Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia Restaurant Week begins Friday at 21 downtown eateries.

Some spots offer fixed-price menus while others serve quick bites and coffee flights — the event runs until Aug. 9 to showcase downtown.

The historic Mount Nebo Baptist Church (now Mount Nebo Inn and Rocheport Winery) in Rocheport was built in 1910 to serve the local African American community before closing in 1974.

The renovated site preserves its heritage and is open for visitors to appreciate local history.

A longtime local photographer has used film and digital cameras to record downtown Columbia over 25 years (his journey began with a Nikon given on his 12th birthday).

His work shows old neon signs, historic businesses and changing streets as the city grows.

Rick 'Gumby' Brummet transforms his yard on Green Meadows Road into a playful gallery using recycled materials and sculptures.

Neighbors dubbed it (the house that makes people smile) as the self-taught creator plans more projects to brighten the community.

Hickman High School, which will soon mark its legacy with a 100th graduating class, is set to welcome new principal Virginia Tate next school year while teachers work to boost IEP test scores—efforts aimed at avoiding state intervention.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources said all state park beaches were open for swimming for the week starting Thursday, July 30.

The report includes Finger Lakes Public Beach in Columbia and other sites across the state.

MoDOT will restrict travel near Columbia with two projects.

U.S. Highway 63 at MO-124 will be closed 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday for resurfacing, and I-70 ramps at St. Charles Road will have overnight closures—westbound 7 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday and eastbound 7 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday.

Missouri Attorney General’s Office reviewed public concerns over the Rainbow Story Time event at the Daniel Boone Regional Library on July 25.

The agency provided social media links while internal records remain closed during an ongoing review.

Boone County officials said the new childcare center at the Regional Training Center will help first responders manage nontraditional shifts—construction is expected to finish by year-end with plans to open in January for public safety employees.

Local officials are planning to upgrade core infrastructure (water, transit, and airport systems) in response to rapid growth since the 2000s as Columbia continues expanding, ensuring community resilience for future generations.

Regulation offers sound baths where participants relax with guided breathwork, gongs & singing bowls.

Founder Tahlia Heaton, who credits sound therapy for her personal recovery, will introduce bucket drumming and jump rope classes for all ages this fall.