Good morning, Columbia.

Downtown Columbia businesses are preparing for Small Business Saturday and want shoppers to support local shops after Black Friday deals drew many consumers.

Owners like Joe Chevalier from Yellow Dog Bookshop and Paula McFarling of Bluestem Missouri Crafts expect increased weekend traffic and sales despite forecasts of patchy slushy conditions—potentially affecting travel.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway warned residents to be alert for scams during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, urging shoppers to check emails and use credit cards to protect their personal information — her office also advised reporting any suspicious activity.

Jennifer Sanders—a Kansas City woman who lost most of her iris in a 2010 injury—received Missouri's first iris transplant at MU Health Care in 2023, where Dr. James Landreneau performed the surgery that improved both her vision and her appearance.

MU Extension is doubling its Freeze It! classes (from four to eight free sessions) to help rural Missouri families reduce food waste and lower grocery costs, thanks to a new grant from the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development.

The four-part series teaches meal planning, efficient cooking and safe freezing methods, and pilot sessions have already helped over 100 households statewide.

Health insurance premiums for many Missourians will jump when COVID-19 subsidies expire on Jan 1, and the U.S. Senate will vote in December on extending the tax credits; individuals and small business owners face tough decisions as costs may rise from $295 to up to $1,216 per month—adding uncertainty to next year’s enrollment options.

Sports betting will start statewide Monday for adults 21 and older after Amendment 2 passed in November 2024, letting people bet via licensed casinos and mobile apps.

The Missouri Gaming Commission will oversee wagers and enforce age verification and secure payments—shifting betting from unregulated sites to a legal system.

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.

Kansas City Roos vs Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball

2-9:59 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting matchup between local collegiate teams on the basketball court.

Wildlife: Fireside Stories

10-11 a.m. — Runge Nature Center — Free entry — Enjoy captivating winter tales around a cozy outdoor fire.