Travis McMillen

Taco King Taco Fest, where 15 taco spots from across Missouri and the midwest battle it out, is coming to Columbia this weekend! Get ready for taco eating contests, a fiery 10-level hot sauce showdown, and judges crowning the ultimate best taco spot. Kyle Garcia, founder and co-owner, is here and he brought with him the championship belt, heavyweight necklace, and a blinged-out hot sauce ring. August 18, 2026

Meet Ilana Bonaparte, a rising young author who started writing "Coyote Catchers, Book One: Asla and the Dirtway Trail" in third grade and is now a published writer heading into fifth grade. Asla's adventure is recommended for readers 8 and up and available anywhere books are sold. August 20, 2026

Discover how health informatics and AI are transforming decades of untapped health care data into earlier disease detection, better treatments, and lower costs for patients and systems alike. Dr. Fares Alahdab, MD, tells us how MU's graduate programs give you hands-on experience with real patient data and the skills to build, evaluate, and safely deploy AI models in modern health care. August 21, 2026

Did you know there are 240 different varieties of tomatoes -- and you can taste them all for free? Join us as Tim Reinbott and Dusty Walter from MU's Research Extension and Education Center (REEC) take us through their 21st annual Tomato Festival, where you'll also find 88 varieties of peppers, cayenne pepper ice cream, tomato lemonade, and a whole lot more! August 24, 2026

Meet J.R. Ford, founder and CEO of Payken, Inc. J.R. is building blockchain-based FinTech platforms that make transactions transparent and trust-less through smart contracts. As a Black tech founder expanding from St. Louis into Columbia, J.R. is also investing in his community and inspiring the next generation to see themselves in the seats of power. August 25, 2026

It's college tuition season, and LaBrunerie Financial president Alex LaBrunerie is breaking down exactly what qualifies as a 529 expense -- from tuition and computers to off-campus rent. Plus, with Missouri's Amendment 5 failing to pass, Alex explains why now may be the perfect time to consider a Roth conversion and lock in tax-free withdrawals for the future. August 26, 2026

Crane's Country Store has been a beloved general store since 1889, and owner David Crane is celebrating a massive milestone -- 100 years in their Williamsburg location. From quality outdoor gear and famous sandwiches to a can't-miss centennial party on September 12th with live music, giveaways, and even a pop-up tattoo shop, this is one stop you do not want to miss! August 27, 2026

Join AC as she sits down with Ruth O'Neill, director of Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen, and Linda Reed Brown, treasurer for the Columbia Crop Hunger Walk, to talk about this 31-year community tradition fighting local hunger. From a September 20th walk at Stephens Lake Park to food donations and online giving, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference right here in Columbia! August 28, 2026

Mizzou Arts After Hours is coming to Lowry Mall on Wednesday, September 16th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and it's free and open to the public. Join Cathleen A. Fleck, PhD, MU School of Visual Studies, as she walks us through an eclectic evening packed with cardboard chair displays, alumni art exhibitions, live music, slam poetry, telescope viewing, and more! August 31, 2026

Spam is one of the oldest internet annoyances, and ITCOMO owner Robert Ricketts is back to break down the scams hiding in your inbox -- from fake charity donations to romance scams that can take months to play out. Learn how to protect yourself and find out which simple email switch could dramatically cut down the spam you receive. September 1, 2026