Missouri

2024 MVC Championship Fan Guide: Missouri State Fighting for 8th-Straight Title

Published

2 years ago

February 17, 2024

Press Room

2024 MVC Championship Fan Guide: Missouri State Fighting for 8th-Straight Title

2024 MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Dates: Wednesday, February 21 – Saturday, February 24
Location: Deaconess Aquatic Center, Evansville, IN
Defending Champions (women): Missouri State (6x)
Live Results (via MeetMobile)
Live Video
Championship Central
Teams: Evansville, Illinois State, Indiana State, Little Rock, Missouri State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois, Valparaiso, UIC

SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY (2/21)

200 medley relay
800 free relay

THURSDAY (2/22)

500 free
200 IM
50 free
1-meter diving
200 free relay

FRIDAY (2/23)

100 fly
400 IM
200 free
100 breast
100 back
3-meter diving
400 medley relay

SATURDAY (2/24)

200 back
100 free
200 breast
200 fly
1650 free
400 free relay

2023 RECAP

Final Team Scores:

Missouri State – 1,326
Indiana State – 1,200.5
Illinois State – 997
Northern Iowa – 881
Southern Illinois – 854
Marshall – 791
UIC – 718.5
Evansville – 390
Little Rock – 351
Valparaiso – 187

Awards:

Swimmer of the Year: Madyson Morse, Illinois State
Freshman Swimmer of the Year: Olivia Herron, Southern Illinois
Swimming Coach of the Year: Dave Collins, Missouri State
Diver of the Year: Eva Reyes, Illinois State
Freshman Diver of the Year: Kerry-Leigh Morrison, UIC
Diving Coach of the Year: Susan Bromberg, UIC
Elite 17: Kelly Sego, Missouri State

Missouri State won their 7th-straight Missouri Valley Conference team title last year, beating runner-up Indiana State by 125.5 points.

STARS

Celia Pulido, Southern Illinois

Celia Pulido, a Southern Illinois junior, is without question one of the fastest swimmers in the Missouri Valley Conference, and a top mid major swimmer in the NCAA currently. Last year, Pulido was a bit down from her performances as a freshman, but she still managed to win the 100 back (52.88) and 200 back (1:56.01).

Pulido is the MVC Record holder in both backstroke events, holding careers best of 51.82 in the 100 back and 1:54.26 in the 200 back. That 51.82 100 back was swum at mid season this year at the Purdue Invite. Pulido also leads the 200 back this season with a 1:55.30.

Madyson Morse, Illinois State

The reigning Swimmer of the Year, Illinois State’s Madyson Morse, took her fifth year of NCAA eligibility to return to the Redbirds for one more season. Morse swam exceptionally well at the MVC Championships last year, winning the 200 IM (2:00.61), 100 breast (1:00.34), and 200 breast (2:11.58). Additionally, she broke the MVC championship and conference records in both breaststroke events as well.

Morse has been very good so far this season. She leads the MVC in the 100 breast heading into the meet, having gone a 1:00.80 at the Purdue Invite. Morse has also been 2:14.10 already in the 200 breast this year, which comes in at #2 in the conference. Meanwhile, she’s down the list in the 200 IM, having only been 2:05.48 this season, which ranks her 17th.

Olivia Herron, Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois sophomore Olivia Herron returns to the Salukis after winning Freshman Swimmer of the Year last year. Last year, Herron came in 3rd in the 200 IM (2:01.55), 2nd in the 400 IM (4:18.34), and 2nd in the 200 breast (2:12.44). While Herron took 2nd in the 400 IM last year, it would seem she’s probably going to do the 100 breast this year. She currently ranks 2nd in the conference in the 100 breast with her career best of 1:01.09. On top of that, Herron leads the MVC in the 200 breast this season, having put up a 2:12.08, and she leads the 200 IM as well with a 2:01.28.

It’s possible Herron sticks with the 400 IM this season. She’s been 4:22.73 in the event this season, which puts her 5th in the conference.

