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.

In the upcoming April 2026 election, Cape Girardeau County voters will consider two propositions to prevent property tax increases on primary residences. 'Proposition A' would exempt senior citizens aged 62 and older from property tax increases unless their homes are renovated or the tax levy increases. 'Proposition B' would cap annual property tax increases at 5% or the inflation rate, whichever is higher. Dr. David Yaskewich, an economics professor, explained that such measures, similar to California's Prop 13, can provide property tax relief but may limit local government revenue and create economic disparities between long-term and new residents.

In 2025, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank faced unique challenges, including tornadoes and a government shutdown affecting SNAP. They distributed over 14 million pounds of food, equating to 12.3 million meals, and served an average of 80,000 individuals monthly. Despite a 30% increase in their food budget for 2026, they received 664,000 fewer pounds from the USDA's TEFAP program. The food bank operates 300 mobile food pantries annually, each serving 200 families, and relies heavily on 4,500 volunteers. They also source produce from local farmers and retail rescue programs. The food bank encourages volunteering, donations, and social media sharing to support their efforts.

Today we're talking with Dr. Doug Koch, Interim Provost at SEMO. Doug shares information about some new programs that are in the works and the proposed 90 day credit hour degree for criminal justice. We started off by talking about SEMO aviation program, including plans for expanding to allow students to learn how to be an air traffic controller.

On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Elizabeth Shelton, the Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri. She talks about the many challenges facing community programs in the region, after a year of funding uncertainties, economic challenges, and natural disasters.

Dan Woods talks with downtown Cape Girardeau developer Brennon Todt and Old Town Cape executive director Liz Haynes about the Broadway Theatre project's next phase.

In this episode of Going Public, we speak with Amanda Joyce, Account Manager for the Missouri Arkansas Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services about their collaboration with KRCU to host a blood drive on Tuesday, January 13, in the Hirsch Community Room of the Cape Girardeau Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, about the organization's recent efforts to address rising needs for assistance.

With details about food assistance being quickly changing and uncertain in recent months, attention turns to non-profits as they endeavor to keep people well-fed. On this episode of Going Public we speak will Heather Collier, the Donor Relations and Communications Manager of Southeast Missouri Food Bank, about what both those in need of food assistance and those considering donating may be wondering.

Dr. Steven Hoffman talks about the historic preservation program, some of the work students do and the hands-on experience they receive as well as some of the behind the scenes work that goes into saving historic buildings.