Daily
Columbia
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Supporters of community media will rally at City Hall at 6:45 p.m. May 4 to urge city officials to restore funding for Vidwest’s media center. Actor Richard Harris will deliver a satirical speech as Imperial Officer Vex Cordian during the Star Wars-themed event- marking the 15th consecutive meeting for advocates. Columbia Daily Tribune
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tomorrow, May 2, at 7 p.m., Jesse Auditorium will host Spamilton, a performance that parodies Hamilton and features eight actors reimagining Broadway hits (tickets are $53 to $72). Inside Columbia
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development announced a new AI literacy course in partnership with Coursera — this 60-hour online training will help Missourians understand practical AI applications from tech leaders like Google, IBM and Amazon Web Services, and registrations are now open. KOMU 8
- ➤ Mizzou Market items are over 50% costlier than those at retailers like Target and Walmart — fueling food insecurity concerns among students on campus. Columbia Missourian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Office of Sustainability is offering free Missouri trees through the CoMo Canopy program with Forest ReLeaf. Residents in the designated red area can reserve up to two trees and pick them up on May 2 from 10 to 11 a.m. at McKee Street Park (first come, first served). Inside Columbia
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Statewide data shows that cell phone use while driving dropped 16% after Missouri’s Hands-Free Law took effect in July 2023, yet Columbia Public Works says nearly half of drivers in work zones still use their phones as resurfacing projects roll out this summer (more than 4,000 citations were issued since January 2025). KOMU 8
- ➤ Columbia Parks and Recreation is asking residents for feedback on replacing Bridge 9 on the MKT Trail with a new 105-foot prefabricated bridge built to support heavier vehicles. Construction will start in late November and finish in late March with funding from the 2021 Park Sales Tax. KOMU 8
- ➤ The University of Missouri received criticism on its eight job postings supporting H-1B visa petitions as state Sen. Rick Brattin and others argued that public funds should benefit local talent. A spokesperson said the specialized positions followed federal hiring rules (including the required postings). ABC 17
- ➤ Yesterday, MoDOT moved ahead with I-70 expansion near Rocheport by using controlled blasting along the highway between Boone County Route BB and the Missouri River, causing brief rolling roadblocks that lasted 5 to 10 minutes + the blast was rescheduled from Tuesday due to weather and sets groundwork for construction milestones. KOMU 8
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services invites residents to mark Children's Mental Health Week with a community event at Shelter Insurance Fountain on May 5 at noon. Attendees can see green lights, ring bells and pin support pledges to a Resolution Tree, and if it rains the event will move to Boone County Family Resources. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ At Mizzou's Influenza Center in Columbia, researcher Henry Wan explained that the immune system retains flu memory (a discovery that may lead to new treatments). Columbia Missourian
- ➤ Boone Hospital Foundation will host a golf tournament soon to raise funds for improving patient care and expanding access in central Missouri. The event will benefit local health care providers and enhance patient healing across the region. Columbia Missourian
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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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Intro to Vinyl Cutting Workshop
6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee applies — Explore vinyl cutting techniques while creating custom tote bags and signs.
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All Your Friends
9:06 PM – 12:30 AM — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Enjoy a lively evening with friends at this late-night event.
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Intro to Machine Embroidery Workshop
6-8:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes all materials — Learn to use the Melco Bravo embroidery machine and create your own embroidered item.
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The Lorax Movie Screening
8-10 a.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars with The Lorax.
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Big (1988) Movie Screening
8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No entry fee — Enjoy a classic film under the stars with family and friends.
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Kris Lager Band Performance
10:30 a.m. — Katy Trail - Rocheport Trailhead — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of Kris Lager as he brings a spirited performance outdoors.
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Atomic Returns to Dive Bar
8 PM – 12 AM — Dive Bar — Cost details not provided — Experience the gritty blend of Midwest rock, country, and blues from Atomic Junction.
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Apollo 13 Movie Night
8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Celebrate cinematic history with the thrilling Apollo 13 on a Saturday night under the stars.
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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