Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia Animal Control rescued an African spurred tortoise found near Route Z and Enterprise Drive at 12:30 p.m. Thursday — the healthy animal may be rehomed if no one claims it.

Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture will host free monthly walking tours of its Food Forest starting Saturday, June 13, meeting at the red chicken coop in front of its Maintenance Barn.

Guests can learn edible gardening and design with hands-on plant tasting (RSVP necessary).

Columbia’s Community Navigation Liaison Program will expand its neighborhood outreach with an enhanced watch initiative launching June 29 and plans for a block party plus youth training on Aug.

3 (designed to build trust and connect residents with essential services).

Birdie's Deli, known for its tasty subs from pop-ups, is set to hold its official grand opening today at its downtown location (1020 E.

Broadway, Suite F) with live music, merchandise, sandwich specials, and new sides.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education must complete a new formula by Dec.

1 to maintain state aid at just over $1.1 billion and keep university budgets stable amid worsening state finances, with college leaders urged to work together to avoid legislators imposing a less favorable plan + further cuts.

M. Fernanda Blackburn, with 26 years of education experience, will lead West Boulevard Elementary for the 2026‑27 school year — she was formerly assistant principal at Shepard Boulevard Elementary.

Columbia Public Schools announced on Thursday that Shonda Ambers-Phillips—a veteran with 25 years in education—was named chief equity officer to lead district programs that improve student access to quality education; she replaces Carla London, who left in April.

Eligible Missouri families with school children can apply for the SUN Bucks program until Aug.

31 — each child receives a one-time $120 benefit loaded on an EBT card to help with summer food needs.

After the Audrain Hospital closed four years ago, MU Health Care’s Mexico urgent care clinic has operated with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and an advanced X-ray machine — a critical tool for emergencies; Boone Health plans to reopen a hospital on the former campus.

Commissioners at a recent Planning and Zoning meeting heard public testimony on two proposed student housing projects near college campuses.

Residents raised traffic and safety concerns near The Retreat at Columbia, while the Theory Sterling University proposal was recommended for further city council review.

Over 1,000 athletes aged 50 and older competed in more than 20 sports at the Missouri State Senior Games hosted across Columbia starting Thursday.

The four-day event continues today through Sunday with pickleball as the most popular competition (volunteers and MU Health Care aiding safety).

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.

Red White & Blues Celebration

6:00 – 8:30 PM — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy a vibrant evening of music and community at Rose Park.

Intro to Vinyl Cutting Class

6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes materials — Learn to create vinyl projects with GCC vinyl cutters and Cricut Maker in a hands-on session.