Daily
Columbia
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Holts Summit Food Pantry closed temporarily on Tuesday at Union Hill Baptist Church due to a food shortage and receives only eight to 10 pallets per week from the food bank—volunteers noted that more families visited as supplies dropped. It reopened on Thursday and accepts donations on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. KOMU 8
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The University of Missouri is asking developers to create a new entertainment and hospitality district near campus to boost the local economy and enhance gameday experiences in three development zones. Downtown improvement director Nickie Davis said keeping Columbia’s historic look is important—interested parties can attend a developer meeting at 1 p.m. Nov. 10 while submissions are accepted until Jan. 9. ABC 17
- ➤ Columbia Regional Airport recorded its highest passenger numbers in September with 11,306 departing passengers and 21,534 total through American Airlines, setting a record since December 2019. United Airlines began flights on Sept 25, and officials expect total passengers to exceed 22,000. KOMU 8
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two Hallsville School District staff members resigned after a month of paid leave for sharing posts about Charlie Kirk's death. School board president Craig Stevenson said the employees signed separation agreements (the district is now hiring to fill the positions) to support a respectful learning environment. ABC 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Following calls from UM president Mun Choi to tackle downtown homelessness, police said their options are limited to addressing behavior violations like trespassing—Police Chief Jill Schlude noted that about 86% of related calls fall in that category while City Manager De’Carlon Seewood and business leaders work on uniform enforcement policies. John Trapp of Room at the Inn warned that long-standing zoning issues and a lack of affordable housing will continue to worsen the crisis. ABC 17
- ➤ The Columbia Fire Department added a new fire engine called Quint 4 on Wednesday to improve emergency responses—combining features of both an engine and ladder truck. Officials said the addition will boost response times and enhance community safety. KRCG
- ➤ Columbia remembers former Gov. Mel Carnahan, who died in a 2000 plane crash while campaigning for the Senate; remembrances 25 years later highlight his lasting impact on Missouri politics and his strong commitment to public service. KOMU 8
- ➤ At Tuesday’s Downtown CID meeting, officials including CPD Chief Jill Schlude and UM System President Mun Choi — joined by a new coalition of downtown property owners — outlined a plan to boost public safety downtown. The plan uses 35% of annual revenue and over $500,000 from reserves for cameras and security measures — it also proposes a $350,000 safety patrol unit with four ambassadors — to strengthen partnerships among the city, the university, and Block by Block. KOMU 8
- ➤ Yesterday, Oct. 16 marked the 25th anniversary of former Governor Mel Carnahan’s death in a plane crash that killed his son Randy and his campaign advisor—records from the Missouri State Archives show the crash happened during a U.S. Senate campaign trip. KRCG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ After Mexico was found ineligible for new federal funds, Boone Health said they are looking for a strategic partner—possibly by joining a larger hospital network—to boost emergency care in Audrain County. They updated their emergency room system on Wednesday to cut wait times and hired over 25 new physicians to manage a rising number of visits. KRCG
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Lizzi & Rocco’s South is hosting The Life of a Showdog event this Saturday from 7-9 p.m.—tickets cost $25 and include a custom showdog cup, a personalized bakery cookie with your dog’s name, and an event sticker. The celebration features themed drinks, a costume contest, Taylor Swift bingo, and a giveaway wheel for Swiftie dog parents. Inside Columbia
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Home Free Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Missouri Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of vocal harmonies from the popular a cappella group Home Free.
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Lakeview Concert at Rose Music Hall
8 PM — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy a night of live music with convenient card payment at a popular venue.
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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Screening
8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a classic movie under the stars with E.T.'s magical charm.
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Intro to Woodworking Class
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes materials — Learn woodshop techniques while creating your own small project.
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The Hunter's Guild - A Tribute to K-Pop Demon Hunters
2-5 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Celebrate K-Pop demon hunters with an exciting show at this community event.
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Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball Exhibition
3:30-6:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Tickets available — Catch the Missouri Tigers take on the Maryville Saints in an exciting women's basketball exhibition.
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Hocus Pocus Movie Night
6:30-9 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Experience the Sanderson Sisters in this Halloween classic filled with witchy fun and spooky laughs for the whole family.
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2000s Halloween Party at The Blue Note
9 PM – 12 AM — The Blue Note — Entry details not specified — Celebrate the nostalgic vibes of the 2000s with electrifying entertainment and costumes.
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Kolton Moore & The Clever Few Concert
8 PM — Rose Music Hall — Cost TBD — Experience the rising sounds of Kolton Moore & The Clever Few in an engaging live performance.
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2025 Missouri Tigers Basketball Season Tickets
Sun, Nov 2, 11:59 PM — Hearnes Center — Ticket purchase — Secure your season tickets for an exciting year of Missouri Tigers basketball action.
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