Columbia/Boone County CrimeStoppers launched a program on Saturday with the goal of boosting the recovery of illegal weapons.

The plains spotted skunk is becoming harder to find in the central U.S. states it calls home. As federal officials consider the skunk for federal protections, researchers and environmentalists are hoping to learn more about the long understudied species.

The group People Not Politicians is arguing, among other things, that Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has no right to declare its referendum over a 2025 redistricting plan unconstitutional.

Additionally, Bill Ellis won the primary election as the Democratic party nominee in the Division IX associate circuit judge race, and will face Republican James Egan on the Nov. 3 general election

The narrow approval of the sales tax came after city officials spent weeks speaking in favor of the new funding, saying the growing city needing the money to keep up with public safety needs.

Jones bested two competitors in special election for former council member Nick Foster's seat.

Drug addiction groups are reeling after Trump officials said federal grants cannot be used to hand out test strips to drug users. The strips help users check street drugs for dangerous adulterants.

That revenue does not include net proceeds of $1.6 billion made by CoreCivic after the recent sale of four of their facilities to the Department of Homeland Security.

Wisconsin Democratic candidate for governor Francesca Hong called for a moratorium on data centers. So did Ohio Republican governor hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, as data centers begin to dominate campaigns.

South Providence Medical Building will close at noon Friday because of an air conditioning problem.

Discover how a community is turning grief into a powerful legacy with the inaugural Aiyanna Williams Invitational Volleyball Tournament September 12 at Hickman High School in Columbia. Derek Kent and Erica Dickson tell us how local leaders, Columbia Public Schools, Smoothie King, and Day Dreams Foundation are coming together to support young female athletes across Missouri. August 7, 2026

The total amount wagered in June was $258.3 million, a 0.8% increase from May. Almost all sports bets were made on mobile betting sites, accounting for 99.5% of all money wagered.

The $45.5 million facility will house Lincoln University’s School of Nursing and act as a shared workspace for the Security Sciences Institute.

Discover the story behind Missourians for Justice in Palestine and their first-ever Palestinian Cultural Night, featuring traditional dance, fashion, art, and heritage. From specialty drinks (by Chicago’s Kuffiyeh Coffee) to iconic dishes like maqluba and classic Palestinian desserts, this episode invites you to taste, see, and celebrate a culture whose existence is resistance. August 6, 2026

Columbia Mall is once again 'home' for this year's annual Home Builders Association of Columbia Home Show, and once again it'll be packed with trusted local builders, remodelers, painters, landscapers, and more, all ready to help with projects from full home builds to simple bathroom updates. HBAC board member Mary Garrity says get ready to walk away with ideas, contacts, and even future-ready plans for your next renovation or DIY project! August 5, 2026