Missouri

Lawsuit claims new Missouri court secrecy law is unconstitutional • Missouri Independent

Published

2 years ago

June 3, 2024

Lawsuit claims new Missouri court secrecy law is unconstitutional • Missouri Independent

A state law requiring secrecy in court filings violates the Missouri Constitution’s requirement for open courts and imposes steep new costs on litigants, especially those pursuing appeals, a lawsuit filed last week argues.

The lawsuit, filed in Cole County by the Missouri Broadcasters Association, two attorneys and William Freivogel, editor of the Gateway Journalism Review, asks for the courts to overturn the law, passed during the 2023 legislative session.

Along with violating Missourians’ rights to courts that are open, the lawsuit alleges that the law violates First Amendment free speech protections in the U.S. Constitution and sections of the Missouri Constitution limiting lawmakers’ powers to expand bills beyond their original scope.

Under the law and rules implementing it, every reference to a witness or victim in every case filing must be censored or the attorney filing it risks sanctions.

“For example, court records cannot even name the victim of a murder case – even though murder is a terrible crime of great interest to every Missouri community and citizen,” the lawsuit states. “This makes it difficult for citizens and the media to fully follow and understand criminal cases of great interest. And there is no privacy interest for redacting murder victims’ names, because homicide victims, being deceased, have no personal privacy interest.”

Removing those names can be time consuming and – when lawyers charge hundreds of dollars per hour – expensive, said Dave Roland, one of the attorneys working on the case.

Missouri hides more court information from the public than other states

The rules put additional burdens on prosecutors, defense attorneys and counsel in civil cases to scour their filings for possible violations, Roland said. The task is multiplied many times when preparing cases for an appeal, he said, because a party seeking to overturn a lower court ruling must file a complete copy of the court record – including transcripts of trials and other hearings – with all the prohibited information removed.

Transcripts are already expensive, Roland said.

“Depending on the length of the trial you know, the cost can vary,” he said. “If you have a one day trial, it may only be a couple of hundred dollars for the transcript. If you’ve got a multi-week trial, then it could be thousands of dollars.”

The two attorneys who are parties to the case, Michael Gross and Nina McDonnell, have turned down clients because of the additional cost and time

“For example, Plaintiff McDonnell recently refused an employment discrimination direct appeal from a 12-day trial because redacting the transcripts would have required time the potential client could not afford, and the firm could not absorb,” the lawsuit states.

Roland’s co-counsels on the case include former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Wolff, who with Roland will represent Freivogel and the two attorneys, and Mike Nepple, Mark Sableman and Justin Mulligan of Thompson Coburn, representing the broadcasters.

In October, writing for Gateway Journalism Review, Sableman called Missouri the “State of Unnamed Persons.”

The new law hurts the public by hiding information, makes it difficult for attorneys outside the case to evaluate it and leaves people interested in a case unsure about how it was handled, he wrote.

Even judges writing appellate opinions must follow the rules and leave out any individual identifiers, he noted.

“You can’t tell if ‘Expert Witness’ in one case had been found to lack credibility in a previous case,” Sableman wrote “You can’t tell if Officer D.V. in State v. Smith was found guilty of misconduct in another case. If you know and care about a particular case, you can’t tell if the witnesses you know about were called to testify or considered by the court.”

The broadcasters association joined the lawsuit because court records are a staple of news reporting, said Chad Mahoney, executive director of the association.

“You have to have the facts and the context to give people the whole truth,” Mahoney said. “And now a lot of the context, according to what we’re hearing from some of our member newsrooms, is lost, making it very difficult for them to inform the public about what’s going on.”

The lawsuit not only asks the court to throw out the law requiring censorship of court documents, it also argues that the bill in its entirety violates procedural rules in the constitution for passing bills.

Under those rules, a bill changing court operating rules established by the Missouri Supreme Court must be “a law limited to the purpose.” In addition, bills cannot be amended to change their original purpose and must deal with “one subject clearly expressed in its title.”

The bill that included the court censorship language began in the Senate as a four-page bill changing the dates in one section of state law concerning when a fund to support court automation expires, with a title stating it was about court automation.

When it left the Senate, it was five pages long and included a pay raise for court reporters. The title stated it was about court operations.

When it returned from the House, it was 54 pages long, it altered 29 sections of state statutes and the title stated it was about judicial proceedings. There are at least five provisions that have nothing to do with the courts, the lawsuit states.

