St. Joseph city officials are asking residents for their input on the direction they would like to see the city head in during a community survey.  

City Manager Mike Schumacher says about 4,000 surveys have been put out to community members to their opinions on the city's services 

"We need to ask our customers what they want, and then we need to deliver on what they want, so when that survey comes back that is going to guide the organization," Schumacher tells KFEQ News.  "So, let's say they want additional code enforcement for example, well that means we need to invest in code enforcement, we need to look at how we're doing it, are we doing it the best we can?"  

Schumacher says the survey will provide the data needed for data driven decision making, being able to go all the way down to particular parts of town 

"Let's say in one census tract everyone is really unhappy with the police department, and they don't feel safe for whatever reason, well we know we need to focus in that census track and figure out what's going on," Schumacher explains.  "So, it breaks it down on multiple levels and it completely removes the loud voice, if you will." 

Schumacher says the survey features several questions, and the answers to those questions will help choose the top three priorities for the city. 

"Maybe code enforcement is number one, maybe it's streets, maybe it's abandoned buildings, it will prioritize exactly what we need to focus on and then those top three issues will drive the organization," Schumacher says.  "That doesn't mean there isn't a fourth or a fifth one that's sitting over there that we're going to fold in at some level, but they will tell us these are the top three things we think you need to be working on." 

Along with the mailed-out surveys, any resident can also access the survey online by visiting the city website. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph survey to help city officials find right direction to move

Reports continue to say the Trump administration is planning to severely scale back or end all funding for many of the key programs in the Agriculture Department. That’s according to White House documents obtained by Government Executive, which reports that the administration wants to cut workers and whole offices at the local level. A document from the Office of Management and Budget proposes fiscal 2026 funding levels that would gut research and conservation efforts and trim almost all program budgets across the board. 

OMB says many difficult decisions will become necessary to reach that proposed spending level for the upcoming fiscal year. The Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and USDA’s Rural Development employ almost 20,000 workers between them. One official who helps oversee the agencies said the proposed changes to the budget would lead to office closures at the local level and affect people face-to-face with farmers. 

White House budget proposes FSA, NRCS closures

Bayer says it may stop producing glyphosate, the world’s most popular weed-killer unless it can get court protection against lawsuits blaming the herbicide for causing cancer. Reports show that Bayer currently produces about 40 percent of the world’s glyphosate needs, which farmers use to kill weeds that threaten their crops. Over the last ten years, the herbicide has also caught Bayer up in a number of lawsuits. 

In early March, Bayer told farmers, suppliers, and retailers that it may have to stop selling Roundup, which would force U.S. farmers to rely on imported glyphosate from China. “We’re pretty much reaching the end of our road,” says Bayer Chief Executive Bill Anderson. “We’re not talking years but months instead.” The USDA points out that more than 90 percent of soybeans, corn, and cotton crops planted in the U.S. are genetically modified to withstand the glyphosate-based weedkiller. 

Bayer may stop producing glyphosate

May corn closed down 2 cents and December corn was down 3/4 cents. May soybeans closed down 2 1/4 cents and November soybeans were down 1 3/4 cents. May KC wheat closed down 1/2 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 1 cent, May Minneapolis wheat was up 2 1/2 cents.

May corn closed down 8 cents and December corn was up 2 1/2 cents. May soybeans closed down 6 1/4 cents and November soybeans were up 7 cents. May KC wheat closed down 10 1/2 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 7 cents and May Minneapolis wheat was down 8 3/4 cents.

Chicago and Minneapolis wheat markets were able to build off Wednesday's strength to trade mostly higher yet again Thursday. Corn and Kansas City wheat faded off early highs to close out what was mostly a sideways to slightly lower week for price action with dwindling volume behind the trade as the week progressed. Soybean markets were slightly lower Thursday as May futures remained mostly stagnant this week, caught between chart resistance and support. Outside markets were on edge following Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments on Wednesday that the Federal Reserve may face a difficult task in balancing tariff driven inflation with future rate decisions. Powell's comments drew the ire of President Trump, who said early Thursday that the Chair's termination "cannot come fast enough". The U.S. dollar inched higher on Thursday, attempting to post just its fourth higher session since the announcement of the reciprocal tariff policy on April 2. Energy markets were mostly positive, which provided strength to the vegetable oil complex, with soybean oil inching higher to close the week.

Live cattle complex traders are patiently waiting for this week's fed cash cattle trade to get underway, but that did not hold them back from pushing the live cattle contracts higher. There's a chance that the anticipation of this afternoon's Cattle on Feed report could derail some of trader's will to continue to drive the contracts higher, but at this point, that's not yet been the case. There are few bids on the table in parts of Nebraska at $208 live and $328 dressed, but still no cattle have traded. The South remains quiet without any bids having surfaced, but asking prices are noted at $208 to $210. At this point, trade could develop later this afternoon or potentially be delayed until Friday.

Again, the feeder cattle complex charged relentlessly into the noon hour, despite the fact that later on Thursday, the month's Cattle on Feed report was set for release. Given that the estimated values of which placements could be, there's a chance that some market hesitation could creep in, But all throughout Thursday's trade, the feeder cattle contracts willfully traded higher as bullish undertones continue to be the market's biggest theme.

