Missouri
Josh Hawley, Lucas Kunce trade jabs over timing, format of Missouri U.S. Senate debates
U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, left, is sparring with his Democratic challenger Lucas Kunce, right, over the timing and format of debates in their U.S. Senate race. (phots by Drew Angerer/Getty Images and Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent).
The question of when – or whether – Missouri’s U.S. Senate candidates will debate opened up the fall campaign, with incumbent Republican Josh Hawley challenging Democratic nominee Lucas Kunce to an outdoor clash without moderators and Kunce calling for five televised events.
Kunce, who is making his second run for the Senate, easily won the Democratic primary on Tuesday, while Hawley was unopposed for a second term as the Republican nominee. There will be an independent candidate, Jared Young, on the ballot under the Better Party label, as well as Libertarian W.C. Young.
Need to get in touch?
Have a news tip?
In a social media post right after the Democratic primary was called for Kunce, Hawley called on his Democratic rival to meet him Aug. 15 after the Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair.
“No fancy studio or moderators,” Hawley wrote. “Just the two of us on a trailer. Lincoln-Douglas style. I’ll bring the trailer. I’ll even let Kunce go first.”
Kunce did not accept the challenge but he did not refute it, either. In a response, Kunce called on Hawley to accept a debate invitation from Fox News and commit to five televised debates in all.
Connor Lounsbury, a senior adviser to Kunce’s campaign, said there is only one condition for Kunce to debate – that it be televised.
“We’re fine being on a trailer,” Lounsbury said. “Let’s just make sure a TV station can capture it.”
On Wednesday, Kunce publicly accepted an invitation from KSDK in St. Louis and KSHB in Kansas City for a moderated debate at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 at the fairgrounds in Sedalia. He also agreed to participate in two debates sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Missouri in partnership with Gray Media, owner of television stations in Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis and Quincy, Ill.
Lounsbury said Kunce intends to take part in the debate being staged Sept. 20 by the Missouri Press Association at its annual convention in Springfield.
The press association traditionally invites all candidates who will be on the ballot but whether any of the televised debates will include candidates other than Hawley or Kunce is uncertain. The League of Women Voters news release about the invitation states that it was sent to candidates “who won the August primary and received more than 100,000 votes.”
W.C. Young received only 2,421 votes. Jared Young is on the ballot after petitioning to form a new party and loaning his campaign $765,000 and raising another $164,000.
But his totals are only a fraction of what both Kunce and Hawley have raised. Kunce has raised $11.2 million since launching his campaign early last year, more than Hawley has raised since the start of 2023. Banked funds from earlier years gave Hawley the edge in available cash at the last report, $5.7 million to $4.2 million on hand for Kunce.
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Kunce was the first candidate at any level in Missouri to buy air time for the November election. On Tuesday, his campaign spent $100,000 for a week’s worth of ads in the Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield markets. That is in addition to $265,000 in ads during the final week of the primary.
Hawley responded with ad purchases Wednesday in central Missouri, Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield. The total was not available Thursday morning.
The KSDK/KSHB offer had a 7 p.m. Wednesday deadline for acceptance, Alicia Elsner, general manager of KSDK wrote to the Hawley and Kunce campaigns. The stations needed the time to make scheduling changes and promote the debate, she wrote.
Kunce sent his acceptance, Elsner said in response to an email from The Independent. Hawley had not yet sent a response as of 7:45 p.m., she said.
“I remain hopeful both candidates will accept by tomorrow morning,” Elsner said.
At his general election kickoff event in Ozark, Hawley accused Kunce of being afraid to debate outside a television studio without moderators.
The State Fair debate would be with “no fancy studios, no moderators, just you and me, man, mano-a-mano, Lincoln-Douglas style,” Hawley said.
The Lincoln-Douglas debates are among the most consequential events of the years immediately preceding the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln, a one-term former congressman representing the new Republican Party, debated U.S. Sen. Stephen Douglas, a Democrat, on seven occasions in 1858 as they contested Douglas’ Illinois Senate seat.
One of the candidates would open with a one-hour speech, followed by 90 minutes for the opponent and concluding with 30 minutes more for the candidate who went first.
