By Devin Watkins Vatican News Service

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the&nbsp;Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.

Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.

After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.

In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection.

As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.

In April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral Mass which has yet to be announced.

The second edition of the&nbsp;Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis&nbsp;introduces several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death.

The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin.

According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.

“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718390118058.png" alt="Pope Francis image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By Devin Watkins Vatican News ServiceAt 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the&nbsp;Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican&#39;s Casa Santa Marta. <a href="https://t.co/jUIkbplVi2">pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2</a>&mdash; Vatican News (@VaticanNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/VaticanNews/status/1914226689065865254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection.As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.In April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral Mass which has yet to be announced.The second edition of the&nbsp;Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis&nbsp;introduces several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death.The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin.According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”

Pope Francis, Latin America's first pontiff, dies at 88

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/2025/4/1745177419068.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

DODGE COUNTY, Nebraska —Authorities are investigating a small plane crash in rural northeast Nebraska that killed three people.

The plane crashed just after 8p.m. Friday into the Platte River south of Fremont, according to the Dodge County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;The victims have been identified as 43-year-old Daniel Williams of Moundridge, Kansas, 50-year-old Jeff Bittinger and 48-year-old Randy Amrein both of Fremont, Nebraska, according to the sheriff's office.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are in charge of the investigation. Fremont is located approximately 45 minutes northwest of Omaha.

DODGE COUNTY, Nebraska —Authorities are investigating a small plane crash in rural northeast Nebraska that killed three people.The plane crashed just after 8p.m. Friday into the Platte River south of Fremont, according to the Dodge County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;The victims have been identified as 43-year-old Daniel Williams of Moundridge, Kansas, 50-year-old Jeff Bittinger and 48-year-old Randy Amrein both of Fremont, Nebraska, according to the sheriff's office.The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are in charge of the investigation. Fremont is located approximately 45 minutes northwest of Omaha.

3 dead in small plane crash in Nebraska

The health secretary and longtime conspiracy peddler discounts other factors scientists say are likely contributing to rising rates of autism

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Wednesday the department will shift its research into autism toward potential environmental causes, though he declined to say exactly what the Trump administration would do if certain industries or pollutants were found responsible.

Kennedy, an environmental lawyer with no medical or research training, declared that autism is a preventable disease, argued research into genetic causes is a “dead end” and asserted that “we know it’s environmental exposure,” before saying HHS would fund “a series of new studies to identify precisely what the environmental toxins are that are causing it.”

“This has not been done before,” Kennedy said. “We’re going to do it in a thorough and comprehensive way and we’re going to get back with an answer to the American people very, very quickly.”

Kennedy said during his first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/hhs-sec-kennedy-news-conference-on-autism-rates/658669" target="_blank">press conference</a>&nbsp;since receiving Senate confirmation that he wanted researchers to look into numerous potential factors, including mold, food additives, pesticides, air, water, medicines, ultrasound, age of parents, obesity in parents and diabetes in parents.

He pledged to have “some of the answers by September,” though he added the research will “be an evolving process.”

Kennedy appeared confident in his personal assessment that environmental factors lead to autism, without attributing that belief to any one industry or contaminant.

“This is coming from an environmental toxin and somebody made a profit by putting that environmental toxin into our air, our water, our medicines, our food,” Kennedy said. “And it’s to their benefit to normalize it, to say, ‘This is all normal. It has always been here.’ But that’s not good for our country.”

Autism experts, however, cast doubt on Kennedy’s assertion that environmental factors lead to autism and questioned his proposed timeline to prove such a link.

When asked by a reporter what exactly the Trump administration would do if research found conclusive evidence that one specific industry or pollutant was causing autism, Kennedy didn’t say whether HHS would push to ban it or close down any businesses.&nbsp;

“I think we’re going to figure out a way to make pressure on them to remove it,” he said. “I think also there will be market forces that also exert pressure on them to remove it.”

Catherine Lord, professor of psychiatry with the school of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, said during an interview with States Newsroom following Kennedy’s remarks that trying to reach a definitive cause of autism before September was an “utterly ridiculous” timeline.

Lord said “the most likely hypothesis is that there may be interactions between genetics and, for example, environmental exposures, or even experiences like extreme prematurity.”

But she noted that studying the impact of environmental contaminants on people’s health, or a complex diagnosis like autism, is challenging because scientists obviously cannot expose people to toxins.

“It’s so difficult to do that work well, and people do it, but they can’t do it quickly,” Lord said. “And so I think that we do need work in that area, and I think it has been funded in the last few years. It just hasn’t come out with anything that is earth-shattering. It’s more the same thing, which is that if you’re exposed to something bad, your chances of having a child with any kind of neurodevelopmental disorder is going to go up.”

Lord expressed concern about moving funding and research away from genetic factors, saying “we do know that autism is genetic, so I think that is not under question.”

“I think the genetic work was moving forward,” she said. “It’s a slow pace, again, because they’re addressing so many different genetic patterns. But I think that at least there’s clear progress within this science.”

Eric Fombonne, professor emeritus of psychiatry at Oregon Health and Sciences University, said during an interview that it was unwise for Kennedy to say there would be some answers about autism within a few months.

“It’s ridiculous to say that he’s going to unravel the etiology of autism in six months,” Fombonne said. “I mean, he could give, like, all the money of the world to any lab or any person. They could never report any results before several years from now, at the minimum.”

The pace of medical research, he said, is slow and Kennedy’s comments show “a complete ignorance and disregard for science and what we do and how complicated it is and the time it takes.”

Directing research dollars toward possible environmental contributors to autism will also limit the amount of funding available for genetic research, which Fombonne said “has been incredibly productive.”

“The pie is limited,” Fombonne said. “So if you move funds from genetic research to environmental research, you’re going to slow down the pace of genetic research.”

Fombonne explained that research into genetics and autism is “quite complicated” and has shown that not all genetic mechanisms are “the same across different families.”

