COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

Apr 27 2026ENVIRONMENT

Can underwater plants warn us about hidden chemicals in rivers?

Rivers hide more than just fish and rocks. They also carry invisible chemicals from everyday products. One group, called PFAS, sticks around for years and mixes into water systems. Scientists recently tested a common underwater plant, Potamogeton crispus, to see if it could act like a warning sign f

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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 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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Apr 03 2026OPINION

Safety Tech Helps Keep Riverton Secure

Riverton’s council members often think about how to protect the town and its families. A violent crime in the neighborhood a little over two years ago made everyone feel unsafe. After that, people called for help and worried about children playing outside or being alone at home. The town’s

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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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Feb 17 2026EDUCATION

Columbia University Takes Action Against Staff Linked to Epstein

Columbia University has taken disciplinary action against two individuals connected to its dental school. This follows the release of documents by the Justice Department. These documents showed that the two people helped Jeffrey Epstein's girlfriend get into the school without going through the usua

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Feb 12 2026LIFESTYLE

Columbia's Cozy Catch: A Warm Jacket Deal You Can't Miss

Columbia has a jacket that is perfect for cold days. It is usually $160, but now it is only $39. 98 at Academy Sports + Outdoors. This is a huge discount. The jacket is called the Women’s Voodoo Fall 590 TurboDown II. It is lightweight but keeps you warm. It is also stylish and comes in green and pi

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Jan 09 2026HEALTH

Speeding Up Health Checks: New Tech Comes to Illinois

Riverside Healthcare is bringing in fresh imaging tech to Illinois. This move aims to make health checks quicker and easier for patients. The new tech is part of a team-up with CIVIE, a company that helps run radiology services. This isn't just about new machines. It's about making the whole proces

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