Good morning, Columbia.

Boone County Family Resources celebrated its 50th anniversary Thursday with a ribbon cutting and unveiling of a collaborative art collage featuring works by over 30 local artists, with the display located both inside the lobby & at the ramp outside the center.

Heart of Missouri CASA broke ground on its new 10,000 sqft headquarters at 2529 N.

Stadium Blvd. on Thursday — the facility will serve as a volunteer training center and clubhouse for foster care children, with completion expected in early 2027.

Ethan Jones of MindRight Wellness said a new Missouri law on intoxicating hemp products could force him to close his storefront in November — CBD sales, which make up over 20% of his revenue, are key to his business and the rule may impact other small business owners as well.

Mizzou composer Oswald Huy (2022 graduate) has been named a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow for music composition today, one of 223 chosen from nearly 5,000 applicants, and he will create a new work for the Tacet(i) Ensemble.

Paxton Keeley elementary hosted a multicultural night where students and families enjoyed food, games, and music from nearly 30 countries.

Columbia College dedicated its new Heritage Center (named for former president Dr. David and his wife Lee Russell) to showcase the college’s history and progress.

Today, over 40 local volunteers gathered to remove trash from Columbia’s rivers as Missouri River Relief organized cleanup efforts at eight sites, improving water quality and public spaces.

Today, Missouri lawmakers shifted $118 million from Capitol renovation funds to cover a 245 per-pupil gap in K-12 funding caused by lower lottery and casino revenue (the plan now moves to House and Senate negotiations and must pass by May 8).

On Wednesday evening, the Missouri Senate passed $48.7 billion in budget bills but left DESE with $190 million less than requested + officials worry the shortfall could worsen future funding concerns for public education.

23rd Annual Bowling for Autism

11 a.m. — AMF Town & Country Lanes — Proceeds benefit Easterseals Midwest services — Bowl for a cause and support individuals with disabilities and their families.

Iron & Wine Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Blue Note — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of soulful tunes from acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam Beam.

31st Annual ATHENA International Awards

6-8 p.m. — Cooper's Ridge Event Venue — Free entry — Celebrate the excellence and achievements of local women leaders in the community.

Spongebob: Search for Squarepants

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a family-friendly movie night featuring Spongebob in search of Squarepants.

Defying Gravity

7-8:30 p.m. — Missouri Theatre — Not to be missed — A musical theatre extravaganza featuring Broadway veterans recreating cherished roles and beloved tunes.

Intro to Vinyl Cutting Workshop

6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee applies — Explore vinyl cutting techniques while creating custom tote bags and signs.

All Your Friends

9:06 PM – 12:30 AM — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Enjoy a lively evening with friends at this late-night event.

Intro to Machine Embroidery Workshop

6-8:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes all materials — Learn to use the Melco Bravo embroidery machine and create your own embroidered item.

The Lorax Movie Screening

8-10 a.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars with The Lorax.

Big (1988) Movie Screening

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No entry fee — Enjoy a classic film under the stars with family and friends.