Category: kmiz-local-news

Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools’ Adult English Language Learner program could face significant setbacks as the Trump administration’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget includes cuts to adult education state grants.

The proposed budget includes a 24% cut to adult education funding, reducing it from $642 million to about $486 million.

CPS’s program provides free online and in-person classes for adult students trying to improve their English language skills. The director says these resources are crucial because the program serves hundreds of immigrant, refugee, and working-class families in Mid-Missouri.

“To prepare them for employment, having their children in schools, just the other social stuff that goes into being in a new environment, that’s kinda of what we do. We’re sort of language triage,” program director Noah Siela said.

“These cuts would hit our classrooms, but the ripple effects extend far beyond education. We’re talking about workforce readiness, child success in K–12, and access to health care and jobs for people who are doing everything they can to contribute to their communities,” Siela added.

The program has been serving Columbia for about 20 years and is funded through a combination of state and federal grants. Federal funding pays about 75% of the cost of the approximately $350,000 program.

Siela says the program runs simply and. Part of the grant pays for space and technology, but the majority is used to cover salaries for two full-time staff members, two full-time teachers and a few part-time instructors.

The program serves 200 to 250 people a year and students are required to have a current placement test on file before classes begin. Currently, the program has 150 people on a wait list. But, Siela says that if the proposed budget cuts go into effect, they would be forced to reduce enrollment.

“Teachers would have to be cut drastically, so not only the quality of the program would be diminished, we just wouldn’t serve as many as people as need. I mean, we have to waitlist people as is already,” Siela said.

Students enrolled in the program came from all over the world, Siela said.

“The Middle East, continental Africa and Central America, those are the three big ones,” Siela said.

One of those students, Hui “Vivian” Shi, has been in the program since January and comes from China. She says the program has made a life-changing difference.

“I feel so motivation,” Shi said. “When I first got here in the United States, I cannot understand what they are talking [about] and I cannot join in to talk. I feel sad.”

Shi said the language barrier led to depression and she felt disconnected from society. Her daughter attends an elementary school in Columbia and Shi said the girl’s English improved quickly. But Shi struggled before enrolling in the program.

Siela says there have been discussions about other funding, but nothing is set in stone.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has a similar program called Adult Education and Literacy. It provides free virtual and face-to-face classroom instruction in reading, language, mathematics, English language competency, workplace literacy and more.

Adult students also receive preparation for Missouri’s high school equivalency exam

“The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is awaiting further information and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to understand how these potential budget changes related to Adult Education may impact programs and funding administered by DESE,” the department said in a written statement.

The MU Intensive English Program will close May 31, due to declining enrollment, according to its website.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The REAL ID deadline is Wednesday. The form of identification has been described as something residents need to board planes, though CNN reported that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday those without a REAL ID will still be allowed to fly, but did not clarify how long those without a REAL ID will be allowed to fly.

Have you already obtained a REAL ID? Let us know in the poll and in the comments.  

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Jazsmin Halliburton

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Conference Committee on the state budget went to recess less than a minute into hearing and will reconvene at 10 p.m. Wednesday night.

According to Chairman Rep. Dirk Deaton, the committee can not be in conference while session is taking place in either chamber and due to the Senate’s plans on working until 10 p.m.

Both chambers gaveled back into session at 10 a.m.

This comes as the Missouri House of Representatives and the Senate work to finalize the state budget bill while the deadline looms to have all spending bills approved by May 9.

The Senate approved the state’s 13 budget bills, but the House rejected them last week. Because of this rejection, the budget discussions will head to the Conference Committee.

The Senate budget is about $50 million more than the one the House approved. The Senate Appropriation Committee’s plan included $300 million more for public schools than was recommended by Governor Mike Kehoe. The Missouri House of Representatives passed a $47.9 billion state budget on April 3.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Former Columbia Public Schools Superintendent Brian Yearwood is again a finalist to assume the same role at another school district.

The Jefferson County School District in Kentucky shared in a press release on its website on Tuesday that Yearwood is one of its two finalists to lead its district. Yearwood is referred to as Dr. H. Brian Yearwood in the release and the school’s social media.

