Good morning, Columbia.

Shangri-La’s Superstore will host a free Farmer’s Market on July 25 starting at 11 a.m. at (1401 Creekwood Parkway) with food trucks, local vendors, music and giveaways for the first 50 visitors, while vendors offer live painting and custom engraving experiences.

A Columbia native began his career with Shelter Insurance before completing Leadership Columbia and co-chairing the Heart of Missouri United Way campaign.

He continues to support local events (Shelter Gardens, 20 Under 40) that strengthen community ties and celebrate Shelter’s 80th anniversary.

Albert-Oakland Pool in Columbia is closed on Mondays for the rest of this summer as announced by Columbia Parks and Recreation to allow deep maintenance ahead of planned renovations after the 2026 pool season; recent filtration issues prompted the decision.

Yesterday, Pasta La Fata announced that Groundswell Financial now sponsors its Scrappy Meals program — an initiative that began in 2020 to help neighbors with meals made from fresh pasta trimmings.

This week’s meal will feed 200 people at Loaves and Fishes.

The University of Missouri System receives up to $160 million from the National Science Foundation for its Critical Materials Crossroads Engine to rebuild domestic production and create about 10,000 jobs by 2036.

UMKC leads the 260-partner consortium working across higher education, industry + government.

Seventy downtown businesses and organizations co-signed a letter with The District asking the city council to set clear rules for urban camping.

The District, whose ambassador team patrols the area Wednesday through Saturday (4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.), wants better management of public spaces without criminalizing homelessness.

MoDOT will close the westbound on ramp from Providence Road to I-70 on July 27 for the Improve I-70 project — drivers should use the Rangeline Street exit as a detour until further notice.

Mid-Missouri fire departments will train today for water rescues as heavy rains increase the risk of flash flooding, preparing responders to act quickly if water levels rise.

Columbia officials note that driving through parking lots to bypass red lights is illegal under local ordinance, and drivers risk a $92 fine if caught.

The rule, also in place in Springfield (by similar regulation), aims to ensure safer intersections.

South Sinclair Road will close between Nifong Boulevard and Muirfield Drive from July 20 to Aug 20 for roundabout construction (part of a private development project).

Motorists traveling north or south are advised to use detour routes with temporary traffic signs on Muirfield Drive, Forum Boulevard, and West Southampton Drive.

Boone County Public Health reported eight cases of cyclosporiasis this week and is working with the Missouri Department of Health to check for local links to a national outbreak.

Residents are advised to wash produce + practice good hygiene to help reduce the risk of infection.

Columbia will host the Show-Me State Games starting Friday with over 40 athletic events across the city — a torch run at Shelter Insurance Corporate Office kicked off the festivities on Wednesday.

The games are expected to draw about 15,000 athletes and visitors to support local businesses.

Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz will lead three players—Nicholas Rodriguez, Cayden Green, and Jamal Roberts—to SEC Media Days in Tampa starting Monday, July 20.

The group may hear an update on running back Ahmad Hardy’s recovery from an injury.

Local venues hosted watch parties on Wednesday as fans gathered to cheer Argentina vs. England in the World Cup semifinal, sparking strong community spirit.

Several businesses will host watch parties for the championship match this Sunday.

Encanto Outdoor Movie Night

8-10 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a magical evening with Encanto under the stars.

A League of Their Own Movie Night

8:30-10:30 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a classic film under the stars with friends and family.

Nike Basketball Camp at Battle High School

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Battle High School — $299 — Develop basketball skills at this comprehensive camp with professional coaching.

Class – Intro to Heat Transfers

6:00-8:30 p.m. — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — $80.00 — Learn about heat transfer software and create projects in a hands-on class with provided materials.

Twister Movie Night

8:30-10:30 p.m. — Lakeside Ashland — No outside food or drink — Enjoy a classic film under the stars with family and friends.

Brad Upton Live Performance

7 p.m. — The Blue Note — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Brad Upton in Columbia's iconic venue.

Basics of Industrial Sewing Class

10 AM – 1 PM — MACCLab | A Community Makerspace — All materials included — Learn to use home sewing machines and industrial equipment while creating a tote bag.