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Boone County Sheriff’s Office warns residents after AI swatting call

A scam that makes people believe their loved ones are in danger using artificial intelligence has hit Boone County, and the sheriff’s office is warning people after a resident reported a call.

According to a Facebook post, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office said the victim received a call Friday that showed their daughter’s contact name and number. The caller allegedly had the daughter’s voice and told the victim she had been kidnapped at gunpoint before another voice demanded money, essentially asking for a ransom.

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Man drowns in Truman Lake

Sedalia man died this Saturday morning after drowning in Truman Lake. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 36-year-old was swimming in the Shawnee Bend Recreation Area Beach in Benton County at around 8:20 a.m. when he went under the water and did not come back up. The man’s body was recovered by the

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Illinois man accused of setting comforter on fire at Audrain County hotel parking lot

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) An Illinois man was charged with two felonies and three misdemeanors after he allegedly assaulted someone in an Audrain County parking lot and set a comforter on fire on Thursday morning. Edwin Javier Mejia-Espinosa, of Decatur, Illinois, was charged in Audrain County with knowingly burning or exploding, third-degree assault and three misdemeanors:

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Former sheriff who pleaded guilty to DWI addresses past legal troubles ahead of Callaway County Commissioner primary

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A former Callaway County Sheriff who pleaded guilty in 2023 to driving while intoxicated is looking for another shot at public office. Clay Chism first elected the sheriff of Callaway County in 2016 but was removed from office in June 2023 after his peace officer license was revoked. The action followed allegations

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Callaway County commissioner candidates weigh in on possible planning and zoning changes as data center concerns loom

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) As voters prepare to choose Callaway County’s next presiding commissioner, one issue is already looming over whoever wins the race: A proposed data center development in northern Callaway County. The project, which is in the early stages of development, has received support from state leaders, including Gov. Mike Kehoe. However, it has

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