“So it’s a very complex puzzle. And as you know, the brain is a very hard organ to study. So understanding the pathophysiology, which is associated with these gene variants, is a very hard process,” he said. “But we are doing that and we are progressing. And this has been paying off enormously over the last 20 or 30 years.”

Fombonne wouldn’t make the same assessment of potential environmental factors, saying there are no signs of higher rates of autism in certain areas or certain time periods, like scientists have found for some other conditions.

“There is no evidence that there is a cluster of cases of kids who have been living in a polluted area, or exposed to particular environmental circumstances,” Fombonne said. “There is no starting point, which is strong, to start environmental research somewhere we can say is going to pay off.

“So it’s going to be very exploratory initially, which may be a good thing to do. But at least, let’s do it well, and most of the studies so far are short.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744818763361.png" alt="&nbsp;U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime health care conspiracy peddler, speaks during a press conference at the department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime health care conspiracy peddler, speaks during a press conference at the department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The health secretary and longtime conspiracy peddler discounts other factors scientists say are likely contributing to rising rates of autism</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Wednesday the department will shift its research into autism toward potential environmental causes, though he declined to say exactly what the Trump administration would do if certain industries or pollutants were found responsible.Kennedy, an environmental lawyer with no medical or research training, declared that autism is a preventable disease, argued research into genetic causes is a “dead end” and asserted that “we know it’s environmental exposure,” before saying HHS would fund “a series of new studies to identify precisely what the environmental toxins are that are causing it.”“This has not been done before,” Kennedy said. “We’re going to do it in a thorough and comprehensive way and we’re going to get back with an answer to the American people very, very quickly.”Kennedy said during his first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/hhs-sec-kennedy-news-conference-on-autism-rates/658669" target="_blank">press conference</a>&nbsp;since receiving Senate confirmation that he wanted researchers to look into numerous potential factors, including mold, food additives, pesticides, air, water, medicines, ultrasound, age of parents, obesity in parents and diabetes in parents.He pledged to have “some of the answers by September,” though he added the research will “be an evolving process.”Kennedy appeared confident in his personal assessment that environmental factors lead to autism, without attributing that belief to any one industry or contaminant.“This is coming from an environmental toxin and somebody made a profit by putting that environmental toxin into our air, our water, our medicines, our food,” Kennedy said. “And it’s to their benefit to normalize it, to say, ‘This is all normal. It has always been here.’ But that’s not good for our country.”Autism experts, however, cast doubt on Kennedy’s assertion that environmental factors lead to autism and questioned his proposed timeline to prove such a link.When asked by a reporter what exactly the Trump administration would do if research found conclusive evidence that one specific industry or pollutant was causing autism, Kennedy didn’t say whether HHS would push to ban it or close down any businesses.&nbsp;“I think we’re going to figure out a way to make pressure on them to remove it,” he said. “I think also there will be market forces that also exert pressure on them to remove it.”<h2>Research difficult</h2>Catherine Lord, professor of psychiatry with the school of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, said during an interview with States Newsroom following Kennedy’s remarks that trying to reach a definitive cause of autism before September was an “utterly ridiculous” timeline.Lord said “the most likely hypothesis is that there may be interactions between genetics and, for example, environmental exposures, or even experiences like extreme prematurity.”But she noted that studying the impact of environmental contaminants on people’s health, or a complex diagnosis like autism, is challenging because scientists obviously cannot expose people to toxins.“It’s so difficult to do that work well, and people do it, but they can’t do it quickly,” Lord said. “And so I think that we do need work in that area, and I think it has been funded in the last few years. It just hasn’t come out with anything that is earth-shattering. It’s more the same thing, which is that if you’re exposed to something bad, your chances of having a child with any kind of neurodevelopmental disorder is going to go up.”Lord expressed concern about moving funding and research away from genetic factors, saying “we do know that autism is genetic, so I think that is not under question.”“I think the genetic work was moving forward,” she said. “It’s a slow pace, again, because they’re addressing so many different genetic patterns. But I think that at least there’s clear progress within this science.”<h2>Limits funding for genetic research</h2>Eric Fombonne, professor emeritus of psychiatry at Oregon Health and Sciences University, said during an interview that it was unwise for Kennedy to say there would be some answers about autism within a few months.“It’s ridiculous to say that he’s going to unravel the etiology of autism in six months,” Fombonne said. “I mean, he could give, like, all the money of the world to any lab or any person. They could never report any results before several years from now, at the minimum.”The pace of medical research, he said, is slow and Kennedy’s comments show “a complete ignorance and disregard for science and what we do and how complicated it is and the time it takes.”Directing research dollars toward possible environmental contributors to autism will also limit the amount of funding available for genetic research, which Fombonne said “has been incredibly productive.”“The pie is limited,” Fombonne said. “So if you move funds from genetic research to environmental research, you’re going to slow down the pace of genetic research.”Fombonne explained that research into genetics and autism is “quite complicated” and has shown that not all genetic mechanisms are “the same across different families.”“So it’s a very complex puzzle. And as you know, the brain is a very hard organ to study. So understanding the pathophysiology, which is associated with these gene variants, is a very hard process,” he said. “But we are doing that and we are progressing. And this has been paying off enormously over the last 20 or 30 years.”Fombonne wouldn’t make the same assessment of potential environmental factors, saying there are no signs of higher rates of autism in certain areas or certain time periods, like scientists have found for some other conditions.“There is no evidence that there is a cluster of cases of kids who have been living in a polluted area, or exposed to particular environmental circumstances,” Fombonne said. “There is no starting point, which is strong, to start environmental research somewhere we can say is going to pay off.“So it’s going to be very exploratory initially, which may be a good thing to do. But at least, let’s do it well, and most of the studies so far are short.”

