Utah's emergency alert system improvements halted by funding freeze

A funding freeze by the Trump administration has halted a $462,000 grant for KRCL, a public radio station in Utah, intended to improve its emergency alert system. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is suing FEMA for access to these funds. CPB claims FEMA unlawfully froze the grant without notice, impacting emergency preparedness for listeners. FEMA argues it has not frozen funds but modified its review process to prevent misuse. KRCL has not started work on the improvements, raising concerns about reaching rural audiences during emergencies. CPB's lawsuit highlights that 42 public media stations are affected by this funding issue.