ABC 17 News Investigates Archives

Third-party site claims to help secure coronavirus shot appointments

March 3, 2021 1:42 PM Meghan Drakas

With more people than coronavirus vaccines available, third-party websites are offering help to individuals trying to schedule an appointment.

DEFENDERS: Adults 18-24 more likely to get scammed, BBB says

March 1, 2021 3:09 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Adults ages 18-24 are becoming the next target for scams. The Better Business Bureau recently released a report that focused on the impact of scams in the wake of the pandemic and the demographic groups most at risk. According to the BBB, adults ages 18-24 reported the highest median losses ($150) and

More than 600 doses of coronavirus vaccine wasted in Missouri

February 25, 2021 1:06 PM Molly Stawinoga

ABC 17 News obtained records from the state Department of Health and Senior Services that show 631 doses of the coronavirus vaccine were wasted through Jan. 31.

DEFENDERS: Price gouging makes top 10 consumer complaints for the first time

February 22, 2021 4:54 PM Deborah Kendrick

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Illegal telemarketing calls and no-call violations was the number one complaint the Missouri Attorney General’s Office received in 2020. In 2020, 34,527 Missourians reported a no-call complaint to the office. Those complaints involved phone calls to Missouri residents by businesses or organizations soliciting the purchase of goods or services. Here are

Health leaders say listening, transparency key to assuring minority populations on vaccines

February 15, 2021 8:37 PM Lucas Geisler

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) State and local health leaders are using different outreach methods to overcome coronavirus vaccine hesitancy within communities of color. Agencies from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to MU Health Care are using various partnerships to address racial minorities who may be skeptical of the vaccines. That includes linking up

Coronavirus vaccine line jumpers sneaking their way to get vaccinated out of turn

February 8, 2021 7:31 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) While state guidelines say only certain groups of Missouri’s population are eligible to get the coronavirus vaccine, some are reportedly getting the vaccine out of turn. Last week, Governor Mike Parson and Dr. Randall Williams said there have been reports of people jumping the line to get a coronavirus vaccine and some

DEFENDERS: BBB advises not to share coronavirus vaccine card on social media

February 1, 2021 6:13 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Better Business Bureau is advising people to not share their coronavirus vaccination card on social media. The BBB said it can increase your risk of identity theft and other scams. When posting the photo on social media scammers are able to see your full name, birthday and where you got your

Hate groups spotted in U.S. Capitol riot have Missouri chapters

January 18, 2021 8:42 PM Lucas Geisler

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Hate groups researchers say they have spotted at the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot have chapters in Missouri, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. The SPLC says it has identified more than a dozen groups it classifies as hate groups in Missouri, including groups that hold white supremacist views or are

DEFENDERS: IRS warns about stimulus check scam

January 18, 2021 4:45 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Internal Revenue Service is warning about a new wave of COVID-19 related scams regarding stimulus checks. The IRS says scammers are contacting people trying to get them to verify personal or financial information before issuing an economic impact payment. The IRS says it will not contact you to request any personal

Planning underway for public rollout of coronavirus vaccinations in Boone County

January 13, 2021 1:56 PM Molly Stawinoga

The coronavirus pandemic is not the first time Mid-Missouri health officials have had to prepare for mass vaccinations.

Inspectors found one non-critical violation at Gentry Middle School.

Thirteen more inspections at Columbia Public Schools result in one violation

January 6, 2021 11:48 AM Molly Stawinoga

Health officials inspected 13 Columbia schools since ABC 17’s last report. Only one was found with a non-critical violation.

COVID-19 continues to impact trauma training for CPD officers

January 5, 2021 7:56 PM Sydney Olsen

A 19-year-old man is recovering in a local hospital after being shot in Columbia on Monday. Columbia police responded to the scene, and officers provided medical aid before EMS crews arrived.

DEFENDERS: Scams circulating as second stimulus check are issued

January 4, 2021 3:24 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A second round of stimulus checks are getting sent to most Americans, and scammers are trying to monetize. The Better Business Bureau is getting reports of con artists who tell people they need to either pay for their stimulus checks or provide personal information to receive it. In some of the online

No plans to require coronavirus vaccine in area schools

December 23, 2020 11:41 AM Molly Stawinoga

Educators are included in Phase 1B of Missouri’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, which is the next in line. As of right now, there are no plans to require teachers or staff to get vaccinated.

Boone County businesses paid fines for COVID-19 violations

December 23, 2020 5:58 AM Ben Fein

ABC 17 News obtained court documents detailing businesses in Boone County that violated COVID-19 guidelines.

MU Doctor answers questions on coronavirus vaccine myths

December 21, 2020 7:09 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Misinformation about coronavirus vaccines continues to circulate, even before vaccine approvals started. ABC 17 News spoke with Dr. Christelle Ilboudo, infection disease expert at MU Health Care about some of the myths you shouldn’t fall for. Question: One reason why people say they are not comfortable with getting the vaccine was rushed.

DEFENDERS: Look out for scammers selling fake vaccines

December 21, 2020 3:51 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) As coronavirus vaccines are distributed across the country, scammers are taking advantage of consumers eager for a vaccine. Cybersecurity agencies are warning consumers about a new scam that could involve individuals posing as health officials or doctors and offering to sell a coronavirus vaccine or to help consumers keep track of when

DEFENDERS: Experts explain benefits of air purification machines to slow the spread of COVID-19

December 14, 2020 5:27 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) With the colder weather months here, more people will be spending time inside. Some might be looking at what options they have to slow the spread of COVID-19 in homes. One of those options might be an air purification system or machine. According to the EPA when used properly, air cleaners and

Distribution of COVID-19 vaccine could help keep local hospital staffed

December 10, 2020 6:20 PM Connor Hirsch

According to the Missouri’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, the first to get the vaccine will be patient facing health care workers and long-term care facilities.

DEFENDERS: Puppy scams see sharp rise in 2020

December 7, 2020 3:35 PM Deborah Kendrick

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) More and more people are buying puppies at an all-time high. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the demand for pets as people look for support during a time of loneliness. With this rising demand, pet scams have also increased significantly. In November of 2020, the Better Business Bureau reports 337 complaints