Missouri

Here’s what Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said about Missouri football before Saturday game

Published

1 year ago

November 7, 2024

Here’s what Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said about Missouri football before Saturday game

It’s Big Eight week in the SEC.

Missouri football, for the first time in 13 years, faces Oklahoma this upcoming Saturday on Faurot Field for a matchup between the reunited conference foes.

Mizzou (6-2, 2-2 SEC) was ranked as the No. 24 team in the College Football Playoff committee’s first top 25 of the season Tuesday. The Tigers have their work cut out to keep or improve on that position, with starting quarterback Brady Cook’s availability up in the air.

Oklahoma (5-4, 1-4) has had a difficult first year in the conference, recently firing offensive coordinator Seth Littrell and turning back to once-benched quarterback Jackson Arnold. The Sooners are still a win short of securing bowl eligibility.

Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium is expected to be sold out and has been for quite some time.

Here’s what Oklahoma coach Brett Venables and some of the Sooners’ players told reporters in Norman ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Missouri:

On Missouri football transfers Theo Wease, Cayden Green

There’s been some movement between Mizzou and Oklahoma in recent seasons. Wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. and Cayden Green both have transferred to Missouri in the past couple of seasons. Ex-MU wideout J.J. Hester went to play in Norman after spending 2020-21 in Columbia.

Wease moved on after four seasons, 1,044 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns with Oklahoma to join Missouri before the 2023 campaign, and has since caught 86 passes for 1,164 yards and seven scores.

“Our offensive staff at the time didn’t feel like he was — and Theo probably felt the same — he wasn’t a major part of what we were doing,” Venables said. “And he’s looking for an opportunity, and he was nothing but great. He was a really good leader, did everything that we asked of him, and what a great example of what opportunity and development looks like. He’s kept his head down and just worked. Had a fantastic year last year; is having a great year this year.”

Green was a starting offensive lineman as a true freshman for OU last season before making the move back to his home state, where he is now Mizzou’s starting left guard.

That sparked a bit of online controversy, as some fans in Norman took issue with Green’s move.

But within the OU staff? Not so much.

“I think Cayden went in there and was a starter — he was a starter for us. We’re not surprised if he has success. Cayden’s a fantastic player, freshman all-American,” Venables said. “And that’s the world that we live in now. Players are free to come and go as they please and look for what’s best for them, and there ain’t no time for bitterness and things like that. You’ve got to move on and adjust and pivot and get better.”

On recruiting battles

Given the regional proximity of the schools, there have been some battles for top-ranked recruits in recent years.

Missouri freshman and five-star defensive end Williams Nwaneri come to mind, as his recruitment was closely followed by folks in Norman. Luther Burden III was committed to OU at one point, too. Oklahoma won a transfer portal battle for TCU defensive tackle Damonic Williams and recently landed five-star Mizzou target Michael Fasusi.

Venables was asked by a reporter if the rivalry with Missouri is “getting a little spicy.”

“They’re a program that’s going to recruit well in their own backyard. It’s not spicy for me,” Venables said. “Recruiting is incredibly competitive. Winning is incredibly hard, and we’re programs that certainly there’s a familiarity. … Spicy maybe for the media or the fans, but staff-wise it (isn’t).”

On Missouri defense

While defensive coordinator at Clemson, Venables coached Mizzou safety Joseph Charleston and “spent time in the living room” of Toriano Pride Jr. while recruiting the cornerback out of East St. Louis to Death Valley.

Oklahoma has struggled at times on offense this season and has turned to Joe Jon Finley to call the plays. The Sooners briefly benched Arnold at QB and played Michael Hawkins Jr., but they have returned to their Week 1 starter in recent games.

Arnold may benefit from the possible return of wide receivers Deion Burks and Jalil Farooq this weekend, although that is still in doubt as they rehab from injuries and were listed as questionable on OU’s Wednesday availability report.

Oklahoma currently is the No. 112-ranked team in the country for total offense, and Arnold expects a challenge from Mizzou’s defense.

“I feel like when watching them on film, they play great as a group,” Arnold told reporters in Norman. “Dudes know where they’re going. They don’t bust hardly ever. Super competitive guys, fly around the ball and a big physical group.”

On Missouri QB Brady Cook

Cook has a supporter in Oklahoma’s head coach.

“I’m a big fan of his leadership and his toughness. The players, their program, they feed off of him. He’s got great juice and just — he’s fearless,” Venables said. “I don’t know his entire background, but he’s a winner. I think he brings out the best in the players around him, but he plays with emotion on his sleeve, and you can see the guts and the toughness.”

Cook’s status for the matchup is still up in the air, as he was listed as “questionable” on the Tigers’ Wednesday availability report.

Venables has been keeping up with Cook’s story, going into detail to praise his comeback at Auburn that saw him go to the hospital early in the game with a high-ankle sprain before returning to lead a fourth-quarter comeback, which the OU coach likened to wearing a “Superman cape.”

And Venables, at least midweek, is expecting Cook to fight through and play Saturday.

“He’ll find a way to show up,” he said. “I know he’s just got a couple of games left, and, you know, you don’t count that guy out. He’s a great player.”

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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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