Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia Public Schools said students caught with guns at Hickman and Rock Bridge high schools will face disciplinary actions as investigations continue — a firearm was detected on Monday at Hickman and another on Sept.

16 at Rock Bridge, with details kept private under student privacy laws.

Lincoln University in Jefferson City will receive $1.58 million in federal funding as part of a one-time $174 million investment in HBCUs (Missouri’s Harris-Stowe State University is also set to get funds), announced by U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell.

Columbia Utilities will raise electric, water, and waste fees Thursday to cover rising operating costs + fund system improvements; electric usage fees will rise 6% while water fees jump 10%, and a revised sewer fee model may offer savings for customers with lower usage over the next two years.

Missouri deer hunters now face new MDC rules that replace the CWD management zone with a statewide four-year sampling rotation, requiring hunters in designated zones + limiting nonresident bucks to one antlered harvest while removing the antler point restriction to slow disease spread.

Mizzou set a new national record when its Homecoming Blood Drive collected 5,150 units of blood in Columbia from Sept.

21 to 24. Community members — students, alumni and faculty — donated to support patients needing surgery or treatment.

A doctor at U of Missouri Health Care said Tuesday that the 'protein maxxing' trend has little proof of adding muscle strength and may heighten risks for diabetes and heart disease.

She urged a balanced diet with plant-based protein — a safer choice as local stores keep promoting extra protein.

Local gardeners are encouraged to plant in the fall as cooler weather helps boost plant growth.

Experts say this season offers better conditions for establishing strong roots and a more abundant harvest.

In August, Boone County home sales dropped 13.5% compared with August 2025, with median prices steady at about $350,000 in Columbia city limits and homes taking 42 days to sell — while building permits nearly doubled.