Good morning, Columbia.

Fifteen Holts Summit firefighters practiced ice rescues at Lake Mykee on Thursday evening, testing their mustang rescue suits, knot tying, and communication as they simulated pulling a victim out onto the ice shelf.

The exercise prepared the team for hazardous situations on unpredictable ice.

COMO Winter Restaurant Week is set to support the local food bank by donating proceeds from participating restaurants; the event begins this Friday and runs through Feb.

8 at local eateries + community venues.

A South American family running Delysium Artisan Bakery downtown invested heavily in their business and now faces tough entrepreneurial realities as they expand local offerings + serve the community with artisan baked goods.

Columbia College hosts its 7th annual Black Business Expo today at the Southwell Complex (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), where local business leaders and entrepreneurs will network and share ideas for growth.

Stephens College evacuated two residence halls Wednesday night after dangerous carbon monoxide levels were detected, and responders shut down the boilers for safety.

The college is testing all campus buildings, installing new boilers, and offering alternative housing and transport until state inspectors deem the halls safe.

A Missouri House committee approved legislation on Thursday to ease access to nonopioid pain medications.

The measure prohibits insurers from denying coverage or charging higher co-pays when doctors prescribe these alternatives to opioids.

New state tax policies may change how Columbia residents file taxes in 2026.

The 2025 filing season began Monday, Jan. 26 (providing a benchmark) as officials plan updates for next year.

Columbia added $200,000 to its utility assistance budget — funds to help residents keep heat after the budget was exhausted in five weeks.

City officials said the move will support affected households as winter continues.

The American Red Cross in Columbia is facing a severe blood supply shortage due to a harsh flu season and winter storms+ calling for extra donations.

A blood drive is happening today at the Columbia Mall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.+ appointments are recommended.

The Missouri men's basketball team will face Mississippi State at Mizzou Arena today — Coach Dennis Gates will speak live during the game.

In December, Missourians wagered over $543 million on sports betting with more than 99% of bets placed online — the Missouri Gaming Commission reported the state collected $521,000 to fund problem gambling support and public education.

Family Story Time

10-11 a.m. — Callaway County Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes and stories designed for families with children ages birth to 5.

Baby & Toddler Time

10-11 a.m. — Callaway County Public Library — Free entry — Bond with your little one through books, songs, and play.

Florida Gators vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Gymnastics

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Hearnes Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Gators as they take on the Tigers in an exciting gymnastics showdown.

Find Fiona with Nightstand

8-10 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Check event page for ticket info — Experience the emotional melodies of Nightstand's latest single.

Mizzou Women's Basketball vs Georgia

3-5 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Check out the fierce competition as Mizzou takes on Georgia in women's basketball.

Family Story Time

10-11 AM — Callaway County Public Library — Free entry — Rhymes and stories await families with children ages birth to 5.

Callaway Cares Bingo

5:30-7 p.m. — Holts Summit Lions Club — Games from $1 — Play bingo for a chance to win prizes while supporting a community cause.

Intro to Woodworking Class

5-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Materials included — Learn woodworking basics and create your own small project.

Intro to Vinyl Cutting Class

6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Materials included — Discover the art of vinyl cutting with hands-on projects and essential machine safety tips.

University of Missouri Hockey Game

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Washington Park Ice Arena — Check the schedule — Catch the University of Missouri team in action against rival universities in a thrilling hockey matchup.