Education & Belonging: Missouri S&T and Mizzou are leaning on NSSE/FSSE student-survey data to boost retention, with “belonging” emerging as a key dropout factor and a campus committee pushing higher response rates and broader use of the results. Culture Wars in Classrooms: A new national report ranks states on education integrity issues tied to parental rights, DEI, gender and sexuality, as Missouri’s own “Fact Finders” checks claims about gender-affirming surgeries in schools ahead of Amendment 3. LGBTQ+ Community Support: Chappell Roan will host a two-night Los Angeles benefit, with proceeds supporting her Midwest Princess Project and trans and LGBTQ+ youth advocacy. Local Arts & Halloween: St. Louis’ “Sites and Sounds” roundup maps October concerts, comedy, theater and Halloween events. Underground Railroad History: The 24th Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration moves to the Gateway Arch riverfront for a free Oct. 10 re-enactment and community program. Student Life & Care: Missouri’s U. is investigating a professor after a recording surfaced about ongoing DEI efforts. Community Grants: Carthage Technical Center gets a $20,000 FFA Foundation grant to build an outdoor classroom for its school farm. Immigration & Health Access: New federal rules will cut Medicaid for many legal immigrants, raising fears of strain on local services. Missouri Outdoors: MDC schedules hunter education certification sessions across northeast Missouri in October.