Missouri
Missouri football preseason preview: Is Mississippi State a threat to MU in late November?
Viva Starkvegas.
The Southeastern Conference calendar is underway, with SEC media days beginning Monday in Dallas. On Tuesday, Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz will be joined by wide receiver Luther Burden III, quarterback Brady Cook and defensive tackle Kristian Williams at the event.
Missouri begins its season Thursday, Aug. 29, against Murray State on Faurot Field — a date just 45 days away.
The Tigers’ final road game of the 2024 season sends them to Starkville, Mississippi, for just the second time since joining the Southeastern Conference. By the time the Nov. 23 matchup comes around, Mizzou will have gone through the gauntlet that will likely decide whether or not it is still in consideration for the expanded, 12-team College Football Playoff.
That could make the trip to face MSU, which is coming off a 5-7 season and heading into the season with a new head coach, a nervy affair. The Bulldogs ought to look a lot different in 2024 but still have plenty of questions to answer.
Here’s what to know about Mississippi State’s offseason, including key additions, coaching changes and playmakers to watch in the Tigers’ penultimate game of the regular season:
More: Missouri football preseason preview: What Oklahoma will bring when old foes reunite
Who are the opposing names to know when Missouri football visits Mississippi State?
Quarterback: Blake Shapen transferred to Mississippi State after three seasons at Baylor, with two-and-some-change years as the starter. He has registered more than 5,500 passing yards with 36 touchdowns to 13 interceptions over his career.
Offensive playmakers: St. Louis native Kevin Coleman was a solid addition to the Bulldogs’ wide receiver room after a 362-yard, two-touchdown campaign for ACC runner-up Louisville last season. Kelly Akharaiyi was a 1,000-yard pass-catcher for UTEP last year and now makes the jump from Conference-USA to the SEC.
Defensive playmakers: Corey Ellington is an important returning piece for MSU in a secondary that lacks a lot of reps, with three seasons and 31 appearances logged. Mississippi State has turned to South Carolina transfer Stone Blanton to replace a gargantuan amount of lost reps at linebacker.
All told, however, this is a MSU defense that lacks an obvious, standout difference-maker. After losing a lot of key pieces to the league in the offense, the Bulldogs have signed just one top-500 player on defense — Blanton — out of those available in the transfer portal, per On3’s rankings. For reference, Missouri landed eight.
What did the offseason look like for Bulldogs?
Key additions: Shapen (QB); Makylan Pounders (OT); Kevin Coleman (WR); Kelly Akharaiyi (WR)
Key losses: Will Rogers (QB); Zavion Thomas (WR); Woody Marks (RB); Percy Lewis (OT); Nathaniel Watson (LB); Decamerion Richardson (CB); Jett Johnson (LB)
Key coaching changes: Jeff Lebby (HC, Oklahoma); Coleman Hutzler (DC, Alabama)
New MSU head coach Jeff Lebby, who replaced Zach Arnett in the offseason, ran a pretty versatile offense while he was the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma, and there’s no reason to suggest he’ll stray too far from that in Starkville. Mississippi State’s offense was poor in 2023, ranking 12th in yards per game (328.6) and last in passing yards per game (181.8) in the SEC. That should see an uptick under the new coach.
After spring camp, Lebby told local media that he was still targeting a running back in the portal, to replace lost reps. MSU landed on Utah State transfer Davon Booth, who rushed for 805 yards and six touchdowns last season.
While they have pieces to cobble together on offense, the Bulldogs’ biggest problem might be on defense, where it lost 346 combined single-season tackles, 17 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles of production to the NFL between Decamerion Richardson, a cornerback, and Nathaniel Watson and Jett Johnson, both linebackers.
The Bulldogs lured a pair of transfer corners from Memphis and one from West Virginia in the spring, but those additions don’t shape up to alter the identity of the secondary. The Bulldogs are severely lacking experience and depth at corner, which is not the best recipe for facing a Missouri roster loaded at wide receiver. MSU likely will have to turn to some in-house options at linebacker.
Coleman Hutzler, formerly Alabama’s special teams and outside linebackers coach, was tabbed as the Bulldogs’ new defensive play caller in the offseason. He has some tough work ahead.
Early forecast for Mizzou at Mississippi State
Mississippi State, after a one-win SEC campaign in 2023, has the tools on site to hurt someone this season in any one-off encounter. Whether or not the Bulldogs can do that to Mizzou is a different question.
The Bulldogs look like they’ll be lacking in quality depth this year, which is a problem for a late-November matchup. The season is more than likely to be the first building block of a rebuild rather than an instant turnaround after notching just one SEC win last year.
