Good morning, Columbia.

Downtown Columbia has launched a Safety Ambassador Program as five Block by Block Ambassadors began monitoring nightlife on Wednesday to boost public safety downtown.

A map shows family-friendly events across Mid-Missouri — planned for Independence Day — as communities celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Residents can mark calendars for fun local activities.

Central Missouri Humane Society has raised $15 million in gifts and pledges and is planning a groundbreaking for its new animal shelter in March 2027.

The organization is designing a state-of-the-art animal care campus to serve local pets.

The District Presents Buskers Fest returns downtown with more than 20 street performers for music, juggling and fire acts on Saturday from 3-8 p.m. This free event invites all locals to enjoy an afternoon of creativity and suggests bringing cash for tips.

The city of Columbia Office of Cultural Affairs will present the fifth annual Make Music Columbia on June 21 with free public performances for all skill levels.

Musicians signed up before the June 16 deadline & local venues volunteered to host the open events.

Stephens College awarded a $30,000 grant to launch the Women in Trades program, which helps Douglass High students earn certifications in construction, highway construction, carpentry, and teaching (boosting future career paths).

The City of Columbia Water Utility will flush central water mains starting Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for three weeks, causing cloudy water east of East Stadium Boulevard between I-70 and West Stadium Boulevard — customers are advised the water is safe and should report discoloration to city hall.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a new hemp law that will limit intoxicating hemp product sales to state-licensed marijuana dispensaries starting Nov.

12. Local farmers in Hermann are adjusting their crops by switching to grain hemp (used for food and animal feed) amid concerns over reduced market opportunities.

The Boone County assistant fire chief retired after a 35-year career, ending decades of service in local firefighting.

His long tenure reflects a strong commitment to serving the community.

MU Health Care officials said that financial challenges led to layoffs eliminating 74 jobs and 150 positions—plans include closing Quick Care clinics in Columbia with a new urgent care facility set to open this fall at 404 N.

Keene St.

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.

Incredibles Movie Night

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a family-friendly movie night under the stars with the Incredibles.