🌱 Why Columbia’s new pedestrian rules sparked immediate First Amendment protests
Columbia, Missouri Patch AM: a 5 min readGreetings Columbia! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Columbia’s new pedestrian rules sparked immediate First Amendment protests
- Volunteers are uncovering long-lost pioneer graves in north Columbia’s woods
- How Columbia firefighters train to stay safe on our busiest highways
Also on today's calendar: Friday Night Commander at Hexagon Alley and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: How do you fit 10 horses in 9 stables? You cannot add any stables, you cannot put 2 horses in one stable. (Draw 9 boxes to help you figure this out) 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 94 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: Humid with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 91, low: 72.
- Saturday: Partly sunny and humid, with a high of 90 and low of 70 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Columbia pedestrian safety ordinance takes effect, drawing protest (columbiatribune.com) — A new pedestrian safety ordinance is now in effect on Columbia’s busiest roads, and local advocates immediately staged protests, calling it an unconstitutional curb on panhandling and free speech. Demonstrators, clergy, and civil liberties groups argue the city relied on misleading crash data, while city leaders say they’ll monitor impacts with six- and twelve-month reports and future safety upgrades. 
2. Tombstones of early settlers discovered in obscure Columbia cemeteries (columbiamissourian.com) — Hidden tombstones from Columbia’s early settlers are being carefully uncovered at Hinkson Creek Cemetery in Alspaugh Park on the city’s north side. Volunteers from the Genealogical Society of Boone County and Central Missouri are cleaning and documenting graves to better honor those buried there and highlight the area’s deep local history.
3. Columbia Fire Department traffic training helps keep first responders safe at highway scenes (abc17news.com) — Columbia firefighters are sharpening their skills in Traffic Incident Management training to stay safer while working crashes on local highways. The course at the Columbia Fire Training Academy focuses on how to position vehicles, keep traffic moving, and reduce deadly secondary crashes, while reminding drivers to stay alert and avoid distractions near emergency scenes.
4. First Friday at The Atrium (thingstodocolumbiamo.com) — Kick off your Fourth of July weekend right in downtown Columbia with Red, White & Sips at The Atrium on Tenth this Friday evening. You can enjoy themed cocktails, a rooftop-style patio, and free admission while soaking up First Friday energy. It’s a relaxed, 21+ friendly way to start exploring other Columbia holiday events nearby.
5. Bangs & Bands 80s Fest - (thingstodocolumbiamo.com) — Columbia families can celebrate the Fourth in the Arcade District at Bangs & Bands 80s Fest in Sentinel Park, featuring three live bands, food trucks, and kids’ games. The evening wraps with classic Independence Day movies and a view of city fireworks. It’s a full night of patriotic fun without leaving town.
📸 Around Columbia
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Columbia
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
Red White & Blues At Rose Park →
Rose Music Hall, 1013 Park Ave, Columbia
6:00 pm
Friday July 3
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Small Business Roundtable
Columbia Chamber of Commerce 300 S Providence Columbia, MO
8:15 am -
Friday Night Commander at Hexagon Alley →
Hexagon Alley, 111 S 9th St #10, Columbia
6:00 pm -
Gentle Yoga with Rebecca Peters Wellness →
Rebecca Peters Wellness, 920 E Broadway #203, Columbia
10:00 am -
Firefly Music Festival | American Rhapsody: A Fourth of July Celebration in Sound →
Missouri Theatre, 203 S 9th St, Columbia
11:00 am -
A Year With Frog and Toad →
Rhynsburger Theatre, 505 Hitt St, Columbia
2:00 pm -
Women's Network Programming Committee Meeting
Columbia Chamber of Commerce The Walton Building 300 S. Providence Rd. Columbia, MO 65205
12:00 pm -
Friends of the Columbia Public Library Lobby Book Sale
Columbia Public Library - Lobby
12:00 pm
Friday July 3
Saturday July 4
Sunday July 5
Tuesday July 7
Wednesday July 8
📣 Columbia Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
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Honky Tonk Thursdays at Silverball →
Silverball Saloon, 122 S 9th St, Columbia
8:00 pm -
Small Business Roundtable
Columbia Chamber of Commerce 300 S Providence Columbia, MO
8:15 am -
Goat (2026) →
Lakeside Ashland, 5900 E Log Providence Rd, Columbia
8:00 pm -
Drop in and Draw →
Museum of Art and Archaeology, 1020 Lowry St, Columbia
12:00 pm
Thursday July 2
Friday July 3
Saturday July 4
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- The THURSDAY farmer's market in the Forum Christian Church parking lot starts THIS THURSDAY, July 2nd from 3:00-5:30.
Peach Tree Farm, Blueberry Hill, TWO sourdough bread bakers, gourmet cookies, cinnamon rolls, local chicken and pork, and local vegetables (see… (Nextdoor Woodrail South Columbia) - He's still around.
If he's yours, claim him, please. I've been feeding him since October. Off East Richland Road. Close to the new part of Olivet Rd. DM me to… (Nextdoor Sunrise Estates)
- Columbia College posted a job opening for Graduate Assistant- Enrollment Management & Admissions in Columbia. Apply here.
- Compass Health Network posted a job opening for Pediatric Dental Residency Coordinator in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.
Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: [T] [E] [N] [H] [O] [R] [S] [E] [S] (Thank you Lisa K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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