Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia residents can help fight hunger by placing food or monetary donations in or near their mailboxes for letter carrier pickup on Saturday, May 10 as part of the national Stamp Out Hunger event.

The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri said that donations of peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables, cereal and boxed meal helpers are especially needed to support local food pantries and soup kitchens.

Businesses in Columbia are keeping all services going while monitoring lingering water discoloration, and restaurants + hair salons remain cautious as they check for any changes.

Missouri religious leaders, including Bishop Edward M.

Rice— a leading voice in Springfield-Cape Girardeau— and state Rep. Ray Reed prayed that newly elected Pope Leo XIV will guide the Church with care for the poor and vulnerable after his election on May 8. They stressed strong faith and urged unity as he begins his ministry.

Grain Belt Express has awarded $1.7 billion in contracts to Quanta Services and Kiewit Energy Group to build an 800-mile transmission line that will add 5,000 megawatts and create over 4,000 jobs when Phase 1 begins in Kansas and Missouri in 2026.

Some local farmers in Audrain, Callaway and Monroe counties oppose the project due to eminent domain concerns and will be compensated at 150% of their land's value—an issue that has sparked protests.

Today, the City of Columbia will host a meet-and-greet event at City Hall — 701 E.

Broadway from 5-6:30 p.m. where the public can meet the finalists for the utilities director position, including one internal and two external candidates.

Governor Mike Kehoe appointed Katie Sinquefield from Columbia to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission on Thursday—she had volunteered locally and served on the Missouri State Public Defender Commission—and named David Martin from Vienna as Maries County coroner.

The appointments position both individuals to impact justice and public safety efforts in Missouri.

A Missouri Department of Natural Resources official said that Columbia’s stormwater permit renewal is a chance for the state and city to work together on a plan to curb trash buildup near waterways — the city responded by tracking complaints and clearing out camps.

The department received at least 36 complaints since late 2022 about illegal dumping, and it is now reviewing how the city manages its stormwater plan to meet permit requirements.

After construction on a transmission line turned water brown and yellow on Wednesday, Columbia Utilities said new tests confirmed that extra calcium bicarbonate did not make the water unsafe and customers should see it clear by midnight—residents with ongoing discoloration are advised to call the utility.

Columbia businesses are hosting Mother's Day events on May 10 & May 11 with special activities like shopping, floral workshops, brunches, buffet meals, puzzle sessions and bingo games.

Events include The Tin Roof's gathering from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Toasty Goat's bouquet workshop from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., The Atrium on Tenth's brunch from 9 a.m. to noon, Dive Bar’s buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Park Restaurant & Bar's brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hexagon Alley's puzzle event at 11 a.m., and a bingo session at Six-Mile Ordinary from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Intro to Woodworking Class

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes materials — Learn woodworking basics while creating a small project.

Basics of Industrial Sewing Class

5-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials included — Learn sewing techniques while creating a tote bag from thick materials.

Jake Stack Live Performance

5-7 p.m. — Dive Bar — No cover — Enjoy a captivating performance by singer-songwriter Jake Stack from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

CoolFest 2025

1-7 p.m. — The Arcade District — Free entry — Celebrate creativity with live music, awesome vendors, and delicious food trucks at the coolest event of the year.

ÆTHER REALM Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Blue Note — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of immersive music at this popular Columbia venue.

Intro to Shapeoko CNC Routers Class

6:00 – 8:30 PM — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes materials — Explore woodworking with the Shapeoko router while learning essential safety protocols.

Intro to Vinyl Cutting Workshop

6-8 p.m. — MACCLab Makerspace — Materials included — Learn to master vinyl cutting with GCC vinyl cutters and Cricut Maker in this hands-on class.

CSB Softball Missouri College Showcase

9 AM - 2 PM — Antimi Sports Complex — Registration fee $175 — Participate in a pro-style tryout and gain valuable insights from college coaches.

Columbia Track Club Summer Youth Program

11:00 PM – 12:45 AM — 4303 S Providence Rd, Columbia, MO — Online registration only — A fantastic opportunity for youth to engage in track activities during the summer.

Intro to Woodworking Class

5-8 p.m. — MACCLab — $100.00 — Learn woodworking basics and create your own project in a hands-on setting.