RFK Jr. to refocus federal autism research on environmental factors

JEWELL COUNTY, Kansas — What began as a routine traffic stop turned into something much more meaningful in eastern Jewell County Wednesday morning.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Trooper Mai was on patrol when a vehicle approached his patrol car at 92 mph in a 65-mph zone. As Trooper Mai turned around and attempted to stop the vehicle, he noticed it was crossing the centerline and initially failed to yield to emergency lights—causing concern.

Thankfully, the vehicle eventually pulled over, and Trooper Mai made contact with the elderly driver. After taking time to talk with him, it became clear this wasn’t just about speeding. 

The driver appeared confused and was trying to make his way back to Omaha, Nebraska. Further investigation revealed the driver had been reported missing from Omaha. 

His wife hadn’t seen him since the day before and he was listed as a missing person with Alzheimer’s. With help from the Omaha Police Department, Republic County Sheriff’s Office, and a nearby first responder, Trooper Mai was able to ensure the driver’s safety, arrange for his vehicle to be transported safely, and coordinate a reunion with the man’s family.

"This is another reminder that while the mission of the KHP is to keep Kansas roads safe, Troopers also here to help those in need—and sometimes, that means reuniting a family."

JEWELL COUNTY, Kansas — What began as a routine traffic stop turned into something much more meaningful in eastern Jewell County Wednesday morning.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Trooper Mai was on patrol when a vehicle approached his patrol car at 92 mph in a 65-mph zone. As Trooper Mai turned around and attempted to stop the vehicle, he noticed it was crossing the centerline and initially failed to yield to emergency lights—causing concern.Thankfully, the vehicle eventually pulled over, and Trooper Mai made contact with the elderly driver. After taking time to talk with him, it became clear this wasn’t just about speeding. The driver appeared confused and was trying to make his way back to Omaha, Nebraska. Further investigation revealed the driver had been reported missing from Omaha. His wife hadn’t seen him since the day before and he was listed as a missing person with Alzheimer’s. With help from the Omaha Police Department, Republic County Sheriff’s Office, and a nearby first responder, Trooper Mai was able to ensure the driver’s safety, arrange for his vehicle to be transported safely, and coordinate a reunion with the man’s family."This is another reminder that while the mission of the KHP is to keep Kansas roads safe, Troopers also here to help those in need—and sometimes, that means reuniting a family."

Kansas Trooper Helps Reunite Missing Nebraska Man with Family

Former President Joe Biden on Tuesday used his first public address since leaving office to criticize the current administration for cutting thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration and to rebut those who have questioned the program’s relevance.

“In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” Biden said. “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration, pushing 7,000 employees — 7,000 — out the door in that time, including the most seasoned career officials.”

The Social Security Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/deep-cutbacks-social-security-staff-slammed-us-senate-democrats" target="_blank">announced earlier this year</a>&nbsp;it would cut staffing from 57,000 to 50,000 employees and reduce the number of regional offices from 10 to four.

Biden urged Republicans to preserve Social Security for future generations, arguing during his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-president-biden-first-remarks-since-leaving-office-on-social-security/658611" target="_blank">30-minute speech</a>&nbsp;to the national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago that people have been able to rely on it throughout wars, recessions and the pandemic.

“Social Security is about more than retirement accounts. It’s about honoring a fundamental trust between government and people,” Biden said. “It’s about peace of mind for those who work their whole lives, so they can rest assured they’ll have a chance to get back some of what they earned and what they deserve.”

Biden, who accepted the organization’s Beacon of Hope award, said protecting Social Security and the federal workers who administer the program is about defending core principles.

“Who are we? What makes us distinct from the rest of the world?” Biden asked. “It comes down to basic, in my view, fundamental American values — nobody’s king, nobody’s the boss. Everybody has a shot.”&nbsp;

Biden criticized members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet for making harsh comments about the program. He noted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said his mother-in-law wouldn’t complain if she missed a Social Security payment and that “the easiest way to find the fraudster is to stop payments and listen because whoever screams is the one stealing.”

Biden also called out billionaire and head of U.S. DOGE Service Elon Musk for calling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme.”

“​​What the hell are they talking about?” Biden said. “People earn these benefits. They paid into that benefit. They rely on that benefit.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing several hours before Biden’s speech the Trump administration doesn’t plan to cut off Americans’ Social Security benefits.

“Let me make it very clear ahead of former President Biden’s remarks: The president, this president, President Trump is absolutely certain about protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program,” she said. “He will always protect that program. He campaigned on it. He protected it in his first term.”

Leavitt also took a swipe at Biden’s age, saying she didn’t expect him to give a speech during the evening.

“My first reaction when seeing former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked that he was speaking at nighttime. I had thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight,” she said.&nbsp;

Biden, 82, last year dropped his reelection bid in a rematch against Trump, 78, amid concerns about his age and mental acuity.

Democrats have raised concerns for months that staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration will impact Americans’ ability to get their questions about the program answered or their issues resolved quickly.

Social Security Commissioner nominee Frank Bisignano&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-nominee-vows-service-will-improve-despite-mass-firings-office-closures" target="_blank">testified during his hearing</a>&nbsp;in March that, if confirmed, he would try to “ensure that every beneficiary receives their payments on time, that disability claims are processed in the manner they should be.”

Bisignano said he hoped to ensure Social Security recipients could visit an office, use the website, or speak to a real person after calling the 1-800 number.

“On the phone, I’m committed to reducing wait times and providing beneficiaries with a better experience; waiting 20 minutes-plus to get an answer will be of yesteryear,” Bisignano said. “I also believe we can significantly improve the length of the disability claim process.”

Bisignano promised lawmakers he would reduce the 1% error rate in payments, which he said was “five decimal places too high.” And he said repeatedly that personally identifiable information will be “protected.”

