Midwest

Missouri Senate passes sweeping education bill

Published

2 years ago

March 16, 2024

Missouri Senate passes sweeping education bill

Students across Missouri could have access to scholarships for private schooling through an expanded tax credit program passed Thursday in the GOP-led state Senate.

Senators voted 19-10 to pass the sweeping education bill, an approval earned after weeks of bipartisan negotiation. The measure now heads to the Republican-led House for approval.

The legislation represents a win for advocates of greater access to non-traditional K-12 education, such as private, religious, charter and virtual schooling. Part of the proposal would allow charter schools to open in Boone County, for example.

MISSOURI AG SAYS JUVENILE SYSTEM MUST BE REFORMED AFTER TEEN ARRESTED FOR SLAMMING GIRL’S HEAD INTO PAVEMENT

“We were focusing on providing choices beyond just public school,” Republican bill sponsor Sen. Andrew Koenig said.

But the measure also includes concessions for ardent public school supporters opposed to using public funding to support charters and private schools.

Compromises included in the bill include hundreds of millions of dollars in added funding for K-12 public schools and more money for districts that keep a five-day school week.

“Senate Democrats have always held the position that we’re going to oppose privatization of education through the siphoning-off of taxpayer funding,” Democratic Sen. Lauren Arthur said. “So, yes, we strongly oppose vouchers and the expansion of charters. I will say there was a lot in the bill that made it very tempting to vote for.”

Lawmakers debate on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City, Missouri, on Feb. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb)

The heart of the legislation is the expansion of Missouri Empowerment Scholarships Accounts, a voucher-like program that offers education grants to low-income families. The scholarships are funded by private donors, who in turn receive tax credits.

The current program limits recipients to residents of the state’s largest cities and to families who make 200% of the federal poverty level, which is $62,400 a year for a family of four.

Supporters want to offer the scholarships statewide to families that make as much as 300% of the federal poverty level, or $93,600 for a family of four.

The legislation would increase the cap on tax credits from $50 million to $75 million per year.

Unrelated, the proposal would require a local vote for large-city school districts to go to four-day weeks.

In total, Republican and Democratic Senate leaders estimated the bill would cost the state between $400 million and $450 million a year once fully implemented.

In Missouri, the issue of so-called school choice has divided lawmakers beyond typical Republican-Democrat lines.

GOP legislators from rural Missouri have pushed back for years against allowing charter schools in their areas for fear that the institutions could draw students away from traditional public schools and undermine what’s seen as the backbone of their communities. And some Democrats want more options for students in cities with underperforming schools.

Lawmakers have until mid-May to send bills to Gov. Mike Parson.

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Minnesota

Rondale Moore, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, dies at age 25

Published

11 minutes ago

February 22, 2026

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Rondale Moore, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, dies at age 25

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at the age of 25, authorities reported Saturday.

Moore was found dead in the garage of a home in New Albany, Indiana, the New Albany Police Department said. The cause of death was believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police disclosed. An investigation was underway, and no further details were provided.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore,” the Vikings said in a statement. “While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in his own statement that he was “devastated” by Moore’s death, describing him as a “humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots.”

Moore, a New Albany native, was a college standout at Purdue before being selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Rondale Moore of the Arizona Cardinals runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona.

Cooper Neill / Getty Images

He spent three seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the 2024 season, but suffered a knee injury in training camp and did not play for them.

He signed with the Vikings in March 2025, but again missed all of last season after suffering another knee injury in the team’s first preseason game.

Retired Cardinals defensive end JJ Watt said on X, “Can’t even begin to fathom or process this. There’s just now way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace Rondale.”

Louisville head football coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, said in a statement Saturday that Moore was a “complete joy to coach.”

“The ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation,” Brohm said. “We all loved Rondale, we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family, we love him very much.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a social media post that he was “praying for Rondale’s family and the entire Vikings community.”

“Bro what in the world,” Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard said on social media. “Cmon Rondale you was gon comeback n prove em wrong .. RIP.”

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything.

In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Feb. 21, 2026

Published

23 minutes ago

February 22, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Feb. 21, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Feb. 21 drawing

27-28-36-48-49, Powerball: 21, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 21 drawing

Midday: 0-2-0

Midday Wild: 6

Evening: 7-8-3

Evening Wild: 8

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 21 drawing

Midday: 1-3-3-3

Midday Wild: 1

Evening: 4-1-7-7

Evening Wild: 7

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Feb. 21 drawing

20-25-30-52-55, Cash Ball: 04

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Feb. 21 drawing

Early Bird: 11

Morning: 15

Matinee: 14

Prime Time: 05

Night Owl: 10

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Feb. 21 drawing

01-26-30-36-38

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Feb. 21 drawing

03-17-21-24-35, Powerball: 09

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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Nebraska

Barstool Open raises money for UCP Nebraska in Omaha’s Old Market

Published

35 minutes ago

February 22, 2026

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Barstool Open raises money for UCP Nebraska in Omaha’s Old Market

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Teams of four made their way through 12 bars and restaurants in Omaha’s Old Market Saturday for the Barstool Open, an annual fundraiser benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska.

The event, now in its 28th year, uses a pub crawl format with putting to raise money for UCP Nebraska, a nonprofit that serves families across the state affected by cerebral palsy.

One in 345 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with the condition.

UCP Nebraska provides emergency grants, community events, and 12 free technology libraries where families can borrow adaptive devices at no cost.

“It’s an affordable fundraiser for people to join us,” said Mel Mixan of United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska. “People feel really good about supporting our mission and the individuals that we serve.”

Mixan said all funding raised through events like the Barstool Open stays in Nebraska.

“All of our programs are powered by fundraising efforts so it really truly makes a difference and all the money stays here in Nebraska,” she said.

Participant Colton Elliott said the cause drew him to the event.

“We thought it would be a great cause, it’s something fun to do, so we thought why not do it and see what we can do for people with cerebral palsy,” Elliott said.

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