Daily
Columbia
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mizzou Knights of Columbia are hosting fish fries starting Feb. 27 at Newman Center with later events at CKC Hall and Fr. Tolton Catholic High School, offering fried and grilled fish meals for $15 (adults), $10 (children), and $12 for students with ID from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Inside Columbia
- ➤ The new Community Welcome Center will open in May at the Columbia Farmers Market, featuring an activity room, kitchen, office space and resource center for vendors and residents. Columbia Missourian
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday night, Boone County firefighters rescued two horses trapped in a sinkhole at the 8400 block of Gray Road near Harrisburg. The rescue – involving eight fire trucks – had officials planning to use straps and sedation, with University of Missouri vet school members expected to join. ABC 17
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Missouri’s State Historical Society — celebrating a century of Route 66 — has opened a new exhibit at its Columbia headquarters and will launch a traveling display across the state in 2026. Programs include a webinar on March 10 at noon to share stories from along the historic road. Columbia Daily Tribune
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Electricity bills have increased nearly 40% since 2021 as extreme weather, high fuel costs, and grid repairs drive up rates nationwide. Missouri lawmakers are considering changes to utility regulations — a move aimed at easing residents' financial stress from rising energy prices. KOMU 8
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After recording 16 tornado-related deaths in 2025, state officials are urging residents to prepare with a statewide tornado drill scheduled for 11 a.m. March 4 as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week—NOAA Weather Radios will activate and warning sirens will sound to aid safe sheltering. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ MoDOT announced a traffic shift on U.S. 54 in Kingdom City starting March 2 — westbound traffic will use a new bridge and eastbound lanes will shift to the former westbound lanes. All ramps will remain open during the month-long work as part of a project to add a third lane. KOMU 8
- ➤ MoDOT announced that I‑70 Drive Southeast will close on March 9 for about 300 days (for a new underpass project). The segment from just west of Woodridge Drive to Glenstone Drive will see detours (via Keene Street and St. Charles Road), while businesses remain accessible. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ The city is asking for public input as it updates its Vision to Zero plan to improve safety through redesigned roadways and adjusted speed limits. Residents can share feedback during the review process. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ Columbia officials will hold a public forum on accessibility and public accommodation on March 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Daniel Boone City Building (room 1A) to invite community input. Columbia Missourian
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services expanded free rapid HIV testing across 37 counties in central Missouri after the City Council approved the partnership on Feb. 16. Clinics offer a 15-minute rapid test using an opt-out approach and refer patients for follow-up care 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
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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