Missouri

Jackson County voters sue over new congressional map after 305K petition signatures ignored

Published

2 months ago

December 23, 2025

Jackson County voters sue over new congressional map after 305K petition signatures ignored

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Two Jackson County voters filed a lawsuit to stop Missouri’s new congressional map from being used in the 2026 elections.

The ACLU of Missouri says the suit was filed in Cole County Circuit Court on behalf of Jake Maggard and Gregg Lombardi. Both are registered voters who live in Jackson County.

The lawsuit claims that Missouri violated voters’ constitutional rights. The state implemented the new map on Dec. 11 despite a petition with more than 305,000 signatures demanding a public vote.

“By attempting to enact the new maps despite receiving more than 305,000 signatures from Missouri voters demanding a referendum, the Secretary of State is denying a longstanding tradition, judicial precedent, and our constitutional rights,” said Tori Schafer, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the ACLU of Missouri.

What the lawsuit seeks

The ACLU said it wants the court to suspend House Bill 1. The organization has asked a judge to prevent election officials from using the new congressional map until voters approve or reject it through a referendum.

The lawsuit names Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and Secretary of State Denny Hoskins as defendants.

According to the suit, both Maggard and Lombardi live in Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District. Under the new map, they would be moved to the Fourth Congressional District.

FILE – Missouri’s attorney general is celebrating the new congressional map, but opponents argue that the map should not be in effect.(KCTV5/Hannah Falcon)

The petition controversy

People Not Politicians submitted 305,000 signatures to Secretary Hoskins on Dec. 9, according to the ACLU. That is nearly 3 times the number required to force a public vote on the congressional map.

The ACLU argues that century-old court rulings say a referendum petition should immediately suspend a law, no verification required.

In 2017, then-Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft suspended Missouri’s right-to-work law after more than 300,000 signatures were received. His office had not yet verified the signatures or issued a certificate.

But Hoskins has taken a different approach. He said the new map will remain in effect until his office certifies the petition signatures. A process that could take until July 2026.

Timeline of legal challenges

The Missouri General Assembly approved the new congressional map on Sept. 12, 2025, during a special session.

Opponents wasted no time in filing legal challenges. By Sept. 15, 3 lawsuits had been filed along with the referendum petition.

Several lawsuits claim the redistricting process was unconstitutional. One lawsuit noted that a southeast Kansas City Voter Tabulation District was placed in both Congressional Districts 4 and 5.

The Senior Director for Redistricting at Campaign Legal Center told KCTV5 in September that this means the districts are no longer equally populated. However, Governor Mike Kehoe’s office said there was no error in the map.

FILE - A lawsuit filed against Missouri’s newly passed congressional map claims the effort is... — FILE – A lawsuit filed against Missouri’s newly passed congressional map claims the effort is unlawful and points out one southeast Kansas City Voter Tabulation District, or VTD, was placed in both Congressional districts 4 & 5.(KCTV5/Chandler Watkins)

On Nov. 12, Cole County Judge Christopher Limbaugh heard arguments over whether the General Assembly legally redrew the congressional districts.

On Dec. 12, court records indicated that Limbaugh suspended the case until the petition signatures are certified or rejected. He ordered Hoskins to preserve all signatures filed with his office.

In early November, AG Hanaway filed her own lawsuit against People Not Politicians. She claimed the organization was trying to take redistricting power away from the state’s General Assembly.

Missouri’s top Senate Democrat, Doug Beck, sent Hanaway a letter demanding she dismiss the case. Beck said she did not have the party’s consent to represent them in that way.

Ballot language dispute

On Nov. 13, Hoskins certified the official ballot title for the referendum question. The ballot language describes the old map as “gerrymandered” and says it “protects incumbent politicians.”

However, People Not Politicians filed a lawsuit on Nov. 20 that claims the summary statement is intentionally argumentative and creates prejudice.

The organization also argues that Hoskins is not authorized to draft a summary statement for a referendum.

A bench trial on this dispute is scheduled for Jan. 16 in Cole County.

FILE - Just days before the deadline to turn in signatures, a Cole County judge hears... — FILE – Just days before the deadline to turn in signatures, a Cole County judge hears arguments over whether 92,000 signatures should count.(KCTV5/Hannah Falcon)

What happens next

The court has not yet set a hearing date for Tuesday’s lawsuit.

The filing period for congressional candidates begins Feb. 24, 2026. However, with the new map in effect, they would file for the new congressional districts. This could create more complications if the map is overturned.

Missouri will hold primary elections in August and the general election in November.

Hoskins has until July 2026 to certify whether the referendum petition contains enough valid signatures. If certified, the question would go to voters in the November general election.

Hanaway and Hoskins have said they are ready to defend the redistricting in court.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for March 2, 2026

Published

9 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

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

Here’s a look at March 2, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 2 drawing

02-17-18-38-62, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 2 drawing

Midday: 3-3-4

Midday Wild: 2

Evening: 4-8-9

Evening Wild: 7

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 2 drawing

Midday: 6-4-2-2

Midday Wild: 5

Evening: 2-8-2-4

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 2 drawing

Early Bird: 08

Morning: 12

Matinee: 05

Prime Time: 04

Night Owl: 02

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 2 drawing

13-17-18-23-28

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 2 drawing

21-28-58-65-67, Powerball: 25

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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Missouri

Top 25 Missouri Girls High School Basketball Rankings – March 2, 2026

Published

21 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri girls basketball postseason has arrived, and everything changes from this point forward. The regular season provided clarity on contenders, exposed weaknesses, and built résumés—but none of that guarantees anything in March.

