In photos: Missouri School of Journalism’s ‘Missouri Method’ going strong during 2026 midterm primary

Senior Cooper Ten Bruin reports on the special Columbia City Council Fourth Ward election during the 5 p.m. newscast on KOMU-TV on Aug. 4, 2026. She would later interview Sharon Jones, who won the race, for the 10 p.m. newscast. Photo: Nate Brown

By Austin Fitzgerald

Photos by Nate Brown

COLUMBIA, Mo. (Aug. 11, 2026) – The Missouri School of Journalism’s professional newsrooms sent students across the state on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to cover the 2026 midterm primary.

The Missouri News Network’s KOMU-TV, KBIA-FM and the Columbia Missourian followed voters’ responses to a special election for a Columbia City Council ward, two U.S. House races, a city proposition, three statewide constitutional amendments and more. This coverage followed weeks of reporting that gave voters detailed breakdowns of each issue and candidate on the ballot ahead of the election.

“All of the amendments on the ballot drew a record-breaking number of voters to the polls, and we knew people were watching and waiting eagerly for the results,” said Katelynn McIlwain, KBIA’s assistant news director. “It felt great to give timely updates and to work with our partners across the state to provide meaningful context to how these votes could shape the future of our state.”

The volume of coverage across different mediums and different parts of the state required coordination throughout the Missouri News Network. At a crucial time when audiences needed accurate information both before and after they cast their ballots, the election was another successful demonstration of the Missouri Method of hands-on learning, which gave students valuable experience generating high-impact coverage while providing an important service to Missourians.

“Election days are some of the most demanding days we have in a newsroom,” said Jeimmie Nevalga, KOMU’s news director. “They require planning, flexibility, teamwork and the ability to adapt as results change throughout the day. In the end, it’s our audience who wins when we do a good job.”

Follow along below to see how journalism students got the job done.