The lean hog complex is leaned into Thursday's close fully higher and is very appreciative of the help of stronger pork cutout values late this week. It's rather impressive to note that this morning, not a single major cut was reported lower, but the belly does take today's cake with the highest day-over-day gain of $6.36.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/04/17150718/30001-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Commodity markets daily recap

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/04/16144650/30001-closing-markets.mp3">Click here for audio</a>

May corn closed up 3 cents and December corn was up 2 1/2 cents. May soybeans closed up 2 3/4 cents and November soybeans were up 4 1/2 cents. May KC wheat closed up 5 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 5 3/4 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 2 1/2 cents.

The U.S. Dollar Index is down 0.73 at 99.49. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 604.0 points at 39,971.0. June gold is up $111.50 at $3,351.90, May silver is up $0.60 at $32.90 and May copper is up $0.0490. May crude oil is up $1.25 at $62.58, June ultra-low sulfur diesel is up $0.0325, June RBOB gasoline is up $0.0209 and May natural gas is down $0.081.

May corn closed up 3 cents on Wednesday to $4.84 1/4. New-crop December futures were up 2 1/2 cents to $4.66 3/4. May corn futures traded to a high of $4.87 on Wednesday but were unable to sustain the attempt higher. For now, resistance has formed in the upper $4.80s to low $4.90s, while support waits at the 50-day moving average near $4.77. Meanwhile, December futures posted a fifth positive session in the last six. Bullish traders are likely looking at the 2025 calendar year high for December corn of $4.79 3/4 as a medium-term target. Weekly ethanol production numbers from the EIA again reflected a seasonal slowdown in production with 1.012 million barrels of ethanol produced per day last week. Pace of production held at 3.7% higher than this time in 2024 for the corn marketing year thus far. In Brazil, agency DERAL reported in their weekly crop update on Tuesday that Parana's (second largest safrinha producing state) crop had stabilized in condition as a result of recent rainfall but did voice concerns over uneven precipitation for portions of the crop. Corn pollination was reported at 38% complete as of Monday, April 14. Further south in Argentina, it should be noted that the Rosario Grain Exchange, which had been among the lowest among corn production estimates for Argentina, revised their estimate 4 million metric tons (mmt) higher in their update last week to 48.5 mmt, much closer but still a touch below the USDA estimate of 50 mmt from the April WASDE. Argentine corn harvest is roughly a quarter complete.

The DTN National Corn Index finished Tuesday at $4.54. Wednesday's futures close and Tuesday's implied corn basis of 27 cents under the May board would indicate the index on Wednesday afternoon to be near $4.57.

May soybeans closed up 2 3/4 cents on Wednesday to $10.38 3/4. Meanwhile new-crop soybeans were up 4 1/2 cents to $10.34 1/4. May soybeans started the day session strong, trading to a high of $10.45 3/4 before strength faded throughout the session. The market continues to struggle against the 200-day moving average at $10.41 1/4 which has been staunch resistance to soybean prices historically. To the downside, support at the 50-day moving average of $10.27 3/4 supported prices when tested on Wednesday.

Early optimistic trade reports surrounding negotiations with Japan and even the potential for attempted talks between the U.S. and China was the main source of bullish sentiment in the soybean market on Wednesday, although the news grew quickly stale as the session wore on. In fundamental news, NOPA released their March soybean crush figures on Tuesday, reporting that members crushed 194.55 million bushels (mb) of soybeans during the month of March. This was a strong recovery from a bit of a lag in February, a 9.4% increase in NOPA figures to be exact. Typically, NOPA members account for roughly 94% of total U.S. crush which would imply a total crush for March at just under 207 mb. Overall, this is a strong monthly number which should keep the industry on pace to hit the USDA's freshly increased goal of 2.420 billion bushels (bb) of soybean crush in 2024-25. The other number which garnered attention for Tuesday was the soybean stocks estimate, which was below expectations at 1.498 billion pounds. This aided soybean oil futures in a move higher both Tuesday and Wednesday, which in turn supported soybean futures as well.

The DTN National Soybean Index finished Tuesday at $9.81. Wednesday's futures close and Tuesday's implied soybean basis of 55 cents under the May board, would indicate the index on Wednesday afternoon to be near $9.84.

May Kansas City futures traded 5 cents higher on Wednesday to $5.58. New-crop July futures were also up 3 3/4 cents to $5.72 1/4. Wheat markets were firmer for Wednesday across the three major futures contracts on what felt like primarily a technically driven bounce. Support at $5.50 for May KC futures again flexed its muscles in rejecting an attempt lower early on Wednesday. The market could not sustain a move back above $5.60 on Wednesday, and the 20-day moving average waits as a likely source of resistance at least in the near term at $5.65 1/4.

The market conditions for wheat remained largely unchanged on Wednesday. The softer U.S. Dollar Index likely can be pointed to as a source of strength behind Wednesday's positive price action. Otherwise, weather forecasts for the next two weeks remain on the wetter side across U.S. growing areas, an event which will likely be met with mixed feelings as hard red growers in the west will welcome the moisture while soft red producers in the east will likely be dealing with excess moisture through the month of April thus far.

The DTN National HRW Index finished Tuesday at $4.85, while the DTN National HRS Index was at $5.75. Wednesday's futures close and the implied Tuesday basis of 83 cents under the July for HRW, and 41 cents under the July for HRS, would indicate the indices for Wednesday afternoon to be near $4.86 and $5.74, respectively.

The Interior Department may see more lawsuits after announcing it would no longer require the Bureau of Land Management to create an environmental impact statement for more than 3,200 oil and gas leases in seven states. 

