Missouri

Polar plunge in Columbia raises over $50,000 for Special Olympics Missouri

Published

3 weeks ago

March 14, 2026

Polar plunge in Columbia raises over ,000 for Special Olympics Missouri

COLUMBIA — The Special Olympics hosted its annual polar plunge event at Stephens Lake Park, where over 200 plungers helped raise more than $50,000.

The money raised will stay in Missouri and help provide high quality sports and other programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

Participants were able to start fundraising for this event in October of 2025. They were asked to raise $75 by noon on Saturday, including a $10 registration fee, to plunge.

Alex Jones, the Missouri Special Olympics central area development director, said people go all out when it comes to fundraising.

“We’ve had months of people fundraising and building their teams,” Jones said. “People take it seriously and they take a lot of care with raising their money.”

Plungers had the opportunity to dress up in different costumes and name their groups, like the “Polar Penguins” and the “Polar Paparazzi.”

“We work with a really great committee to plan, which is probably my favorite part,” Jones said. “We bring in officers from Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F, athletes, parents, everyone comes together to help plan.”

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Missouri

WashU Chancellor Discusses University’s Future – St. Louis Today

Published

4 hours ago

April 5, 2026

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WashU Chancellor Discusses University’s Future – St. Louis Today

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The vibrant visual celebration of Washington University’s academic legacy and innovative spirit reflects the institution’s resilience in the face of evolving challenges.St. Louis Today

In a wide-ranging interview, Washington University Chancellor Andrew D. Martin discussed the university’s engagement with the Trump administration, financial challenges, the acquisition of the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, the implementation of Workday, the decline in international graduate student enrollment, the use of artificial intelligence, and emergency preparedness following a recent armed person alert on campus.

Why it matters

As a leading research institution, WashU’s relationship with federal policymakers and its ability to navigate financial uncertainties have significant implications for the university’s future. The chancellor’s comments provide insight into how the school is adapting to evolving challenges in higher education.

The details

Chancellor Martin detailed WashU’s efforts to advocate for issues like research funding and protecting endowments through engagement with Congress and the Trump administration. He also explained the university’s steps to improve its financial position, including pausing capital projects, cutting central administration expenses, and the strategic acquisition of the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. Additionally, Martin discussed the university’s transition to the Workday system and the decline in international graduate student enrollment, which has put financial pressure on some master’s programs.

The chancellor met with the Trump administration in the fall to discuss issues important to WashU.
In his State of the University address, Martin said the university is in a stronger financial position than a year ago.

The players

Andrew D. Martin

The chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis, leading the university through a period of financial and policy challenges.

Mark West

The provost of Washington University, leading the university’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into the curriculum.

University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy

A pharmacy school that WashU recently acquired, a “once-in-a-century opportunity” according to the chancellor.

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What they’re saying

“To be clear, the conversations with the administration weren’t explicitly about the compact. They were about the importance of American higher education, the importance of academic freedom, the importance of research funding, the importance of protecting our endowments so we can fund professorships and student scholarships and the like.”

— Andrew D. Martin, Chancellor

“I was scared and completely freaked out. The safety and security of this campus is our most important responsibility.”

— Andrew D. Martin, Chancellor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This interview highlights the complex challenges facing a major research university like WashU, from navigating federal policy changes and financial constraints to ensuring campus safety and preparing students for the rise of artificial intelligence. The chancellor’s comments suggest the university is taking a thoughtful, strategic approach to addressing these issues while upholding its core academic mission.

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Missouri

Columbia police find evidence of shots fired on Ash Street Saturday morning, no injuries

Published

16 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

Columbia police find evidence of shots fired on Ash Street Saturday morning, no injuries

Columbia police responded to reports of shots fired in the area of Redwood Road and West Ash Street early Saturday morning, Columbia Police Department spokesperson Brian McNeil confirmed to KOMU 8 News.

McNeil said officers found evidence of shots fired, but there were no apparent injuries.

At about 3 a.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to the scene on West Ash Street after multiple calls regarding shots fired, McNeil said.

KOMU 8 News will continue to provide updates as more information is provided.

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Missouri

Missouri man arrested after bomb threat at Salina car wash

Published

2 days ago

April 3, 2026

Press Room

Missouri man arrested after bomb threat at Salina car wash

SALINA, Kan. (KWCH) – A Missouri man was arrested after allegedly making a bomb threat at a Salina car wash, prompting an evacuation and police response.

According to the Salina Police Department, officers responded around 4 p.m. on Thursday to a report of a bomb threat at Blue Beacon Truck Wash, located at 2303 N. 9th Street.

Police said Brandon Skaggs, 33 of DeSoto, Missouri, entered the business and made a comment referencing terrorism, raising concern among employees. Authorities said Skaggs later went into the pump room and turned off multiple breakers before leaving the scene.

The business was evacuated as precaution while officers investigated the threat. After searching the property, police said no explosive devices were found.

The Kansas Highway Patrol later located Skaggs’ vehicle traveling on I-70 near milepost 287 and took him into custody.

Skaggs was transported back to Salina and booked into the Salina County Jail on charges including criminal threat and trespassing.

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