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Missouri’s latest maternal mortality report reveals sobering numbers from 2022, spotlighting the real lives lost and the urgent need for action. The Department of Health and Senior Services is stepping up with data-driven strategies to identify root causes, understand at-risk mothers, and implement life-saving prevention measures. This isn’t just about statistics—it’s a call for collaboration acro...

A 60-year-old man from Holts Summit, David Lee Maddox, pleaded guilty to attempting to produce child sex abuse material after paying for live streams of minors being exploited in the Philippines over two years. Law enforcement tracked his activity across 20 sessions via Skype, leading to a potential 30-year federal prison sentence with no parole. This case underscores the global reach of child exp...

Christopher Wehmeyer, accused in the fatal crash involving Osage Beach police officer Phylicia Carson, is set to stand trial in a new county starting September 9, 2026. Facing multiple serious charges—including second-degree murder and aggravated fleeing that caused death—the case has been moved by Judge Kenneth Hayden. The deadly high-speed chase began August 31, 2024, when Wehmeyer allegedly ign...

A Missouri student’s tragic death after a fraternity trip to Nashville has officially been closed by the courts, with a judge dismissing all remaining wrongful death claims against the Delta Chi fraternity and individuals involved. Riley Strain, 21, died from alcohol poisoning and drowning after being kicked out of a Nashville bar and later found in the Cumberland River — his toxicology report rev...

A 23-year-old man from Dixon, Missouri, faces serious charges after a teen came forward alleging years of sexual abuse beginning when they were just 12. The victim, now 15, described terrifying encounters involving forced touching and a violent, armed perpetrator. Fears extend to the safety of potential future victims, including a child Weeks may adopt. Charged with multiple counts of child molest...

A 33-year-old man, Anthony Dale Pitts-Fugate, just pleaded guilty to producing child sex abuse material — facing up to 60 years in prison with no parole. Caught by an undercover FBI agent in an online group, he later used Snapchat to lure two underage girls into creating CSAM, posing as a teen himself. A witness came forward in April, triggering a warrant that uncovered damning evidence. Justice i...

Driver Arrested With Meth and Fentanyl | Jefferson City News

Missouri’s governor is about to sign a sweeping new law forcing adult content sites to verify users are 18+ before access—targeting social media and commercial platforms with hefty fines up to $250,000 if minors slip through. Inspired by Texas’ successful precedent and backed by the state’s AG, the law aims to shield kids from harmful material, arguing the digital world often feels real to teens a...

Kamari Balton walked away from a bar fight with a seven-year sentence after pleading guilty to first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the death of Rafael Ayala. What started as a night out spiraled into tragedy in a Kansas City parking lot, and now Balton faces years behind bars — a stark reminder that violence’s consequences ripple far beyond the moment it happens. Listen in comfort: Get a disc...

A guy driving his SUV at a glacial four mph on I-44 got pulled over—so slow a trooper had to tap his window to wake him up. Inside? A pipe and meth. Bryan Kelley pleaded guilty to possession and resisting arrest, facing up to three years in prison. His passenger, Tyler Thomsen, still has charges pending. One slow crawl on the highway led to serious legal trouble. Listen in comfort: Get a discount...

Kayla Huff’s tragic death continues to unfold as Julian Mason, 26, remains jailed without bail after a hearing—facing serious charges including tampering with evidence and kidnapping in connection with her body’s discovery. He insists on his innocence as the investigation and legal process move forward, with a key preliminary hearing set for August 28. The community mourns, and justice remains the...

A high-speed, head-on collision between a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser and a 2026 Peterbilt semi-truck on Highway 50 in Moniteau County left a 52-year-old California woman critically injured. The crash occurred when the Cruiser attempted to pass the semi on the left, just as the truck began a left turn. She was airlifted to University Hospital, wearing her seatbelt. Authorities are investigating — a s...

