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Local Politics

DBRL responds to Brattin’s Sunshine request; senator upset with length of time to complete

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Daniel Boone Regional Library has responded to state Sen. Rick Brattin’s Sunshine Law request. Brattin (R-Harrisonville) had filed a request earlier this week surrounding an LGBTQ+-themed event that was held on Saturday. The Columbia Public Library held a “Rainbow Storytime” event on Saturday that included readings of “Rainbowsaurus” and “Big Wig.” Secretary

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Growing concerns over Flock cameras in Columbia mirror national debate over surveillance technology

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Growing concerns over the use of Flock Safety cameras in Columbia are part of a larger national debate over privacy, data sharing and the expanding use of artificial intelligence in law enforcement. Two University of Missouri students brought those concerns to the Columbia City Council on July 20, questioning what information the

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Missouri Senate candidate goes on attack with AI ads

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Political campaigns, like Republican state Senate candidate Rudy Veit’s, are using artificial intelligence in their political advertisements to get their message across and/or to disparage opponents. This week, Veit’s campaign launched advertisements using AI against another candidate, Jake Vogel. Both men are seeking the Republican nomination in Missouri’s Senate District 6, where

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Columbia files response to airport revenue guarantee lawsuit, says it does not violate Missouri Constitution

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia filed a response on Monday in a lawsuit over its revenue guarantee with American Airlines. Two Columbia residents — Mark Winter and Richard Shanker – filed a lawsuit against the city in June alleging the city’s revenue guarantee with American Airlines violates the gift clause of the Missouri

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Columbia Public Library proceeds with LGBTQ+ story time event after threats from State Secretary

Editor’s note: A line in reference to a song that was performed at the event has been corrected. COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Daniel Boone Regional Library hosted “Rainbow Story Time” on Saturday after receiving threats of potential funding loss from Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins. The event happened in the Children’s Program Room, and

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MO Secretary of State threatens DBRL funding over LGBTQ+-themed story time event

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins on Friday threatened Daniel Boone Regional Library’s funding over an LGBTQ+-themed event that is set to take place this weekend. The Columbia Public Library’s “Rainbow Story Time” event is scheduled for 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday in the Children’s Program Room. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued a statement on

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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Was the AG right to warn the Columbia library about ‘Rainbow Story Time’?

Missouri’s top law enforcement official sent a warning Thursday to the Columbia Public Library ahead of an LGBTQ+-themed event for families. She also posted it on social media for the public to view. The event, “Rainbow Story Time,” will take place Saturday morning and include the reading of two books. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway

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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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