Daily
Columbia
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On New Year's Day, Sophia's Helping Hand served hot meals from Grandma's Southern Eats to 39 homeless residents — the organizer said cold weather likely led to lower turnout while emphasizing the growing need in the community. KOMU 8
- ➤ Sophia’s Helping Hand, a Columbia nonprofit, served hot meals for the homeless at Grandma’s Southern Eats on New Year’s Day. Founders said the meal, which served 39 people—lower than past events due to cold weather and a missing shuttle—highlighted the growing local need. KOMU 8
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Columbia is rebuilding its tornado-damaged recycling facility — inspired by other successful projects — after City Council approved a $3.6 million plan. The work is set to restore local recycling operations. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ The new Missouri laws that took effect Jan. 1 increased the minimum wage to $15, ended mandatory paid sick leave, lowered fees for US-brewed beer + launched a school program for emergency bleeding care. KOMU 8
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MU Healthcare ER physician Dr. Christopher Sampson (a local doctor) said New Year's Day saw a spike in visits from motor vehicle collisions, falls, and food or alcohol complications. ER staff also treated high blood pressure, seasonal flu in children, and other holiday-related emergencies. KRCG
- ➤ SSM Health and UnitedHealthcare signed a 30-day temporary agreement today to keep patient care running while they assess future plans for local service continuity. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ MU Health Care welcomed its first baby of 2026 in Columbia on Thursday when Ahkira Primer was born at 1:50 a.m. at the Children’s Hospital & her mother is doing well. Earlier that night in Jefferson City, another baby was delivered. KOMU 8
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MO Rock Fest
7-8:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of live rock music in Columbia's popular venue.
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Intro to Longarm Quilting Class
6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials provided — Learn the basics of longarm quilting and create a small tapestry in this engaging two-hour workshop.
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Auburn Tigers at Missouri Tigers Basketball
6-8 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Cost info not provided — Watch the Auburn Tigers take on the Missouri Tigers in an exciting college basketball matchup.
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Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness a thrilling clash between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Missouri Tigers on the basketball court.
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University of Missouri Hockey vs. University of Nebraska
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Washington Park Ice Arena — Ticket information varies — Catch an exciting hockey game as the University of Missouri faces off against the University of Nebraska.
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Celebration of Missouri Food and Wine
6-9 p.m. — COMO Marketing — Tickets required — Experience a four-course tasting menu by renowned Columbia chefs highlighting local cuisine and wine.
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Intro to Shapeoko CNC Routers Class
6:00-8:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials included — Learn about the Shapeoko router and elevate your woodworking skills while adhering to safety protocols.
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Intro to Machine Embroidery Class
6:00-8:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials provided — Learn to use the Melco Bravo embroidery machine and create your own embroidered item.
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Missouri Tigers vs. Oklahoma Sooners Basketball Game
1-3 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Check ticket prices — Watch the University of Oklahoma take on the Missouri Tigers in an exciting college basketball matchup.
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Texas A&M Aggies vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball
5-7 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Free trial available — Experience exciting college basketball as Texas A&M takes on Missouri in this SEC showdown.
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