Author: KMIZ

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A group battling a mid-decade attempt to redraw Missouri’s congressional districts asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to deny the state attorney general’s request to use the divisive map.

People Not Politicians is asking the United States Supreme Court to deny the Missouri Attorney General’s attempt to use the 2025 congressional map for the November election.

Last week, the Missouri Supreme Court decided that the People Not Politicians’ referendum challenging the gerrymandered 2025 congressional map was sufficient, and it will go on the November ballot as Proposition A. That decision also means the November election will be held under the 2022 map, likely saving Rep. Emanuel Cleaver’s (D-Kansas City) seat that was targeted under the 2025 map.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway appealed that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, asking the justices for a stay to temporarily block the decision from taking effect. The state argues the decision violates the U.S. Constitution and could cause widespread voter confusion.

In a court document filed Monday morning, a deadline set by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, People Not Politicians argues the motion is not an emergency; the state is actually asking for an injunction. The group also doubles down on the Missouri Supreme Court’ argument’s assertion that this dilemma could have been avoided months ago.

“This Court need not rescue the Secretary from a timing problem of his own making—much less by authorizing use of a map Missouri’s highest court has held has never been law,” the court document says.

People Not Politicians argues the U.S. Supreme Court doesn’t even have jurisdiction over this case because it deals with state law.

However, Hanaway argues the decision violates the Elections Clause, which gives states the power to conduct their own elections. In court documents, the state says SCOTUS has upheld that a referendum can be held on congressional maps, but the court has never allowed a fraction of voters to suspend a map.

The referendum was signed by 3.3% of the state’s eligible voters, and they have suspended a statewide map that millions of voters already voted on in the August primary, the state’s court document argues.

Whether the high court takes up this case will depend on whether justices believe it truly deals with federal law.

While SCOTUS considers main arguments, candidates for District 5–the district that is likely to be flipped from Democrat incumbent Rep. Emanuel Cleaver to Republican candidate and state Sen. Rick Brattin under the 2025 map–are holding out hope to win the race.

“The U.S. Supreme Court is going to see this and rectify it, so I don’t think we’ll have to get to a Plan B aspect of the campaign,” Brattin said in response to whether he has a back-up campaign strategy for the 2022 map.

“I don’t think anybody will need to remind the U.S. Supreme Court that this was a unanimous decision in Missouri about the Missouri Constitution,” Cleaver said.

Four other groups have submitted additional documents, two in support of the state and two on the People Not Politicians side.

The state is backed by three Republican groups, including the Republican National Committee, all represented by attorney John Gore, who has argued alongside the state as an “intervenor” since the case was in the Cole County Circuit Court. The other group, American Center for Law and Justice, is a conservative organization that claims to defend religious and constitutional freedoms.

Arguments from the interested parties don’t stray far from what the state argues, but the ACLJ specifically says it’s too soon to the November election to change anything.

In court documents filed later in the day, Texas and Florida are among 18 other states to support the attorney general’s ask. The states use legal precedent from a case to argue the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision comes too close to the election to change the congressional map.

“Wittingly or not, the Missouri Supreme Court has steamrolled each and every one of these considerations. It issued a bare-bones injunction requiring the use of a different electoral map without addressing the inevitable chaos that will follow,” the document reads.

People Not Politicians is backed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Campaign Legal Center. The groups submitted one document together. The other submission of support is from two Missouri voters, Jake Maggard and Gregg Lombardi.

The voters were plaintiffs in another lawsuit on redistricting in May that was crucial to the decision the Missouri Supreme Court recently issued. It’s often called the Maggard case, and that decision set the timeline for Hoskins. It’s cited in the Missouri Supreme Court decision, written by Judge Ginger Gooch.

The state has set Sept. 14 as the new deadline for a final answer, which is five days before overseas ballots are supposed to be sent out for the November election.

