Tuesday, January 13th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 13th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri announced two new board members — Brian Burks and Robin Wenneker — and 2026 officers today, naming Lindsey Jones as president, Brad Roling as vice president, Mel Zelenak as treasurer, Jacob Rowe as secretary and Tom Schwarz as past president. Columbia Daily Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Scientists at Mizzou discovered unusual galaxies — nicknamed platypus galaxies — using NASA’s James Webb telescope that show a mix of characteristics from stars and quasars. The team will gather additional spectroscopy data on hundreds of cosmic objects to test if these galaxies formed without dramatic mergers. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ UMKC is expanding its Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant program in Columbia, enrolling 10 students this month with plans to increase to 20 by 2028. The program is a collaboration with the UM School of Medicine and includes new faculty hires plus a mix of in-person and virtual classes. KOMU 8
- ➤ The Columbia Board of Education passed an updated AI policy that requires the district to appoint an AI coordinator to monitor emerging risks and set guidelines for generative AI tool selection (according to meeting documents). The change updates previous practices and aims to enhance safety in AI use. ABC 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Missouri submitted the paperwork Friday morning to meet federal requirements for nearly 2,000 child care providers who have experienced delayed payments. Providers still face uncertainty about when they will receive funds as they operate on tight budgets. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ Grain Belt Express LLC sued a Callaway County landowner (Dustin Hudson of Auxvasse) on Friday for an easement to build high-voltage wind energy lines. The petition came after the company’s offer of fair market value was rejected, and the project spans several mid-Missouri counties. ABC 17
- ➤ The Columbia Housing Authority is expanding public housing through two major construction projects, but hundreds of low-income residents remain on the waiting list & officials plan to share more details soon. Columbia Missourian
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MU Health Care noted an increase in inpatients as flu cases spiked in Boone County; 188 cases were reported last week and 366 occurred during the week of Dec. 27. Columbia Missourian
-
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.
-
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Jesse Hall Auditorium — Tickets from $116 — Experience an unforgettable performance by the renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Columbia, MO.
-
Dance Mix at Capital Ritz
7-10 p.m. — Capital Ritz Banquet & Dance Center — Entry fee applies — Experience an evening of diverse dancing styles to a lively mix of music.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.
~ Albert Einstein
About Daily Columbia
Welcome to the Daily Columbia, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Columbia, Missouri community. If you like the Daily Columbia, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Columbia.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Columbia and across Missouri. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Columbia
A free Columbia community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailycolumbia.com/sitemap