Missouri
Leader of Missouri social services agency stepping down for new job in Poplar Bluff • Missouri Independent
The director of Missouri’s Department of Social Services will resign next month, allowing Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe to choose a new leader for the embattled agency.
Robert Knodell’s last day as director of the department — which oversees foster care, Medicaid, other public assistance programs and services for delinquent youth — will be Jan. 13. He accepted a job to be the city manager of Poplar Bluff, his hometown, on Tuesday.
Knodell has been director since Oct. 2021.
Previously, he worked in Gov. Mike Parson’s office as deputy chief of staff and then acting director for the Department of Health and Senior Services.
In an interview last week, Knodell said his biggest accomplishments leading the agency included helping push for staff pay raises, modernizing technology and putting the child welfare system on a more “positive trajectory” by emphasizing prevention.
“We have to continue to try to do everything as a full continuum to make sure that family needs and children’s needs are being addressed and that safety can be assured,” he said, “to prevent children from having to go into the foster system. And the prevention focus is new for the department.”
During his tenure, the department faced criticism over its administration of public benefits.
A federal judge earlier this year ruled Missourians were illegally denied food aid by the state due to hourslong call center wait times for participants to receive a required interview.
The most recent monthly data the state submitted in the lawsuit says the average wait time to get through for its general call line was 43 minutes as of November. The wait time for the interview line for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was 23 minutes.
The department in its budget request to the state legislature is asking for $11 million to hire 220 new staff in the Family Support Division to help ensure the agency complies with federal and state rules on timely processing, and “maintains a reasonable wait time in the call centers,” the budget request states.
The state has also struggled to meet federal guidelines for its processing of Medicaid applications.
Over the summer, the federal Medicaid agency announced it was intervening to help bring the state back into compliance. According to the most recent federal data, 27% of low-income Missouri Medicaid applications were processed in excess of the 45-day limit in July, which is down from 72% in February.
The department also faced scrutiny for its handling of missing foster kids.
A federal report in 2022 found that there were 1,780 instances of foster kids going missing in Missouri over a two-and-a-half year period that spanned July 2018 to December 2020. The agency last year said it has increased efforts to find missing foster kids. As of the most recent public data, from October, there were 72 foster children categorized as runaways.
That data doesn’t distinguish between missing kids and those whose locations are known but unauthorized, though the department says it collects that data now.
Knodell said one of the challenges has been balancing the desires of those who want as robust a safety net as possible with those who want to control costs.
“We try to build as strong a safety net as we can, being as responsible a steward of the resources that we have as possible,” he said. “But there is a push and a pull, and there are limits to what the government can do, but certainly we want to do the things that we’ve been tasked as efficiently and effectively as possible. “
Knodell said the social services system in Missouri has “ been underinvested in for so long. But you know, hopefully, we’re pointed in the right direction.”
Parson in a press release Tuesday said “I remain ever grateful that, regardless of the challenges, Robert answered the call to serve in leadership within both DSS and the Department of Health and Senior Services.”
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The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 20, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
04-05-28-52-69, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 0-1-7
Midday Wild: 7
Evening: 5-2-7
Evening Wild: 8
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Midday: 0-6-6-1
Midday Wild: 9
Evening: 6-8-0-9
Evening Wild: 2
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
14-24-26-42-45, Cash Ball: 04
Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
Early Bird: 08
Morning: 05
Matinee: 13
Prime Time: 08
Night Owl: 03
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
02-07-12-25-30
Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 20 drawing
05-08-19-23-43, Powerball: 06
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.
To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:
Ticket Redemption
Missouri Lottery
P.O. Box 7777
Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777
For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.
For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.
When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
- Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
- Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
- Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
- Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.
As of Saturday, December 20, 2025, the sports world is delivering a massive weekend slate, with the NFL Week 16 doubleheader and a trio of College Football Playoff games leading the charge. To capitalize on this jam-packed schedule, Bet365 Sportsbook is making a major statement in Missouri. To maintain momentum during this critical launch month, Bet365 Missouri is offering an unmissable incentive for today’s action: the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE unlocks a guaranteed “Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets” promo for all new Missouri customers.
