Meierhoffer Funeral Home is helping area residents reflect on the life of Pope Francis after his death on Monday.  

The St. Joseph funeral home is offering a register book to sign for people throughout the duration of the funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis, which are set for Saturday at 3 am our time in St. Peters Square.  

Todd Meierhoffer with Meierhoffer Funeral Home says sometimes just the act of signing a book and taking time to pay respects is important to people 

"Pope Francis obviously is certainly noteworthy in terms of impacting many Catholics and just Christians a like, just to take time and sign a book," Meierhoffer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So, we have a table, we have a picture, some Catholic memorabilia, and that book will end up being sent to the Vatican." 

Meierhoffer says it is interesting what people will do at the time of a death to pay their respects 

"And what I'm saying is, is people will take time because it's important to them," Meierhoffer explains.  "And I think that's the most rewarding piece of this, is there will be a lot of people that come out." 

Meierhoffer says anyone is welcome to come and sign the book, and says this is just something they want to offer the community to help in the healing process 

"Helping families begin to heal is our mission, and that's all families and all deaths, and we're happy to be a part of this and offer this to the community," Meierhoffer says.   

Meierhoffer says people will come in and connect by signing the book, with prayer cards available, and then they get in their car and reflect on the death itself 

"And then through the coming weeks, as people watch and take part in Pope Francis's funeral, essentially there will be a celebration," Meierhoffer says.  "And the celebration is in the form of recognizing the life that he lived." 

Meierhoffer says all of this is part of a bigger picture than just a death, and it's a process that everyone goes through.  

The book will be available to sign for the remainder of the month during normal business hours at the funeral home.   

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Meierhoffer Funeral Home is helping area residents reflect on the life of Pope Francis after his death on Monday. The St. Joseph funeral home is offering a register book to sign for people throughout the duration of the funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis, which are set for Saturday at 3 am our time in St. Peters Square. Todd Meierhoffer with Meierhoffer Funeral Home says sometimes just the act of signing a book and taking time to pay respects is important to people "Pope Francis obviously is certainly noteworthy in terms of impacting many Catholics and just Christians a like, just to take time and sign a book," Meierhoffer tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, we have a table, we have a picture, some Catholic memorabilia, and that book will end up being sent to the Vatican." Meierhoffer says it is interesting what people will do at the time of a death to pay their respects "And what I'm saying is, is people will take time because it's important to them," Meierhoffer explains. "And I think that's the most rewarding piece of this, is there will be a lot of people that come out." Meierhoffer says anyone is welcome to come and sign the book, and says this is just something they want to offer the community to help in the healing process "Helping families begin to heal is our mission, and that's all families and all deaths, and we're happy to be a part of this and offer this to the community," Meierhoffer says. Meierhoffer says people will come in and connect by signing the book, with prayer cards available, and then they get in their car and reflect on the death itself "And then through the coming weeks, as people watch and take part in Pope Francis's funeral, essentially there will be a celebration," Meierhoffer says. "And the celebration is in the form of recognizing the life that he lived." Meierhoffer says all of this is part of a bigger picture than just a death, and it's a process that everyone goes through. The book will be available to sign for the remainder of the month during normal business hours at the funeral home. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Meierhoffer offers chance to reflect on Pope Francis' life and legacy

DEKALB COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Toyota Corolla driven by a 90-year-old Trenton woman was southbound on MO 31 at U.S. 36 three miles west of Stewartsville.

The car traveled into the path of a westbound 2019 Toyota Sequoia driven by a 48-year-old St. Joseph woman. The SUV struck the driver's side of the car. After impact the car traveled off the road and struck a highway sign.&nbsp;

A private vehicle transported the driver of the SUV to Mosaic. DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported the driver of the car and an 89-year-old male passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DEKALB COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Toyota Corolla driven by a 90-year-old Trenton woman was southbound on MO 31 at U.S. 36 three miles west of Stewartsville.The car traveled into the path of a westbound 2019 Toyota Sequoia driven by a 48-year-old St. Joseph woman. The SUV struck the driver's side of the car. After impact the car traveled off the road and struck a highway sign.&nbsp;A private vehicle transported the driver of the SUV to Mosaic. DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported the driver of the car and an 89-year-old male passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 hospitalized in St. Joe after SUV, car crash

