Missouri

New session, old kerfuffles for the Missouri Legislature – Missourinet

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2024

New session, old kerfuffles for the Missouri Legislature – Missourinet

The Missouri Legislature’s 2024 regular session has begun in Jefferson City. Members of the newly formed Missouri Freedom Caucus, made up of far-right conservative Republicans, wasted no time picking up where they left off last year.

The group is a local Missouri chapter of the congressional House Freedom Caucus, which has been known to take hard stances toward social conservatism and small government. It’s made up of frustrated and fed-up far right leaning lawmakers from what some see as a lack of action last year.

During his opening day speech, President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, tried to strike a unifying tone.

“Will we focus on principle progress or political pandemonium? Will we care more about Missouri’s future or our own futures? What I’m about to say is not breaking news, political experts and onlookers don’t think this session is going to amount to much,” said Rowden. “My simple message is let’s prove them wrong.”

But like a scratch in a vinyl record, that unifying tone abruptly ended. The Freedom Caucus questioned why priorities like initiative petition changes and property tax relief did not pass last year. Caucus chair Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, took to the Senate floor to put his fellow Republicans to task for blaming him for lack of bills passing last year.

“We’ve been pushed to a point to where we wanted peace,” Brattin said. “We’ve been shown to say peace is no option. Now, I say that in terms of, I’m not going to be spiteful towards an individual, I’m not going to be hate-filled. But, in terms of advancing policy, this will be a ‘show no prisoner’ type of approach.”

Rep. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles, is also a member. He said the time for statesmanship is over.

“I don’t care if it’s Republicans screwing the pooch or Democrats doing it,” Schroer said. “We need to take this state in the right direction. We need to stop overspending. We need to stop overtaxing. We need to put the people back in power and, yes, if it takes reading a substitute bill that’s dropped on our desks five minutes before we start talking about it, to walk through that bill to see what’s in it, you can count on me to do that this year.”

The caucus called out their fellow Republican members for being “Republicans in Name Only.” Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, said his caucus members tried extending olive branches.

“In every case, those olive branches were rejected,” Eigel said. “Honestly, it was a mistake for some of us to wait till the closing days of session to start pushing back as hard as we did in the last days when suddenly things like expanding gambling were as important as eliminating personal property tax.”

On the other hand, the Senators have been blamed for holding up business in recent sessions and they are expected to again this year.

Top priorities this year for the Republican-controlled legislature include restricting foreign ownership of Missouri land, making it tougher to pass voter-approved ballot measures, ways to reduce property taxes, as well as boosting access to childcare.

The one constitutional duty that state lawmakers has is to pass a balanced budget.

House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, said this will be a different year for the state budget.

“Gone are the federal dollars that have been thrown at the states that have helped grow inflation,” said Plocher. “We must again budget wisely and protect the surplus we’ve so hard worked to build up. The consensus revenues are almost flat. We need to be responsible with the surplus and ensure that Missouri is prepared for the future rainy day that we know always comes.”

Another priority this year for many members of the Missouri House and Senate is passing a bill to help pay for the state’s Medicaid costs. The federal reimbursement allowance bill, also known as the FRA, taxes Missouri hospitals to help with those expenses. Far-right Conservatives are expected to pick up where they left off last year, by blocking bills, possibly jeopardizing the fate of proposals such as the FRA.

The Missouri House’s Republican and Democratic leaders agree that the legislature must pass the FRA. House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, said she is concerned about the fate of the bill.

“So if we do not pass the FRA, we will be out so much money and where’s that money going to come from – public education, general revenue. And so, when we have the conversation about the FRA, it’s not just about making our Medicaid program solvent – it’s about making sure that we are funding all of the things necessary,” said Quade.

Plocher, who is running for Lt. Governor, said lawmakers must pass the bill.

“How vital is three-and-a-half to $4 billion on a $50 billion budget if we don’t get it passed? I don’t think our budget can absorb a three and a half to $4 billion hit,” he said. “The FRA has been continually passed in Missouri since 1992 by both parties.”

Two years ago, the Missouri Legislature did not pass the bill during the regular session – forcing Gov. Mike Parson to call lawmakers back for a special session.

Quade, who is running for governor, said she is apprehensive to what Republicans will accomplish this year. But Quade said she is hopeful that they can work together.

“Our expectations are pretty low for a wildly successful year,” said Quade. “As you all know, there are a lot of elections coming up and a lot of Republican primaries in our future. There are a lot of things that have happened over the past few months pitting our Senate and House chambers against each other more so than usual.”

She outlined several Democratic priorities, including ways to boost teacher pay, restricting foreign ownership of farmland, as well as reducing or eliminating taxes on groceries, feminine hygiene products, and diapers.

Plocher, on the other hand, said he’s optimistic about the session.