The Senate Finance Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-commissioner-nominee-advances-us-senate-floor-amid-doge-questions" target="_blank">voted along party lines</a>&nbsp;in early April to send Bisignano’s nomination to the floor, but he hasn’t yet been confirmed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744766940489.png" alt="Former President Biden speaks about Social Security at a disability conference in Chicago on Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Biden speaks about Social Security at a disability conference in Chicago on Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>Former President Joe Biden on Tuesday used his first public address since leaving office to criticize the current administration for cutting thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration and to rebut those who have questioned the program’s relevance.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Biden: &quot;Look what&#39;s happened now, fewer than 100 days into this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It is kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UrggjUWvQJ">pic.twitter.com/UrggjUWvQJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1912284452794810763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” Biden said. “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration, pushing 7,000 employees — 7,000 — out the door in that time, including the most seasoned career officials.”The Social Security Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/deep-cutbacks-social-security-staff-slammed-us-senate-democrats" target="_blank">announced earlier this year</a>&nbsp;it would cut staffing from 57,000 to 50,000 employees and reduce the number of regional offices from 10 to four.Biden urged Republicans to preserve Social Security for future generations, arguing during his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-president-biden-first-remarks-since-leaving-office-on-social-security/658611" target="_blank">30-minute speech</a>&nbsp;to the national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago that people have been able to rely on it throughout wars, recessions and the pandemic.“Social Security is about more than retirement accounts. It’s about honoring a fundamental trust between government and people,” Biden said. “It’s about peace of mind for those who work their whole lives, so they can rest assured they’ll have a chance to get back some of what they earned and what they deserve.”Biden, who accepted the organization’s Beacon of Hope award, said protecting Social Security and the federal workers who administer the program is about defending core principles.“Who are we? What makes us distinct from the rest of the world?” Biden asked. “It comes down to basic, in my view, fundamental American values — nobody’s king, nobody’s the boss. Everybody has a shot.”&nbsp;Biden criticized members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet for making harsh comments about the program. He noted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said his mother-in-law wouldn’t complain if she missed a Social Security payment and that “the easiest way to find the fraudster is to stop payments and listen because whoever screams is the one stealing.”Biden also called out billionaire and head of U.S. DOGE Service Elon Musk for calling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme.”“​​What the hell are they talking about?” Biden said. “People earn these benefits. They paid into that benefit. They rely on that benefit.”<h2>White House pledges to maintain program</h2>White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing several hours before Biden’s speech the Trump administration doesn’t plan to cut off Americans’ Social Security benefits.“Let me make it very clear ahead of former President Biden’s remarks: The president, this president, President Trump is absolutely certain about protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program,” she said. “He will always protect that program. He campaigned on it. He protected it in his first term.”Leavitt also took a swipe at Biden’s age, saying she didn’t expect him to give a speech during the evening.“My first reaction when seeing former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked that he was speaking at nighttime. I had thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight,” she said.&nbsp;Biden, 82, last year dropped his reelection bid in a rematch against Trump, 78, amid concerns about his age and mental acuity.<h2>Administrator nominee to target errors</h2>Democrats have raised concerns for months that staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration will impact Americans’ ability to get their questions about the program answered or their issues resolved quickly.Social Security Commissioner nominee Frank Bisignano&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-nominee-vows-service-will-improve-despite-mass-firings-office-closures" target="_blank">testified during his hearing</a>&nbsp;in March that, if confirmed, he would try to “ensure that every beneficiary receives their payments on time, that disability claims are processed in the manner they should be.”Bisignano said he hoped to ensure Social Security recipients could visit an office, use the website, or speak to a real person after calling the 1-800 number.“On the phone, I’m committed to reducing wait times and providing beneficiaries with a better experience; waiting 20 minutes-plus to get an answer will be of yesteryear,” Bisignano said. “I also believe we can significantly improve the length of the disability claim process.”Bisignano promised lawmakers he would reduce the 1% error rate in payments, which he said was “five decimal places too high.” And he said repeatedly that personally identifiable information will be “protected.”The Senate Finance Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-commissioner-nominee-advances-us-senate-floor-amid-doge-questions" target="_blank">voted along party lines</a>&nbsp;in early April to send Bisignano’s nomination to the floor, but he hasn’t yet been confirmed.&nbsp;

🎥In first post-White House address, Biden pans Trump on Social Security

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;-- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the resignation of Charity Menefee, director of the Division of Public Health in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Menefee, who has served the state since 2021, has made the decision to step down to dedicate more time to her family. Her resignation is effective May 9.

Gov. Pillen expressed his appreciation for Menefee’s dedicated public service, including her service in the military. Menefee recently retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Air National Guard after 25 years.

“Charity leaves public service with an impeccable record of dedication to the health and well-being of Nebraskans,” said Gov. Pillen. “Under her leadership, the division reduced processing times from 100 days to 25 for certain licenses and improved disease tracking capabilities throughout the state.”

“Director Menefee stands as the shining example of a person who puts others first,” said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi. “Whether it consisted of late-night meetings coordinating with stakeholders or spending weekends in support of operations tracking infectious diseases and ensuring they were contained, Charity was there to ensure the people of Nebraska were protected.”

“Leading and serving alongside the dedicated people at the Division of Public Health has been the greatest honor of my career,” said Menefee. “I deeply appreciate Governor Pillen for his trust in appointing me and his strong commitment to public health. I also thank CEO Steve Corsi for his support and leadership.”

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;-- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the resignation of Charity Menefee, director of the Division of Public Health in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Menefee, who has served the state since 2021, has made the decision to step down to dedicate more time to her family. Her resignation is effective May 9.Gov. Pillen expressed his appreciation for Menefee’s dedicated public service, including her service in the military. Menefee recently retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Air National Guard after 25 years.“Charity leaves public service with an impeccable record of dedication to the health and well-being of Nebraskans,” said Gov. Pillen. “Under her leadership, the division reduced processing times from 100 days to 25 for certain licenses and improved disease tracking capabilities throughout the state.”“Director Menefee stands as the shining example of a person who puts others first,” said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi. “Whether it consisted of late-night meetings coordinating with stakeholders or spending weekends in support of operations tracking infectious diseases and ensuring they were contained, Charity was there to ensure the people of Nebraska were protected.”“Leading and serving alongside the dedicated people at the Division of Public Health has been the greatest honor of my career,” said Menefee. “I deeply appreciate Governor Pillen for his trust in appointing me and his strong commitment to public health. I also thank CEO Steve Corsi for his support and leadership.”

