Mississippi Edition

Mississippi's State Health Officer discusses how early childhood interventions can identify and help treat illness early. Then, General Motors employees are on strike in the Gulf States. Plus, an archivist from Jackson State University is sharing the story of the 1973 Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival in this week's History is Lunch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Members of the United Auto Workers union in Mississippi are joining the nationwide strike against the three largest domestic car manufacturers. Then, the rates which state and local governments pay into the Public Employees' Retirement System is expected to rise. Plus, an aerospace partnership in Mississippi that spanned more than a quarter-century has come to a close. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

The state's strained healthcare system may soon see a growth of income from Medicaid, but some doctors say it is not sustainable. Then, it has been six months since a catastrophic tornado ripped across the lower Mississippi Delta and into Alabama, killing at least 23 people and injuring dozens more. Plus, we speak with one of the plantifs of a legal challenge towards House Bill 1020, the law that...

Governor Tate Reeves is proposing a change to Medicaid reimbursement rates that could inject up to 700 million dollars into the state's troubled healthcare system. Then, the Mississippi Supreme Court has ruled to keep several provisions of a highly contested law Plus, a farmer in the Delta is converting an old school bus into a mobile fresh food market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...

Mississippi's LGBT community is recognizing the 12th anniversary of the repeal of an anti-gay military policy. Then, a new book details how Black quarterbacks have revolutionized professional football. Plus, this week marks the 40th anniversary of the Mississippi Agriculture Museum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poor defendants are getting left behind in Mississippi's criminal justice system. But legal experts and the leader of the state's public defender office have solutions. Then, a deep dive into the surge in EMS calls for unhoused people in New Orleans due to relentless heat. Plus, part two of our reflection on the life of a civil rights icon Anne Moody. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...

The water line on the Mississippi River is dropping rapidly with little rainfall on the horizon. Then, doctors say parents play an important roll in keeping children safe from respiratory illnesses. Plus, we reflect on the life of a civil rights icon who participated in the Jackson sit-ins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The CDC is reporting increased hospitalizations for COVID-19, as well as a rise in cases of RSV. We talk to an expert in pediatric infectious disease. Then, a Congressional gridlock on the spending budget could have significant effects on mothers and children in poverty.  Plus, who should influence what colleges teach? A recent report reveals most Americans say not the government. H...

Two Democratic Candidates for state office are announcing their plans to work together to protect elections. Then, the state's largest educator association has filed an amicus brief for a case that alleges state funds were illegally sent to private schools. Plus, a life insurance policy locator is helping to recover millions of dollars in unclaimed property for Mississippians. Hosted on Acast. See...

Mississippi youth advocates are reacting to new Census data that shows a near doubling of child poverty rates in the nation. Then, this year’s extreme heat is taking a toll on rural communities across the country. Plus, several inmates in the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility have completed training and have begun a new career path in welding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...

The NAACP is gathering signatures to petition the resignation of Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey.  Then, FEMA has expanded disaster public assistance to 12 counties affected by the June tornados. Plus, there have been several major cyber attacks across businesses and government bodies in Mississippi within the last month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A federal program is trying to find weaknesses in the state's power grid. Then, how can higher education help reduce the number of repeat offenders in state prisons. Plus, part two of our conversation with Black Mustard Seed, a non-profit seeking to help folks who can't afford diapers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal engineers are studying ways to mitigate flooding along the lower Pearl River, but progress is being delayed. Then, the legislature is trying to better understand how broadband access can be expanded to every home and business. Plus, many families in Mississippi are unable to afford diapers and other essentials for their youngest children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...

The Democratic Candidate for Mississippi Secretary of State has dropped out of the race, and the party has been approved to appoint a new candidate for the November election. Then, we visit a Louisiana expressway where the noise isn’t just loud — it’s dangerous. And some residents want it gone Plus, teachers in Mississippi say they need a wage adjustment to offset rising inflation. Hosted on Acast...

Teachers in Mississippi remain under financial strain despite a recent pay raise according to a new report. Then, about a third of Southerners have trouble paying their power bills. The good news is there’s a federal program to help cover the costs, but there isn’t enough funding to cover everyone in need. Plus, we speak with a local educator who has been named the National Broadcast Adviser of th...

Early childhood interventions could help reduce the major health risks for young Mississippians. Then, state lawmakers are trying to better understand the unique challenges facing the state's youth courts. Plus, we talk with two authors about 100 things you should do in Mississippi before you die. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lifesaving drug that can reverse an overdose has been on the market for years, but pharmacies in the state are unlikely to carry it. Then, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the third leading cause of death for young Mississippians. Plus, High school football has kicked off during sweltering temperatures. We talked to players, parents, and fans about how they are staying cool. Host...

The Democratic nominee for attorney general announces her new labor-focused plan for office. Then, Mississippians in House District 66 have elected the state's first openly gay legislator. Plus, the Two Mississippi Museums will have free entry this weekend to honor the legacy of former Freedom Rider Hezekiah Watkins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Local and state police are meeting in Jackson to discuss how they can respond to calls efficently and reduce youth crime rates. Then, Mississippi's State Health Officer discusses the first round of religion based vaccine exemptions and the growing number of COVID cases. Plus, a documentary screening tonight tells the stories of desegregation in the state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

The Legislative Budget Office will soon meet to draft their recommendations for next year's state budget. Then, the widespread adoption of A I could grow the digital divide for many Mississippians. Plus, a new book seeks to help Mississippians find happiness in their daily lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two national monuments have been unveiled in Mississippi to commemorate the lynching of Emmett Till 68 years ago. Then, rural school districts were among the hardest hit by the pandemic and learning loss according to a new report. Plus, the Mississippi Museum of Art will close an exhibit this weekend that seeks to help folks understand and cope with grief. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is conducting community outreach to help victims of the May and June tornados. Then, a Mississippi man injured in the Iraq war is being awarded the Purple Heart nearly a decade after returning home. Plus, a local baker answers the question posed by a popular Netflix game-show. "Is it cake?" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi's high schools are moving football games to later times to avoid the ongoing record-breaking heat. Then, a new legislative committee is studying the purchase of Mississippi farmland by foreign governments. Plus, the national government is unveiling a new monument at the river bank where Emmett Till's lifeless body was discovered 68 years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Temperatures remain dangerously high across Mississippi, and doctors are reminding folks to stay cool while outdoors. Then, Mississippi is seeking to overturn a federal court ruling that would allow roughly 30 thousand formerly incarcerated felons to regain their voting rights. Plus, the first baby drop box in Mississippi is being dedicated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...

The Environmental Protection Agency is hearing community feedback on how Jackson's sewage system should operate. Then, state leaders and businesses are working together to get broadband access into more Mississippi housholds. Plus, we sit down with author TJ Ray, host of this week's History is Lunch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.