Category: kmiz-local-news

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 23-year-old Rolla woman died in a crash early Saturday morning, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

The crash occurred near St. James on County Road 1000, just east of Highway B, the report says.

At around 2:10 a.m., the woman was driving east in a 2013 Cadillac SRX when she went off the right side of the road and hit a culvert. She then overcorrected and drove off the right side of the road. The report says the car flipped and she was thrown from it. The car then hit a mailbox and a tree.

The driver was pronounced dead on scene around 2:30 a.m. She was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the report. The car was totaled.

MSHP reports do not name those involved in crashes.

Click here to follow the original article.

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Three bills that add age verification to social media and AI programs are up for executive action Monday by the Missouri House’s Emerging Issues Committee.

House Bill 3393 and 2392, sponsored by Representatives Don Mayhew (R-Crocker) and Marty Murray (D-St. Louis), respectively, would establish the “Missouri Social Media Safety for Minors Act.”

The act would make it illegal for any minors under 13 to create a social media account. 14 and 15-year-olds would be allowed to make an account with a parent’s permission. Parents would also be given access to review, limit and delete the account.

The bill would make it illegal for social media platforms to let adults directly message minors or to design ads and algorithms that target minors. Fines can result in a penalty of up to $50,000 per violation.

House Bill 2032, sponsored by Melissa Schmidt (R-Eldridge), creates the “Guidelines for User Age-Verification and Responsible Dialogue Act of 2026,” also known as the “GUARD Act.”

The bill would require developers of AI chatbots to establish an ID-based age verification system by requiring users to make an account. If a user is found to be a minor, they will not be given access to the program.

The bill defines an AI chatbot as “An artificial intelligence chatbot that: Provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs; and is designed to encourage or facilitate the simulation of interpersonal or emotional interaction, friendship, companionship, or therapeutic communication.”

It also makes it illegal for developers to create a chatbot that “encourages, promotes, or coerces suicide, self-injury, or imminent physical or sexual violence.” Programs will also be required to disclose that the chatbot is AI and not a real human. Violations can result in up to a $100,000 fine.

According to the Age Verification Providers Association, at least 17 states have enacted laws addressing minors’ access to social media. However, several have been stalled due to court proceedings.

Public hearings were completed earlier on March 23.

According to House documents of testimonies, all three bills were supported by the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Missouri Psychological Association and the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse.

Opponents of the bills pushed back against the risks of data being collected through setting up an account to be age-verified.

“Age verification programs introduce a greater risk of sensitive data being used or even compromised, even though you might have a platform follow safety guidelines,” witness Riley McEvoy said.

Michael Dreyer voiced concern about user privacy, especially for LGBTQ+ youth who may use social media to find supportive communities.

“Parental consent requirements can expose vulnerable young people to family rejection or even conversion practices, requiring verified parental permission for accounts creates an insurmountable barrier,” Dreyer said.

Witness Sarah Berry also opposed both bills, adding in the AI bill that companies may be hesitant at developing technology in the state due to the restrictions.

“These systems produce probabilistic outputs, not prewritten scripts. Imposing $100,000 penalties per violation based on subjective interpretations of conversational outputs will create massive legal uncertainty and will discourage responsible companies from operating in Missouri at all,” Berry said. “The likely result is that Missouri residents lose access to emerging technology while the rest of the country moves forward.”

Libertarian think tank The Reason Foundation gave an informational testimony on both bills, pushing instead for safety protocols and limits instead of outright bans. They similarly pointed out risks of data management and account creation requirements for ID verification.

“It forces adults to give up anonymity just to use a general-purpose technology tool, where sensitive conversations can be had,” Reason Foundation Technology Policy Analyst Nicole Shekhovtsova said.

The committee will begin at 4:30 p.m. in House Hearing Room 7.

Click here to follow the original article.

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Police said its officers responded to a home in the 4500 block of Rice Road Saturday evening after a car crashed into it.

Colin Imhoff, a CPD spokesperson, said the call came in around 6:12 p.m. Columbia Fire also responded to the scene at 6:13 p.m. An ABC 17 News reporter saw Ameren there as well.

