Friday evening, June 27, 2025

• A Boone County jury found Kimo Spivey not guilty of murder in the 2023 shooting death of Melvin Hooker III outside Plush Lounge in Columbia. Spivey, 35, was acquitted on charges of first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action - but was found guilty of illegal gun possession due to prior felony convictions. Spivey testified he acted in self-defense, while prosecutors argued he conspired with others to kill Hooker. Three others are tied to the case - one has pleaded guilty, another faces charges, and a fourth suspect is still at large.

• The Mareck Center for Dance in Columbia will close on Aug. 31. The board of directors made the announcement this week. In a message to patrons, they said the decision was not made solely on the recent departure of founder and Executive Director Karen Mareck. They said “unrelenting financial challenges” reached a point where continuing the company was no longer viable.

• The University of Missouri Board of Curators approved a $5.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 at a meeting on Thursday. Operating revenue is projected to rise nearly 5%, thanks to enrollment and tuition growth. MU Health Care continues to lead financially, with revenue expected to hit $2.06 billion. Curators also greenlit $30 million for capital projects, including the new Mizzou Energy Innovation Center.

• A Columbia Uber driver is facing a felony charge after allegedly groping a passenger. Ajab Khan Watan-Dost was charged Thursday with first-degree sexual abuse for an incident on May 23. According to court documents, the driver allegedly grabbed the victim’s head, pulled them close, and made unwanted physical contact after saying “I like, I like.” The victim later identified Watan-Dost using his Uber profile.

• The University of Missouri Faculty Council voted 21-1 Thursday to adopt a national “Statement of Values” that pushes back on what they say are Trump administration’s attacks on academic freedom and cuts to research funding. The resolution affirms support for free speech, scientific research, nondiscrimination, and shared governance. Mizzou joins schools like Michigan and Iowa in voicing concern over what they say are harmful federal policies threatening the core mission of higher education.

• Columbia’s Crimestoppers honored Bob Reid (right) for 40 years of service to the organization. He’s been a board member and served two terms as president. He’s pictured here with Lt. Britt Shea of the Boone County Sheriff's Department.

• Boone County seniors have until 5 p.m. on Monday to apply or renew their spot in the Senior Real Estate Tax Relief Program. Over 9,000 applications have already come in. Eligible residents 62 or older can apply online at ShowMeBoone.com or in person at the County Government Center on Walnut St. in downtown Columbia.

• U.S. 63 between Broadway and Vandiver in Columbia is down to one lane in both directions. It’s all part of prep work for a major rehab on the northbound U.S. 63 bridge over I-70, which kicks off next week. All ramps will remain open.

• The highly-visible construction on the north end zone at Memorial Stadium on the Mizzou campus in Columbia is on schedule, according to Mizzou Athletics. The project broke ground on Nov. 30 and has maintained a busy pace all spring and summer. Construction will continue for another 14 months leading up to a fall 2026 deadline.

• There’s a chance of more thunderstorms this evening. Those storms could bring some strong winds. Clouds and sunshine mixed for the weekend. Some thunderstorms likely. Temperatures in the mid-80s.

• Headlines today:

Mizzou launches Energy Innovation Center to help power tomorrow

• Recent obituaries are here.