Good morning, Columbia.

AAA Missouri says rising crude oil prices are pushing up gas costs, with local regular gas now averaging ($3.88 per gallon).

The agency advises drivers today to maintain vehicle efficiency through regular oil changes and proper tire inflation to save money at the pump.

Missouri River Relief and local schools mark 10 years of Missouri River Days — a program that gave river education to 10,000 fourth graders.

Fourth graders will visit Cooper’s Landing on Sept. 14, 16, and 18 and receive an America the Beautiful 4th Grade Pass funded by the National Parks Foundation.

Sixteen students from two Columbia high schools were named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program yesterday.

They will compete for scholarships worth roughly $24 million next spring as they complete additional academic requirements.

MoDOT will begin setting girders on the new flyover ramp connecting northbound Highway 63 to westbound I-70 Friday at 7 p.m., narrowing westbound lanes and causing up to an hour delay while work continues through the weekend and ends Monday morning.

MoDOT will close one lane of westbound I-70 from Friday night until 6 a.m. Monday as crews set girders on the U.S.-63 connector, potentially causing up to an hour delay for drivers including Mizzou fans heading west for the Border Showdown game in Lawrence.

Columbia Public Works said the Forum Boulevard Improvement Project is delayed from summer 2026 to summer or spring 2027 as officials secure easements and complete bidding for the $13.5 million four-lane upgrade near Wilson’s Fitness Center.

The project will add a new bridge over Hinkson Creek (and other safety features).

Tuesday night, Columbia City Council approved an ordinance that blocks 32 additional downtown parking spaces for taxis and rideshare services, which will now operate from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.—last year’s trial indicated the change helped improve pedestrian safety.

MU Health Care will host 24 clinics offering flu & COVID-19 shots over the next two months.

Residents across mid-Missouri are encouraged to consult local schedules for clinic details.

More than 100 local World Trade Center first responders and survivors are in a health program offering free medical monitoring and treatment for conditions linked to the 9/11 attack, with care available through October 1, 2090 (program established in 2011).

American Medical Administrators acquired Fitzgibbon Hospital after receiving U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval on Wednesday morning.

The hospital joined 20 others to form the Show-Me High Value Network to bolster local healthcare services.

The aquatic center is hosting dog swim sessions today with nearly 200 pups signed up (about 90 per session) to give local pet owners a fun, active outing.