Good morning, Columbia.

Central Missouri players are embracing mahjong as a new way to connect, with COMO Mahjong in Columbia expanding its program after a surge in demand last month that followed guided sessions from Jefferson City to Branson.

Montana Loesing, a second grade teacher at Fairview Elementary, won a $2,000 contest hosted by Brightspeed in July — she will use the prize to upgrade her classroom for fall students as Brightspeed partnered with the University of Missouri to honor her dedication.

Retired educators and school employees can attend BooneRTA's Beverages on the Lawn event at Logboat Brewing Company (504 Fay St) on Aug.

18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., marking the start of its 2026-27 program year; its first unit meeting is on Sept. 22 at the Aslin Administration Building.

Montana Loesing, a second grade teacher at Fairview Elementary, used her Brightspeed contest winnings to upgrade her classroom with new supplies.

Clark Lane near Hanover Boulevard will close for roundabout construction starting Aug.

24 for 60 days as part of ongoing I-70 improvements. The closure will limit access to Lighthouse Car Wash but keep the Hanover Boulevard entrance open, with work to begin once the St. Charles Road overpass opens.

MU Choi, UM System president, sent an email expressing frustration about downtown safety and urged city leaders to revoke a North Ninth Street nightclub liquor license + his message highlights concerns about local nightlife risks.

The U.S. Senate approved a funding measure — delaying the federal ban on intoxicating hemp beverages until Dec.

11 — which means Missouri retailers may continue selling these products past the Nov. 12 state ban if the House and president give final approval.

ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team issued a Weather Alert Tuesday and confirmed one for today for extreme heat in Mid-Missouri.

Officials warn that parked cars heat up quickly (temperatures can exceed 100°F in minutes), so never leave children or pets inside.

The Missouri Department of Health & Human Services reported 1,577 cyclosporiasis cases this week in Columbia as the rate of new cases slowed; the outbreak is linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, and residents are advised to choose produce with care.

MU School of Medicine received a $1 million grant to study new tumor-targeting technology.

The National Institutes of Health provided the funds + the research aims to improve treatment options for cancer patients.

Grammy-winning MU alum Sheryl Crow will sing the national anthem at Mizzou’s season opener on Sept.

3 at Memorial Stadium. Fans can still buy tickets + prices range from about $45 to $125.