The Biden administration started work on the review four days before President Trump took office in January. E and E News says the review was the “culmination” of almost a decade’s worth of lawsuits on federal leases that date back to the Obama administration. The leases cover 3.5 million acres across Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. 

The Center for Biological Diversity says the work done by the Bureau to guard against the environmental effects of oil and gas production on federal lands has been “weak.” Jeremy Nichols, a senior advocate for the Center, says the Interior Department’s decision to walk back the environmental impact statement is likely illegal.

BLM may face more lawsuits

The USDA says inspections of corn and wheat were higher, while soybean assessments declined during the week ending on April 10. 

Corn inspections rose week to week, increasing to 1.83 million metric tons, up from 1.61 million tons a week earlier and 1.36 million during the same week last year. Examinations for overseas delivery rose to 604,000 metric tons from just over 355,000 tons the prior week and 620,000 at the same point last year. 

Soybean inspections dropped to 546,300 metric tons from 814,300 tons the previous week. That’s higher than the 447,550 tons assessed during the same week in 2024. Wheat inspections since the start of the marketing year are now at 18.3 million metric tons, up from 16 million at this point a year ago. 

Since the start of their respective marketing years, USDA has inspected 37.5 million metric tons of corn and 42.1 million metric tons of soybeans.

Corn and wheat inspections climb higher

USDA has started figuring the president’s tariffs against China and the resulting retaliation into this month’s grain and livestock reports. Chief Economist Seth Meyer says USDA included the tariff effect in the hogs and pigs and grain stocks reports that go into the monthly World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates.

“We assume ‘policy in place.’ So, tariffs that China has placed on us in retaliation, and the tariffs we have placed on them, are assumed to continue throughout the remainder of this marketing year and into next marketing year.” 

“We’re incorporating the tariff effects that are in place. We primarily see that in cotton and pork in these balance sheets.” 

But despite the China tariffs, Meyer says other effects have depressed hog prices so far.

“I would have said that supplies in the hogs and pigs report should have been supportive of hog prices, and yet, we made some downward revisions—a significant part of that being trade effects.” 

It’s largely weaker overall export demand expected to knock off two or three dollars from average hog prices in each of the remaining three quarters.

As for corn, Meyer says there were no changes.

“Part of this is because we don’t have any corn on the books going to China. We haven’t sold corn to China this year, and at the same time, we’re two-thirds to three-quarters marketed for that crop.” 

USDA also notes soybean exports for oil are forecast higher on slower domestic use for biofuel. But tariffs hitting imports of other feedstocks like cooking oil from China are seen boosting domestic soy oil use in the fourth quarter.

USDA starts figuring tariffs into crop, livestock reports

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a member of the Senate Ag Committee, joined Mike Rounds (R-SD) in reintroducing the “New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act.” 

The bipartisan legislation would allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs to be sold across state lines. Currently, meat and poultry products inspected by those state programs are limited to markets within the same state, even though inspection at a state facility meets or exceeds federal inspection standards.

 More than half the states - 29, in total - have their own inspection programs.

 “Iowa produces some of the best meat and poultry in the world, and high-quality products that have already passed a rigorous inspection process shouldn’t require any extra inspection to sell across state lines,” Grassley said. “Our commonsense legislation would remove this regulatory overreach and provide consumers with more options at their local meat counter.”

Legislation would expand access to meat and poultry

A new report from CoBank says rapidly worsening expectations about everything from inflation to personal income to business conditions and labor supplies are elevating economic concerns. 

The question of whether the declining expectations will translate into slower spending and tightening profit margins will likely come into view by late June. Uncertainty over trade and biofuel policy pulled corn, soybean, and wheat prices down last quarter despite the weaker U.S. dollar. 

Trade concerns weighed heaviest on wheat as world buyers have multiple suppliers available. Crop production expenses are expected to continue trending lower, but they remain elevated in relation to lower commodity prices. Also, renewable diesel and biodiesel production has scaled back to find stability in the absence of the blender’s tax credit, pushing prices above petroleum. 

Record high prices for beef cattle remain across the sector despite continuing herd liquidation. The U.S. pork sector is positioned for moderate growth this year.

CoBank: Tariffs compounding economic anxiety

May corn closed down 3 3/4 cents and December corn was up 2 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed down 5 3/4 cents and November soybeans were up 1 1/4 cents. May KC wheat closed down 2 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 5 1/2 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was down 3 1/2 cents.

U.S. grain markets were pressured again Tuesday by profit-taking spurred on by friendly weather outlooks over the next two weeks, particularly for Brazilian corn pollination, but also for western winter wheat growing areas in the U.S., although the added precipitation in the eastern grain belt may ultimately prove problematic. At least part of the pressure to begin this week is likely natural technically induced selling following what was a tremendous rally across the corn and soybean markets last week. In outside markets, stock indices are cautiously higher through the week thus far, as although tensions between the U.S. and China remain high, there has been at least a momentary ceasefire in trade war escalation over the past couple of days. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar is firmer Tuesday, finding support at levels below 100 on the Index. This may explain some of the weakness in the commodity markets for Tuesday as well.

The live cattle complex continued to trade higher as the market continues to feel well supported by ample trader interest, strong trade throughout the equity markets and day-by-day the continued feeling that some of the pressure from the announcement of tariffs is sitting on the backburner now. It is interesting to note that the spot June contract is trading back above the market's 40-day moving average, which again, will continue to be a threshold to monitor. Still no developments have surfaced in the fed cash cattle market, but some early bids could surface as early as this afternoon due to the holiday-shortened week.

