Good morning, Columbia.

Ambulances + police vehicles + fire trucks lit up MU Health's Children's Hospital Tuesday night in a festive parade to spread holiday cheer for families and patients.

Santa appeared during the second annual light display as community members gathered to share holiday spirit.

Richard Mahoney’s effort to collect used bikes for local mid-Missouri kids paid off with over 150 bikes given out on Saturday.

He plans to let recipients trade bikes next year if they outgrow them (a project started in November).

A Columbia dispensary hopes that a federal order—signed Dec.

18 to reclassify marijuana as a schedule III substance—will lessen the stigma and support customers seeking alternatives for pain and anxiety. The manager noted the change could help shift how cannabis is viewed as a medicine.

Boone Co. Fire Protection District updated its training and response procedures after Assistant Fire Chief Bryant Gladney was killed in a highway crash in December 2021.

The fire department requires recruits to take a traffic incident management course and uses a HAAS system (a roadside safety alert) to improve safety.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges safe driving over the Christmas holiday weekend starting 6 p.m. today until 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

They advise slowing for weather, obeying traffic laws, and staying aware of work zones (drivers should secure all passengers).

Realtor.com data showed Boone County's median home listing price rose to $425,000 in November, up 3.1% from October's $412,100 and 10.8% higher than the previous November, with listings averaging 2,089 sqft at $201 per sqft.

Casa Maria's was ordered by a judge to vacate its property on Grindstone Parkway after a Dec.

17 ruling over nonpayment of rent that held guarantors responsible for more than $129k (the restaurant planned to close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Missouri officials expressed dismay after the Chiefs announced their move to Kansas on Dec.

23 due to a more lucrative incentive offer, leaving local sports plans in uncertainty. Discussions continue on future stadium strategies for the Royals.

Local figure skater Elaine Su teaches ice skating classes at Jefferson City’s Washington Park Ice Arena and encourages learners (ages 1 to 92) to try the sport.

She believes it is never too late to learn and have fun staying active.

Mizzou football defensive end Damon Wilson II filed a countersuit against the University of Georgia Tuesday (Dec.

23), arguing his signed NIL agreement was not legally binding. He claims receiving $30,000 on Christmas and his transfer to boost NFL exposure harmed his business expectations.

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.

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Missouri Tigers Women's Basketball

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Mizzou Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness a thrilling clash between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Missouri Tigers on the basketball court.

University of Missouri Hockey vs. University of Nebraska

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Washington Park Ice Arena — Ticket information varies — Catch an exciting hockey game as the University of Missouri faces off against the University of Nebraska.

Celebration of Missouri Food and Wine

6-9 p.m. — COMO Marketing — Tickets required — Experience a four-course tasting menu by renowned Columbia chefs highlighting local cuisine and wine.