical tips and guidance on how you can best protect yourself.

Oct. 10, 2020 - Public Safety Town Hall (ft. Lincoln University associate professor Darius Watson)

News Tribune on Tap · Public Safety Town Hall (ft. Lincoln University associate professor Darius Watson)

Lincoln University associate professor Darius Watson shares the vision behind an upcoming town hall devoted to improving public safety in the community. Five panelists (from law enforcement, the courts and advocates for civil rights and children) will field questions and hear suggestions from the community on how to improve public safety in Jefferson City and the Mid-Missouri area. The town hall is set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and will be live-streamed at newstribune.com


Oct. 10, 2020 - Lincoln University To Get Police Academy (ft. LU associate professor Darius Watson)

News Tribune on Tap · Lincoln University To Get Police Academy (ft. LU associate professor Darius Watson)

Lincoln University's proposal to establish a law enforcement training academy recently received preliminary approval. LU associate professor Darius Watson, who has been working on the idea with LU Police Chief Gary Hill and associate professor Joseph Steenbergen, shares details about the university's plans for the program and what it would mean for the Jefferson City campus and surrounding community.


Oct. 3, 2020 - Virtual Porchfest to take place Sunday (ft. organizer Leann Porrello)

News Tribune on Tap · Virtual Porchfest To Take Place Sunday (ft. Organizer Leann Porrello)

Sundays are a great day to unwind, relax and engage in family-friendly activities. This Sunday, Oct. 4, Porchfest gives Mid-Missourians the chance to do all three from the comforts of their own homes. Leann Porrello, cultural arts specialist with the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department, shares how Sunday's gathering will bring together musical acts, as well as performance arts, culinary arts and visual arts in a virtual environment.


Sept. 19, 2020 - Special Legislative Session 2020 (ft. State Government Reporter Phillip Sitter)

News Tribune on Tap · Special Legislative Session 2020

State government reporter Phillip Sitter chats with Managing Editor Gary Castor about what legislation passed during the recent special session. Gov. Mike Parson called the session with a narrowly focused agenda on public safety. The six bills considered elicited heated debate and protests. Two of the bills passed and were sent to the governor. Phillip forecasts public safety will be a hot topic when the Legislature convenes in January.


Sept. 3, 2020 - Mid-Missouri football kicks off amid COVID-19 pandemic (ft. Sports Editor Tom Rackers)

News Tribune on Tap · Mid-Missouri football kicks off amid COVID-19 pandemic (ft. Sports Editor Tom Rackers)

Several Mid-Missouri schools kicked off their first week of football games last Friday, and for the most part, everything went off without a hitch, Sports Editor Tom Rackers said. Now that schools move into the next few weeks, there have already been some changes and flexibility will be key this season. Tom explains how schools in Jefferson City are limiting the number of fans and what that means for the next few weeks.


Sept. 2, 2020 - Controversy surrounds confederate marker in Jefferson City (ft. City Government Reporter Emily Cole)

News Tribune on Tap · Controversy surrounds confederate marker in Jefferson City (ft. City Government Reporter Emily Cole)

A Civil War marker on Moreau Drive depicting a moment when a Confederate general decided not to attack Jefferson City has recently become a point of contention in the community between those who say it is a piece of the Capital City’s history and those who say its facts are wrong and it promotes racism. Jefferson City government reporter Emily Cole explains how the future of the marker will be determined by city government.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's story about the Sterling Price marker in Jefferson City: Two Jefferson City commissions recommend removal of Civil War marker

Historic Preservation Commission recommends not removing Confederate marker

Cole County History: Gen. Sterling Price's threat to Jefferson City in 1864

Historic Preservation Commission discusses Confederate marker


Aug. 23, 2020 - News Tribune improves engagement with community (ft. Community Engagement Editor Nicole Roberts)

News Tribune on Tap · News Tribune improves engagement with the community (ft. Community Engagement Editor Nicole Roberts)

With the "fake news" culture overtaking the media industry, the News Tribune is trying to encourage community engagement and transparency through its coverage and events. In this week’s episode, Community Engagement Editor Nicole Roberts shares some of the efforts and events she and other staff members at the News Tribune undertake in an effort promote involvement and conversation within the community.


