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Two Springfield journalists to be inducted into Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame

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Two Springfield journalists to be inducted into Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame



Mike O’Brien, former editor and columnist for the News-Leader, and Dianne Elizabeth Osis, founding publisher of the Springfield Business Journal, are among those to be inducted.

Two Springfield journalists will be among those joining the Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame on Sept. 20 during the Missouri Press Association’s annual convention in Springfield. The 2024 class is the 34th group to be inducted since the Hall of Fame was established in 1991.

This year’s inductees are Mike O’Brien, former editor and columnist for the Springfield News-Leader; Dianne Elizabeth Osis, founding publisher of the Springfield Business Journal; Doug Kneibert, former editor of the Sedalia Democrat; and Michael Stair, former city editor for the Joplin Globe.

Hall of Fame inductees (or their families) receive Pinnacle Awards in honor of the inductees’ service to the Missouri newspaper industry and their communities. Inductees’ plaques will join the permanent display of inductees in the MPA office in Columbia and in the student lounge in Lee Hills Hall at the Missouri School of Journalism.

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Mike O’Brien, former News-Leader editor and columnist, to be inducted to Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame

For nearly 60 years, Mike O’Brien has been a driving force in keeping those in southwest Missouri informed and entertained. He started in 1966 as an intern with Springfield Newspapers — never mind the fact he was an advertising major at the Missouri School of Journalism. O’Brien’s well-known nose for news, informative columns, photography work, and ability to grab a reader’s attention ensured a steady string of assignments after that.

After graduating in 1967, O’Brien joined the dual Springfield Leader & Press and Springfield Daily News operation. He remained there through the papers’ merger into the Springfield News-Leader. He left the newsroom in 1987 as associate editor but continued as a columnist for another 20 years.

Throughout his career, O’Brien has embraced the future of the profession, including setting up Springfield Newspapers’ first computer system and teaching colleagues how to use it. He also helped younger reporters develop and hone their skills. “OB” is regarded as a true master of the journalist’s craft, serving as a role model and mentor for budding journalists.

Over the years, O’Brien has been asked to return to the newspaper to provide new reporters with a lesson on all aspects of the job and share history of the Ozarks. O’Brien’s departure from the News-Leader was the journalism profession’s gain as he joined the faculty of Missouri State University and later Drury University. He continues to fulfill the role of training the next generation of journalists at Drury.

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A master of adaptation, O’Brien has worked in all the newsroom roles of a print newspaper. But at heart, he is a beat reporter. Today, O’Brien’s beat is writing occasional feature stories for the Springfield Daily Citizen website and writing on social media about community issues that interest him.

Dianne Elizabeth Osis, founding publisher of the Springfield Business Journal, to be inducted into Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame

Dianne Elizabeth Osis produced her first newspaper, Top’s Executive Journal, in July 1980 from her kitchen table, with only an academic background in journalism. Standing for The Ozarks Pulse, it was inspired by a similar publication from her time working at a law firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was the first business journal in Missouri.

The newspaper, initially published every other week, limped along in its early years because people in the area were not familiar with the business journal concept. Osis persisted because she believed the newspaper model could work in Springfield, and in 1983, the publication was renamed as Springfield Business Journal, bringing new success.

A move into Springfield’s fledgling downtown in the mid-1980s, combined with Osis’ determination, meant the newspaper embraced the up-and-coming area and in turn the businesses supported SBJ. She would further show her commitment to the downtown by purchasing and renovating a former hotel to serve as the newspaper’s offices.

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Community leaders credit Osis’ vision and commitment as a significant factor in the revitalization of Springfield’s downtown, helping to build confidence with others in the area and inspire a resurgence of investment over the following years.

Regularly volunteering for community efforts, Osis is an example of an unselfish leader and seen as “a model for a civic-minded journalist” with many of the same traits that made her a good journalist also applying to her work on various boards and committees.

Osis’ work as one of the first female business journal publishers in the nation broke barriers and paved the way for other women in the industry, including her daughter, Jennifer Jackson, who succeeded Osis as publisher of SBJ in 2011 and as president of SBJ Publishing in 2017. Her commitment to journalism and mentorship of aspiring journalists continues to have a lasting impact, fostering growth and success of countless individuals during her career.