The feeder cattle complex is continued to trade higher, not fearful of filling in the gap that was created when tariffs were brought to the forefront of everyone's mind a little over a week ago. Demand has seemed to improve again this week for feeder cattle in the countryside as buyers are pleased to see the futures complex again finding ease in the marketplace.

The lean hog complex traded mostly steady, minimal loss in the July contract, the balance of the board in the green, a bit higher in some of the deferred months. Traders seem to be holding steady in the spot and nearby contracts, as pork cutout values were a little lower this morning. And as some resistance pressure is being felt in the June lean hog contract, as traders near the point in which prices fell upon the tariff announcement. If demand happens to prevail later this week at the meat counter, then there's a chance that traders may deem enough support in the market to justify facing resistance pressure.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/04/15142024/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/rsequeira/">Robbie Sequeira</a>&nbsp;

Many conservative-led states rely heavily on dollars from Washington.

Early this month, the U.S. Department of Education issued an ultimatum to K-12 public schools and state education agencies: Certify that you are not engaging in discrimination under the banner of diversity, equity and inclusion, or risk losing federal funding — including billions in support for low-income students.

The backlash was immediate. Some states with Democratic governors refused to comply, arguing that the directive lacks legal basis, fails to clearly define what constitutes “<a href="https://www.ed.gov/media/document/reminder-of-legal-obligations-undertaken-exchange-receiving-federal-financial-assistance-and-request-certification-under-title-vi-and-sffa-v-harvard-april-3" target="_blank">illegal DEI practices</a>,” and threatens vital equity-based initiatives in their schools.

After lawsuits from the National Education Association teachers union and the American Civil Liberties Union, the Department of Education agreed to delay enforcement until&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/cases/national-education-association-et-al-v-us-department-of-education-et-al?document=Agreement" target="_blank">after April 24</a>.

But states across the country, both liberal- and conservative-led, are worried about losing other aid: the pandemic-era money that in some cases they’ve already spent or committed to spending.

The Department of Education has long played a critical role in distributing federal funds to states for K-12 education, including Title I grants to boost staffing in schools with high percentages of low-income students, and emergency relief like that provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conservative-led states — particularly Mississippi, South Dakota and Arkansas — rely the most heavily on these funds to sustain services in high-need districts.

The 15 states with the highest percentage of their K-12 budget coming from federal funding in fiscal year 2022 — the latest year with data available from the National Center for Education Statistics — voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Similarly, 10 of the 15 states receiving the highest amounts of Title I funding in fiscal year 2024 also voted for Trump.

Mississippi and Kentucky have sent letters to the Department of Education expressing concern over halted pandemic aid.

The clash over federal funding comes even as the future of the Department of Education is murky, given President Donald Trump’s pledge to dismantle the department.

<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/H69Mw/">Click here to see K-12 funding in all states</a>

In letters to the Department of Education, state officials and superintendents in Illinois, New York and Wisconsin pushed back against the DEI directive.

<a href="https://www.nyssba.org/clientuploads/nyssba_pdf/titlevi-040525.pdf#:~:text=The%20certification%20remains%20in%20effect%2C%20as%20do,judicial%20decision%20or%20change%20the%20terms%20and" target="_blank">New York officials</a>&nbsp;said they would not provide additional certification beyond what the state already has done, asserting that there “are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI.” Illinois Superintendent Tony Sanders&nbsp;<a href="https://www.isbe.net/Documents/ISBE-Response-Title-VI-Certification.pdf" target="_blank">wrote that</a>&nbsp;he was concerned that the Department of Education was changing the conditions of federal funding without a formal administrative process. Wisconsin Superintendent Jill Underly&nbsp;<a href="https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/news/4.9.25_-_DPI_Letter_to_USDE.pdf" target="_blank">questioned the legality of the order</a>.

New York State Department of Education Counsel and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Morton-Bentley noted that the federal department’s current stance on DEI starkly contrasts with its position during Trump’s first term, when then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos supported such efforts.

<a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/10/colorado-trump-dei-order-state-education-board/" target="_blank">Colorado</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-11/california-defies-trump-education-order-certify-school-districts-eliminate-dei" target="_blank">&nbsp;California</a>&nbsp;also confirmed they would not comply with the Department of Education’s order.

While some states with liberal leaders are gearing up for legal battles and possible revocation of funding, conservative-led states such as Florida have embraced the federal directive as part of a broader push to reshape public education.

In Florida,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/266" target="_blank">anti-DEI laws</a>&nbsp;have been in place dating back to 2023. In fact,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/03/03/florida-schools-say-theyll-comply-with-federal-push-eliminate-dei/" target="_blank">many&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/03/03/florida-schools-say-theyll-comply-with-federal-push-eliminate-dei/" target="_blank">school&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/03/03/florida-schools-say-theyll-comply-with-federal-push-eliminate-dei/" target="_blank">districts&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2025/03/03/florida-schools-say-theyll-comply-with-federal-push-eliminate-dei/" target="_blank">and the state education department</a>&nbsp;say they plan to follow the federal department’s directives, noting the similar state laws.

In March, the Department of Education abruptly rescinded previously approved extensions of pandemic-era aid, ending access to funds months ahead of the original March 2026 deadline.

