Nick King photo

Tim Robyn holds his daughter Emily, 7, on his shoulders during a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama last night that attracted an estimated 40,000 people to MU’s Carnahan Quadrangle. •  Obama rallies crowd at MU •  Speech draws diverse mix of supporters •  See the Slide Show

Local News Stories
Obama rallies crowd at MU
By JASON ROSENBAUM of the Tribune’s staff
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama exhorted thousands gathered on the University of Missouri campus last night to push his campaign to victory next week.

Speech draws diverse mix of supporters
By T.J. GREANEY of the Tribune’s staff
It had the feel of a rock concert complete with tailgating, massive T-shirt sales and someone walking around dressed in a Big Bird costume.

Feds trace gun used to kill cop
By JOE MEYER of the Tribune’s staff
Federal authorities have traced the gun that was used in the 2005 slaying of Columbia police officer Molly Bowden to an unlicensed gun dealer in Iowa, leading to the seizure of hundreds of firearms.

Columbia man charged in fatal accident
By JOE MEYER of the Tribune’s staff
A Columbia man was arrested yesterday and charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with an alleged drunken-driving accident that killed a passenger and injured another earlier this month.

City planners gaze 100 years into the future
By SARA SEMELKA of the Tribune’s staff
What might Columbia look like in 100 years, and how will it get there?

Former Centralia resident charged with molestation
By the Tribune’s staff
A former Centralia resident faces felony charges in connection with the alleged sexual molestation of a young female relative that started more than six years ago.

Parents skeptical of plans for new high school
By JANESE HEAVIN of the Tribune’s staff
Kathi Betz went through this before when her daughter, now 12, was a baby.

Textbook prices at issue
By JENNA YOUNGS of the Tribune’s staff
Attempts to persuade University of Missouri faculty members to turn in textbook adoption forms by today’s deadline so students can potentially save money on book purchases next semester have not significantly increased the number of forms turned in.

Motorcycle rider hurt in wreck to avoid dog
A Columbia man remained in good condition today at University Hospital after he was injured when his motorcycle swerved to avoid hitting a dog north of Columbia.

Burglar spooks woman, runs away with nothing
Police are investigating a burglary that happened yesterday evening in northwest Columbia.

Collision with mailbox hurts Columbia woman
A Columbia woman was injured yesterday in a one-vehicle collision east of Columbia.

Columbia schools to close on Election Day
Columbia students can look forward to Election Day for another reason - they don’t have to go to school that day.

School forums set for superintendent search
The Columbia Board of Education will host three forums next week to give citizens a chance to tell school board members what they want to see in a new superintendent.