Lincoln lost but the election made him a national figure and helped propel him to the presidency two years later.
Hawley, in Ozark, said Kunce’s record is “nutty” and he can’t cope with an in-depth discussion.
“Come defend it in front of the people of Missouri,” Hawley said. “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid. Don’t hide behind the cameras.”
Kunce isn’t afraid, Lounsbury said. He just wants to debate in a format where voters statewide can see it, he said.
The KSDK/KSHB offer can achieve that and what Hawley wants – a debate before a State Fair audience, Lounsbury said.
“Hawley gets the location he wants and if he wants to do it on a flatbed, have at it,” Lounsbury said.
DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST
Missouri’s attorney general has revealed which Chinese assets the state will be targeting in a $50 billion legal row.
The Show Me State’s legal battle with China has intensified as both sides pursue multibillion-dollar claims related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
And now, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has explained what is on the table in terms of what assets will be targeted in the litigation.
“China caused extraordinary harm to our citizens and our economy,” she told Newsweek. “We are committed to holding them accountable and recovering every dollar we can. I’ve been asked if we will seize the pandas at the National Zoo. The answer is no, we are looking at other Chinese-owned assets, including farmland.”
Why It Matters
The confrontation highlights ongoing diplomatic rifts between the United States and China and raises complex questions about international law, sovereign immunity, and the ability of U.S. states to seize foreign-owned property. The outcome could set precedents for future pandemic-related litigation and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
What To Know
China recently filed a lawsuit in a Wuhan court against Missouri and several state officials, seeking more than $50 billion in damages and public apologies.
In response, Missouri is advancing efforts to enforce a $24 billion U.S. court judgment against the Chinese government and affiliated entities—by targeting certain Chinese-owned assets within the United States.
The current dispute stems from a 2020 lawsuit filed by Missouri, which alleged that China exacerbated the coronavirus pandemic by hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and failing to provide timely warnings regarding the virus.
Earlier this year, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office obtained a $24–$25 billion judgment against the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party, and related entities after Chinese officials declined to participate in the U.S. court process.
In response to Missouri’s legal success, China has now filed a $50.5 billion (356.4 billion yuan) lawsuit in the Intermediate People’s Court of Wuhan.
The complaint, jointly submitted by the Chinese government, Wuhan’s municipal government, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, names the state of Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, and former Attorney General Andrew Bailey as defendants.
The Chinese lawsuit claims Missouri and its officials engaged in “fabricating enormous disinformation, and spreading stigmatizing and discriminating slanders” that impaired China’s economic interests and reputation.
Alongside financial compensation, China seeks public apologies in prominent American and Chinese media outlets, recovery of legal costs, and the right to claim further damages.
What People Are Saying
Hanaway said: “I find it extremely telling that the Chinese blame our great state for ‘belittling the social evaluation’ of The Wuhan Institute of Virology… We stand undeterred in our mission to collect on our $24 billion judgment that was lawfully handed down in federal court.”
U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, who initiated Missouri’s original lawsuit, said: “I’ve been banned from Communist China, and now I am being sued and targeted by Communist China in a $50 Billion lawfare campaign, and I’ll wear it like a badge of honor… This novel lawsuit is factually baseless, legally meritless, and any fake judgment a Chinese court issues in this lawsuit we will easily beat back and keep from being enforced against the people of Missouri or me.”
Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, described the Missouri lawsuit as “a purely politically motivated maneuver [and] China firmly opposes it, will never accept it, and reserves the right to take strong countermeasures.”
What Happens Next
Missouri is in the process of seeking certification of its federal court judgment—a legal prerequisite for initiating asset seizures under U.S. law. If certification is granted, the state may move forward with efforts to identify and seize Chinese-owned assets, particularly farmland and financial interests connected to the Chinese government or its proxies.
Simultaneously, Chinese legal action in Wuhan courts is ongoing, with the plaintiffs demanding significant damages and public apologies.
FRISCO, TX — Missouri State football ended a historic season, in which it qualified for a bowl game in its first season as an FBS program, with a loss in the Xbox Bowl.
