News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Trump cuts Department of Education in half

Published

4 months ago

March 15, 2025

www.youtube.com – KSDK News – 2025-03-15 14:51:55

SUMMARY: The Trump administration’s recent cuts to the Department of Education have led to the dismissal of 1,300 employees, including half of the Office of Civil Rights. Parents and advocates fear this will weaken federal oversight of special education, risking regression for vulnerable students. While Education Secretary Linda McMahon claims core functions will remain intact, critics argue this move aligns with President Trump’s goal to dismantle the department. Some, like Wyoming’s superintendent, welcome the changes as a way to reduce federal influence and allow states greater control over education. This shift is likely to intensify debates on school choice versus traditional public schooling.

Half of the employees of the U.S. Department of Education have been given walking papers in what is believed to be a first step in shutting the entire department down.

1,300 employees are gone, including half of the Civil Rights division.

S/ Lindsay Latham / Mom and Disability Advocate

“If we go backwards, we are going to see such a regression in the most vulnerable population,” said Lindsay Latham, a mother and disability advocate.

While schools are run and funded at 90 percent at the state level, the Education Department is tasked with protecting students with disabilities, investigating discrimination and helping low income school districts.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said those basic functions will continue.

“None of that is going to fall through the cracks.”

McMahon has acknowledged that the ultimate goal is the end of the very department she leads.

“His directive to me, clearly, is to shut down the Department of Education.”

=====
Get the latest St. Louis news, weather and sports: https://www.ksdk.com

Download the 5 On Your Side app: https://www.ksdk.com/app

To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku (http://bit.ly/3XxQuEZ), Amazon Fire TV (https://bit.ly/3YZZsw7) or the Apple TV App Store.

Source

Up Next

More than 500 acres burn in Camden County, Mo. wildfires

Don't Miss

Thousands without power, widespread damage from Missouri tornadoes

News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Trump announces 30% tariffs against EU, Mexico to begin Aug. 1, rattling major US trading partners

Published

9 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Staff Editor

fox2now.com – AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press – 2025-07-12 16:13:00

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump announced 30% tariffs on the European Union and Mexico starting August 1, escalating tensions with key trade partners. Trump cited longstanding trade deficits and security concerns, accusing Mexico of insufficient action against drug trafficking despite border cooperation. The EU called for dialogue and warned of countermeasures, while leaders like Macron and Meloni urged negotiation to avoid trade wars. Mexico expressed disagreement, deeming the tariffs unfair, but its president remained optimistic about reaching better terms. The tariffs threaten to disrupt \$2 trillion in EU-U.S. trade, especially impacting European exports like pharmaceuticals, cars, and wine, and could redefine global trade norms.

Read the full article

The post Trump announces 30% tariffs against EU, Mexico to begin Aug. 1, rattling major US trading partners appeared first on fox2now.com

News from the South - Missouri News Feed

These I-44 bridges in SGF are being demolished soon

Published

15 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Staff Editor

www.ozarksfirst.com – Mike Landis – 2025-07-12 10:31:00

SUMMARY: A major MoDOT project in Springfield, MO, has closed Interstate 44 this weekend between Kansas Expressway and West Bypass to demolish the aging Melville Road overpass, part of a broader effort to rebuild and widen the freeway from Route 125 in Strafford to the James River Freeway. The highway is being expanded from three to six lanes with upgraded signage, lighting, sound walls, and median barriers. Additional 1960s-era bridges over Broadway, Grant, and National Avenues will also be replaced, causing future closures. Further phases include rebuilding Kansas Expressway interchange in 2027 and replacing other overpasses on Division Street and nearby routes.

Read the full article

The post These I-44 bridges in SGF are being demolished soon appeared first on www.ozarksfirst.com

News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Stewart looks foward to Arkansas opportunity

Published

1 day ago

July 11, 2025

Staff Editor

www.ozarksfirst.com – Dan Lucy – 2025-07-11 16:43:00

SUMMARY: Missouri State outfielder Zack Stewart, a 6-foot-2 Lebanon native, is transferring to Arkansas for his senior baseball season. After three years with the Bears, where he earned Valley Freshman of the Year and hit strong numbers but went undrafted in 2024, Stewart seeks a fresh start with the Razorbacks. Arkansas, an elite SEC program and recent College World Series participant, likely has outfield openings due to the MLB draft. Stewart is eager to compete for a spot, improve, and attract MLB scouts for the 2026 draft. He expressed gratitude toward Missouri State and Bear Nation for his first three collegiate years.

Read the full article

The post Stewart looks foward to Arkansas opportunity appeared first on www.ozarksfirst.com