Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 2nd of June.
Good morning, Columbia.
🏘️ Community
Inside Columbia released the Best of Columbia 2026 winners, celebrating 20 years with over 86,000 nominations + 150,000 votes that honored local favorites from food and drink to radio and retail.
Columbia’s parks offer a busy summer schedule (Stephens Lake Park holds free concerts and art festivals on June 6 and 7, Nifong Park features a feather penmanship event on June 13, and Shelter Gardens hosts circus-themed entertainment on June 28) with movie nights and bike rides in July and August.
Columbia's Summer Lunch Program served its first meal Monday and will offer free lunches on weekdays in June and July for kids 18 and younger behind the Armory Sports and Recreation Center at 701 E.
Ash Street — locations will serve meals and snacks as part of the USDA-funded initiative.
💼 Business
Bar J, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, opened in May next to Jina Yoo’s Asian Bistro after five years in the making.
The new spot offers high-end wines, signature cocktails and a small menu of fan favorites remixed with new hits and is designed for a relaxed, age-appropriate night out.
🎭 Culture
The June issue spotlights dining as art at Sushi Fajita — a venue known for its vibrant flavors and creative presentation in Columbia.
The piece encourages readers to plan intentional nights out and embrace spontaneous local adventures.
This summer, fans can enjoy concerts across Missouri.
Local Columbia events include Kameron Marlowe at Rose Music Hall on June 19 and The Kay Brothers on June 20, while big names tour Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield/Ozarks & tickets are on sale for each show.
National vinyl sales topped $1.04 billion in 2025, marking a 19th straight year of growth, and local record stores in Columbia report renewed interest.
Shops like Hitt Records and King Theodore are preparing for Record Store Day events and special releases to offer music fans a tangible experience beyond streaming.
🎓 Education
Columbia Public Schools announced that Virginia Tate will lead Hickman High School as the new principal from the 2026-27 school year; she brings more than 20 years of education experience from her role at Rock Bridge High School and will replace Mary Grupe who is moving to a district support role.
Over 9,400 students have enrolled in Columbia Public Schools summer programs that began Monday, representing more than half the district's enrollment.
Additional students will join soon, and offerings include the Summer Sunsations program for K-8 students & high school driver's education with Columbia Honda.
🌲 Environment
The Columbia Solid Waste Utility is hosting a recycling drop-off event on Saturday, June 13 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Grissum Building (1313 Lakeview St.) where residents can drop off mixed containers, mixed fibers, and glass containers.
Staff will be on hand to help sort materials.
Storms left over 14,000 customers without power this morning, including about 1,100 in Cole, 444 in Osage + 171 in Boone counties, per the Missouri Power Outage website.
A First Alert weather day is in effect until 9 a.m., with flash flooding, heavy rain, and wind gusts possible.
🏛️ Government
Columbia Regional Airport opened its new south parking lot (700 spaces) today.
A shuttle runs from 4 a.m. to midnight and strict parking rules, including towing for non-designated areas, apply about half a mile from the terminal.
📰 Lifestyle
Columbia offers a varied dining scene for solo meals, date nights and family outings with spots like Uprise Bakery, Thai Express, Mahi’s Ethiopian Kitchen and Café Poland that bring comfort and community—each creating its own unique dining experience.
🎉 Columbia Events
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Zootopia 2 Movie Night
6:30-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No entry fee — Enjoy a family-friendly screening of Zootopia 2 under the stars.
Lilo & Stitch Movie Night
8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — Free for teachers and their guests — Enjoy a nostalgic evening under the stars with Lilo & Stitch.
2026 CSI | NAWIC Golf Tournament
8 AM – 3 PM — The Club at Old Hawthorne — Team registrations and sponsorships available — Swing for a good cause with proceeds benefiting local educational programs and scholarships.
Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp
Youth Basketball Camp — Jun 9-11 — Columbia Sports Fieldhouse — $97 observed coach fee — Improve your scoring and ball handling at this high-intensity camp for kids in grades 3-8.
Callaway Chamber Monthly Roundtable Tour
8:30-10:00 a.m. — Callaway Chamber of Commerce — Free entry — Engage with community members and industry leaders to explore local workforce opportunities.
2026 Show-Me State Games / Missouri State Senior Games
All day — Albert-Oakland Park — Various entry fees — Compete or enjoy playing pickleball at one of Columbia's premier venues.
Next Stop Comedy
8-10 p.m. — Bur Oak Brewing Company LLC — Entry details not provided — Enjoy live stand-up comedy in a vibrant local venue.
Family Story Time for Young Children
10-11 a.m. — Legends Rec-Plex — Free entry — Experience stories and rhymes designed for children five years and under.
Intro to Vinyl Cutting Class
6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee applies — Learn to use vinyl cutters and create projects like a tote and chalkboard sign.
Friday Night Movie: Hoppers
8:30-10:30 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a family-friendly movie night under the stars.
🏠 Columbia Real Estate
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💼 Columbia Job Board
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📣 Columbia Announcements
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