Rep. Bob Onder and state Sen. Rick Brattin, both Republicans running for congressional districts, along with two Missouri voters, have filed a lawsuit in a lower federal court. These plaintiffs are suing the Secretary of State Denny Hoskins to stop the implementation of the 2022 congressional map.

People Not Politicians intervened, or stepped in as an interested party with stakes, in that case. The group argues this will relitigate the Missouri Supreme Court decision, but the plaintiffs both say this will apply federal law to the case, something the state high court didn’t consider.

Judge Stephen Clark asked all involved parties to submit arguments on why this case is different than what the Missouri Supreme Court just considered.

People Not Politicians has asked the court to dismiss the case.

Click here to follow the original article.

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Police were busy overnight Saturday in an area of downtown Columbia that University of Missouri President Mun Choi has warned students away from because of safety issues.

Columbia Police Department officers took 11 reports for calls in the vicinity of Eighth and Walnut streets in downtown Columbia starting late Saturday and continuing into early Sunday. Those calls included one for shots fired and one for a disturbance.

Police have not provided details on those calls.

Choi warned students ahead of the start of classes last month to stay away from that area of downtown late at night, citing the potential for violent incidents after high-profile fights and gunplay. Choi has also called out a particular bar in that stretch, alleging that many of the problems are associated with the club Reign.

“Some areas of downtown Columbia should be avoided at night, specifically sections of Walnut Street between 8th and 10th streets,” Choi’s email to students reads.

Choi has demanded increased downtown safety from Columbia leaders since a Stephens College student was shot and killed on Broadway — the heart of downtown Columbia — nearly a year ago.

Columbia police leadership last week met with select bar owners and managers to talk about what could be done to reduce criminal activity.

CPD, the University of Missouri and the Columbia mayor’s office were not immediately available for comment Monday.

Click here to follow the original article.

Melissa Houston

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Heart of America Marathon is hosting its 67th annual race on Monday, and staff are taking extra precautions for runners because of the hot weather.

The marathon will be hosted by the Columbia Track Club and President Trae Miller said it was “all hands on deck” to prepare because of the heat.

“It’s the second-oldest marathon in the United States; it’s the oldest in Missouri, and it’s one of the hardest as far as notability goes. And so we have some hard hills, but we also have some hot heat,” said Miller.

One thing Miller said is specific to this race is the aid stations that will be set up every couple of miles.

Miller adds there will be 13 aid stations located on the course. Each one will have two water jugs ranging from 5 to 15 gallons and roughly 300 cups for runners.

“What that does is it just allows them to have a space for them to recover,” said Miller.

A trail vehicle will be on site to check in with aid stations. The vehicle will be monitoring the race and will help maneuver runners or encourage them off the course if any signs of heat exhaustion or other injuries occur.

Miller said they will be checking the wet-bulb globe temperature, which monitors factors like humidity, direct sunlight, and wind. This will track runners’ ability to cool down and volunteers to assess the heat danger throughout the marathon.

The race begins at 6 a.m. and has a hard 6-hour cut-off time at noon.

Volunteers stationed throughout the marathon will have a staggered start so they are not sitting out in the sun, especially if they are stationed at miles towards the end of the race.

“And then for the volunteers, we are doing a staggered start. So they don’t just all come out at six in the morning and stay out until noon,” said Miller. “That way [volunteers] can still rest and recover [themselves].”

There will be a shuttle bus running from the designated hotel to the parking lot to help spectators navigate their way around the course and stay out of the heat.

“If you’re going to be out and about, make sure that you’re not exposing yourself directly in the sun, just being mindful,” said Miller.

Coordination was made with Boone Health and there will be 3 medical personnel on site with an ambulance ready to help in any emergency.

Miller said runners can take precautions at home to help themselves stay safe during the race.

“Coming into a race like this, you’re not trying to do everything the night before and you’re trying to make sure that you given a few days,” said Miller.