Aug. 12, 2020 - Local schools release re-entry plans (ft. Education reporter Layne Stracener)

News Tribune on Tap · Local schools release re-entry plans (ft. Education reporter Layne Stracener)

It's "back to school" time for many students, but this year is a little different. Due to the pandemic, local schools are implementing re-entry plans in hopes of containing the coronavirus and keeping both educators and students safe. Layne Stracener, News Tribune education reporter, chats with Managing Editor Gary Castor about how schools in Jefferson City plan to offer classes this fall, and whether those plans are achievable.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's story about local Jefferson City schools' re-entry plans: Jefferson City School District announces fall re-entry plan

Blair Oaks unveils draft of fall re-entry plan

Helias releases re-entry plan


Aug. 9, 2020 - Protests at the Missouri Capitol (ft. Public safety reporter Jeff Haldiman)

News Tribune on Tap · Protests at the Missouri Capitol (ft. Public safety reporter Jeff Haldiman)

Lately, Jefferson City has become the site of protests regarding crime legislation that is being considered at the Missouri General Assembly. Public safety reporter Jeff Haldiman shares why the protesters are protesting in Jefferson City and why the protests — just one week apart — ended so differently.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's story about the protests: About 70 peacefully protest at Capitol over crime bill

Jefferson City police arrest 8 protesters outside Governor's Mansion


Aug. 2, 2020 - Retiring Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce President Randy Allen reflects on career and coronavirus pandemic

News Tribune on Tap · Retiring Chamber of Commerce President Randy Allen reflects on career and coronavirus pandemic

Randy Allen retired from the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce on July 1 after more than a decade. He reflects on his time with the chamber and how it and Jefferson City has adapted, both during the 2008 recession and the current coronavirus pandemic. He also describes what he sees are the economic challenges and opportunities facing Jefferson City and the chamber.


July 19, 2020 - Jefferson City Council debates mask ordinance (ft. City Govt. Reporter Emily Cole)

News Tribune on Tap · Jefferson City Council debates mask ordinance (ft. City Govt. Reporter Emily Cole)

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, cities around the nation are considering or have already passed ordinances to require face coverings in public. Whether Jefferson City creates a mask ordinance is uncertain, but the possibility may be influenced by case numbers in the area. In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Emily Cole, city government reporter, talks about the council's thoughts on a mask ordinance and what may happen in the future.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's story about the Jefferson City Council's mask ordinance: Jefferson City Council: Mask ordinance dependent on rise in cases


July 1, 2020 - Missouri tries to address coronavirus spike (ft. State govt. reporter Phillip Sitter)

News Tribune on Tap · Baseball to return during coronavirus pandemic (ft. Sports Editor Tom Rackers)

Sports Editor Tom Rackers explains how Major League Baseball plans to get the "boys of summer" on the field on the field again, as well as tries to make the case for designated hitters in America's pastime. He failed to persuade the host.


June 28, 2020 - Missouri tries to address coronavirus spike (ft. State govt. reporter Phillip Sitter)


News Tribune on Tap · Missouri tries to address coronavirus spike (ft. state govt. reporter Phillip Sitter)

In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, state government reporter Phillip Sitter chats about ways Missouri is trying to combat the spike in coronavirus cases and what the state's next steps are.


June 21, 2020 - Playing sports during the coronavirus pandemic (ft. Sports Editor Tom Rackers and Assistant Sports Editor Greg Jackson)


News Tribune on Tap · Sports After Coronavirus Pandemic (ft. Tom Rackers and Greg Jackson)


Baseball has returned to Mid-Missouri after several sports were canceled or postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Sports Editor Tom Rackers and Assistant Sports Editor Greg Jackson share how teams are playing baseball during the pandemic, as well as forecast just what the sports world might look like in the months ahead.



