Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia’s Office of Violence Prevention and Go COMO have launched a Community Navigation Liaison program that places two outreach workers on buses to de-escalate conflicts and connect riders with resources.

The liaisons use their lived experiences + build trust and proactively improve safety on city routes.

A U.S. flag that flew over the Capitol for the 250th anniversary was presented to 95-year-old Navy veteran Mitchell Bennett at Big Mama's Cafe in Columbia on Thursday morning.

Bennett, a Korean War veteran, now leads his family—completing daily farm chores on their 140-year-old Ashland property.

A tractor-trailer carrying three sea lions to the Missouri State Fair crashed early Thursday on I-70 near the 133-mile marker in Boone County, leading to the cancellation of the Sea Lions Splash show & the hospitalization of one person, with the animals later evaluated as healthy & rerouted to Sedalia.

Longtime radio voices David Gaines and Simon Rose were laid off from KFRU due to nationwide job cuts by Cumulus Media.

The move came after Cumulus announced its Chapter 11 restructuring (eliminating $600 million in debt), impacting local radio’s community ties.

Central Bank and the Columbia Art League invite eligible Boone County entrants until Sept.

26 for the 2026 Art Show at 720 E. Broadway. The free event offers cash prizes and runs on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Moberly Area Community College is launching a new degree program for commercial pilot training at the old airport terminal in Columbia.

The program will equip students with the skills needed for FAA certification.

Columbia student Georgia Jane Wade received a Teamsters scholarship from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Scholarship Fund early today and plans to attend the University of Arkansas this fall.

She recently graduated from Rock Bridge High School and is the daughter of a member of Teamsters Local 399.

Fewer young donors have visited Missouri blood drives this summer as school closures cut participation by about 40% at the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks & steady supplies are held for now, though centers warn that conditions can change quickly if appointments fall.

MU Health Care psychiatrist Dr. Laine Young Walker advises parents to watch for signs of anxiety, such as headaches or trouble sleeping, as back-to-school season begins, and she encourages open communication (parents managing their own stress can ease the strain).

MU Health Care in Columbia earned the Comprehensive Cardiac Center Certification from the Joint Commission today, making it one of 28 centers nationwide and one of five in Missouri.

The designation gives mid-Missouri patients access to advanced heart care including coordinated services & cardiac rehabilitation.

Boone Health earned accreditation from the American Board for Certification after an evaluation confirmed its mastectomy program meets quality standards for post-surgery care.

The accreditation means patients can receive specialized support locally.