Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia was named one of Missouri’s best places to live in the U.S. based on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 to 2026 rankings, where it ranked 193rd nationally due to affordable housing and a 15-minute average commute—factors that reflect a high quality of life.

Columbia police responded Monday afternoon after a witness reported that 32-year-old Bryan L.

Schneider exposed himself to a 13-year-old in a Lakeview Ave parking lot and fled before officers tackled him, and he was charged with Sexual Misconduct involving a Child under 15, First Degree Sexual Misconduct, Resisting with Arrest for a Felony, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The Missouri House passed Senate Bill 3 to offer money for new stadiums so the Royals and Chiefs can stay, and it passed 90-58—now the bill goes to Gov. Kehoe.

The law requires any project to cost at least $500 million and have more than 30,000 seats—a move that comes with other bills to help those affected by recent storms.

City of Columbia has announced that cooling centers will open this summer to help residents beat extreme heat.

Residents will have access to public areas (lobbies, restrooms, and drinking fountains) at locations including ARC, Daniel Boone City Building, Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, Columbia Public Library and two Salvation Army facilities.

Columbia’s police chief has requested 51 new sworn officers in the fiscal year 2026 budget to bring the force to 245 as the department works to improve 911 response and career growth.

The plan also calls for a new detective unit and a move to a modern headquarters — a change that could save money and help meet the city’s growing needs.

Protesters in Mid-Missouri plan to join a national No Kings movement by gathering at the Boone County Courthouse Plaza in Columbia, the State Capitol in Jefferson City, and the Cooper County Courthouse in Boonville to protest what they call authoritarianism + unjust immigration practices. Organizers said events are set for Saturday afternoon and local law enforcement will monitor the demonstrations without assigning uniformed deputies.

Researchers from the Missouri School of Medicine and NextGen Precision Health were awarded nearly $1.2 million from Veterans Affairs to study heart disease and obesity in veterans + the four-year project will test if Jardiance can reduce arterial stiffness in veterans with obesity.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Boone Health signed a new four-year contract on Wednesday that keeps in-network access for thousands of Anthem members in mid-Missouri.

The deal + covering both employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans + will ensure stable, continued care in the region.

Moana 2 Screening

8:00-9:45 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink allowed — Enjoy a magical movie night under the stars with the sequel to a beloved tale.

Top Gun: Maverick Movie Night

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a thrilling outdoor movie night featuring Top Gun: Maverick.

Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Ball Handling Camp

Jun 17-19 — Columbia Sports Fieldhouse — Registration required — Enhance your basketball skills with professional coaching in shooting and ball handling.

Tracking Finances for Startups

4:30-5:30 p.m. — Accounting Plus — Cost not specified — Learn essential financial tracking skills to empower your startup's success.

City of Refuge Summer Market

9 PM – 2 AM — 10 N Garth Ave, Columbia, MO — Free entry — Explore local and refugee artisan work while enjoying delicious food, drinks, and live entertainment.

Intro to Woodworking Class

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials provided — Learn woodshop safety and create a small project in this hands-on class.

The Native Howl Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — $38 — Experience an electrifying performance by The Native Howl in an intimate setting.

Missouri Amateur Championship

Jun 24-29 — The Club at Old Hawthorne — Entry based on eligibility — Witness the top amateur golfers of Missouri compete for the championship title.

Know Your Numbers Workshop

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Accounting Plus — Light lunch provided — Learn to read financial reports and improve your business efficiency.

SPOKEN Poetry Reading at Cafe Berlin

11 PM – 1 AM — Cafe Berlin — Tickets not on sale — Enjoy the heartfelt poetry of Agnes Vojta and Aliki Barnstone in a cozy atmosphere.