Good morning, Columbia.

Mike Burden will be the new CEO of Local Motion when he starts on March 31, leading the group to boost walking, biking and transit in Columbia.

He brings local experience from education and cycling advocacy — including his time on the City of Columbia Bike and Pedestrian Commission — to shape future transportation efforts.

On Saturday, Boone County Fire Protection District responded to two fires—an outbuilding off Creasy Springs Road was 75% consumed and ruled a total loss, and a controlled burn in Midway spread to damage a privacy fence and a shed—with no injuries reported.

Callaway County authorities searched for an armed suspect in the Fulton-Steedman area after a stolen vehicle containing a stolen firearm was pursued on Saturday afternoon — the pursuit led officers to recover a pistol magazine when the vehicle fled into a field, and residents are urged to report any suspicious activity.

Educators at Columbia Public Schools were honored in classroom ceremonies last Tuesday when they received seven $1,500 awards and engraved silver trays from the Columbia Fund for Academic Excellence.

The winners were nominated by parents + colleagues and were recognized for their outstanding work + commitment.

The Missouri House passed a bill to provide a 100% tax credit for donations to pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes and diaper banks.

The credit lets donors reduce their tax bill by the full donation up to $50,000 per gift with no overall cap, and critics warn it may spur profiteering and create budget uncertainty.

Today, the Columbia Housing Authority said 80% of its budget comes from federal funds, and federal cuts may hurt its plans to rebuild old units and add new housing for over 800 people on its waitlist—further straining available resources despite a continuing resolution keeping funds until September. Local groups are also stepping in by building new homes in north Columbia to help address the mounting housing need.

Little Acorns: Show-Me Symbols for Young Explorers

This interactive program invites children ages 3-6 to explore the unique wonders of Missouri at the Runge Nature Center.

Kids Create: Wind Chimes

10 AM – 12 PM | Holts Summit Public Library | Free entry | Kids can unleash their creativity by painting and customizing their own wind chimes.

Dr. Zhivegas Live Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. | The Blue Note | Ticket prices vary | Experience an energetic performance by Dr. Zhivegas in the heart of Columbia.

Gimme Gimme Disco Dance Party

7-11:30 p.m. | Rose Music Hall | Cost TBA | Dance the night away to ABBA hits and classic disco tunes from the 70s and 80s.

Wild And Scenic Film Festival

1:30-5:30 p.m. | The Blue Note | Tickets starting at $29 | Experience the energy and excitement of the Wild and Scenic Film Festival live in Columbia.

Threads: Sewing & Costume Design Class

5 PM – 6 PM — TRYPS Children's Theater — Check website for pricing — Learn the basics of sewing and costume design over 8 weeks with fun projects to take home.

Grease Auditions

Apr 1-2 — TRYPS Children's Theater — Registration required — Showcase your talent at auditions for the summer production of Grease!

Missouri State Bears vs. Missouri Tigers Softball

5-9 p.m. — Mizzou Softball Field — Free entry — Catch the exciting showdown between local softball rivals Missouri State Bears and Missouri Tigers.

Drake Milligan Concert

8 PM — Rose Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of live music with Drake Milligan in Columbia, MO.

Missouri Startup Weekend

Friday, Apr 11th — 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM — EquipmentShare - Corporate Office — $0-89.99 — Unleash your billion-dollar startup idea with expert mentors and networking opportunities over a weekend of innovation.