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Ford F150 driven by a 54-year-old Oregon, Mo., man was southbound on Interstate at mile marker 64.4. The driver failed to maintain control of the pickup. It traveled off the west side of the road, struck a guardrail, began to skid, struck the guardrail face with the rear. passenger door and became impaled.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Ford F150 driven by a 54-year-old Oregon, Mo., man was southbound on Interstate at mile marker 64.4. The driver failed to maintain control of the pickup. It traveled off the west side of the road, struck a guardrail, began to skid, struck the guardrail face with the rear. passenger door and became impaled.Andrew County EMS transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man injured after pickup door became impaled on guardrail

This is the time
of year when severe weather threatens; anywhere from a thunderstorm to a
tornado.

St. Joseph Police
Chief, Paul Luster, urges residents to take it seriously. 

Luster says every
family should take a little time this time of year to plan for what to do
should thunderstorms or tornadoes threaten. Begin by designating a safe place
in the home.

“Identify that
safe place in the home,” Luster says during his time on KFEQmmunity. “Where are
we going? Is that a basement? Is that a storm cellar? Is that an interior room
on the lowest level without windows, like a bathroom or a closet? To have that
safety plan in place and even practice it with your family.”

Make sure
flashlights have batteries and cell phones are charged. Luster also advises
storing some bottled drinking water and non-perishable food. Get your weather
information from a reliable source, such as a NOAA radio and local media.

Luster says everyone
in the family should find an emergency kit on standby once they arrive there.

“Have that little
emergency kit prepped in there; some essential items, like some water, some
non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, first aid kit,” Luster says. “Have
that in a container wherever you’re going to go. Have that little emergency kit
ready in case you lose power, in case you have to stay in shelter for a long period
of time. Have that ready to go.”

Luster worries too
many residents become complacent and ignore weather forecaster warnings or even
the sound of tornado sirens.

“I think sometimes
they don’t heed to the actual weather warnings well enough,” Luster says. “If
there’s a tornado warning in the area and the sirens have been sounded, you
need to immediately seek that shelter in the home like I talked about and not
just get outside and try to watch it.” 

Southern and
central Missouri have already seen deadly tornadoes. The National Weather
Service confirms two tornadoes struck central Missouri Easter Sunday. Netflix
is running a documentary on the deadly Joplin tornado in May of 2011 that wipe
out much of the town and took more than 150 lives.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThis is the time
of year when severe weather threatens; anywhere from a thunderstorm to a
tornado.St. Joseph Police
Chief, Paul Luster, urges residents to take it seriously. And to prepare.Luster says every
family should take a little time this time of year to plan for what to do
should thunderstorms or tornadoes threaten. Begin by designating a safe place
in the home.“Identify that
safe place in the home,” Luster says during his time on KFEQmmunity. “Where are
we going? Is that a basement? Is that a storm cellar? Is that an interior room
on the lowest level without windows, like a bathroom or a closet? To have that
safety plan in place and even practice it with your family.”Make sure
flashlights have batteries and cell phones are charged. Luster also advises
storing some bottled drinking water and non-perishable food. Get your weather
information from a reliable source, such as a NOAA radio and local media.Luster says everyone
in the family should find an emergency kit on standby once they arrive there.“Have that little
emergency kit prepped in there; some essential items, like some water, some
non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, first aid kit,” Luster says. “Have
that in a container wherever you’re going to go. Have that little emergency kit
ready in case you lose power, in case you have to stay in shelter for a long period
of time. Have that ready to go.”Luster worries too
many residents become complacent and ignore weather forecaster warnings or even
the sound of tornado sirens.“I think sometimes
they don’t heed to the actual weather warnings well enough,” Luster says. “If
there’s a tornado warning in the area and the sirens have been sounded, you
need to immediately seek that shelter in the home like I talked about and not
just get outside and try to watch it.” Southern and
central Missouri have already seen deadly tornadoes. The National Weather
Service confirms two tornadoes struck central Missouri Easter Sunday. Netflix
is running a documentary on the deadly Joplin tornado in May of 2011 that wipe
out much of the town and took more than 150 lives.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Prepare now for severe weather later

A local animal rescue has received a $10,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri 

M'Shoogy's animal rescue is one of several agencies to receive money through the Mary Margaret Hodgin Fund, aimed at providing money to services that aid cats and dogs.  

