Missouri
Missouri high school basketball playoffs: What to know about Class 1-3 girls championships
Championship week has arrived for the smaller classes in Missouri high school basketball. The 12 girls’ teams that will play in the 2025 Show-Me Showdown will tip off this week in Columbia.
Classes 1-3 semifinal and championship games will be held Wednesday through Saturday at Mizzou Arena on the University of Missouri campus.
Here’s what you need to know heading into the week:
Missouri state high school basketball state championships: When and where are they?
The MSHSAA Show-Me Showdown for Classes 1-3 will be held Wednesday through Saturday, March 12-15, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, on the University of Missouri’s campus.
Classes 4-6 will play March 19-22, also at Mizzou Arena.
How to stream the Missouri state high school basketball championships
The semifinals and championships will be streamed live on MSHSAA.tv for a fee.
Individual pay-per-view access for games is listed at $10.60. An access pass to all games for Classes 1-6, boys’ and girls’, can be purchased for $15.75.
How to buy tickets to the Missouri high school basketball state semifinals and championships
Semifinal and championship tickets must be purchased digitally on MSHSAA.org.
Chadwick girls basketball returns to state semifinals
The Chadwick boys’ and girls’ basketball programs will return to Columbia. The Lady Cardinals finished as a runner-up two years ago and are seeking their first championship victory in 20 years. Former Kickapoo coach Jim Pendergrass is in his first year leading the Lady Cardinals. He led Kickapoo to a state title in 2016 and runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2022. They continue to be led by Kerrigan Guerin and Raeleigh Little.
Walnut Grove girls basketball back in semifinals after 2-year hiatus
After a two-year hiatus, Walnut Grove is back in the state semifinals. It had previously made the semifinals in 10 of 11 years from 2012-22, winning five championships along the way. A freshman group that led the Lady Tigers to a fourth-place finish in 2022 is now seniors trying to win a game or two in Columbia. Ellie Smith, one of the star seniors, has played the postseason on a torn ACL.
Northeast Cairo girls basketball returns after Class 1 runner-up finish
The Lady Bearcats will try to finish the job in 2025 after finishing as the state runner-up to South Nodaway (Conception) in last year’s championship. The senior duo of Macie Harman and Avery Brumley will try to earn the program’s first state championship since 2008.
Rock Port girls basketball makes state for first time since 1981
The Blue Jays are having their best season in 44 years and will try to earn their first semifinal or championship victory in program history. They survived a double-overtime quarterfinal game against Santa Fe to qualify. They’ve been led by freshman Audrie Meyerkorth, who averages over 16 points per game. The Blue Jays are the only Class 1-3 girls’ team that wasn’t ranked at the end of the regular season to qualify for the semifinals.
St. Vincent girls basketball to make first state appearance
St. Vincent had been knocking on the door of a state semifinal appearance in recent years, and it’s finally broken through. St. Vincent will make its first state appearance in program history behind the great play of junior Rylee Robinson.
Tipton girls basketball makes state for fifth time in six years
After a third-place finish last year, the Cardinals are back in Columbia. They’ve been to the state semifinals five times in six years, with the program’s lone championship coming in 2023. High-level experience from last year’s team has led the way this season, including senior Charlee Bailey and junior Ava Schlotzhauer.
Norwood girls basketball makes state for third year in a row
The Lady Pirates have finished fourth in the state in consecutive years. They’re headed back to Columbia with the hope of winning a game or two in pursuit of their first championship since 1994. Autumn Gunter has been the program’s top player in recent years. It’s also gotten great play from Addy Gray.
Skyline girls basketball looks to repeat as Class 2 champions
The Lady Tigers will go for their second straight state championship this week. They have been dominant as of late behind the duo of Ashlen Garrett, Kenzi Cheek and plenty of others. The program has won seven championships in its history and hasn’t had a sub-20-win season since 2019. This is the program’s 18th state appearance.
Portageville girls basketball to make first state appearance
After two straight 23-win seasons, the Bulldogs won their 24th game on Saturday and will now make their first championship appearance in the program’s history.
Principia girls basketball returns to state after finishing as Class 2 runner-up
The Panthers finished second in the state last year to Skyline, and they will now play up a classification in the Class 3 state semifinals. They have one of the best players in the state, no matter the classification, in sophomore guard Dasia Scott. She’s averaging more than 18 points per game and is a legitimate Division I prospect.
