Mississippi Edition

Families in Jackson Public School District are asking what would happen if several of the area's schools are closed. Then, a new biography tells the story of Margaret Walker, a visionary author and teacher born in Birmingham, raised in New Orleans and settled in Jackson, Mississippi. Plus, a Pulitzer prize-winning author is visiting the Two Mississippi Museums today for this week's History Is Lunc...

A nonprofit women's health clinic in Jackson is involved with a CDC Foundation campaign to inform pregnant people of the importance of staying up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.  Then, a family in Jackson is calling for justice after a man was run over by police and buried in an unmarked grave. Plus, we hear the story of a breast cancer survivor who beat the odds. Hosted on Acast. S...

Faith leaders make the moral case for closing the health care coverage gap in Mississippi.  Then, several changes to the state's public employees' retirement system are being proposed. Plus, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and doctors are reminding Mississippians to get tested. Today's show is slightly abridged as we support our annual fall dive. If you would like to contribute to M...

Political candidates are sharing their policy priorities as they attempt to garner votes prior to next month's election. Plus, It’s Classic weekend in Birmingham. The legendary match-up between two Alabama HBCUs is about much more than football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

State lawmakers are rounding out a statewide tour of promoting Medicaid expansion. Then, the legislature is considering what online sports betting could look like in Mississippi. Plus, a new walking trail in Jackson has doctors reminding folks that getting active can help lead to a healthy heart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A record-high deer population has wildlife officials asking hunters to bag at least two deer this season. Then, the global transition to electric vehicles means the chance for a manufacturing renaissance in the South. Plus, how Mississippi geology helped shape the outcome of a pivotal moment in the Civil War. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent poll by the Democratic Governor's Association shows a 1-point margin between the candidates in Mississippi's gubernatorial election. Then, a cannabis cultivation and distribution company shares the growing pains that come with a developing medical marijuana industry in Mississippi. Plus, a reporter with the Marshall Project in Mississippi discusses his investigations into the state's publ...

National shortages of ADHD medication are preventing many Mississippians from getting their treatments. Then, lawmakers are meeting with Corrections officers to see how the state can improve the prison system. Plus, voting rights advocates say one of the most powerful voting blocs in Mississippi is among the low-income. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A state senator is joining educators and medical professionals in calling for Medicaid expansion in Mississippi. Then, Huntingdon College debuted their women’s wrestling team, which is the first collegiate women’s team in Alabama history. Plus, the Mississippi University for Women has unveiled a new marker in honor of the school's first Black students. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo...

Sleep-related deaths are the third leading cause of infant mortality in Mississippi. Then, experts say smoking can drastically increase someone's chances of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD. Plus, Black women in Mississippi are the most at risk for breast cancer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prolonged dry conditions are impacting Mississippi farmers in the fields and at the market. Then, we continue the Southern Poverty Law Center's examination into youth incarceration by taking a closer look at the school-to-prison pipeline. Plus, we preview "Disaster in the Night" with filmmaker Willy Bearden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some Mississippians are calling for de-escalation in the Gaza strip. Then, a new report finds major disparities in the state's youth legal system. Plus, two major federal grants could help Mississippi communities become more resilient to natural disasters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Forestry Service is awarding more than $16 million to Mississippi to help protect the environment and plant trees. Then, the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus announced plans for a Right to Contraception Act. Plus, it's breast cancer awareness month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

State lawmakers are seeking answers for why Mississippi has a severe lack of public defenders. Then, the war between Israel and Hamas is being closely watched by the U.S. Mississippi's 2nd District Congressman shares his thoughts. Plus, striking auto workers are hoping for good news this morning about higher wages and better benefits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congressional Republicans have nominated a new Speaker of the House. Mississippi's 2nd district congressman shares his thoughts. Then, a record-hot summer in the Gulf South meant cranking up the AC. But staying cool comes with a cost. Plus, appraisers are gearing up for the Mississippi Antique Showcase being held this weekend in Biloxi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippians are reacting to the growing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Then, voter engagement groups are trying to get people ready for the upcoming November general election. Plus, we speak with a civil rights activist and first white woman to attend Tougaloo College. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some Jackson residents want more transparency into how the city's sewage system will operate under a court order. Then, healthcare workers are meeting in Jackson to call for Medicaid expansion. Plus, a new book is using the history of Native Americans in Mississippi to spin a tale of mystery and adventure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many new mothers experience post-partum depression after giving birth. Doctors are trying to find new ways to reach people who are at the greatest risk. Then, Mississippi's Secretary of State shares how folks can vote absentee in this year's general election. Plus, Expanding broadband access could return $43 million dollars annually through telemedicine visits according to a new study. Hosted on A...

For the first time ever, Mississippi is requesting wildfire equipment and personnel from other southern states to help combat wildfires. Then, Banned Books Week has brought readers across the Deep South together to celebrate the freedom to read. Plus, we visit the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 164th Mississippi State Fair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ACLU is filing another lawsuit against the City of Lexington for alleged wrongful imprisonment.  Then, This August was the hottest on record for Mississippi and Louisiana. Yet there are no federal or state guidelines in place for heat exposure for outdoor workers. Plus, doctors are cautioning folks about a rising number of Respiratory Syncytial Virus cases, also called RSV. Hosted on Acas...

The leader of Jackson's Water System is being tasked with another project; the city's sewage system. Then, Mississippi Blood Services is asking folks to donate blood and help save lives. Plus, the Governor has declared October 2nd through 7th Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Multiple state agencies are asking for more money this year as the state sits on a $600 million dollar revenue surplus. Then, the two candidates for Secretary of State are sharing their plans for office. Plus, a look back on how the National Endowment of the Arts and Humanities has affected Mississippi for the past 58 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As state lawmakers begin to plan their budgets for next year, the Public Employees Retirement System is asking for more money. Then, we visit a latin festival in Jackson where folks are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Plus, tens of thousands of Mississippians on a path to regain their voting rights are facing another setback. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A federal shutdown could disrupt the dozens of community health centers throughout Mississippi. Then, we continue our conversation with a university professor who says there's more to a college education than what a recent auditor's report claims. Plus, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two advocacy gruops are seeking to intervene in a federal lawsuit over Jackson's water system. Then, cleanup operations along the Pearl River are tying to help reduce pollution as water levels drop below average. Plus, we speak with a Professor of Anthropology about the State Auditor's report how the state funds various college degrees. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.