When the Massachusetts governor’s office voiced concern over that decision, the federal department’s reply on social media was blunt: “<a href="https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fexplore%3Fref_src%3Dtwsrc%255Etfw%257Ctwcamp%255Etweetembed%257Ctwterm%255E1907126614107816273%257Ctwgr%255E13023b2f184f133a77dd7478cf0809d5afc7e4bf%257Ctwcon%255Es1_%26ref_url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.k12dive.com%252Fnews%252Fstates-lawmakers-pushback-on-covid-fund-spending-extensions%252F744811%252F" target="_blank">COVID is over.</a>”

Sixteen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/state-covid-schools-funding-complaint.pdf" target="_blank">mostly Democratic-led&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/state-covid-schools-funding-complaint.pdf" target="_blank">states</a>&nbsp;and the District of Columbia filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Education and Secretary Linda McMahon, challenging the abrupt rescission of previously approved extensions for spending COVID-19 education relief funds.

But backlash against abrupt federal cuts to education has not been limited to blue states.

Mississippi’s Department of Education warned the cuts would jeopardize more than $137 million in already obligated funds, slated for literacy initiatives, mental health services and infrastructure repairs. “The impact of this sudden reversal is detrimental to Mississippi students,” state Superintendent Lance Evans wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://mdek12.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2025/04/MS-ESSER-Letter-04.02.25-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">a letter</a>&nbsp;to McMahon.

The letter also outlines the state’s repeated — but unsuccessful — efforts to draw down millions in approved funds since February.

Shanderia Minor, a spokesperson for the Mississippi education department, told Stateline the agency is awaiting next steps and direction about the funds and federal directives.

In Kentucky, state Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/briefs/ky-education-commissioner-sounds-alarm-about-sudden-halt-to-federal-covid-payments-to-schools/" target="_blank">told districts</a>&nbsp;— which stand to lose tens of millions in pandemic aid — that abrupt federal changes leave them “in a difficult position,” with schools already having committed funds to teacher training and facility upgrades.

According to Kentucky Department of Education spokesperson Jennifer Ginn, the state has about $18 million in unspent pandemic aid funds left to distribute to districts. And districts have about $38 million in unspent funds, for a total $56 million that could be lost.

Lauren Farrow, a former Florida public school teacher, told Stateline that schools that receive Title I money are already underfunded — and the federal threat only widens the gap.

“Florida is pouring billions into education — but where is it going? Because we’re not seeing it in schools, especially not in Title I schools,” said Farrow. “I taught five minutes away from a wealthier school, and we didn’t even have pencils. Teachers were buying shoes for students. Why is that still happening?”

Tafshier Cosby, senior director of the Center for Organizing and Partnerships at the National Parents Union, a parents advocacy group, told Stateline that while most families don’t fully understand the various school funding systems, they feel the impact of cuts in the classroom.

Cosby said parents are worried about the loss of support services for students with disabilities, Title I impacts, and how debates about DEI may deflect from more urgent needs like literacy and teacher support.

“We’ve been clear: DEI isn’t the federal government’s role — it’s up to states,” she said. “But the confusion is real. And the impact could be devastating.”

Today, as a consultant working with teachers across Florida’s Orange County Public Schools — one of the largest districts in the country — Farrow says many educators are fearful and confused about how to support their students under changing DEI laws.

“Teachers are asking, ‘Does this mean I can’t seat a student with glasses at the front of the room anymore?’ There’s so much fear around what we’re allowed to do now.”

“There’s no one giving teachers guidance or even basic acknowledgment. We’re just left wondering what we’re allowed to say or do — and that’s dangerous.”

Amanda Hernández contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rsequeira@stateline.org">rsequeira@stateline.org</a>.

Federal education cuts and Trump DEI demands leave states, teachers in limbo

ANDREW COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident and accused of DWI just before 5p.m. Saturday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Jeep Wrangler driven by Steaven R. Ashlock, 54,&nbsp; Savannah was southbound from Route K to Southbound Interstate 29. The Jeep struck a guardrail end, crossed into the median, went airborne, traveled off the east side of the road and struck a tree.

Andrew County EMS transported Ashlock to Mosaic Life Care.&nbsp; He was arrested on requested charges of felony DWI-persistent offender, failure to maintain right half of the road when the road was sufficient width resulting in an accident, operating a motor vehicle in a carless and imprudent manner resulting in an accident, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man accused of DWI after violent Andrew Co. crash

KFEQ Week in Review

DEKALB COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Friday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Chevy Silverado driven by 35-year-old King City man was southbound on Route H seven miles east of Union Star. The pickup rear-ended a 2017 Jeep Wrangler driven by a 43-year-old Cameron woman who pulled from Stewart Road at a hill crest.

Grand River ambulance transported the Jeep driver to Mosaic Life Care. The pickup driver was not injured. The MSHP had incomplete seat belt usage information. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman hospitalized after rear-end crash

Tarkio has
received a $30,000 grant to test its drinking water.

The Missouri
Department of Natural Resources has awarded a Drinking Water Engineering Report
Grant to the Tarkio Board of Public Works to evaluate the city’s drinking water
system.

Through its
Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant program, the department provides money to
qualified communities. The money can be used to evaluate the public drinking
water system and to decide if any improvements are needed to maintain quality
and provide reliable water service.

The Natural Resources
Department, in a news release, states that during the assessment, “communities
can determine what actions are needed to address current drinking water needs
and plan for future growth and development.”

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Tarkio receives $30K state grant to evaluate water system

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman discusses foster care with Monica Boyd of TFI Family Services.

