Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of November.
Good morning, Columbia.
🏘️ Community
Local organizations are stepping up to provide Thanksgiving meals amid rising food demand and the challenges of a government shutdown.
The Samaritan Center in Jefferson City is offering turkeys and traditional dishes on Monday through Thursday while Powerhouse Community Development will serve a meal in Columbia at 11 a.m. today — ensuring more residents have a place to enjoy a holiday meal.
💼 Business
Amazon has secured a nearly 1,000 acre site north of I-70 in Montgomery County to build a data center and now awaits a building permit from the county between New Florence and High Hill.
The project is in its final site evaluation stage — expected to create hundreds of permanent jobs and use power from Ameren Missouri and water from the local district — and will support smart growth in the region.
🎓 Education
A partnership between the Food Bank and the school district provided every public school with a food market that makes fresh food accessible to CPS families.
The markets are now in place to support students and families across Columbia.
🌲 Environment
Today, the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area viewing platform reopened after two years of work that started in November 2023 when boardwalks were removed due to safety concerns—visitors can still use the trail from the Katy Trail and South Warren School Road.
The wetlands now have 17 shallow pools that attract waterfowl near McBaine off Route K.
🏛️ Government
The Missouri State Highway Patrol began counting traffic incidents at 6 p.m. Wednesday during Blackout Wednesday — a peak time for impaired driving — and the Missouri Department of Transportation urged drivers to slow down and plan ahead as holiday travel ramped up.
Officials stressed that using sober rides and designated drivers could help reduce crashes on busy roads this Thanksgiving weekend.
🏈 Sports
The UM System Board of Curators voted Wednesday to extend head football coach Eli Drinkwitz's contract, adding two years that will keep him in Columbia until the 2031 season—he has not yet signed the new six-year deal.
🎉 Columbia Events
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Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
8:45-9:45 p.m. — voco The Tiger Hotel — Up to 10% Off — Experience the magic of music from Queen and ABBA under candlelight in a beautiful venue.
Siilk Live Performance
7-10:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the haunting lyrics of Siilk's music as they perform live in Columbia.
SIU Edwardsville Cougars vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball
2-3:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Check for ticket prices — Catch an exciting matchup in women's collegiate basketball.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
7-8:30 p.m. — Jesse Hall Auditorium — Tickets start at $138 — Experience the enchanting performance of the classic holiday ballet filled with magic and joy.
Elf The Musical
2-4 p.m. — Macklanburg Playhouse — Refunds available — Enjoy a whimsical story of Buddy the Elf discovering his true identity in this festive musical.
Elf The Musical
2-4 p.m. — Macklanburg Playhouse — Refunds available up to a week prior — Delight in the holiday spirit with a musical adaptation of a beloved Christmas tale.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Historic Grand Ballroom, Tiger Hotel — Tickets Selling Fast — Experience a magical evening of Christmas carols performed by the Lisetso String Quartet under candlelight.
Cassie Twehus' Holiday Favorites
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Runge Nature Center — Free entry — Celebrate the season with festive activities hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
🏠 Columbia Real Estate
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💼 Columbia Job Board
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