Good morning, Columbia.

Six cooling centers are open now to help residents beat the heat + later this year, the Voluntary Action Center will open Opportunity Campus to add a shelter, clinic, and resource center without replacing the cooling centers.

Noah Simmons (former KOMU 8 meteorologist) went viral when a studio light caught fire during his live tornado warning coverage at his new Arkansas station on Saturday night.

Early Tuesday, the Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District responded to a house fire on the 100 block (Via Cresta Drive) where a firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion and a home partially collapsed; the fire was under control by 6:11 a.m. after crews encountered a storm.

The Columbia Public Schools board approved a $390 million budget for 2026-27 and discussed plans to enhance Health Science High School and support school resource officers.

These approved priorities will shape spending for the upcoming school year.

Dr. M. Fernanda Blackburn will be West Boulevard Elementary School’s principal for the 2026-2027 school year as she brings 26 years of education experience from her role at Shepard Boulevard Elementary School — replacing Morgan Neale, who moved to Rock Bridge Elementary School.

Two Columbia Area Career Center students placed second and third at the SkillsUSA National Convention in Atlanta on June 5, earning honors in culinary and baking competitions.

The students, soon-to-be seniors at David H. Hickman High, will continue their culinary studies with scholarship support.

The University of Missouri signed a $907,500 contract with Reinhardt Construction LLC to replace the arena floor at Mizzou Arena.

Work began May 28 (delayed by graduations) and will be substantially complete by Aug. 23 with final completion on Sept. 4.

Flooding forced road closures Sunday night into Monday morning, but N.

Route E and Strawn Park Road reopened Tuesday in Mid-Missouri — however, W. Wilcox Road, Strawn Park, and Gillespie Bridge Road remain closed as officials assess the situation.

MU Health Care doctors warn residents to take precautions today as the heat index climbs above 100 in Mid-Missouri, urging them to drink water, wear sunscreen and stay indoors.

They advise checking on elderly neighbors and visiting a cooling center (like a library, city hall or Salvation Army facility) if lacking air conditioning.

A Mid-Missouri family is raising money to send Harper, their 2-year-old daughter, to an Italian clinic for a groundbreaking CM-AVM treatment using Modified Electro Sclero-Therapy (MEST).

They need to raise $85,000 for travel and treatment and have so far raised just over $24,000.

Mizzou Athletics said the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project will wrap up soon, ahead of the Tigers' season kickoff on Sept.

3 at Faurot Field. The $250 million project adds 3,000 seats and improves fan amenities (including restrooms, concessions, and premium seating) for a fuller game-day experience.

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.

Iron Man Movie Screening

8:30 – 10:30 PM — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a classic superhero film under the stars with family and friends.

Family Story Time

10-11 a.m. — Legends Rec-Plex — Free entry — Experience a delightful morning of stories, rhymes, and fun for families with young children.

Women Doing Good Recognition Breakfast

8:00 – 9:30 AM — Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia — Cost not specified — Celebrate inspiring women making a difference in the Columbia community.

Jurassic Park Movie Night

8:30-10:30 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a classic movie under the stars with friends and family.

Finding Nemo Outdoor Movie Night

8:30 – 10:30 PM — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Bring the family for a night of fun with Pixar's classic adventure.