Author: KMIZ

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The men accused of stealing $1.28 million from the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville earlier this year have been indicted by a federal grand jury, the Department of Justice announced in a Thursday press release.

Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, 22, of Columbia, was charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interfering with commerce by committing a robbery and pulling out a gun during a violent crime. He is being held at the Cooper County Jail on a $1 million cash or surety bond or a $250,000 cash bond.

Hollis Cortez Vanleer, 20, is charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interfering with commerce by committing a robbery, pulling out a gun during a violent crime and being a felon with a gun.

The pair, who were carrying guns when they entered the casino on March 25, allegedly took about $1.28 million from the main money drawer and that a patron had tackled one of the men, previous reporting from court documents shows. Vanleer hit the patron before the pair got away in a Ford Taurus, court documents in previous reporting say.

The Ford was later abandoned in Howard County. Law enforcement found a receipt in the vehicle and were able to determine a card used in the purchase belonged to Charles, who was also determined to be an employee at the casino, the statement says. He was arrested the day after the robbery.

Vanleer was eventually detained his hometown of Bloomington, Illinois, on June 24 during a traffic stop, according to previous reporting.

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Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley has expanded his investigation into the Flock camera network to include three other companies that operate camera networks.

Hawley on Tuesday sent letters to Motorola Solutions, Verkada and Axon, giving them until Sept. 16 to provide certain documents and information for his investigation. Hawley, a Missouri Republican, chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism

Hawley’s office announced the subcommittee’s investigation into Flock on Aug. 26. Hawley says he’s demanding answers about how companies that operate public surveillance camera networks will protect Americans’ personal information, such as their license plates.

ABC 17 News uses cameras on the Verkada network for its live weather cameras.

Numerous local governments have canceled their Flock contracts, including the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. A movement has also formed in Columbia to call for the termination of the city’s Flock contract.

2026-09-02 Verkada ALPR LetterDownload

In his letter, Hawley references multiple cases where police officers misused or abused the information provided by the Flock license plate reader camera system.

“To be sure, I want law enforcement to have tools to catch offenders and keep the public safe,” Hawley wrote. “But the surveillance network your company has constructed raises legitimate concerns about how little-known corporations possess intimate knowledge of Americans’ lives, fueled by invasive artificial intelligence algorithms.”

No hearings have been set.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man is in custody after authorities claim he repeatedly assaulted a baby.

Noah J. Humphus, 23, was charged on Thursday in Cole County with first-degree domestic assault and child abuse. He is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond and has not had a court date scheduled.

The probable cause statement says police were called to Capital Region Medical Center after a 4-month-old baby reportedly had several broken bones and needed to be transferred to University Hospital in Columbia.

The baby allegedly had broken ribs from being shaken by someone along with having fractures throughout their leg, the statement says.

The mother of the child allegedly told authorities that she had seen Humphus shake the baby on more than one occasion. The statement says Humphus allegedly told the mother he shook the baby in order to “toughen” them up.

Humphus allegedly admitted to law enforcement that he shook the child at least 10 different times and showed how he injured the child’s leg on a doll that was provided during the interview, court documents say.

“The defendant then demonstrated swinging the victim upside down by her legs,” the probable cause statement says.

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Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is reporting a new low in measles vaccination rates as the common childhood illness resurges in other parts of the country.

The department reports that Missouri kindergartners from the 2025-2026 school year had an 89.5% measles vaccination rate, ranking Missouri 15th lowest in the nation, according to the CDC. At least 95% of the community must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity for measles.

The numbers were released in August.

DHSS also reports the rate has been in a steady decline. Prior reporting found that the vaccination rate for the 2020 to 2021 school year was at 92.6%. This decreased to 91.3% in 2022 and 90% in 2024. Eighth-grade rates also saw a drop from 97.6% in 2021 to 96.2% in this past school year.

Religious exemptions for vaccines have also jumped a full percent from 4.8% in 2024 to 5.5% for the 2025 school year.

Statewide immunization rates for polio have also dropped to 89.6% in the 2025 school year. However, the herd immunity rate for polio is 80%.

Many medical experts believe the decline is related to misinformation about vaccines that became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has questioned the safety of the combined measles-mumps-rubella vaccine given to American children.

The average vaccination rate in Mid-Missouri in the 2025 school year was 89.5%, with around a 5.8% exemption rate. The county with the highest vaccination rate locally is Cooper at around 96%; the lowest is Benton County at around 65%.

Last year, Missouri had six cases of measles. So far, five cases have been reported in 2026.

The CDC reports that symptoms begin two to three days after infection, starting with tiny white spots appearing inside the mouth. Rashes begin to form at three to five days. They typically start at the face or hairline and spread down the body; the child may also have a fever.

There is no antiviral treatment for measles, and the disease can last 10 to 14 days. The CDC also reports that around 1-in-5 unvaccinated people who have measles become hospitalized, while 1-in-20 children with measles gets pneumonia.

