Mississippi Edition

The number of women facing criminal charges related to pregnancy is on the rise following the Supreme Court decision that ended the right to an abortion. Then, Early detection is the key to saving lives from breast and cervical cancers. Yet Mississippi has one of the lowest screening rates in the nation.   Plus, the Red Cross of Mississippi is putting out a call for volunt...

Mississippi lawmakers are being urged to consider paid maternity leave for the thousands of state employees.  Then, there's a push to end forced labor in prisons in the South. Lawyers for prisoners say they're made to do work that is low-paid and often dangerous  Also, earthquake drills are happening across the nation today as part of the "Great Shakeout" preparedness campaign. Host...

Nearly 5 years after the largest embezzlement scandal in Mississippi history, Democrats in the state legislature are calling for reform of the federal program meant to help the state's poorest residents. Then, The University of Mississippi Medical Center is receiving a nearly $1.8 million grant to improve lung cancer screenings in the state.   Plus, a survey asks Mississip...

Nearly two years after the federal takeover of the City of Jackson's water system, residents are expressing satisfaction and concern with the city's water system at two public hearings.  Then, Evacuating for a storm isn't just a question of safety. It's also one of cost. A look at the expensive choice of leaving a storm's path.  Plus, The University of Southern Mississippi has...

As the war between Israel and Hamas continues into its second year, Palestinians in Mississippi are grappling with how the conflict has evolved. Then, millions of federal dollars are being directed to small businesses in Mississippi. Plus, a new book shares the complex history of Mississippi's political system, and leaders pushing to make the state better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

Should medical cannabis companies be allowed to advertise in the state? That's the issue before a panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.   Then, it's fire prevention week in Mississippi. Officials are reminding folks to check their smoke detectors and have fire extinguishers on hand. Plus, Over 100 hundred thousand kids in the Gulf South now have access to an AI-powered tutor helping...

A Mississippi rabbi reflects on the mix of emotions felt over the Israel-Hamas War. This week marks the one year anniversary of the conflict. Then...October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mississippi has one of the highest rates of the disease and healthcare providers are urging early detection. Plus, you'll hear from a Mississippi National Guardsman in South Carolina helping with recovery effo...

Education officials are unveiling a new plan to engage students and prepare them for the workforce. They say it starts as early as Pre-k. Then, cyber-security experts will teach JSU students to identify risks and protect power grids through a $2 million dollar grant from Entergy. Plus, MPB's Michael McEwen provides an update on the controversial Bonne Carre Spillway openings. Hosted on Acast. See...

Today is the last day Mississippians can register to vote and still cast a ballot in the November general election. Then, teachers are getting special training about the pros and cons of generative A-I in classrooms. Plus, federal lawmakers are considering more accountability for welfare block grants and how they can be spent.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers are working on policy recommendations they say will hopefully improve the lives of women and children. Then, the Army Corps of Engineers is sharing data about the opening of the Bonnie Carrie Spillway. Plus, the 165th Annual Mississippi State Fair is underway. It's a major economic driver for the City of Jackson, and a cornerstone of state agriculture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

Lawmakers hear policy recommendations on how to improve the state's youth court system. Then, public health officials are seeking to reduce the number of stillbirths and fetal deaths in the state. Plus, a lawsuit filed by the National Republican Party challenges the state's absentee ballot mail-in process. The defendant in the case shares his thoughts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

Voting day is coming soon in Mississippi. We speak with Secretary of State Michael Watson about what Mississippians need to know. Then, workers along several major ports in the Gulf of Mexico are on strike. In Mississippi, workers remain on the job but are expressing solidarity with fellow longshoremen. Plus, a new book follows the history of reconstruction and how white supremacists pushed back a...

The latest Kids Count Report from the Annie E Casey Foundation paints a picture of what life is like for children in Mississippi. Then, blood donations are in high demand in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Plus, States in the South are not enforcing new Title IX changes from the Biden Administration that would have increased LGBTQ+ protections in schools. Advocates are pushing back. Hosted on Acast....

Mississippi lawmakers are hearing from the Mississippi Department of Medicaid about the agency's financial needs. Then, a scathing report by the US Department of Justice has emboldened calls to reform policing in the City of Lexington. Plus, a campaign to engage young voters is ongoing at Jackson State University and other HBCUs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US Department of Justice unveils a report documenting civil rights violations by police in Lexington, Mississippi. Then, lawmakers are meeting in Jackson for the first round of budget discussions heading into the 2025 legislative session. Plus, kidney donors are preparing for a 444 mile trek across Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee to raise awareness for living organ donations. Hosted on Acas...

The U.S. Attorney General meets with Mississippi law enforcement leaders about allegations of civil rights abuses by the Rankin County Sheriff's Department. Then, A federal judge dismisses a lawsuit that sought to improve protections for dolphins along the state's Coast. Plus, Birmingham made national headlines this week after a mass shooting left four people dead and over a dozen injured. City of...

Congressional leaders are trying to understand Mississippi's welfare scandal happened, and safeguards that could be put in place to prevent misspending of welfare dollars. Among the people testifying to the body is Brett Farve and the director of the ACLU of Mississippi. Then, conservative state lawmakers are meeting in Flowood to discuss tax reform; a top priority for the Governor. Plus, the Fift...

Mayors from three Mississippi port cities are joining others along the Mississippi River calling for federal policy changes to protect the River's economic value. Then, Alabama is set to perform the nation's second nitrogen gas execution and a lot of people are speaking out against it. Plus, it's Prostate Cancer Awareness month and Health experts are encouraging men in the state to get screened.&n...

Mothers in Mississippi experience the highest rates of birth outcomes in the country. What are medical professionals doing to overcome these alarming statistics?   Then, A new billboard campaign is launching in Mississippi to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections among adults 55 and over. Plus, Mississippi lawmakers are asking how the state can better invest in menta...

The U. S. Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff's Department whose officers tortured two Black men in racist attacks.  Then,  This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. A newly awarded grant will help Mississippi combat the rise of domestic violence in the state. Plus, Mississippi lawmakers a...

There's a new program in Mississippi designed to keep people with mental health issues out of jail. Then,  A new campaign is pushing to free five Mississippi women who have been in prison since the late 80s/early 90s. Plus, A new grant program will help some Mississippi homeowners fortify their homes against storm damage.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

The latest grades for Mississippi schools and districts are in. How well are the state's schools performing? Then, Mississippians living with long COVID will soon have help regaining employment.  Plus, the story of a historic Mississippi winery that was forced to close down after threats of violence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Civil Rights organizations file a federal lawsuit claiming district lines in DeSoto County discriminate against Black residents.  Then, After a month-long strike AT&T workers are back on the job. Plus, Advocates in Alabama are asking for a new trial for Toforest Johnson. A podcast that came out last year helped shed light on his case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

 It's Infant Mortality Awareness Month, and Mississippi health officials are talking about how the state can see fewer babies die before their first birthday. Then, in rural Alabama, residents are struggling with the rising cost of groceries while living in food deserts. Plus, Jackson State University has officially installed a new president. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

Hurricane Francine makes landfall around noon today along the Louisiana coast and is expected to move northeast across Mississippi. Plus, authors and book vendors are gearing up for the 10th annual Mississippi Book Festival this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.