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Patients, staff, and families celebrated Link (a nine-year-old golden retriever) as he retired on Friday from his role as a service dog at the children’s hospital, where he helped kids feel at ease.

Link will now enjoy retirement at his handler Corinne Joplin’s home.

Radio hosts Simon Rose and David Gaines were laid off from KFRU in Columbia as Cumulus Media cut jobs nationwide.

Rose, who served 37 years on air, and Gaines, with 18 years at the station, both appreciated the support from loyal listeners.

Conservationists reintroduced river otters over several decades, and the species now thrives statewide.

The project began in the 1980s and helps balance local stream ecosystems (though some private pond owners report fewer fish).

Elevator repairs will keep two downtown garages partially offline for several months—each garage will continue to offer one operational elevator and open parking during maintenance.

The Eighth and Walnut Plaza and Short Street garages will see staggered repair schedules, as detailed in a city news release.

The St. Charles Road bridge will open to traffic at 4 p.m. Friday while crews continue installing sidewalks, which will be completed for pedestrians mid-to-late September, MoDOT said.

Columbia residents can expect continued improvements to pedestrian connections along I-70 soon.

Families gathered at MU Pavilion on Friday for the Community Back to School Bash to collect free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts + screenings, and household essentials that eased back-to-school costs; organizers expect turnout to surpass last year’s numbers.

This event provided essential support to struggling families in Columbia.

Moberly Area Community College is launching a new degree program for commercial pilot training at the old airport terminal in Columbia.

The program will equip students with the skills needed for FAA certification.

Fewer young donors have visited Missouri blood drives this summer as school closures cut participation by about 40% at the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks & steady supplies are held for now, though centers warn that conditions can change quickly if appointments fall.