Faith Larsen, Northern Iowa

Northern Iowa junior Faith Larsen is a force to be reckoned with as a sprinter within the Missouri Valley Conference. Larsen is the defending MVC champion in the 50 free, having won the event in 22.50 last year. She also took 3rd in the 100 free with a 50.26.

Larsen has been excellent so far this season, particularly in the 100 free. She’s been faster than she was last year, having swum a 49.72 at the WVU Invite at mid season, which currently ranks 2nd in the conference. Larsen also leads the MVC this season in the 50 free with a 22.54, setting her up nicely to defend her title.

Claire Parsons, Indiana State

Indiana State has added freshman Claire Parsons, who looks primed to make a huge impact in her first MVC Championship. Parsons leads the conference this season in the 500 free with a 4:51.86, a time which she swam at the Miami University Invite. She also leads the conference in the 1650 free with a 16:52.20. For what it’s worth, Parsons also clocked the top 1000 time in the conference this season, having gone a 9:58.88 at a dual meet with Illinois State.

Last year, it took a 16:50.44 to win the 1650 free, while it also took a 4:51.27 to win the 500 free.

RACES TO WATCH

100/200 Breast

The breaststroke events at this year’s MVC Championships should be some of the best races of the meet. Madyson Morse won both breaststroke events last year, however, Olivia Herron has made another step forward in her sophomore season.

In the 100 breast, Morse leads the conference this season with a 1:00.80, while Herron isn’t far behind, ranking 2nd with a 1:01.09. Morse set the conference record in the event last year with a 1:00.34, so we’ll see if she’s able to get down to that time again. Morse should certainly be viewed as the favorite going into the meet but Herron is coming, there’s no doubt about that.

Meanwhile, Herron currently leads the conference in the 200 breast with a 2:12.08. That’s a full 2 seconds faster than Morse’s season best of 2:14.10. That being said, Morse did set the conference record last year with a 2:11.58, so she’s still holding a faster career best than Herron. Regardless of who comes out on top, both breaststroke races should be thrilling.

100 Free

Defending champion Jordan Wenner (Missouri State) is back for her senior year and looking to defend her title in the event. Wenner has already been under her winning time of 50.03 from last season, having clocked a 49.64 at the Purdue Invite.

Wenner has her work cut out for her, however. Faith Larsen ripped a 49.72 in the 100 free at mid season, putting her less than a tenth of a second behind Wenner in the conference rankings.

Meanwhile, Indiana State’s Chloe Farro is knocking on the door of breaking 50 seconds as well, having posted a 50.02 at her mid season invite.

200 IM

The 200 IM is another Morse/Herron showdown, but there are other players in the mix there. Morse is the defending champion, having clocked a 2:00.61 to win last season. She hasn’t been quite up to that time so far this season, only having been 2:05.48.

Herron took 3rd last year but has already swum a career best this season and currently leads the conference with a 2:01.28 this season. Teammate Celia Pulido is also in the mix, having taken 4th in the event last season.

Missouri State’s Kelly Sego came in 2nd last year and she’s been 2:02.98 in the event this season, which is good for 7th in the conference.

There’s just so much depth in the event this year. Northern Iowa’s Amber Finke has already been 2:01.74 this season, which is the 2nd-fastest performance in the conference. Indiana State also has a great pair of swimmers in Alexandria Cotter and Dorotea Bukvic, who have been 2:02.30 and 2:02.51 respectively this season.

SWIMSWAM’S PICKS (TOP 3)

Missouri State
Indiana State
Southern Illinois

It’s hard to pick against a team that has won 7-straight conference titles. It’s especially difficult to pick against this Missouri State team since they didn’t lose a huge amount of firepower from last year’s championship team.

While MSU comes into this meet as the favorite, both Indiana State and Southern Illinois have built very good rosters and could give Missouri State problems.

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Missouri

Missouri bill that would split Jackson County and Kansas City gets little support from lawmakers

Published

8 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Missouri bill that would split Jackson County and Kansas City gets little support from lawmakers

A Missouri House committee had its first hearing this week on a proposed constitutional amendment that would split Kansas City and Jackson County upon approval by voters.

