Every weekday morning, KFRU delivers a comprehensive look at the issues that are impacting Columbia.
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.
The CPS Board met Monday. The District annual Performance Report shows improvement in several categories, there’s significant growth in the department serving multilingual students, and an update on renovations at the Columbia Area Career Center.
The winner of the Palme D'Or at Cannes, “It Was Just an Accident” begins its run at Ragtag Cinema today. Plus special screenings this week of a couple of classics from the 40’s, “The Best Years of Our Lives” and “Stormy Weather”. Details from Tim Pilcher!
A visit with Jeremiah Hunter, Assistant Chief with the Columbia Police Department. Seasonal crime shifts, addressing the homeless issue, and an update on the increased weekend presence downtown and assistance from other agencies.
A fun event benefitting Welcome Home, Casino Night is Friday at The Crossing! Megan Sievers says the fundraiser, which is in its 10th year, assists the local non-profit with its goal of combating veteran homelessness. Tickets are available!
November is a busy month in The District! The Main Street Summit runs this week, Shop Small Business Saturday is set for the 29th, and the horse-drawn carriages are back on Saturdays! Nickie Davis has the scoop!
The Columbia City Council tonight consider amending an agreement with The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri for funding additional distribution services. Mayor Pro Tem Nick Foster says short-term rental rules compliance, and rezoning land near 63 and Paris for industrial use are also on the agenda.
Meals on Wheels of Columbia is taking steps to help local SNAP recipients. Executive Director Teri Walden says the nonprofit is providing up to 5,000 free meals to SNAP recipients beginning Nov. 6. There is a waiting list. Details available on the organization’s website
A visit with Missourinet News Director Alisa Nelson. The Government Shutdown continues. How are Missouri Lawmakers reacting to concerns surrounding SNAP benefits? Homes sales are up in the state. A potentially crowded ballot for November 2026.
Fall Into Art is this weekend at the Wyndham Executive Center. It’s the first year under the Columbia Art League Executive Director Kelsey Hammond says the two-day arts and crafts fair is free, with any donations benefiting the league’s programming.
Construction on the Boone County Sheriff’s Regional Law Enforcement Training Center is nearly done. What crimes keep deputies busy as we get into the Fall and Winter months? A conversation with Sheriff Dwayne Carey.
Plenty to parse through from the Chiefs domination over the Raiders on Sunday. What’s the ceiling for the offense with all it’s weapons intact? What position should the team attempt to bolster? Will they string 3 wins in a row on MNF vs the Commanders? Matt Lane shares his forecast.
The Kansas City Chiefs gaining momentum heading into a matchup with AFC foes the Raiders. Matt Lane says the return of Rashee Rice will add another weapon to the nascent offense, and chats about Coach Reid’s 4th down aggressiveness this season.
One of our favorite broadcasts of the year, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri annual Day Of Change. We visit with Lindsey Jones, Incoming President of the Board of Directors and Alex Hedges, the Manager of Volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House.