Trump scraps Iran deal after Tehran violates ceasefire by attacking tankers in Strait of Hormuz, sparking U.S. military strikes and a six percent oil spike. With negotiations on reopening the strait and Iran’s nuclear program now off the table, Tehran defiantly rejects U.S. pressure, while Trump also prepares to meet Zelenskyy at NATO to rally support for Ukraine. Listen in comfort: Get a discount...

Beat the summer heat with “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” at the Little Theatre of Jefferson City—running August 6–9 with evening shows and matinees. Fresh songs, expanded character stories, and a cast rehearsing since May make this a magical, must-see show. Tickets and season passes available now. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on...

Step back in time at Maplewood House in Columbia, Missouri — a historic gem built in 1877 that just celebrated its 50th anniversary as a public museum. Once home to Lavinia and Dr. Frank Nifong, the house was later transformed into Nifong Park. When it opened in 1976, it featured three meticulously restored rooms, including a doctor’s office with original tools, a parlor, and a music room — all fu...

A high-speed chase on I-70 in Kansas ended in chaos when a wanted SUV—linked to child endangerment and evading cops—hit 96 mph in a 55 mph construction zone. After spike strips brought the vehicle to a stop near mile marker 123, authorities found a two-year-old child unrestrained inside. Driver Jonathan Myles, now jailed, faces multiple charges including aggravated fleeing and endangering a child....

Tragic ATV Crash in Missouri | Jefferson City News

D.C. is rolling out a bold new plan to clear homeless encampments, citing blocked sidewalks and unsanitary conditions—but it’s not just about cleanup. A new cross-departmental task force will include advocates and frontline workers to tackle the issue more holistically. The proposal, set for council debate next week, sparks fierce debate: some fear it ignores human needs, others demand swift actio...

A new statewide bill is poised to become law, requiring adult websites to verify users’ ages before granting access—aimed squarely at shielding kids from inappropriate content. Already passed by the state Senate, it’s expected to land on the governor’s desk soon. While proponents see it as a vital step toward safer digital spaces for minors, civil liberties advocates warn it could pave the way for...

This Friday is National Kitten Day, and the Central Missouri Humane Society is hosting a big adoption event at Columbia PetSmart from 5 to 7 PM — perfect timing as kitten season started early and they’re bursting at the seams with over 150 cats and kittens needing homes. With shelters overflowing and animals stressed, they’re urgently asking for more foster families and raising funds for a new fac...

Fifty-one-year-old Randy Bland got pulled over on I-70 with weed, cash, cocaine, and ecstasy—plus a gun. With a suspended license and a felony record, he’s now locked up without bail facing multiple serious charges including armed criminal action, drug possession, and firearm violations. Authorities are treating this as a major case. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solip...

The Boonslick Regional Library is relocating to a stunning, three-story historic building on the Kemper Campus — doubling its space and transforming into a vibrant community hub with coffee bars, dedicated youth zones, writer’s nooks, and more — all funded by private donors and staffed by tireless volunteers, ready to welcome patrons into a new era of learning and connection. Listen in comfort: Ge...

Veterans in Central and Northeast Missouri are getting a much-needed lifeline thanks to the Food Bank’s VIP Veteran Pack Program, delivering hundreds of specially tailored food boxes each month to ease food insecurity. Designed with real-world needs in mind—like easy-open cans and flavorful spices—the packs address physical challenges and daily struggles. Backed by major donors like Veterans Unite...

The U.S. has unleashed new oil sanctions and retaliatory strikes against Iran, triggering a major escalation that threatens to shatter a fragile ceasefire. Targeting Iran’s oil industry — its economic lifeline — the move aims to cripple funding for groups Tehran allegedly supports, while also rattling global oil markets. With tensions soaring and the risk of broader conflict looming, the internati...

Columbia City Council just approved a major water and sewer rate hike—expected to jump bills by 10%—to fund urgent repairs on aging, crumbling infrastructure and explore a new long-term water source as the city grows. The plan heads to a second vote and public hearing next month, with new rates set to take effect in January. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com...