Mississippi Edition

A heatwave and low rainfall has prompted the governor to issue a partial burn ban in Mississippi. Then, thousands of children in Mississippi are being removed from the medicaid roles. Plus, we speak with the first Black Republican elected to the state legislature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A deadline approaches for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins to receive retroactive benefits. Then, hot and dry conditions are elevating the risk for wildfires in Mississippi. Plus, an event of Jurassic proportions comes to the capital city. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Red Cross adopts new screening guidelines for blood donors that removes a blanket ban on gay and bisexual men. Then, a new investigation reveals a number of contaminants in water systems throughout the state.  Plus, a new documentary revisits an oral history project in Greenville. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are joined by Austin Barbour and Brandon Jones to examine the results of Mississippi's Primary Elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippians are heading out to the polls today for the state's party primaries. Then, we talk with party experts about what folks can expect during this year's election cycle. Plus, we speak with the attorney who has represented two men tortured, sexually assaulted and framed by law enforcement in Rankin County. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal courts have overturned a state law that permanently disenfranchised felons from voting. Then, we speak with Mississippi's 2nd district Congressman Bennie Thompson about the recent indictments of former president Donald Trump. Plus, a new report looks at the connection between rural counties, race, and the state's high maternal mortality rates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...

Six law enforcement officers in Rankin County have pled guilty to torturing, sexually assaulting and shooting a man in their custody. Then, getting drinking water to homes in rural areas can get expensive – really expensive. Plus, Jackson's police dispatch is seeking to improve its 911 calling system and response time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ACLU has filed a complaint against the City of Lexington for the police allegedly abusing their power. Then, Mississippi's prison population is aging, a pattern experts say could point to a lack of re-entry options and extended sentencing. Plus, political signage is not allowed on state highways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new online dashboard shares an education roadmap for making up for pandemic-era learning loss. Then, coaches are using new technologies to help their teams acclimate and stay safe in high temperatures. Plus, conservationists are dumping gallons of a rare fish back into the Pearl River to help bolster a dwindling population. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Statewide temperatures continue to rise, raising concerns for heat-related illness when outdoors. Then, a recent article from the Associated Press looks at the deadly link between tornados and manufactured housing. Plus, experts at the March of Dimes say access to maternal healthcare is a crucial yet scarce thing in the South. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 out of 5 young people believe gun violence is a major problem in the U.S. according to a new report. Then, after an explosion at a chemical plant two weeks ago, the company said the air in the surrounding areas is safe. But people who live nearby are skeptical. Plus, we turn up the volume in our studio as we sit down with the country music group Chapel Hart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

The two leading candidates for Governor are speaking at the Neshoba County Fair. Then, we speak with some of the people attending the fair, many of whom have joined the annual event for generations. Plus, a judge has temporarily blocked a new state law that would ban ballot harvesting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Politicians are giving their stump speeches at the Neshoba County Fair ahead of this year's primary elections. We hear from two candidates for Attorney General and another two for Lt. Governor. Then, it's Black Women's Equal Pay Day, and advocates say Mississippi's laws are ineffective. Plus, a documentary series airing on MPB Television shines a light on Southern Storytelling. Hosted on Acast. Se...

Immigrant rights activists are demanding a federal investigation into the death of a 16 year old immigrant at a chicken plant. Then, President Biden has dedicated three monuments to the legacy of Emmett Till and his mother. Plus, an early intervention taskforce is investigating how the state can help identify and treat disabilities at a young age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

Today would have been Emmett Till's 82nd Birthday, and President Joe Biden is expected to declare several sites linked to his murder as national landmarks. Then, Governor Tate Reeves is requesting a federal disaster declaration for areas hit by a wave of severe storms last month. Plus, a professor from the University of Southern Mississippi shares his experience on the deepest drilling expedi...

The state Attorney General wants to retain access to out-of-state abortion records. Then, the state climatologist discusses the heavy rainfall that's swept across Mississippi all summer. Plus, several soccer players from the gulf south are participating in this year's Women's World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A federal policy to forgive student will soon take effect in Mississippi. Then for some students, the school year is starting early. That's under a modified calendar with support by the state legislature.  Plus, businesses will soon meet with experts in law enforcement to better understand, identify and report human trafficking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

State lawmakers are meeting with insurance and healthcare leaders to determine how they can cut red tape for certain treatments. Then, rural healthcare is in crisis, and experts say more action could be done to help. Plus, extreme heat warnings persist across the state, and folks are being reminded to drink plenty of water. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Extreme heat advisories are being issued for several counties. Then, hospitals are continuing to lay off employees, cut services or close entirely. Plus, a shortage of lifeguards and folks trained to perform CPR has risen safety concerns during a hot summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The State Department of Health will now grant religious exemptions to the state's required pediatric vaccines for public school students. Then, the state lottery has brought in more than 122 million dollars in taxes, and around 40 million dollars will go towards education. Plus, an aerospace manufacturer based in Columbus Mississippi is working with local colleges to inspire and attract engineers....

The Department of Justice is joining actions against a new state law that allegedly takes voting power away from Black Mississippians. Then, Black farmers in Mississippi are an aging demographic. But they carry the knowledge that could help the next generation keep growing as the climate changes. Plus, a public database for people convicted of misusing public funds is being developed. Hosted on Ac...

Protesters in Holmes County are demanding police be held accountable. Then, federal regulators have approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill. Plus, public schools across the state will have increased funding this coming year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The State Public Service Commission has launched an investigation into last month's prolonged power outages. Then, medical leaders are taking new steps to test pregnant folks for Syphilis. Plus, the Mississippi Arts Commission is awarding 1.75 million dollars in grants throughout the state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farmers are hoping Mississippi can join a national program to assist in local food supply chains. Then, we continue our discussion about new state laws. Plus, an author shares the state's history of gender rituals in today's History Is Lunch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special diabetes program could expire in September, and advocates are asking lawmakers for an extension. Then, in the Mississippi Delta, a "Baby University" seeks to support young parents and their babies. Plus, we look at some of Mississippi's new laws going into effect this month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.