Good morning, Columbia.

Meals on Wheels of Columbia has partnered with Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture to boost meal delivery using fresh local produce and extra volunteer support.

A ribbon-cutting will be held at the Community Welcome Center — part of Agriculture Park near the Farmers Market — on Nov. 4 from noon to 1 p.m.

MU Extension master gardener coordinator Debi Kelly said lawns should be trimmed to 3 to 3.5 inches with sharp mower blades as winter approaches to reduce disease — fall soil tests from multiple yard spots help ensure proper nutrient levels.

Columbia Public Schools emailed families on Thursday saying the new state A-F grading system does not show the full picture of school performance.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education says the grades will not affect funding and that first results will come in January.

The University of Missouri is exploring options to enhance the game-day experience by considering an entertainment district—complete with a hotel near Memorial Stadium and additional student housing.

Discussions remain in the planning stage after bid proposals last fall and positive local business feedback.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is replacing pumps at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area for $1.5 million and has paused waterfowl hunting because water levels are too low — work continues with no set completion date as refilling may take weeks or months.

The Missouri Department of Conservation revised duck-zone boundaries for the 2026-2030 waterfowl hunting seasons, affecting north and middle zones in Boone, Saline, and surrounding counties near St. Louis.

For the 2026-2027 season, middle zone dates run Nov. 7 to Dec. 13 and Dec. 19 to Jan. 10 while Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area is closed for pump repairs.

Missouri Department of Conservation announced updated duck-zone boundaries and revised hunting dates for the 2026-2030 waterfowl cycle after public input last year.

North Zone runs from Oct. 31 - Dec. 29, Middle Zone from Nov. 7 - Dec. 13 with a Dec. 19 reopening, and South Zone dates remain unchanged.

A state study found Missouri’s legal cannabis market is meeting demand, with 93% of purchases made at licensed dispensaries; regulators said they will track ownership data in future analysis to better gauge competition & guide licensing decisions.

Clark Lane at Hanover Boulevard in northeast Columbia is set to reopen today at 3:30 p.m. after a two-month closure for improvements including a roundabout, new pavement and retaining walls.

Detoured drivers used nearby local roads during the closure.

The University of Missouri School of Medicine’s Center for Child Well-Being received a $6.4M federal grant on Oct.

22 to expand child psychiatry and maternal health consultations in rural communities. The funding boosts MO-CPAP and MHAP services over five years — helping local families access care.

Missouri basketball has a very tough nonconference schedule that includes five neutral-site games and matchups against top-60 teams.

The season begins November 3 versus Cleveland State, and coach Gates says these challenges will help the team learn and grow.

Missouri men’s basketball will play an exhibition game today at 7 p.m. against Kansas State at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas, and the matchup is available exclusively via ESPN+.

A midseason review of the Tigers’ offense shows standout performances from quarterback Austin Simmons (A grade) and wide receivers while highlighting a need for improvements at tight end and running back positions after star Ahmad Hardy missed play.

Coach Drinkwitz plans adjustments as the team prepares for five more games.