Politics Archives - ABC17NEWS

Limitations start today for children’s access to certain books under Missouri’s new library rule

May 30, 2023 6:02 AM Kennedy Miller

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ.) Children’s access to certain books could be limited as Missouri’s new library rules take effect Tuesday. This new rule will require libraries to change certain policies in order to receive state funding. The new policy stops libraries from displaying or giving books to children which are deemed inappropriate. Instead, the rule will allow parents to decide what is and

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Are you happy with the debt ceiling deal?

May 30, 2023 12:08 AM ABC 17 News Team

Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Democratic President Joe Biden and their negotiating teams have reached a deal to raise the country’s debt ceiling, avoiding a national credit default.

Debt ceiling deadline is extended to June 5, later than previously estimated, Yellen says

May 26, 2023 4:16 PM Associated Press

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Friday the projected debt ceiling deadline is extended to June 5, four days later than previously estimated.

Area government offices closed for Memorial Day

May 26, 2023 4:14 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A number of area government offices will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Offices for Boone, Cole and Callaway counties, among others, will be closed for the holiday. The City of Columbia also said in a press release. For Columbia, residential curbside trash collection will not occur Monday and will

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Can DeSantis beat Trump in the Republican presidential primary?

May 25, 2023 12:04 AM ABC 17 News Team

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis officially entered the Republican presidential primary Wednesday after months of speculation.

Housing and Community Development Commission reviews requests for 2024 funds

May 24, 2023 6:43 PM Abby Landwehr

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia Housing and Community Development Commission met Wednesday to start the decision process of where 2024 funds will go. Representatives from other community housing groups also joined the meeting at City Hall. The commission heard proposals from 11 organizations during the meeting. Projects were presented to the commission including a request

Court appoints special prosecutor in Columbia Police Department use-of-force investigation

May 24, 2023 4:19 PM Matthew Sanders, Marina Diaz

A judge has appointed a special prosecutor in review the criminal investigation into two former Columbia police officers’ use of force outside a downtown bar.

Boone County Democrats discuss gun laws at town hall

May 23, 2023 7:12 PM Hannah Falcon

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) As gun crime rises in Columbia, the lawmakers representing that area discussed ways to possibly address it at the state level. The four Democratic Missouri House representatives from Boone County spoke with those they represent Tuesday evening at the Laborers’ Hall on Tiger Lane. The event was hosted by the Boone County

Park Patrol hosts training session, continues search for park volunteers

May 23, 2023 5:51 AM Nia Hinson, Kennedy Miller

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Park Patrol is looking for volunteers to help keep parks and trails clean and safe in Columbia. Anyone who wants to volunteer must consent to a background check, interview with city staff and must complete a 30-minute video training session. Volunteers help patrol the MKT Trail, the Bear Creek Trail, the

Cole County new Emergency Medical Services headquarters bid awarded to GBH Builders

May 23, 2023 11:34 AM Avery Roehler

Cole County has chosen a contractor to build a new $4.8 million emergency medical services headquarters.

Over $10.3 million requested in ARPA funding to address community violence in Columbia

May 22, 2023 11:46 AM Mitchell Kaminski

Community organizations are asking for more than $10.3 million in pandemic stimulus money to carry out their proposals to reduce violence in Columbia.

Columbia recycling suspension could lead to overflows at drop-off spots

May 19, 2023 12:10 PM Mitchell Kaminski

The city announced on Wednesday that it would be temporarily canceling curbside recycling for the next month, due to an ongoing staffing shortage.

Columbia staff shortage leads to loss of city services

May 18, 2023 11:56 AM Mitchell Kaminski

The City of Columbia’s ongoing staff shortage is affecting residents, with municipal services being pulled back because of a lack of workers.

Survey reveals desire for building and maintaining affordable housing in Columbia

May 17, 2023 6:14 PM Abby Landwehr

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia’s Housing and Community Development Commission met Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Included on the roster for Wednesday’s meeting– the results from a survey issued by the city in February. Residents were invited to fill out 11 questions asking about housing and development needs in the community. After 358

Columbia makes ARPA application records more transparent

May 17, 2023 12:43 PM Mitchell Kaminski

The City of Columbia is moving to make the application process for American Rescue Plan Act money more open after a city council vote.

Cole County Sheriff’s Office to increase salary and benefits to reduce staffing shortages

May 17, 2023 11:52 AM Avery Roehler

Cole County deputies are getting a pay bump after the Cole County Commission voted unanimously for salary increases this week.

Jefferson City fire chief named interim city administrator

May 16, 2023 4:32 PM Ryan Shiner, Ethan Heinz

Jefferson City Fire Chief Matt Schofield was approved at the Monday City Council meeting to serve as the interim city administrator as the city continues to search for a full-time replacement, according to a press release.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Did CPD officers use excessive force against Lee Martin?

May 17, 2023 2:35 AM ABC 17 News Team

Columbia police have been dealing with the fallout from a video that shows officers using force while arresting a man outside a downtown bar.

Kehoe to prioritize crime prevention in 2024 gubernatorial campaign

May 16, 2023 4:48 PM Hannah Falcon

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) While Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe kicked off his 2024 campaign for governor Tuesday at the Capitol Bluff Event Center, he announced his focus on crime and working together, and responded to accusations from other candidates. Kehoe previously announced he was running in April 2022. The election will be Tuesday, Nov. 5,

Attorney general apparently withdraws emergency rule on transgender medical care after lawmakers act

May 16, 2023 5:40 PM Matthew Sanders

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey appears to have withdrawn his emergency rule that would place restrictions on gender transitions.