In this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Leslie Washington, a local volunteer and advocate for the group 'Moms Demand Action', about the upcoming 'Wear Orange' weekend, June 5th through the 7th, which honors the victims and survivors, and amplifies awareness of America's gun violence crisis.

Missouri health officials are warning about nitazenes - a powerful synthetic opioid now appearing in the state’s drug supply. Experts say the drugs are stronger than fentanyl and often mixed with other substances, increasing overdose risk. Narcan can still reverse overdoses, though multiple doses may be needed.

SEMO is partnering with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to build a Troop E crime lab near campus, expanding forensic services and creating new opportunities for students.

Supporters of the proposed legislation cited mounting evidence that social media and chatbots can harm kids’ mental health. The discussion plays out against a backdrop of First Amendment challenges to similar laws in other states

Missouri could receive new federal funding to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes under bipartisan bills in Congress. A recent study found more than 17,000 collisions in the state over four years, with most involving deer. Supporters say expanded funding could help target high-risk roadways and improve driver safety.

A new crime lab on the Southeast Missouri State University campus in Cape Girardeau aims to expand forensic services, increase the speed of evidence testing, and boost training across more than a dozen Southeast Missouri counties. The future site will be near 1221 Broadway Street, located next to the SEMO Athletics offices, with some space used in the same building.

According to a recent update from Liberty Utilities Central, as of Friday, March 13th at 12:45 pm, natural gas service has been restored to all customers in Jackson, Fruitland, and Gordonville who were at home to receive utility crews, and are returning to standard operating conditions. Permanent repairs to the North Cape Girardeau pipeline have also been completed.

Despite an overall decline in homelessness in Illinois, the number of infants and toddlers who are unhoused is rising, with experts noting the figures likely undercount families living in “hidden homelessness” situations. Their advocates say rural barriers, stigma, and limited shelter access compound the issue. They stress that expanded early childhood education and comprehensive wraparound services are critical to addressing both housing instability and its lasting impacts on young children.

Waymo has surpassed 100 million fully autonomous miles driven without a human driver on public roads.

The proposed legislation could impose a $1,000 fine or see violators jailed for up to 6 months.