The Bears made a late push, but came up short in a 34-28 loss to Arkansas State on Thursday, Dec. 18, in the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Thus ends one of the best years in Bears football history, their first in Conference USA, where they went 7-6 and had their first six wins over FBS programs since 1990. Mo State won five one-score games, while reaching feats that were once thought impossible for a once-disastrous program.
Thursday night marked the end of the six-year Petrino family era for Missouri State, as news broke earlier in the day that the school was finalizing the hire of SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods as its next head coach. Woods will replace Ryan Beard, who didn’t coach in the Xbox Bowl after accepting the head coaching position at Coastal Carolina. Woods’ hiring is expected to be announced on Dec. 19.
The Springfield News-Leader is bringing you live updates from Frisco, Texas. Follow for live updates.
Watch Missouri State vs Arkansas State on ESPN+
Missouri State vs Arkansas State in Xbox Bowl live score
This section will be updated throughout the game
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
| Arkansas State | 14 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
| Missouri State | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 28 |
Final — Arkansas State 34, Missouri State 28
Jacob Clark to Jmariyae Robinson for a touchdown
Clark to Robinson for a 16-yard score with 1:54 left. Bears have to get the onside kick.
Missouri State has first-and-goal at the 16
A 59-yard pass to Dash Luke has the Bears in position to strike at the two-minute warning. Bears at the ASU 16.
Arkansas State misses field goal
The Bears have a pulse again? MSU ball at its 20 with 3:20 left.
Missouri State muffs punt when it just got a pulse
Dash Luke muffs a punt with 3:50 left, and the Red Wolves recover. Dang.
Jacob Clark throws pretty TD to Dash Luke
A dime down the middle of the field to Dash Luke goes for a 47-yard touchdown. Luke has 110 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions. Clark is up to 23-31 for 274 yards and three scores. Two-point conversion ruled short.
Missouri State forces Arkansas State punt
Bears ball at their own 48.
Arkansas State recovers strip-sack
From the ASU 34, Clark is hit and he fumbles. Red Wolves ball with 9:01 left and this one is ovah.
Arkansas State knocks in field goal
A 32-yard field goal with 12:43 left extends the Red Wolves’ lead back up to three scores.
Jacob Clark hits Ramone Green for TD to open fourth quarter
A beautiful ball from Jacob Clark to Ramone Green for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Bears cut Arkansas State’s lead to 31-15 with 14:52 left in the game. The Bears go for two and get it. It’s suddenly a two-score game.
Missouri State in scoring position
The Bears are at the Red Wolves’ 15, facing third-and-11, to begin the fourth quarter.
Missouri State takes over at its own 10
This game is sloooooooow. Bears need to make this score respectable or something on this drive.
Devin Spencer runs for 25-yard touchdown
Arkansas State went 65 yards in less than two minutes. Devin Spencer runs in a touchdown from 25 yards out. Bears down 31-7 with 10:23 left in the third.
Arkansas State, Missouri State trade punts
Red Wolves ball at their own 35.
Arkansas State takes 24-7 lead into halftime
Jacob Clark is 13-16 for 115 yards and a touchdown, but he’s been sacked four times, and there have been a pair of untimely penalties. Red Wolves have eight tackles for a loss. Defense is struggling to get stops and has been giving up big plays, allowing four passes of 21 yards or more.
Missouri State, Arkansas State trade punts
Bears ball at their own 24 with 69 seconds left in the half.
Arkansas State back in the endzone
This game is in danger of getting away from the Bears. Jaylen Raynor hit Hunter Summers for a 39-yard diving completion. The Wolves score two plays later on a four-yard touchdown pass. It’s 24-7 Wolves with 6:14 left in the half.
Missouri State penalty, sack allowed kills another drive
Jacob Clark scrambled for 15, but it was called back because of a hold. He was sacked for the second time right after. Arkansas State returns the punt 35 yards to the MSU 44.
Arkansas State boots 54-yard field goal
The Bears kept the Wolves out of the endzone for the first time tonight, but Clune Van Andel boots a 54-yard field goal. Wolves up 17-7 with 12:40 left in the half.
