Good morning, Columbia.

Two mid-Missouri organizations, the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri and SERVE Inc., teamed up for over 20 years to provide thousands of meals each month.

SERVE will move into a larger building in about two weeks and launched SERVE 365 to support neighbors daily (more services planned).

In its first 53 days, the VAC Opportunity Campus has nearly reached capacity by offering 150 beds each night for Boone County residents and providing essential services in our community.

Marcos Pizza, The Fifth Season, and The Plant Shop are now open in Columbia, offering new dining and shopping choices for local residents.

Diesel prices in Columbia average $5.41 per gallon, while Missouri drivers pay $5.44 per gallon according to AAA; prices rose by over 50 cents from August as nationwide diesel costs hit record highs (this may lead to higher transportation and consumer costs).

Paul Wagner was unanimously chosen as the new Board of Education member in Columbia (filling Jeanne Snodgrass’s vacancy) during Thursday’s meeting, and he will be sworn in Monday, Sept.

14.

Missouri educators raised concerns during a recent feedback session that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education may release draft A-F report cards using preliminary 2024-25 data before full testing (two in-person sessions are set in St. Louis on Sept.

9 and Columbia on Sept. 10 before board approval on Sept. 15).

At a Thursday meeting on the University of Missouri campus, the UM System Board of Curators approved a new general education AI training for students — a step aimed at boosting future career readiness — and revised four capital projects while expanding MU Health Care service hours.

Grindstone Plaza Drive will be closed between Grindstone Parkway and Gray Oak Drive from Tuesday, Sept.

8 through Oct. 8 (for road work to widen the road for future business development), so drivers should use the north entrance on Gray Oak Drive while the main entrance on Grindstone Parkway remains open.

At Mizzou’s season opener Thursday at Memorial Stadium, 48 people were treated and 17 were transported for heat-related issues.

Health experts urged fans to stay in the shade, drink water, and avoid crowded spots (which can increase body heat) during Labor Day weekend.

The Central Missouri Humane Society announced it will suspend dog intake after a confirmed case of canine parvovirus was detected at the shelter.

The decision aims to protect other animals and prevent further spread.

A local cook reinvented a tortilla soup by using smoked chicken from D.

Rowe’s—an idea sparked by Chicago flavors—to perfect a fall favorite recipe. The twist brings local ingredients together with travel memories for a fresh take on this time-honored dish.

Mizzou volleyball will make history at Wrigley Field on Sunday when the Tigers compete outdoors against top-ranked Nebraska—broadcast live on Fox at 8 p.m.