🎤 Forward Ever: Monica Boyd of TFI Family Services on foster care

An Arts Fund drive
hopes to raise $220,000 for seven organizations in the greater St. Josepha
area.

Chair of the
campaign, Melody Smith, says the arts in Buchanan County are an economic
driver.

“In 2022, $9.9
million in spending was generated by arts and cultural organizations, which led
to an additional $10.3 million in event related expenditures by their audiences,”
Smith says during an appearance on KFEQmmunity.

Seven non-profit
groups receive money from the Arts Fund Drive, including the Allied Arts
Council itself. Others receiving grants from the money raised are Creative Arts
Production, the Performing Arts Association, Robidoux Resident Theatre, the St.
Joseph Symphony, St. Joseph Community Chorus, and the St. Joseph Youth Chorale.

Allied Arts
Council Executive Director, Jessica Agnew, says the theme of this year’s
fundraiser is Now is the Time, best illustrated by the gears in a grandfather
clock.

“Because each of
those pieces has a purpose for that clock and without one of those entities,
the clock would not function,” Agnew says during KFEQmmunity. “In our passion
for this, we realize that our Arts Fund Drive is just that. We are separate
entities. We are separate organizations with different missions, but the soul
of the goal is creating art, but we all have to work together in tandem.”

Both Agnew and
Smith say they hope the fund drive doesn’t just raise money, but also raises
awareness, not just about the various organizations, but how residents can get
involved. Smith says all the organizations are open and inviting, especially to
those hesitant and unsure about their talent. Smith says the organizations
invite residents to come and learn with them.

Smith urges
residents to give to the campaign to support the arts, saying that cultural
events bring people together.

“The arts bring us
together and when we leave, we have all experienced the same thing, which
causes community,” Smith says. “We are a better community because of the arts.”


The theme this
year is Now is the Time, pointing to the gears on a grandfather clock, which
all work together to make the clock keep time.

Arts Fund drive seeks to raise money, awareness of arts in St. Joseph

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Thursday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Peterbilt semi driven by a 24-year-old Hamilton man was westbound on MO 113 ten miles east of Mound City.The semi traveled off the north side of the road and overturned.

 Atchison-Holt ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured after semi overturns

The St. Louis Cardinals dropped a third straight game, managing just three total hits in a shutout 3-0 loss to the New York Mets on the road Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.&nbsp;

Mets starter Kodai Senga walked two batters and gave up a double to&nbsp;Thomas Saggese in the second inning and another in the fifth, as well as a single to Brendan Donovan in the sixth inning before being pulled from the game for the bullpen.

New York opened their scoring in the second inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Luisangel Acuña doubled to open the inning and later scored on a single by Juan Soto.&nbsp; Soto scored the second run of the game on a double by Pete Alonso.&nbsp; The Mets added their final run in the eighth, a solo home run from Alonso.&nbsp;

Matthew Liberatore took the loss for the Cardinals, falling to 1-2 on the season, pitching 6.2 innings and giving up two runs on six hits, striking out six batters and walking one.&nbsp;&nbsp;Saggese led the way hitting going 2-4 with his two doubles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis and New York wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Clay Holmes for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:40, pregame will be joined at 12:30 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cardinals drop third straight getting shutout by Mets 3-0

The Kansas City Royals losing streak moved to six games on Saturday afternoon at Comerica Park, dropping another game to the Detroit Tigers and losing 3-1.&nbsp;

The Royals could not overcome a rough fifth inning where the Tigers scored all their runs on one hit, a three run home run by Spencer Torkelson driving in&nbsp;Javier Báez and Kerry Carpenter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Freddy Fermin's first home run of the season in the seventh inning was the lone Kansas City run.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Seth Lugo took the loss on the mound, falling to 1-3, pitching 6.2 innings and giving up all three runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two.&nbsp; Daniel Lynch and Carlos&nbsp;Estévez combined to pitch the final 1.1 innings giving up no hits.&nbsp; Jonathan India (3-4) and Fermin (2-4, 1 RBI) led the way hitting in the loss.&nbsp;

Prior to the game, the Royals did make a roster move optioning MJ Melendez to Triple-A Omaha.&nbsp; It was the corresponding move for outfielder Mark Canha returning from the 10-day injured list.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Melendez had only logged four hits in 52 plate appearances this year, with one double and one home run. He was slashing .085/.173/.170 with 20 strikeouts in 16 games.&nbsp; With Canha ready to be activated after the minimum 10-day IL stint, the Royals had to make a move. They believe this will allow Melendez to go to Triple-A, get everyday at-bats and try to show sustained production to find a way back to the big leagues.

The Royals entered Saturday having gone just 1-7 on their current 10-game road trip, and the offense is struggling, with just 2.95 runs per game this year. That amplified Melendez’s struggles. Even more so because the Royals weren’t able to land a corner outfield bat over the offseason, instead entering the season needing Melendez or Hunter Renfroe to bounce back from tough seasons. Renfroe is hitting .130 with a .383 OPS this year and is not playing every day.

Now, the goal for Melendez is to go to Triple-A and keep working on the swing changes he has been working on since the offseason -- without the pressure of needing results every night at the big league level.&nbsp; He’ll likely join Omaha for its road series in Toledo on Tuesday and get everyday at-bats there.&nbsp; How soon he returns to Kansas City remains to be seen.