Miller adds eating food that will fuel your body for the race and staying hydrated, but not overhydrated, are some of the key components for runners during this marathon.

This marathon is one of the longest-standing marathons in America, and Miller said it is one that needs training due to its difficulty level.

“The beauty and the curse of this marathon is it’s a love-hate relationship to many,” said Miller. “Those that do come out, when they finish, they’re not looking for this magical time. They’re just looking to be able to say, I was able to run HOA.”

Miller said there aren’t many marathons in Columbia, so the community that the HOA marathon brings in is one worth seeing.

“This is just a very local race,” said Miller. “As we keep on keeping on with getting the race to start, we always encourage people to come on out and just kind of see the community in action.”

Click here to follow the original article.

ABC 17 News Team

CHICAGO (KMIZ)

Collin Anderson takes viewers on a tour of Wrigley Field as the iconic stadium hosts two volleyball matches, capped off by Mizzou vs. No. 1 Nebraska.

The match starts at 8 p.m.

Click here to follow the original article.

Euphenie Andre

Walmart customers will soon notice a change at checkout.

Walmart is rolling out its new tap-to-pay option at select Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations, giving customers more ways to pay using their phones, smartwatches and other supported devices.

Walmart spokesperson Rob Edie told ABC 17 the rollout in Missouri will continue through September and October.

The new payment option will allow customers to use Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay and supported payment-enabled smartwatches and wearables.

The change is part of the evolution of how consumers pay, from swiping a magnetic stripe, to inserting a chip card and now simply tapping a card or smartphone.

Walmart customers Jeremiah Correia and Staci Smith said they look forward to the upgrade.

“I’m pretty excited about it,” Correia said. “I mainly use Apple Cash. That’s my main form of payment. So I’m excited to be able to come here and actually not have to pull out my physical card every time.”

Smith said the new payment option could also make things easier for customers who accidentally leave their wallets at home.

A couple of years ago, several Walmart stores nationwide were reportedly compromised after a man placed credit card skimming devices on payment machines.

Walmart told federal investigators at the time that more than 27,000 credit cards and 2,000 EBT cards were stolen during the spree.

As more consumers turn to mobile payments, local banks said digital wallets can offer an additional layer of security compared with using a physical card.

According to Callaway Bank, digital wallets can be more secure than using a physical chip card because the customer’s actual card number is not shared with the merchant during the transaction.

Instead, the digital wallet creates an encrypted, temporary token that is used to process the payment.

That means even if a merchant’s system is compromised, the token is not directly tied to the customer’s bank account or card information.

But that doesn’t mean contactless payments are completely risk-free.

The Bank of Missouri said social media posts have circulated showing alleged scams involving sticker overlays placed over contactless payment terminals.

The overlays are designed to blend in with the terminal and could potentially contain technology intended to capture information from a tapped card. In some cases, the legitimate transaction may still go through, meaning a customer might not immediately realize anything is wrong.

The Bank of Missouri cautions, however, that the actual risk and frequency of this type of fraud have not been fully verified by official sources.

The bank notes there is some concern that partial information gathered from multiple sources could potentially be used in identity-related fraud. However, that type of fraud would generally involve multiple layers of compromise rather than a single contactless transaction.

Smith believes there will always be some safety concerns with any form of payment.

“A person can go past your purse or your pocket with a device and take your information,” she said. “But a lot of places have the tap pay. It’s convenient, especially for the college kids.”

Banks recommend consumers should still remain cautious when using any payment method, and to check the payment terminal for anything that looks unusual or out of place, monitor bank and credit card accounts regularly, and report suspicious activity to your financial institution.

There is not yet an exact date for when all Mid-Missouri Walmart stores will have the new payment option. Local Associates in Columbia told ABC 17 they do not yet have a definitive installation date but expect tap-to-pay to be available in the coming months.

Click here to follow the original article.

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

City of Columbia offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day, and some services will be affected as well.

