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Hi Columbia, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Kinney Point families move in, True/False Film Fest kickoff parade, Peking Acrobats, and more.

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Funding and human impact: Families have moved into all 34 Kinney Point homes in Columbia as the $13 million project wraps up, but more than 1,257 households remain on the Columbia Housing Authority waitlist — get all the details.

Honoring deep-rooted agricultural heritage: Applications are now open for Missouri Century Farms, recognizing farms owned by the same family for 100 years, with at least 40 original acres that contribute to farm income statewide — see eligibility and how to apply.

Leaders weigh Block by Block: Columbia is still exploring a downtown safety ambassador program with MU, which would add six ambassadors to support police and handle permits, pending City Council approval and shared funding — get all the details.

Inside Missouri’s fourth-largest district: Columbia Public Schools is working to keep kids in classrooms, expanding career paths and mentoring, with programs like YouthBuild at Job Point helping students reengage and build skills — explore the programs and data.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!

Highlights this week:

• Eat pancakes to build affordable homes
• Play, learn, and win at Pokémon Day
• Play Black Out Bingo for Field Day
• Join True/False Film Fest kickoff parade
• Celebrate the 121st Kingdom of Callaway Supper
• This is the best home warranty (and it’s $150 off right now)
• Over 62? Learn how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🫶 We got your back

New voices on the screen: Reel Fest 2 returns to Columbia on March 7 with a free, one-day lineup at King Theodore Records, 1103 E. Walnut St. Expect over six hours of short films from 14 countries plus local music. This year broadens beyond last year’s horror focus to wider genres. Check out the full lineup.

Local recreation makeover moves forward: Columbia’s city council unanimously approved a revised plan to improve the Douglass Park basketball court. The $10,000 project will feature designs celebrating Moonlight Hoops and the Douglass Bulldogs and will add a water fountain near the courts. Get all the details.

Whole‑animal goodness: Craving food that tastes like Missouri? Barred Owl Butcher & Table serves seasonal menus, stellar house charcuterie, and a whole‑animal ethos in every bite. Thoughtful, rich, and satisfying, it’s ideal for date night or a solo treat when you want something seriously delicious.

Upgrade your spatula game: From heavy-duty cookware and actually sharp knives to quirky gadgets you’ll swear are lifesavers, Tallulahs keeps your kitchen toolbox stocked and fun. Need a quick gift or a replacement whisk… their smart picks tame weeknights and make everyday cooking feel smoother.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.

📆 Around town this weekend

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.

🎬 One Battle After Another @ Ragtag Cinema | Friday (2/27) at 2:00 PM – Whether you’re checking off Best Picture nominees or trust Ragtag’s taste, One Battle After Another is back briefly. Paul Thomas Anderson lets Leo loose in an action comedy about a revolutionary dad on a rescue mission, with 13 Oscar nods, comfy seats, and bragging rights.

🍷 The Savannah Sipping Society @ Love Coffee | Friday (2/27) at 6:00 PM – Call it dinner and a show, Southern comfort edition. You get appetizers, entrée, and dessert, vegetarian option available, then watch four women who have actually lived a little swap laughs, drop truth, and remind us the next chapter is better with friends, and seconds.

🔬 Columbia Young Scientist Expo @ Memorial Union | Saturday (2/28) at 1:00 PM – Load up the kids, your curiosity, and safety goggles. The Columbia Young Scientist Expo turns Mizzou’s campus into a hands-on playground, with MU researchers, staff, and local orgs running free, family-friendly stations that make STEM feel fun, approachable, and oddly addictive.

🥧 Pop Up with Polvorosas Savory Pies @ Clovers Natural Market | Saturday (2/28) at 2:00 PM – Swing by the Broadway store for a pop-up from Cristina of Polvorosas, slinging those buttery polvorosas and savory empanadas that keep selling out. Call it a quick errand, reward yourself with warm, flaky goodness, and try not to eat the bag on the walk home.

🌄 Wild And Scenic Social Night! @ Alpine Shop | Saturday (2/28) at 5:00 PM – If you’ve been meaning to get outside more, start indoors at Alpine Shop with the Wild & Scenic crowd and MCE. Snag discounted festival tickets, free drinks and snacks, preview the trailer, and enter for tickets and Patagonia bags. Low effort, good company, actual conversation.

🎭 Mardi Gras Piccadilly @ Brick District Playhouse | Saturday (2/28) at 5:30 PM – Round up your girls and turn the Brick District Playhouse into Bourbon Street, glitter, jazz, and all. Dress to win, because someone’s leaving as Queen of Mardi Gras, and the rest of us get beads, bragging rights, and evidence for the group chat.

🤸 Peking Acrobats @ Jesse Auditorium | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 PM – An evening at the Missouri Theatre means gravity gets politely ignored by the Peking Acrobats. Expect chair-stack balancing, trick cycling, crisp tumbling, and contortions that make your chiropractor feel seen. Elegant, nerve-tingling, and fun to watch with someone who gasps louder than you.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Columbia report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 59°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 1%

Sunny, with a high near 59. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 38. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 71°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.

This house is wild

This contemporary luxury home in Old Hawthorne pairs a grand open staircase with two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows that drench interiors in light. The main-level primary suite complements a formal dining room and a showstopping kitchen with premium appliances and designer finishes. Upstairs offers three bedrooms, a bar-equipped family room, and a flexible bonus room. A massive storage room adds effortless practicality.

Take a peek inside →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• Regrow thicker hair in 3-6 months + get 20% off for life
• This free tool makes it easy to find a financial advisor
• See how to save up to 58% on GLP-1s with Fridays
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%