Missouri
At Lincoln Days, Missouri Republicans are optimistic they can withstand a midterm slump
Missouri Republicans experienced something this past weekend that has been missing from prior Lincoln Days events: Calm.
After years of bruising primary battles and infighting within the Missouri General Assembly, Republican activists and elected officials used the party’s largest gathering of the year to bask in their electoral good fortune. Republicans hold every statewide office and commanding majorities in the General Assembly.
And some of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s big agenda items are moving quickly through a legislature that’s getting along better than in recent years. That includes crime legislation that would bring back a gubernatorial board overseeing the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
“If you want us to be able to keep getting this agenda done, if you want us to do all the things we’ve talked about tonight, we absolutely have to hold it,” Kehoe said Saturday at the event in Maryland Heights. “The only way we can hold it is if this party and all of the counties that you represent stick together.”
There’s only one statewide race on the ballot next year: State auditor. And Democrats would need to field a candidate who can raise millions of dollars and turn around years of decline in rural and suburban counties to have a chance to unseat incumbent Scott Fitzpatrick.
Instead, Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder said the party’s focus will be defending several open state Senate seats — including two in the Kansas City metropolitan area and one that encompasses Springfield.
“I think the left-wingers have targeted Missouri in a multi-stage, multi-year effort to turn us in their direction — to defeat Republican majorities in the House and Senate, and to take us back to a left-wing, Democrat-dominated state,” Kinder said. “And we are just not going to let that happen.”
Brian Munoz
/
St. Louis Public Radio
Brian Munoz
/
St. Louis Public Radio
Trump fatigue?
One of the big reasons Missouri Republicans may have to be on guard against complacency is historical precedent. Typically, the president’s political party does worse in midterm elections.
“We’ve got to make sure that people are not falling asleep and that they are staying involved,” said St. Louis County Councilman Mark Harder. “They’re staying engaged on the issues, understand the candidates, the few that will be running, and get behind these people.”
While it’s still early in Trump’s second term, his initial actions — particularly cutting federal workers and implementing tariffs — are facing some backlash. U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, R-Cass County, recently faced an angry town hall meeting.
And U.S. Rep. Bob Onder, R-St. Charles County, said that there will be some missteps along the way, especially when Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are trying to drastically reshape the size and scope of government.
“I think Musk and DOGE would be the first to admit that in some cases, something might get caught or someone might get laid off that, in retrospect, was a mistake,” said Onder, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency that Musk has championed since Trump took office. “But I think what would be worse is if we didn’t make the attempt to cut out waste and fraud and abuse.”
Others at Lincoln Days pointed out some of the potentially attractive things that occurred since Trump returned to the White House.
U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Missouri, cited how illegal border crossings plummeted since Trump took office.
“As I said a year ago, you just needed a new president,” Schmitt said.
Brian Munoz
/
St. Louis Public Radio
Eye on Amendment 3 redo
While Missouri Republicans had a solid 2024 election cycle from a candidate perspective, they did experience one major electoral failure: The passage of a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights.
That measure, known as Amendment 3, paved the way for a Jackson County judge striking down scores of abortion restrictions — including the near total ban on the procedure, licensing requirements, and a 72-hour waiting period. Abortions resumed in Kansas City and Columbia, though Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis clinic is awaiting approval of a complication plan before offering medication abortions at its Central West End Clinic.
Missouri Republicans have vowed to put something on the ballot, likely in 2026, that would repeal and replace Amendment 3. A Senate committee recently approved a constitutional amendment that would ban abortions except in the case of rape, incest and if a mother’s life is in danger.
Fitzpatrick said while Missouri Republicans are united in their desire to get something on the ballot to undo Amendment 3, they’re still working through the details of their replacement plan.
“At the end of the day, the voters are going to decide this issue. It’s in the Constitution,” Fitzpatrick said. “I’m sure the Democrats are going to say: ‘Well, you know, the people have spoken. You have to let the will of the will of the people stand.’ The people can vote on this every two years, forever, if we want them to. And it’s still going to be the will of the people.”
“I think that is probably going to be the other big thing that’s going to be that everybody in the state is going to be looking at and voting on,” he added.
Brian Munoz
/
St. Louis Public Radio
Can the GOP finally break through in St. Louis County?
This year’s Lincoln Days took place in St. Louis County, one of the few areas of the state Republicans lost ground in during the Trump era.
Thanks to Trump’s perennially weak position among some suburban voters, parts of St. Louis County that were previously fairly Republican-leaning — such as Kirkwood and western areas — became reliably blue. And after nearly capturing the county executive’s office in 2014, St. Louis County Republicans have continuously fallen short in elections for that job.
Republicans are hoping for a different outcome next year, when St. Louis County Executive Sam Page will be up for another term.
Councilman Dennis Hancock, R-Fenton, told St. Louis Public Radio on Saturday he plans to forgo another term on the County Council and run for county executive instead.
“We have serious problems in St. Louis County, where we’re not attracting new businesses, we’re losing population, and we’ve seen our crime rates not getting better,” Hancock said. “And so, we just need to have a different voice and a different perspective in the county executive’s office. And I think it’s time for people to take a fresh look at what a conservative Republican might have to offer.”
Eric Lee
/
St. Louis Public Radio
Hancock spent 12 years as the mayor of Fenton. He won a county council seat that includes municipalities such as Kirkwood, Town & Country and Des Peres in 2022. He pointed out that even when Democrats won up and down the ballot in St. Louis County that year, Page had a relatively weak showing against Republican Mark Mantovani.
