Good morning, Columbia.

Since opening on July 13, the VAC Opportunity Campus has nearly filled 150 beds nightly with Boone County residents, many working toward sobriety and using less Narcan than before — the campus provides meals, case management, and other services to help guests move toward stable housing.

Three new businesses joined the community as Marcos Pizza opened on Aug.

31 at 911 Rainforest Parkway, The Fifth Season had its Friday grand opening at Broadway Shopping Center, and The Plant Shop welcomed customers since its April 18 launch at Columbia Mall.

The Columbia Children's Museum held a free pop-up exhibit Saturday at the One-Room Schoolhouse at Agriculture Park — featuring hands-on agriculture activities for local children.

The museum, which seeks a permanent location by March 2027, plans more themed pop-up events.

Cooper’s Landing will host its second Conservation Expo featuring live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and family activities — a chance to learn about local riverfront conservation resources.

The event is scheduled to take place soon.

Multiple streets in Columbia will be closed from Tuesday, Sept.

8 (through Friday, Sept. 11) for pavement repair, which may affect local traffic and commute routes.

City staff has planned focus groups (including stakeholder input meetings and one-on-one interviews) to develop a homelessness strategic plan, inviting community members to share their insights and help shape public health responses.

On Sept. 5, a study showed Budweiser was Missourians’ favorite beer, gaining top search ranks and beating out other brands.

The analysis also revealed that Missouri ranked No. 10 in beer interest among states + highlighting insights into local drinking habits.