Columbia News
The latest reporting from Columbia.
Recent coverage
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.

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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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 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.

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."

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 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.

Missouri Method Provides Practical Experience for University Students
The University of Missouri's experiential learning approach, developed by its journalism school in 1908, now spans numerous academic disciplines. This educational philosophy emphasizes hands-on training for students.

Columbia gym offers obstacle course training for all ages
A Columbia facility provides American Ninja Warrior-style training equipment and classes. The gym serves a wide range of ages, from children seeking recreational activities to adults pursuing fitness objectives.
Report examines experiences of young people in mid-Missouri
Reporters investigated what daily life is like for young individuals across mid-Missouri. The study focused on various topics relevant to this demographic.
Road Closures and Lane Reductions Impact Columbia Traffic
Officials will close Old 63 and reduce Interstate 70 to one lane at Providence Road. These changes will affect Columbia roadways and surrounding Boone County traffic.

Editorial Cartoonist John Darkow Comments on Political Advertising
Editorial cartoonist John Darkow recently released new artwork. The cartoon visually interprets a common sentiment regarding current political campaign advertisements.

Columbia forecasts scattered showers Friday, high temperatures next week
Columbia expects scattered rainfall on Friday, with cooler temperatures reaching the low 70s. The forecast indicates hotter and more humid conditions will return next week.

Ashland FFA Members Attend Floral Design Event
Ashland Future Farmers of America (FFA) students participated in a floral design symposium in Orlando, Florida. The event featured educational sessions and networking opportunities for those in the floriculture field.

Ashland Residents Recognized for July Home Landscaping
Destry and William Moffat's Ashland property received the July Yard of the Month award. The couple significantly improved their home's landscaping since moving to the area in October 2025.

Young Entrepreneur Plans Future on Family Ranch Amid Industry Shifts
A 12-year-old in Boone County prepares to continue his family's ranching operation. This generational commitment occurs as family-owned agricultural businesses face increasing challenges statewide.

Columbia Resident Nancy Little Dies at 70
Nancy Little, a Columbia resident, passed away at age 70 on July 9 while receiving hospice care. She was at the home of her daughter and son-in-law.

Editorial Cartoon by John Darkow
This editorial cartoon was created by John Darkow. It offers a visual commentary on current events.
East Ash Street Closure Begins as U.S. 54 Ramp to I-70 Westbound Reopens in Columbia
East Ash Street in Columbia has closed for ongoing roadwork. Simultaneously, the U.S. 54 on-ramp providing access to Interstate 70 westbound is now open to traffic.
Columbia Prepares for Its First Charter School in 2027
Frontier STEM Elementary will launch in Columbia in fall 2027, marking the city's introduction to charter schools. This development offers local families an additional public education option.

Columbia anticipates clear skies after morning rain
Forecasters predict morning showers will dissipate in Columbia, leading to increased sunshine today. The rest of the week should bring drier and sunnier weather conditions.

Habitat for Humanity, CraftCycle Mark Partnership Milestone
Habitat for Humanity of Central Missouri and CoMo CraftCycle commemorated a year of collaboration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Attendees celebrated the successful partnership between the two organizations.

Editorial Cartoonist John Darkow Publishes New Work
Editorial cartoonist John Darkow recently released a new cartoon. The artwork reflects current events through a visual commentary.

Columbia Educators Operate Mobile Flower Business
Two educators from Columbia Public Schools operate a floral business from a refurbished Volkswagen van. The mobile flower shop offers handcrafted bouquets to customers.

Editorial Cartoon Addresses Political Commentary
Artist John Darkow created a new editorial cartoon. The drawing offers visual commentary on current political topics.
Featured reporting
The Missouri Dispatch Daily Brief
The morning briefing from the Missouri Dispatch newsroom — delivered to your inbox before 7 a.m.