Still, Hancock will likely face some criticism of his own during the campaign. He dealt with a nepotism controversy over an attempt to hire his stepdaughter as his assistant. He admitted he made a mistake, but noted that St. Louis County Prosecutor Melissa Price Smith dropped the legal proceedings against him.
Councilwoman Shalonda Webb and state Sen. Brian Williams are both mulling primary challenges against Page. Though some GOP attendees at Lincoln Days said Page may survive a primary if multiple candidates run against him.
Still, Hancock said he will be an attractive alternative if Page isn’t his opponent next year.
“What I have that they don’t have is 12 years as a chief executive of a city,” he said.
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 3, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from March 3 drawing
07-21-53-54-62, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 3 drawing
Midday: 5-8-9
Midday Wild: 8
Evening: 8-8-2
Evening Wild: 7
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 3 drawing
Midday: 0-3-5-7
Midday Wild: 2
Evening: 0-9-9-5
Evening Wild: 6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 3 drawing
Early Bird: 13
Morning: 15
Matinee: 09
Prime Time: 14
Night Owl: 14
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 3 drawing
04-07-09-17-21
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.
Missouri state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has launched a review of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis’ finances.
The audit is in response to complaints from a whistleblower who alerted the office to possible misuse of funds, Fitzpatrick said Tuesday. The auditor’s office then reviewed documents provided by RAC during an initial investigation before launching a full audit.
“We have verified the veracity of the whistleblower complaint, and have seen with our own eyes at this point records that give us enough concern that we want to proceed with an audit,” Fitzpatrick said.
The auditor’s report could be released late this year or in early 2027, he added. It would then be up to state and local authorities to follow up on any potential misconduct.
In an unsigned statement, RAC said it receives an annual audit from a firm selected by the offices of the St. Louis mayor and St. Louis County executive and that it shares the results publicly. “[We] are confident the findings from the state will mirror the success we have come to expect at the local level,” the statement says.
“We welcome the opportunity to provide documentation and context regarding our financial practices and grantmaking processes. As always, RAC will continue to focus on serving the St. Louis region’s arts and cultural community and maintaining the public’s trust,” the statement adds.
Potential issues identified in the state auditor’s initial investigation include the possibilities that RAC’s administrative expenses exceed what is allowed by statute, that leaders issued bonuses disallowed by the state constitution and that large grants were issued with no follow-up to ensure the money was used properly.
Fitzpatrick said his actions are not related to the commission’s choice of grant recipients.
Changes to the grant process
RAC distributes annual grants to arts organizations in St. Louis and St. Louis County. It is funded by a tax on hotel and motel stays. The commission distributed $3.7 million last year.
The organization suspended grant applications for fiscal 2026 due to “continuing financial volatility” and a new five-year plan, according to a note on its website. It will use applications received in 2025 as a guide for its 2026 grants.
Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis
“This pause allows RAC to support eligible and high-scoring 2025 grantees and applicants while navigating financial challenges and planning for a stronger, more sustainable grant program in the future,” the note says.
RAC publishes a list of its annual grants online.
Vanessa Cooksey became president and CEO of the organization in 2020 after it spent a year without a permanent leader. Previous chief Felicia Shaw had stepped down in November 2019. Neither Shaw nor RAC provided a public explanation for Shaw’s departure.
Some smaller organizations had complained that during Shaw’s tenure they stopped receiving annual grants.
The Regional Arts Commission had a $13.4 million budget in 2024, according to tax documents. Cooksey received a $196,253 salary and $28,652 in additional compensation.
Continuing a process begun by Shaw, Cooksey oversaw changes to grant applications that she said were meant to simplify the process – including removing a longstanding split between its funding mechanisms for large and small organizations.
A key arts funder after the coronavirus pandemic
In November 2022, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to direct $10.6 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to RAC. A measure that would have allocated another $1.6 million failed to pass the St. Louis County Council, so RAC was statutorily required to distribute ARPA funds only to groups based in St. Louis.
RAC has distributed $9.5 million of the ARPA money so far, funding 195 individual artists and 75 organizations.
Arts leaders said in 2022 that the sector supports more than 19,000 jobs and generates nearly $600 million a year – more than all local sports franchises combined.
The federal money was a boon to St. Louis artists and arts organizations following a steep decrease in funding at the height of the coronavirus pandemic due to decreased tourism in the region.
Tax revenues earmarked for RAC decreased from $9.5 million in fiscal 2019 to $2.8 million the next year. Tax revenue directed to RAC have increased but still lag behind the pre-pandemic total. The commission reported $7.5 million in tax revenue received in fiscal 2024.
RAC presented a new five-year plan with much fanfare in March 2020 but had little initial opportunity to implement it. Not long after, St. Louis officials put limits on public gatherings to tamp down spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Commission officials released a new five-year strategic roadmap in December 2025.
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 2, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from March 2 drawing
02-17-18-38-62, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 2 drawing
Midday: 3-3-4
Midday Wild: 2
Evening: 4-8-9
Evening Wild: 7
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 2 drawing
Midday: 6-4-2-2
Midday Wild: 5
Evening: 2-8-2-4
Evening Wild: 1
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 2 drawing
Early Bird: 08
Morning: 12
Matinee: 05
Prime Time: 04
Night Owl: 02
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 2 drawing
13-17-18-23-28
Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 2 drawing
21-28-58-65-67, Powerball: 25
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.
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