Community Foundation President Mary Hinde says M'Shoogy's works in animal welfare and says they also help law enforcement across five counties with injured or abandoned animals 

"It's not unusual for someone to drop an animal on the highway, or an animal to get out into the road and be hit, and so when a dog or cat has that happen to them their normally taken to M'Shoogy's at any time of the day or night to be recuperated and operated on, whatever needs to be done to them, and then they can be adopted out after that," Hinde tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Hinde says M'Shoogy's provides services to rehabilitate injured and abandoned animals for adoption, but also provides what they call Angel Vet 

"When animals come in, they are able to rehabilitate them and operate on them," Hinde explains.  "Also, individuals can use that service for their pets, so if they have a pet that needs help or needs its inoculations, they can take their pet there at any time and pay a minimal amount for those services there." 

Hinde says M'Shoogy's will use the money to make quality of life improvements around the rescue 

"To have larger pens so that their animals have a better quality of life and have more space to run in when they're outside and so that they can do a little bit of socializing," Hinde says.  "So, these new pens are going to be a great asset" 

M'Shoogy's isn’t the only agency receiving money. The Community Foundation is also giving money to the Friends of the Animal Shelter in St. Joseph as well as the God’s Furry Angels Pet Rescue through the Mary Margaret Hodgin Fund. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A local animal rescue has received a $10,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri M'Shoogy's animal rescue is one of several agencies to receive money through the Mary Margaret Hodgin Fund, aimed at providing money to services that aid cats and dogs. Community Foundation President Mary Hinde says M'Shoogy's works in animal welfare and says they also help law enforcement across five counties with injured or abandoned animals "It's not unusual for someone to drop an animal on the highway, or an animal to get out into the road and be hit, and so when a dog or cat has that happen to them their normally taken to M'Shoogy's at any time of the day or night to be recuperated and operated on, whatever needs to be done to them, and then they can be adopted out after that," Hinde tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Hinde says M'Shoogy's provides services to rehabilitate injured and abandoned animals for adoption, but also provides what they call Angel Vet "When animals come in, they are able to rehabilitate them and operate on them," Hinde explains. "Also, individuals can use that service for their pets, so if they have a pet that needs help or needs its inoculations, they can take their pet there at any time and pay a minimal amount for those services there." Hinde says M'Shoogy's will use the money to make quality of life improvements around the rescue "To have larger pens so that their animals have a better quality of life and have more space to run in when they're outside and so that they can do a little bit of socializing," Hinde says. "So, these new pens are going to be a great asset" M'Shoogy's isn’t the only agency receiving money. The Community Foundation is also giving money to the Friends of the Animal Shelter in St. Joseph as well as the God’s Furry Angels Pet Rescue through the Mary Margaret Hodgin Fund. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Local animal rescue receives grant money to enhance animal quailty of life

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3NO3zwRJ5eppL9SYrxryG4?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3yMXbt0VN5n4XhvN1dcr0v?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

Michelle Trupiano with the Missouri Family Health Center said the state’s Title X funding was frozen after the federal government cited DEI compliance concerns

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Until April, much of the $5,000 a month in federal Title X family planning funding received by the Dent County Health Center went toward purchasing contraceptive devices for some of the 200 people they serve annually.&nbsp;

But the health center’s administrator, Zachary Moser, said a recent decision to freeze family planning funds has the center fearful it won’t be able to continue covering family planning services for its rural southeastern Missouri population.

In late March, the Trump administration froze about $27.5 million in Title X funding to a number of states, including several million dollars to Missouri that are distributed by Missouri Family Health Council.&nbsp;

<a href="https://opa.hhs.gov/grant-programs/title-x-service-grants" target="_blank">The Title X program</a>&nbsp;was created more than half a century ago as a funding stream to support access to family planning options, including contraceptives, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and cancer screenings related to reproductive health.&nbsp;

While some have speculated the administration was trying to target abortion providers, only seven of the 52 recipients of Title X grants through the Missouri Family Health Council are Planned Parenthood clinics. A breakdown of how funding is distributed between clinics was not made available.