Families who may be underinsured or Medicaid-eligible may qualify for Missouri’s Vaccines for Children Program. Children in the program are able to receive free vaccines before their 19th birthday.

This is an ongoing story.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man was charged with multiple felonies on Thursday after he was accused kidnapping someone on Wednesday night.

Miles Edgar Hill II, 49, was charged with first-degree kidnapping, second-degree domestic assault and third-degree domestic assault. He is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond and a court date has not been scheduled.

Two probable cause statements were filed in the case. One states police were called at 6 a.m. for a report of an assault. Hill allegedly punched the victim in the head three times and then kicked them in their head twice, according to the statement. Police reported seeing multiple cuts on the victim.

In the second probable cause statement, police were called around 8 p.m. for an abduction call. A witness told police that the victim went his residence after the assault, the statement says. Hill then allegedly arrived at the witness’ residence, grabbed the victim, threw them in his truck, pinned them down and then drove east on East Old Plank Road, the statement says.

Hill’s vehicle was found two hours later at East New Haven Road and South Olivet Road and police found Hill with the victim, the statement says.

Hill allegedly denied taking the victim and the victim allegedly gave details that “contradicted” the witness’ statement, court documents say.

“While speaking with [the victim] I noted that [the victim] continually looked back towards the patrol car where Hill was detained,” the officer wrote in the probable cause statement. “Based on my training and experience, I know these behaviors commonly present in victims of severe domestic violence cases.”

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Ryan Shiner

Editor’s note: The date has been corrected.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Contractors on Monday will begin building a roundabout at South Fairview and Chapel Hill roads in southwest Columbia, according to a Thursday press release from the city.

The project also includes stormwater improvement and sidewalk construction on the north side of the intersection.

Tuesday begins the first phase of the project, which will require lane restrictions on Chapel Hill Road and Handley Place, according to the release.

Phase 2 will require lane restrictions on South Fairview and Chapel Hill roads, while phases 3-5 will require the closure of South Fairview Road that is north of Chapel Hill Road. The start dates of phases 2-5 have not been determined, according to the release.

The release says Chapel Hill Road will stay open throughout the construction. Drivers should expect delays. The project is expected to cost $1.5 million and is being funded through the quarter-cent Capital Improvement Program.  

The project was met with pushback from residents when it was announced in 2023.

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Demetra Alarcon

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City River Market opened to the public today with a ribbon-cutting held by city and county officials at 3 p.m.

The contract for this project was approved in September 2024, and groundbreaking took place in May 2025.

Jefferson City spokeswoman Molly Bryan said the project costs $8.3 million.

That cost includes:

The Chestnut Street extension with greenway

Trail connection from Lafayette Street to Chestnut Street

River Market pavilion

Public art

Restroom

Utility work

Demolition of the Saddle Tree factory

Demolition of prison walls/guard towers

Design and engineering work

Excavation/site prep

Landscaping

Irrigation

The river market is on the site of the former Missouri State Penitentiary.

According to the Jefferson City website, the project was funded through a combination of state, local and partner contributions. The website says using multiple funding sources helps minimize the impact on taxpayers.

In an interview with ABC 17 News, River Market project manager Rachel Senzee said the project received federal funds through the Department of Economic Development. These grants include $2.2 million from local tourism asset development and $2.1 million from community revitalization.

Other involvements include Cole County, the Office of Administration, and Jefferson City Parks Commission.

Senzee said for this space, they wanted to keep the property and give back to the neighborhood with the project.

“So we just wanted to bring life and vibrancy back down to the space,” Senzee said. “And then we just started building momentum, and all those community partners that I previously mentioned just wanted to be part of this project.”

The website describes the river market as a flexible, outdoor gathering space that is designed to bring people together, designed to connect the riverfront, Jefferson City’s historic assets and its trail network, while creating a new space for residents to gather.

Jefferson City Parks spokeswoman Ashley Wiskirchen said the city is excited for this project because it gives community members and visitors access to the riverfront.

“We’ve not had that before in this town. We have very limited access. We’ve got Adrian’s Island, but now you can come out here and enjoy the riverfront under this three-season pavilion,” Wiskirchen said.

Community uses for the pavilion include farmers’ markets, craft shows, art fairs, JC Parks programming and seasonal events.

Recurring events include “food truck frenzy” every Thursday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and, starting Sept. 15, an evening farmer’s market every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m.

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Jazsmin Halliburton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou football fans will see changes to their game-day experience at Faurot Field this season, including stadium upgrades, concession stand additions and travel impacts on I-70.

Fan Experience

Fans will see new enhancements to Memorial Stadium this season as Mizzou Football kicks off the 2026 season against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 7 p.m. on the SEC Network.

The new enhancements include:

Spotlights on the north and south video boards to add lighting effects in the stadium.

