The Missouri River was once the lifeblood of this region, bringing goods and prosperity through towns across the state. But like the muddy water itself, the river's ideal use and flow is not as clear as it may have been years ago. Dams and levees have altered its course and threatened aquatic life; and over the past decade outdoor and nature enthusiasts have led a growing effort to clean up trash littered along the river and turn the waterway into a central point for recreation. We look at statewide conservation efforts and what lies in store for the Big Muddy.

Panelists:
Jeff Barrow, director, Missouri River Relief
Steve Johnson, executive director, Missouri River Communities Network
Ken Midkiff, director, Sierra Club Clean Water Campaign
Scott Mansker, host of PBS show "River Miles" (joining the program by phone)

Ongoing problems at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant have raised questions about nuclear power safety in the United States. What safety precautions are in place at the nuclear power plant in Callaway County? How might the situation in Japan affect plans for a second nuclear reactor there? And what is the latest in the science of nuclear power in general?

Panelists:
Scott Bond, manager of nuclear development, Callaway Power Plant
Sudarshan Loyalka, Curators’ Professor of Nuclear Engineering, University of Missouri

After years of back and forth with local officials, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week released a pollution control plan that identifies storm-water runoff as the main source of pollutants in Hinkson Creek. On today's program, panelists explain what pollution in the creek means to the average citizen of mid-Missouri. We also look at how Hinkson Creek might be cleaned up, how quickly it could happen, and how much the clean-up efforts might cost taxpayers like you.

Panelists:
Ken Midkiff, member of the Sierra Club, Osage Group and columnist for the Columbia Daily Tribune
Karen Miller, Boone County southern district commissioner