The legislation is nicknamed “Jackxit,” a nod to Brexit, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union in 2020.

Republican state Rep. Mike Steinmeyer is sponsoring the bill. He said eastern Jackson County voters feel underrepresented in the county government, and this legislation would give them the power to change that.

At the hearing, committee members listened to Steinmeyer’s presentation of the bill before asking questions and sharing their thoughts.

Democratic state Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore compared what the bill proposes to “The Great Divorce” that saw the legal separation of the city of St. Louis from St. Louis County in 1876.

Several committee members criticized a part of the bill that says if it’s signed into law, the question of whether to split the county in two would appear on the Missouri ballot every 10 years.

Moore called it a “never-ending clause.”

“There’s a provision that says every 10 years this has to go back on the ballot, whether you like it or not,” Moore said. “And we’re going to keep voting on it, until you vote the way we think you should.”

Democratic state Rep. Jeff Hales said the bill’s language suggests the question would reappear on the ballot every 10 years until it’s approved by voters.

“Why does it end when it’s approved if the importance and the value here is giving the voters of Jackson County a right to weigh in on their charter and their government?” Hales said.

Steinmeyer said that clause exists to give Jackson County voters the opportunity to weigh in on their form of government.

“It gives them the right to speak and say we want change, or we want to abolish and start over,” Steinmeyer said. “That’s all we’re asking for.”

Democratic state Rep. Ashley Aune questioned how the ballot question would protect the right of voters. Steinmeyer said it protects their right to vote and be heard, specifically on their governance.

Lobbyist Shannon Cooper testified on behalf of the city of Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. He said during a public comment period that the bill was “the most befuddling piece of legislation” that he’s had to testify for or against.

Cooper brought up the historic recall election of County Executive Frank White Jr. and said the recall showed the system Steinmeyer is trying to fix with this bill can work.

“If the voters are not happy, they can deal with their problems,” Cooper said. “They’ve proven that in the last year.”

No action was taken on the bill, and it is not yet scheduled for a future hearing.

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Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve the city’s $2.6 billion budget for 2026-27

Published

20 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve the city’s .6 billion budget for 2026-27

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve a $2.6 billion budget for the city’s fiscal year of 2026-27.

The budget includes $744 million in spending for public safety, including $26.3 million for a new Department of Community Safety and $4.2 million to hire 50 new KCMO Police Department officers, along with 10 call takers and 10 dispatchers.

“Our budget respects the strong fiscal foundation the taxpayers have helped Kansas City build, maintaining a rainy-day fund of over $200 million, increasing road resurfacing, hiring more public safety and city workers, and investing in all Kansas City neighborhoods,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a news release from the city. “In a city that can walk and chew gum, we are proud to welcome the world while delivering strong basic services for Kansas City’s families.”

The council voted to spend $83.8 million for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to provide bus services, but the KCATA may have to make cuts in bus services even with a $6 million boost in funding from the city.

In addition, the council approved spending $39.4 million for citywide street resurfacing and $1.5 million for tearing down dangerous buildings.

“This budget reflects a collaborative effort across the city, and provides a clear path for Kansas City to keep moving forward with discipline, accountability and a focus on service,” City Manager Mario Vasquez said in the news release. “Thank you to the council for its thoughtful deliberation and input in crafting this budget.”

More information on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget can be found on the city’s website.

—

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for March 25, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

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

Here’s a look at March 25, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 25 drawing

07-21-55-56-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 3-2-0

Midday Wild: 7

Evening: 0-0-5

Evening Wild: 5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 2-6-3-9

Midday Wild: 4

Evening: 9-5-6-8

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 25 drawing

Early Bird: 07

Morning: 09

Matinee: 04

Prime Time: 14

Night Owl: 07

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 25 drawing

12-14-22-26-28

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 25 drawing

35-38-41-43-62, Powerball: 08

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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