Thursday, March 26th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Columbia plans to turn 2.5 miles of the COLT Railroad from Rogers Street to Brown Station Road into a railbanked trail (removing tracks but preserving route) similar to the Katy Trail. The project will keep the route open for future rail use if needed. KOMU 8
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chef Mindy Jahn is set to open MJ's Feast Market and Cafe in the Old Neighborhood Cafe's former building on Corona Road—focusing on gluten-free, health-first food sourced locally. The opening date is not yet set, but she has teased client-favorites on Instagram. Inside Columbia
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rock Bridge Elementary principal Dr. Ryan Link continues to lead the school in Columbia while he receives treatment for terminal brain cancer (stage 4 glioblastoma). Columbia Missourian
- ➤ Columbia schools say some students still face social emotional challenges years after the pandemic. Educators say young students missed key chances to practice social skills (support measures are planned) to help them recover. Columbia Missourian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Missouri House is considering House Bill 3174—Alyssa’s Law—which would require every school employee to use a wearable panic button that alerts law enforcement immediately and provides school-wide notifications. Named after Alyssa Alhedeff, the bill aims to strengthen school safety and is pending legislative approval. KRCG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local health officials warn that nitazenes, synthetic opioids up to ten times stronger than fentanyl, are hard to detect because standard strips do not pick them up, and they advise residents to carry naloxone (a nasal spray that can reverse overdoses) available for free at health centers. KRCG
- ➤ MU Extension has launched new guides to help locals shop, cook and find food substitutions for managing alpha-gal syndrome. The resources provide clear tips on nutrients of concern and safe eating options. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ Local health agencies and school officials are educating students after tests found opioid nitazene in wastewater from 37 Mid-Missouri schools between January and mid-February (naloxone is now on hand for any overdoses). ABC 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A feature reviews Missouri's historic women's basketball teams, including Stephens’ College Basketball Team from 1909, to show how early female athletes paved the way for the sport. It connects archival records with modern local pride + an appreciation for the game. KRCG
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Dr. Zhivegas: Prince Tribute
8-9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket prices vary — Experience the music of Prince and the Revolution performed live by Dr. Zhivegas.
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Work It! 90s/2000s R&B and Hip Hop Throwback Party
9 PM – 12 AM — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Dance the night away to nostalgic R&B and Hip Hop hits from the 90s and 2000s.
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An Evening with Sam Bush
7:30-9 p.m. — The Blue Note — Cost TBD — Enjoy an evening of bluegrass with award-winning musician Sam Bush.
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Gimme Gimme Disco Party
8:00-11:30 PM — Rose Music Hall — $ — Dance the night away to ABBA and classic 70s disco hits.
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LSU Tigers at Missouri Tigers Softball Game
6:59-10:59 p.m. — Mizzou Softball Field — Admission details not specified — Witness an exciting matchup between two fierce softball rivals.
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Honeysuckle Removal Volunteer Event
4-6 p.m. — Kiwanis Park — Free admission — Make a difference by helping remove invasive honeysuckle in Kiwanis Park.
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How to Train Your Dragon - In Concert
7-10 p.m. — Missouri Theatre — VIP packages available — Experience the magic of animation and music as you dive into the world of dragons.
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Greg Warren Live
7-10 p.m. — Missouri Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of comedy with Greg Warren in Columbia, MO.
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Of Sea and Stone: Uncorked Wine Tasting & Dinner
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Cooper's Ridge Event Venue — Not specified — Experience an evening of fine wine and live music from the Folk-Americana duo, Of Sea and Stone.
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Bored Teachers Comedy Tour
3-5 p.m. — Missouri Theatre — VIP packages available — Enjoy a hilarious evening with the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour featuring premium seating options.
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