Good morning, Columbia.

City officials and community groups are addressing a growing housing affordability gap that has worsened homelessness after a 2024 study showed steep declines in rentals under $1,000 and a rising cost burden for locals.

Anderson Homes partnered with Love Columbia to launch a first-time home initiative and will soon break ground on new affordable homes — efforts that combine government action with private support.

Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe held a press conference after a weekend shooting left two people injured and Stephens College student Aiyanna Williams brain-dead—she said she is working with law enforcement and community leaders to improve safety and reduce violence, noting that 58 shooting incidents were confirmed in the first nine months of 2025.

MU School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine will conduct a simulated mass casualty training event today at Memorial Stadium from 9 a.m. to noon for resident physicians.

The training will use dozens of actors and faculty guidance—featuring the Shelden Clinical Simulation Center mobile simulation lab—to simulate various casualty scenarios.

The Columbia Public Schools board is reviewing a resolution for the safe storage of guns and planning a public service announcement to prevent firearm injuries among children and teens.

The board will take steps soon to encourage responsible gun practices in local homes.

Missouri drivers face a 1 in 97 chance of colliding with an animal, mainly deer, according to a State Farm study that shows a decline from previous years.

Collision risk peaks in the fall — especially in October, November, and December when most claims are filed.

Columbia Solid Waste Utility will host an open house on Oct.

7 to ask local residents for input on a planned Material Recycling Facility — the event will help shape the facility’s design.

MoDOT scheduled pavement repairs on Highway 54 in Callaway County this week—crews will close the eastbound lane that blocks access to Route T today.

Tomorrow, the passing lane, crossover between directions, and entrance to County Road 176 will be closed from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—motorists should consider alternate routes.

The Boone County commission approved a $6,600 deal with Hawthorn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City to store more than 100 unclaimed cremated remains from the Boone/Callaway Medical Examiner's Office—this contract provides a secure space while freeing room at the MU Health and School of Medicine campus for patient care.

MoDOT addressed the winter labor shortage this summer by offering incentives to full-time and emergency maintenance equipment operators, including a minimum pay of $19.91 per hour and an extra $3 or $6 per hour based on the area—applicants had to be at least 18, pass a criminal background check and hold a commercial driver's license.

Columbia Solid Waste Utility will host a customer input open house on Oct.

7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Activity and Recreation Center—1701 West Ash St—to discuss plans for a temporary recycling sorting center that will replace the building destroyed by an EF‑1 tornado on April 20.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reached a deal with MU Health Care to raise reimbursement rates by 3.5% each year through 2028 – the agreement took effect retroactively on April 1 after months of tough talks.

The new contract filled the gap after the old deal expired on April 1 until a replacement was reached in mid-July.

Just Between Friends Children's Resale Event

9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Columbia Sports Fieldhouse — Free entry — Discover fantastic deals on children's clothing, toys, and baby gear while supporting a community-driven event.

Aladdin Screening

7-9:30 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Experience Disney's enchanted tale of Aladdin and his magical adventures.

Legally Blonde the Musical

2-4 p.m. — Macklanburg Playhouse — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy a high-energy celebration of confidence and friendship through catchy songs and dynamic dance numbers.

Oklahoma Sooners at Missouri Tigers Women's Volleyball

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Hearnes Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch thrilling women's volleyball action as the Sooners face off against the Tigers.

Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Tickets available — Experience a fusion of folk songwriting and rock energy with Seattle's talented musicians.

20 Under 40 Class of 2025 Celebration

6-10 p.m. — The Blue Note — Cost info not provided — Celebrate Columbia’s outstanding young professionals recognized for their leadership and achievements.

The Droptines Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Ticket costs TBD — Enjoy the alt-country sounds of The Droptines, straight from Texas.

Voodoo Fleetwood Mac - Fleetwood Mac Tribute

8 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy a night of Fleetwood Mac's greatest hits performed by a vibrant tribute band.

Finger Heart: The K-Pop Night

9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Check local listings for entry fees — Unite with fellow fandoms and dance the night away to the best of K-Pop.

Lizzie West Live Performance

2-6 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy an afternoon of captivating music from Lizzie West in a vibrant setting.