Columbia News
The latest reporting from Columbia.
Recent coverage
Dry, above-average temperatures expected to continue before late-week cooling trend
Mild and dry conditions will persist across the area through the weekend. Temperatures are projected to drop slightly as a cooling trend arrives later in the week.
Central Missouri High School Football Programs Conclude Regular Season
Mid-Missouri football teams closed out the regular season Friday night, including a 41-27 loss for Father Tolton against St. Michael the Archangel in Columbia. Meanwhile, Boonville capped its slate with a 55-26 win over Fulton.
Historic 1881 Sturgeon church relocated to Columbia's Nifong Park
Crews transported a 145-year-old church from Sturgeon to south Columbia, establishing its permanent home in Nifong Park. The 19th-century structure will join other preserved local landmarks at the Boone County Historical Center's village.
Columbia cartoonist John Darkow features political debate over gas prices in new illustration
Columbia-based editorial cartoonist John Darkow published a new drawing addressing partisan arguments over fuel costs. The piece examines ongoing political rhetoric regarding responsibility for consumer gasoline prices.
Columbia resident and native of France Francoise Bien dies
Francoise Bien, a Columbia resident who was born in France, died on Sunday, Sept. 20. She was born on Sept. 15, 1938, before later relocating to mid-Missouri.
Longtime Columbia Restaurateur Barbara Cheek Dies at 86
Longtime Columbia restaurant owner Barbara Cheek died Oct. 8 at the age of 86. She spent decades operating dining establishments across the local community.
Mild Weather Pattern to Keep Temperatures in the 70s Through Friday
Temperatures across the region will remain in the 70s through the remainder of the workweek. The steady forecast brings a stretch of mild, consistent conditions through the coming days.
Columbia Resident Raymond E. Perkins Dies at 79
Raymond E. Perkins died at his residence on Oct. 13, 2026. He was 79 years old.
Columbia resident Matthew Parman Wood dies at 54
Columbia resident Matthew Parman Wood died on Thursday following a battle with cancer. He was 54 years old.
Editorial Cartoonist Shares Political Commentary
Political cartoonist John Darkow presents a new editorial cartoon. The illustration offers commentary on a current event or issue.
Today marks deadline for Progress and Kindness Award submissions
Today is the final opportunity to submit nominations for the Progress and Kindness Awards. Community members recognize individuals and organizations demonstrating dedication to social well-being.
Andrew Bailey speaks in Columbia following FBI tenure
Former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey recently appeared at an event in Columbia. This marks his first public appearance after concluding his service with the FBI.
Boone County charter school expansion faces court challenge
A Missouri judge heard arguments regarding the legality of expanding charter schools into Boone County. The lawsuit questions whether the state law permitting this expansion aligns with constitutional provisions.
Local high school football teams compete during week five games
High school football continued its fifth week across central Missouri despite rainfall. Southern Boone secured a 40-20 victory over Boonville, and Helias defeated Rock Bridge 28-7.
Mizzou Football Position Groups Receive Week 3 Grades
University of Missouri football coaches evaluated individual unit performances following their third game against Troy. The team's various positions received grades based on their play.
Representative John Martin's actions draw criticism from constituents
Some Boone County voters express disappointment with Representative John Martin's legislative record. They contend his voting decisions during his first term do not align with their interests.
Campaign finance reports show funding differences for District 44 candidates
Recent campaign finance filings reveal varying financial support among candidates vying for the District 44 seat. These disclosures offer insight into the resources each campaign has accumulated.
New Columbia School Board Member Brings State Finance Insight
Paul Wagner, recently appointed to the Columbia Public Schools board, offers experience with state-level school finance. He also prioritizes ensuring families feel supported, drawing from his own child's health challenge during high school.
Columbia roadwork prompts I-70, U.S. 63 lane reductions and roundabout construction
Motorists in Columbia will experience traffic changes due to ongoing road construction projects. Work includes lane reductions on I-70 and U.S. 63, alongside new roundabout construction at Fairview and Chapel Hill roads.
Mizzou Volleyball Match at Wrigley Field Halted Due to Unsafe Court
The University of Missouri volleyball team's match against Nebraska at Chicago's Wrigley Field was suspended. Officials stopped play due to hazardous wet conditions on the court.
