Missouri

House committee demands answers as Missouri childcare centers struggle to stay open amid state reimbursement backlog – ABC17NEWS

Published

1 year ago

September 10, 2024

House committee demands answers as Missouri childcare centers struggle to stay open amid state reimbursement backlog – ABC17NEWS

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Cheryl Howard, the executive director of the Nora Stewart Early Learning Center, is one of thousands of childcare providers across the state relying on state reimbursements to keep their daycare alive.

However, due to a backlog in the state, Howard says the NSELC, which has been operating in Columbia for 91 years is in jeopardy.

“In the last two to three years our enrollment has dropped half. We have not received the grants we applied for so that is hurting us real bad,” Howard said.

Howard was one of dozens of daycare providers to testify in front of the Missouri House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee on Tuesday after technological issues delayed state reimbursement payments for months, putting daycare centers at risk or out of business entirely across the state. The Department of Secondary Education was grilled by committee members after more than 3,000 childcare providers were left waiting for subsidy payments from the department.

Three members of the Harris family, who have worked in childcare for more than 40 years, said they had to sell their car, shut off their utilities at home and dig deep into their Social Security to keep their daycare center alive. Even with all of that, they say they are $60,000 in debt. They were not alone.

Latonya Williams, the executive director of the Bartlett Center, which specializes in children with trauma, told the committee that if her business closes most of the children they provide service for will have nowhere to go.

“I have over 100 kids in my program and I’m about 98 percent childcare subsidy. Up until a week ago, I had not received any payments,” Williams said during the hearing. “I had eleven thousand dollars in the bank. I have been using my own money to buy cleaning supplies for our program.”

The state has pointed the finger at a new data system launched last December, which has led to a backlog of payments. Many daycares rely on those payments to fund staff and stay in business. The new data system has also caused issues with attendance, with many who testified at the hearing saying they were unable to get any support when they called and asked for help.

“There won’t be a modicum of satisfaction until these providers are paid and paid with some manner of interest. I’m listening to people take out hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans that they’re going to have to pay interest on people who you’re talking about how their lights are off just so they can continue to provide services for this state’s children in alignment with this current gubernatorial administration,” Rep. Raychel Proudie (D-Ferguson) told ABC 17 News after the hearing. “What they were saying is that they were going to provide for these people. Somebody has to make good on what we said that we were going to do for these people. And frankly, we just simply weren’t doing that.”

Minority Floor leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield), who took part in the hearing, says that she would like to see the state issue payments now.

“What we’ve been told over the past few weeks is that this is an IT problem. And it goes down to the fact that they have to recertify not only these parents with these providers in check attendance and all of these things. That is all fine and well, I understand that there is a system that has to be done to verify that the kiddos know where they are and that the payments need to be made,” Quade said. “That said, we have so many providers who are already contract providers with the state of Missouri. We have parents who are already certified to be receiving these subsidies and we could right now issue checks in this moment to those providers to cover these costs for the folks that we know are already qualified.”

Once the new data system was launched in December, the state began to encounter backlogs in payments. The problem snowballed into issues for families trying to apply for subsidy assistance and provider contracts.

Part of the issue is attendance. Under the system, parents are forced to take attendance for their own children, which has been a nightmare for daycares and affected payments. The system only operates for Android users and is outdated. DESE says that the attendance system was put into place in 2018 before the new data system was launched. The vendor contracted to operate the new system and subsidy program is World Wide Technology, which operates out of St. Louis.

Quade said its a multi-layered issue that starts at the top.

“I think that we need to be having conversations about should the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, be the ones overseeing our early childhood subsidy program. The point that was made today, we have a lot of these families who qualify for multiple services,” Quade said. ”It goes back to the fact that we don’t have direct care caseworkers, that our call centers are outsourced and that we have had folks in charge in our state continue to lay off state employees and outsource this stuff to private entities, to their buddies or whoever, instead of actual employees of the state who are doing the job well.“

DESE said during the hearing that it will begin issuing stipends “sometime this week” but for many it’s too little too late.

“It is already too late. There are, especially in the Saint Louis area where I can speak to because that’s where I live, they’ve already closed. There are people who already have creditors closing,” Proudie said. “The apologies that these folks were offered here today can’t pay their electric bill. Their gas bill is not going to pay their rent if they’re renting a space.”

On Wednesday, there will be a budget committee hearing to address concerns about how much these issues cost and what potential solutions could look like. Quade advises parents impacted to contact her office or their local elected official to share their story.

