News

Hundreds of kids are flocking to mid-Missouri parks for a free lunch provided by the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri. It has been just over a month since ABC 17 News worked with the food bank for a special report. We told you the food bank was looking for volunteers, including some people

Storms developing ahead of a cold front will move into Mid-Missouri near HWY 24 by 2 AM, pushing southeast to near I-70 by 6 AM. Isolated strong or severe storms with strong wind up to 60 mph are possible as they move into areas along and north of HWY 24. Storms are expected to weaken

A judge sentenced Levi Coolley of Columbia to 10 years in federal prison for his role in selling cocaine and marijuana. Coolley pleaded guilty to the charges last year. Judge Brian Wimes gave Coolley and Johnathan Gray, a seller, 10 years for their roles in a large drug conspiracy in Mid-Missouri that lasted several years.

Officials in Jefferson City are optimistic about future economic growth in the capital city. Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce President Randy Allen talked about the progress Tuesday on ABC 17 News at 9 a.m. Allen said the opening of retail giant Sam’s Club will bring in millions in revenue and create 200 new jobs. Allen

The MU Women’s and Children’s Hospital is now the fourth place in Missouri with a baby friendly designation by UNICEF and the World Health Organization. The hospital has been working on it for more than two years. It has to follow 10 steps. Employees have to help mothers with breastfeeding right after giving birth. A

Temperatures across Mid-Missouri Tuesday reached as high as 93 degrees with heat indices making it feel like 106 degrees. According to the Missouri Department of Health, 18 people in the state died from heat-related illnesses in 2014. Between 2003 and 2013, there was a total of 358 reported heat-related deaths, half of which were people

With oppressive heat in Mid-Missouri this week, experts said the high temperatures can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion, and a shorter temper. There is some science behind the heat causing people to become more irritable. “I know in summertime, our crime does go up. As far as assaults, or disturbances, and things like that,” said

Governor Jay Nixon is calling for a shorter legislative session, suggesting it may help lawmakers stay out of trouble. Gov. Nixon’s remarks come after recent resignations of the Speaker of the House and a state senator over allegations of improper conduct. The Governor was speaking to a school administrator’s conference in Columbia Tuesday on the

Two Jefferson City men were sentenced in federal court Tuesday for conspiracy to distribute heroin. 45-year-old Frank Collins was sentenced to 45-year-old was sentenced to 18 years and 4 months in federal prison without parole. Davis was sentenced to 3 years in prison. Both Collins and Davis pleaded guilty to heroin distribution. Police used a

ABC 17 News has learned more children in Mid-Missouri are getting help so they can pay for their lunch. Budget documents from the Jefferson City school district show the numbers have jumped by nearly 2,000 students since 2004. There are now about 4,700 students who qualify for free or reduced lunches.

A Tuesday night crash in Phelps Co. left two people dead on Highway 63. The crash happened south of Edgar Springs. Investigators said 58-year-old Elizabeth Thompson ran off the road, returned to the road, crossed the center line, hit another car, and rolled. Thompson and her passenger, 59-year-old Wesley Thompson, both of Houston, Missouri, were

At 10:05 p.m., the dispatcher tells them all about the shooting. Multiple callers and witnesses talk about a man walking around the 4400 block Santa Anna Drive, east of Columbia. He’s wearing a white shirt and holding a black handgun, the dispatcher says, and is knocking on doors. Shortly after that, he gets into a

Sedalia police confirm one man has been arrested for a weekend shooting that left one teenager dead. Brian Young, 34, of Sedalia, told investigators he was being robbed at gunpoint before he fired once, hitting 16 year-old Andrew Meyers. Meyers was found lying on the ground near a car with a gunshot wound around 10

Two suspects remain on the loose after a home invasion with a gun in central Columbia. It happened just before midnight Monday near Garth and Grand Avenue. Police say two male suspects forced their way into a residence, displayed handguns and demanded money. There were five people inside the home at the time. One male

Investigators say two suspects have turned themselves in after a shooting at the Hy-Vee on Truman Blvd. Tra’Nae Williams, 19, of Callaway County and Kinvana Matthews, 19, also of Callaway County are now facing charges. Police confirm a woman was shot at the Hy-Vee on Truman Blvd. Monday afternoon at around 1:20. JCPD said they

So far this year, fires have killed 50 people in Missouri and more than 14,000 people nationwide, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. State fire officials said there is one simple solution that would save many lives. The Fire Marshals’ Association of Missouri is pushing for legislation that would make fire sprinklers mandatory in homes.

Heroin deaths in the U.S. quadruple, with the greatest increase in usage in the Midwest. ABC 17’s Marissa Hollowed speaks with an undercover sergeant of the Columbia Police narcotics unit, an addiction specialist and a recovering heroin addict to see why the drug is killing so many people. She didn’t want to show her face

We will have one more day of this excessive heat and humidity Tuesday as high temperatures reach the mid 90s. The humidity will make the air oppressive with the afternoon heat indices ranging from 103 to 110. An Excessive Heat Warning continues until 9pm Tuesday evening for areas south of HWY 24 with a Heat

Jefferson City’s budget committee meets Monday evening to discuss the proposed city budget. Mayor Carrie Tergin is expected to deliver a formal presentation on her proposed budget. Her proposed budget is about $60 million for all funds. Jefferson City’s full time employees would receive a 2% salary increase under her budget. The city council must

The Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair kicks off Monday night in the Capital City. Organizers said they expect anywhere between 15,000 and 25,000 visitors over the course of the next week. Admission for Monday night is $2 for all ages. The fair will stay open until 1:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. For more on the