U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Tarkio) chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Capitol Hill. He represents 39 counties across northern Missouri, representing Audrain and Randolph counties in the 939 the Eagle listening area. One of the biggest issues he's also been involved in is trying to obtain federal funding to help replace Jefferson City's aging tri-level. The tri-level bridges were built in 1964. The state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) says rebuilding the tri-level will cost about $40-million, adding that the nearby Rex Whitton Expressway would also have to be rebuilt for an additional $53-million. While Congressman Graves has been hopeful of finding some intrastate highway dollars for the project, he tells listeners that he's not as optimistic as he was. However, Chairman Graves tells listeners that it's still in the works and that he's still working on the process. Congressman Graves, a Mizzou graduate, also predicts Mizzou will beat Tennessee in Saturday afternoon's top 20 showdown in Columbia:

State Sen. Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina) serves as the Missouri Senate Majority Leader, a powerful position in Jefferson City. Republicans have a supermajority in the Senate, 24-10. Senator O'Laughlin is the first female to hold that post in state history. She joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri" to preview Missouri's 2024 legislative session and to discuss education, particularly the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Leader O'Laughlin tells listeners that DESE wants an additional $250-million in funding next year, emphasizing that she's opposed to that. Senator O'Laughlin says schools are receiving record funding but that the money is not getting to teachers. She says our classrooms are being "dumbed down" and that schools need to be teaching students how to read and write:

Wake-Up Mid-Missouri - 5:30 AM - 9:00 AM - 93.9 The Eagle / News Radio 950 KWOS

Wake-Up Mid-Missouri - 5:30 AM - 9:00 AM - 93.9 The Eagle / News Radio 950 KWOS

Rabbi Birgitte Rosenberg, Senior Rabbi United Hebrew Congregation, St. Louis discusses fears of local Jewish residents during today's political climate.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth) represents Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton, Boonville and much of the 939 the Eagle listening area on Capitol Hill. Congressman Luetkemeyer joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Mid-Missouri," telling listeners that new U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) will do a great job in the position. Congressman Luetkemeyer says he'd like to get Speaker Johnson to Columbia or Jefferson City, similar to getting then-House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to Jefferson City several years ago. Congressman Luetkemeyer also discussed the House spending bill being debated today on Capitol Hill, which includes a 64 percent cut in Amtrak funding compared to last year. The congressman tells listeners he'll have to study that, noting most Missourians don't use public transportation. But Congressman Luetkemeyer says many people on the two coasts use public transportation, noting he doesn't have a vehicle in Washington because it's so difficult to find a parking spot:

Former federal prosecutor Will Scharf is seeking Missouri's GOP nomination for attorney general in 2024. He joined us live this morning on "Wake Up Mid-Missouri" and also talked about several other issues. Mr. Scharf is calling on Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) to resign as speaker in Jefferson City, for the good of the caucus. He also predicts that U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-St. Louis) will be defeated in her August 2024 primary for re-election, telling listeners that she's a "disgrace to the region." Mr. Scharf talked about the primary, noting St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell is challenging Congresswoman Bush, adding that he's hearing a Democratic state senator is also considering a run for the seat:

We're celebrating a Feel Good Friday all morning long!

Scott Faughn with the Missouri Times with an update on things happening in the state Capitol and his thoughts on Stephanie's idea for Ashland to join Cole county.

Tami Holliday with the Missouri Governor's mansion talks about things going on at the mansion. Our picks for winners and losers of the week.