Daily
Columbia
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The fifth annual Biscuits, Beats and Brews festival kicked off Friday and will run this weekend at Cooper's Landing with a parking system offering three shuttles from a nearby lot. This final event in the current facility will end as renovations begin Monday—transforming the venue into an updated space. KOMU 8
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Blair Oaks went into a soft lockdown after receiving a suspicious phone call at about 2 p.m.—law enforcement determined the threat was not credible and classes resumed on schedule. ABC 17
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Missouri Nightmare, a new haunted house in Callaway County near the Boone County line, opened Friday night after last year's Fear Fest closure left ticket buyers without refunds—owner Nic Palmer said they waited until passing fire inspections before selling tickets—and it will run on weekends through Halloween. KOMU 8
- ➤ Mid-Missouri PrideFest begins today for its annual two-day celebration with gates opening at noon and closing at 10:30 p.m. at entry points on Park Avenue, St. James and Ash, and Orr and Ash as organizers implement safety measures — including 20 to 25 staff and 75 volunteers — and close Park Avenue and Orr Street from 8 a.m. until midnight on both days. ABC 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A University of Missouri instructor is planning a new course that connects classic literature to Taylor Swift’s album The Life of a Showgirl—using song lyrics to highlight literary themes. The course will let students examine modern music and classic writing in a new way. Columbia Missourian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Boone County Commission said a representative attended the National Association of Counties AI Central Regional Forum in Minneapolis on Thursday to learn how AI can improve government efficiency and public services. The session focused on best practices for responsible AI use — reflecting the county’s drive to modernize its operations. KRCG
- ➤ Governor Mike Kehoe announced Friday that he released recommended rule updates for Missouri’s parole process under Executive Order 25-07— a working group of law enforcement, corrections, judiciary and public members proposed changes such as revised eligibility and updated hearing procedures including a new grid system for some non-violent offenses. The recommendations will be reviewed to improve transparency, accountability and public safety in the parole process. KRCG
- ➤ On Thursday, the Missouri DNR delivered a letter to Mayor Buffaloe and Commissioner Kendrick asking Columbia to submit an action plan by Nov. 15 to fix stormwater issues from homeless encampments that have led to E coli near Hinkson Creek, Grindstone Creek, and Hominy Branch. The department said current rules do not clearly ban non-stormwater discharges from these camps and urged new measures to protect water quality and public health. KRCG
- ➤ Starting at 7 p.m. Friday, Interstate 70 between Range Line St. and the U.S. 63 Connector in Columbia will be reduced to one lane heading east until 6 a.m. Monday because MoDOT is building new eastbound lanes near the Paris Road Bridge—drivers are advised to slow down and seek alternate routes as the work continues. ABC 17
- ➤ Columbia will launch a 'Ride Home' program on Monday to help eligible people, including those experiencing homelessness or needing a ride after a medical appointment, reach their support systems. The service, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and operated by First Last Mile, will take referrals from Room At The Inn, Turning Point, DIVERT and 4AChange and will transport riders within a three-hour radius or to a Greyhound bus station — with five vans and seven drivers available and an eighth driver joining next week. ABC 17
- ➤ Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed Paul Boyd as Montgomery County’s next prosecuting attorney and Rebecca Minks as Benton County treasurer on Friday—according to the governor’s office. Boyd led the violent crimes team at Boone County Prosecutor’s Office and served as a counterdrug coordinator and military judge while Minks worked as a tax specialist before managing her own franchise. ABC 17
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ MU researcher Shinghua Ding was awarded a nearly $3 million grant to study glial cells and develop treatments for stroke recovery—this research may lead to new methods for brain repair. Columbia Missourian
- ➤ Columbia Public Library will host a SAVE-A-LIFE: Naloxone education and distribution event on Oct. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. — the event will offer training on overdose recognition and naloxone use while providing a free supply of the nasal spray to participants. KOMU 8
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~ Les Brown
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