Fair Grove girls basketball seeks historic three-peat
The winningest group of seniors in Fair Grove athletics history will try to win its third straight basketball championship when the bulk of them contributed to back-to-back volleyball championships during their junior and senior years. Fair Grove returns to the state semifinals after a 65-51 win over El Dorado Springs, whom the Lady Eagles beat in their first two championships. A new challenge awaits the Lady Eagles in this postseason, but a group led by Brooke Daniels, Ashton Bell, Abbey Green and Camdyn Hart should keep them as the favorite.
Lone Jack girls basketball to make first championship appearance
The Lady Mules are having their best season in program history and will play Fair Grove in their first-ever state semifinal appearance.
Missouri Class 1-3 semifinals, championships take place this week in Columbia
Wednesday, March 12
- 10 a.m. — Woodland vs. Principia – Class 3 Boys State Semifinal
- Noon — Thayer vs. KIPP KC Legacy – Class 3 Boys State Semifinal
- 2 p.m. — Portageville vs. Principia – Class 3 Girls State Semifinal
- 4 p.m. — Fair Grove vs. Lone Jack – Class 3 Girls State Semifinal
- 6 p.m. — Puxico vs. Canton – Class 2 Boys State Semifinal
- 8 p.m. — Eugene vs. Lincoln – Class 2 Boys State Semifinal
Thursday, March 13
- 10 a.m. — Class 3 Boys Third-Place Game
- Noon — Class 3 Girls Third-Place Game
- 2 p.m. — Class 2 Boys Third-Place Game
- 4 p.m. — Class 3 Boys State Championship
- 6 p.m. — Class 3 Girls State Championship
- 8 p.m. — Class 2 Boys State Championship
Friday, March 14
- 10 a.m. — St. Vincent vs. Tipton – Class 2 Girls State Semifinal
- Noon — Norwood vs Skyline – Class 2 Girls State Semifinal
- 2 p.m. — Chadwick vs. Wheatland – Class 1 Boys State Semifinal
- 4 p.m. — St. Elizabeth vs. Braymer – Class 1 Boys State Semifinal
- 6 p.m. — Chadwick vs. Walnut Grove – Class 1 Girls State Semifinal
- 8 p.m. — Cairo Northeast vs. Rock Port – Class 1 Girls State Semifinal
Saturday, March 15
- 10 a.m. — Class 2 Girls Third-Place Game
- Noon — Class 1 Boys Third-Place Game
- 2 p.m. — Class 1 Girls Third-Place Game
- 4 p.m. — Class 2 Girls State Championship
- 6 p.m. — Class 1 Boys State Championship
- 8 p.m. — Class 1 Girls State Championship
Missouri
Missouri Secretary of State admits to misleading ballot language for gerrymander referendum
An attorney representing Missouri’s top election official admitted in court Friday that her client had authored ballot language that could “prejudice” voters about a referendum to block the GOP’s new gerrymandered congressional map.
The state constitution gives Missourians the right to veto new state laws by holding a statewide referendum vote. Since Missouri Republicans passed mid-decade redistricting in September, voters have been fighting to put it to a referendum. But the Republican Party – including Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins – are throwing every possible hurdle in its path.
That apparently includes ballot language.
In November, People Not Politicians, the group leading the referendum effort, filed a lawsuit challenging what it termed the “dishonest” text Hoskins had approved.
The court could take over the task of writing the ballot language if Hoskins fails to provide an acceptable version after three tries. A bench trial is scheduled for Feb. 9.
Missouri law requires the secretary of state’s ballot language to be a “true and impartial statement” that isn’t “intentionally argumentative” or “likely to create prejudice either for or against the proposed measure.”
At a hearing Friday, Hoskins’ attorney admitted the ballot summary was likely to create prejudice against the referendum, according to People Not Politicians. She also said the language would be revised in negotiations with the referendum organizers, the Missouri Independent reported.
Now, the state will get “another bite at the apple” to write new language, Chuck Hatfield, an attorney representing People Not Politicians, told Democracy Docket.
“Rather than losing in court, today the Secretary of State simply admitted that he broke the law and sought to deceive Missouri voters,” Richard von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians, said in a statement. “While warranted, this admittance does little to alleviate our concerns that a subsequent summary prepared by him will be any more accurate. Missourians deserve the truth about their rights and the referendum.”
According to court filings, the official certified ballot language reads: “Do the people of the state of Missouri approve the act of the General Assembly entitled ‘House Bill No. 1 (2025 Second Extraordinary Session),’ which repeals Missouri’s existing gerrymandered congressional plan that protects incumbent politicians, and replaces it with new congressional boundaries that keep more cities and counties intact, are more compact, and better reflects statewide voting patterns?”
