Good morning, Columbia.

On Friday, Oct. 2, the Boone County Office of Emergency Management and Heart of Missouri United Way launched the Boone County Community Organizations Active in Disaster at Boone County Family Resources.

Over 30 local organizations (nonprofits, faith groups, community groups, and businesses) met to plan coordinated support for disaster response.

Columbia will host its first Hispanic Heritage Festival today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Open Door Church (4838 Meadow Lark Lane), featuring mariachi music, food, dance, crafts and family activities.

A new federal scholarship program opens Jan.

1 next year in Missouri and 29 other states to help families cover private, homeschooling and supplemental learning costs. Taxpayers can donate up to $1,700 and receive a tax credit as school organizations set scholarship amounts based on student need.

The Central Missouri Humane Society said it will not provide animal care services at the new city-proposed facility because operating two locations is not sustainable.

The city council will vote on the building purchase on Oct. 19.

Park Avenue between North Fifth and North Seventh will close for two weeks starting Wednesday at 7 a.m. for storm sewer work for the East Park Avenue Apartments project & detour signs will guide drivers while bus routes detour and sidewalks stay open.

MoDOT’s Improve I-70 project is delaying some paving work along I-70 to ease traffic for Homecoming weekend.

Crews will shift work to later Friday evening west of the Midway exit, skip Saturday paving in that area, and begin Saturday night work at the east end at 8 p.m.

MUPD and Columbia Police are teaming up to keep the Homecoming Parade safe today on the MU campus at 9 a.m. They planned extra staff, overtime shifts, and roadblocks to keep pedestrians secure during the event.

Mizzou researchers found that bullfrogs might help protect human brains + lead to new treatments for neurological disorders, offering promising insights for ongoing health research.

Mizzou will kick off its 115th annual homecoming game today at 2:30 p.m. at Faurot Field against the Florida Gators, with the Tigers ranked No.25 and the Gators No.8 in the AP Top 25.

Fans are invited to vote on their predicted winner.