Good morning, Columbia.

The CoMoGives campaign raised $2,056,362 from over 4,000 donors in 2025 — a record that underscores strong local support.

In 2025, CoMoGives raised over $2 million by collecting 11,542 donations from 4,061 donors during its month-long campaign from Dec.

1 — 31 to benefit nonprofits in Central Missouri. The top fundraisers were Central Missouri Humane Society, Voluntary Action Center, and City of Refuge.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is accepting real Christmas trees until the end of January to recycle them into cover for fish & wildlife.

Residents can donate trees stripped of decorations and no taller than 10 feet at drop-off spots in Columbia, Cosmo-Bethel Park, and other mid-Missouri locations.

MU Health Care welcomed the first babies of 2026 on Jan.

1 when Xander was born at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City at 12:15 a.m. and Ahkira was born at MU Children's Hospital in Columbia at 1:50 a.m.; both mothers and babies are doing well.

Weston Charles Michaelree was born at 1:23 a.m. on Thursday at Lake Regional Family Birth Center, becoming the first newborn of 2026.

He weighed 6 lbs, 6 oz and measured 19 inches—son of Jessica Baysinger and Alex Michaelree of Brumley.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.