This bonus acts as a strategic outlier in the current market. While standard welcome bonuses in states like Virginia or Ohio often hover around $150, Missouri bettors activating the Bet365 bonus code today gain access to an additional $215 in guaranteed value. This $365 payout is currently one of the most powerful bankroll-builders available in the U.S. sports betting landscape.
Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE: An Updated National Benchmark
The rollout of this promotion is perfectly timed for a Saturday featuring five marquee football games. The Bet365 bonus code structure prioritizes immediate flexibility. Unlike complex “second chance” offers that require a loss to activate, the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE delivers the $365 payout simply for placing a qualifying wager, regardless of the game’s outcome.
Key Deal Terms:
- Bonus Code: SYRACUSE
- Offer: Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets (Guaranteed).
- Value Differential: +$215 compared to national averages.
- Eligibility: New Missouri users only.
Today’s Headline Betting Events: NFL & CFP
The Bet365 bonus code is live just in time for a full day of football. Missouri bettors can use their qualifying $10 wager on any of the NFL or CFP matchups below to trigger the $365 bonus.
NFL Week 16 Spotlight
- Eagles vs. Commanders: A massive NFC East rivalry game kicking off at 5:00 PM ET at Northwest Stadium.
- Packers vs. Bears: One of the NFL’s oldest rivalries takes center stage at Soldier Field at 8:20 PM ET.
CFP Round 1 Spotlight
- Miami (FL) vs. Texas A&M: The day begins at 12:00 PM ET with a blockbuster at Kyle Field.
- Tulane vs. Ole Miss: The Rebels host the Green Wave at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at 3:30 PM ET.
- James Madison vs. Oregon: The nightcap features the Dukes visiting Autzen Stadium at 7:30 PM ET.
Current Betting Odds
| Game | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami vs. Texas A&M | TAMU -3.5 | 50.5 | MIA +145, TAMU -154 |
| Tulane vs. Ole Miss | MISS -17.5 | 56.5 | TUL +625, MISS -850 |
| JMU vs. Oregon | ORE -21.5 | 47.5 | JMU +1160, ORE -2000 |
Note: Odds are subject to change.
By using the Bet365 bonus code to place a $10 wager on the Aggies to cover at home (-3.5) or a longshot moneyline bet on James Madison (+1160), new users will secure $365 in bonus bets to use on the rest of the weekend slate.
Full Saturday Schedule:
Once the Bet365 bonus code is activated, bettors can use their bonus funds on the NFL or College Football Playoff action:
- 12:00 PM ET: Miami (FL) vs. Texas A&M (CFP Round 1)
- 3:30 PM ET: Tulane vs. Ole Miss (CFP Round 1)
- 5:00 PM ET: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders (FOX)
- 7:30 PM ET: James Madison vs. Oregon (CFP Round 1)
- 8:20 PM ET: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (FOX)
How to Activate the Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE:
Claiming the elevated launch offer is simple, but requires the correct code during registration. Follow these instructions:
- Application: Input the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE in the designated field while creating your account on the Missouri app or site.
- Deposit: Fund the account with a minimum of $10.
- Qualifying Wager: Place a $10 bet on the NFL or CFP games today.
- Distribution: The Bet365 bonus code automatically releases $365 in bonus bets to your balance once the wager settles.
Conclusion: A Super Saturday for Bet365 Missouri!
Bet365 Missouri is redefining the standard for new user value. By deploying the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE during this action-packed Saturday of professional and collegiate football, sports fans can lock in a premium $365 bonus, ensuring they have ample ammunition to tackle every snap, touchdown, and upset.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+ only. Must be physically located in MO. T&Cs Apply. In App Only.
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.
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The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 19, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
01-11-27-39-59, Mega Ball: 18
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
Midday: 4-3-1
Midday Wild: 3
Evening: 3-6-5
Evening Wild: 9
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
Midday: 4-5-1-4
Midday Wild: 0
Evening: 5-5-4-1
Evening Wild: 2
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
06-31-34-37-41, Cash Ball: 04
Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
Early Bird: 08
Morning: 05
Matinee: 15
Prime Time: 07
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Dec. 19 drawing
12-23-28-33-38
Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.
To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:
Ticket Redemption
Missouri Lottery
P.O. Box 7777
Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777
For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.
For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.
When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
- Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
- Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
- Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
- Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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