Columbia Cyclists Participate in Evening Illuminated Ride
Cyclists journeyed from Flat Branch Park to Twin Lakes Recreation Area on lit trails in Columbia. The event, called Kaleidospoke, highlighted the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail.
Editorial cartoon reflects on local development
Political cartoonist John Darkow created an editorial cartoon this week. The artwork comments on a community's reaction to a new development project, expressing relief about its nature.
Columbia modelers complete projects in tribute to late member
Central Missouri Scale Modelers are finishing projects initiated by Jack Andrewson, a deceased club member. The organization will honor Andrewson and display these works at the upcoming TigerCon event in November.
Hartsburg Resident Virgil Jeffery Dies at 61
Virgil Kent Jeffery, a 61-year-old resident of Hartsburg, died on August 8, 2026. He passed away in Westphalia, Missouri.
Former Columbia City Manager Details City History in New Memoir
Ray Beck, a former city manager, released a new book chronicling Columbia's development from his perspective. The publication offers insights into various city initiatives and events during his tenure.
Road closures planned for South Sinclair Road, Clark Lane in Columbia
Drivers in Columbia should anticipate upcoming road closures. South Sinclair Road will close for repairs, and the Clark Lane roundabout will also be temporarily inaccessible.
New Columbia Elementary School Features Modern Classroom Design
Columbia Public Schools will open a new elementary campus for the 2026-27 academic year. The facility incorporates contemporary classroom configurations.
Editorial Cartoon Features Local Artist's Work
This editorial cartoon showcases the work of local artist John Darkow. The piece acknowledges Simon Rose, suggesting a tribute or recognition.
South Columbia sunflower fields open to public viewing
Sunflowers at the University of Missouri's South Farm in Columbia are currently blooming. The public can view the fields in phases through September.
Editorial Cartoon Addresses Community Risk Factors
John Darkow's latest editorial cartoon highlights public health and safety concerns. The visual commentary prompts reflection on shared societal responsibilities.
Columbia cinema hosts craft event during film screening
Ragtag Cinema organized a crafting activity during a recent movie showing. This event aligns with a national trend of combining crafting with cinema, sometimes known as "Knit-Flix" or "Reel Crafts."
Columbia resident Hazel Janell Woods passes away at 99
Hazel Janell Woods, a longtime Columbia resident, died on August 7 at the age of 99. Her life spanned nearly a century.
New Columbia elementary school opens doors to students
Eagle Bluffs Elementary School recently welcomed students and families to its new facility. Attendees met staff and toured the campus, which features modern classroom designs.
Columbia explores reducing utility aid, reviews initial 2027 budget proposal
The Columbia City Council recently examined a potential decrease in residential utility assistance. Council members also began their review of the city's proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year.
Columbia Doctor Crafts Glass Art
A Columbia obstetrician-gynecologist and interim pastor creates glass marbles by hand. He dedicates his personal time to this artistic pursuit.
Columbia Traffic Delays Expected for I-70 Exit and Providence Road
Motorists in Columbia will encounter temporary disruptions as the I-70/St. Charles Road exit ramps close for maintenance. Additionally, North Providence Road will experience lane closures, impacting local traffic flow.
University of Missouri Medical Students Participate in White Coat Ceremony
First-year medical students at the University of Missouri School of Medicine recently received their white coats. This annual event marked a significant step for 136 new students.
Hinkson Creek Restoration Efforts Fall Short
Environmental records indicate Hinkson Creek remains unsafe for public recreation, despite a cleanup initiative launched in 2012. Over a decade of restoration work has produced limited improvements in water quality.
Mizzou Students Utilize Online Tools for Academic Planning
University of Missouri students employ various digital platforms to organize their academic schedules. These systems assist them in selecting courses that align with their degree requirements.
Mizzou Libraries Provide Extensive Academic Resources
University of Missouri libraries offer a wide range of materials and services to support student success in various disciplines. These include the main Ellis Library and several specialized branch locations.
Featured reporting
The Missouri Dispatch Daily Brief
The morning briefing from the Missouri Dispatch newsroom — delivered to your inbox before 7 a.m.