Yearwood stepped down from his position as CPS superintendent in November and was paid $667,268.90 in a contract buyout. Yearwood was hired by CPS in 2021. He was under contract through June 2027, making about $260,000 per year. Chris Belcher was named the district’s interim superintendent before Jeff Klein was hired.

CPS announced in November that Yearwood would step down immediately “to spend time with family in Texas,” previous reporting indicates. Yearwood announced in August that he had been diagnosed with cancer. That diagnosis was not mentioned in his resignation letter.

Yearwood’s separation agreement with CPS states that he agreed to the mutual public statement between the two parties and cannot make any further public statements.

Yearwood was recently a finalist for a superintendent position in Garden City, Kansas, and at the Christina School District in Newark, Delaware last month.

The Jefferson County press release says the finalists will partake in a pair of public question-and-answer sessions that will be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube page from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 20. A second session will occur later in the evening.

“Both individuals have a wealth of experiences and credentials that have prepared them for a leadership opportunity such as the superintendency of JCPS presents,” Corrie Shull, chair of the JCBE, is quoted in the release. “Both individuals are capable of elevating student learning in our district, ensuring students continue to excel and our district will continue to flourish.”   

At a community forum held by Garden City school district in January, Yearwood was asked what his most-vocal critic would say about him as a school leader.

“They would say he doesn’t have much patience for red tape that slows down the process of getting things done to benefit scholars. I’ve had to sort of temper because there, there, there are rules you must follow,” he said in the video. “And again, I’m not talking about circumventing rules or doing anything. That’s not it. But sometimes, when we know something is great for a scholar or scholars or school, sometimes the process gets bogged down.”

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The incumbent runners in Rocheport’s municipal election on Tuesday retained their seats.

Mayor John Zondca ran unopposed and collected 81 votes. Ward 2 Alderwoman Lois Connor won her election against Roman Clarkson 20 votes to 9.

In the Ward 1 race, Alderman Conrad Yates totaled 28 votes to Sara Lemberger’s 26.

Boone County’s results on Tuesday night showed the race had a 50.6% voter turnout with 84 votes cast.

May 6 voter turnoutDownload

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Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Those without a REAL ID on Wednesday can still board a plane, but a TSA spokesman says it may take longer.

The federal government will require travelers 18 years and older to present a REAL ID or passport when boarding a plane or visiting certain federal offices or facilities.

Transportation and Security Regional spokesperson Mark Howell said the TSA is recommending people who have not yet obtained their REAL ID arrive at the airport three hours before their flight. Howell said those who haven’t yet received a REAL ID will experience extra screening at checkpoints to have their identity verified.

“It’s going to be random and unpredictable, but they’re going to check your ID,” Howell said. “They’re going to ask you for other forms to try and verify your identity.”

Howell said people who aren’t able to present a real ID at the ticket counter will be given a red card and moved to a separate area for additional screening. Delay times will depend on how long it takes agents to verify each person’s identity.

If agents are able to verify your identity, there will be additional random screening done at the check point and people will be able to proceed as normal, Howell said. According to Howell, people with a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification, such as a passport should expect to fly as usual.

Howell said there is a possibility people wont be able to fly if TSA is unable to verify their identity, which is rare.

“We’re going to work with you as best we can,” Howell said. “Bring something that will help us verify your identity in addition to your legacy drivers license. Bring some other documents with you that will help us kind of put those pieces together to verify your identity.”

According to Howell, that can include any other photo ID– even if it’s not on the acceptable list– or any other personal document.

CNN reported that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also said Tuesday those without a REAL ID will still be allowed to fly, but did not clarify how long passengers without a REAL ID will still be allowed to fly. Howell also did not provide a timeline to ABC 17 News.

Dozens of people flocked inside and outside of Columbia license offices on Tuesday, as the deadline to obtain a REAL ID winded down. Some like University of Missouri sophomore Habi Mugisha said he learned about the deadline on Monday from a friend, and decided it would be a good idea to get one.

“I plan on traveling this summer so that’s really the only reason why. I just wanted to get it over with,” Mugisha said.

Alicia Molina said she frequently travels and knew she needed a REAL ID to be able to continue doing so. Molina said she tried to apply for the new identification on Monday, but ran into problems with paperwork.

