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Hello Columbia! Hope your coffee’s especially good this morning.

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Gold’s record surge, horses rescued from mud, and a Prince tribute show + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

📰 In the news

New owner for campus complex: Core Spaces acquired The Collective at Columbia, a 972-bed student housing community serving Mizzou, its first Missouri purchase. Amenities include pool, clubhouse, gym, study lounges, and $780 average per bedroom — learn more about the acquisition.

Fire district shares update: Two horses rescued from mud near Harrisburg are home. They were treated for pneumonia, hypothermia complications, and ulcers, and the owner is working on a GoFundMe to pay vet bills — read the full story.

Shape local water policy: Columbia seeks feedback on a five-year stormwater plan covering Columbia, Boone County, and MU. A meeting is set for April 2 at City Hall, including waste rules near waterways — get meeting and plan details.

Gold just hit record highs. What about your savings? While traditional IRAs have been treading water against inflation, gold has gained over 50% in three years. That gap is why more retirees are rolling a portion of their savings into gold IRAs (the kind that hold physical metal). We compared the top five options and broke down who they’re best for. Check it out here →

Paying hundreds of dollars a month for car insurance? Switching providers could save you up to $600 a year, and shopping around is way faster than it used to be – free comparison tools like this one make it easy.*

Highlights this week:

• Celebrate Prince at The Blue Note
• Experience jumpers, hunters, pranks, and prizes
• Play chess and learn with others
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home*

💎 Local business spotlight

Boba break, anyone? When the afternoon slump hits, Bubblecup Tea Zone has you covered with milk teas, brewed teas, frosty slushes, snowfluff desserts, and made-to-order crepes. It’s an easy, feel-good stop when you want something sweet, sippable, and slightly addictive—in the fun way.

Your midweek art recharge: Sager Reeves Gallery keeps Columbia’s art scene buzzing with thoughtful, rotating exhibits that blend contemporary flair and historical depth—perfect for a midweek inspiration top‑up and a weekend linger that might have you reimagining where that blank wall belongs.

Live music you can feel: From national touring acts to local favorites, The Blue Note keeps downtown buzzing with everything from rock shows and folk nights to comedy, drag, and dance parties. If you’ve been meaning to catch a show this week, consider this your friendly nudge.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, *their curated kits are worth a look →

Own a piece of Apple for less than a coffee: Every time you buy something from Amazon or Starbucks, you’re putting money in their pocket. Fractional shares flip that: you can own a slice of those companies for as little as a dollar. Most investing apps make it incredibly easy, with zero commissions and no account minimums. See which ones we recommend →

Mom says she’s fine. You’re not so sure: “What if something happens when you’re home alone?” You’ve asked a hundred times, but the outcome’s always the same. I don’t need that. Life Alert’s for old people. The real struggle isn’t finding a medical alert system that’ll work… it’s finding one she won’t fight you on. We looked into five options designed to settle the standoff, from smartwatches to systems with nothing to wear at all. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Your shampoo was never going to fix it: I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of money on hair-loss products, biotin, masks, sprays, you name it. Not one of them lasted. Turns out, most things target the strand, not the follicle (where thinning actually happens). Dermatologists have been prescribing treatments that work for years, but there are now plenty of options available with no office visits required. See our top picks for men and women →

Strangers can buy your personal data for $0.50: Data brokers sell your name, home address, phone number, estimated income, and other personal info to anyone willing to pay. Scammers and identity thieves use these databases to take advantage of you. There are dozens of affordable services that can help you protect yourself. These three are our favorites →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🥧 MAD Boosters Pie Auction @ New Franklin Fine Arts | Thursday (3/19) at 6:00 PM – Clear your calendar and bring your sweet tooth for New Franklin’s most wholesome bidding war. Grab a slice, outbid your neighbor for bragging rights, and enjoy live tunes from the band and choir, student art, and a little theater flair.

👶 Mama y Bebe Spanish @ Tiny Play Café | Friday (3/20) at 10:00 AM – Looking for a low-key way to add a little español to the routine? Bring your little one to La Escuelita Alegria’s pop-up play and craft every 3rd Friday. Five bucks, casual and fun, with crafts, new words, and a decent chance of an afternoon nap.

👾 Comic, Toy, & Pokemon Show @ Columbia Mall | Saturday (3/21) at 4:00 PM – Ready to relive your mall glory days without maxing a card? Quad Con takes over Columbia Mall with a free pop culture spree, vintage video games, comics, toys, Pokemon cards, art, and the collectibles you pretended to outgrow. Easy stroll, big nostalgia, zero admission.

🤼 Show-Me State Wrestling: Wyatt Invitational\\ @ Callaway County

Extended

Employment – 2611 N Bluff St, Fulton, MO 65251\ | Saturday (3/21) at 6:00 PM\ – Fulton’s trading polite handshakes for body slams as the Wyatt Invitational rolls into North Bluff Street. Expect big personalities, louder crowds, and surprisingly affordable ringside seats, so bring the family, your indoor voice you won’t use, and a little hometown pride.

👸 The Sleeping Beauty @ Jesse Auditorium | Saturday (3/21) at 7:00 PM – Ready to swap your couch for a little Tchaikovsky? Sleeping Beauty pirouettes into Jesse Hall with Petipa and Ivanov’s classic choreography, international ballet stars, brand-new sets, hand-painted scenery, and costumes so lush you’ll forgive Aurora for choosing a century-long nap.

🛍 Rhea Lana’s Spring/Summer Event 2026 @ Columbia Mall | Sunday (3/22) at 11:00 AM – Kids outgrow shoes between breakfast and lunch, so thank goodness Rhea Lana’s spring and summer upscale kids resale is back at Columbia Mall, next to Loft. Score used clothes, toys, baby gear, furniture, without boutique prices, then feel smug about decluttering, recycling, and beating retail.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Columbia report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 65°F – Low: 46°F – Precip: 3%

Sunny, with a high near 65. Southwest wind around 8 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. Southwest wind 2 to 7 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 73°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 1%

Sunny, with a high near 73. West wind around 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Northeast wind 2 to 6 mph.

This house is wild

This 5-bed, 4-bath residence spans 4,500 sq ft with a 4-car garage and trim, from coffered ceilings to custom build-outs. The chef’s kitchen boasts premium appliances and a walk-in pantry. A spa-like primary suite impresses. A concrete-covered deck overlooks a flat 1-acre lot, while the finished lower level adds a media room, bar, and two bedrooms. Old Hawthorne memberships available.

Take a peek inside →