Proudie still has questions.

“I want to know what happened with the differential for people who are opening up their hearts, opening up their centers to take children who are, you know, suffering through poverty there that are lower-income kids, and that’s the majority of their center. They were assured and promised that they would get a 30 percent differential. And if they spent the money on becoming accredited, would get an additional 20 percent all of a sudden, out of the blue, there was a decision made not by the legislature, but by someone in staff to stop doing that, which will certainly hurt centers,” Proudie said. “They weren’t prepared for it. No one told them it was coming. I want to know who made the decision and I want to know why. I also want to know what they intend to do with their money. They’re not going to pay it to providers like they told them that they were going to.”

Check back for updates.

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Missouri

Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE: Updated $365 CFP and NFL bonus in Missouri!

Published

2 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE: Updated 5 CFP and NFL bonus in Missouri!

As of Saturday, December 20, 2025, the sports world is delivering a massive weekend slate, with the NFL Week 16 doubleheader and a trio of College Football Playoff games leading the charge. To capitalize on this jam-packed schedule, Bet365 Sportsbook is making a major statement in Missouri. To maintain momentum during this critical launch month, Bet365 Missouri is offering an unmissable incentive for today’s action: the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE unlocks a guaranteed “Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets” promo for all new Missouri customers.

This bonus acts as a strategic outlier in the current market. While standard welcome bonuses in states like Virginia or Ohio often hover around $150, Missouri bettors activating the Bet365 bonus code today gain access to an additional $215 in guaranteed value. This $365 payout is currently one of the most powerful bankroll-builders available in the U.S. sports betting landscape.

Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE: An Updated National Benchmark

The Bet365 Bonus Code Missouri’s updated terms and conditions can be viewed here.Bet365

The rollout of this promotion is perfectly timed for a Saturday featuring five marquee football games. The Bet365 bonus code structure prioritizes immediate flexibility. Unlike complex “second chance” offers that require a loss to activate, the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE delivers the $365 payout simply for placing a qualifying wager, regardless of the game’s outcome.

Key Deal Terms:

Bonus Code: SYRACUSE
Offer: Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets (Guaranteed).
Value Differential: +$215 compared to national averages.
Eligibility: New Missouri users only.

Today’s Headline Betting Events: NFL & CFP

The Bet365 bonus code is live just in time for a full day of football. Missouri bettors can use their qualifying $10 wager on any of the NFL or CFP matchups below to trigger the $365 bonus.

NFL Week 16 Spotlight

Eagles vs. Commanders: A massive NFC East rivalry game kicking off at 5:00 PM ET at Northwest Stadium.
Packers vs. Bears: One of the NFL’s oldest rivalries takes center stage at Soldier Field at 8:20 PM ET.

CFP Round 1 Spotlight

Miami (FL) vs. Texas A&M: The day begins at 12:00 PM ET with a blockbuster at Kyle Field.
Tulane vs. Ole Miss: The Rebels host the Green Wave at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at 3:30 PM ET.
James Madison vs. Oregon: The nightcap features the Dukes visiting Autzen Stadium at 7:30 PM ET.

Current Betting Odds

Game	Spread	Total	Moneyline
Miami vs. Texas A&M	TAMU -3.5	50.5	MIA +145, TAMU -154
Tulane vs. Ole Miss	MISS -17.5	56.5	TUL +625, MISS -850
JMU vs. Oregon	ORE -21.5	47.5	JMU +1160, ORE -2000

Note: Odds are subject to change.

By using the Bet365 bonus code to place a $10 wager on the Aggies to cover at home (-3.5) or a longshot moneyline bet on James Madison (+1160), new users will secure $365 in bonus bets to use on the rest of the weekend slate.

Full Saturday Schedule:

Once the Bet365 bonus code is activated, bettors can use their bonus funds on the NFL or College Football Playoff action:

12:00 PM ET: Miami (FL) vs. Texas A&M (CFP Round 1)
3:30 PM ET: Tulane vs. Ole Miss (CFP Round 1)
5:00 PM ET: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders (FOX)
7:30 PM ET: James Madison vs. Oregon (CFP Round 1)
8:20 PM ET: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (FOX)

How to Activate the Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE:

$365 Bet365 Bonus Code Instructions. — Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE unlocks the Missouri sports betting launch bonus when you follow these simple steps.Bet365

Claiming the elevated launch offer is simple, but requires the correct code during registration. Follow these instructions:

Application: Input the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE in the designated field while creating your account on the Missouri app or site.
Deposit: Fund the account with a minimum of $10.
Qualifying Wager: Place a $10 bet on the NFL or CFP games today.
Distribution: The Bet365 bonus code automatically releases $365 in bonus bets to your balance once the wager settles.

