Good morning, Jefferson City.

The Jefferson City Jaycees are putting on the Cole County Fair this week offering food, animals, rides & entertainment amid high summer heat, while the Boone County Fair wrapped up last weekend in a busy fair season.

State officials announced an investigation into a story time at Daniel Boone Regional Library that featured a rainbow theme with books like Big Wig and Rainbowsaurus; they claimed the event may expose young children to unsuitable ideas, while library leaders said the program was innocent and focused on inclusion.

HCJC postpones its request for a downtown homeless shelter as the city works to set clearer policies.

Amendment 1 funding protects an Osage County farm along the Gasconade River, and education reporter Maddie Madison covers rising superintendent turnover plus voting reminders on Proposition 1 and no-excuse absentee voting.

Feeding America's past data showed Missouri food insecurity rose from 951,330 in 2023 (15.4% rate) to 997,750 in 2024 (16% rate), with central and northeast Missouri adding 7,830 more individuals.

Local food banks serving Cole County worked together to help families access nutritious food.

Float Your Boat Competition

5:30-7 p.m. — Ellis-Porter Riverside Pool — $20 — Engage in a fun challenge to build and race a cardboard boat with friends.