SUMMARY: Central High School in Springfield, Mo., canceled its varsity football season just days before the school year, citing low upperclassmen numbers and safety concerns. Players and parents expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing the emotional and community impact. Senior captain David Bitok and player Julian Baker described the decision as a devastating blow after months of preparation and sacrifice. Football serves as an important outlet for many students, providing pride and escape. Despite the cancellation, the team will play at the junior varsity level, and a petition to reinstate varsity football has gained nearly 900 signatures in less than a day. Community support and protests are underway.

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SUMMARY: Three months after the devastating EF-3 tornado struck St. Louis on May 16, causing five deaths and $1.6 billion in damages, cleanup continues amid challenges. Over one million tons of debris remain, mostly on private properties in westside and northside neighborhoods. Initial cleanup involved United Way, AmeriCorps, and the Missouri National Guard. A federal disaster declaration now allows individual assistance via FEMA, but not for debris removal. Mayor Cara Spencer has requested help from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for large-scale debris removal, supported by Missouri’s congressional delegation. Without USACE, cleanup could take up to 18 months. The city is preparing a “Plan B” and seeking regional partners as it awaits federal approval.

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SUMMARY: Sarah Farrow, a former elementary teacher and mother of three, started “Here to Help Educational Advocates” to support parents navigating the special education system. Despite her educational background, she found it overwhelming to advocate for her children who learn differently. Her goal is to empower parents, normalize learning differences, and encourage collaboration with schools. Sarah emphasizes open communication with educators and offers free 30-minute consultations to provide tips and guidance. She aims to equip parents with practical knowledge and confidence to advocate for their children’s needs, helping families face the challenges of special education with hope and understanding.

As students prepare to return to school next week, a local mom is stepping up to assist parents in navigating the special education system. Sarah Dull, an area mother, has founded ‘Here to Help Educational Advocates,’ an organization dedicated to supporting families of children who learn differently.

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