June 11, 2020 - Combating structural racism (ft. Missouri NAACP President Rod Chapel)


News Tribune on Tap · Combating structural racism (ft. Missouri NAACP President Rod Chapel)


As America struggles with how to address issues of structural racism in today's society, Missouri NAACP President Rod Chapel explains racism is fundamentally wrong because America should be a place for everybody. The beginnings of a solution, he says, is creating an environment of empathy and understanding for all.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's top stories about the George Floyd protests: More than 1,000 protest racism in Capital City
Local group rallies against police brutality and racial inequality
Faith leaders ask congregations to reflect on racism
Recent events take center stage as faith leaders gather
Missouri Gov. Parson on civil unrest: 'We're going to put an end to it'



June 7, 2020 - Jefferson City Council selects Missouri State Penitentiary developer (ft. Emily Cole)


News Tribune on Tap · Jefferson City Council selects Missouri State Penitentiary developer


The Jefferson City Council voted to move forward with a proposal from Chesterfield Hotels to redevelop city-owned property at the Missouri State Penitentiary. The redevelopment includes a hotel, conference center, ice arena, a mixture of shops and apartments and parking garages. In today's episode, City Hall Reporter Emily Cole discusses what the next steps are and what finances look like for the project.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's top Missouri State Penitentiary development stories: Jefferson City Council selects Chesterfield group as MSP developer
Jefferson City Council divided on MSP developer ahead of possible Monday vote



May 24, 2020 - Mayor Carrie Tergin reflects on anniversary of Jefferson City tornado


News Tribune on Tap · Mayor Carrie Tergin reflects on anniversary of Jefferson City tornado


The winds may have been strong but Jefferson City is stronger, Mayor Carrie Tergin recalls as she reflects on the road to recovery Missouri's Capital City has been on in the last year since the May 22, 2019, tornado.



May 22, 2020 - One-year anniversary of the Jefferson City tornado


News Tribune on Tap · The one-year anniversary of the Jefferson City tornado


On May 22, 2019, an EF-3 tornado swept through Jefferson City and surrounding communities, leaving devastation behind. Now, one-year later, four News Tribune reporters recall the night of the tornado and what it was like in the days and weeks covering the natural disaster.



May 14, 2020 - Lincoln University in financial hole during coronavirus (ft. Phillip Sitter)




In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with reporter Phillip Sitter about Lincoln University's financial struggles during the coronavirus. Lincoln University recently declared financial exigency and anticipates a drop in enrollment next school year.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's top Lincoln University stories about the coronavirus: LU declares financial exigency
No imminent danger of closing LU, president says
Lincoln University looks at significant enrollment declines for summer, fall



May 9, 2020 - Businesses reopen and try to weather coronavirus pandemic (ft. Nicole Roberts)




In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor chats with Nicole Roberts, community engagement editor and business reporter, about how businesses are adjusting to new norms after state and county stay-at-home orders expire, as well as how the businesses are weathering financially.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's top business stories about the coronavirus: Governor, first lady explore how merchants adapt to pandemic
Some Jefferson City businesses reopen as statewide order lifts



April 25, 2020 - Rep. Dave Griffith talks Missouri Legislature's response to COVID-19


Jefferson City News Tribune · News Tribune On Tap - Rep. Dave Griffith talks Missouri Legislature's response to COVID-19


In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with Rep. Dave Griffith, R-Jefferson City, about how the Missouri Legislature will address the coronavirus pandemic and challenges to expect over the next several months.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's top stories about the coronavirus: Top Mid-Missouri news about COVID-19
Missouri Legislature to return to Capitol April 27
Missouri Gov. Parson: Plan for reopening coming next week



April 23, 2020 - Cole County stay-at-home order to expire




In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with Cole County Health Department Director Kristi Campbell about the county's decision not to extend its stay-at-home order and what that means for residents. The county's order is set to expire at noon on Saturday, April 25.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's top stories about the coronavirus: Top Mid-Missouri news about COVID-19
Cole County to end local stay-at-home order Saturday
Protest opposing stay-at-home order held at Missouri Capitol
Moniteau 1 of 2 rural Missouri counties with meat plants seeing COVID-19 spike