Conclusion: A Super Saturday for Bet365 Missouri!

Bet365 Missouri is redefining the standard for new user value. By deploying the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE during this action-packed Saturday of professional and collegiate football, sports fans can lock in a premium $365 bonus, ensuring they have ample ammunition to tackle every snap, touchdown, and upset.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 19, 2025

Published

14 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 19, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

01-11-27-39-59, Mega Ball: 18

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

Midday: 4-3-1

Midday Wild: 3

Evening: 3-6-5

Evening Wild: 9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

Midday: 4-5-1-4

Midday Wild: 0

Evening: 5-5-4-1

Evening Wild: 2

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

06-31-34-37-41, Cash Ball: 04

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

Early Bird: 08

Morning: 05

Matinee: 15

Prime Time: 07

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Dec. 19 drawing

12-23-28-33-38

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.

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Missouri

Missouri reveals which Chinese assets it will target in $50bn row

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

Missouri reveals which Chinese assets it will target in bn row

Missouri’s attorney general has revealed which Chinese assets the state will be targeting in a $50 billion legal row.

The Show Me State’s legal battle with China has intensified as both sides pursue multibillion-dollar claims related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And now, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has explained what is on the table in terms of what assets will be targeted in the litigation.

“China caused extraordinary harm to our citizens and our economy,” she told Newsweek. “We are committed to holding them accountable and recovering every dollar we can. I’ve been asked if we will seize the pandas at the National Zoo. The answer is no, we are looking at other Chinese-owned assets, including farmland.”

Why It Matters

The confrontation highlights ongoing diplomatic rifts between the United States and China and raises complex questions about international law, sovereign immunity, and the ability of U.S. states to seize foreign-owned property. The outcome could set precedents for future pandemic-related litigation and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

What To Know

China recently filed a lawsuit in a Wuhan court against Missouri and several state officials, seeking more than $50 billion in damages and public apologies.

In response, Missouri is advancing efforts to enforce a $24 billion U.S. court judgment against the Chinese government and affiliated entities—by targeting certain Chinese-owned assets within the United States.

The current dispute stems from a 2020 lawsuit filed by Missouri, which alleged that China exacerbated the coronavirus pandemic by hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and failing to provide timely warnings regarding the virus.

Earlier this year, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office obtained a $24–$25 billion judgment against the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party, and related entities after Chinese officials declined to participate in the U.S. court process.

In response to Missouri’s legal success, China has now filed a $50.5 billion (356.4 billion yuan) lawsuit in the Intermediate People’s Court of Wuhan.

The complaint, jointly submitted by the Chinese government, Wuhan’s municipal government, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, names the state of Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, and former Attorney General Andrew Bailey as defendants.

The Chinese lawsuit claims Missouri and its officials engaged in “fabricating enormous disinformation, and spreading stigmatizing and discriminating slanders” that impaired China’s economic interests and reputation.

Alongside financial compensation, China seeks public apologies in prominent American and Chinese media outlets, recovery of legal costs, and the right to claim further damages.

What People Are Saying

Hanaway said: “I find it extremely telling that the Chinese blame our great state for ‘belittling the social evaluation’ of The Wuhan Institute of Virology… We stand undeterred in our mission to collect on our $24 billion judgment that was lawfully handed down in federal court.”

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, who initiated Missouri’s original lawsuit, said: “I’ve been banned from Communist China, and now I am being sued and targeted by Communist China in a $50 Billion lawfare campaign, and I’ll wear it like a badge of honor… This novel lawsuit is factually baseless, legally meritless, and any fake judgment a Chinese court issues in this lawsuit we will easily beat back and keep from being enforced against the people of Missouri or me.”

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, described the Missouri lawsuit as “a purely politically motivated maneuver [and] China firmly opposes it, will never accept it, and reserves the right to take strong countermeasures.”

What Happens Next

Missouri is in the process of seeking certification of its federal court judgment—a legal prerequisite for initiating asset seizures under U.S. law. If certification is granted, the state may move forward with efforts to identify and seize Chinese-owned assets, particularly farmland and financial interests connected to the Chinese government or its proxies.

Simultaneously, Chinese legal action in Wuhan courts is ongoing, with the plaintiffs demanding significant damages and public apologies.

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