Nick King photo

Patty Hopkins, left, and Bruce Norton prepare a Cajun sausage at their food booth yesterday outside the YouZeum during the Roots ’N Blues ’N BBQ Festival. In contrast with last year, festival-goers said they were pleased with the availability of vendors’ fare during the two-day festival. •  Read the article •  See the Slide Show

Local News Stories
Auditor: TDDs lack oversight
By T.J. GREANEY of the Tribune’s staff
A new state audit finds the growth industry of transportation development districts is slowing down while the underlying problems remain with the tax districts.

Barbecue is a flavorful blues condiment
By JASON ROSENBAUM of the Tribune’s staff
For Jeff Ross, a hearty helping of barbecue is the perfect complement to a blues festival. "I like the mixture, the combination. It’s got a little bit of a jerk to it, so it’s wonderful," said Ross, a St. Louis resident who was handling a bowl of meat and beans yesterday near Flat Branch Park.

Panel unanimous on police oversight paper
By SARA SEMELKA of the Tribune’s staff
After nearly a year of work, including almost 40 meetings and public hearings, the Citizen Police Oversight Committee will submit its final product to the Columbia City Council tomorrow night. 

Roommates’ rent dispute leads to alleged knife attack
By JOE MEYER of the Tribune’s staff
A man was arrested Friday night after allegedly stabbing his roommate multiple times in the back of the head during an argument at a south Columbia apartment.

City is putting more emphasis on safe cycling
By JOE MEYER of the Tribune’s staff
Through cooperation with GetAbout Columbia, the Columbia Police Department is dedicating this month to improving relations between motorists and bicyclists on the road.

Fans savor free festival
By JOE MEYER of the Tribune’s staff
The Roots ’N Blues ’N BBQ Festival brought thousands of people to downtown Columbia for the second straight year, and some fans said the second installment was even better than the first.

Blues musician taps legacy of granddad
By JASON ROSENBAUM of the Tribune’s staff
Blues music is in Cedric Burnside’s blood. Burnside is the grandson of legendary blues musician R.L. Burnside, a prolific guitarist and vocalist from Mississippi.

Late-night vehicle wreck hurts driver
A Columbia man was treated and released from Boone Hospital Center after his vehicle hit a tree Friday night in west Boone County.

Spray time
By the Tribune's staff
James Loudenslager, 4, aims a fire hose at an obstacle as firefighter Dennis Rohr helps James control the hose during a Firefighter Challenge event yesterday at the Activity & Recreation Center.