Author: KMIZ

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Volunteers were set to return to the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area in Randolph County to continue searching for a missing 16-year-old on Monday.

Kayla Huff has been missing since Wednesday. Dozens of volunteers have been searching the 3,500-acre conservation area southeast of Higbee on foot and horseback for the past several days. One volunteer also told ABC 17 News that officials were seen searching the air with drones and Bennitt Lake with boats.

“They’re mapping everywhere that they’re searching so that way they can mark those off the grid and make sure that they’re getting every area here covered,” Kayla Huff’s father, Mike Huff, said.

Huff’s parents reported that volunteers have come from as far as New York, and donations of food and water from across mid-Missouri.

“I had a guy reach out to me Saturday morning and they brought a two-seat helicopter and went all over the area, anywhere that we requested he’d drive over,” Kayla Huff’s mother, Renee Huff said. “There’s some people that we know or Kayla knew, but I would say we’ve had as many people that we don’t know.”

Huff was reportedly last seen in her Moberly neighborhood with a 17-year-old boy. The poster describes Huff as 5 feet 7 inches tall with long braided hair.

Randolph County Sheriff’s Office also arrested a 17-year-old on Friday in connection with Kayla Huff’s disappearance. The sheriff did not disclose the person’s gender.

The Sheriff’s office did not respond to questions on whether the 17-year-old arrested was the same person last seen with Huff.

Huff’s parents described her as a social butterfly, always with a big smile on her face.

“She’s gotten messages from people that she worked with that have just had nothing but good things to say and said, ‘that no matter how bad my day was, I could come in and Kayla would be smiling and happy and talking to me and giving me hugs,'” Mike Huff, said.

Kayla Huff’s parents add that they plan to continue the search, adding that volunteers or people looking to donate resources should reach out to them through social media or the Moberly Police Department.

“It’s just frustrating because we’re not going to be satisfied until we find our daughter,” Mike Huff, said.

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Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman accused of stealing a Randolph County Sheriff’s Office vehicle on Thursday was charged with three felonies.

Alayna Mason, 20, of Moberly, was charged Thursday with stealing a vehicle, stealing a gun and escaping from custody. A probable cause statement simply says that Mason was sitting in the front seat of a patrol vehicle during an investigation in Moberly when she stole the vehicle. Mason had handcuffs on behind her back, the statement says.

Several guns were inside the vehicle when it was stolen.

Law enforcement found her that night at a home in Moberly. She was wearing handcuffs that had been cut, the statement says.

Mason remained jailed Monday without bond. No hearings have been set.

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Haley Swaino

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Buy now, pay later.

​It can seem like a great deal for more than a quarter of Americans living paycheck to paycheck.

​Make a purchase today, and split the cost over about four interest-free payments.

​The “buy now, pay later” payment plan is growing rapidly in popularity as consumers face higher prices and tighter budgets. Recent data shows nearly half of Americans have turned to BNPL services.

​And some statistics are startling experts like Jared Reynolds, CEO and founder of Freedom Wealth Planning in Columbia.

​”The fact that it’s getting into groceries and gas and just every little bitty consumer purchase online. That’s seriously troubling,” Reynolds said.

​According to LendingTree, 29% of BNPL users have used the loans for groceries. That’s up from 25% a year ago and 14% two years ago.

​Reynold said the deferred payment option was always meant for larger, needed purchases, like in the case of a major appliance breaking.

​”Good rule of thumb, if whatever it is you are purchasing is going to be used up before it is actually completely paid for, then absolutely you should not do this,” Reynolds said.

​Beyond long-term necessities, BNPL is now being used to finance basic necessities like food and transportation. He said short-term relief can cause deeper financial struggles.

​“If I’m doing it for groceries that’ll be gone next week and I’m paying for them for the next three months, that’s a compounding problem that is only going to get worse, ultimately to the point of default. And now comes all the major late fees, and even some of them, when you default, they will end up switching you to a loan. And the interest rates go as high as 36%,” Reynolds said.

​There is something he’s noticed about these services as well. At a time when many people are struggling to make ends meet, BNPL is being advertised more than ever. He views it as predatory lending to a vulnerable population.

​“They’re embedding it into checkout lanes, like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm. Gas stations. Fast food apps. And so that is where it becomes extremely troubling,” Reynolds said.

​He expects regulation on BNPL services in the near future.

Many turn to the apps because most only do a soft credit check, allowing for approval of those with lower credit scores. Some don’t require a credit check at all.

​In comparison to credit cards, Reynolds said BNPL can be a better deal for responsible consumers. It’s also a short-term installment plan tied to one purchase, rather than a revolving line of credit for multiple purchases.

