A Columbia Morning

The next performances from Talking Horse Productions start tonight! Director Heather Hatton and Producing Partner Aaron Krawitz join the show to talk about “Photograph 51”. It spotlights X-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin’s role in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. Tickets are on sale! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The models for this year’s summer forecast for Missouri are a little different from recent years… are we looking at less heat and less rain? What’s the likelihood of severe Wx over the next few months? An informative visit with State Climatologist Zach Leasor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Art in the Park is the largest fine arts fest in mid-Missouri, and this year it celebrates its 67th year. Artists from around the country converge at Stephans Lake Park this weekend displaying a variety of collectables. Kelsey Hammond, Executive Director of Columbia Art League, says the event happens rain or shine. See you there! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 65th Season at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre kicks off this week with performances of “Annie”! Tickets are on sale. Artistic Director Robyne Parrish talks about the cast, programming her first full season in her new role, and details the new Creative Artist Residency at the theatre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The votes are in! “Remarkedly Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt has been chosen as this year’s One Read book. Lauren and Kat tell us copies are now available for check out at the Daniel Boone Regional Library. Lots of related events are being planned for later this summer! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A busy agenda for the City Council this evening. A vote to put a 1% sales tax for Public Safety on the August ballot, a proposed ban on video lottery terminals, and a possible delay in processing applications for proposed data centers. A preview with Mayor Baffaloe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Missouri’s 2026 Legislative Session comes to end on Friday. MissouriNet News Director Alisa Nelson joins the show to go over what bills have gotten across the finish line in this last week, and what legislative priorities have not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month. A good time to check in with MU Health Care dermatologist Dr. Jordan Parker. She highlights safety in the sun, the importance of early detection, and ways of prevention. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We check in with Nickie Davis to highlight what’s happening in The District for the month of May. There’s the Gold Star Memorial Day Parade on the 25th, and the Stranger Than Fiction Film Fest… a showcase for documentaries by undergrads at the Mizzou School of Journalism. Great options downtown for Mothers Day as well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Barbara Buffaloe joins the show to discuss the process for filling the 4th Ward seat following Nick Foster’s announced departure. The City Council votes this evening on placing the Public Safety Sales Tax on the August ballot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Columbia City Manager De'Carlon Seewood checks in to share his takes on the newly approved definition of Data Centers in Columbia, and related needed requirements. The Opportunity Campus has it’s first occupants. The State of the City comes up in May. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CoMo Preservation and The District have launched The CoMo Brick & Mortar Project. The history project highlights the stories behind Downtown Columbia’s historic buildings. CoMo Preservation Board Member Michael Limmer provides the details. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The municipal election is just one week from today. Running for reelection (and unopposed) for the 1st Ward City Council seat is Valerie Carroll. The incumbent is passionate about pedestrian safety, renter rights, and affordable housing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our interviews with Columbia City Council candidates running in the April 7 municipal election continue. Don Waterman is the incumbent 5th Ward City Council candidate. His reason for running for reelection is “unfinished business”. We discuss his key issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We begin our interviews with Columbia City Council candidates running in the April 7 municipal election. Christina Hartman seeks her first term on the Council to represent the Fifth Ward. We discuss her background, key issues, and why she decided to run. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City Manager De’Carlon Seewood says the 2nd Community Summit was another success. Last year’s event helped lead to flights to Charlotte at COU becoming a reality. Replacing Fire Station #5, and the city’s new communications department are also discussed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boone County Sheriff Dwayne Carey discusses the increased use of AI in scams targeting residents. His recorded voice has been manipulated in one such case. Speaking of technology, the Sheriff hopes to expand the department’s number and use of drones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This evening the City Council considers a contract with American Airlines to authorize flights to Charlotte. Mayor Buffaloe previews tonight’s agenda, which also includes consideration of several improvements to Columbia Regional Airport. Amendments to define zoning restrictions on data centers will also be introduced. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A look at Monday’s CPS Board meeting with Superintendent Dr. Jeff Klein and member Erica Dickson. Expanding the school resource officer program, a changing landscape for district grants and investments, and details about the “Portrait of a Graduate” program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The status of a dedicated downtown unit, Policing TrueFalse, and placing unarmed “security advisors” in the District are addressed in this informative talk with Columbia Police Chief Jill Schlude. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The University of Missouri Ag Systems Technology Club will conduct its yearly Lawnmower Clinics in March and April. For $50 you can get your Push Mower tuned-up...including power wash, oil change, and spark plug replacement. Club President Austin Wilson says it also serves as a fundraiser for the group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Columbia’s Mayor Barbara Buffaloe says a proposed 1% sales tax dedicated to police and fire department funding is under discussion. The city is also deciding between transmission line options for the southern part of town. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Columbia School Board met Monday and discussed Employee Insurance Rates, Parents as Teachers Success, and a new designation for Two Mile Prairie Elementary. A visit with Superintendent Jeff Klein and board member Suzette Waters See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police Chief Jill Schlude talks about the pedestrian safety ordinance passed by city council this week, more teens carrying guns, and honking our horns as a means of protest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Mark Hunter with MU Health Care discusses the signs to look for and treatment options, when someone should see a doctor, and places a special emphasis on how preventable the disease is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.