Jefferson City News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Missouri’s state park beaches are all open for swimming this week — from Cuivre River to Lake Wappapello and everywhere in between — so pack your swimsuit and hit the water for summer fun while it lasts. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reportin...

A 23-year-old woman on probation pulled off a wild escape after cops found fentanyl, meth, and a loaded syringe in her camper—then ripped a panel off a patrol car and bolted, sparking a manhunt that ended with her re-arrested on multiple felony charges. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated...

A 26-year-old man named Matthew Harris is facing felony charges after police say he built a homemade bomb and posted menacing threats online — including a chilling Facebook post saying, “I will not light it but it will hurt a lot of people.” Authorities say he calmly surrendered the device, which contained black powder, bullets, and fireworks, to deputies at his home. He’s now jailed with a $100,0...

A chilling crash on County Road 6120 in Phelps County left a 3-year-old girl and her 33-year-old mother with serious injuries after their 2005 Chevrolet Malibu veered off the road and hit a tree—both were unrestrained, with the child not in a car seat. Authorities stress the critical role of seatbelts and proper child restraints, turning this tragedy into a sobering safety reminder for all drivers...

Stolen fishing gear leads to a shocking unraveling: a convicted felon caught with stolen rods, a gun, and explicit videos of a minor—now facing multiple felony charges and no bond. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to fee...

Two men, Daniel Boyer and Jeremy Jirus, are facing serious charges after allegedly breaking into the Pea Ridge Mine in Washington County, stealing $200K worth of copper wiring and damaging equipment. Security footage shows them returning multiple times, including one wild attempt to climb a tree and steal a camera. Tools with Jirus’s name were found at the scene, and both men now face burglary, tr...

Jefferson City police raided a Miller Street home April 30, 2026, uncovering a dangerous mix of drugs and weapons—including cocaine, MDMA, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, a handgun, ammo, and a laser sight. The most chilling detail? Ammo and suspected cocaine were found in a dresser beside a five-year-old’s bed. Two adults, Darryl J. Williams and Dariel R. Murphy, now face severe charges: accesso...

Hundreds of Missouri realtors descended on Columbia to rally against two August 4 ballot measures, warning they’d upend the state’s tax system — but not everyone agrees. Amendment Four tweaks statewide voting rules, while Amendment Five seeks to eliminate the state income tax entirely. Realtors fear it’s a “blank checkbook” for lawmakers, while supporters including State Rep. Bishop Davidson and t...

Boone County’s pushing a new jail and sheriff’s office, funded by a three-eighths-of-a-cent sales tax with a 15-year sunset—heading to voters in November. The site? The old hospital land. They’re also weighing a bond option, and this isn’t just bricks and mortar—it’s a big financial decision for residents. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Adve...

A contractor in Montreal, Missouri, is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly stealing $198,000 meant for construction materials that never arrived. Accused of forging receipts to fake the purchase, Jacob Byler is now charged with theft over $25,000 and three counts of forgery, with authorities seeking his arrest. This case exposes the devastating consequences when trust in a home-building...

Graffiti has turned the exterior of Waynesville’s Pulaski County Health Center into an unwanted mural, sparking outrage as a vital community hub becomes a target. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and urging the public to come forward with any tips—whether you saw something or know something, contact Waynesville PD or Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. This is a call to action: together...

In Missouri’s sixth Senate District, a fiery Republican primary is unfolding over Governor Mike Kehoe’s bold tax plan—Amendment 5—to scrap the state income tax and replace it with a revamped sales tax system. While some candidates like Jake Vogel, backed by the governor, support putting the plan to voters, others like Rudy Veit and Lisa Thomas warn of unchecked legislative power, special interests...

A fast-moving fire in a Columbia duplex started from a backyard propane grill—flames erupted in under six minutes, but crews contained it before it spread, thanks to quick response and residents evacuating safely. The blaze stayed outside, sparing the interior, but it’s a wake-up call: always supervise your grill and keep it in good shape. Safety first. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli...