The majority of the recipients are health centers like Moser’s. Moser said in the short-term, Dent County has redirected some general revenues toward family planning services and continues to offer them to patients for free.

“Will we be able to do that indefinitely?” he asked. “No.”

For example, instead of Title X funding covering the cost of an IUD — a contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy — the patient would instead have to foot the bill, choose a less-effective but more affordable or go without.&nbsp;

Moser said some of the longer-lasting contraceptive devices can cost upwards of $1,000 out of pocket, a price that isn’t feasible for most of the people the center serves.&nbsp;

Limiting or eliminating family planning services can impact entire communities and public health.&nbsp;

Michelle Trupiano, executive director of the Missouri Family Health Council, said if the freeze continues, she anticipates immediate health consequences like increased unintended pregnancies, later-stage cancer diagnoses, more overall disease and worse maternal health outcomes.&nbsp;

Missouri Family Health Council has been leading the state’s Title X planning program for nearly 45 years. Their network of 52 clinics includes health departments, community action agencies, federally-qualified health centers and hospital-based clinics. They also work with family planning clinics, including seven Planned Parenthood locations.

“The Trump administration and Elon Musk are using Title X to push their own political agenda and impose their personal beliefs on everyone at the expense of people who need critical access to care,” Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement. ” …. If blocking health care for low-income patients is what the Trump administration means by ‘making America great again,’ then we want no part of it. It’s cruel, it’s calculated, and it won’t stop us from fighting for our patients.”&nbsp;

Trupiano said she’s not sure why Missouri was targeted while other states with Planned Parenthood clinics were left untouched. But the letter Trupiano received announcing the freeze cited compliance concerns around diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, or DEI. She said the grant they were awarded includes “access, quality and equity” among its priorities.&nbsp;

Through Title X funding, Missouri clinics served nearly 34,800 patients in 2024. Of those, 83% were female, 75% were under the age of 34 and 45% were uninsured.

Last year, 58% of the patients served were white and 30% were Black.&nbsp;

“We know the devastating impact and consequences that will result if this is not swiftly resolved,” Trupiano said.

The funding to Missouri Family Health Council was paused the day before year four of a five-year grant cycle began on April 1.&nbsp;

The Dent County Health Center applied for Title X funding after hiring a full-time nurse practitioner in 2022. Not only does the grant help them increase health care access for patients, but&nbsp;Moser&nbsp;said it also backs up an ongoing effort to inform more young people on pregnancy prevention.&nbsp;

In his corner of southeast Missouri there’s still a lot of stigma around premarital sex, Moser said, making it difficult to educate teenagers on pregnancy-prevention. Among those teens who do seek out contraceptive access at the health center, he said many don’t want to go through their parent’s insurance policy because they want to keep their choices private.&nbsp;

“We won’t have any way to serve those patients,” Moser said. “It’s going to limit access for sure, which is going to drive up the teen pregnancy rate, drive up unwanted pregnancies and have other unintended consequences.”

Missouri’s teen pregnancy birth rate has steadily declined over the past several years, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/teen-births/teenbirths.htm" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,</a>&nbsp;though it still remains among the highest in the country.

Stephanie Kraft Sheley, director of Right By You, a Missouri-based nonprofit that in part advocates for contraceptive access, said some of the most common calls to the organization’s hotline revolve around navigating birth control access.

She said a continued freeze could have “catastrophic” effects, potentially shuttering programs or clinics whose efforts help reduce unintended pregnancies.

If the&nbsp;freeze continues, Kraft Sheley said, that likely means navigating fewer people to pregnancy-prevention options and increasingly directing them to abortion options. While abortion is now legal in Missouri, access is still difficult for many people, as only three Planned Parenthood clinics have resumed procedural abortions and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/28/missouri-rejects-planned-parenthood-medication-abortion-plan/">medication abortions remain unavailable.</a>

Trupiano has spent the past few weeks helping clinics like Moser’s navigate the abrupt funding change as they work to determine how to stretch resources in order to continue providing free family planning services to patients.&nbsp;

“They already were working in the leanest possible way to provide this critical care,” she said. “These cuts are very devastating, and for a lot of the health departments and other safety net clinics, this isn’t the only infrastructure cut that they are facing.”&nbsp;

That rings true in Dent County, where Moser said Title X is one of a handful of programs under threat right now. He remains particularly concerned about continued federal funding for the county’s lead testing and vaccine programs, both of which rely entirely on grant funding.

