Good morning, Columbia.

The Block by Block Safety Ambassador Program launched last week to patrol downtown Columbia, with ambassadors in orange shirts working Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. to support CPD and link residents with community resources.

Animal control returned a lost African spurred tortoise to its owner yesterday after picking it up near Route Z and Enterprise Drive.

The pet, recently adopted and unnamed, escaped when her partner made a hole in the fence + the owner used a photo to reclaim her.

Juneteenth marks a federal and state holiday in Missouri and will be observed tomorrow, June 19, with closures and local events — a day honoring the end of slavery and celebrating cultural progress.

Columbia's Latino community celebrated unity during the recent World Cup kickoff weekend by gathering at local venues to enjoy fútbol's power to bring people together.

The Missouri State Board of Education has named Stacey Preis as interim education commissioner, replacing Karla Eslinger.

She will lead the department's transition including the rollout of a new A–F grading system while the board begins a nationwide search for a permanent leader.

Ants are more active this summer as warm weather draws them outdoors.

Residents can keep them out by trimming yards & sealing gaps, and experts advise using ant baits & sprays if colonies appear.

Recent black bear sightings in Columbia show Missouri's bear population has grown to about 1,000 — the animals are moving from the Ozarks into neighborhoods.

Wildlife experts advise residents to secure trash and pet food and maintain a 100-yard distance if a bear is seen.

MU Health Care laid off 74 employees as part of an organizational redesign and closed its four Hy-Vee Quick Care clinics (three in Columbia and one in Jefferson City) amid lower same-day appointment demand.

The system said it will offer walk-in services at select locations during business hours.

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.

Callaway Chamber Monthly Roundtable Tour

8:30-10 a.m. — Callaway Chamber of Commerce — Free entry — Engage with community members and business leaders to discuss local workforce developments.

Basics of Industrial Sewing Class

5-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes materials — Master the fundamentals of industrial sewing and create your very own tote bag.