“As I shared with [Melendez], there are very few players in this world who don’t get optioned at some point,” general manager J.J. Picollo says. “It’s certainly not the end of his career. We’d like to think it’s just the start of a new beginning. Take advantage of the opportunity to go out and play in Triple-A, play well and get back here. Here, it’s about performance. You’ve got to be able to perform.”

Kansas City and Detroit wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; The Royals send Michael Wacha to the mound, still searching for his first win, taking on Tigers ace and last year's AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:40pm, pregame coverage begins at noon on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Royals lose yet again to Tigers 3-1; Melendez optioned to Omaha

The St. Louis Cardinals struck early, but starting pitcher Miles Mikolas labored in the fifth inning, and the Redbirds wound up losing in walk off fashion to the New York Mets 5-4 on Friday night at Citi Field.&nbsp;

St. Louis scored first in the second inning, singles from&nbsp;Brendan Donovan and&nbsp;Thomas Saggese before&nbsp;Pedro Pagés hit a single of his own to score Donovan.&nbsp; Another run was added by the Cardinals in the fourth, Donovan again coming home this time on a single by Jordan Walker.&nbsp; But after four solid innings, allowing just two hits and one walk, Mikolas ran into trouble in the fifth.&nbsp;

Brett Baty led the inning off with a double, which was promptly followed up with a triple by Tyrone Taylor scoring Baty.&nbsp; Taylor came home to score on a single by Juan Soto.&nbsp; St. Louis did take the lead back in the top of the sixth, Willson Contreras doubling and getting driven in on a single by Nolan Arenado, but the Mets again tied the game up in the bottom half of the inning as&nbsp;Mark Vientos homered for a second consecutive game.

New York took their first lead of the game in the eighth inning as Vientos led the inning off with a single, before being pinch ran for by&nbsp;Luisangel Acuña who stole second base.&nbsp;&nbsp;Acuña did wind up being thrown out at third base on a fielders choice out with Brandon Nimmo at the plate, the tag play being challenged and upheld.&nbsp; Nimmo though moved to second on a throwing error by relief pitcher Phil Maton on a pickoff attempt, then scored on a double by Luis Torrens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Cardinals tied the game up in the top half of the ninth inning, Donovan scoring his third run of the game hitting a solo home run to right field.&nbsp; In the bottom half, Fransisco Lindor answered with a home run of his own for the walk off win for the Mets.&nbsp;

Ryan Fernandez took the loss in relief for St. Louis, falling to 0-2, not even recording an out only giving up the home run to Lindor.&nbsp; Mikolas pitched 4.2 innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out one and walking two in the no decision.&nbsp; Donovan (2-4, 3 runs, 1 RBI) and Arenado (2-4, 1 RBI) led the way hitting.&nbsp;

St. Louis and New York continue tomorrow in the third game of the four game series.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore starts for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Kodai Senga for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:05pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 2:55 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cards strike early, but Mets get walkoff win to top Redbirds 5-4

The Kansas City Royals offensive woes continued on Friday night against the Detroit Tigers, falling 7-3 at Comerica Park.&nbsp;

The Royals got the lead quickly in the first inning.&nbsp; Bobby Witt Jr hit his ninth double of the year and advanced to third base on a wild pitch by Tigers starter Jackson Jobe, before scoring on the third double of the season from Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; Detroit tied the game up in the second inning,&nbsp;Tomás Nido singling to drive in Spencer Torkelson who walked to open the inning.&nbsp;

The Tigers broke the tie in the fourth inning,&nbsp;Andy Ibáñez hitting a home run to left field.&nbsp; Detroit added three more runs in the fifth inning to extend the lead,&nbsp;Justyn-Henry Malloy walked and Gleyber Torres singled before Henry Malloy was driven in on a single from Riley Greene.&nbsp; A single from pinch hitter Trey Sweeney off reliever John Schreiber scored Torres, and Greene came home in the next at bat as Torkelson grounded into a double play.&nbsp;

The final two runs for Detroit came in the seventh inning, with two outs.&nbsp; It started with a single from Greene, a line drive that deflected off reliever Lucas Erceg's foot, forcing him out of the game and bringing Angel Zerpa onto the mound.&nbsp; Zerpa surrendered a single to Sweeney before giving up a double to Torkelson, driving in both Greene and Sweeney.

Kansas City did begin to put together a bit of a rally in the ninth inning, despite the six run deficit.&nbsp; Witt Jr singled and moved to second base on runners indifference, before scoring on a single by Pasquantino.&nbsp; Salvador Perez reached first base next on catchers interference, and both Perez and Pasquantino advanced on the bases with a wild pitch by Kenta Maeda, followed by a walk to Maikel Garcia loading the bases, forcing the Tigers to go from Maeda to Tommy Kahnle.

Kahnle walked Michael Massey to start his night on the mound, bringing Pasquantino home to score, but then settled in striking out Cavan Biggio and getting Drew Waters to fly out to right field, leaving the bases loaded with the tying run at home plate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cole Ragans took the loss, falling to 1-1, recording less than 10 strikeouts for the first time since Opening Day, pitching four innings and giving up five runs on six hits, walking three and striking out eight.&nbsp; Witt Jr (2-5, 2 runs) and Pasquantino (2-5, 2 RBI's) led the way hitting.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Detroit go again tomorrow in game three of four, as the Royals seek to snap a five game losing streak.&nbsp; Seth Lugo starts for the Royals opposite Casey Mize for the Tigers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:10pm, pregame coverage begins at 11:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Royals slide moves to five L's in a row, fall to Tigers 7-3