Trupiano and others have been drawing attention to Missouri’s&nbsp;public health safety net for years, raising concerns that clinics and providers are stretched beyond capacity. Funding freezes such as this only cause longer wait times and more people who ultimately go without timely care as the burden shifts off one clinic and onto another, she said.&nbsp;

For example, if a clinic relying on Title X funding were ultimately to close, those patients would be forced to find another provider. In many places, new patient wait lists are already months long. For those without reliable access to transportation, getting to a different clinic further away might be too much of a burden to continue care.

While the greatest harm will be inflicted on the most vulnerable Missourians, Trupiano said, “the impact is going to be borne by everybody.”&nbsp;

<h2>Michelle Trupiano with the Missouri Family Health Center said the state’s Title X funding was frozen after the federal government cited DEI compliance concerns</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Until April, much of the $5,000 a month in federal Title X family planning funding received by the Dent County Health Center went toward purchasing contraceptive devices for some of the 200 people they serve annually.&nbsp;But the health center’s administrator, Zachary Moser, said a recent decision to freeze family planning funds has the center fearful it won’t be able to continue covering family planning services for its rural southeastern Missouri population.In late March, the Trump administration froze about $27.5 million in Title X funding to a number of states, including several million dollars to Missouri that are distributed by Missouri Family Health Council.&nbsp;<a href="https://opa.hhs.gov/grant-programs/title-x-service-grants" target="_blank">The Title X program</a>&nbsp;was created more than half a century ago as a funding stream to support access to family planning options, including contraceptives, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and cancer screenings related to reproductive health.&nbsp;While some have speculated the administration was trying to target abortion providers, only seven of the 52 recipients of Title X grants through the Missouri Family Health Council are Planned Parenthood clinics. A breakdown of how funding is distributed between clinics was not made available.The majority of the recipients are health centers like Moser’s. Moser said in the short-term, Dent County has redirected some general revenues toward family planning services and continues to offer them to patients for free.“Will we be able to do that indefinitely?” he asked. “No.”For example, instead of Title X funding covering the cost of an IUD — a contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy — the patient would instead have to foot the bill, choose a less-effective but more affordable or go without.&nbsp;Moser said some of the longer-lasting contraceptive devices can cost upwards of $1,000 out of pocket, a price that isn’t feasible for most of the people the center serves.&nbsp;Limiting or eliminating family planning services can impact entire communities and public health.&nbsp;Michelle Trupiano, executive director of the Missouri Family Health Council, said if the freeze continues, she anticipates immediate health consequences like increased unintended pregnancies, later-stage cancer diagnoses, more overall disease and worse maternal health outcomes.&nbsp;Missouri Family Health Council has been leading the state’s Title X planning program for nearly 45 years. Their network of 52 clinics includes health departments, community action agencies, federally-qualified health centers and hospital-based clinics. They also work with family planning clinics, including seven Planned Parenthood locations.“The Trump administration and Elon Musk are using Title X to push their own political agenda and impose their personal beliefs on everyone at the expense of people who need critical access to care,” Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement. ” …. If blocking health care for low-income patients is what the Trump administration means by ‘making America great again,’ then we want no part of it. It’s cruel, it’s calculated, and it won’t stop us from fighting for our patients.”&nbsp;Trupiano said she’s not sure why Missouri was targeted while other states with Planned Parenthood clinics were left untouched. But the letter Trupiano received announcing the freeze cited compliance concerns around diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, or DEI. She said the grant they were awarded includes “access, quality and equity” among its priorities.&nbsp;Through Title X funding, Missouri clinics served nearly 34,800 patients in 2024. Of those, 83% were female, 75% were under the age of 34 and 45% were uninsured.Last year, 58% of the patients served were white and 30% were Black.&nbsp;“We know the devastating impact and consequences that will result if this is not swiftly resolved,” Trupiano said.The funding to Missouri Family Health Council was paused the day before year four of a five-year grant cycle began on April 1.&nbsp;The Dent County Health Center applied for Title X funding after hiring a full-time nurse practitioner in 2022. Not only does the grant help them increase health care access for patients, but&nbsp;Moser&nbsp;said it also backs up an ongoing effort to inform more young people on pregnancy prevention.&nbsp;In his corner of southeast Missouri there’s still a lot of stigma around premarital sex, Moser said, making it difficult to educate teenagers on pregnancy-prevention. Among those teens who do seek out contraceptive access at the health center, he said many don’t want to go through their parent’s insurance policy because they want to keep their choices private.&nbsp;“We won’t have any way to serve those patients,” Moser said. “It’s going to limit access for sure, which is going to drive up the teen pregnancy rate, drive up unwanted pregnancies and have other unintended consequences.”Missouri’s teen pregnancy birth rate has steadily declined over the past several years, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/teen-births/teenbirths.htm" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,</a>&nbsp;though it still remains among the highest in the country.Stephanie Kraft Sheley, director of Right By You, a Missouri-based nonprofit that in part advocates for contraceptive access, said some of the most common calls to the organization’s hotline revolve around navigating birth control access.She said a continued freeze could have “catastrophic” effects, potentially shuttering programs or clinics whose efforts help reduce unintended pregnancies.If the&nbsp;freeze continues, Kraft Sheley said, that likely means navigating fewer people to pregnancy-prevention options and increasingly directing them to abortion options. While abortion is now legal in Missouri, access is still difficult for many people, as only three Planned Parenthood clinics have resumed procedural abortions and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/28/missouri-rejects-planned-parenthood-medication-abortion-plan/">medication abortions remain unavailable.</a>Trupiano has spent the past few weeks helping clinics like Moser’s navigate the abrupt funding change as they work to determine how to stretch resources in order to continue providing free family planning services to patients.&nbsp;“They already were working in the leanest possible way to provide this critical care,” she said. “These cuts are very devastating, and for a lot of the health departments and other safety net clinics, this isn’t the only infrastructure cut that they are facing.”&nbsp;That rings true in Dent County, where Moser said Title X is one of a handful of programs under threat right now. He remains particularly concerned about continued federal funding for the county’s lead testing and vaccine programs, both of which rely entirely on grant funding.Trupiano and others have been drawing attention to Missouri’s&nbsp;public health safety net for years, raising concerns that clinics and providers are stretched beyond capacity. Funding freezes such as this only cause longer wait times and more people who ultimately go without timely care as the burden shifts off one clinic and onto another, she said.&nbsp;For example, if a clinic relying on Title X funding were ultimately to close, those patients would be forced to find another provider. In many places, new patient wait lists are already months long. For those without reliable access to transportation, getting to a different clinic further away might be too much of a burden to continue care.While the greatest harm will be inflicted on the most vulnerable Missourians, Trupiano said, “the impact is going to be borne by everybody.”&nbsp;