Jacob Clark to Dash Luke for a Missouri State TD
Jacob Clark rolls out to his left, gets a corner to bite and throws a 39-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Dash Luke to get the Bears on the board. Arkansas State up 14-7 with 17 seconds left in the quarter.
Arkansas State strikes with deep touchdown
A deep ball from Jaylen Raynor to Corey Rucker is perfect, and he goes 71 yards to the house. The Bears’ defense isn’t looking good. It’s 14-0 with 2:51 left in the first quarter.
Missouri State moved the ball, but Arkansas State got to Jacob Clark again
The Bears got to the Red Wolves’ 36, but were flagged for holding. Their drive stalls after Jacob Clark was sacked. Wolves ball at their five.
Arkansas State quickly drives down the field for a score
The Bears struggled to tackle, and the Red Wolves took advantage. They go 55 yards in five plays to take an early 7-0 lead just four minutes in.
Missouri State goes three-and-out to start the game
The pass rush is getting after Jacob Clark with his makeshift offensive line. They’re immediately forced to punt. Wolves ball at their 45.
Missouri State vs Arkansas State pregame notes
8:03 p.m. — Missouri State will receive the opening kick.
7:56 p.m. — Nick Petrino’s offensive line is expected to be pretty thin tonight. Cash Hudson is playing, despite it looking like he’s portal-bound. But they could be down a couple more with Ebubedike Nnabugwu and others expected to be out.
7:34 p.m. — Here’s your next Missouri State football coach, which I was able to confirm. SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods will be announced as head coach on Friday morning after a Missouri State Board of Governors meeting.
7:29 p.m. — Hello, Springfield. Nice to talk to you again. What a moment for Missouri State as it participates in its first bowl game. The joy on the supporters’ faces has already made this a special night.
What time does Missouri State vs Arkansas State start?
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 18
- Time: 8 p.m. CT
- Location: Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas
The Bears and Red Wolves are scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 18, from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
What TV channel is Missouri State vs Arkansas State on today?
- TV channel: ESPN2
- Streaming: ESPN+
Missouri State will take on Arkansas State on ESPN2 with Jorge Sedano, Rodney McCloud and Victoria Arlen on the call. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+.
Watch Missouri State vs Arkansas State on ESPN+
Missouri State vs Arkansas State predictions in Xbox Bowl
- Wyatt Wheeler: Missouri State over Arkansas State
- Matt Hayes: Missouri State over Arkansas State
- Jordan Mendoza: Missouri State over Arkansas State
- Paul Meyerberg: Arkansas State over Missouri State
- Erick Smith: Arkansas State over Missouri State
- Eddie Timanus: Arkansas State over Missouri State
- Blake Toppmeyer: Missouri State over Arkansas State
Missouri State vs Arkansas State odds, spread for Xbox Bowl
Odds courtesy of BetMGM on the morning of Monday, Dec. 15
- Spread: Arkansas State -1 1/2
- Over/under: 56 1/2
- Moneyline: ARST -115, MOST -105
College Football Playoff schedule 2025-26
- First round: Dec. 19 and 20
- Quarterfinals: Dec. 31 and Jan. 2
- Semifinals: Jan. 8 and 9
- National championship: Jan. 19
Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at wwheeler@usatodayco.com
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the momentum of BetMGM Sportsbook’s official launch in Missouri continues to build. As the legal sports betting era takes hold across the Show-Me State, new users can capitalize on BetMGM Missouri’s premier welcome promotion: the BetMGM bonus code CUSE unlocks a $1,500 First Bet Offer in MO, providing one of the most significant safety nets available in the national market.
This launch-specific offer represents a major deviation from the standard promotions typically found in established markets. By activating the BetMGM bonus code CUSE today, Missouri bettors secure insurance on their very first wager, allowing them to explore the platform’s extensive markets with peace of mind, as their initial bet will be refunded in bonus bets if it loses.
BetMGM Bonus Code CUSE Sets a High Bar for Missouri:
The timing of this rollout is perfect for local fans, as the St. Louis Blues continue their season and the NFL enters the critical Week 16 stretch. While some sportsbooks offer small, fixed-sum “bet and get” deals, the BetMGM Missouri structure is designed for a high-ceiling play. If your first bet up to $1,500 loses, BetMGM will refund your entire stake in bonus bets.
