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Missouri could enact new standards for underground gas lines after fatal Lexington house explosion

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Missouri could enact new standards for underground gas lines after fatal Lexington house explosion


KSHB 41 reporter Isabella Ledonne covers issues surrounding government accountability and solutions. Share your story with Isabella.

As new details emerge surrounding the deadly house explosion in Lexington, Missouri, the state legislature is considering a new bill that would increase accountability for gas companies and contractors.

The initial investigation into the explosion revealed issues with Liberty Utilities, the gas line company, procedures at the site and the response by emergency crews.

According to the report, Liberty Utilities did not properly mark an underground gas line before Alfra Construction contractors started digging on April 9.

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Contractors hit the line three hours before the home on Franklin Avenue exploded. That explosion killed five-year-old Alistair Lamb and seriously injured his father, Jacob Cunningham, and 10-year-old sister, Cami Lamb.

Courtesy: family

Cami Lamb, Alistair Lamb, Jacob Cunningham

The report also found emergency responders did not notify any of the families on the block about the gas line damage and gas leak, but did evacuate a nearby business.

The bill that’s in the Missouri Legislature would add stricter provisions for companies locating underground gas lines and for the contractors digging around them. It was filed months before the Lexington explosion happened, but it passed the Missouri Senate just one day after.

Now, it’s up to the Missouri House of Representatives to get it on the governor’s desk before legislative session ends next week.

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A national organization known as the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) established the ‘Best Practices’ for digging underground. The document outlines the standards for locating gas lines, digging around them and the responsibility to nearby homes.

CGA’s president and CEO Sarah Magruder Lyle explained Missouri sees more than an average of 1,000 damage incidents to buried utilities a year. That average includes the incident in Lexington.

Sarah Magruder Lyle

KSHB 41 News

“[The NTSB] were very clear that the line that was damaged wasn’t marked, and that is a challenge given that a five-year-old died as a consequence,” Magruder Lyle said. “The whole process has to work to keep the community safe.”

She explained Missouri is joining several other states by potentially legally adopting the organization’s Best Practices into law.

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“When we are doing our best to follow best practices, that is our best chance of making sure something like [Lexington] doesn’t happen,” Magruder Lyle said.

Missouri 811’s executive director is optimistic the legislation would tighten up accountability for companies and contractors.

Randy Norden

KSHB 41 News

“We’d hope that the legality would bring a greater level of awareness and being cognizant,” Randy Norden said.

The legislation would add a 21-day time limit to dig after companies mark an area for underground lines. It would mandate any new underground lines installed include a detectable location device that can be detected above ground with an electronic device, with the exception of sewers installed greater than six feet underground, and give a voice to contractors by adding them to the Missouri 811 governing board.

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“[The bill] is just going to help prevent these line strikes and just enhance our protections that we have here in Missouri,” 8th District State Representative, Josh Hurlbert, said.

Hurlbert, is handling the bill on the house side.

Rep. Josh Hurlbert

KSHB 41 News

“I’m hopeful that we can get it across the line, it can get in place and that it’ll be beneficial to protecting Missouri households,” Representative Hurlbert said.

The consequences for companies that do not follow the ‘Best Practices’ would be the same as what’s already in place in Missouri. Companies would be fined up to $10,000 a day for each violation.

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It’s now going through the House committees before a final vote. Magruder Lyle emphasized the clock is ticking to get the bill into law.

“This is about as timely and current and needed as anything else, I would argue, that’s sitting in committee right now,” Magruder Lyle said.

Representative Hurlbert expressed his optimism with getting the bill through.

“We’re in a position where we’re just one vote away in the House from sending it to the Governor’s desk,” Representative Hurlbert said.

As for the families impacted by the explosion, a second lawsuit has been filed for damages.

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Jacob Cunningham filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the four companies involved in the incident.

Shayne and Alicia Billings also lived on Franklin Avenue at the time of the explosion. They claim in their lawsuit against the same four companies involved that Liberty Utilities, Alfra Communications, United Fiber and Sellenriek Construction were negligent leading up to the gas line damage and subsequent explosion.

They are seeking damages in excess of $50,000.





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Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Nov. 5, 2025

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The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Nov. 5, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

09-17-29-61-66, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 5

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

Midday: 9-4-6

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Midday Wild: 6

Evening: 8-6-5

Evening Wild: 3

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

Midday: 0-0-9-7

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Midday Wild: 4

Evening: 3-8-1-1

Evening Wild: 8

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

09-13-26-47-53, Cash Ball: 03

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Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

Early Bird: 04

Morning: 13

Matinee: 06

Prime Time: 02

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Night Owl: 09

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

02-04-15-36-37

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Nov. 5 drawing

07-10-18-21-61, Powerball: 11

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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

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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.

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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 takes on Tulane after Dowell’s 21-point game

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Missouri takes on Tulane after Dowell’s 21-point game


Associated Press

Missouri Tigers (1-0) at Tulane Green Wave (1-0)

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New Orleans; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Missouri visits Tulane after Shannon Dowell scored 21 points in Missouri’s 78-71 victory over the Central Arkansas Sugar Bears.

Tulane finished 17-13 overall last season while going 10-5 at home. The Green Wave averaged 68.3 points per game while allowing opponents to score 65.1 last season.

Missouri went 14-18 overall a season ago while going 3-7 on the road. The Tigers shot 43.3% from the field and 36.6% from 3-point range last season.

___

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Missouri warns public about 7-OH products – Missourinet

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Missouri warns public about 7-OH products – Missourinet


The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has issued an advisory regarding 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-hydroxy and 7-OH.

It’s an extract of the kratom plant and it’s being marketed as a “natural remedy” for pain relief and brain stimulation. But 164 people in Missouri have died from using Kratom products since 2019, including those containing 7-OH.

Dr. Heidi Miller, Chief Medical Officer for DHSS compares 7-OH to an opioid, saying it can be up to 13 times stronger than morphine.

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“Nationally, we have seen patients who have died from overdose have had kratom-type substances in their blood,” she told Missourinet. “Unfortunately, it’s very hard to distinguish between whether or not someone has taken the kratom leaf versus this concentrated 7-OH substance.”

Miller also said the Missouri Poison Center has seen a rise in 7-OH reported cases.

“You know, two years ago, we only had about 19 reports, and then the year after that (2024), we had 25 reports. And this year, 2025 – the year isn’t even done – and we already have 47 reports.”

Miller said 7-OH is unregulated, and products containing the compound can easily be purchased online or at convenience stores, without age restrictions.

“Seven-hydroxy products are sold as, like, little energy shots or powders that can be mixed into drinks,” she said. “There are also versions that can be dissolved in the mouth. There are versions that can be inhaled. There are gummies.”

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Symptoms of 7-OH exposure may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal distress.
  • Anxiety, agitation, confusion and insomnia.
  • Rapid heart rate, high blood pressure and trouble breathing.
  • Seizures, unconsciousness and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Risk of overdose, especially when combined with alcohol or other sedatives.

Miller said anyone experiencing symptoms or is suspected of overdosing should call 911, and to administer naloxone (Narcan) if any is available.

Copyright © 2025 · Missourinet



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