State Rep. Rudy Viet, a Wardsville Republican, shepherded the bill through the House. He could not be reached Monday for comment on the lawsuit.

The provision was added on the House floor by state Rep. Justin Hicks, a Lake St. Louis Republican. Hicks could not be reached Monday for comment.

Hicks, a candidate for the GOP nomination to Congress in the 3rd District, has used the courts repeatedly to bury embarrassing information about his past. In 2021, he persuaded a St. Louis County judge to seal the records from a 2010 domestic violence case when a woman accused Hicks, then 17, of choking her.

A consent order signed by Hicks barred him from contact with the woman for a year.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

When a potential candidate for Hicks’s House seat published copies of the order and other material from the case online, Hicks sued him and accused him of publishing private information. After initially sealing the case, St. Charles County Circuit Judge W. Christopher McDonough opened it, saying there was no “compelling justification” to keep it closed. The case has since been dismissed.

Because the lawsuit has just been filed, there has been no response from the state. But because the attorney general’s office, which will have to defend the law, has already been troubled by violations in its own court filings, Roland hopes for a quick resolution.

“It is possible, and this is me being optimistic, that the attorney general’s office may recognize that they’ve got a significant constitutional problem on their hands,” Roland said.

In a pending appeal of a $23 million award to HHS Technologies over a breach of contract claim with the state Medicaid system, Bailey’s office had to file the same set of documents three times to get the redactions right, the Kansas City Star reported.

“This illustrates the problem,” Roland said. “If the attorney general’s office is going to get dinged for failing to make proper redactions, it illustrates the problem.”

Source link

Click to comment

Missouri

BetMGM bonus code CUSE: Extended $1500 TNF bonus in Missouri!

Published

4 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

BetMGM bonus code CUSE: Extended 00 TNF bonus in Missouri!

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the momentum of BetMGM Sportsbook’s official launch in Missouri continues to build. As the legal sports betting era takes hold across the Show-Me State, new users can capitalize on BetMGM Missouri’s premier welcome promotion: the BetMGM bonus code CUSE unlocks a $1,500 First Bet Offer in MO, providing one of the most significant safety nets available in the national market.

This launch-specific offer represents a major deviation from the standard promotions typically found in established markets. By activating the BetMGM bonus code CUSE today, Missouri bettors secure insurance on their very first wager, allowing them to explore the platform’s extensive markets with peace of mind, as their initial bet will be refunded in bonus bets if it loses.

BetMGM Bonus Code CUSE Sets a High Bar for Missouri:

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

The timing of this rollout is perfect for local fans, as the St. Louis Blues continue their season and the NFL enters the critical Week 16 stretch. While some sportsbooks offer small, fixed-sum “bet and get” deals, the BetMGM Missouri structure is designed for a high-ceiling play. If your first bet up to $1,500 loses, BetMGM will refund your entire stake in bonus bets.

Key Deal Terms:

Bonus Code: CUSE
Offer (Missouri Only): $1,500 First Bet Offer (Stake refunded as bonus bets if you lose).
Value Differential: Offers a significantly higher ceiling for first-time users compared to standard fixed-bonus deals.
Launch Date: December 2025 (Live Now).

Thursday Night Football: Rams vs. Seahawks Matchup Details (NFL Week 16):

The biggest stage for Missouri bettors tonight is Thursday Night Football, featuring a pivotal NFC West clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

Betting Odds:

Spread: Seahawks -1.5
Over/Under: 42.5
Moneyline: Rams +110 | Seahawks -120
All odds above subject to change.

Xbox Bowl: Missouri State vs. Arkansas State Matchup Details:

Adding to the excitement is the Xbox Bowl at the Ford Center at The Star. This game marks a historic milestone as the Missouri State Bears make their FBS bowl debut against the Arkansas State Red Wolves.

Betting Odds:

Spread: Arkansas State -1
Over/Under: 54.5
Moneyline: Missouri State -104 | Arkansas State -105
All odds above subject to change.

By using the BetMGM bonus code CUSE to wager on any of these markets—whether backing the Rams (+110) or taking the Bears (-104) in their bowl debut—your first bet is protected. If your pick hits, you keep the cash; if it falls short, your stake returns as bonus bets.

How to Activate the BetMGM Bonus Code CUSE:

$1500 BetMGM Bonus Code Instructions. — BetMGM Bonus Code unlocks the sports betting bonus when you follow these simple steps.BetMGM Missouri.