No information was immediately available for if anyone was hurt in the crash.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

Click here to follow the original article.

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

After U.S. Representative Sam Graves (R-Tarkio) dropped out of Missouri’s 6th Congressional District race, former podcast host Chris Stigall announced he’s running to fill the seat hours after Graves announcement.

The 6th District covers much of the northern portion of the state, including over 30 counties in the new 2025 congressional map.

Early Friday morning, Stigall posted a video to social media announcing his “sudden” candidate filing and that he was leaving his early morning radio show on Salem Radio Network to focus on the race.

“I’ve decided it’s time to join in the fight to fight for what made this country so great 250 years ago. It’s time to put up or shut up. President Trump is going to need all the reinforcements he can get in Washington,” Stigall said. “That’s why I’m going to leave my show.”

There is only one other Republican candidate running for the 6th District, Jim Ingram.

Three Democrats have also filed, one being Josh Smead, who also took to social media responding to Graves’ retirement.

“Sam Graves has retired officially, he’s thrown in the towel. I think that’s pretty indicative that they hear us, they see the movement that we’re building and at this point we’re going to keep our foot on the gas,” Smead said.

Democrats Matt Levine, who filed Thursday, and Scot Pondelick are also running for a shot at Congress.

There’s rumored to be another Republican who could join the race following Graves’ announcement.

Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd and Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker put out a joint statement Saturday morning announcing their support for Nathan Willett to enter the race.

“Not many things have brought us together over the last few months, but we are coming together to support Nathan Willett for Congress should he decide to file next week,” the release, posted to Facebook, says.

Willett is currently a councilman for Kansas City and is running for the Missouri Senate District 34 seat against Sean Poche. Willett has not filed for the Congressional race.

Candidate filings close Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Click here to follow the original article.

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Thousands of Missourians are expected to join millions of protesters nationwide Saturday in over 3,000 “No Kings” protests.

We Stand United Missouri sponsored the rally in Jefferson from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the south steps and lawn of the State Capitol.

Organizers described the rally as a stand against policies they consider unjust and cruel, saying families are being pushed to the brink by rising costs and government actions. WSUM added that many Americans are feeling the impact of what they call the President’s disregard for human rights and public needs.

Speakers at the Jefferson City protest included House representative candidate Suzanne Luther, advocates for reproductive freedom and healthcare, and labor leaders and community activists.

Throughout the Columbia and Jefferson city the crowd highlighted rising costs from gas to everyday bills, along with concerns about ICE enforcement, human rights, and U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts.

The National No Kings Coalition released a statement saying, “This president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings—and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. We are desperate for a return to morality and ethical decision making.”

Sue Rodgers, spokesperson for We Stand United Missouri, told the ABC 17, “It’s our democracy. They’re supposed to be working for us, for people’s lives. Each person here has a different story about how it’s affecting their life.”

Many attendees said they hope their presence will make a difference.

“It’s important that we stand up for our rights and that dictators who fear protest know they need to stand down.” Tracy Dela-Veccahia, a Columbia resident, said.

Thousands of Missourians marched through streets in both Columbia and Jefferson City, voicing concerns about the direction of the country.

“I think it’s important for us to say what we want, which is free and fair elections and no wars.” Bob Tyler, a Columbia resident said.

Dela-Veccahia said it was comforting to see so many of her neighbors at Saturday’s protest.

“I feel like most people don’t support him [the president] anymore,” she said. “It’s really amazing to see this many people and to see young people and old people and everything in between.”

Curtis Chick, a retired union sheet metal worker from Jefferson City said the government is not listening to the people’s needs.

“There needs to be more cooperation between both sides, like it used to be years ago.” he said.

Rodgers also highlighted economic struggles that she believes millions of Americans are going through.

“We need to feed the kids and fund healthcare, yet the upper 1% keeps getting richer while the rest of us struggle to pay rent, buy gas, and go to work.” she said.

According to the event’s website, Saturday’s protests will focus on the Trump Administration’s initiative to mobilize ICE in cities, congressional map redistricting in several states and the cost of the war with Iran.

