Good morning, Columbia.

Vidwest Studios, a community media center that supports True/False Film Fest, has launched a funding campaign after receiving a grant last month for gear upgrades.

The nonprofit was notified that half its funding will be cut by the city at the end of 2026 and relies on local expertise to keep digital media accessible.

A Columbia college student whose family remains in Iran said she has not seen them in three years amid ongoing unrest back home.

She learned of a family tragedy and stays focused on her studies with hopes for future change.

On March 5 at 6:44 a.m., the Boone County Fire Protection District responded to a residential structure fire on Snead Drive in Columbia, arriving with 22 firefighters + one ambulance; they quickly contained the blaze and confirmed no injuries.

A new Zaxby's and another Culver's are set to open in Columbia soon + details on locations and dates are forthcoming.

CoMo Preservation is hosting the ART-chitecture Contest and inviting locals to create artwork inspired by landmarks like Hall Theatre and Howard Municipal Building.

Registrations (open to all ages) must be submitted by April 1, with winners showcased at the Cake and Cocktails event on May 19.

Governor Kehoe proposed budget cuts that would slash Missouri Arts Council funding by $3.7 million — a move that may impact local arts groups relying on state grants.

The Missouri House passed a bill on Thursday that gives every public school a letter grade from A to F based on performance data—helping parents quickly gauge school quality.

The bill now moves to the Missouri Senate for further review.

Columbia Regional Airport is planning to add a restaurant and rebuild Terminal Building Loop Road, and an interested parties meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday (at the airport) to gather input on the upgrades.

Community and agency leaders met at a violence intervention workshop hosted by the Office of Violence Prevention yesterday to review reduction strategies after recent incidents.

The session (with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform) will guide a forthcoming Violence Reduction Landscape Analysis Report to improve local community safety.

Crews will begin shoulder work on I-70 from Missouri 5 in Boonville to the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport on Monday, causing overnight single-lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.- an 11-foot width restriction will apply for safe passage.

A Missouri survey found that people with alpha-gal syndrome have trouble with safe foods + mental health, especially in rural areas where dining out is hard.

Restaurants are changing menus while MU Extension offers advice to avoid food mix-ups.

A reinspection at Copper Kettle in Ashland found that all seven critical health-code violations had been fixed, yet a non-critical issue remains on soiled shelves and equipment.

The restaurant faces permit suspension if the violation is not corrected by the next inspection on Wednesday, March 11.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Working: A Musical

Mar 18-20 — Macklanburg Playhouse — Ticket prices vary — Experience a vibrant celebration of everyday people and their jobs through song and storytelling.

Family Story Time for Young Kids

10–11 a.m. — Holts Summit Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of storytelling designed for children five and under.