Hannah Garcia+FollowColumbia food bank needs your helping handsVolunteer energy at the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri always drops after the holidays, just when the need is still sky-high. With over 21 million meals shared last year and a quarter of Boone County living in poverty, every extra set of hands truly matters. Most volunteer shifts are just a couple of hours and don’t require any special skills—just a willingness to pitch in. It’s a great way to meet neighbors, give back, and keep Columbia strong year-round. Who’s been part of a volunteer group before? What was your experience like? #Safety #ColumbiaMO #Volunteer00Share
Benjamin Contreras+FollowColumbia’s ‘Mama Gentry’ inspires with her graduationTranikia Thompson, known as ‘Mama Gentry’ at Gentry Middle School, just walked the stage at Columbia College, earning not one but two bachelor’s degrees! Her journey proves you’re never too old to chase your dreams—she’s been motivating students for years, and now her own hard work is paying off. Surrounded by family, coworkers, and students cheering her on, Thompson says the support feels incredible. She’s not stopping here, either—she’s already planning for her master’s and maybe even a doctorate. What does her story make you think about lifelong learning and community support? #Education #ColumbiaMO #LifelongLearning00Share
Dawn Fritz+FollowMizzou aims to finish 2025 strong at homeMizzou’s basketball squad is set for their final game of 2025, looking to lock in a second win this week against Bethune-Cookman at Mizzou Arena. With a 95.9% win probability, the Tigers are favored, but Bethune-Cookman’s revamped roster could make things interesting. The Wildcats, visiting Columbia for the first time, bring four double-digit scorers and a knack for rebounding. For Mizzou, consistency and physicality will be key—especially on the boards. Can the Tigers put together a complete game before heading into tougher matchups? Share your thoughts on what Mizzou needs to focus on! #Sports #MizzouHoops #ColumbiaMO00Share
Dawn Fritz+FollowMizzou gymnastics brings energy to new arenaMizzou gymnastics just gave fans a first look at their new home inside Mizzou Arena, and the excitement is real. The annual Black & Gold exhibition wasn’t just about scores—it was a chance for the community to see the Tigers’ next chapter up close. Star sophomore Kaia Tanskanen wowed with a 9.950 on both bars and beam, while Railey Jackson led the vault. The new space felt electric, and you could sense the team’s hunger for the upcoming season. How do you think this new home will impact their performance and fan experience? #Sports #MizzouGymnastics #ColumbiaMO00Share
Michael Morgan+FollowColumbia’s best holiday meal shortcutsHoliday hosting in Columbia just got a whole lot easier! From Italian classics at Pasta La Fata (order by Dec. 16) to vegan feasts from Gina’s Vegan A Go Go (order by Dec. 15), and prime rib spreads at Ozark Mountain Biscuit and Bar (order by Dec. 21), there’s something for every taste and timeline. Local favorites like Belly Market, CoMo Smoke and Fire, Hy-Vee, Gerbes, Schnuck’s, Cracker Barrel, and Bob Evans are also offering heat-and-serve meals and party trays. Whether you’re planning ahead or need a last-minute fix, these spots have you covered. Which local dish would you bring to your holiday table? #Food #ColumbiaMO #HolidayMeals00Share
jharvey+FollowColumbia’s outdoor ice rink brings winter magicColumbia’s only outdoor ice-skating rink is back for its second season, and it’s quickly becoming a local favorite. After more than four decades without a public rink, families and friends are lacing up their skates and making new winter memories. The team at Kitchen Grill and Games has worked around the clock to keep the ice just right—even pulling all-nighters to make sure it’s perfect. This Sunday, you can even skate with Santa himself! With cold temps in the forecast, it’s the perfect time to bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and enjoy a true winter experience right here in town. Who’s planning to check it out? #Sports #ColumbiaMO #IceSkating00Share
Emily Delgado+FollowHow Columbia neighbors are helping the homelessEvery week in Columbia, volunteers with the CoMo Mobile Aid Collective are making a real difference for people facing homelessness. From prepping hearty Thanksgiving meals to handing out camping gear for winter, these folks go beyond just providing food—they’re building community and dignity. One volunteer, Bill, says it’s all about empathy and giving back, while Richard, who’s been homeless himself, reminds us that anyone can end up in tough times. The collective even offers showers and a wardrobe area. It’s inspiring to see neighbors stepping up. What more could our community do to support each other? #Safety #ColumbiaMO #CommunitySupport00Share
Ryan Horne+FollowColumbia’s Restaurant Week brings food and hopeColumbia’s winter Restaurant Week isn’t just about discovering new favorite dishes—it’s a chance to make a real difference for neighbors facing hunger. From Jan. 30 to Feb. 8, when you dine out at one of 30+ local spots, you’re also supporting the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri. With one in seven Missourians food insecure, this event goes beyond great meals; it’s about coming together as a community. Plus, you can easily donate right at your table. Which restaurants are you excited to try, and how do you think food brings people together in Columbia? #Food #ColumbiaMO #RestaurantWeek00Share
kerryrivera+FollowColumbia schools get big boost for studentsColumbia’s public schools just got a major shot in the arm—over $194,000 in grants are heading to 37 schools, all aimed at making a real difference for more than 15,700 students. This isn’t just about new supplies or tech; it’s about listening to what each school actually needs to help kids thrive, from preschool to high school. It’s exciting to see the community investing directly in classrooms. What changes or improvements would you love to see in your local school if you had a say in how this funding is used? #Safety #ColumbiaMO #PublicSchools00Share
aguilarallison+FollowColumbia restaurants act fast on health fixesRestaurant inspections in Columbia are showing a real commitment to food safety—most places are fixing issues the same day they’re found. From tossing out single-use items that got reused, to adding hand-drying stations and date labels, local spots aren’t waiting around to make things right. Some places still have a few things to tackle, like cleaning up coolers or fixing ceiling tiles, but the quick action on critical problems is reassuring. How do you feel about the transparency of these reports? Does seeing fast fixes make you more likely to support local restaurants? #Health #BodyHealth #ColumbiaMO00Share