Over a dozen events are being held across Mid-Missouri:

Boonville – 11 a.m. to noon at the Cooper County Courthouse

Camdenton – Noon to 2 p.m. at the Camden County Courthouse

Columbia – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boone County Courthouse Plaza

Fulton – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fulton City Hall

Fayette – 10 a.m. to noon at the Howard County Courthouse

Hermann – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gasconade County Courthouse

Jefferson City – Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the State Capitol

Madison – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 105 S Lafayette St.

Marshall – Noon to 2 p.m. at the corner of South Miami Avenue & West College Street

Moberly – 11 a.m. to noon at the corner of North Morley Street & East Coates Street 

Rolla – Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the corner of U.S. 63 and Lanning Lane.

Sedalia – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pettis County Courthouse

Waynesville – 10 a.m. to noon at the Pulaski County Courthouse

Groups participating include the ACLU, Indivisible, American Federation of Teachers, National Nurses United and Human Rights Campaign.

This marks the third round of “No Kings” protests, with more than five million participants joining nationwide in June and nearly seven million people attending last fall.

Protesters said their goal is to make their voices heard, whether in Columbia, Jefferson City, or beyond.

Saturday’s rallies marked the first No Kings protests of 2026.

Click here to follow the original article.

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman with two failure-to-appear warrants in Boone County was arrested Friday in Columbia after she was involved in a high-speed chase with law enforcement.

Emily Berry, 48, of Columbia, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated fleeing and misdemeanor driving while revoked, according to a Friday night social media post from the Ashland Police Department. Charges were not available on Casenet on Friday evening.

She had warrants for failing to appear in court in two cases: One where she is charged with driving while revoked and the other she was sentenced to probation for pleading guilty in 2024 to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.

APD wrote in its post that an officer tried to conduct a traffic stop on Berry at 1:54 p.m. in the 600 block of East Broadway in Ashland. Berry allegedly refused to identify herself and sped off after she was told there was a warrant for her arrest, police wrote.

Berry allegedly drove north in the southbound lanes of Highway 63 at 105 miles per hour, police wrote.

“Berry attempted to evade the pursuing officer by trying to take Discovery Parkway and Grindstone Parkway in Columbia, but was traveling too fast to safely navigate the exit ramps,” the post says.

The chase was slowed down by traffic just south of the Stadium Boulevard exit and she was eventually arrested. Boone County Joint Communications sent a notification at 2:10 p.m. saying both lanes of Highway 63 were closed “due to a police incident.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Steven Lambson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Ashland City Administrator Kyle Michel submitted his resignation and will serve until May 22, the city announced in a news release.

Michel gave notice of his resignation on March 19, the release said. The city hired Michel in 2022.

“During his tenure, [Michel] demonstrated exceptional professionalism, strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to the community,” the city said in the release. “He successfully managed city staff and operations while advancing key initiatives that have positioned Ashland for long-term growth and success.”

The release listed some of Michel’s accomplishments as city administrator, including his roles in expanding the city’s wastewater treatment capabilities and developing master plans for streets, water infrastructure and parks.

“Ashland has been a truly special place to serve,” Michel said in his resignation letter. “I have feltwelcomed, respected, and valued since my first day. Those same principles have been instilled within theorganization and reflected in the strong, cohesive team we have built.”

The city’s news release said Michel will pursue an opportunity closer to family in Dardenne Prairie.

No timeline has been given for finding a replacement for the position.

Click here to follow the original article.

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Kehoe has appointed Doug Miller to become Moniteau County’s next northern district commissioner, according to a Friday email from the governor’s office.

The position became open after Doug Naros stepped down following felony charges being filed in early February for forgery and two counts of stealing property. Naros’ case was moved Morgan County last month. A case review was scheduled for 9 a.m. April 7.

Miller, according to Kehoe’s release, is a lifelong Moniteau County residence and worked as a middle school physical education and health teacher for 27 years before retiring in 2021. He coached basketball and football at the middle school and high school levels, as well as high school golf.

He has a bachelor of science degree in education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

“He has remained active in the community by serving as an office manager for Rackers Manufacturing in California, as well as providing bus driving services for the school district as needed.

Click here to follow the original article.

Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) 

Boone Health is suing a Columbia-based cardiology group, alleging breaches of contract, misuse of confidential information and plans to engage in unlawful competition.

The lawsuit, filed in Boone County Circuit Court, targets Missouri Cardiovascular Specialists LLP, also known as the Missouri Heart Center or MO Heart, which has provided cardiology services to Boone Health for more than a decade. According to court documents, a renewed agreement was signed in 2021 covering professional services and management of Boone Health’s cardiology operations.

Boone Health alleges it paid the cardiology group millions of dollars under those agreements for staffing, administrative oversight and revenue cycle management, which included access to sensitive financial and patient-related data. In return, MO Heart and its physicians agreed to noncompete and confidentiality provisions designed to protect Boone Health’s business interests.

The health system claims MO Heart violated those agreements by preparing to launch a competing cardiology practice in the Columbia area, potentially as soon as the contracts expire on May 6, 2026. The lawsuit alleges the new venture would fall within a restricted geographic area and time frame outlined in the noncompete clause, which Boone Health argues is enforceable under Missouri law.

Boone Health also accuses MO Heart of disclosing or misusing confidential information, including billing rates, reimbursement data and strategic business details during its transition to new partnerships with outside organizations. Boone Health alleges in the lawsuit those actions could cause “severe and irreparable injury.”

In addition, Boone Health claims MO Heart obstructed access to critical systems and data. The lawsuit alleges the cardiology group cut off Boone Health’s access to a key billing and patient information platform and stopped sharing necessary data, raising concerns about continuity of patient care.

Boone Health alleged that MO Heart indicated that it intends to operate independently and has taken the position that the noncompete provisions are unenforceable, according to the filing.

Boone Health is asking a judge to rule the noncompete agreements that MO Heart signed are valid, as well as having MO Heart return or destroy confidential information, and delay starting a competing practice until May 2027. 

A jury trial has been requested.

A spokesperson for Boone Health told ABC 17 News that it would provide additional details early next week. 

Dr. James T. Elliott of MO Heart disagreed with allegations in the lawsuit through a written statement.

“For months, we have tried to meet with leadership team at Boone Health to work constructively towards a new, collaborative arrangement that would preserve access to and expand high‑quality care for our patients and for the entire community. Unfortunately, Boone refused to engage with us in any meaningful way. Instead, we have been met with a series of escalating legal threats, culminating in today’s filing,” the statement reads.

“Earlier today Boone Health filed a lawsuit against Missouri Heart Center. We disagree with the lawsuit’s allegations and believe those claims are both legally and factually incorrect. This litigation does not change our commitment to caring for patients.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two men have been charged in connection with the armed robbery at the Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville earlier this week.

Benjamin Michael-Dass Charles, 21, of Columbia has been charged with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action and tampering with evidence. He is being held at the Cooper County Jail on a $1.3 million bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

Charges came out later in the day for Hollis Vanleer Jr., 20, of Normal, Illinois, court filings say.

Vanleer is charged with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action and first-degree assault. He was not listed on the jail roster on Friday afternoon. A $1.3 million bond was set for the warrant for his arrest. The Missouri State Highway Patrol later wrote in a press release that Vanleer’s current location “is not known.”

MSHP wrote in the release that Vanleer “should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who encounters Vanleer should immediately call 911 and not approach him.”

The probable cause statement says Charles had help set up the robbery for about a month before it occurred. The two men who went in the casino on Wednesday with guns.

The statement says $1.28 million was taken from the main bank drawer and put into a black duffle bag. A patron at the casino allegedly tackled one of the men who was carrying an AR-15-style rifle, but the second suspect hit the man and the pair were able to get away in a Ford Taurus. 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, the statement says.

Charles was identified as an employee of the casino on Thursday by the Missouri Gaming Commission, the statement says.

The money was allegedly sent out of Cooper County, but gave law enforcement the location, the statement says.  He also allegedly claimed to have bought “homemade explosives” from someone to use as a distraction in the robbery.

Vanleer’s court document says security camera footage showed him with Charles buying the items that were listed in the receipt. The statement says Vanfleer “fled the state” and had spoken with someone about creating an alibi.

Check back for updates.

Click here to follow the original article.