​“I think the upfront promise is real with the ‘buy now, pay later’ of ‘Hey, split it into three to four payments, zero interest.’ In that respect, especially if you can’t afford to pay off the full balance on the credit card, those interest rates can be 22, 24, 28%,” Reynolds said. “So if it is something that you truly cannot afford to pay it off quickly, it can be a better option than the credit cards.”

​A credit card will usually be the better way to go when wanting to build credit. Reynolds said most BNPL apps only report to credit agencies on missed payments, not on good ones. And late fees can be staggering.

​”On a $40 grocery purchase, it could be a $10 late fee. That’s 25% interest in a short term,” Reynolds said. “You don’t get any of the benefit of ‘building good credit’ with this kind of structure. But you’ll get all of the negativity of it.”

​Recent data shows that nearly half of BNPL users have paid late in the past year.

​There are a few things Reynold’s said to consider when making a purchase through BNPL.

​First, read the fine print. Find out what happens if a payment is missed and if the app reports that to a credit agency.

​Second, understand your finances before accepting the loan.

​”That kind of golden rule,” Reynolds said. “If I’m ultimately leaning on this, No. 1, I can’t afford this.”

​And lastly, don’t let plans stack up.

​“I did it over here. I did it over here. Well, next thing you know, you have several payments coming out over the next several months,” Reynolds said.

​According to LendingTree, 1-in-4 BNPL users have had three or more loans at once. Of them, 68% said that caused them to overspend.

​In previous ABC 17 Consumer Alerts, ABC 17’s Haley Swaino has looked at gas myths and money savers, and ways to help you cut back on monthly bills.

​

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Madison Stuerman

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Laurel, Mississippi, police chief said Monday that Mizzou running back Ahmad Hardy was a victim in a shooting that occurred over the weekend. The police department is currently working the case.

Laurel Police Sgt. Macon Davis, in an interview with ABC 17, said that Hardy was attending a concert at the Kamakazy Bike Club in Laurel, Mississippi. In a statement to police, following the shooting, the Tiger running back said he was there to support someone he knew that was on the list to perform that night.

The department said that between the hours of 1-2 a.m. they received a 911 call that shots were being fired at Kamakazy Bike Club. Once the first officer arrived, the scene was described a ‘melee,’ with shots ringing out and people running, hiding and trying to get to their cars.

“It was just kind of chaos there, you know, for a moment, but, shortly after enough arrival of our uniformed division, we were able to get the traffic stopped and the gunfire stopped and try to begin to, you know, work through it,” Davis said.

Police said there were two confirmed victims in the shooting, including Hardy. Davis said each victim sustained one gun shot wound, with Hardy’s coming in the upper leg. Both victims are stable.

Davis later confirmed to ABC 17 News that Hardy was in a vehicle that was departing the venue when he was shot.

At this time, the department emphasized that the motive for the shooting is still being investigated.

“We’re going to continue to work around the clock to try to draw it to an end where, you know, somebody will answer for this because this is absolutely unacceptable. Just to break out and go to shooting, especially in a large group of people, regardless of what it may or may not have been over,” Davis said. “We can only go with the evidence that comes available and revealed to us. So, we’re hoping, for some more information from the public. Many times after something like that happens, people it takes them a little while to process everything and and then realize that maybe I know something that, you know, will help.”

This news first came out in the form of a statement from Mizzou football on Monday morning.

The team shared on X in a statement that the football player was shot in Mississippi at a concert early Sunday.

Hardy had surgery on Sunday and is reported to be stable, according to the team.

“We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength and support.”

The team added that it is unknown when he will return to football activities.

A statement from Mizzou Athletics on Ahmad Hardy pic.twitter.com/BnkcDIDSn7

— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) May 11, 2026

Hardy attended high school in Lawrence County, Mississippi.

He finished the season leading the nation in yards per game and ranked second in rushing yards.

This is a developing story.

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Jazsmin Halliburton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Lake Ozark man suffered serious injuries after a UTV crash in Miller County Sunday afternoon.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, the 47-year-old was driving a 2015 Polaris RZR on 359 Route C at 1 p.m. Sunday in a field when the UTV overturned.

He was taken to Lake Regional Hospital by Miller County ambulance with serious injuries.

Troopers said he was not wearing a safety device when the crash happened.

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Matthew Sanders

Gas prices keep going on their steady climb, with the national average as of Sunday exceeding $4.50 per gallon.

In Missouri, the average was nearly $4.15, and in Mid-Missouri, drivers are hard-pressed to find a price at the pump that is less than $4.

Gasoline is a must-have commodity for most people in daily life. That means many folks are willing to endure higher prices for longer before they start changing their behavior.

Have you reached that point? Let us know by voting in the poll.

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Euphenie Andre

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools leaders could approve a new salary package for Superintendent Jeff Klein while also renewing a program that brings international teachers into district classrooms at Monday night’s meeting.