Champs Chicken sponsored promotions to encourage fans to get loud and force false starts on the opposing teams.

360-degree fireworks show for key games throughout the season.

Return of the north video board sound system.

Continued enhancements to the in-game script to maintain energy during breaks in play.

The Tiger Fans Zone will open three and a half hours before kickoff on the lawn at Tiger Ave. across from the Tiger Ave. Parking Structure. The Tiger Fan Zone includes:

Coca-Cola Student Tailgate

Large-screen TV showing games around the country

Food trucks and seating

Beer sales

Tiger Team Store merchandise sales

MU Health Care Kids Zone

Stadium Entry

The athletic department is reminding fans to plan their routes and leave early due to construction along I-70.

Gates to Memorial Stadium will open two hours before kickoff each week.

Fans are encouraged to enter the stadium through the gates on the same side as their seats or enter through Gate 1 near the north end of the stadium.

The Hill behind the north end zone is back; however, it is smaller than in previous seasons. Due to the size, fans must have tickets to the Hill and will be given a wristband.

Parking

Golf cart shuttles will be available to help transport fans from east side parking to west side seats and vice versa.

Classes at Mizzou will continue as normal and parking lots for Thursday’s kickoff will open at 2 p.m. For all other home games, lots will be open at 7 a.m.Truman’s Landing will open for RVs at 6 p.m. the day before the game.

Rideshare drop-off and pick-up are located in Lot R. After being dropped off, fans will be able to cross Research Park Drive and ride the pregame MO-X shuttle to Memorial Stadium.

The University of Missouri warned on its social media last month that people who regularly park on campus may need to find a different spot for Thursday night’s game.

A press release on the university’s website says alternative parking location are in effect for home football games and weekday men’s basketball games.

Concessions

Mizzou Athletics will have a new concessions vendor this upcoming school year for all of its sports and athletic venues.

The athletic department announced Sodexo Live! and Columbia-based Upper Crust Food Service as its new hospitality partners.

Upper Crust CEO Adam Guy told ABC 17 News that they will be working with Mizzou Athletics for the next 10 years.

“We’ll be working in all the premium spacious spaces, all the concession stands,” says Guy. “All the catering that happens with special events. So anything that’s hospitality-related with Mizzou Athletics, Upper Cross and Sodexo will be working on that.”

The concessions lineup at Memorial Stadium features new offerings, including hand-breaded Southern-style Tiger Tenders, a Kansas City Burnt End Hot Dog and two new Stack Burgers. Other foods include Champs Chicken sandwiches and the new addition of Shakespeare’s Pizza.

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Matthew Sanders

Expectations are high in Columbia for the Tigers heading into the 2026 college football season.

The Mizzou offense is now led by dynamic Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons at quarterback. And many experts think the two-headed running juggernaut of Ahmad Hardy (when he returns from injury) and Jamal Roberts could be at the top of the sport.

The team’s roster and coaching staff earned it the final spot in the preseason AP Top 25 poll. Will they stay among the top?

Let us know by voting in the poll.

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John Ross

UPDATE:

The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day through Sunday, as recently observed heat indexes in Mid-Missouri have reached dangerous thresholds and, although currently not forecasted to be as widespread, still pose a threat through the afternoon hours today.

AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED AS CONFIDENCE IS STILL HIGH THAT 105 DEGREE HEAT INDEXES OR GREATER COULD BE OBSERVED FOR SOME SUNDAY

The upper-level ridge, or “heat dome,” is persistent and continues to drive the same heat across Mid-Missouri. As it shifts west, northerly flow wrapping around it may send us a slight cooldown in the way of a weak cold front or showers and storms. This will be the main factor that keeps Monday, Labor Day, from reaching extreme heat criteria.

Although this heat will not be as widespread as previous days in this stretch of hot weather, there will still be some areas, mainly west and south of Columbia, that will not have quite seen the effects of the backdoor cold front and associated northerly flow that’s moving through the area today. This means higher temperatures and higher humidity, providing them a better shot at breaking heat index values of 105 degrees.

This frontal passage will also provide weak lift throughout the peak heating hours of the day, which could lead to isolated stronger storms, once again, mainly west and south of Columbia. The strongest storms could briefly produce 60 mph winds and hailstones up to 1″, but widespread severe weather is not expected.

Brief relief from the heat is expected on Labor Day, but heat and humidity will at least return shortly by Tuesday and Wednesday, with Wednesday having a higher likelihood of reaching heat index values up to 105 degrees. Be on the lookout for updates in the near future on whether extreme heat is expected for either of these days.

Remember to stay hydrated with plenty of water and electrolyte drinks if you do have to spend longer periods of time outside. In these conditions, all age groups can experience heat-related illnesses and heat exhaustion. Take breaks indoors and make sure your pets have a cool place to rest, along with plenty of water. Limit their walks to around dawn or dusk to keep them safe in these conditions.

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