Andre Pallante has been a bright spot in the Cardinals rotation, and once again put together another solid start on Thursday night against the Mets, but a rough second inning was to much to overcome as the Redbirds fell 4-1 at Citi Field.&nbsp;

After only giving up a single to Fransisco Lindor in the first inning, Pallante surrendered a leadoff home run to&nbsp;Mark Vientos to open the second.&nbsp; Pallante appeared to settle down after the homer, getting Brandon Nimmo to ground out, but after that Starling Marte doubled, and following a groundout by Luis Torrens Marte scored on a single from Brett Baty.&nbsp; Tyrone Taylor singled in the next at bat, then Lindor singled again to score both Baty and Taylor, however Lindor was thrown out at second base by right fielder Jordan Walker to end the inning.&nbsp;

The Cardinals lone run in the third inning started with a Victor Scott II single to lead off the inning.&nbsp; Scott II stole second base, and after back to back strikeouts by Lars Nootbaar and Willson Contreras, Scott II moved to third on a wild pitch, then later scored with a single by Brendan Donovan.&nbsp; Donovan wound up stranded at first base though, Nolan Arenado grounding out to end the top of the third inning.&nbsp; After the rough second inning, Pallante settled in, giving up just one more hit through his remaining four innings of work.&nbsp;

Pallante took the loss, losing his first game of the year and moving to 2-1 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up four runs on seven hits, striking out two.&nbsp; Three Cardinals hitters each had one hit at the plate.&nbsp;

St. Louis and New York continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;David Peterson for the Mets.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:10pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 6 on KY 102 (102.5FM).

Pallante mostly solid, but Cardinals drop opener to Mets 4-1

The rough stretch continued for the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night as they dropped a fourth game in a row, opening a four game series to the Detroit Tigers with a 6-1 loss at Comerica Park.&nbsp;

Kansas City was unable to overcome a four run lead the Tigers built through the first five innings.&nbsp; A three run spot in the third started when Kerry Carpenter singled and&nbsp;Zach McKinstry walked, before a double from Spencer Torkelson drove both in.&nbsp; Torkelson later scored on a single from Riley Greene.&nbsp; In the fifth, Carpenter doubled, and McKinstry again walked, before Greene scored Carpenter with a single.&nbsp;

The Royals lone run in the top of the eighth inning came after Salvador Perez walked to open the inning, back to back singles from Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia drove Perez in to score.&nbsp; Detroit extended the lead in the bottom half however, Trey Sweeney singled and&nbsp;Ryan Kreidler walked before Gleyber Torres hit a single of his own to load the bases.&nbsp; After Carpenter struck out,&nbsp;McKinstry grounded into a forceout scoring Sweeney and then Torkelson brought in a run with a single, bringing home&nbsp;Kreidler.

Michael Lorenzen took the loss, falling to 1-3, pitching 4.2 innings and giving up four runs on seven hits, striking out three and walking three.&nbsp; Massey led the way hitting on the night going 3-4 at the plate.

Kansas City and Detroit continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Cole Ragans takes the mound for the Royals, looking to continue a streak of 10+ strikeout games, taking on&nbsp;Jackson Jobe for the Tigers.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:40pm, pregame coverage begins at 5 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Royals drop fourth in a row, lose to Tigers in opener 6-1

The newly branded St. Joseph Goats are bringing arena football back to the Civic Arena in downtown this summer. &nbsp;

The Goats played in Kansas City last year in their inaugural season and finished one game shy of competing for a championship and now hope to achieve that in St. Joseph. &nbsp;

Goats Head Coach Dorsey Golston says initially the move to St. Joseph caught him by surprise, but it's a move he's excited about.&nbsp;

"Spent a lot of time in St. Joe my whole life, I'm from Kansas City, Missouri, but me and my dad used to come up here a lot go fishing, so I'm kind of familiar with the city, the town, we'd come up here by Stetson's and all type of stuff like that," Golston tells reporters.&nbsp;

Golston says it's a great feeling to be a part of a sort of resurgence of sports and events happening at the Civic Arena&nbsp;

"I think the people of St. Joseph is going to enjoy holding what 2,500 here I think, we averaged around 23 last year, so you're going to have to come get your tickets early because we plan on packing this thing out," Golston says.&nbsp;

On the team again this year, is last year's league MVP. Boo Smith, a former wide receiver at Missouri, says he's excited about the team's new home in St. Joseph&nbsp;

"This is my first time in Civic Arena, I do know the history of it, but looking at it right now, it's going to be packed, I'm actually excited" Smith says.&nbsp; "Because I also know Missouri Western is just down the road and they have a good football fan base so just coming here with our success and the other fan base, I'm excited for it, I'm excited for sure."&nbsp;

Smith had 1,011 yards last year on 99 catches, and scored 33 touchdowns, and now looks to impress St. Joseph fans with his speedy playstyle. &nbsp;

Wide receiver Ryan Martinez says he hopes and expects to see the stands packed at Civic Arena this summer&nbsp;

"As long as the fans and everybody is behind us and the crowd, we bring from Kansas City, pretty sure we'll pack it out," Martinez says.&nbsp; "Because arena is a fun game, entertaining, it's really mostly meant for the fans because you get to jump in the crowd, throw balls, run around, eat people's popcorn, so it's really fun."&nbsp;

The first home game for the Goats is on June 7th.&nbsp; You can purchase tickets online for both individual games as well as the season.&nbsp; The season opens May 31st.&nbsp;

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