A man is in custody in Hartsburg after police suspect he tried to set fire to a woman’s camper on May 14th. Authorities found signs of arson at the scene on Route F, and the suspect was spotted near the camper before the alarm went off. He’s not yet charged but faces possible first-degree arson. Investigators are still gathering info — if you saw anything, they want to hear from you. This story is...

A man named Robert Rackers faces deadly charges after a fatal crash on April 19, 2026, where he allegedly drove drunk and struck an e-bike rider, Richard Robben. Charged with felony DWI causing death and involuntary manslaughter, plus misdemeanors, Rackers was found with marijuana and smelled of weed by police during the collision on East Dunklin Street. He’s been jailed without bond since the cra...

A family is suing a Howard County residential care home after their brother, Donald Lee Bittle, died in a devastating fire on January 27, 2026. The lawsuit accuses the facility of gross negligence—claiming smoke alarms failed, escape routes were blocked, and critical safety measures were ignored. When the fire broke out, three people, including Donald, were trapped and died. Body camera footage sh...

Fifty-five-year-old Michael Briggs is locked up after allegedly trying to torch a camper with someone inside—then threatening a woman who called a domestic violence shelter, telling her to call 911 or he’d kill her. When cops arrived, they found flames and a person trapped; Briggs refused to drop a gas can until forced, then bolted during arrest. Now he faces felony charges for arson and resisting...

A tragic crash on I-70 in Warren County claims the life of a 45-year-old Harley rider from Kansas City after his motorcycle collided with a stopped Freightliner semi at 9:45 AM. Despite wearing a helmet, the rider died at the scene — a sobering reminder that even with safety gear, sudden stops on the highway can be fatal. Authorities are investigating the cause, but the outcome underscores the cri...

For America’s 250th birthday, Callaway County brought the nation’s founding spirit to life by gathering 46 locals—from college staff to firefighters and even a 4-year-old—to read the Declaration of Independence on camera. Filmed across Westminster College’s campus and released July 8, 2026, as part of the “Show-Me 250” celebration, the video honored both the nation’s birth and the campus’s 175th a...

Storms are brewing for Thursday, with a chance of severe weather between 3 PM and midnight—best bet for rain and wind, temps hitting the high 80s. Showers may linger south overnight, but most areas stay dry until Friday. Friday brings more storms with isolated hail or strong winds, Saturday’s forecast is uncertain but dry conditions are possible. After that, clear skies and no rain expected throug...

Join the community in Columbia, South Carolina, for a free, public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th at 10 AM in front of the State House — part of a nationwide event by the National Constitution Center. Bring your own copy to follow along, listen to local leaders and everyday citizens share their thoughts, and enjoy live music from the Columbia Choral Society. It’s a vibrant...

Celebrate Independence Day with a powerful, free community event in Columbia, SC, where the Declaration of Independence will be read aloud at the State House—part of a nationwide movement organized by the National Constitution Center. Join local leaders, elected officials, and everyday citizens as they honor the founding ideals that still shape America. Bring your own copy of the Declaration to fo...

Columbia, Missouri, honored America’s 250th birthday with a stirring public reading of the Declaration of Independence, blending history, patriotism, and performance. Mayor Barbara Buffaloe joined descendants of Revolutionary War veterans, including Mitchell Moore whose ancestor kept wartime diaries, as well as actors portraying John and Abigail Adams and a Neil Diamond tribute artist. Retired ast...

After a storm knocked out power across Osage and Cole County, backup generators became lifelines — but also hidden dangers. A July 4th emergency saw multiple people poisoned by carbon monoxide from an outdoor generator whose fumes sneaked back inside. Thankfully, early 911 response saved them. Fire Marshal Matt Luetkemeyer warns: always place generators 20 feet away, never near windows, and instal...

A Missouri man, Bobby Gene Chaplin, has been charged with five felony counts after authorities uncovered hundreds of suspected child sex abuse files on a flash drive seized during a raid at his Franklin County home. Chaplin allegedly used file-sharing programs to download and distribute the material, deleting files to evade detection — but his efforts ended when troopers executed a search warrant....