Mississippi Edition

The Mississippi House's Education Committee has advanced a bill that would change how the state's public schools are funded.  Then, women face unique challenges during incarceration, often leading to a cycle of time in and out of prisons. Plus, historians are finding similarities in how white supremacy groups organized in the 60s and the modern day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

What could a new education funding formula look like for Mississippi?  Education groups weigh in. Then, today is the first election in Alabama since a Federal court created a new map meant to give more power to Black voters. Some say young voters are taking this moment for granted. Plus, a new law will allow people to get pre-natal care covered by Medicaid as early as possible. Hosted on Acas...

Lawmakers are considering ways to address the numerous issues plaguing the state's corrections system. Then, the HBCU legacy bowl brings the best athletes from around the country to New Orleans, but the organizers also want students to think about life after sports. Plus, a new book examines the story of the song Hound Dog, and how it went from an empowerment anthem of a Black Woman to the hit sun...

Lawmakers want to prevent AI from being used to deceive voters prior to an election. Then, residents of Turkey Creek say they still have concerns after a court ruled a military storage site can be built nearby. Plus, tomorrow is Read Across America Day, and early education organizations are calling on parents to get a book and read with their kids. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

Mississippi's House of Representatives has passed a bill that would expand Medicaid for the state's working poor. Then, a new report from the US Department of Justice alleges the Mississippi Department of Corrections is violating the constitutional rights of inmates. Plus, we talk with a woman who helped take care of Medgar Ever's home following his assassination in 1963. Hosted on Acast. See acas...

The Mississippi House is considering a bill for how the state can improve Medicaid coverage for the working poor. Then, Oysters have a few different benefits to the ecosystem - they help protect coasts from erosion and flooding, filter water and provide a home to other animals. Plus, the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling in about invitro fertilization could have rippling effects for much of...

Hear tape from the 2024 State of the State address, and how lawmakers are reacting. Plus, courts in Mississippi are considering if the state's legislative districts violate election map laws. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senate Republicans have filed a bill that could establish 15 days of early voting in Mississippi elections. Then, the federal government forgives the student loans of nearly 2 thousand Mississippians. Plus, a new book takes readers on a visual journey through Mississippi's racist past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers in the state Senate want to fix the formula used to fund public k-12 schools, while lawmakers in the House want to scrap it altogether.  Then, Mississippi's Second District Congressman is meeting with students to discuss political engagement. Plus, teachers' groups are calling on the state legislature to take action in filling job vacancies in Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast...

The state Department of Child Protection Services is seeking to fill gaps in social work throughout Mississippi. Then, many people are asking why their energy bills are so high this month. More in the latest installment of Utility Bill of the Month. Plus, the White House is rolling out another round of student loan forgiveness. Hear what that could mean for Mississippians. Hosted on Acast. See aca...

Experts are telling House lawmakers that Medicaid expansion could boost the state economy. Then, Voting rights advocates are campaigning for improved and more accessible elections in Mississippi.   Plus, a new book shares the story a black man lynched in police custody, a Mississippi sheriff, and a woman seeking the truth in her family history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Lawmakers have filed a bill that could expand parts of the state Medicaid program, but it's still uncertain what changes would look like. Then, teacher shortages are still a major problem for many Mississippi schools. Plus, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Mississippi; a statistic that doctors want to see change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mississippi Senate is expected to file legislation today that would grow the state's Medicaid benefits for the working poor.  Then, advocates for the rights of black women in Mississippi are meeting with lawmakers, seeking better working conditions, higher wages, and quality health insurance.  Plus, severe droughts have already caused delays in timber production in Mississippi, but a...

The Department of Labor is meeting with immigrant workers from the state's poultry industry to discuss possible workers' rights violations. Then, as the New Orleans Catholic Archdiocese bankruptcy case drags into its fourth year, hundreds of survivors are waiting for justice. Plus, officials at the Mississippi University for Women are asking lawmakers to approve a name change. Hosted on Acast. See...

A formerly incarcerated woman with terminal cancer alleges Mississippi prison officials avoided providing her with proper and timely care because it would affect their bottom line. The state health officer and other health care professionals are at the Mississippi Capitol to share testimony on the state's numerous health challenges. Plus, a Jackson State University student shares his experience of...

State and local officials are sharing their plans for reducing crime in Mississippi's capital city. Then, Gulf South farmers struggled with extreme heat and drought last year. Now, some producers are using regenerative practices to recoup lost revenue. Plus, lawmakers are honoring the state's first Black Woman lawmaker with a new portrait at the state capitol building. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

House Democrats were surprised when a House resolution to restore the state's ballot initiative process was different from what they had been promised.  Then, it's been more than 60 years since the assassination of civil rights icon Medgar Evers. We speak with his daughter about how his actions changed the lives of Black Mississippians. Plus, emergency managers are cautioning folks about the...

Lawmakers in the state House are expected to introduce legislation that would restore the voting rights of Mississippians convicted of certain felonies. Then, Mardis Gras celebrations come with hundreds of years of tradition. One new group in New Orleans is showing how those traditions are evolving. Plus, A gospel documentary airing tonight on MPB shares how Mississippi helped shape the genre. Hos...

The state health department is requesting an increase in funding so it can more effectively address community health issues. Then, we hear from two reporters following how the US Department of Justice is investigating police in Lexington, Mississippi. Plus, it's tax season. The IRS is sharing how to spot fraud. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The head of the Mississippi Division of Medicaid is projecting that the program's cost to the state is going to increase by hundreds of millions of dollars over the next few years. The police department in a small town in Mississippi is being investigated by the Department of Justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mississippi Supreme Court is considering if allocating coronavirus relief dollars to private schools violates the state constitution. Then, an author examines the journal and life story of a black barber from Natchez. He's speaking at today's History is Lunch. Plus, MPB Television and Think Radio are celebrating the state's rich culture of gospel music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

The Mississippi Supreme Court is hearing arguments today about if federal coronavirus relief dollars could be sent to private schools. Then, a coalition of statewide organizations want to ensure no communities miss out on broadband expansion.  Plus, doctors say Black Mississippians are at increased risks for cancer, a side effect of healthcare deserts across the state. Hosted on Acast. See ac...

A cohort of latinx and indigenous Mississippians are graduating from training so they can help bridge gaps in healthcare Then, Vaccine hesitancy could be leading to higher rates of HPV in Mississippi. Plus, activists are calling for better equal pay laws in Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

State legislators representing the Delta say they weren't consulted before the presentation of a plan to oversee healthcare in the region.  Then, 15 states opted out of a federal program that would have helped families feed their kids over the summer. But advocates in the Gulf South say the need is far greater than one program. Plus, the state House of Representatives has advanced a bill that...

The Mississippi House has advanced a bill that would remove hurdles that prevent pregnant people from receiving timely prenatal care.  Then, Mississippi continues to have one of the highest rates for sexually transmitted diseases according to the centers for disease control. Plus, advocates for post-secondary education are helping students apply for financial aid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...