Good morning, Jefferson City.

Construction on the new conference center, hotel and parking garage on East Capitol Avenue is set to begin late summer or early fall pending final financing plans — officials said.

The 24-month project will include 22,000 sqft conference space and a 203-room hotel, with a grand opening planned for spring 2028.

Lincoln University celebrates 160 years since freed Black soldiers pooled funds to launch the school in Jefferson City.

The university, now a growing land-grant Research College & University, is expanding academic programs and will open a new Health & Security Sciences Institute in fall.

The Missouri Department of Conservation confirmed several reports of a black bear in St. James on Wednesday and Thursday — police shared photos of the animal and officials urged residents to remove food sources and keep a safe distance if encountered.

The Missouri Lottery (MOLottery) announced that a local man won a $50,000 Powerball prize on May 23.

MOLottery confirmed the win in a release.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Thursday that Kansas City-based American Shaman will immediately halt all in-state sales of kratom and 7-OH and must set up proper controls within 30 days or risk a $5 million penalty — the agreement follows recent court challenges over the company’s sales tactics.

Missouri lawmaker Dave Griffith pushed to advance psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans before his final legislative session ended, though the Senate stalled the bill.

The VA recently announced a trial that will enroll about 80 veterans to test MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD at VA centers.

The Story Stop at Ellis-Porter Riverside Park

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Ellis-Porter Park — Free entry — Enjoy a storytime experience with the MRRL Bookmobile in a scenic park setting.

Cocktail Lab - June Edition

6:30-10 p.m. — Roaming Spirits — Cost varies — Discover the art of mixology while crafting cocktails and enjoying fun science experiments.

Golf Tournament to Support Share the Harvest

4-person golf tournament to benefit CFM's Share the Harvest program. Share the Harvest is a statewide program that helps provide nutritious, locally-sourced venison to Missouri families in need.

21st Annual Mayor's Cup Golf Tournament

8 AM – 5 PM — Oak Hills Golf Center — $125/player or $500/team — Enjoy a day of golf for a good cause with lunch and cash prizes.

JC Animal Shelter Trivia Night

7-9 p.m. — McClung Park — $200 for a table of 8 — Test your trivia knowledge while supporting the Jefferson City Animal Shelter with cash prizes and fun games.

Big Fans of JCMO Summer Concert Series: Forrest McCurren ft. Chloe Hoecker

6-11:30 p.m. — Capital Region Amphitheater — Free entry — Enjoy a night of free, live music featuring local talent in a family-friendly atmosphere.

4th of July Ice Cream Party and Fireworks

6:00 – 10:25 PM — North Jefferson City Recreation Area — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with ice cream, hotdogs, and a vibrant fireworks display.