The city council will meet Tuesday instead of Monday, according to a Facebook post from the city.

Curbside trash and recycling won’t be picked up on Monday; pickup will be delayed by a day. The landfill is also closed for the holiday.

Public transportation, including fixed bus routes, Paratransit and MU Tiger Line, won’t be running. However, city parking will be free Monday.

The Columbia/Boone County Health Department will be closed and will reopen normally on Tuesday.

The Activity and Recreation Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Albert-Oakland Family Aquatic Center will open at noon and close at 5 p.m.

All Daniel Boone Library locations will be closed Sunday and Monday.

Click here to follow the original article.

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

28-year-old Allison Bell of Dixon was arrested Friday on suspicion of a stabbing in Maries County earlier this week.

According to a press release from the Maries County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff’s Deputies were called to a home on Sept. 1 at around 1:55 p.m. for a stabbing. There, they found a woman with a cut on her upper left arm with heavy bleeding. The victim later identified Bell as the person responsible for the stabbing, reporting that Bell ran from the scene before officials arrived.

Deputies searched the area but could not find Bell, and officials later were granted a warrant for her arrest for first-degree assault.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Dixon Police Department and the Missouri Relentless Pursuit Task Force assisted with the search.

Dixon Police Department and the Missouri Relentless Pursuit Task Force found Bell Friday and took her into custody without incident. She was later transported to the Maries County Jail and booked on suspicion of first-degree assault.

This is an ongoing investigation.

Click here to follow the original article.

Melissa Houston

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

With hot weather expected through Labor Day weekend, the Columbia Fire Department is recommending that community members take steps to stay safe while celebrating.

Columbia Fire Assistant Chief Lester Shewmake said the department typically sees an increase in calls for grilling incidents and heat exhaustion during holiday weekends.

“A lot more people are out. So we do get some accidents on the holiday weekends,” said Shewmake. “Individuals might be outside all day grilling and haven’t been taking the proper amounts of water intake so it can overheat people pretty quick.”

Shewmake said taking precautions and starting hydration early are key to preparing for outdoor holiday activities.

“Usually, what you’re drinking today is going to hydrate you for tomorrow. So if you’re planning on being outside, trying to hydrate early, obviously water is the best,” said Shewmake. “Sports drinks that have electrolytes also help too, because you are sweating so much, you need it.”

In addition to heat safety, Shewmake noted that grilling safety is another risk that can be overlooked during holiday festivities.

“A lot of the times what ends up happening is people are done grilling and they push the grill right up against the house because they’re not thinking about it and it melts,” said Shewmake. “It’s one of those things that you go in the house to start eating and don’t think about the grill being hot up against the house.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 21,000 patients per year go to the emergency room because of injuries involving grills. Gas grills, on average, are involved in over 9,000 home fires per year.

The department recommends a couple key practices for those planning to grill:

Place grills away from the house and structures.

Ensure nothing is leaking or dripping from the grill, especially onto wooden decks.

Allow charcoal to cool completely before disposal.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

With dry weather expected throughout the weekend, the risk for vegetation fires and wildfires is also elevated. Shewmake advised residents to clear debris and shrubs from around their homes to help reduce the risk of fire spread.

During the holiday weekend, the weather will be dry, and there is a higher chance of vegetation fires and wildfires. Shewmake said that folks should make sure to remove any debris or shrubs from around their house to diminish the risk of a fire spreading.

As Columbia residents prepare for the long weekend, Shewmake emphasized that taking basic precautions allows everyone to celebrate safely.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday safely and make sure they’re hydrated properly and have a good vacation and have a good holiday,” said Shewmake.

Click here to follow the original article.

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two men were seriously injured in a car accident late Friday afternoon in Fulton.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened at around 4:40 p.m. on Route WW near Martin Drive.

The driver, a 56-year-old Fulton man, was driving West in a 2013 Chevy Silverado when he drove off the right side of the road and hit an embankment. The truck then became airborne and flipped, coming to a stop on the road.