April 20, 2020 - Mid-MO sports sidelined during COVID-19




In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with Ryan Burns, director of communications for the Jefferson City School District. She shares how remote learning is going within the school district, as well as how the district is making plans for traditions like prom, graduation and summer school.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's top stories about the coronavirus: Top Mid-Missouri news about COVID-19
Local schools extend remote learning plans
Board of Education discusses school year changes, budget
JC Schools, Boys & Girls Club expand meal program



April 16, 2020 - Mid-MO sports sidelined during COVID-19




Because of the coronavirus, sports have been sidelined for the foreseeable future. Stay-at-home orders have caused many seniors to give up their last year of playing, while coaches are trying to find new ways to stay in contact with student athletes with schools being closed. In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with Assistant Sports Editor Greg Jackson about how COVID-19 has impacted Mid-Missouri sports and what that means for both the spring and fall sports.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's top stories about the coronavirus: Top Mid-Missouri news about COVID-19
Lincoln's Hoskins frustrated as his team couldn't finish spring football campaign
Helias' A.D. Guinn: 'Devastating our spring sports were canceled'



April 9, 2020 - Mid-Missouri first responders tackle COVID-19




In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with Jeff Haldiman, public safety reporter, about how Mid-Missouri first responders are responding to COVID-19, from the protective gear they're wearing to their interactions with the community.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's top stories about the coronavirus: Top Mid-Missouri news about COVID-19
Personal protective equipment, procedures key for first responders facing COVID-19
Missouri Gov. Parson issues statewide stay-at-home order
Cole County reports first COVID-19 death
Local hospitals lean on technology
State prepares to open first alternative care site



April 7, 2020 - Cole County Health Department addresses COVID-19 (ft. Health Department Director Kristi Campbell)




In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with Cole County Health Department Director Kristi Campbell about how her staff handles and investigates positive tests for COVID-19, as well as the factors that went into declaring a county-wide stay-at-home order. She also offers tips on how we can minimize risks of contracting the novel coronavirus.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's top stories about the coronavirus: Top Mid-Missouri news about COVID-19
Cole County to invoke stay-at-home order in response to COVID-19 pandemic
Missouri Gov. Parson issues statewide stay-at-home order
Cole County reports first COVID-19 death
City council extends emergency declarations until May



April 2, 2020 - Jefferson City demolishes downtown crumbling building after almost two years




In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with Community Engagement Editor Nicole Roberts about the crumbling building in the heart of downtown Jefferson City. Almost two years after the west wall of 200 E. High St. partially collapsed, residents gathered at the corner of East High and Madison streets Wednesday to watch construction crews begin tearing down the building.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's stories about the downtown crumbling building in Jefferson City: Jefferson City demolishes crumbling downtown building
City taking ownership of crumbling building
As deadline passes, demolition still unclear for crumbling Jefferson City building
City: Wall between 2 buildings failing
Thursday Night Live canceled after bricks fall from downtown building



April 1, 2020 - Managing mental health during COVID-19




In today's bonus episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with psychologist Laurel Kramer about how to manage your mental health during COVID-19, from working from home to being cooped up inside for days or weeks at a time.

Click the link below to read some of the News Tribune's most recent COVID-19 coverage: Top Mid-Missouri news about COVID-19



March 26, 2020 - Cole County public defender shortage




In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with Jeff Haldiman, News Tribune courts reporter, about the shortage of public defenders and how that has impacted the Cole County Courthouse and local residents waiting for legal representation.

Click the link below to read Jeff Haldiman's stories about the public defender shortage in Cole County: Cole County to help public defender's office hire attorneys
Agreement could help ease public defender workload



March 25, 2020 - Jefferson City's response to COVID-19 (ft. Mayor Carrie Tergin)





In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Gary Castor chats with Mayor Carrie Tergin about Jefferson City's response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and her advice to the community.

