JuYeon Kim, anchor and reporter for KSHB 41, is known for covering a wide range of important issues, including agricultural topics and the fentanyl crisis. With her dedication to shedding light on these critical issues, JuYeon plays a crucial role in informing the public and raising awareness about pressing issues affecting our communities.
One of the key issues JuYeon has covered is the alarming trend of drug distribution targeting children through social media platforms. Federal law enforcement agencies have issued warnings about drug dealers using social media to reach out to young people, taking advantage of the platforms where kids spend a significant amount of time. Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, highlighted the use of emojis with drug meanings on social media, making it challenging for authorities to keep up with the evolving tactics of drug dealers.
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is one of the drugs being distributed primarily through social media applications like Snapchat and Facebook Messenger. While social media companies are starting to cooperate with law enforcement, there is a need for all platforms to proactively work together to hold drug dealers accountable for their actions online. Mattivi emphasized the difficulty of monitoring social media platforms and the limitations in intercepting communications on encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Signal, calling for legislative measures to address these challenges.
The tragic story of Libby Davis, who lost her son Cooper to a fentanyl overdose facilitated through social media contact, underscores the devastating impact of drug distribution targeting young people online. Cooper and his friends unknowingly purchased pills they believed to be percocet, only to discover later that they contained fentanyl, leading to Cooper’s untimely death. In response to this tragedy, the Davis family has been advocating for the Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at holding social media companies accountable for illicit drug dealing on their platforms.
Despite the challenges faced in seeking justice for Cooper’s death, the Davis family has channeled their grief into creating the Cooper Davis Memorial Foundation to educate others about the dangers of fentanyl and the modes of distribution through social media. Through their advocacy efforts, they aim to prevent similar tragedies and ensure that Cooper’s death is not in vain.
JuYeon Kim’s coverage of agricultural issues and the fentanyl crisis highlights the importance of addressing these pressing issues in our society. By bringing attention to these topics, JuYeon plays a vital role in informing the public, raising awareness, and advocating for solutions to protect our communities from harm. Her dedication to investigative journalism and storytelling serves as a powerful tool in driving positive change and promoting greater understanding of complex issues affecting our society.