Daily
Columbia
Wednesday, March 4th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ United Way of Central Missouri now offers 2026 community support grants up to $375,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations in nine counties, including Camden, Cole, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Phelps and Southern Callaway, to fund improvements + repairs, program expansion or transportation needs. KOMU 8
- ➤ Columbia Parks and Recreation's adapted sports program brings together athletes with cognitive disabilities — the program builds meaningful connections and fosters community and positivity in local parks. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ Columbia Commission on Human Rights and Columbia Disabilities Commission hosted a forum Tuesday at City Hall to educate residents about discrimination and disabilities — about two dozen participants attended as officials stressed the need for better access to local services. KOMU 8
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ In Missouri, Native Americans celebrate a living culture through powwows where dancers like University of Missouri senior Mathias Smith honor traditions passed down for generations. He says that dancing connects him to his heritage — defying outdated images that often reduce Native identity to history. KOMU 8
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Missouri gas prices rose 11.3 cents from Monday to Tuesday, with Columbia's prices following the state trend amid shipping delays & seasonal fuel shifts. Experts predict higher costs in the next couple days as regional conflicts continue to pressure oil markets. KOMU 8
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Missouri updated its remote work policy so that fewer than 1,000 employees will return on campus by Aug. 3 unless they secure an exemption. Managers can submit exception requests from March 16 to April 17 with decisions expected mid-May. KOMU 8
- ➤ Columbia College president David Russell retired today after a farewell service at Dorsey Chapel, ending a tenure that brought over 25 new academic programs and more than $2.2 million in campus upgrades since his 2021 start. Faculty, staff and students gathered with a pizza party and cheers near Rogers Gate to honor his 50 years of public service. Columbia Daily Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City Council approved an ordinance allowing bars to stay open until 2:30 a.m.—this applies on select World Cup days. Bars must apply for a $100 permit on days including June 14, 17, 20, 21, 23, 27 and July 3 to help manage public safety. ABC 17
- ➤ Columbia Regional Airport will hold a public meeting on Friday, Mar. 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. to discuss plans for a 350-space parking project and a roadway overlay to improve terminal access + online comments will be accepted until Mar. 20. KOMU 8
- ➤ Columbia Utilities data showed roughly 1,572 households risked water or power shutoffs as service disconnections resumed, and customers had 20 days to pay pending bills — disconnects are suspended during extreme weather. KOMU 8
- ➤ Columbia will host a meeting on March 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Room 1C in the Daniel Boone City Building to review plans for replacing the 60-year-old Fire Station 5, which is sinking into the ground + needs modern facilities including three apparatus bays and support spaces. KOMU 8
- ➤ Columbia launched My Key, a program that helps residents apply for utility, medication, financial, and paratransit assistance. Residents can register online at mykey.CoMo.gov or visit Public Health and Human Services at 1005 W. Worley St. KOMU 8
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local stylist Ashley Shryock of House of Colour (located just across Columbia's city line) offers seasonal color analysis sessions to help clients discover their best color palette. Her sessions boost confidence and simplify shopping by teaching color theory for everyday style. COMO Magazine
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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.
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Auburn Tigers at Missouri Tigers Baseball
6:59-10:59 p.m. — Taylor Stadium — Cost info unavailable — Catch a thrilling college baseball matchup as the Auburn Tigers take on the Missouri Tigers.
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2026 Disaster Behavioral Health Conference
12 PM - 2 PM — Wyndham Executive Center-Columbia Mall — Registration fee applies — Engage in discussions on disaster behavioral health topics to enhance community support strategies.
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Freelance Social & Workshop
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — 404 Portland Event Center — Free entry — Network with local creatives while enjoying an afternoon of learning and conversation.
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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