Mississippi Edition

It's National Mental Health Action Day, and experts are sharing how Mississippians can get in touch with the assistance they -- or a loved one --- may need. Then, the state public service commission undid a solar panel incentive program, a move environmentalists say is short-sighted and could violate the law. Plus, it's National Prevention Week. What tools are available in Mississippi for people t...

Incarceration rates are high in Mississippi, and the state legislature did little this year to address it according to prison reform advocates. Then, Mississippi turned down federal food assistance funding. How are families and food banks planning to move forward? Plus, Mississippi has been named the home of Southern Soul Music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi has one of the highest rates of death from traumatic brain injuries, according to new CDC data. Then, we re-visit the town of Rolling Fork, where residents are still working to rebuild from last year's devastating tornado. Plus, a new memoir shares the story of a black man and his great-grandfather who had to flee Mississippi because of his race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

Organizations that spent months advocating for Medicaid expansion are looking ahead to 2025 after efforts failed during this year's legislative session. Then, a national workplace safety group says two Mississippi companies are among the nation's most dangerous. Plus, a new book seeks to inspire young black women to be the best version of themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

What changes to the public employee's retirement system could mean for local governments in Mississippi. Then, it's economic development week in the state. Plus, President Joe Biden is posthumously awarding Medgar Wylie-Evers with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His daughter shares her experience accepting the award on behalf of her late father. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

A new report outlines how prisons in Mississippi can allegedly pocket inmate welfare funds.  Then, incoming college students are trying to sources of financial aid, but technical issues are plaguing the FAFSA portal.  Plus, it's hurricane preparedness week. Emergency managers say now is the time to make plans for a possible storm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...

Mississippi courts have chosen to not intervene in a case where public funds are being allocated to private schools. Then, Mississippi now joins Alabama as another Gulf South State that wasn’t able to approve Medicaid Expansion - and it leaves tens of thousands of people in the “coverage gap”. Plus, a murder mystery nearly 140 years in the making, involving a prohibitionist pastor and the owner of...

A recently passed bill could prevent transgender Mississippians from using public bathrooms and changing spaces in public schools, universities and prisons. Then, we continue our conversation with Mississippi's State Health Officer about the important medical issues facing the state. Plus, it's Hurricane Preparedness Week. What you need to know if evacuation orders are issued this summer. Hosted o...

Mississippi lawmakers have concluded the 2024 legislative session, and plans are already being outlined for next year.  Then, we speak with Mississippi's leading doctor about the most pressing issues the state is currently facing.  Plus, a new documentary looks at efforts to preserve the oral histories of the Mississippi Delta. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year's legislative plans to expand Medicaid have died in Mississippi. Then, NPR’s Tiny Desk has a new series host and producer-- Bobby Carter – Who got his start in radio at Jackson State University. Plus, a new billboard campaign seeks to de-stigmatize HIV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After months of debate, plans for expanding Medicaid in Mississippi may have ended for this legislative session. Then, language barriers can prevent many people from voting. A new initiative seeks to bridge that gap. Plus, a new study by the University of Mississippi and Harvard has found a connection between bad cholesterol and Alzheimer's Disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

The future of Medicaid expansion is on the line at the state legislature today. From the Gulf States Newsroom, an abortion ban in Florida is set to go into effect today, severely limiting access for many across the South. Plus, what's the story behind the oldest standing structure in Mississippi? The answer in this week's History is Lunch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

A bill heading to the Governor's desk could add time to an expanded police presence within the capital city. Then, water utilities in the South are notorious for poor customer service, leaving customers trying for months to fix inaccurate bills. In some cases, years. Plus, what a new education funding formula could mean for classrooms in Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Mississippi lawmakers are sending a bill to the Governor that would create a new education funding formula. Then, local organizers are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as the war between Israel and Hamas nears it's seventh consecutive month. Plus, the state legislature is honoring blues legend Bobby Rush for his recent Grammy win. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers are running out of time to expand Medicaid benefits to the working poor as the session nears a close. But Mississippi's Speaker of the House Jason White says he's still confident the state can pass a bill for Medicaid. Plus, health officials are seeking new methods to reach under-served communities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi business leaders are calling for Medicaid expansion, but lawmakers remain deadlocked. Then, how registering to be an organ donor can save lives. Plus, Mississippi's dark history often gets a cleaner slate than it should. A new book seeks to clear the air. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Mississippi legislators are trying to reach an agreement over Medicaid expansion as the session nears an end.   Then, Nearly four in ten people, in the U.S. live in counties that have unhealthy levels of air pollution. How do counties in Mississippi stack up? Plus, A former Mississippi politician is sharing stories of his experience in the state legislature through a...

Almost 3 dozen people convicted of felony crimes in Mississippi could soon have their voting rights restored.   Then, Law enforcement officials in Jackson say a federal program meant to address gangs and other violent crimes in the capital city -is set to begin soon.   Plus, fluctuating crop prices have caused major shifts in what's being planted this year. Hosted on Acast. See...

A newly released report shows racial and ethnic health disparities are persistent across the U.S., especially in the deep south.   Mississippi Tree farmers who lost forest land during last year's extreme drought are now eligible to receive federal assistance for their losses.  Plus, tomorrow is National Record Store Day.  Audiophiles and vinyl collectors will be in search...

Civil rights advocates are seeking a way to restore voting rights to people who have served their time for convictions on certain felonies.  Then, for the second day in a row, a coalition of activists rally at the state Capitol for full Medicaid expansion in Mississippi.  Plus, a Native American author is honored for her contributions in children's literature.  Hosted on Acast....

A coalition of religious and nonprofit groups is rallying for full Medicaid expansion in Mississippi, calling it a moral imperative.  Then from the Gulf States Newsroom: a former New Orleans police chief is pushing for changes to federal marijuana rules. Plus, civil rights activists are gathering signatures to oust the Sheriff of Rankin County for his lack of oversight over the 'Goon Squad.'...

Attorneys claim a 15 year old student from Canton was physically assaulted by her school's resource officer. Then, healthcare experts say getting pregnancy health screenings can greatly increase the survivability of very premature births. Plus, a new book shares the experience of an NPR journalist who left the evangelical church. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some Mississippi lawmakers want to replace the federal health insurance exchange with a state-based one. From the Gulf States Newsroom, crawfish prices skyrocketed this season. Farmers and fishermen are struggling as they try to sell the little crawfish they’ve been able to catch. Plus, the deadline to file taxes is midnight on Monday, April 15th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

The Mississippi House is reviving their education funding bill, despite Senate efforts to block it. From the Gulf States Newsroom: Jackson has struggled to keep drinking water safe and affordable. Now, the city's taking a new approach through one of the nation's oldest safety nets. Plus, billions of taxpayer dollars are being used to fund plastics manufacturers that pollute. That's according to a...

State courts are handing down sentencing for six former Rankin County law enforcement officers for their attack and torture of two black men. From the Gulf States Newsroom: Medicaid expansion could provide health coverage to many in Alabama. Advocates say folks without it are struggling, and providers are feeling the strain. Plus, organizers are kicking off day 1 of the 21st annual Juke Joint Fest...