Good morning, Jefferson City.

Yesterday, expert and amateur grillers gathered at the Cole County Fairgrounds for the 18th annual Capital City Cook Off — raising funds for the Special Learning Center — as hundreds of racks of ribs were prepared and judged for taste and tenderness.

Shelbyfest (an annual classic car show now marking its tenth year) raised money for charity and boosted local businesses as about 700 classic cars paraded down Capitol Avenue.

A building over 100 years old that once housed a grocery store will join Historic City of Jefferson’s spring homes tour today as the Common Ground Community Building at the corner of Clark Avenue and East Atchison Street.

Ticket holders will visit this site along with five homes on Fairmount Boulevard and one on Fairmount Court from 1 p.m.—5 p.m., with online tickets available for $20 through Friday and $25 on site.

Lincoln University confirmed Friday that its hemp research project funded by a $5 million USDA grant awarded in April 2023 and set to run through April 2026 lost its funding after the USDA cancelled the program—citing high fees and insufficient support for local farmers.

Today at 10 a.m. the Capitol will host a memorial at its Law Enforcement Memorial to honor six fallen officers added to Missouri’s Wall of Honor.

Governor Kehoe and Attorney General Bailey will speak + the Capitol dome is lit blue from sunset Friday to sunrise Sunday to mark the tribute.

MoDOT informed Jefferson City drivers that beginning next Monday, contractors will narrow Highway 54 near Missouri Boulevard by closing ramps at Madison Street and Christy Drive while keeping the Missouri Boulevard ramp open so drivers must merge into a single lane on westbound traffic—this pattern is set to last through mid-October.

After contract talks with Anthem failed, thousands of mid-Missouri patients lost in-network status at MU Health Care last month (affecting up to 90,000 patients) and have turned to other providers.

Boone Hospital, SSM Health and Jefferson City Medical Group have added staff and extended hours to meet the surge in care requests while MU Health Care remains open to further discussions with Anthem.

Classic Albums Live Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Capital Region Amphitheater — $49+ — Experience classic albums brought to life in a rockin’ live concert setting.

Accountability Meet and Greet

2-3:30 p.m. — Panera Bread — Free entry — Collaborate and share goals for a healthier lifestyle with community support.

Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Capital Region Amphitheater — Tickets from $60 — Experience unforgettable nights of country hits with Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan live on stage.