The driver had minor injuries, while a passenger, a 55-year-old Fulton man, was seriously injured.

Both men were driven to University Hospital. The truck was totaled. Both men were wearing seatbelts.

Click here to follow the original article.

Euphenie Andre

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City Police Department is warning residents about an increase in vehicle break-ins and thefts after several vehicles were reportedly entered this week, including one vehicle that was stolen.

The recent incidents have some residents raising questions about crime in the community and whether the city’s Flock cameras are being placed in the areas where they could be most useful.

On Friday, the Jefferson City Police Department shared surveillance video on its social media page showing a man attempting to enter vehicles in the 1700 block of Stadium Boulevard.

Police said they have received several reports of vehicles being entered, including one vehicle stolen from Mesa Avenue.

Chelsea Dyer and her family were among the victims this week. Dyer said she did not capture the intruders on her home surveillance cameras because the cameras had died. She discovered what happened when she was dropping her children off the next day.

“The vehicle was a complete disaster on the inside. Papers were thrown everywhere, and then some cash was missing.”

For residents who live in the area, the recent incidents are unusual.

Donna M. Ellis, a Jefferson City resident, said she has generally felt safe in the neighborhood.

“I would say up until this occurred, we have had no problems whatsoever of feeling anything other than totally safe in the area.”

Dyer said she was disappointed to see someone target other people’s property.

“It is sad to see that people feel the need to be just corrupt and destructive to other people’s properties. But I think ultimately we’re missing a complete focus in society that we really need to be focusing more on our higher power.”

Police are asking residents to check home security cameras, doorbell cameras and other surveillance footage for any suspicious people or activity during the overnight and early morning hours.

That includes the time frame between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The department is also reminding residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables and avoid leaving keys or other items inside their cars.

Ellis said she follows most of those recommendations, except for locking her vehicle.

“I keep nothing in my car anybody could possibly want.” Ellis said. “Unless, of course, they go to Aldi’s and need a few quarters. I find it easier to not lock it so they can look and see there’s nothing they want.”

The recent break-ins are also raising questions about the city’s network of Flock cameras, including where they are located and whether they are helping in areas where crimes are being reported.

Less than a month ago, the Jefferson City Council renewed its contract with Flock Safety.

Since September 2025, the Jefferson City Police Department has operated 21 Flock automated license plate readers throughout the city. According to previous reporting, the new agreement runs through May 14, 2027, and will cost the city $51,000.

Ellis said she supports the use of Flock cameras.

“I’m all for getting criminals off the street, and that is a tool they can use. They just don’t need to abuse it,”

Dyer said she has mixed feelings about increased surveillance.

“I feel indifferent.” Dyer said. “I think there’s going to be pros and con to more surevillance,”

The DeFlock map shows over 40 cameras in the Jefferson City area, with a high concentration downtown. According to the map, there is no Flock camera installed near Mesa Ave.

Zederic Crawford, a Jefferson City resident, questioned whether the cameras are being placed in the areas where they are needed most.

“Pretty obvious that those are high black crime areas or high black traffic areas and homeless,” Crawford said. “That’s probably why they’re going to put them downtown because of the homeless to keep an eye on them. I don’t think it’s a security tool to fight crime I think it’s more of monitoring.”

Crawford said he believes additional cameras could be useful in other parts of the city.

“There needs to be more in the shopping malls and shopping centers,” he said. “Where there are no cameras at all. At least one Flock camera should be there. It would probably solve the Eric Spencer case.”

Crawford also said residents should have a voice in deciding where the cameras are installed.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata were among the vehicles most frequently stolen in the United States last year.

ABC 17 reached out to the Jefferson City Police Department for a year-in-review of its use of Flock cameras, including how often the technology has helped with investigations and whether the department plans to add or relocate cameras.

The department has not yet responded.

Click here to follow the original article.