Columbia Today

Paul Friedman joined us for his weekly entertainment report.  Will there be a new Quentin Tarantino movie starring Brad Pitt?  We also discussed the deaths of legendary music composers Sly Stone and the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson.  #BeachBoys #SlyStone #Tarantino #BradPittSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're entering a new era in College Sports, but who will pay the price?  How will recent changes impact the fan experience?  Ted Farnen, Tom Whelihan, and D. Larimer discuss. #CollegeSports #NIL #TransferPortal #Mizzou #NCAA #AthletePaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brady Dubois, CEO of Boone Health, discusses the hospital's new four-year agreement with Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which will ensure Boone patients with Anthem insurance will be considered in-network.  #BooneHealth #Insurance #HealthInsuranceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Missouri lawmakers approved hundreds of millions of dollars in financial aid to encourage the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to stay in the state.  Ted Farnen reacts to the news, and talks about what could happen next. #Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom #Royals #StadiumFunding See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Columbia Public Schools had its first season of boys volleyball, and Ted Farnen interviewed Hickman coach Greg Gunn and rising sophomore libero Cole Freed about their inaugural season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The university’s designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research has been extended through academic year 2030.  We spoke with Mizzou's Dr. Prasad Calyam about the importance of cybersecurity. #cybersecurity #mizzou #ColumbiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted Farnen interviewed Parks and Recreation director Gabe Huffington on "Columbia Today" about the city's "Fire in the Sky" celebration, which will be held Friday July 4 at Stephens Lake Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The Life of a Murder" is a book about the true local story of a senseless murder and a dogged cop's 35-year pursuit of the killer, all told by judge Gary Oxenhandler who tried the case.  We spoke with Oxenhandler about the case, and his incredible book.   #truecrime #Columbia #Como See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We spoke with Brad Johnson and Jennifer Rodewald of Shelter Insurance about the 50th anniversary of the Shelter Gardens, a longtime Columbia favorite attraction. #Columbia #ComoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We spoke with Eli Hoff, Mizzou beat writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, about the game-changing ways financing for college athletics was revised by a multi-billion dollar court settlement.  #ncaa #NIL #collegesports #athletepaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Viets, local attorney, joined KFRU to discuss President Trump's attacks on higher education and college students, the status of expunging past Missouri cases involving marijuana law violations, how Columbia should handle recycling, and President Trump's bizarre claim that former President Biden was executed and replaced by a clone or robot. #Trump #BidenRobots #marijuana #ComoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Friedman called in from Hollywood for his weekly Entertainment Report.  Paul discussed George Clooney's upcoming live play on CNN, the annual Tony Awards presentation, the Brad Pitt movie sequel, and new movies appearing on streaming services and in theaters.  #Clooney #BradPitt #Hollywood See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Stull, the director of media relations for the St. Louis Battlehawks, discussed the spring football team's conference championship game on June 8, and tornado victim relief efforts the team is undertaking.  #Battlehawks #STL #KawKaw #KawIsTheLawSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the winners of the Missouri History Day Contest, sponsored by the State Historical Society of Missouri, was Sophia Wack of Gentry Middle School. She joined her teacher, Heather Bruns, to discuss the winning project.  #Missouri #CPSBest See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We spoke with Tom Warhover, chair of the MU Faculty Council, to discuss what the Faculty does, its recent meeting with President Mun Choi, how budget cuts might affect teachers, and the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. #AI #Mizzou #Como #ColumbiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should we be cutting funding to local libraries?  We spoke with Robin Westphal, executive director of the library system, about funding cuts at the state and national level.  We also talked about the summer reading program at Daniel Boone Regional Library.  #mogov #libraries #columbia #comoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The St. Louis Zoo is widely regarded as one of the best in the nation.  Ted spoke with Michael Macek, the director of the Zoo about unique animal exhibits and how the zoo responded to the May 16th tornado that swept through the area.  #STL #Zoo #See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We had a chance to talk with Scott Innes, the voice of Scooby Doo, Shaggy, and many other great characters!  We learned about how Scott got into voiceover work, and his history in Columbia!  You can see Scott in person on June 5th at Boster Castle Studio in Columbia from 4pm-8pm.  #Scooby #ScoobyDoo #Como #Shaggy #VoiceoverSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Missouri lawmakers have reconvened for a special legislative session.  One focus of the session is stadium funding for the Chiefs and the Royals.  Rudi Keller joined us from Jefferson City with the latest details.  #Chiefs #Royals #moleg #JeffersonCity #ChiefsKingdomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, we learn more about Columbia Public Schools' Partners in Education program.  Ted spoke with Molly Delgado, Community Relations Specialist with CPS, and Laura Gerding, Corporate Communications Strategist at Missouri Employers Mutual.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hollywood insider Paul Friedman talks about big numbers at the Box Office this summer.  He also gives us details about the new "Karate Kid: Legends" movie that is in theatres now.  #Hollywood #KarateKid #KarateKidLegends #moviesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From health and well-being to housing and recreation, Mizzou offers a wide variety of services for it's students.  Ted talked with Angela King Taylor, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, to break it all down.  #Mizzou #studentlife #Columbia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jodie Jackson, editor of COMO magazine and Columbia Business Times, talked to Ted Farnen on "Columbia Today" about the "legacy issue" he's working on and the legacy of former city administrator Ray Beck.  #Columbia #Como #HistorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brittney Harper, director of the Centralia Anchor Festival, provided the details about this fun May 30-June 1 event in northern Boone County on "Columbia Today with Ted Farnen." #Anchorfest #Centralia #BooneCounty #Missouri See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Columbia's Juneteenth events were the focus of a discussion featuring the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau's Amy Schneider and Megan McConachie on "Columbia Today with Ted Farnen."  #juneteenth #columbia #comoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shelly La Fate, owner of Columbia's Pasta La Fata, talked to Ted on "Columbia Today" about why she opened her restaurant, the type of food she served, and her winning of a statewide award. #Columbia #Food #Foodie #pasta #localSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted talks with Hollywood Insider Paul Friedman about this year's summer blockbusters.  We also get details about Billy Joel canceling his concert tour for health reasons, and new life for the S.W.A.T TV show.  #movies #liloandstitch #missionimpossible #tomcruise #columbiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted had former Mizzou basketball star Laurence Bowers on the program to talk about the Mizzou Alumni Basketball Game and his summer basketball camps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encouraging summer reading for local students was the focus of discussion during Dr. Kerry Townsend's appearance on "Columbia Today with Ted Farnen."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy Powell, artistic director of the Mizzou Summer Repertory Theatre, discusses this summer's lineup of plays and musicals on the Mizzou campus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted welcomed Representative John Martin, R-Boone County, to discuss the past legislative session, his reasoning for wanting to repeal two voter approved initiatives, and the upcoming special session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Gooch and Andy Robinson joined Ted to mark the one-year anniversary of the Ranken Tech campus in Ashland and discuss the long term success of the St. Louis-based vocational-technical schoolSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Entertainment Report, Paul Friedman gives an update on the Diddy trial and reflects on the passing of beloved character actor Joe Don BakerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jean Becker, a former top aide to President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, shares about her time working with the Bushes on this edition of "Columbia Today"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helen Porter, Chief of Schools, and Ken Gregory, safety and security director, joined Ted  to discuss high school graduations, how early to get to the ceremonies, safety concerns at Columbia Public Schools events, and what state legislation might mean for local schools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Entertainment Report, Paul Friedman talks about President Trump's plans to put tariffs on films and TV shows produced outside of the United States, Lady Gaga's record breaking concert, and new movies coming out in May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Father Dan Merz from Columbia's Newman Center talks about what the election of American-born Pope Leo XIV means to him and why his church recently underwent a name change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Fetterly of COMO Preservation shares about the group's mission and an upcoming fundraiser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two award-winning teachers from Columbia Public Schools (Becky Eckerle from Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary and Courtney Haas of Gentry Middle School) joined the program alongside their respective principals (Amanda Minear and Sam Bornhauser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Bender is the founder of the new Museum of BBQ, located in Kansas City's Crown Center. He joined Ted to share the details about what visitors can expect at this new attraction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Entertainment Report, Paul Friedman talks with Ted about the Tony nominations and the new Marvel movie "Thunderbolts"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carol Zimmermann, the news editor for the National Catholic Reporter, joined Ted to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis and talk about the upcoming conclave.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian, podcaster, and former Mizzou wrestler Greg Warren joined Ted to preview his performance at the Blue Note on Friday, May 2nd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mizzou graduate Seth Wickersham, who is now a senior writer at ESPN, shares about his upcoming book "American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this week's Entertainment Report, Paul Friedman talks about all things Coachella and the new Michael B. Jordan film "Sinners"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Hoehn, the program director of MURR, joined the program to share about the game-changing details of the new nuclear research reactor project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Larry Rottmann, a Vietnam veteran who is involved with two presentations at the State Historical Society of Missouri, talked to Ted about his experiences in Vietnam and his upcoming presentation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin O'Malley, a retired lawyer from St. Louis and former ambassador to Ireland, joined Ted to discuss Ireland's relationship with America and Great Britain and how President Trump's policies are affecting US-European relations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Missouri's Department of Revenue Director Trish Vincent shares about the new Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday and gives an update on the status of needing a Real IDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill comments on President Trump's second term, how Elon Musk's efforts to cut government are affecting citizens, why legal due process is important for everyone, how Democrats need to respond, and why it was a mistake for Joe Biden to run for re-election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.