Federal family planning funding freeze in Missouri impacts more than Planned Parenthood

The Missouri Department of Transportation continues to consider changes to the I-229 double decker bridge in downtown St. Joseph. 

Now that an environmental study has been completed, MoDOT is in the design phase of what will be done to move away from the current double decker design.  

MoDOT Deputy Director Eric Schroeter says there will be a public comment period next month as the department puts together its annual Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. 

"And that's the one that will include as we're trying to put the project with the double decker bridge into that five-year plan as to where that falls when funding is available and timing" Schroeter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And moving on from, now that we've completed the environmental study part, to now taking it on as a project and getting it planned, and the design work done for it." 

An exact date or location for the meeting has not yet been announced by the department.   

For two years, Missouri has been discussing the possibility of converting Highway 36 into Interstate 72. MoDOT officials say it is not a simple process. 

Highway 36 runs across the northern half of the state – from St. Joseph to Hannibal. Turning U.S. Highway 36 into Interstate 72 could make traversing along the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, as it’s known, a little bit easier. 

Schroeter says there are several federal standards that would have to be met for Highway 36 to be upgraded to an interstate. 

"So, some of the things that are different that would change with 36 to become an interstate, the interstates don't have any private driveways on them, there's no direct connections, it's all restricted access," Schroeter explains.  "And they also have a minimum speed limit, so they don't typically allow agriculture type equipment that can't maintain an interstate speed." 

