Good morning, Columbia.

Columbia Farmers Market restarted its Wednesday market this week and will run from 4-7 p.m. every Wednesday until Sept.

3 at 1769 W. Ash St. Almost 30 vendors will sell fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade products while shoppers can earn VIP-punch cards for prize entries.

Kayley and Michael Birnbaum pleaded not guilty in the 2021 killing of Cody Garrett and face charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action—both are set for bond hearings on Tuesday following their arrest by Benton County Sheriff deputies on Sunday.

Leslie Lee Rodgers, 65, was charged on Thursday with two counts of child enticement, seven counts of statutory sodomy on a victim under 12, two counts of first-degree child molestation and two counts of tampering with a victim after allegedly paying children to perform sex acts near a soccer game in Fulton—he is held at Callaway County Jail without bond.

A report by the attorney general shows that in 2024, Black drivers (11% of Missouri's population) were pulled over nearly twice as often as white drivers statewide, while in Columbia police and sheriff deputies stopped Black drivers four times as often.

The report also found that white drivers were more likely to have contraband but Black drivers were arrested at a significantly higher rate.

The Columbia City Clerk’s Office confirmed that Vera Elwood will appear on the ballot for the open Ward 2 seat on Aug.

5 after her petition was accepted last week—she is running against Ken Rice, whose petition was also approved. The special election was called following Councilwoman Lisa Meyer’s resignation on May 16, and candidates had until June 3 to file their petitions.

The NAACP filed a lawsuit in Cole County against Attorney General Andrew Bailey for not including the disparity index— a tool that measures racial disparities in traffic stops—in the state's 2023 vehicle stops report.

The suit claims Bailey promised documents in November and February but never delivered them— and it asks the court to order that future reports include the index.

Missouri's Department of Social Services said a shortage of foster homes continues as nearly 12,000 children remain in care with only 4,500 homes statewide and 298 in Boone County.

Coyote Hill advocates support bills to allow faith-based children's homes to accept state placements, and a state webinar addressing the foster care shortage will be held today.

Midwest Tradeswomen Summit

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Stephens College — Free entry — Empower women in trades through networking, skill-building, and insightful discussions.

On-Site Tour at Solstice Senior Living

9 AM - 7 PM — Solstice Senior Living at Columbia — Free entry — Explore an award-winning community designed for vibrant independent living.

The Big Run 5K

6-7 p.m. — Stamos Endodontics — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a fun run/walk for all abilities at The Big Run 5K.

Show-Me State Games 2025: Missouri State Senior Games

8 AM – 8 AM — Albert-Oakland Park — Entry fee varies — Compete in pickleball at a community-focused event promoting sports and fitness in Columbia.

The Fried Crawdaddies Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — Rose Music Hall — Cashless venue — Enjoy an evening of live music with The Fried Crawdaddies.

Barnie's Place 5K Race: Go the Extra Mile

1-3 p.m. — Cosmo Park — $25 — Support Barnie's Feline Rescue as you run a scenic 5K course for community cats.

Intro to Longarm Quilting Class

6-8 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — Class fee includes all materials — Learn to use the HandiQuilter Simply Sixteen while creating a small quilted tapestry.

Intro to Machine Embroidery Class

6:00-8:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials provided — Learn to use the Melco Bravo embroidery machine and create your own embroidered patch.

Moana 2 Screening

8:00-9:45 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink allowed — Enjoy a magical movie night under the stars with the sequel to a beloved tale.

Top Gun: Maverick Movie Night

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a thrilling outdoor movie night featuring Top Gun: Maverick.