Gov. Pillen Announces Resignation of DHHS Director Menefee of Public Health

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Monday, according to a statement from the agency.

The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. This Russian activity in Alaskan ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.&nbsp; NORAD reported similar activity in December, January and twice in February.

An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.

NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Monday, according to a statement from the agency.The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. This Russian activity in Alaskan ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.&nbsp; NORAD reported similar activity in December, January and twice in February.An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America.

More Russian war planes detected flying off coast of Alaska

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced a new program through the Nebraska Department of Labor (DOL) aimed at attracting and retaining production animal veterinarians in rural Nebraska. The Rural Veterinarian Grant Program is the second initiative the Governor has launched focused on growing the next generation of production animal veterinarians in the state. The first one, announced last year, is the Elite 11 Veterinary Program through the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As I say, we feed the world and save the planet. We need to provide maximum efficiency and resources to help our producers be successful,” said Gov. Pillen. “Additionally, if a foreign animal disease were to come, we need veterinarians who are ready to respond, and enough of them, to implement the programs that would help mitigate the spread of any disease.”&nbsp;

Through DOL, recent graduates of veterinary schools will be eligible for a $150,000 grant. The same offer is available to newly practicing veterinarians who wish to move to the state and launch their own practice or join an established one in rural Nebraska. Under the program, up to 13 recipients will be selected. To be eligible, applicants must:

Upon conclusion of the agreement, the grant amount will be paid in full to the veterinarian.

“Nebraska has a talented and educated workforce, and this program is well designed to continue growing that workforce to boost the state’s animal production industry,” said DOL Commissioner Katie Thurber.

Speaking for the Nebraska State Dairy Association, Kris Bousquet noted that the grant program, as well as UNL’s Elite 11, represented a “take the bull by the horns” approach to addressing the existing gap in large animal veterinary medicine.&nbsp;

“Every animal welfare practice that a dairy producer utilizes has been reviewed and approved by their local veterinarian. Veterinarians are not only essential for animal welfare, but also for milk quality and earning and maintaining consumer trust. This program will begin to build our bench of experts to support dairy and all other aspects of livestock production as well.”

DOL’S program is funded through the Department of Labor’s workforce development fund. The grant selection process will focus on the candidate’s passion for production animal health, relevant experience, academic success and commitment to rural Nebraska.

As DOL launches its program, UNL is moving into the next phase of the Elite 11 Veterinary Program, which provides scholarships to students who are interested in becoming large animal veterinarians in rural Nebraska. Students in the first cohort selected last fall are about to conclude their first year of study and will be deployed across the state to engage in apprenticeships and other opportunities for expanding their skills.&nbsp;

“At the University of Nebraska, we are proud to work alongside Governor Pillen and state leaders to grow and sustain a robust production animal veterinarian workforce,” said Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “Through collaborative initiatives like the Elite 11 Veterinary Program and the Department of Labor’s new effort, we are expanding opportunities for students while strengthening the future of rural communities across Nebraska.”&nbsp;

Students enrolled in the Elite 11 Veterinary Program are not eligible for the DOL grant program.&nbsp;

More information about the Nebraska Production Animal Rural Veterinarian Grant Program, can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/ruralvetgrant">https://dol.nebraska.gov/ruralvetgrant</a>.

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced a new program through the Nebraska Department of Labor (DOL) aimed at attracting and retaining production animal veterinarians in rural Nebraska. The Rural Veterinarian Grant Program is the second initiative the Governor has launched focused on growing the next generation of production animal veterinarians in the state. The first one, announced last year, is the Elite 11 Veterinary Program through the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL).&nbsp;&nbsp;“As I say, we feed the world and save the planet. We need to provide maximum efficiency and resources to help our producers be successful,” said Gov. Pillen. “Additionally, if a foreign animal disease were to come, we need veterinarians who are ready to respond, and enough of them, to implement the programs that would help mitigate the spread of any disease.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744729737979.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen with Nebraska State Dairy Association Executive Director Kris Bousquet, and Dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Tiffany Heng-Moss" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen with Nebraska State Dairy Association Executive Director Kris Bousquet, and Dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Tiffany Heng-Moss</figcaption>
 </figure>Through DOL, recent graduates of veterinary schools will be eligible for a $150,000 grant. The same offer is available to newly practicing veterinarians who wish to move to the state and launch their own practice or join an established one in rural Nebraska. Under the program, up to 13 recipients will be selected. To be eligible, applicants must:<ul>
 <li>Have a doctorate in veterinary medicine and be licensed to practice in Nebraska</li><li>Commit to residing and practicing in Nebraska for eight years</li><li>Work in a veterinary clinic where at least 80% of its hours are devoted to production animals in a county with a population of less than 40,000 people</li>
 </ul>Upon conclusion of the agreement, the grant amount will be paid in full to the veterinarian.“Nebraska has a talented and educated workforce, and this program is well designed to continue growing that workforce to boost the state’s animal production industry,” said DOL Commissioner Katie Thurber.Speaking for the Nebraska State Dairy Association, Kris Bousquet noted that the grant program, as well as UNL’s Elite 11, represented a “take the bull by the horns” approach to addressing the existing gap in large animal veterinary medicine.&nbsp;“Every animal welfare practice that a dairy producer utilizes has been reviewed and approved by their local veterinarian. Veterinarians are not only essential for animal welfare, but also for milk quality and earning and maintaining consumer trust. This program will begin to build our bench of experts to support dairy and all other aspects of livestock production as well.”DOL’S program is funded through the Department of Labor’s workforce development fund. The grant selection process will focus on the candidate’s passion for production animal health, relevant experience, academic success and commitment to rural Nebraska.As DOL launches its program, UNL is moving into the next phase of the Elite 11 Veterinary Program, which provides scholarships to students who are interested in becoming large animal veterinarians in rural Nebraska. Students in the first cohort selected last fall are about to conclude their first year of study and will be deployed across the state to engage in apprenticeships and other opportunities for expanding their skills.&nbsp;“At the University of Nebraska, we are proud to work alongside Governor Pillen and state leaders to grow and sustain a robust production animal veterinarian workforce,” said Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “Through collaborative initiatives like the Elite 11 Veterinary Program and the Department of Labor’s new effort, we are expanding opportunities for students while strengthening the future of rural communities across Nebraska.”&nbsp;Students enrolled in the Elite 11 Veterinary Program are not eligible for the DOL grant program.&nbsp;More information about the Nebraska Production Animal Rural Veterinarian Grant Program, can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://dol.nebraska.gov/ruralvetgrant">https://dol.nebraska.gov/ruralvetgrant</a>.