Schroeter says the department has heard the discussions and the desire, but hopes people understand the costs and what goes into it, and that it also comes down to federal guidelines. 

While much transportation talk in Missouri has centered on Interstate 70 in central Missouri and Interstates 44 in southern Missouri, a top official insists MoDOT hasn’t forgotten about northwest Missouri. 

Schroeter says northwest Missouri will get plenty of attention in the next Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. 

"All the bridge replacements we're doing, minor road resurfacing, resurfacing to some of the interstates up in the northwest part, a lot of bridge replacements going on, and also looking at projects specifically in St. Joseph," Schroeter says.  "Looking at the future of what's commonly known as a double decker bridge, we've worked on an environmental plan there what's the future of that look like, so all of those projects are in the STIP as well." 

Schroeter says there are 45o projects in the works currently and points out on any given day this summer there will be 800 work zones active across the state.

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Missouri Department of Transportation continues to consider changes to the I-229 double decker bridge in downtown St. Joseph. Now that an environmental study has been completed, MoDOT is in the design phase of what will be done to move away from the current double decker design. MoDOT Deputy Director Eric Schroeter says there will be a public comment period next month as the department puts together its annual Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. "And that's the one that will include as we're trying to put the project with the double decker bridge into that five-year plan as to where that falls when funding is available and timing" Schroeter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And moving on from, now that we've completed the environmental study part, to now taking it on as a project and getting it planned, and the design work done for it." An exact date or location for the meeting has not yet been announced by the department. For two years, Missouri has been discussing the possibility of converting Highway 36 into Interstate 72. MoDOT officials say it is not a simple process. Highway 36 runs across the northern half of the state – from St. Joseph to Hannibal. Turning U.S. Highway 36 into Interstate 72 could make traversing along the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway, as it’s known, a little bit easier. Schroeter says there are several federal standards that would have to be met for Highway 36 to be upgraded to an interstate. "So, some of the things that are different that would change with 36 to become an interstate, the interstates don't have any private driveways on them, there's no direct connections, it's all restricted access," Schroeter explains. "And they also have a minimum speed limit, so they don't typically allow agriculture type equipment that can't maintain an interstate speed." Schroeter says the department has heard the discussions and the desire, but hopes people understand the costs and what goes into it, and that it also comes down to federal guidelines. While much transportation talk in Missouri has centered on Interstate 70 in central Missouri and Interstates 44 in southern Missouri, a top official insists MoDOT hasn’t forgotten about northwest Missouri. Schroeter says northwest Missouri will get plenty of attention in the next Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. "All the bridge replacements we're doing, minor road resurfacing, resurfacing to some of the interstates up in the northwest part, a lot of bridge replacements going on, and also looking at projects specifically in St. Joseph," Schroeter says. "Looking at the future of what's commonly known as a double decker bridge, we've worked on an environmental plan there what's the future of that look like, so all of those projects are in the STIP as well." Schroeter says there are 45o projects in the works currently and points out on any given day this summer there will be 800 work zones active across the state.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

State department of transportation official insists northwest Missouri has not been left out

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2gCphNzhXPMz6Nb0EhmvnI?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1hbPeaMzk7D7mzT7KMl2WM?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Attorney Laura
Chavez has been chosen to fill the Municipal Court Judge vacancy left in wake
of the death of Municipal Judge Ted Elo.

Chavez, a St.
Joseph native, was chosen by the St. Joseph City Council which considered two
candidates to fill the vacancy. Chavez graduated from Bishop Leblond High
School and Missouri Western State University. She earned her law degree at
Creighton University in Omaha.

Chavez served as
the City Prosecutor in Municipal Court for the last ten years. The St. Joseph
City Council will formally vote to confirm Chavez at the April 28th City
Council session as an emergency ordinance. 

Her appointment
will remain effective until the April general municipal election next year.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAttorney Laura
Chavez has been chosen to fill the Municipal Court Judge vacancy left in wake
of the death of Municipal Judge Ted Elo.Chavez, a St.
Joseph native, was chosen by the St. Joseph City Council which considered two
candidates to fill the vacancy. Chavez graduated from Bishop Leblond High
School and Missouri Western State University. She earned her law degree at
Creighton University in Omaha.Chavez served as
the City Prosecutor in Municipal Court for the last ten years. The St. Joseph
City Council will formally vote to confirm Chavez at the April 28th City
Council session as an emergency ordinance. Her appointment
will remain effective until the April general municipal election next year.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chavez chosen as new St. Joseph Municipal Judge

Much construction work of various types
is being done around St. Joseph.

