Noah Taborda

The Missouri Senate on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, during the first day of the legislative session in Jefferson City. One duty of the state's lieutenant governor is to preside over the Senate and split ties when necessary.

Unlike many other states, the lieutenant governor in Missouri doesn't run on a ticket with the governor but is elected by the voters.

Education outreach and mannequin designs are some of the contributing factors researchers attributes to disparities in bystander CPR benefits.

Nearly 75% of Kansas City, Missouri, residents live in a heat island where temperatures can be at least eight degrees higher on any given day. That presents serious health and energy concerns, but efforts to cool these areas down are gaining steam.

Frank Smith Jr III, a Marine veteran, connected with Veterans Community Project when his budget was so tight that his ability to put food on the table was compromised. He said they’ve been a lifeline to him where other benefits have fallen short.

Naloxone is a medicine that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Kansas City health officials credit increased access and awareness of the medication as part of the reason for the decrease in overdose deaths.

After her son Griffin survived a fentanyl poisoning, Heidi Tomassi turned her experience toward advocacy efforts. Earlier this year, she became the first fentanyl and substance abuse education specialist at Olathe Public Schools.

Kansas is one of the worst in the nation when it comes to drug-induced deaths for teens and young adults. Heidi Tomassi's son is an overdose survivor and she's sharing their story with Olathe kids in hopes it might change the approach to drug awareness.

After her son experienced a fentanyl overdose, Heidi Tomassi channeled her family's experience into raising awareness, talking to anybody she could. Eventually, she found herself in front of the Olathe