Gov. Pillen Announces New Nebraska Rural Veterinarian Grant Program

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — El Salvador President Nayib Bukele won’t return a Maryland man the United States erroneously deported to a mega-prison in his Central American country, he said Monday during a visit to the Oval Office.

Sitting beside President Donald Trump, Bukele told reporters, “Of course I’m not going to do it.”

Administration officials present for the meeting defended the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a native of El Salvador who had a protective order from a U.S. immigration court shielding him from being sent back to his country because of risks to his life.

The administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/ice-admits-administrative-error-deporting-maryland-man-el-salvador-mega-prison" target="_blank">admitted</a>&nbsp;in court filings that it deported Abrego Garcia, of Beltsville, Maryland, by mistake.

“That’s up to El Salvador if they want to return him, that’s not up to us,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“If they wanted to return him, we would facilitate it, meaning, provide a plane,” she added.

The Supreme Court issued a 9-0 decision Thursday stating the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/supreme-court-says-trump-administration-must-facilitate-return-wrongly-deported-man" target="_blank">must “facilitate”</a>&nbsp;the return of Abrego Garcia.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Abrego Garcia on March 15 among roughly 260 Venezuelan men the U.S. flew on commercial jets without due process to Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, or CECOT.

ICE agents apprehended Abrego Garcia near Baltimore on March 12 when he was driving his 5-year-old son home. Abrego Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, a U.S. citizen, “was called and instructed to appear at their location within ten minutes to get her five-year old son, A.A.V.; otherwise, the ICE officers threatened that the child would be handed over to Child Protective Services,” according to a court&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mdd.578815/gov.uscourts.mdd.578815.1.0.pdf" target="_blank">filing</a>.

Garcia has no criminal history in the U.S., El Salvador or any other country, according to the filing.

The Trump administration is paying the El Salvador government $6 million to detain the men,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-human-rights-law-likely-violated-6m-payment-el-salvador-prison-experts-say" target="_blank">sparking questions</a>&nbsp;over whether the payment violates U.S. human rights law.

Lawyers for many of the Venezuelan men maintain their clients&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/venezuelans-deported-brutal-el-salvador-prison-werent-gang-members-lawyers-say" target="_blank">weren’t gang members</a>.

Trump triggered the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, specifically targeting Venezuelans 14 and older who the administration suspected of having ties to the gang Tren de Aragua.&nbsp;

Trump also told reporters in the Oval Office Monday that he wants to export “homegrown” criminals, as in U.S. citizens, to El Salvador and would be willing to assist Bukele in building more mega prisons.

“I’d like to include them in the group of people to get them out of the country, but you’ll have to be looking at the laws on that,” said Trump.

The administration maintains that immigration courts connected Abrego Garcia in 2019 to the violent El Salvadoran gang MS-13 but makes no mention of the protective order granted to Abrego Garcia by an immigration judge that same year.

In addition to Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller defended Abrego Garcia’s deportation and the administration’s refusal to cooperate with a court order to return him to the U.S.

Miller said Friday’s unanimous Supreme Court decision squarely landed on the side of the administration.

“This was a 9-0 (decision) in our favor against the district court ruling saying that no district court has the power to compel the foreign policy function of the United States,” Miller told reporters in the Oval Office Monday.

“The ruling solely stated that if this individual, at El Salvador’s sole discretion, was sent back to our country, that we could deport him a second time. No version of this legally ends up with him ever living here because he is a citizen of El Salvador,” Miller continued.

Bukele said the idea that El Salvador would return Abrego Garcia is “preposterous.”&nbsp;

“How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? I don’t have the power to return him to the United States,” Bukele said.

The Department of State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/designation-of-international-cartels/" target="_blank">designated</a>&nbsp;MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization in February.

Rubio said he doesn’t understand “what the confusion is.”

“This individual is a citizen of El Salvador. He was illegally in the United States and was returned to his country,” Rubio said, adding that “foreign policy of the United States is conducted by the President of the United States, not by a court.”

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement Monday calling Bukele’s comments “pure nonsense.”

“The law is clear, due process was grossly violated, and the Supreme Court has clearly spoken that the Trump administration must facilitate and effectuate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He should be returned to the U.S. immediately.&nbsp;

“Due process and the rule of law are cornerstones of American society for citizens and noncitizens alike and not to follow that is dangerous and outrageous. A threat to one is a threat to all,” Schumer said.

Abrego Garcia’s case is winding through the federal courts.

The administration was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/doj-ordered-give-daily-updates-standoff-judge-over-wrongly-deported-maryland-man" target="_blank">ordered</a>&nbsp;Friday, after a standoff in court, to provide daily updates on Abrego Garcia’s physical location and status, and what steps the administration has taken or plans to take to facilitate his return.

