Missouri
What would Dana Ford’s buyout be if Missouri State basketball made a move this week?
Missouri State men’s basketball coach Dana Ford enters Arch Madness this week widely considered to be on the hot seat following his worst finish in the Missouri Valley Conference regular season standings.
Ford has one year remaining on his contract.
The university made it known that it is noncommittal to Ford’s future after Missouri State President Clif Smart wrote in a blog post last week that the season would be evaluated once it concludes. Smart and MSU Athletics Director Kyle Moats gave Ford a vote of confidence entering Arch Madness a year ago, saying he would be back when it was reasonable to believe he could have been let go near the end of the 2022-23 season.
The Bears enter Thursday’s first-round game at Arch Madness as the nine-seed, the program’s worst finish in the league since 2008-09 in its first year under Cuonzo Martin.
The News-Leader attempted to ask Smart and Moats about the decision-making process last week in light of Smart’s upcoming retirement in June. A university athletics spokesperson declined to comment on behalf of both.
More: Missouri State noncommittal on Dana Ford’s future as Bears’ men’s basketball coach
What would Dana Ford’s buyout be?
Missouri State used different language in its “cancellation without cause by the university” section of Ford’s contract than in the past.
According to his contract, the sum of the buyout would be calculated by taking the number of months remaining on his contract and multiplying it by his monthly pay. That number would then be divided by two. To put it simply with one year left on his contract, Ford would be paid for half of those months.
With 12 months remaining on his contract with a monthly salary listed at $30,416, it appears a potential buyout would be around $182,496.
Once Proud: A look at the downfall in Missouri State men’s basketball interest
Part 1: Missouri State basketball games are emptier than ever. What happened, and what’s next?
Part 2: Here’s how Missouri State’s rivals are filling the bleachers at basketball games
Part 3: What’s being done to save Missouri State’s dying men’s basketball fanbase?
What if Dana Ford was to cancel his contract and leave for a different program?
In the event Ford is not fired by Missouri State and he was to pursue a different head coaching job, he would have to pay the school around $182,496.
However, if he left for an assistant job at any level, a head coaching job at a smaller division or left collegiate coaching for a year, he could leave without owing anything. It’s the same clause Missouri State had with former football coach Bobby Petrino who took a coordinator position elsewhere and he nor UNLV had to pay MSU anything.
What were the original terms of his contract?
Ford signed a five-year deal in March 2022 that paid him $375,000 in his first two years and $425,000 in years three, four and five. Until he signed an extension, the original deal was set to expire following the 2022-23 season.
When was Dana Ford’s contract extended?
Ford’s contract was extended following the 2020-21 season. He was coming off a 17-7 COVID-19-impacted campaign and had a promising roster featuring standout players like Isiaih Mosley and Gaige Prim.
At that point, the Bears had an overachieving year in his debut season, followed by a flop in year two. The third year saw MSU finish third in league play and fall in a heartbreaker to Drake in the Arch Madness semifinals.
After seven years as Missouri State’s head coach, Paul Lusk was fired in 2018 with one year remaining on his contract. The school bought him out for $370,000 using private donations. Lusk finished with a 105-121 record at Missouri State.
Wyatt D. Wheeler is a reporter and columnist with the Springfield News-Leader. You can contact him at 417-371-6987, by email at wwheeler@news-leader.com or X at @WyattWheeler_NL.
Missouri
Missouri Sportsbook Promos: $5,115 in MO Sports Betting Promos
The best Missouri sportsbook promos are here for new users! Learn more about Missouri sports betting promos available today.
Missouri sportsbook promos offer new bettors up to $5,115 in bonuses now that sports betting live in the Show-Me State. Find out more about the best Missouri sports betting promos you can claim today!
Best Missouri Sportsbook Promos
These MO sports betting sign up bonuses are some of the best sportsbook promos available today, so make sure to sign up as a new user and claim your sports betting promo in Missouri!
BetMGM: $1,500 in Bonus Bets if You Lose
The BetMGM bonus code ROTOSPORTS is one of the highest-valued Missouri sportsbook promos. New users simply bet up to $1,500 as their first wager, and if that bet loses, you get your stake back in the form of bonus bets.
🎁 Bonus Code:
ROTOSPORTS
💰 Sign Up Offer:
Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bet If You Lose Your First Bet
📊 Terms & Conditions:
New Users Only
⏳ Time Limits:
Bonus Bets Expire After 7 Days
DraftKings: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Wins
The DraftKings promo code is one of the top Missouri sportsbook bonuses we have available. Just for signing up and betting $5, you’ll receive $200 in bonus bets if your first bet wins! I couldn’t think of a better way to start betting with DraftKings.
🎁 Promo Code:
BET NOW
💰 Sign Up Offer:
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Wins
📊 Terms & Conditions:
New Users Only
⏳ Time Limits:
Bonus Bets Expire After 7 Days
bet365: Bet $10, Get $365 In Bonus Bets
The bet365 bonus code Missouri bettors can claim is one of the best bang-for-your-buck offers. You can fetch $365 in bonus bets instantly just by placing a first bet of $10! And you don’t have to win your first bet to claim that MO sportsbook bonus, just place the bet and the bonus bets are yours.