Key Deal Terms:
- Bonus Code: CUSE
- Offer (Missouri Only): $1,500 First Bet Offer (Stake refunded as bonus bets if you lose).
- Value Differential: Offers a significantly higher ceiling for first-time users compared to standard fixed-bonus deals.
- Launch Date: December 2025 (Live Now).
Thursday Night Football: Rams vs. Seahawks Matchup Details (NFL Week 16):
The biggest stage for Missouri bettors tonight is Thursday Night Football, featuring a pivotal NFC West clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Betting Odds:
- Spread: Seahawks -1.5
- Over/Under: 42.5
- Moneyline: Rams +110 | Seahawks -120
- All odds above subject to change.
Xbox Bowl: Missouri State vs. Arkansas State Matchup Details:
Adding to the excitement is the Xbox Bowl at the Ford Center at The Star. This game marks a historic milestone as the Missouri State Bears make their FBS bowl debut against the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
Betting Odds:
- Spread: Arkansas State -1
- Over/Under: 54.5
- Moneyline: Missouri State -104 | Arkansas State -105
- All odds above subject to change.
By using the BetMGM bonus code CUSE to wager on any of these markets—whether backing the Rams (+110) or taking the Bears (-104) in their bowl debut—your first bet is protected. If your pick hits, you keep the cash; if it falls short, your stake returns as bonus bets.
How to Activate the BetMGM Bonus Code CUSE:
- Sign Up: Click through to the BetMGM app or site and register your new account in Missouri.
- Enter Code: Ensure the BetMGM bonus code CUSE is entered in the designated field during registration.
- Deposit: Fund your account with a minimum deposit of $10.
- Place Your First Bet: Wager on any market, such as Rams vs. Seahawks or the Xbox Bowl.
- Get Your Bonus: If your first bet loses, BetMGM will refund your stake (up to $1,500) in bonus bets!
Conclusion: BetMGM Missouri Delivers a Premier Launch Offer!
The arrival of BetMGM in Missouri brings a top-tier betting experience to the state. By engaging the BetMGM bonus code CUSE during this launch week, sports fans can lock in a massive $1,500 safety net, ensuring the strongest possible start to the legal betting era in Missouri.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. See BetMGM.com for Terms. 21+ only. MO Only. New Customer Offer (If applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. Please gamble responsibly. Minimum $10 deposit required. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new player offer. Add’l terms.
If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
University of Michigan Regents Who Led the Charge Against Pro-Palestine Protestors Are Now Backing Prosecutor Karen McDonald’s Candidacy for State Attorney
Massachusetts orders DraftKings to pay $934K after it botched MLB parlay bets
‘Best Christmas Ever’ delivered to rural Minnesota family
Our College Football Playoff picks: Can Oregon reach the National Championship?
Missouri reveals which Chinese assets it will target in $50bn row
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Takeaways from an eventful 2025 election cycle
Judge tosses Trump-linked lawsuit targeting Chief Justice Roberts, dealing setback to Trump allies
Who was Osman Hadi; why is Bangladesh on fire over his death?
Putin tells news conference that Kremlin’s military goals will be achieved in Ukraine
Video: Trump Mocks Obama, Biden in His Presidential ‘Walk of Fame’
-
Iowa5 days agoAddy Brown motivated to step up in Audi Crooks’ absence vs. UNI
-
Iowa6 days agoHow much snow did Iowa get? See Iowa’s latest snowfall totals
-
Maine3 days agoElementary-aged student killed in school bus crash in southern Maine
-
Maryland5 days agoFrigid temperatures to start the week in Maryland
-
Technology1 week agoThe Game Awards are losing their luster
-
South Dakota5 days agoNature: Snow in South Dakota
-
Nebraska1 week agoNebraska lands commitment from DL Jayden Travers adding to early Top 5 recruiting class
-
World1 week agoCoalition of the Willing calls for transatlantic unity for Ukraine