Abrego Garcia’s wife&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69777799/abrego-garcia-v-noem/?filed_after=&amp;filed_before=&amp;entry_gte=&amp;entry_lte=&amp;order_by=desc" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and immigration officials in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland last month, alleging her husband received no due process and his removal was unlawful.

District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the Trump administration to bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. by April 7.

A federal appeals court unanimously upheld the lower court’s order on April 7. The Trump administration missed the deadline and immediately appealed to the Supreme Court’s emergency docket.

The high court unanimously ruled Thursday that the administration must “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return but stopped short of requiring his return and did not give a deadline. The court also ordered Xinis to clarify language in the lower court’s ruling to test whether the court overreached into foreign affairs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744665072669.png" alt="&nbsp;El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and President Trump in the Oval office Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and President Trump in the Oval office Monday-photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — El Salvador President Nayib Bukele won’t return a Maryland man the United States erroneously deported to a mega-prison in his Central American country, he said Monday during a visit to the Oval Office.Sitting beside President Donald Trump, Bukele told reporters, “Of course I’m not going to do it.”Administration officials present for the meeting defended the deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a native of El Salvador who had a protective order from a U.S. immigration court shielding him from being sent back to his country because of risks to his life.The administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/ice-admits-administrative-error-deporting-maryland-man-el-salvador-mega-prison" target="_blank">admitted</a>&nbsp;in court filings that it deported Abrego Garcia, of Beltsville, Maryland, by mistake.“That’s up to El Salvador if they want to return him, that’s not up to us,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.“If they wanted to return him, we would facilitate it, meaning, provide a plane,” she added.The Supreme Court issued a 9-0 decision Thursday stating the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/supreme-court-says-trump-administration-must-facilitate-return-wrongly-deported-man" target="_blank">must “facilitate”</a>&nbsp;the return of Abrego Garcia.U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Abrego Garcia on March 15 among roughly 260 Venezuelan men the U.S. flew on commercial jets without due process to Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, or CECOT.ICE agents apprehended Abrego Garcia near Baltimore on March 12 when he was driving his 5-year-old son home. Abrego Garcia’s wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, a U.S. citizen, “was called and instructed to appear at their location within ten minutes to get her five-year old son, A.A.V.; otherwise, the ICE officers threatened that the child would be handed over to Child Protective Services,” according to a court&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mdd.578815/gov.uscourts.mdd.578815.1.0.pdf" target="_blank">filing</a>.Garcia has no criminal history in the U.S., El Salvador or any other country, according to the filing.The Trump administration is paying the El Salvador government $6 million to detain the men,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-human-rights-law-likely-violated-6m-payment-el-salvador-prison-experts-say" target="_blank">sparking questions</a>&nbsp;over whether the payment violates U.S. human rights law.Lawyers for many of the Venezuelan men maintain their clients&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/venezuelans-deported-brutal-el-salvador-prison-werent-gang-members-lawyers-say" target="_blank">weren’t gang members</a>.Trump triggered the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, specifically targeting Venezuelans 14 and older who the administration suspected of having ties to the gang Tren de Aragua.&nbsp;Trump also told reporters in the Oval Office Monday that he wants to export “homegrown” criminals, as in U.S. citizens, to El Salvador and would be willing to assist Bukele in building more mega prisons.“I’d like to include them in the group of people to get them out of the country, but you’ll have to be looking at the laws on that,” said Trump.<h2>Rubio, Miller defend deportation</h2>The administration maintains that immigration courts connected Abrego Garcia in 2019 to the violent El Salvadoran gang MS-13 but makes no mention of the protective order granted to Abrego Garcia by an immigration judge that same year.In addition to Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller defended Abrego Garcia’s deportation and the administration’s refusal to cooperate with a court order to return him to the U.S.Miller said Friday’s unanimous Supreme Court decision squarely landed on the side of the administration.“This was a 9-0 (decision) in our favor against the district court ruling saying that no district court has the power to compel the foreign policy function of the United States,” Miller told reporters in the Oval Office Monday.“The ruling solely stated that if this individual, at El Salvador’s sole discretion, was sent back to our country, that we could deport him a second time. No version of this legally ends up with him ever living here because he is a citizen of El Salvador,” Miller continued.Bukele said the idea that El Salvador would return Abrego Garcia is “preposterous.”&nbsp;“How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? I don’t have the power to return him to the United States,” Bukele said.The Department of State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/designation-of-international-cartels/" target="_blank">designated</a>&nbsp;MS-13 as a foreign terrorist organization in February.Rubio said he doesn’t understand “what the confusion is.”“This individual is a citizen of El Salvador. He was illegally in the United States and was returned to his country,” Rubio said, adding that “foreign policy of the United States is conducted by the President of the United States, not by a court.”Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a statement Monday calling Bukele’s comments “pure nonsense.”“The law is clear, due process was grossly violated, and the Supreme Court has clearly spoken that the Trump administration must facilitate and effectuate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He should be returned to the U.S. immediately.&nbsp;“Due process and the rule of law are cornerstones of American society for citizens and noncitizens alike and not to follow that is dangerous and outrageous. A threat to one is a threat to all,” Schumer said.<h2>Daily updates</h2>Abrego Garcia’s case is winding through the federal courts.The administration was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/doj-ordered-give-daily-updates-standoff-judge-over-wrongly-deported-maryland-man" target="_blank">ordered</a>&nbsp;Friday, after a standoff in court, to provide daily updates on Abrego Garcia’s physical location and status, and what steps the administration has taken or plans to take to facilitate his return.Abrego Garcia’s wife&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69777799/abrego-garcia-v-noem/?filed_after=&amp;filed_before=&amp;entry_gte=&amp;entry_lte=&amp;order_by=desc" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and immigration officials in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland last month, alleging her husband received no due process and his removal was unlawful.District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the Trump administration to bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. by April 7.A federal appeals court unanimously upheld the lower court’s order on April 7. The Trump administration missed the deadline and immediately appealed to the Supreme Court’s emergency docket.The high court unanimously ruled Thursday that the administration must “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s return but stopped short of requiring his return and did not give a deadline. The court also ordered Xinis to clarify language in the lower court’s ruling to test whether the court overreached into foreign affairs.