“Doom and gloom has no business in this building,” said Plocher. “I mean, if you live by that, you wouldn’t want to serve the public, right. I mean, we come down here – it’s hard to pass a bill and it should be. But we have to do the job. I signed up for this. I welcome the challenge. We’re going to pass good stuff. I hope the Senate works with us.”

Both leaders also expressed interest in legislative efforts to reduce crime.

Plocher said he is confident that he can still lead the lower chamber in this new session of the legislature. His comment follows a committee in his chamber reportedly investigating him for months.

“That’s all doom and gloom and just drama,” said Plocher. “I want to get past the drama. I believe the drama will be behind us shortly. Now what the Senate does, that’s their ballgame altogether.”

The nature of the investigation is unknown and so is the timeline for the House Ethics Committee to wrap up its work.

By Anthony Morabith and Alisa Nelson

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Missouri

Missouri auditor to probe St. Louis arts funder after whistleblower complaint

Published

2 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Missouri auditor to probe St. Louis arts funder after whistleblower complaint

Missouri state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has launched a review of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis’ finances.

The audit is in response to complaints from a whistleblower who alerted the office to possible misuse of funds, Fitzpatrick said Tuesday. The auditor’s office then reviewed documents provided by RAC during an initial investigation before launching a full audit.

“We have verified the veracity of the whistleblower complaint, and have seen with our own eyes at this point records that give us enough concern that we want to proceed with an audit,” Fitzpatrick said.

The auditor’s report could be released late this year or in early 2027, he added. It would then be up to state and local authorities to follow up on any potential misconduct.

In an unsigned statement, RAC said it receives an annual audit from a firm selected by the offices of the St. Louis mayor and St. Louis County executive and that it shares the results publicly. “[We] are confident the findings from the state will mirror the success we have come to expect at the local level,” the statement says.

“We welcome the opportunity to provide documentation and context regarding our financial practices and grantmaking processes. As always, RAC will continue to focus on serving the St. Louis region’s arts and cultural community and maintaining the public’s trust,” the statement adds.

Potential issues identified in the state auditor’s initial investigation include the possibilities that RAC’s administrative expenses exceed what is allowed by statute, that leaders issued bonuses disallowed by the state constitution and that large grants were issued with no follow-up to ensure the money was used properly.

Fitzpatrick said his actions are not related to the commission’s choice of grant recipients.

Changes to the grant process

RAC distributes annual grants to arts organizations in St. Louis and St. Louis County. It is funded by a tax on hotel and motel stays. The commission distributed $3.7 million last year.

The organization suspended grant applications for fiscal 2026 due to “continuing financial volatility” and a new five-year plan, according to a note on its website. It will use applications received in 2025 as a guide for its 2026 grants.

Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis

Vanessa Cooksey took leadership of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis in 2021.

“This pause allows RAC to support eligible and high-scoring 2025 grantees and applicants while navigating financial challenges and planning for a stronger, more sustainable grant program in the future,” the note says.

RAC publishes a list of its annual grants online.

Vanessa Cooksey became president and CEO of the organization in 2020 after it spent a year without a permanent leader. Previous chief Felicia Shaw had stepped down in November 2019. Neither Shaw nor RAC provided a public explanation for Shaw’s departure.

Some smaller organizations had complained that during Shaw’s tenure they stopped receiving annual grants.

The Regional Arts Commission had a $13.4 million budget in 2024, according to tax documents. Cooksey received a $196,253 salary and $28,652 in additional compensation.

Continuing a process begun by Shaw, Cooksey oversaw changes to grant applications that she said were meant to simplify the process – including removing a longstanding split between its funding mechanisms for large and small organizations.

A key arts funder after the coronavirus pandemic

In November 2022, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to direct $10.6 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to RAC. A measure that would have allocated another $1.6 million failed to pass the St. Louis County Council, so RAC was statutorily required to distribute ARPA funds only to groups based in St. Louis.

RAC has distributed $9.5 million of the ARPA money so far, funding 195 individual artists and 75 organizations.

Arts leaders said in 2022 that the sector supports more than 19,000 jobs and generates nearly $600 million a year – more than all local sports franchises combined.

The federal money was a boon to St. Louis artists and arts organizations following a steep decrease in funding at the height of the coronavirus pandemic due to decreased tourism in the region.

Tax revenues earmarked for RAC decreased from $9.5 million in fiscal 2019 to $2.8 million the next year. Tax revenue directed to RAC have increased but still lag behind the pre-pandemic total. The commission reported $7.5 million in tax revenue received in fiscal 2024.

RAC presented a new five-year plan with much fanfare in March 2020 but had little initial opportunity to implement it. Not long after, St. Louis officials put limits on public gatherings to tamp down spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Commission officials released a new five-year strategic roadmap in December 2025.

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Missouri

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

Published

14 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

1 day 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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