Daily
Columbia
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local Motion is relaunching its Giving Rides program with a new wheelchair-accessible trishaw for older adults and people with disabilities; the Gnargo Trishaw (built in Bentonville) was delivered on May 1 and will officially relaunch in June with Brightspeed support. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ Graduation weekend at the University of Missouri brings thousands of family members and alumni to Columbia, resulting in extra traffic and longer waits at local restaurants — locals can vote in a poll to share if they plan to avoid the crowds. ABC 17
- ➤ Crews will begin summer maintenance at the Eighth and Walnut Plaza Parking Garage on May 18, repairing cables, concrete and expansion joints through early August. Hourly parking will not be available during repairs — permit holders should use the alternate garage at Fifth and Walnut. KRCG
- ➤ The Arcade District is hosting CoolFest 2026 from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at 602 Fay Street (featuring games, live music, food trucks, the Makers Market, DungeonCon, live panels, family activities, and cosplay) with free entry for all. Inside Columbia
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A Hallsville School District bus crashed near the end of its route on Thursday with seven students aboard, but no injuries were reported (the transportation director was en route on Highway 124) before students reboarded a replacement bus. ABC 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cynthia Martin was approved by the Columbia School Board to serve as the new principal at Cedar Ridge Elementary for the 2026-27 school year; she replaces Carlei Wies and brings extensive experience from her roles as assistant principal at Grant and New Haven Elementary Schools (she began her career with Columbia Public Schools). KOMU 8
- ➤ Local, state and federal leaders gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of the University of Missouri's Radioisotope Science Center in Columbia, a move aimed at boosting cancer treatment research + construction began immediately, with operations scheduled to start in 2028. KRCG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting Monday, May 18, portions of Sixth Street and Stewart Road will close to traffic, parking, and pedestrians for MU Energy Innovation Center construction that will continue until March 31, 2028. Drivers and pedestrians should plan alternate routes as phased closures will also affect nearby bus stops. KOMU 8
- ➤ A portion of Rollins Street near College Avenue will close from May 18 through June 5 as Ameren Missouri replaces a 6-inch gas main beneath the UMO campus, and detour signs will direct drivers while pedestrians use the east side crosswalk & remain alert during construction. KOMU 8
- ➤ The Boone County Children's Services Board met Thursday morning to begin contract negotiations with a program that supports school-aged children after FACE (Family Access Center of Excellence) was slated for a $1.6 million funding cut for the next school year. The board said the cut was due to limited funds. ABC 17
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The University of Missouri broke ground on a 31,250 sqft radioisotope facility at Discovery Parkway on Thursday. The center, funded with $40 million by state and federal partners, will advance cancer treatment research and create 25 local jobs. KOMU 8
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched its Adopt-a-Team program for the World Cup, and businesses can sign up to screen games + share local fan spirit. The initiative, part of Kick it in CoMo, already has two applicants from Rio Grande and the Roof Bar on Broadway. KOMU 8
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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.
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Sporting KC Summer Soccer Camp
5-8 p.m. — Columbia Cosmopolitan Recreation Area — $130-$225 — Young soccer enthusiasts can improve their skills under professional coaching in a fun and engaging environment.
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Arts Fishing Club Performance
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of captivating live music at Rose Music Hall.
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Zootopia 2 Movie Night
6:30-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No entry fee — Enjoy a family-friendly screening of Zootopia 2 under the stars.
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Lilo & Stitch Movie Night
8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — Free for teachers and their guests — Enjoy a nostalgic evening under the stars with Lilo & Stitch.
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.
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