Lebby is an accomplished offensive coordinator, but he’ll have a tall task taking one of the SEC’s least explosive units into something to concern the conference’s top teams. On defense, the Bulldogs have more questions than answers.
The tone of Missouri’s season will be set by the time it heads to Starkville, where it is likely to be favored. If it has two losses or fewer, the Tigers are a playoff contender. If they have any more, that’s out the window.
More: Three transfers who could help define Missouri football’s success in 2024 season
More: Missouri football opponent preview: Why Texas A&M could be among MU’s most important games
Missouri
Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for May 22, 2026
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 22, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 22 drawing
03-22-34-54-61, Mega Ball: 08
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 22 drawing
Midday: 5-5-2
Midday Wild: 8
Evening: 7-7-0
Evening Wild: 8
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 22 drawing
Midday: 6-4-7-5
Midday Wild: 0
Evening: 4-5-6-2
Evening Wild: 6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 22 drawing
Early Bird: 12
Morning: 09
Matinee: 08
Prime Time: 01
Night Owl: 10
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from May 22 drawing
07-12-22-38-39
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.
Missouri
Missouri governor moves votes on taxes, constitutional amendments to August primary
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) -Gov. Mike Kehoe signed proclamations Friday placing four constitutional amendments on the August primary election ballot, moving up several questions that will shape Missouri’s tax structure and voting process.
The primary election will take place on August 4.
“With several significant issues set to appear before Missouri voters this year, it is important that we both prepare for the outcome of each proposal and allow each issue to receive the careful public consideration it deserves,” Kehoe said.
Two of the amendments are facing strong opposition: Amendments 4 and 5.
Past election data show more Republicans are likely to vote in the August primary election. Likely voters polled by Saint Louis University showed support for Amendments 4 and 5, with more Republicans in favor than Democrats.
All other ballot measures, if certified, will be on the November general election ballot.
Amendment 1: Natural resources sales tax
Amendment 1 continues for an existing sales tax one-tenth of one percent sales tax that supports soil and water conservation, state parks, and historic sites for 10 more years.
The ballot will read: “Shall Missouri continue for 10 years the one-tenth of one percent sales/use tax that is used for soil and water conservation and for state parks and historic sites, and resubmit this tax to the voters for approval in 10 years?
The measure allows continued collection of the existing sales and use tax, which generates revenue of approximately $140 million annually.”
Amendment 2: County assessors
Amendment 2 requires all charter counties, including Jackson County, to elect a county assessor and requires assessors to comply with training requirements established by state law.
The ballot will read: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:
- require all charter counties, including Jackson County, to provide for the election of a county assessor; and
- require assessors in all charter counties to comply with any training requirements established by general law?
State and local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings.”
Amendment 4: Constitutional amendments
Amendment 4 modifies current requirements that a simple statewide majority of voters may approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution. It requires a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution, and makes available to each voter the full text of initiative petitions with their ballot.
The ballot will read: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:
- Modify current requirements that a statewide majority of voters may approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution;
- Require a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution; and
- Make available to each voter the full text of initiative petitions with their ballot?
The Department of Corrections estimates increased annual costs of up to $21,817. The Office of State Public Defender estimates an unknown fiscal impact. Other state governmental entities estimate no costs or savings. Local governmental entities estimate no costs or savings. ”Missouri Realtors formed the Protect Majority Rule Campaign Missouri to oppose Amendments 4 and 5.
“Amendment 4 would effectively kill our initiative petition process that our citizens have to make laws directly,” said spokesperson Scott Charton.
Moberly Republican Rep. Ed Lewis, who sponsored Amendment 4, said the change is needed.
“It’s not fair that only a few sections of the state, essentially around the urban core, are essentially dictating what the constitution is going to contain,” Lewis said.
A separate group, Protect MO Voters, supports Amendment 4.
“Missourians deserve a Constitution that is protected, not hijacked by out-of-state special interests and paid signature-gathering operations. Amendment 4 ensures that changes to our founding document have real statewide support,” the group said in a statement.
Amendment 5: Taxes
Amendment 5 requires the phase-out and elimination of the individual income tax based on revenue growth and requires the reduction of property taxes and other local taxes to offset any local sales tax revenue increases, while preserving local funding for public schools.
The ballot will read: “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:
- Phase-out the individual income tax based on revenue growth;
- Reduce personal property and other local taxes when local revenues increase;
- Modify the sales and use tax to eliminate income tax and reduce local taxes; and
- Protect local funding for public schools and other purposes?
The proposal has no direct impact on state or local tax revenue. If passed, implementing legislation will have an unknown impact to state and local tax revenue. If implemented, state government entities expect a reduction of $57,000 annually in income tax check-off donations and implementation costs of at least $100,000.”