Some residents complain contractors have
been leaving trash behind after completing projects with a few damaging
property.

St. Joseph Public Works Director, Abe
Forney, says residents who have complaints should contact his department.

“If somebody’s sidewalk is damaged and it
was the utility company or fiber company then they could contact us and we’ll
have the process of contacting them through (the) Public Works Department,”
Forney tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Most of the contractors completing
construction projects in St. Joseph are not working for the city, according to
Forney. He points out Missouri American Water is undergoing a huge project,
replacing aging water pipes, many of which contain lead. Spire is also
upgrading gas lines throughout the greater St. Joseph area. More than one
company is working to install fiber optic cables.

“People get confused often when a utility
company like a water line or fiber is getting put in. It’s not the city that
actually does the work,” according to Forney. “We just oversee it to make that
if the street is cut out or the sidewalk is cut, we’re kind of the fallback to
make sure it’s put back properly.”

Forney says there is a lot of
construction ongoing in St. Joseph as contractors replace aging infrastructure.

“We’ve got to continue to upgrade these
things,” Forney says. “I know it’s frustrating, but I really appreciate
everybody’s patience.”

One St. Joseph resident who contacted
KFEQ complained of trash being left behind by a contractor after completing a
project. He said other residents have had their property damaged during
construction. The resident also said it was difficult to make a formal
complaint to the city.

Forney suggests those with complaints
either contact the Public Works and Transportation Department at 816-271-4653
or City Yards at 816-271-4848.

“Just communicate with us and we’ll
figure it out,” Forney says.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMuch construction work of various types
is being done around St. Joseph.Some residents complain contractors have
been leaving trash behind after completing projects with a few damaging
property.St. Joseph Public Works Director, Abe
Forney, says residents who have complaints should contact his department.“If somebody’s sidewalk is damaged and it
was the utility company or fiber company then they could contact us and we’ll
have the process of contacting them through (the) Public Works Department,”
Forney tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Most of the contractors completing
construction projects in St. Joseph are not working for the city, according to
Forney. He points out Missouri American Water is undergoing a huge project,
replacing aging water pipes, many of which contain lead. Spire is also
upgrading gas lines throughout the greater St. Joseph area. More than one
company is working to install fiber optic cables.“People get confused often when a utility
company like a water line or fiber is getting put in. It’s not the city that
actually does the work,” according to Forney. “We just oversee it to make that
if the street is cut out or the sidewalk is cut, we’re kind of the fallback to
make sure it’s put back properly.”Forney says there is a lot of
construction ongoing in St. Joseph as contractors replace aging infrastructure.“We’ve got to continue to upgrade these
things,” Forney says. “I know it’s frustrating, but I really appreciate
everybody’s patience.”One St. Joseph resident who contacted
KFEQ complained of trash being left behind by a contractor after completing a
project. He said other residents have had their property damaged during
construction. The resident also said it was difficult to make a formal
complaint to the city.Forney suggests those with complaints
either contact the Public Works and Transportation Department at 816-271-4653
or City Yards at 816-271-4848.“Just communicate with us and we’ll
figure it out,” Forney says.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Contractor complaints? Contact St. Joseph City Hall

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>.

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/rsequeira/">Robbie Sequeira</a>&nbsp;<h2>Many conservative-led states rely heavily on dollars from Washington.</h2>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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745177331071.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/H69Mw/">Click here to see K-12 funding in all states</a><h2>DEI-related cuts</h2>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.<h2>Pandemic aid cancellations</h2>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?”<h2>Effects in the classroom</h2>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.

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1pI3NyzCNphkANXX48l04D?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

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.

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

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;

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post 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

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.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTarkio 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.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jjKqzQpywXM?si=sRnmot_CkcbGYa41" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>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.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn 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.JOURNAL<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1fP8lyyguN8AGaKqzKQ8Et?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.