Daily
Columbia
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Community leaders are preparing to open the new Opportunity Campus shelter this summer, a $18.6 million project that will provide 150 beds and multiple dedicated spaces + services for residents. The Voluntary Action Center is hosting training sessions and has increased staff numbers to ensure safety and support. ABC 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Logboat Brewing Co.—a local craft brewery—was named the 2026 Midsized Brewery of the Year after winning three medals at the Best of Craft Beer Awards this week; the honor highlights its successful role in Columbia’s craft beer scene. Columbia Missourian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Don your brightest caftans and biggest wigs for the Mrs. Roper Romp this Saturday, Apr. 18, from 6–9 p.m. in The District; the bar crawl visits Uprise, The Roof, Günter Hans, and Eastside Tavern and offers a chance to win a $50 gift card + free parking in downtown garages. Inside Columbia
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Southern Boone and Hallsville school districts announced a $760,000 state funding reduction for the 2026-27 school year and will adjust staffing, class sizes, and spending (Hallsville expects a $35 million transportation funding shortfall) to address lower state revenues. KOMU 8
- ➤ MU will spend about $140 million next year on Phases 1 and 2 of the NextGen Missouri University Research Reactor (designed to boost cancer research and medical isotope production), with completion expected by 2033 as detailed at Thursday’s Board of Curators meeting. ABC 17
- ➤ A Rock Bridge Elementary student was found with a BB gun in their backpack on Thursday, and the school took disciplinary action after the item was confiscated to enforce its safety policies. KOMU 8
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Missouri House bill to expand direct alcohol shipping seeks to level the playing field for local breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Broadway Brewery said the change (House Bill 3093) would boost future sales while opponents warn it might increase out-of-state competition. KRCG
- ➤ The westbound I-70 on-ramp from U.S. 54 in Kingdom City will close next Thursday, Apr. 23, for several months as MoDOT shifts westbound traffic to the north outer road and redirects eastbound Route 54 onto a new bridge. Motorists are advised to follow posted signs for detours. KRCG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MU Health Care today introduces a new higher-detailed MRI technology designed to better identify back injuries in adolescent athletes. The upgrade is expected to improve diagnosis and treatment, benefiting the local community. Columbia Missourian
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Improv Theater Class
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — TRYPS Children's Theater — Check for pricing — Explore the fundamentals of improv through engaging games and creative challenges.
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DJ Requiem
2:30-4:00 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy an afternoon of beats as DJ Requiem spins the decks.
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Aly & AJ Concert
8-11 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy a night of pop tunes with Aly & AJ at one of Columbia's favorite music spots.
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2026 Dreamfest Benefit Concert
7-8 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring local artists for a great cause.
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Radkey Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Experience an electrifying night with the dynamic sounds of Radkey.
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23rd Annual Bowling for Autism
11 a.m. — AMF Town & Country Lanes — Proceeds benefit Easterseals Midwest services — Bowl for a cause and support individuals with disabilities and their families.
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Iron & Wine Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of soulful tunes from acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam Beam.
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31st Annual ATHENA International Awards
6-8 p.m. — Cooper's Ridge Event Venue — Free entry — Celebrate the excellence and achievements of local women leaders in the community.
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Spongebob: Search for Squarepants
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a family-friendly movie night featuring Spongebob in search of Squarepants.
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Defying Gravity
7-8:30 p.m. — Missouri Theatre — Not to be missed — A musical theatre extravaganza featuring Broadway veterans recreating cherished roles and beloved tunes.
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