Click the links below to read some of the News Tribune's most recent COVID-19 coverage: Top Mid-Missouri news about COVID-19
Cole County advisories urge residents to stay home, quarantine after travel
7 ways you can support local businesses




March 20, 2020 - COVID-19 in Jefferson City





The novel coronavirus is impacting everyday life, from workers to businesses to government operations. In Jefferson City, Missouri, local and state officials are rushing to contain the COVID-19. Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with Joe Gamm, state and health reporter, about what the community and local officials are doing to contain the virus.

Click the links below to read some of the News Tribune's most recent COVID-19 coverage: Top Mid-Missouri news about COVID-19
Cole County to ban large gatherings, closing restaurants and bars
Governor: People must have plans to overcome COVID-19
Area health care providers prepare for COVID-19




March 12, 2020 - HER Magazine "Nerd Issue"





In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with HER Magazine Editor Madeleine Leroux about the upcoming issue of HER Magazine, which has been nicknamed the "nerd issue." Listen to Madeleine chat about local Mid-Missouri women who participate in cosplay and play e-sports and Dungeons and Dragons!




March 5, 2020 - Covering local and national elections





You see it on TV, hear it on the radio and read it in the newspapers. The news media loves covering politics, from national government all the way down to city government and school board races. With municipal elections next month and the presidential election only months away, Gary Castor chats with City Editor Rebecca Martin about how reporters at the Jefferson City News Tribune cover elections and what strategies the newspaper uses to reach a wider audience, all while trying to remain fair throughout its coverage.




Feb. 27, 2020 - Lincoln University's fight to increase enrollment





In this week's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Gary Castor chats with Phillip Sitter, state and higher education reporter, about Lincoln University's enrollment struggles and how the university plans to address these issues. Also, make sure to listen to the end to hear Phillip's pun!

Click the links below to read Phillip's stories about Lincoln University's strategies to increase enrollment: LU works to attract more freshmen, retain students LU curators approve flat rate tuition




Feb. 20, 2020 - What are the next steps in the controversial relocation of East Miller Park?





In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, Gary Castor chatted with Emily Cole, Jefferson City government reporter, about the controversial potential relocation of East Miller Park to make room for an expansion at the national veteran's cemetery. Listen to what both sides of the issue have to say and what the next steps are in the process. Also, don't miss outtakes from the show at the end!

Click the links below to read Emily's stories about the possible relocation of East Miller Park: Parks approves relocation of East Miller Park for veteran's cemetery expansion
Two sides of proposed East Miller Park relocation address Parks Commission
Neighbor opposes relocation of East Miller Park
East Miller Park space eyed to expand Jefferson City National Cemetery




Feb. 13, 2020 - Welcome David Meadows as the new CMNI General Manager





In today's episode of News Tribune on Tap, News Tribune Managing Editor Gary Castor chats with David Meadows, the new Central Missouri Newspapers Inc. general manager. With more than 30 years of experience in the media industry, David has watched the field evolve. Find out what David's thoughts are on the ever-changing media industry and what that means for CMNI in today's episode!

Click here to read this Dec. 13, 2019, story about David: Meadows named CMNI general manager




Feb. 6, 2020 - Issues facing the Missouri Department of Corrections





Gary Castor, Jefferson City News Tribune managing editor, talks with state reporter Joe Gamm about issues facing the Missouri Department of Corrections, along with the department's proposal to close housing units at half-a-dozen correctional centers in the state, including one in Jefferson City. Joe also toured two local prisons and describes what they look like, as well as the differences between them.

Click here to read this Feb. 1 story: Algoa, Tipton prisons to close buildings




Jan. 30, 2020 - Kansas City Chiefs play in the Super Bowl





Gary Castor, Jefferson City News Tribune managing editor, sat down with Tom Rackers, News Tribune sports editor, to talk about the Kansas City Chiefs' hope of winning the 2020 Super Bowl during this episode of News Tribune on Tap.