Daily
Columbia
Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local volunteers gathered at the annual Boys & Girls Clubs Chili Cookoff, competing for best chili, best booth & highest fundraiser to benefit the club. Columbia Missourian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ CoMotion festival at MU will showcase student comedy groups from Mizzou, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kansas State, Missouri State, Ball State, Kansas & Ohio State. The festival will take place soon and promises fresh campus energy. Columbia Missourian
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Mizzou researchers received a $10 million grant to build AI+based tools that help people read better. The Amplify Literacy Learning project, led by a professor, is set to boost literacy rates across the community. Columbia Missourian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Columbia Fire Department is training for ice rescues and warns residents to check ice thickness and listen for cracking sounds after a recent incident at Cosmo-Bethel Lake — officials say staying calm is key to a safe outcome. KOMU 8
- ➤ At Columbia's second Collegiate Advisory Council meeting, police chief Schlude showed nine college students how to use the department's crime stats website (explaining how to categorize crimes and compare data). The council, formed in January, discussed public safety and a new ordinance on medians. KOMU 8
- ➤ Missouri law prohibits driving ATVs on roads—except for government, agricultural, or short-distance handicapped use—and requires drivers to meet strict safety standards including a flag, lights, an emblem, and proper registration. Drivers must also adhere to speed and passenger limits. Columbia Daily Tribune
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, a Mizzou researcher received a $1.9M USDA grant to develop a bird flu vaccine with the project running through Feb. 2029. Wenjun Ma & his team will test the vaccine in chickens and turkeys to protect poultry and support local farmers. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ The Boone Health Community Wellness team offers free heart screenings across mid-Missouri, including sessions today at City Hall in Mexico and Centralia Recreation Center, with more events at ARC in Columbia and Howard County Health in Fayette through next week (tests include blood pressure and A1C readings with referrals if needed). KOMU 8
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Dance Mix Event
7-10 p.m. — Capital Ritz Banquet & Dance Center — Entry is required — Experience a lively mix of dance styles to a variety of music.
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Intro to Longarm Quilting Class
10 AM – 12 PM — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Materials included — Learn the art of longarm quilting and create your own small quilted tapestry.
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Mizzou Women's Basketball vs Oklahoma
2-4 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Tickets available — Catch the thrilling showdown between Mizzou's women's basketball team and Oklahoma.
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UIC Flames vs. Missouri Tigers Baseball
6-7 p.m. — Taylor Stadium — Cost Info Not Provided — Catch an exciting baseball match featuring the UIC Flames taking on the Missouri Tigers.
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COMO Women's Rugby New Player Meeting
6:15-7 p.m. — The Dandy Lion Cafe — Free entry — Welcome new players, learn about rugby, and enjoy karaoke afterwards.
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UIC Flames vs. Missouri Tigers Baseball
5:59-9:59 p.m. — Taylor Stadium — Cost varies — Come watch a thrilling collegiate baseball matchup under the lights.
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Severe Storm Spotter Training Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Callaway Electric Cooperative — Free entry — Become a trained storm spotter and help make your community safer during severe weather.
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Intro to Woodworking Class
5-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials provided — Learn the basics of woodworking and create your own small project in this hands-on class.
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C Rock City Live Band Performance
7-10 p.m. — Capital Ritz Banquet & Dance Center — Enjoy the night with easy rock covers from classic artists.
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19th Annual Columbia Polar Plunge
10 AM – 2 PM — Stephens Lake Park — Fundraising event — Brave participants support Special Olympics Missouri athletes by plunging into icy waters.
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
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