Good morning, Columbia.

SERVE, Inc. opened its new food pantry at 400 Gaylord Drive on Wednesday, serving 83 families on its first day and providing food and utility assistance to Callaway County residents.

The pantry is open (Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to Noon, Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m.)

Columbia organizations are now accepting toy and gift donations for families in need this holiday season.

The Parks and Recreation department holds a drive for children until Dec. 4 while the Voluntary Action Center and The Salvation Army offer separate programs with different deadlines.

At an Oct. 12 meeting, the Columbia Board of Education reviewed its special services program that supports students with developmental or physical disabilities and improves parent involvement.

Officials said the evaluation will guide future efforts to boost student achievement.

MU education professor Tuan Nguyen says low teacher pay and poor working conditions have worsened Missouri's K-12 teacher shortage and recommends boosting salaries, conditions and prestige to attract quality staff.

A statewide survey will soon gather teacher feedback (to better guide retention efforts) and help shape policy changes.

Columbia College begins its 68th homecoming week with spirit events, games and activities, culminating in the inauguration of its 19th president.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded Fulton $5.8 million for wastewater treatment upgrades; the project includes a $4.3 million loan and a $1.5 million grant (from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund) plus local funding to save ratepayers money, and work will finish by Sept. 2027.

The Columbia Public Library sent an 86-page packet of records about its Rainbow Story Time event on Sept.

16 to state Sen. Rick Brattin, but it still has not received a follow-up response or its expected state aid payment (after state officials had threatened funding over the event).

Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and had surgery Tuesday at Gemelli Hospital in Rome to remove the lower lobe of his right lung (a common, less aggressive type).

Further treatment details are pending.

A new study shows that children face a 43% rise in pedestrian injury risk on Halloween, so parents in Columbia are urged to watch closely during trick-or-treating.

The research underscores the need for extra safety precautions when collecting treats.

The Boone County health department will hold its first annual open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1005 W.

Worley St (featuring games, guided tours of the Health on Wheels van, and free flu shots for eligible attendees).