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Missouri bill that would split Jackson County and Kansas City gets little support from lawmakers

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Missouri bill that would split Jackson County and Kansas City gets little support from lawmakers


A Missouri House committee had its first hearing this week on a proposed constitutional amendment that would split Kansas City and Jackson County upon approval by voters.

The legislation is nicknamed “Jackxit,” a nod to Brexit, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union in 2020.

Republican state Rep. Mike Steinmeyer is sponsoring the bill. He said eastern Jackson County voters feel underrepresented in the county government, and this legislation would give them the power to change that.

At the hearing, committee members listened to Steinmeyer’s presentation of the bill before asking questions and sharing their thoughts.

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Democratic state Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore compared what the bill proposes to “The Great Divorce” that saw the legal separation of the city of St. Louis from St. Louis County in 1876.

Several committee members criticized a part of the bill that says if it’s signed into law, the question of whether to split the county in two would appear on the Missouri ballot every 10 years.

Moore called it a “never-ending clause.”

“There’s a provision that says every 10 years this has to go back on the ballot, whether you like it or not,” Moore said. “And we’re going to keep voting on it, until you vote the way we think you should.”

Democratic state Rep. Jeff Hales said the bill’s language suggests the question would reappear on the ballot every 10 years until it’s approved by voters.

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“Why does it end when it’s approved if the importance and the value here is giving the voters of Jackson County a right to weigh in on their charter and their government?” Hales said.

Steinmeyer said that clause exists to give Jackson County voters the opportunity to weigh in on their form of government.

“It gives them the right to speak and say we want change, or we want to abolish and start over,” Steinmeyer said. “That’s all we’re asking for.”

Democratic state Rep. Ashley Aune questioned how the ballot question would protect the right of voters. Steinmeyer said it protects their right to vote and be heard, specifically on their governance.

Lobbyist Shannon Cooper testified on behalf of the city of Kansas City, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. He said during a public comment period that the bill was “the most befuddling piece of legislation” that he’s had to testify for or against.

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Cooper brought up the historic recall election of County Executive Frank White Jr. and said the recall showed the system Steinmeyer is trying to fix with this bill can work.

“If the voters are not happy, they can deal with their problems,” Cooper said. “They’ve proven that in the last year.”

No action was taken on the bill, and it is not yet scheduled for a future hearing.





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Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve the city’s $2.6 billion budget for 2026-27

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Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve the city’s .6 billion budget for 2026-27


KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council voted Thursday to approve a $2.6 billion budget for the city’s fiscal year of 2026-27.

The budget includes $744 million in spending for public safety, including $26.3 million for a new Department of Community Safety and $4.2 million to hire 50 new KCMO Police Department officers, along with 10 call takers and 10 dispatchers.

“Our budget respects the strong fiscal foundation the taxpayers have helped Kansas City build, maintaining a rainy-day fund of over $200 million, increasing road resurfacing, hiring more public safety and city workers, and investing in all Kansas City neighborhoods,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a news release from the city. “In a city that can walk and chew gum, we are proud to welcome the world while delivering strong basic services for Kansas City’s families.” 

The council voted to spend $83.8 million for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to provide bus services, but the KCATA may have to make cuts in bus services even with a $6 million boost in funding from the city.

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In addition, the council approved spending $39.4 million for citywide street resurfacing and $1.5 million for tearing down dangerous buildings.
 
“This budget reflects a collaborative effort across the city, and provides a clear path for Kansas City to keep moving forward with discipline, accountability and a focus on service,” City Manager Mario Vasquez said in the news release. “Thank you to the council for its thoughtful deliberation and input in crafting this budget.” 

More information on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget can be found on the city’s website.





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Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for March 25, 2026

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

Here’s a look at March 25, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 25 drawing

07-21-55-56-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 3-2-0

Midday Wild: 7

Evening: 0-0-5

Evening Wild: 5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 25 drawing

Midday: 2-6-3-9

Midday Wild: 4

Evening: 9-5-6-8

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 25 drawing

Early Bird: 07

Morning: 09

Matinee: 04

Prime Time: 14

Night Owl: 07

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Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 25 drawing

12-14-22-26-28

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 25 drawing

35-38-41-43-62, Powerball: 08

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

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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

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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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