She said she waited in line for 45 minutes, only to be told she would have to come back, but knew she needed to get one as soon as possible.

“My sister passed away and the funeral arrangements had been arranged so I had to get this (a REAL ID) and get ready for the trip,” Molina said.

According to Howell, 81% of people across the nation have a Real ID or acceptable form of identification.

As of April 24, roughly 45% of Missourians had a REAL ID, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man who was charged in federal court after he was accused of shooting two Pettis County deputies on Friday appeared in court on Tuesday in Jefferson City.

James Elsea, 62, was charged in the Western District Court of Missouri with being a felon with a gun. Court filings show that he is being represented by a public defender and that he appeared for a hearing on Tuesday. He is being held at the Cole County Jail. A mugshot was not available. He also appeared for a hearing on Monday. His next hearing date was not published.

Court documents in previous reporting say that a SWAT team served a “no-knock” warrant at 5:43 a.m. Friday in the 27000 block of Route BB. The warrant was issued in relation to possible meth trafficking. The complaint says Elsea is “known to be armed.”

One deputy was hit above their knee and the other was shot near their calf. One SWAT member returned fire, the complaint says.

One of the injured SWAT members was brought to University Hospital with a shattered femur and was sent to surgery. The other was brought to Bothwell Hospital and was eventually released the same day, the complaint says.

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Mitchell Kaminski

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) 

The Missouri Senate held a third reading of the Second Amendment Preservation Act on Tuesday, following the passage of a bill in committee aimed at refining the law’s language to address federal court objections while preserving the state’s ban on enforcing federal gun regulations.

The bill — sponsored by Rep. Bill Hardwick (R-Pulaski County) — seeks to address concerns raised by federal courts while preserving the state’s prohibition on enforcing federal gun control laws.

SAPA was signed into law in 2021, prohibiting the enforcement of certain federal gun regulations that the state deems to infringe on the Second Amendment. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in February 2022 to block the law, arguing it hindered federal enforcement efforts.

A federal judge in March 2023 determined SAPA violated the U.S. Constitution. Courts objected to SAPA’s language declaring certain federal gun laws unconstitutional, a provision that led to the entire law being struck down.

In response, Hardwick introduced House Bill 1175 to bring the statute into compliance with those rulings. The measure would prohibit state and local officials from enforcing federal firearms regulations, unless those provisions are also established in Missouri law. The bill has attracted 23 co-sponsors.

The Missouri House passed the bill on March 27 in a 100-51 vote. The Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee approved it on April 22, followed by the Senate Fiscal Oversight Committee on May 1. 

“Under this act, no public officer or state or local employee has the authority to enforce federal firearms laws against law-abiding citizens. However, state employees may accept aid from federal officials in an effort to enforce Missouri laws. Sovereign immunity shall not be an affirmative defense under this act,” HB 1175 reads. 

On April 14, law enforcement officials from across Missouri testified in opposition to the proposed legislation, including representatives from police departments in Branson, Rolla, Versailles, Columbia and other cities.

Columbia Police Department Assistant Chief Paul Dickinson voiced strong opposition to the Second Amendment Preservation Act in a statement to ABC 17 News on Tuesday.

“The Columbia Police Department strongly opposes the Second Amendment Preservation Act, which is currently being discussed in the Missouri Senate. The department believes this legislation does not enhance the public safety of Columbia citizens and visitors,” Dickinson said. “The department values its relationships with our federal law enforcement partners, and the wording of this legislation jeopardizes these relationships, therefore negatively impacting the safety of Columbia residents and visitors. The enforcement of federal laws surrounding the illegal possession of firearms is one of the most useful tools we have to combat gun violence in the community in a meaningful way.

“The special interests driving this bill want Missourians to believe that if it is not passed, local law enforcement will collude with the federal government to take firearms away from those legally in possession of and/or lawfully using firearms. We strongly urge members of the Senate to show their support for the efforts of law enforcement to combat gun violence, especially in cities where it is becoming more prevalent, by voting against this bill.”

The DOJ noted in its lawsuit filed against SAPA that the law has impeded law enforcement’s ability to combat violent crime. 

