Good morning, Columbia.

Community fundraising resulted in $13,452 raised to cut student meal debt and help Southern Boone families.

Local groups including the Ashland Masonic Lodge & Eastern Star led the effort with community donations and a fish fry in April, and school leaders received the funds at a June board meeting.

The Fulton Fire Department said Nichols Street in the Brick District reopened to limited traffic today nearly a week after a building at 505 Nichols St. collapsed on Wednesday, June 17, with on-street parking still restricted as the city issued a 10-day nuisance notice for debris removal.

Izayah Christopher, a Battle High School graduate and two-year speech and debate team captain, has been named Speech and Debate Student of the Year.

The award honors his leadership and academic achievements in the competition circuit.

Missouri school districts face budget cuts because the state did not add funding, leaving $190 million in revenue short for public schools.

The Southern Boone County R-1 School Board approved a $26,193,875 operating budget for next school year as districts plan to adjust spending to match enrollment.

South Sinclair Road will close at 7 p.m. Thursday for rescheduled construction and reopen at 7 a.m. Friday.

A team of seven safety ambassadors will patrol downtown Columbia from 4:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday — the program aims to monitor streets and support community safety.

The Columbia police are teaching residents about a new law taking effect July 1 that bans lingering in medians at busy intersections to help prevent pedestrian & vehicle collisions.

Critics, including pedestrian safety groups, say it may simply push homeless panhandlers out of view.

Missouri law forbids breaking a car window to free a pet suffering from the heat, so locals should not break in even with good intentions.

Instead, if you see an animal in danger, call the Humane Society’s Animal Cruelty Task Force for proper assistance.

Boone Health’s Columbia cardiology clinic treated around 1,000 patients since its May split from Missouri Heart Center and expects 3,500 by June’s end.

The clinic remains operational with temporary physicians while recruiting more staff (using the same records) to continue offering outpatient, inpatient, and cardiac services.

The US Senate passed a bipartisan housing bill that could lower prices and increase the availability of homes in Columbia.

Brian Toohey (Mid-Missouri Board of Realtors) said the measure may boost multifamily housing amid a long-standing shortage and now moves to the House.

Missouri athletes from Special Olympics Missouri are competing in 12 sports at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis.

Some, like Jefferson City native Joseph Collins (who ran on Monday), will race again today as the week-long event continues.

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.

Clay Street Unit + Arkansauce Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Ticket availability varies — Enjoy an evening of live music from local favorites Clay Street Unit and Arkansauce.

Encanto Outdoor Movie Night

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a magical evening with Encanto under the stars.

A League of Their Own Movie Night

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