District championships are being claimed, rotations are tightening, and every possession now carries real consequence. Depth matters more. Experience matters more. Discipline matters more. Some teams enter the bracket playing their best basketball of the year, while others are still searching for consistency at the most critical time.

Momentum, health, and matchups will ultimately decide who survives and who goes home. These rankings reflect not only what has been accomplished, but who looks built to handle the pressure that defines this stretch of the season.

Here’s the updated Missouri Girls Top 25.

Previous Rank: 1

This is the time of year when Incarnate Word’s dynasty takes center stage. The Red Knights haven’t lost a playoff game in nearly a decade, an astonishing run that stands as one of the most impressive feats in Missouri high school girls basketball history.

Previous Rank: 3

Staley moves back into the No. 2 spot after a strong final week of the regular season. The Falcons check every box. They’re one of the most talented and deepest Class 6 teams Missouri has seen in recent years.

Previous Rank: 2

The Chiefs opened the season 25-0 before suffering their first loss to Liberty North. That defeat could serve as valuable motivation heading into the postseason. This group still has the look of a serious contender.

Previous Rank: 4

Principia coasted through its first two playoff games. The Panthers are getting meaningful bench production while allowing starters to rest. That balance could pay dividends in the later rounds.

Previous Rank: 5

Wins over Glendale and West Plains keep an outstanding season rolling. Strafford is the clear favorite in Class 4. This playoff stretch could be their most significant since the 2020 championship run.

Previous Rank: 6

Jackson hasn’t played a close game in nearly a month. The Indians are eager for tougher competition in the Class 6 bracket and have the pieces to make a run to the state tournament.

Previous Rank: 7

A loss to Staley was followed by a strong bounce-back win over Liberty North. That stretch should serve as an ideal playoff tune-up. The Titans have the roster and ceiling to compete with anyone.

Previous Rank: 8

Wins over Troy Buchanan and Helias closed the regular season on a high note. It’s been a year of ups and downs, but the Bruins are defending well and playing their best basketball entering the postseason.

Previous Rank: 9

A win over Carl Junction capped off a successful regular season. Marshfield appears poised to make a deep playoff run.

Previous Rank: 10

A 78-54 win over Kennett showcased this team’s depth from top to bottom. The Donnettes are largely unchallenged in their region and are looking to repeat as state champions.

Previous Rank: 11

Centralia allowed just 61 combined points in its first two playoff games. That level of defense will make them a difficult out. Dixon (22-6) awaits on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 21

A 78-66 win over Kickapoo sparked a significant jump in the rankings. That victory confirmed the ceiling many believed this team had. Freshman Taytum Schnakenburg led the way with 25 points.

Previous Rank: 12

Tipton made its first two playoff games look routine. The Class 2 favorite is set to face Westran (21-8) on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 13

Closing the regular season with a win over Bolivar should provide confidence. In an interesting twist, they’ll face Bolivar again in the opening round of districts.

Previous Rank: 14

This ranking could be misleading. The Cougars have a high ceiling, with many losses coming against elite competition. The challenge is sharing a district with Incarnate Word.

Previous Rank: 16

Wins over Oak Park and North Kansas City were key to closing out the regular season. This playoff run marks the final chapter of Addison Bjorn’s standout prep career.

Previous Rank: 17

Republic’s season has been a steady climb. They’ve maintained consistency and look capable of winning multiple playoff games. The journey begins against Waynesville on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 18

Getting Lauren Ortwerth back makes a major difference. The senior forward scored 30 points in the regular-season finale. Cor Jesu is a co-favorite with Jackson in its district and has a track record of winning in big moments.

Previous Rank: 20

Wins over Oakville and Webster Groves wrapped up a strong regular season. Sophomore guard Bailey Owen scored 27 points in the finale, highlighting the Mustangs’ offensive firepower.

Previous Rank: 15

A 48-44 loss to St. Teresa’s Academy ended an 11-game winning streak. The Cardinals will look to respond and begin a Class 4 playoff push on Wednesday night.

Previous Rank: 19

A dominant 46-20 win over Savannah (21-5) showed this team can overwhelm quality Class 4 opponents. The Fighting Irish have been consistent all season.

Previous Rank: 22

A 64-58 loss to Strafford reflects the story of West Plains’ season. Despite more losses than most ranked teams, each defeat has come against quality competition. They can compete with anyone but must close games to make a deep run.

Previous Rank: 23

A competitive loss to Rock Bridge won’t shift their standing. This group continues to win games and compete at a high level. Fort Zumwalt West awaits in the playoff opener Monday night.

Previous Rank: Not ranked

The Hawks make their first appearance in the rankings late in the season. At 27-1—and undefeated within Missouri—they look capable of challenging for the Class 2 state championship.

Previous Rank: Not ranked

Liberty has battled all season long. A recent win over Oak Park propelled the Blue Jays into the rankings as the two teams swap places on the edge of the Top 25.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 winning numbers for March 1, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

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

Here’s a look at March 1, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 1 drawing

Midday: 0-6-1

Midday Wild: 3

Evening: 3-1-3

Evening Wild: 7

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 1 drawing

Midday: 4-0-5-8

Midday Wild: 3

Evening: 8-8-4-7

Evening Wild: 3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 1 drawing

Early Bird: 14

Morning: 07

Matinee: 13

Prime Time: 12

Night Owl: 03

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 1 drawing

05-16-23-29-34

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

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

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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