Good morning, Columbia.

Librarian Rachel Brekhus will present her personal project on discriminatory housing in Boone County today evening at Columbia Public Library — a local discussion aimed at raising awareness.

Residents in Columbia finished 21 neighborhood projects using $40,000 in mini-grants from the two-year Love Your Block program — funds that spanned 2025 and 2026 — celebrated at Wednesday’s Health In Nature Festival at the Garth and Sexton green space.

The University of Missouri broke into the top 100, ranking at No. 95 thanks to 91% retention + 77% graduation rates and record research spending of 553 million, university leaders say.

Columbia Public Schools began Tuesday on a 10-year facilities plan for building upgrades from 2027 to 2037 at Lange Middle School + two more open houses will be held on Oct 21 at Smithton Middle School and Nov 17 at Gentry Middle School, with board approval expected by December.

Downtown Columbia now has updated rideshare pick-up and drop-off spots marked for taxis, limousines, buses, rideshare, on-demand delivery and emergency vehicles from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.—the police department said the change improves safety and advises patience with app updates.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Wednesday that her office is investigating Students for Justice in Palestine in Missouri amid allegations of deceptive fundraising — National SJP and Mizzou SJP must provide records by 10 a.m. Oct.

26.

MU Health Care opened a new ambulance base in west Columbia (designed to expand emergency coverage and improve response times), boosting local health services.

Off-campus housing near MU was nearly 100% preleased for fall 2026, prompting students to begin looking early for fall 2027 apartments amid high demand and rising rents.

A housing fair is scheduled for Sept. 29 at MizzouRec (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) to help students secure available living spaces.

Local home buyers and sellers face challenges as Boone County single-family homes reach a median price of $350K due to rising interest rates and a scarcity of entry-level options.

Mid-Missouri Board of Realtors officials expect a brief surge in sales this fall & then a typical holiday slowdown.

Columbia has secured the hosting rights for state boys and girls basketball and wrestling championships through 2031 following bids submitted by local groups (Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Sports Commission and Mizzou Athletics).

The events will boost local tourism and add to the city's sports offerings.