Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and first lady Teresa Parson finished terms of isolation for COVID-19 over the weekend and are set to return to their normal routines this week.The Parsons were both diagnosed with the virus Sept. 23, when the first lady asked for a test after experiencing a mild cough and nasal congestion.The first lady isolated at the family cattle farm in Bolivar, while the governor, who presented no symptoms, did the same at the Governor's Mansion in ..read more

A trial for a racial discrimination lawsuit against Columbia Public Schools won’t occur in 2020, and gender discrimination might be added to the accusations against the district.Circuit Judge Josh Devine on Monday asked attorneys to give him their available dates for a six-day jury trial in June, July, August and September of 2021"I’m doing a long window here," Devine said.Melita Walker, principal at West Middle School ..read more

CHICAGO — Christy DeGallerie noticed a startling trend in her online group for coronavirus survivors: White patients got medications she'd never heard of, were offered X-rays and their doctors listened to their concerns.That wasn't her experience. When the 29-year-old Black woman sought a COVID-19 test at a New York emergency room, a nurse said she didn't have a fever. DeGallerie appealed to a doctor of color, who told the nurse to check again. It registered 101 degrees ..read more

As part of the 75th anniversary of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Missouri Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick announced a new partnership Monday of the Missouri ABLE program with the Columbia Area Chamber of Commerce.The program will focus on business outreach in Columbia and Central Missouri, he said. It was launched in 2017 and works as an ..read more

The Salvation Army in Columbia has begun taking applications for Christmas assistance early because of increased need and potentially fewer volunteers in 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.Applications will be accepted now until Friday at the Salvation Army in Columbia, 1108 West Ash Street, according to a news release. Hours for applications are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday ..read more

KANSAS CITY – President Donald Trump may not have the same support in Missouri that he did four years ago, based on the results in a poll from last week.Trump leads former vice president Joe Biden, 51-46%, according to responses conducted by Remington Research Group, a GOP polling firm based in Kansas City.That could indicate a change from 2016, when Trump took Missouri over challenger Hillary Clinton by an 18-point margin. Republican candidate Mitt Romney ..read more

In light of the Boone County Art Show being canceled due to COVID-19, Central Bank of Boone County will host a display featuring numerous local artists this fall at its downtown location.The Boone County All-Stars Show will be open during normal business hours from Oct. 10 through Dec. 4 at the downtown bank, 720 East Broadway, according to a news release. The show will feature more than 40 local artists, whose works will be for sale through the Columbia Art League. The bank has ..read more

The Route D bridge over Interstate 70 in Callaway County is open to traffic after months of construction, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.Closed since construction began in June, the bridge is a vital route for area farmers and the community, MoDOT Area Engineer Kirsten Munck stated in a news release. It was included in the statewide Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges.Information on the project is available at ..read more

A Columbia resident arrested early Monday could end up facing weapons and drug charges.Lenn Dukes, 36, was arrested at about 12:28 a.m. on suspicion of resisting arrest by fleeing, unlawful possession of a firearm, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license — second offense, and possession of 10 grams or fewer marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid.Bail total was set at $6,500. A summons was issued on the marijuana possession. Further court information was not ..read more

A suspect in a Saturday shooting, in which an allegedly stolen gun was used, is receiving a mental health evaluation, according to police.Police responded at about 10:15 p.m. Saturday to Ninth and Cherry Streets to reports of shots fired. There were no reported injuries or property damage, but police did find evidence of a shooting, department news release reads.Witnesses provided a description of the suspect, who later was located at 10th and Elm streets ..read more