Mississippi Edition

Legislation has been signed, paving the way for Amazon to invest 10 billion dollars in Mississippi. Then, community health centers play a large role in ensuring Mississippians get access to healthcare. But demand for their services are on the rise. Plus, a new book challenges Mississippians to see the diverse ecosystems in their own backyards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority is requesting lawmakers provide funding to make infrastructure repairs. Then, tax cuts are on the docket this year and could have a major effect on Mississippi's future. But is income tax the best option? Experts say that's not likely. Plus, a host for NPR tells her story about how attending a historically Black College and University helped guide the lives...

A resolution that recently passed the Mississippi House could overhaul the state's ballot initiative process. Then, many conservative lawmakers want to cut taxes again this year, but research shows it could hurt the state's future. Plus, a new book tells the story of Oxford, Mississippi, and the unique people who helped shape it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers have opened a pathway for Amazon to invest $10 billion in Mississippi for the construction of two new data centers. Then, In Louisiana, where drug overdose death rates are among the highest in the country, a group of medical students are being trained and equipped to stop them. Plus, a lawsuit claims openings of the Bonnie Carrie Spillway is damaging the ecology of the Mississippi Sound...

Members of the Mississippi House want to reinstate the ballot initiative, but many disagree on how it should be done. Then, Governor Tate Reeves calls another special session today for a major economic development project. Plus, Mississippi's medical marijuana industry is strong, despite some growing pains, according to state officials and industry advocates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

Flash floods are expected throughout Mississippi today as heavy rains sweep across the state. We'll speak with the National Weather Service about what all drivers should watch for. Then, The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is hearing arguments about Mississippi's felony disenfranchisement laws. Plus, two authors are sharing the story of internationally renowned potters and jewelers from Mississippi...

Legal action is being taken against the City of Lexington over alleged civil rights violations. Then, Governor Tate Reeves has signed bills that will push forward the second-largest economic development project in state history. Plus, Mississippi's central district transportation commissioner shares his hopes for improving roads and bridges throughout the state this year. Hosted on Acast. See acas...

Jackson's water utility is working with law enforcement to investigate social media posts that in part caused water pressure to drop last week. Then, a Jackson resident shares their story of extremely high water bills. Plus, Mississippi Blood Services is experiencing a critical blood shortage due to severe winter weather limiting donation drives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...

The legislature convened yesterday to pass what the Governor calls 'the second largest economic development project in state history'. Then, doctors are sounding the alarm about healthcare in Mississippi. We take a look at the 2023 state health card report. Plus, a film screening this Sunday tells the story of Fannie Lou Hamer in her own words. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor...

The chairs of the state's Medicaid legislative committees want to remove barriers that prevent pregnant women from getting timely prenatal care. Then, a name change proposal from a state university has been widely criticized by students and alumni. Plus, two billion dollars. That's how much the state lottery has made in gross sales since it was created nearly five years ago. Hosted on Acast. See a...

Roads are expected to be slick today following last night's low temperatures. Then, Governor Tate Reeves is calling a special session of the legislature to pass a major economic development project. Plus, an author shares how food plays a role in politics and the Mississippi Civil Rights movement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Severe cold is expected across much of Mississippi beginning this afternoon. Meteorologists say it could be more than 20 degrees below freezing. Then, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency shares tips on how to stay safe during severe cold. Plus, on this state holiday, Mississippi recognizes two historic icons: one a Civil Rights leader, the other a Confederate general. Hosted on Acast. See...

Severe cold temperatures are expected to sweep across the state this weekend. We'll speak with the National Weather Service about what folks should expect. Jackson's water has been placed under a boil notice after E-Coli was detected by the state testing lab, though utility leaders believe it's a false positive. Then, A book about United Auto Works unionizing in the south and why a full-on effort...

Lawmakers are looking to strengthen the retirement system for state employees, which impacts around 10% of the state's population. Then, Plaintiffs on a lawsuit seeking to block the formation of a separate criminal court in Hinds County say they're disappointed by a federal court's decision. Plus, some lawmakers want to cut income tax this year, but experts warn it would have diminished effects fo...

Governor Tate Reeves was sworn in yesterday, beginning his second term in office. We hear about his policies, and how lawmakers and officials believe it could affect Mississippians. Plus, a Jackson State grad who survived a coma is prepared to start on a new life-path this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi's lieutenant governor thinks that the conditions of the state penitentiary at Parchman make the state vulnerable to federal litigation. Then, a former Democratic challenger for Mississippi Secretary of State is launching a campaign to run for the U S Senate. Plus, business leaders are calling on state lawmakers are considering ways to address a severely low labor participation rate in...

State employees are having their insurance premiums rise again for the new year under the state Family Coverage Plan. Then, one of the state's largest teacher advocacy groups is calling for better investments into education. Plus, infectious disease experts warn of a 'trippledemic' for respiratory illness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann has been sworn in for his second term, along with several other state officials.  Then, lawmakers discuss their legislative agendas for the year. Plus, some healthcare experts want Medicaid to cover pregnant people as early as possible through 'presumptive eligibility.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Capitol police responded to a bomb threat yesterday morning at the state's Capitol building. Then, public school advocates are speaking out against school choice policies. Plus, the state's largest blood bank has just one day's worth of some blood types. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2024 legislative session is underway, and lawmakers have chosen a new Speaker of the House. Plus, Mississippi's agricultural value dropped more than 10% drop in 2023. But experts say they're not concerned about the industry moving forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political analysts discuss the opening of Mississippi's 2024 legislative session. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Community activists are meeting with the Hinds County Election Commission to shortfalls during this year's general election. Then, the state economist warns about a slowing of the workforce in Mississippi. Plus, a new scholarship program aims to fill gaps in the state's social work field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center says far-right groups across the country are spreading misinformation targeting a certain marginalized community.  Next, a cannabis testing facility has revealed the presence of unregulated and illegal over-the-counter cannabis products available across Mississippi. Plus, researchers are developing a model to better understand how freshwater r...

A federal program that helps tens of thousands of Mississippians buy healthy foods is facing major cuts if Congress doesn't act. Then, it's been two years since rollout of the first COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Plus, an online listening session this afternoon will give listeners a deeper understanding of how three 'ghost towns' came to be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Hinds County residents and demanding answers for ballot shortages during November's general election. Then, nurses at the University Medical Center in New Orleans voted to unionize last week. The Gulf States Newsroom has more on how the vote came to be. Plus, how a sunken gunboat from the civil war was able to preserve history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.