Good morning, Columbia.

Seven local bars and restaurants are joining the Adopt-A-Team program for the FIFA World Cup, announced by the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The venues will offer one extra hour on game nights (June 14, 17, 20, 21, 23, 27, and July 3) to serve as official fan bases.

Boone County Fire Protection District donated two 2000-model Pierce Freightliner pumper tankers to the Northwest and Van-Far fire districts on Wednesday (the trucks carry 1,500 gallons of water to serve rural areas without fire hydrants).

The gift helps communities that faced financial challenges to secure essential firefighting equipment.

Officials recorded 309 homeless people in Columbia, a figure that has stayed steady, as they call the issue an escalating crisis while Opportunity Campus nears completion (a project designed to boost support services).

Columbia Parks and Recreation said the Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center is closed today to fix ongoing mechanical issues and water quality after Tuesday’s early closure — the pool will reopen Thursday while the Lake of the Woods and ARC pools stay open with revised hours.

Allegiant Airlines flew its first flight from Orlando to Columbia Regional Airport Wednesday morning, arriving around 10:40 a.m.; the airline will offer Orlando flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Destin flights starting Friday, with a third flight to St. Pete planned for Nov.

19.

Allegiant Air’s first flight arrived at Columbia Regional Airport Wednesday from Orlando-Sanford and passengers received gift bags.

Flights to Destin begin Friday while Tampa Bay routes start Nov. 19 + officials say the new service could boost local airport traffic and economic growth.

The Columbia Public School Board presented a $390.7 million operating budget that runs nearly $12 million over expected revenue for the 2025-26 fiscal year — requiring the use of reserves to fund staff benefits, with a public hearing set later this month.

Columbia Public Schools will use $18.6 million from reserves to cover a deficit in its proposed $390.7M 2026-27 budget.

The plan funds a new elementary school (Eagle Bluffs Elementary) opening this fall on the John Warner Middle School campus and teacher pay increases, with a public hearing in June.

Columbia Water Utility is hosting two public meetings this month — June 10 at 6 p.m. in City Hall Conference Room 1A/1B and June 17 at 4 p.m. at the Activity and Recreation Center — to gather feedback on a proposed ordinance that limits sprinkler use to conserve water.

Residents may submit comments online.

Columbia will spend $750k to improve lights and playing surfaces at Rainbow Softball Center, using funds from the dedicated park sales tax (2021 renewal).

Columbia officials closed the Douglass Family Aquatic Center due to mechanical issues — however, the pool is expected to reopen today as repairs near completion.

East Walnut Street will close from June 8 to June 12 for building repairs as TBK Real Estate LLC works at 1200 E.

Walnut; drivers must use North Tenth Street and East Broadway for detours while pedestrians follow posted safe crossings (north sidewalk remains open and work is weather-permitting).

Missouri lawmakers are hopeful after federal officials announced a new MDMA-assisted therapy trial for veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorder — the study will enroll 80 veterans and aims to guide future treatment options in the state.

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.