In addition to the misleading ballot language, Republicans have devised relentless obstacles for referendum supporters, including trying to decline certifying the petition on holding a referendum for being filed too soon, reject signatures for being collected too soon, block the petition from moving forward and intimidate referendum supporters.
Hoskins is also insisting on enacting the new map before voters can hold the referendum, breaking with Missouri precedent.
Missouri
Missouri Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 winning numbers for Jan. 8, 2026
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 8, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Jan. 8 drawing
Midday: 3-5-3
Midday Wild: 9
Evening: 6-3-9
Evening Wild: 3
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Jan. 8 drawing
Midday: 7-1-3-4
Midday Wild: 4
Evening: 9-6-9-8
Evening Wild: 9
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash4Life numbers from Jan. 8 drawing
27-28-39-47-58, Cash Ball: 04
Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Jan. 8 drawing
Early Bird: 14
Morning: 07
Matinee: 06
Prime Time: 07
Night Owl: 11
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Jan. 8 drawing
02-26-28-29-34
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
Missouri Democrats vow to fight increased taxes on sales or services
Missouri lawmakers returned to work Wednesday, Jan. 7, to kick off the 2026 legislative session, with Republicans determined to eliminate the state income tax and Democrats vowing to oppose any effort to replace it with increased taxes on sales or services.
Missing from the first day were the partisan fireworks that defined the end of last year’s session and a special session in September. Instead, both the House and Senate functioned normally on Wednesday, quickly running through motions of a first-day and adjourning with little fanfare.
But the partisan schism simmered under the surface.
Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe is pushing for elimination of the state’s income tax and is expecting to lay out his plan next week when he speaks to a joint session of the legislature for his annual State of the State address.
Democrats — still smarting from last year’s GOP moves to cut off debate to pass bills repealing expanded paid sick leave, gerrymander the state congressional map, change the initiative petition process and reimpose an abortion ban — said they are withholding judgment until they see the details of Kehoe’s plan.
But they note the income tax represents 65% of last year’s $13.4 billion in state revenue.
Democrats will not support raising taxes that disproportionately impact lower-income Missourians to pay to eliminate the income tax, said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat.
“People are already having a really hard time making ends meet in this state,” Beck said. “People are living paycheck to paycheck. So if anyone wants to raise taxes on those folks, that is unacceptable to us. As Democrats, we say there should be no new taxes.”
House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said that while the possible elimination of the income tax is “being sold as … getting rid of your taxes,” most Missourians will see little benefit.
“What they’re not telling you is how much more you’ll have to spend every time you swipe your card,” Aune said, adding: “The next time you have an expensive car repair or costly emergency visit from a plumber to fix a broken pipe, you’ll also be paying double digit sales taxes on that bill. Struggling to pay your rent? The struggle will get even harder when Republicans add a sales tax onto that.”
Democrats will lay out their own income tax proposal next week, Aune said, that will offer “targeted tax relief for those who need it most.”
State Rep. Mark Boyko, the Kirkwood Democrat who will sponsor the measure, said that while Missourians earning over $250,000 could end up paying more under the Democrats’ tax plan, it would generate much-needed revenue.
The proposal, Boyko said, “will actually lower your costs.”
Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican, urged her colleagues in an opening day speech to work together to “find solutions that move Missouri forward.”
While tax cuts weren’t directly mentioned in her speech, O’Laughlin left little doubt where she stood.
“Taxes, regulations, red tape and bureaucracy do not make Missouri better,” she said. “In every case, they take from Missouri families, they also take from Missouri small businesses. And our job is to reduce that impact. We must make sure what we take is as limited as possible.”
Missouri families want results, O’Laughlin said.
“They want better roads, better schools,” she said. “They want more private home ownership. They want safe streets and neighborhoods. They want better jobs and stronger job skills. They want thriving communities, and they want less dependence on the government at all levels.”
Hovering over the income tax debate is a state budget picture looking gloomier than it has in years.
General revenue is projected to be $400 million below estimates made a year ago. Part of the reason is that a capital gains tax cut passed last year that was estimated to reduce revenue by $111 million annually is now believed to cost as much as $500 million the first year and $360 million a year moving forward.
Beck said that while Democrats decided against using procedural maneuvers to gum up the Senate on the first day, the chamber will move much more slowly this year — not only in response to last year’s GOP moves quash Democratic filibusters, but also to avoid mistakes like the cost of the capital gains tax cut.
“When you shut off debate or refuse to engage with the other side to just rush things through, mistakes happen,” he said. “We were screaming from the hilltop that the capital gains cuts were going to cost way more. But we went too fast, and senators weren’t allowed to do their jobs.”
This story was first published at missouriindependent.com.
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