Every weekday morning, KFRU delivers a comprehensive look at the issues that are impacting Columbia.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
In this visit, Mayor Barbara Buffaloe reflects on her recent meeting with the Governor and previews the agenda for tonight’s city council meeting. The proposed Ashford Place development will take center stage, including comments from the public.
The 2026 Legislative Session is underway in Jefferson City. Several curious bills have been filed early… ranging from removing the Chiefs as Missouri’s official NFL team to jailing ICE agents who hide their identities. A detailed visit with Alisa.
The Mizzou Alumni Association’s 24th Annual Boone County Legislative Forum is Thursday, January 29. Wally Pfeffer says it’s a chance to hear from the local delegation to the Missouri General Assembly about issues facing the University. Registration is underway!
The CPS School Board met Monday. An updated Artificial Intelligence policy was approved for students and staff, with the changes focusing on generative AI, including platforms like ChatGPT. The board also discussed a revised student discipline policy and involuntary staff transfers for educators.
The Chiefs head into their postseason with a list of needs. Who should the club look to for its OC if Nagy moves on? Is a new backup QB needed? How should the team address the distractions surrounding Rashee Rice? Is Trav coming back? An informative chat with Matt.
Our first visit of the new year with Nickie Davis, discussing what’s going on in the District. We cover transportation options downtown, the parking meters going up, and details about the 2nd CoMo Restaurant Week, happening later this month.
The Mayor joins David to preview the first Columbia City Council meeting of 2026. Setting priorities for the year ahead, with a focus on public safety, affordable housing and city employees. An update on the city’s DIVERT program as well.
Columbia city leaders met with state representatives to discuss priorities for next year. Mayor Buffaloe says that includes increased public safety and affordable housing initiatives. The council tonight considers a safety program for GoCOMO Transit.
Another great chat with Megan. Holiday events, the FIFA draw and schedule, and Columbia Restaurant Week’s winter campaign for the Food Bank. A busy December and turn of the year for our own neck of the woods!
Shelter Gardens has once again been transformed into a Winter Wonderland for the holiday season. The 5th annual Garden of Lights runs each evening through December 13th. Brad Johnson says families can enjoy several lighted holiday scenes at this free event.
Operation Brightside, Service calls on the first snow of the season, “jackpotting” ATMs, and a high-profile meeting about city crime without city staff being asked to the table. A good conversation with Assistant Police Chief Jeremiah Hunter.
December is always a busy month in The District! Things get underway with the popular Living Windows Festival this Friday. Nickie Davis says drop by and enjoy live performances, open houses, shopping, stunning holiday décor, and creative window displays! Details at Discover The District.
The first Columbia City Council meeting in December includes a public hearing on a potential new recycling facility. The pre-engineered metal building’s price tag is at $3.6 million. Mayor Buffaloe says the council will also consider a collective bargaining agreement with Columbia Professional Firefighters
The Calvary Episcopal Church hosts its annual St. Nicholas Bazaar on Saturday, December 6th. There will be many different rooms for shoppers, including the Parish Art Gallery and Toys, Games, & Puzzles. Don’t forget The Mouse Room for a new selection of church mice!
Talking Horse Productions presents the one-woman show “Tell Me On A Sunday”, with performances the first two weekends of December. Director Randy Jones and lead Cat Sandstedt discuss the musical, which charts the course of an English girl newly arrived in New York in 1980.
The Chiefs look to turn things around this week with a touch matchup against the Colts. Matt Lane with the KC Sports Network says expect a sense of urgency for Sunday's game at GEHA Field.
We catch up with City Manager De’Carlon Seewood. New flights to Florida out of COU, downtown crime efforts are proving successful, an update on recycling, and improvements to City Hall are among the topics covered.
The Columbia City Council is set to vote on a median safety ordinance tonight. The Mayor says it may be tabled as council members seek more details. The council also considers whether to rezone land at 3815 Hinkson Creek Road for a potential technology hub.
In this month’s Tourism Talk segment, Megan and Adam chat about upcoming holiday events. We also put a special focus on the city landing host duties for the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships. That event is coming up on Saturday, November 22.
The Annual Christmas Bazaar at Columbia’s First Christian Church is set for Saturday. Get a head start on holiday shopping where you can find handcrafted gifts, art, crafts, and holiday items from over 25 vendors. Christmas cookies & candy, coffee, and breakfast breads will also be available for purchase.
