• A 32-year-old man from Columbia, released from prison a week ago, is dead after Boone County deputies say he shot two relatives Thursday afternoon on North Douglas Drive, killing a 35-year-old man and seriously injuring a 65-year-old woman. Authorities identified the suspect as Steven A. Swanson. Deputies say Swanson fled in a blue Ford Bronco and led officers on a pursuit from Boone County into Randolph County. The pursuit ended after a Missouri State Highway Patrol corporal used a tactical vehicle intervention on U.S. 63. Authorities say Swanson fired at the trooper during the stop, striking the patrol vehicle several times. The trooper was not hit, and officers did not return fire. Swanson was later found dead inside the Bronco from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The injured woman was in serious condition at a local hospital. Swanson was released on probation just days ago after completing a 120-day "shock" incarceration/treatment program. He had been sentenced to seven years for domestic violence by Judge Joshua Devine.
• The University of Missouri System restored its Canvas learning platform this afternoon following a nationwide cyberattack. A hacker group called ShinyHunters has threatened to leak student data.
• Construction officially began Thursday on the I-70 widening project from Rocheport to Columbia. Gov. Mike Kehoe and local leaders gathered in Columbia for a groundbreaking ceremony.
• Columbia police were warning University of Missouri students to stay safe and follow the law during today’s Stop Day festivities. Officers went door-to-door in East Campus this week to remind residents about nuisance party ordinances. Hosts of large gatherings that block traffic or include underage drinking could face fines up to $4,000.
• Columbia Regional Airport set a new record in March. Airport Manager Mike Parks said just under 30,000 passengers either got on or off a plane during the months. That’s about 500 more than the previous record set last October.
• The Columbia Fire Department promoted Dan Berlemann to battalion chief. He’s been with the department since 2007.
• Local leaders held a grand opening for the new Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment this morning on Veterans United Drive. The $54 million facility will serve twice as many patients each year.
• Felony charges against a Mizzou freshman linebacker JJ Bush were dismissed Wednesday. He was arrested Monday night after a high-speed chase on East Broadway in Columbia. Boone County Prosecutor Roger Johnson said he expects to refile charges in the near future.
• Columbia voters in Ward 4 will choose a new city council representative during the Aug. 4 election. City councilman Nick Foster is moving from the city and has resigned. His resignation takes effect June 12. The candidate filing period will open May 12 and close June 2.
Sharon Geuea Jones
• The chairperson of the Columbia’s Planning and Zoning Commission announced on social media this week that she’ll run for the 4th ward seat on the city council. Sharon Geuea Jones is an attorney and works as a lobbyist at the state capitol.
• Recent headlines:
Senior living plan advances at Scott and Vawter School despite water pressure concerns
Traffic concerns stall 194-unit student housing proposal near Rock Quarry Rd.
Boone Health announces new cardiology clinic
• Recent obituaries are here.