The school district is seeking approval to renew an agreement with BVD Cultural Exchange, LLC, a company that helps sponsor international teachers through federal visa programs.

The proposal comes as federal immigration policies involving foreign workers continue to draw attention nationwide.

Last year, the federal government added a major new cost for some employers using the H-1B visa program to hire foreign workers. Beginning in September 2025, certain H-1B applications became subject to an additional $100,000 payment under a presidential proclamation.

The policy impacts businesses, schools and organizations that rely on international workers.

The agreement allows teachers from other countries to work in Columbia schools through the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 Cultural Exchange Teacher Program and H1B-E3 visa programs while gaining professional and cultural experience in the United States.

If approved, the renewed contract would run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

In recent weeks, the University of Missouri faced criticism over job postings seeking foreign professionals.

At Monday’s meeting the school board will also discuss the pay increase for Klein.

According to board documents, Klein would receive a 6% salary increase for the 2026-27 school year, raising his salary from $255,000 to $270,300.

Klein signed a three-year contract in March 2025 following the district’s separation from former superintendent Brian Yearwood.

In addition to the contract renewal and salary proposal, the board is also expected to consider wording changes to the district’s bullying policy.

Under the proposed changes, the term “hazing” has been removed from the handbook. The revisions also eliminate the requirement for school employees to submit a written report through the district’s online bullying reporting form if reported by students and parents.

The board supports a policy requiring all district employees, substitutes, contractors, and volunteers to report any bullying incidents as soon as possible, or no later than two school days after becoming aware of them.

The board has also removed the “Retaliation” section, which previously stated that no one would face punishment for reporting bullying, hazing, cyberbullying, or for participating in any related investigation or hearing. It also previously outlined that any student or staff member who retaliated against someone for reporting would face disciplinary action.

In addition, changes were made to the “Consequences” section. The previous language stated that even in cases where the district cannot formally discipline a student for bullying, school officials would still take steps to support the victim. This included contacting parents, reinforcing that the behavior is not allowed on school grounds or at school events and providing support through district staff. It also referenced the possibility of involving law enforcement or reporting inappropriate online activity to social media companies when necessary.

Under the “Training and Education” section, language outlining how counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other staff would support students who are victims of bullying has also been removed. That section previously detailed efforts to help students build self-esteem, develop coping and social skills, and learn non-violent ways to respond to bullying.

The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday at the district headquarters.

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Olivia Hayes

KINGDOM CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed Sunday a car struck the Subway restaurant in Kingdom City and drove off.

Sgt. Kyle Green, with MSHP’s Troop F, said no injuries were reported and no one is currently in custody.

Green said law enforcement has a vehicle of interest that they are looking for, so he would not provide a description at this time.

ABC 17 News also reached out to the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office for more information, but officials were not immediately available for comment.

Check back for further updates.

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Haley Swaino

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Hallsville man was seriously hurt in a Boone County crash early Saturday morning.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, the 21-year-old was driving a 2024 Jeep Cherokee north on U.S. 63 around 1:15 a.m.

He drove off the left side of the road at East Dripping Springs Road, and the vehicle flipped. The report says the Jeep was totaled.

The man was taken to University Hospital by ambulance with serious injuries. He was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the report.

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Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Lawmakers are wrapping up final attempts to pass legislation this week as the legislative session ends Friday. While legislators have addressed many of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s legislative priorities, lawmakers are still working on some.

Senate Bill 971 would allow public school students to attend a school outside their home district starting in the 2028 school year. The bill is currently waiting on the Senate’s informal calendar for perfection on Monday.

Senate Bill 838, another legislative priority for the governor, would allow the maintenance of electric transmission facilities within highway rights-of-way. This bill is backed by Sen. Mike Cierpiot (R- Lee’s Summit). The bill would also update Missouri’s Renewable Energy Standard. It is on the informal calendar for a third reading in the Senate.

Senators have almost 60 House bills that are on the informal calendar for third reading. One of those is House Bill 3146, which would give the Secretary of State three tries to rewrite ballot language. This bill is closely modeled after Senate Bill 22, which a Missouri Supreme Court judge knocked down earlier this year.

The Senate also has over 30 of its own bills on the informal perfection calendar, and two bills on the formal calendar for perfection. That includes Senate Joint Resolution 97, which would put a 16-year term limit on representatives and senators between each chamber.

Lawmakers have already passed a few of the governor’s legislative priorities, like Senate Bill 863, which would add a governor-appointed appeals board to the Missouri State High School Activities Association. This bill is waiting for Kehoe’s signature.

That’s along with HJR 173 and 174, which would phase out the state’s income tax. Missouri voters will have the final say on whether it truly passes this fall when it appears on the ballot.

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