Good morning, Columbia.

Sunflowers are blooming in waves at MU South Farm through late September — visitors can view the fields at 3600 E.

New Haven Road, and MU’s CAFNR Showcase offers free educational activities on Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The United States Exercise Tiger Foundation will give out free life jackets to veterans and their pets at Cooper's Landing on Sunday morning from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.+ Local fire and marine units will attend as the gesture responds to a statewide rise in drownings.

Crews have repaired local trails after last week's storms, making most routes passable.

Maintenance continues on Bear Creek Trail, and a section of Twin Lakes will close tomorrow and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for scheduled work + users will be detoured through the dog park.

Travelers in Missouri face higher airfare as airlines pass on increased jet fuel costs fueled by global conflict.

Fares at local airports rose in early 2026 at Lambert, KCI & Springfield, and prices are expected to remain high if fuel costs stay elevated.

University of Missouri researchers will expand the HotHog app today with a $1.15 million USDA grant to help producers detect pig heat stress early.

The project includes updates for all pig categories and collaboration with national partners to improve animal welfare and production efficiency (training provided locally).

The Missouri Highway Patrol is urging drivers and parents to prepare for increased road activity as student drivers return on Aug.

25. Sergeant Kyle Green said the state recorded 834 school bus crashes in 2024 and advised extra caution near buses and school zones.

Today, the Boone County maternal and child health assessment released early identifies family support and child development as priorities + the findings will guide programs and services for children and families over the next five years.

Columbia residents will receive free naloxone and learn opioid overdose response skills tomorrow at noon to 1 p.m. at City Hall (701 E.

Broadway). The SAVE-A-LIFE event, hosted by the Boone County Overdose Response Coalition and Public Health and Human Services, is open to all without registration.