Good morning, Columbia.

Love Columbia received an anonymous challenge gift on Wednesday that will match donations dollar for dollar up to $500,000 throughout December.

The donation match will support urgent social services (housing, financial and unemployment assistance) for more than 3,000 households.

Veterans United has announced its final season of the free Bright Lights/Holiday Nights light show on Veterans United Drive — running Dec.

10–21 — and a 25 Days of Giving initiative to support 25 local nonprofits from Dec. 1 to 25.

Tropical Liqueurs, known locally as Trops, is closing its East Broadway and South Providence Road bars for 15 days due to a liquor license suspension for noncompliance with state to-go alcohol law + it will reopen on Dec.

19.

Columbia Public Schools is preparing for funding cuts if changes to SNAP lower free lunch enrollments+ the district is urging families to complete meal benefit forms by sending letters and making calls.

UM System President Mun Choi was elected secretary of the Council of Presidents for the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and will serve on its Board of Directors’ Executive Committee (he has led the system since 2017).

A Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Stephen Webber would repeal Boone County’s charter school authorization, which may affect two charter school applications filed for Columbia (Job Point planning to open in 2027 and Frontier Schools aiming to start as early as next school year).

Frontier Schools applied to open a charter school focused on STEM for preschool through second grade in Columbia.

If approved, the school will offer a specialized curriculum for young learners.

Columbia Public Schools switched to DS Bus Lines at the start of the school year and launched the Beacon Connect Family App in September so families can track buses in real time — many parents now report on-time, safe bus routes for students at Jefferson Middle and Ridgeway Elementary.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is using aircraft to catch speeders in I-70 work zones — a move that helps ground troopers pull over drivers safely.

Flights over western Callaway County show the agency’s effort to protect both the public and construction crews.

Columbia City Council approved a plan to rebuild the recycling center using a pre-engineered metal building to restore operations after an EF1 tornado damaged the facility in April.

The bidding process will set the final cost — estimated at about $3.6 million.

Veterans Affairs has connected 150+ homeless veterans with permanent housing in Columbia through a national initiative partnering local property owners to secure long-term living arrangements.

Boone Health has recommitted to restoring emergency care in Audrain County, which lost its local hospital in 2022.

The project may repurpose the old facility or build new, and it is expected to take two to three years to complete.

United Healthcare customers risk losing access to SSM Health if a deal is not reached by Dec.

31, raising concerns about fewer care options and higher costs for many families. SSM Health pointed to a need for fair reimbursement rates — urging patients to contact United Healthcare for details.

The Norm Stewart Classic features 17 games at Mizzou Arena beginning tomorrow with top prep players from Mizzou’s nationally ranked recruiting class for 2025.

The event raises funds for Coaches Versus Cancer and gives young athletes a chance to play in a historic venue — a unique experience for many.

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.

New Year’s Eve Pawty

10 AM – 2 PM — Premium Pets — Free entry — Celebrate the New Year with sparkling beverages for both humans and pups at a festive backdrop.