President of El Salvador refuses to return wrongly deported man to the U.S.

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The U.S. Education Department has agreed to delay for nearly two weeks enforcement of a disputed directive seeking to ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices, according to a court filing Thursday in the case challenging the order.

The agreement between the department and the groups suing it over the order pauses enforcement until after April 24. According to the<a href="https://www.aclu.org/cases/national-education-association-et-al-v-us-department-of-education-et-al?document=Agreement" target="_blank">&nbsp;agreement</a>, states and local education agencies until then cannot be investigated or asked to provide certification that they are not using DEI, a term for race- and gender-conscious practices, in admissions, programming, training, hiring or scholarships.

Education Department spokeswoman Madi Biedermann said the department and the groups reached the agreement Monday.

<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">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full notice

An April 3 letter from the department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/states-ordered-us-education-department-certify-school-dei-ban-or-lose-funds" target="_blank">demanded states and districts provide certifications</a>&nbsp;they were complying with the order within 10 days or risk losing federal funding. That letter<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-threatens-yanking-funds-schools-use-race-decisions" target="_blank">&nbsp;followed a February missive</a>&nbsp;introducing the order.

The National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/documents/complaint-in-aclu-nea-et-al-v-u-s-department-of-education" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;in New Hampshire federal court last month to block enforcement of the directive.

“This pause in enforcement provides immediate relief to schools across the country while the broader legal challenge continues,” the NEA said in a Thursday statement.

In a written statement, Biedermann said the extension was due to what the department saw as states’ efforts to comply with the order.

“The Department extended the certification requirement on Monday in response to states’ good-faith inquiries to ensure compliance,” Biedermann wrote. “Having voluntarily extended the deadline, commonsense would dictate the Department would not take enforcement action until the deadline had passed.”

The groups asked the court to issue an emergency ruling to block enforcement of the department’s order while the case is ongoing.

The agreement effectively grants that request without a court order.

“No school district, state agency, or higher education institution will face investigation or penalties for failure to return the challenged certification that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts do not exist within their curriculums,” the NEA said.

The suit challenges the department’s authority to impose restrictions on state K-12 curriculum and says the order limits academic freedom and restricts educators’ ability to teach.

President Donald Trump campaigned against progressive cultural positions, including how race, gender and sexuality are handled in public schools.

In the early months of his second presidency, the entire executive branch has moved to restrict DEI initiatives and education policy, which has long been a battleground for such issues, has been a focal point.

The administration has used antidiscrimination requirements to pursue restrictions on DEI initiatives in education, arguing that DEI discriminates against white students.

DEI programs “discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI,” Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s acting head of civil rights, said in an April 3 statement.

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The U.S. Education Department has agreed to delay for nearly two weeks enforcement of a disputed directive seeking to ban diversity, equity and inclusion practices, according to a court filing Thursday in the case challenging the order.The agreement between the department and the groups suing it over the order pauses enforcement until after April 24. According to the<a href="https://www.aclu.org/cases/national-education-association-et-al-v-us-department-of-education-et-al?document=Agreement" target="_blank">&nbsp;agreement</a>, states and local education agencies until then cannot be investigated or asked to provide certification that they are not using DEI, a term for race- and gender-conscious practices, in admissions, programming, training, hiring or scholarships.Education Department spokeswoman Madi Biedermann said the department and the groups reached the agreement Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743709447177.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><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">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full noticeAn April 3 letter from the department&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/states-ordered-us-education-department-certify-school-dei-ban-or-lose-funds" target="_blank">demanded states and districts provide certifications</a>&nbsp;they were complying with the order within 10 days or risk losing federal funding. That letter<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-threatens-yanking-funds-schools-use-race-decisions" target="_blank">&nbsp;followed a February missive</a>&nbsp;introducing the order.The National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/documents/complaint-in-aclu-nea-et-al-v-u-s-department-of-education" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;in New Hampshire federal court last month to block enforcement of the directive.“This pause in enforcement provides immediate relief to schools across the country while the broader legal challenge continues,” the NEA said in a Thursday statement.In a written statement, Biedermann said the extension was due to what the department saw as states’ efforts to comply with the order.“The Department extended the certification requirement on Monday in response to states’ good-faith inquiries to ensure compliance,” Biedermann wrote. “Having voluntarily extended the deadline, commonsense would dictate the Department would not take enforcement action until the deadline had passed.”<h2>Court battle</h2>The groups asked the court to issue an emergency ruling to block enforcement of the department’s order while the case is ongoing.The agreement effectively grants that request without a court order.“No school district, state agency, or higher education institution will face investigation or penalties for failure to return the challenged certification that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts do not exist within their curriculums,” the NEA said.The underlying lawsuit remains ongoing.The suit challenges the department’s authority to impose restrictions on state K-12 curriculum and says the order limits academic freedom and restricts educators’ ability to teach.<h2>Trump and DEI</h2>President Donald Trump campaigned against progressive cultural positions, including how race, gender and sexuality are handled in public schools.In the early months of his second presidency, the entire executive branch has moved to restrict DEI initiatives and education policy, which has long been a battleground for such issues, has been a focal point.The administration has used antidiscrimination requirements to pursue restrictions on DEI initiatives in education, arguing that DEI discriminates against white students.DEI programs “discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another based on identity characteristics in clear violation of Title VI,” Craig Trainor, the Education Department’s acting head of civil rights, said in an April 3 statement.