Good morning, Columbia.

The Show Me Reptiles Show took place on Sunday at Knights of Columbus CKC Event Center in Columbia.

Visitors handled snakes+ geckos+ bearded dragons while learning to overcome their fears of reptiles.

After 10 years, the Mid-Missouri Arts Alliance will dissolve at the end of December due to rising rent and volunteer shortages — local artists will still showcase their work at venues like The Dandy Lion Cafe.

Consumers in Columbia may pay nearly 15% more for beef this holiday season as a shrinking cattle herd and rising costs push ground beef prices to between $4 and $11 per pound — farmers are struggling while packers profit until herd sizes grow.

Columbia City Council is set to vote today on a $99,000 (first-year) contract with Powerhouse Community Development Corp to deploy two full-time bus liaisons trained to de-escalate incidents onboard city buses.

Council staff will also present reports on updating meeting procedures to improve accessibility and efficiency.

A local substance use prevention group urged the city to reject a 23-hour alcohol sale extension for the World Cup from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Some bars will keep their regular hours as the City Council discusses the proposal Monday at 7 p.m. amid safety and workload concerns.

Columbia cyclist Todd Narrol, who rode every day for 10 years, will complete 122,000 miles on Dec.

28 (rain, sleet or heat) to fulfill his long-standing vow.

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.

MO Rock Fest

7-8:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of live rock music in Columbia's popular venue.

Intro to Longarm Quilting Class

6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials provided — Learn the basics of longarm quilting and create a small tapestry in this engaging two-hour workshop.

Auburn Tigers at Missouri Tigers Basketball

6-8 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Cost info not provided — Watch the Auburn Tigers take on the Missouri Tigers in an exciting college basketball matchup.