🎁 Bonus Code:
BET NOW
💰 Sign Up Offer:
Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets
📊 Terms & Conditions:
Must Claim Within 30 Days of Registering Your Account, Odds of -500 or Greater
⏳ Time Limits:
Bonus Bets Expire After 7 Days
Caesars Sportsbook: $250 Bet Match
The bonus from the Caesars Sportsbook promo code ROTO250BM is simple – just place a first bet of up to $250 and Caesars will match that bet with a bonus credit of equal value. This is one of the more unique MO sports betting bonuses, so make sure to grab it before it changes!
🎁 Promo Code:
ROTO250BM
💰 Sign Up Offer:
$250 Bet Match
📊 Terms & Conditions:
New Users Only, First Bet Only
⏳ Time Limits:
Bonus Bets Expire After 30 Days
FanDuel: Bet $5, Get $100 In Bonus Bets
The FanDuel promo code has a great return on investment that rewards new users with a substantial payout just for betting $5. This is one of the best Missouri sportsbook promos available, so head over and claim the welcome bonus!
| 🎁 Promo Code: | BET NOW |
| 💰 Sign Up Offer: | Bet $5, Get $200 In Bonus Bets |
| 📊 Terms & Conditions: | New Users Only |
| ⏳ Time Limits: | Bonus Bets Expire After 7 Days |
Fanatics Sportsbook: 10x$100 Bet Match in FanCash
The Missouri sports betting promo from Fanatics Sportsbook is the best-valued welcome offer available today. Opt in and bet up to $100 each day to receive that a bet match in FanCash once that wager settles. This is one of the best MO betting promos as you can opt in to claim the sign up bonus for your first 10 days of betting!
🎁 Promo Code:
BET NOW
💰 Sign Up Offer:
10x$100 Bet Match in FanCash
📊 Terms & Conditions:
Must Opt In Every Day, Minimum Odds of -200
⏳ Time Limits:
FanCash Expires 365 Days After Issuance
TheScore Bet: Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets
TheScore Bet is a newcomer to the US, but it brings with it a great Missouri sportsbook sign up bonus! Bet $10 and Get $100 in Bonus Bets instantly with the welcome offer associated with the TheScore Bet promo code. A classic bet-and-get offer, you don’t have to worry about winning your first bet here. Just bet $10 and the $100 bonus is yours!
🎁 Promo Code:
BET NOW
💰 Sign Up Offer:
Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets
📊 Terms & Conditions:
New Users Only, Former ESPN BET Users Not Eligible
⏳ Time Limits:
Bonus Bets Expire After 7 Days
How to Claim Missouri Sports Betting Promos
Claiming Missouri sports betting promos is straightforward and similar across all sportsbooks. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Click one of the BET NOW links on this article.
- Create an account by providing your name, email, date of birth, last 4 digits of SSN, and verify your identity.
- Make a deposit.
- Enter the promo code if necessary.
- Place a qualifying first bet.
- Receive your bonus!
Most Common Sign-Up Bonuses in Missouri
There are a plethora of sportsbook promos in Missouri, here are the most common types and expected offers:
Bonus Type
How It Works
Max Value
Bet & Get (Guaranteed bonus)
Place a small first bet ($5–$10) → Get bonus bets no matter what.
$200–$400
No Sweat First Bet (Insurance)
First bet loses → Get refund in bonus bets (up to cap). Wins = keep cash.
$1,000–$1,500
Daily Match/No Sweat (Multi-Day)
Match or insure a bet each day for 5–15 days.
$1,000–$3,000
Deposit Match
Deposit X → Get bonus % match (rare at launch due to high playthrough).
$500–$1,000
Profit/Odds Boosts
Enhanced payouts on select bets.
Varies
Tips to Maximize Your MO Sportsbook Promos
While claiming a MO sportsbook promo is simple, getting the maximum value out of that bonus can make the biggest difference. Here’s what I suggest in order to maximize your MO sports betting bonuses:
- Sign up for multiple sportsbooks
- Shop lines & stack promos
- For multi-day offers (like Fanatics), bet the maximum qualifying amount every single day.
- Use bonus bets strategically
- Read the fine print
- Bet responsibly
Missouri
Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for March 3, 2026
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 3, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from March 3 drawing
07-21-53-54-62, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 3 drawing
Midday: 5-8-9
Midday Wild: 8
Evening: 8-8-2
Evening Wild: 7
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 3 drawing
Midday: 0-3-5-7
Midday Wild: 2
Evening: 0-9-9-5
Evening Wild: 6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 3 drawing
Early Bird: 13
Morning: 15
Matinee: 09
Prime Time: 14
Night Owl: 14
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 3 drawing
04-07-09-17-21
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 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
“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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