Daily
Columbia
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025
Good morning, Columbia. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Leila Willmore said that AI-generated posts misrepresenting her son's 2021 win as Rock Bridge’s first male homecoming queen are causing renewed backlash online — she has contacted police while Columbia Public Schools noted the posts are fake. The altered images have resumed after a brief pause and are stirring debate both locally and beyond. ABC 17
- ➤ Local officials and Meals on Wheels are stepping in to help over 15,000 Boone County residents who rely on SNAP benefits as the program is set to be suspended in November. The Boone County Commission approved a $50,000 ARPA amendment for the Food Bank—matched by Columbia—and Meals on Wheels will launch a meal sign-up program tomorrow. KRCG
- ➤ Despite rainy weather, hundreds of Mizzou Greek life students filled Carnahan Quad to host an annual Trick-or-Treat event—handing out candy and setting up games for local children. The event, co-sponsored by the Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Panhellenic Association, aimed to introduce community members to Greek life on campus. KOMU 8
- ➤ The Missouri Department of Social Services announced on October 20 that it would not pay SNAP benefits until further notice due to a potential federal shutdown, and food pantries across Missouri are seeing a surge in families preparing for a cut in aid. Several pantries, including one in Columbia, plan to extend hours starting November 12 to meet record demand—officials say resources are limited and rising food costs are a growing challenge. Columbia Daily Tribune
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Missouri roadway fatalities are nearly set to pass last year's total with over 700 deaths recorded in 2025—many involving unbuckled vehicle occupants and distracted driving. MoDOT urges drivers to buckle up and drive carefully today during Buckle Up Phone Down Day as holiday travel and winter conditions may raise the risk of more crashes. KRCG
- ➤ A man died Tuesday after falling from a tree stand in East Columbia and the Missouri Department of Conservation urged hunters to inspect their stands and use harnesses + a local doctor warned that falls can cause broken bones and other injuries. ABC 17
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The USDA is reopening 2,100 offices to help Missouri farmers access $3 billion in aid as soybean exports to China remain stalled. Experts warn that while current farm incomes are rising, producers may face tighter margins next year without additional government support. KOMU 8
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Columbia Public Schools announced Susan Goldammer as its new general counsel who will provide day-to-day legal guidance on governance, compliance, contracts, personnel—and ensure the district meets Missouri's Sunshine Law. Goldammer leaves her role at the Missouri School Boards Association after 20 years and will begin her duties on Nov. 3. Columbia Daily Tribune
- ➤ In fall 2026, University of Missouri classes may be scheduled on Reading Day because Veteran's Day will fall on Wednesday and reduce the available meeting days; the Faculty Council approved the change pending the UM System Board of Curators+some students worry that losing the day could affect their break. KOMU 8
- ➤ Columbia Public Schools announced Susan Goldammer will start as the district’s general counsel on November 3 after a new role approved in July was created to manage legal matters—she brings over 20 years of legal experience from the Missouri School Boards’ Association. ABC 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Boone County Fire Protection District warned residents that hidden fire hazards — such as creosote buildup in chimneys and unsafe portable heater practices — can increase risks as temperatures drop, and advised having chimneys cleaned by a certified sweep, using heaters with tip-over switches, and ensuring working smoke detectors on every level. KRCG
- ➤ Residents asked questions and heard from city officials at Tuesday night's 'Let's Talk Local' event held at the Molly Thomas Bowden Neighborhood Policing Center as part of the ongoing series on violence prevention. Officials including Ward Two Council Member Vera Elwood — Violence Prevention Administrator D’Markus Thomas-Brown and Police Chief Jill Schlude — said the department is near its cap of 185 sworn officers while noting a strong community turnout. KRCG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Melissa Gerke of the American Heart Association said the annual Go Red for Women Evening in Red event will focus on raising awareness about women's unique heart health risks—almost half of women over 20 live with cardiovascular disease—and stress the need for proper CPR. The event is scheduled for November 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Atrium on Tenth. KRCG
- ➤ Natasha Parker, a Columbia nurse with a busy family life, found a lump during a monthly self-exam at age 37 and was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer. Now disease-free, she urges women to check themselves monthly—early detection can lead to better outcomes. KOMU 8
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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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Historic Wood Windows: Myths, Maintenance & Restoration
6-7:45 p.m. — Sawdust Studios — Free admission — Discover the myths of window replacement and learn about historic restoration techniques from an expert.
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Main Street Summit
Main Street Summit is a premier business event that brings together 1,000+ business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs for expert-led sessions across seven industry tracks, including venture/startups, manufacturing, construction, franchising, health, faith & work, and non-profit - all happening November 4-6, 2025 in Columbia, MO. This event is relevant to the Columbia community as it positions the city as a hub for small business innovation and growth, attracting world-class speakers and industry leaders to share practical insights in intimate, small-group settings rather than traditional conference formats, while showcasing Columbia as a destination for entrepreneurial excellence in the heart of Main Street America.
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Main Street Summit
Main Street Summit is a premier business event that brings together 1,000+ business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs for expert-led sessions across seven industry tracks, including venture/startups, manufacturing, construction, franchising, health, faith & work, and non-profit - all happening November 4-6, 2025 in Columbia, MO. This event is relevant to the Columbia community as it positions the city as a hub for small business innovation and growth, attracting world-class speakers and industry leaders to share practical insights in intimate, small-group settings rather than traditional conference formats, while showcasing Columbia as a destination for entrepreneurial excellence in the heart of Main Street America.
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Bitchin Bajas Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Cafe Berlin — Tickets from $0 — Experience the ambient sounds of Bitchin Bajas in a top-rated local venue.
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Elio Screening
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Experience a heartwarming intergalactic tale of humanity's worth through Elio's adventure.
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Texas A&M Aggies vs. Missouri Tigers Football
1-4 p.m. — Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting clash between two college football teams with strong season performances.
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Hippie Sabotage - Echoes of Time Tour
8-9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant electronic sounds of the duo Hippie Sabotage live in concert.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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