COLUMBIA MISSOURI

Jun 11 2026CRIME

Missouri braces for risks as World Cup brings crowds to Kansas City

Missouri’s Attorney General is raising flags about human trafficking and scams ahead of the FIFA World Cup matches coming to Kansas City in late November. With over 650, 000 visitors expected and Argentina vs. Algeria kicking off the local games first, the state is bracing for challenges tied to big

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Jun 09 2026TECHNOLOGY

\\Upgrading Columbia’s Meters: A Big $42M Tech Leap\\

Columbia plans a costly upgrade that will swap out almost 54, 000 electric meters and about 53, 000 water meters for new digital versions. The goal is to stop the old system’s slow hand‑reading, broken devices and hidden leaks by letting data travel wirelessly to the city’s computers. The plan sa

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May 30 2026POLITICS

Heat‑Safe Rule Starts June 1

Missouri will enforce a new rule that stops power and gas companies from cutting off service when it’s too hot. The change takes effect on June 1 and runs until September 30. The rule protects people who rely on electricity or gas for air conditioning. If the National Weather Service says that temp

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May 01 2026BUSINESS

Columbia’s Sales Surge, Europe Leads the Charge

Columbia Sportswear surprised investors by beating Wall Street expectations for its latest quarterly results. The company posted $779 million in sales, topping the $758 million forecast from analysts. Earnings per share reached 65 cents, well above the anticipated 35 cents. The jump in revenue came

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Apr 25 2026HEALTH

Building a new heart center in mid-May

Columbia’s Boone Health system is rushing to open its own heart clinic by May 6 after losing a partnership that lasted over ten years. The split affects around 20, 000 patients who will now receive care from a new team of about three dozen doctors, nurses, and technicians hired specifically for the

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Apr 19 2026EDUCATION

How one Columbia school leader is shaping education beyond the usual classroom

Columbia Public Schools has tapped Douglass High School Principal Eryca Neville to lead a new role focused on students who need learning options outside traditional classrooms. Neville steps into the executive director of alternative education position after nearly a decade as Douglass High’s top ad

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

CPS Drops Equity Leader, Sparks Community Outcry

Columbia Public Schools decided not to renew the contract of Carla London, the district’s chief equity officer. The board met in a closed session and voted 6‑1 against the renewal, with only Alvin Cobbins opposing. London has served for over a decade, starting as director of student services and lat

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Apr 13 2026POLITICS

State steps in to review high school sports decisions

Missouri lawmakers want to add a new layer of state control over high school sports rules. A bill that would create a government board to handle final appeals for the Missouri State High School Activities Association is moving through the legislature. The proposed board would be picked by the govern

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Apr 06 2026WEATHER

Rainy Easter plans? Here's what to expect in the Midlands today

Columbia woke up to a mild Easter morning, but the skies will change by afternoon. While no heavy rain hits early, scattered showers might sneak in before noon—especially west of the city. The main concern rolls in later, when temperatures peak near 80°F. Forecasters expect a 60% chance of showers a

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Mar 31 2026EDUCATION

Education Board Candidates Keep Their Finances in Check

Columbia’s upcoming board election is almost here, and all four contenders have met the deadline for their financial disclosures. The Missouri Ethics Commission received the reports by 5 p. m. on Monday, giving voters a clear view of each candidate’s fundraising status. There are four hopefuls vy

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