Amendment 5 is Kehoe’s tax plan. If voters approve the plan, lawmakers can raise sales tax or introduce new ones to replace the state income tax.
“The current system that we have now is 100 years old and we need to modernize it, we need to update it to reflect the current times that we live in,” said State Rep. Jon Patterson, speaker of the Missouri House.
New taxes could be placed on services, including real estate transactions.
“We call it the Everything Tax,” Charton said. “It would allow lawmakers to just ignore existing constitutional protections and raise new sales taxes and add new sales taxes on services.”
Kehoe said placing the income tax measure on the August ballot gives lawmakers additional time to prepare for implementation.
“Modernizing Missouri’s outdated tax code, specifically, will be a momentous task for the Missouri General Assembly,” Kehoe said.
A poll released this month from Saint Louis University and YouGov shows 52% of likely Missouri voters support a taxing system that relies on sales taxes instead of income taxes. However, when asked about taxing specific items, the taxes were a lot less popular. The most agreeable possible new tax is a sales tax on streaming services, like Netflix or Hulu.
To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.
Copyright 2026 KY3. All rights reserved.
Missouri
Colombian national sentenced to 25 years for raping, impregnating 12-year-old girl in Missouri
Illegal immigrant accused of groping high school girls in Virginia sparks outrage
Emily Compagno, Kayleigh McEnany, Harris Faulkner, and Steve Doocy discuss the arrest of Israel Christopher Flores-Ortiz (19), an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, accused of groping 12 female high school classmates in Fairfax County, Virginia. The Outnumbered panel slams the school district for allegedly covering up the assaults for weeks, violating state law. They also criticize the Biden administration’s immigration policies, which allowed him to enter illegally in 2024.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A Colombian national was sentenced this week to decades in prison for sexually exploiting a minor in Missouri, authorities said.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Brayanne Escobar-Guarnizo was sentenced to 25 years in prison for raping and impregnating a 12-year-old girl.
Escobar-Guarnizo was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in September 2024 after authorities received a report alleging he had impregnated the girl.
DHS said investigators uncovered photos and messages allegedly showing that Escobar-Guarnizo repeatedly made advances toward the child and requested nude photos and videos.
MAN WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO RAPING 12-YEAR-OLD RELATIVE IS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FROM HONDURAS, DHS SAYS
Brayanne Escobar-Guarnizo was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting a 12-year-old girl in Missouri, authorities said. (Department of Homeland Security)
According to DHS, Escobar-Guarnizo pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor in August 2025. He was initially charged with production of child pornography.
He was sentenced Monday to 300 months, or 25 years, in prison.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis praised the sentence in a statement.
ILLEGAL ALIEN SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS FOR PRODUCING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY INVOLVING OWN RELATIVES: ‘MONSTER’
Photos and messages showed Escobar-Guarnizo repeatedly made advances toward the child and requested nude photos and videos, according to investigators. (REUTERS/Robert Galbraith)
“This dirtbag was charged with production of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a minor after he raped and impregnated a 12-year-old girl,” Bis said in a statement.
According to DHS, Escobar-Guarnizo illegally entered the United States in 2023 under the Biden administration.
“Thanks to the investigative work of ICE law enforcement officers and our state and local partners, this child predator has now been sentenced to 25 years behind bars,” Bis said. “This illegal alien NEVER should have been allowed into our country by the Biden Administration.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at work. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
“Under Secretary Mullin, we will continue to target criminal illegal aliens and get them OUT of our communities,” she added.
DHS said the sentencing followed an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with state and local law enforcement agencies.
-
Denver, CO1 minute agoRookie LB Red Murdock is anything but Irrelevant and gives the Broncos a tackling and fumble forcing machine
-
Seattle, WA7 minutes agoWhere to watch Seattle Mariners vs Kansas City Royals: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 23
-
San Diego, CA13 minutes agoSan Diego startup is hacking plant DNA to end farming’s chemical dependence
-
Milwaukee, WI19 minutes ago
Baby Keem hits the jackpot at ‘Ca$ino’ tour stop in Milwaukee
-
Atlanta, GA25 minutes agoAmber alert for 2 missing kids; ‘Operation Lockdown’
-
Minneapolis, MN31 minutes agoDinkytown armed robbery: Victim assaulted, vehicle stolen, gun recovered
-
Indianapolis, IN37 minutes ago
Indy 500 weather forecast calls for rain on race day. What to know
-
Pittsburg, PA43 minutes agoReporter Confused By Pittsburgh’s Quarterback Plan: ‘Hamster Wheel’