Dawn Fritz+FollowAaron Ladd brings fresh energy to Columbia sportsAaron Ladd is back in Columbia, this time as KOMU 8’s Sports Director, and it feels like a big win for local sports fans. After seven years away—covering sports from Myrtle Beach to Atlanta—he’s returning to the place where his journalism journey began. Ladd’s deep roots in mid-Missouri and his experience across the country mean we can expect more dynamic coverage and fresh perspectives on our favorite teams. What are you hoping to see from Aaron as he takes the lead? Let’s welcome him back and share what stories matter most to you! #Sports #ColumbiaMO #SportsNews00Share
Peter Castillo+FollowI-70 westbound reopens, but traffic still slowMorning commuters east of Columbia faced major headaches after a crash shut down westbound I-70, causing long backups. Both lanes are now open, but traffic is still crawling as crews finish clearing the scene and a tow truck removes the wrecked vehicle. If you’re heading that way, expect some lingering delays and keep an eye out for workers on the shoulder. Anyone else stuck in that mess this morning? How do you handle unexpected traffic jams on your daily drive? #Transportation #ColumbiaMO #I7000Share
Lauren Cooper+FollowJackknifed trailer causes early I-70 gridlockMorning commutes on westbound I-70 near Columbia hit a major snag today after a tractor trailer jackknifed just east of town. Traffic was backed up for at least two miles during the early rush, with delays starting before 6 a.m. While the scene was cleared by 7:24 a.m., drivers were still dealing with lingering slowdowns. If you travel this stretch regularly, you know how quickly a single crash can ripple through everyone’s morning. How do you handle unexpected traffic jams like this? Share your best detour tips or traffic survival stories below! #Transportation #ColumbiaMO #I7000Share
Nicole Obrien+FollowColumbia’s own Sophie Cunningham Classic goes nationalTeams from across the country are flocking to Columbia for this year’s Sophie Cunningham Classic, and the excitement is real. The event is bigger than ever, with elite high school girls’ basketball talent, packed stands, and a community that’s all-in—donating, cheering, and making it a true showcase. Sophie and Lindsey Cunningham are hands-on, signing autographs and mentoring the next generation. Plus, for the first time, you can snag a Mizzou Sophie jersey at the event! It’s not just basketball—it’s a celebration of local pride and women’s sports. Who’s planning to go, and what are you most excited to see? #Sports #Basketball #ColumbiaMO00Share
ZenithZebra+FollowColumbia hoops thrill at Spartan InvitationalNothing beats the energy of local high school basketball, and Columbia fans just got a treat! Hickman pulled off a nail-biter, edging out John Burroughs 57-56 thanks to Hunter Jackson’s clutch go-ahead shot. Meanwhile, Rock Bridge showed real dominance with a 58-47 win over Oak Park. While Tolton and Battle didn’t get the results they wanted, the atmosphere at Battle High was electric all day. These games are more than just scores—they’re about community pride and the next generation of talent. Which game moment stood out most to you? #Education #K12 #ColumbiaMO00Share
John Henry+FollowColumbia’s art scene loses a true gemKenny Greene’s impact on Columbia can’t be overstated—he was the kind of artist and neighbor who made everyone feel seen and supported. From gifting handmade jewelry to mentoring new artists, Kenny believed art should be shared and celebrated by all. His vision shaped the North Village Arts District into a vibrant, diverse community, and his encouragement helped so many locals take creative leaps. As Columbia prepares to honor him at this week’s First Friday art crawl, it’s clear his generosity and spirit will keep inspiring us. How has Kenny—or someone like him—made a difference in your life? #Entertainment #Painting #ColumbiaMO00Share
dianefrank+FollowColumbia restaurants pass health checks after fixesGolden Corral’s dishwasher is finally up to code after a string of failed inspections left some diners uneasy about food safety. Several Columbia spots faced their own hiccups—like bare-hand food handling, dirty soda nozzles, and missing food safety certificates—but most issues were fixed quickly. These routine inspections really show how much goes on behind the scenes to keep our favorite places safe. Have you ever wondered what happens after a restaurant gets flagged for a violation? Or does seeing these reports change where you eat out? Let’s talk about it! #Food #ColumbiaMO #FoodSafety00Share
Sabrina Carrillo+FollowColumbia neighbors step up for the homelessEven with freezing temps and no shuttle to help folks get there, Sophia’s Helping Hand still managed to serve up hot New Year’s meals to nearly 40 people in Columbia. Founder Sophia Smith says she’s watched the city’s homeless population more than double since 2008, and while turnout was down this year, the need is only growing. What stands out? Local businesses and everyday people are quietly making a difference—whether it’s a home-cooked meal or a donated gift card. How do you think Columbia can better support its homeless neighbors, especially during tough weather? #Safety #ColumbiaMO #HomelessSupport00Share
Michael Alvarez+FollowColumbia’s Sound Bites Eatery closing soonSound Bites Eatery, a downtown Columbia favorite for quick, tasty lunches, is shutting its doors this February. For anyone who’s grabbed a sandwich there between classes or on a work break, this is a real loss for the local food scene. It’s always tough to see a spot that’s become part of the daily routine disappear. What’s your go-to lunch place now, and how do you feel about the changes happening downtown? Let’s talk about the best local eats and what you’ll miss most about Sound Bites. #Food #ColumbiaMO #LocalEats00Share
peterfoster+FollowColumbia’s new tech makes flying safer for allImagine a plane that can land itself if the pilot becomes unresponsive. That’s now a reality in Columbia, thanks to BlackHawk Aerospace’s installation of Autoland systems. This technology isn’t just a gadget—it’s peace of mind for pilots and passengers alike. If something goes wrong mid-flight, Autoland takes over, finds the nearest airport, communicates with air traffic control, and safely lands the plane. It’s a game-changer for safety, especially for smaller crews or medical flights. Would you feel more comfortable flying knowing this system was on board? Let’s talk about how tech like this could change our travel experiences. #Business #Industry #ColumbiaMO00Share