Sign Up: Click through to the BetMGM app or site and register your new account in Missouri.
Enter Code: Ensure the BetMGM bonus code CUSE is entered in the designated field during registration.
Deposit: Fund your account with a minimum deposit of $10.
Place Your First Bet: Wager on any market, such as Rams vs. Seahawks or the Xbox Bowl.
Get Your Bonus: If your first bet loses, BetMGM will refund your stake (up to $1,500) in bonus bets!

Conclusion: BetMGM Missouri Delivers a Premier Launch Offer!

The arrival of BetMGM in Missouri brings a top-tier betting experience to the state. By engaging the BetMGM bonus code CUSE during this launch week, sports fans can lock in a massive $1,500 safety net, ensuring the strongest possible start to the legal betting era in Missouri.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. See BetMGM.com for Terms. 21+ only. MO Only. New Customer Offer (If applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. Please gamble responsibly. Minimum $10 deposit required. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new player offer. Add’l terms.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Source link

Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 17, 2025

Published

16 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 17, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

25-33-53-62-66, Powerball: 17, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

Midday: 7-2-7

Midday Wild: 0

Evening: 8-0-0

Evening Wild: 6

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

Midday: 7-6-5-1

Midday Wild: 2

Evening: 0-1-5-9

Evening Wild: 4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

03-32-33-36-59, Cash Ball: 03

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

Early Bird: 03

Morning: 08

Matinee: 15

Prime Time: 01

Night Owl: 09

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

06-07-09-13-15

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 17 drawing

24-43-65-66-68, Powerball: 03

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.

Source link

Missouri

Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE: Expanded $365 “Bowl Season” bonus in Missouri!

Published

1 day ago

December 17, 2025

Press Room

Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE: Expanded 5 “Bowl Season” bonus in Missouri!

As of Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Bowl Season is officially underway, the NBA regular season rolls on, and Bet365 Sportsbook is cementing its status in Missouri. To keep the energy high during this pivotal launch month, Bet365 Missouri is presenting a can’t-miss opportunity for tonight’s action: the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE unlocks a guaranteed Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets offer for all new Missouri customers.

This bonus acts as a strategic outlier in the current market. While typical welcome offers in states like Arizona or Colorado cap out at $150, Missouri bettors activating the Bet365 bonus code today today gain access to an additional $215 in guaranteed value. This $365 payout stands as one of the most robust bankroll-builders available in the U.S. sports betting landscape.

Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE: A New National Benchmark

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

The timing of this promotion is ideal for a Wednesday night featuring the 68 Ventures Bowl and a competitive NBA doubleheader. The Bet365 bonus code structure is designed for maximum flexibility. Unlike complicated “second chance” rebates that require a loss to trigger, the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE delivers the $365 payout simply for placing a qualifying wager, regardless of the game’s final score.

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 Top Betting Event: 68 Ventures Bowl

The Bet365 bonus code is live just in time for tonight’s college football showdown in Mobile, Alabama. Missouri bettors can use their qualifying $10 wager on Louisiana-Lafayette or Delaware to trigger the $365 bonus before checking out the NBA matchups.

Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Delaware: Detailed Breakdown

Teams: Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Delaware
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Venue: Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL

Current Betting Odds

Spread: Louisiana-Lafayette favored at -3
Total (Over/Under): 61.5
Moneyline Odds: Louisiana-Lafayette -146, Delaware +125

Note: Odds are subject to change.

By using the Bet365 bonus code to place a $10 wager on the Ragin’ Cajuns to cover (-3) or the underdog Blue Hens (+125), new users will secure $365 in bonus bets to use on the schedule listed below.

Full Wednesday Schedule:

Once the Bet365 bonus code is activated, bettors can use their bonus funds on the 68 Ventures Bowl or the following NBA games taking place tonight:

8:00 PM ET: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls (United Center)
8:00 PM ET: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Target Center)
8:30 PM ET: Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Delaware (Hancock Whitney Stadium)

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 straightforward, 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 68 Ventures Bowl tonight, or any NBA market.
Distribution: The Bet365 bonus code automatically releases $365 in bonus bets to your balance once the wager settles.

Conclusion: A Winning Wednesday for Bet365 Missouri!

Bet365 Missouri is setting a new benchmark for new user value. By deploying the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE during this action-packed week of Bowl Games and basketball, sports fans can lock in a premium $365 bonus, ensuring they have ample ammunition to tackle every snap of the college football postseason and every quarter of NBA action.

GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+ only. Must be physically located in MO. T&Cs Apply. In App Only.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.

Source link