“This act impedes criminal law enforcement operations in Missouri,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a 2022 press release. “The United States will work to ensure that our state and local law enforcement partners are not penalized for doing their jobs to keep our communities safe.”

Kevin Jamison, president of the Western Missouri Shooters’ Alliance, told ABC 17 News in a statement today that he supports SAPA, which he says was “enacted to prevent federal restrictions on our rights”.  However, he added that he feels it is it no longer urgent due to the administration change in the White House, but that could again change after the  2026 and 2028 elections.

The Senate began discussing the bill at 3:56 on Tuesday. After failing to reach an agreement on several amendments to the bill, Democratic lawmakers began filibustering to try and prevent it from passing, which lasted over three hours. The bill was later placed on the Senate’s informal calendar without a vote.

It will need a majority vote from the Senate before being sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe’s desk.

Check back for updates

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Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Article 32 preliminary hearing was held on Tuesday for a U.S. Army specialist accused of killing a soldier at Fort Leonard Wood in November.

Spc. Wooster Rancy, 21, with the 5th Engineer Battalion, is charged with murder and obstruction of justice in the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, an Army Special Trial Counsel spokesperson wrote in an email.

Rancy is being held at the Midwest Joint Regional Confinement Facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, spokesperson Michelle McCaskill wrote.

Rancy is from North Miami, Florida, and is a combat engineer with the 509th Clearance Company. He joined the Army in 2022, according to the base.

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Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

MU School of Medicine had to cut its childhood immunization program after a mass grant termination in March after grants allocated for the Department of Health and Senior Services during the COVID-19 pandemic were pulled back by the federal government.

The immunization program was formed in May 2024 in collaboration with Washington University Pediatric and Adolescent Research Consortium and the Missouri Immunization Coalition. An MU Health Care spokesperson said the program was ended three weeks ago.

This comes as a number of measles cases have been reported in the state. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services confirmed on Tuesday that a measles case was reported in New Madrid County, an area in Missouri’s bootheel. St. Louis’ health department notified the public on Monday about a potential measles exposure at the St. Louis Aquarium on April 30.

The program was led by University of Missouri Professor Jane McElroy, with the goal of giving pediatric providers resources for child vaccinations. This included daily check-ins with clinicians, training on how to inform patients about vaccines and infographics that could be given to parents with vaccine information. A main focus of the program was more underserved and rural areas in the state.

“There was excellent feedback from our clinicians. They really liked being heard at their level because we worked directly with them,” practice facilitator Laura Canaday said. “It was really great resources to be able to share those with clinicians all over the state to really help their knowledge as well as educating their patients.”

Canaday said that the program worked with 16 clinicians, made up of pediatricians, family medicine doctors and nurse practitioners and their practices. Canaday adds that thousands of children were helped.

Of the over $117 million given to Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services, only around $62 million was given before the funding was cut off. Of those funds, around $2 million was given to MU School of Medicine’s immunization program.

“We were totally depressed, it was horrible,” McElroy said. “I don’t think I understood the reason, I don’t understand why we would not want to be continuing to do this work.”

McElroy adds that they were notified about the cuts on March 25 and the team was given until March 30 to send in all invoices from participants for claims to be received.

“It was six health care centers, they had to scramble to get all their invoices, all the receipts in to us, basically in three working days, or they weren’t going to get paid any money, so it’s quite a challenge for everybody to be able to handle that,” Canaday said.

Of the $2 million given, only $1 million was able to be used before the cuts.

McElroy says that isn’t currently a plan for vaccine resources in the works and she is especially worried about measles cases in Missouri on the rise as pediatric clinics are already stretched thin.

“Clinicians, pediatricians, when they’re seeing a patient, they have a gazillion things that they can do for preventative care, it’s a long list of things they can do at any 15 minute visit,” McElroy said. “With us going away, that may bubble down now so that’s one thing that may not be as on the top of their to-do list with the patients.”

McElroy recommends any parents looking for more information on measles to check the CDC’s website.

“It’s not clear if there will be any opportunities for money to get support, fiscal support to do with immunizations, at this moment, it’s it’s very much up in the air,” McElroy said. “It’s a very disruptive climate right now as far as understanding what will be possible in the near future.”

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