Good morning, Jefferson City.

The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri and Mizzou Athletics held a ribbon-cutting event on Friday to mark 30 years of the Score Against Hunger Campaign — the celebration unveiled a new semi-trailer carrying the campaign’s branding.

The campaign started in 1995 and helps feed 100,000 people each month across 32 counties.

Nearly 330,000 Missourians attended the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia in August.

The fair featured almost 8,000 4-H exhibits and nearly 6,500 FFA exhibits, which drew visitors from across the state.

Lincoln University received a $725,669 grant from the National Science Foundation to launch a four-year project starting September 1 that studies rural challenges like labor shortages and population decline and will create practical tools for local decision-makers—research aimed at strengthening rural resilience.

Lincoln University nursing student Elizabeth Heckman earned a $1,000 scholarship from Jefferson City Medical Group for her academic excellence and community service—she plans to pursue a career in oncology.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources urged residents to keep tracking drought conditions as nearly 98 percent of the state is already dry - environmental engineer Elizabeth Kerby said the state has cycled in and out of drought since late summer 2022.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is inviting hunters, landowners and wildlife watchers to a series of community open houses to discuss deer management, regulations and the impact of diseases on deer populations.

Attendees can talk with MDC staff about chronic wasting disease — a threat to deer — and other concerns affecting local wildlife.

The Missouri Office of Broadband Development is asking for public input on its final proposal for the BEAD program.

The plan will invest $700 million to bring broadband to more than 200,000 homes and businesses in Cole and other areas—helping those without reliable access.

Missourians will learn by mid-December if the 110,000-signature drive led by People NOT Politicians to force a referendum on the new congressional map succeeds, while voters will also face a statewide ballot next November on proposed changes for initiative petitions.

These measures, from a special legislative session when lawmakers shut down Senate debate, will test political accountability — prompting campaigns from groups both supporting and opposing the changes.

A glow run in Jefferson City is set for this Saturday at 6 p.m. and will raise funds for melanoma research, prevention and treatment during the annual Miles Against Melanoma 3K run/walk.

Columbia Boone County Health and Human Services reported only a few sightings of the kissing bug, which can spread Chagas disease after biting and defecating near the eyes, and experts say climate change is pushing the insect north—residents should capture it without squashing it to help track its rare presence.

After a CDC advisory committee vote on Friday, only people 65-and-up or those with high-risk conditions can get the COVID vaccine without a doctor consultation while others must first see their doctor.

MU Health Care said its drive-thru event on Saturday from 8 a.m.-to-noon at the Madison Street Medical Building in Jefferson City will allow high-risk individuals to self-attest their condition for the shot.

Wednesday Evening Yoga

5:15-6:15 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Rejuvenate your mind and body in a welcoming class for all abilities.

Thursday Morning Yoga

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Rejuvenate your mind and body with a welcoming community yoga session.

Hope Gala 2025

5:30-10 p.m. — Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center — Support to inspire hope and progress for local kids.

Big Daddy Weave Concert in Jefferson City

4:30-9 p.m. — Cole County Fair — Free entry — Experience a night of worship and music with Big Daddy Weave at the Redemption 'A New Beginning' concert.

Tebbetts Picnic and Muttonfest

10 AM – 2 PM — Tebbetts Community Hall — Activities include live entertainment, games, and shopping at this three-day festival.

Crafting for a Cause

6-7:30 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Create beaded pens for charity and take one home as a thank you.

Adult Chess Club

10-11 a.m. — Building Community Bridges Non Profit — No cost — Challenge your mind with state champion Tim Campbell as you join fellow chess enthusiasts.

Family Storytime

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Enjoy engaging stories, music, crafts, and activities for the whole family.

Social Bridge Club

1–3:30 p.m. — Missouri River Regional Library — Free entry — Engage in enjoyable Bridge gameplay with players of all skill levels every Thursday.

The Spooklights: Biscuits Beats & Brews Festival

9 PM – 1 AM — Cooper's Landing Riverside Resort & Marina — Free entry — Experience a family-friendly festival filled with music, food, and brews in the Ozark Mountains.