Mississippi Edition

Jackson's City Council and Mayor resolve a dispute over trash pick up in the capital city following a hearing in Hinds County Chancery Court. Then, how restrictions on mifepristone would - and wouldn't - affect states where abortion is banned. Plus, restoring the land and community of Turkey Creek, Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month's tornados brought damage to much of the state. We talk to the insurance commissioner about damage claims. Then, a sixth-generation descendent of Turkey Creek receives a grant to help preserve the land once owned by former slaves. Plus, a new traveling exhibit makes the Emmett and Mamie Till Mobely story accessible to younger patrons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Frustrations mount in Jackson as the city enters its third week without a curbside waste disposal contract in place. Then, parts of the South Mississippi Delta have suffered from flooding for generations. But coming up with a solution has been contentious. Plus, storm-weary residents in Winona take to a town hall for answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Director of MEMA provides an update on tornado recovery and discusses a new program to house displaced residents. Then, members of the immigrant community call on ICE to release a man detained unexpectedly. Plus, Mississippi student activists organize to raise their voices against gun violence - and send a message to policy makers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of civil rights advocates say Southern states set the tone for policy that has broader, national ramifications - often disproportionately affecting minority groups. Then, how some communities are working to keep dollar stores out. Plus, History is Lunch looks at the life, work and legacy of Margaret Walker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Garbage piles up in Jackson as the Mayor and City Council remain in dispute over a waste disposal contract. Then, leaders in Birmingham and New Orleans said they have too many dollar stores and they hurt other businesses. The Gulf States Newsroom takes a look at anti-dollar store laws. Plus, an abortion rights advocate weighs in on the latest federal court ruling over medication abortions. Hosted...

The northeast community of Amory continues its recovery weeks after a tornado devastated much of the town. Then, Dollar General opens about three stores a day. But, advocates warn the dollar store spread hurts communities across the country. Plus, Region 6 mobilizes a crisis unit to help affected residents manage the trauma of storm loss and displacement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Health professionals offer free screenings for oral, throat and head cancers. Then, dollar stores now outnumber Starbucks and Walmart combined - and they're especially popular in small towns. The Gulf States Newsroom takes a road trip to explain what's behind the spread. Plus, reflecting on more than three decades in the state legislature with Rep. Alyce Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...

We recap some of the education policy passed this legislative session with an advocate for public schools. Then, as tornado-ravaged communities look to build back, mental health experts say there is emotional damage that must be managed too. Plus, the photography of Eudora Welty is the subject of this week's History is Lunch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Speaker of the House reflects on his last legislative session with the gavel. Then, the Lt. Governor discusses the final session of his term and assesses the Senate's work. Plus, as HB 1020 heads to the Governor, civil rights groups eye potential litigation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The legislative session comes to a close with another round of heated floor debate on HB 1020. Then, residents of Rolling Fork weigh in on the President's visit. Plus, how students and administrators at South Delta are adapting to life after last month's tornadoes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After multiple revisions and heated debate, HB 1020 moves one step closer to becoming law. Then, we go inside a Baton Rouge classroom to get a taste of the AP African American History class and what it offers. Plus, setting up medical care facilities in tornado-ravaged Rolling Fork. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mississippi Senate votes not to confirm the State Board of Education's appointment for Superintendent...and Black members say race is a factor. Then, a former president of the state medical association breaks down new legislation that provides hospital grants. Plus, a friend of author Harper Lee reflects on their time together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Republican majorities in the legislature advance new laws that will purge voter rolls. Then, communities impacted by a string of tornadoes look to neighbors and new friends as they begin to clean-up and rebuild. Plus, what it was like to experience childhood at the Mississippi State Preventorium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the legislative session enters its final week, some lawmakers hope to secure financial relief to communities devastated by last week's tornadoes. And, one conference report passed by both chambers could open the door for armed teachers in Mississippi classrooms. Then, an exhibit in Jackson tells the stories of African-American midwives in the South. Plus, how a recent hard freeze could be givin...

The Biden Administration approves an Emergency Disaster Declaration following Friday night's devastating tornadoes. And, the people of Rolling Fork begin the process of recovery. Plus, with the ballot initiative still on the shelf, one doctor shares frustrations over not being able to use the citizen referendum to adopt Medicaid expansion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...

A severe weather system could bring tornadoes and hail to the Magnolia State. We talk to the National Weather Service. Then, efforts to revive the ballot initiative process are in dire straights as the Senate fails to take up the resolution on deadline day. Plus, educators and advocates continue their push for fully funded public schools. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

Community groups in Jackson say they feel shut out as the federally-appointed administrator works to restore the city's water system. Then, we hear from lawmakers assigned to conference on one of the session's most hotly-debated pieces of legislation. Plus, how vague and loose regulations regarding crypto-currency contributed to the latest banking panic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

A coalition of workers' rights organizations call on the Biden administration to take action against a federally contracted call center. Then, health experts in Mississippi advise colorectal screenings to lower one of the nation's highest mortality rates. Plus, we examine the health of Mississippi's banks following a recent bank run in California. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

Passenger rail service could be mere months from returning to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We get the latest from the Southern Rail Commissioner. Then, more medical marijuana dispensaries are opening doors as the industry kicks into gear. Plus, how law enforcement officials hope to recruit more women to the force. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How the decriminalization of fentanyl test strips could reduce overdose deaths in Mississippi. Then the Mississippi Lottery has reached a significant financial milestone Plus, the not so black and white policy on books in Mississippi's prisons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After years of refusing to expand Medicaid benefits in Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves has signed legislation extending postpartum care for Mothers in the state.  Then, detainees in a Louisiana ICE detention center stage a short hunger strike to protest their incarceration and treatment. Plus, a look at what contributed to the rising costs of insulin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

The legislature advances bills that change voting regulations and increase penalties in the state. Then, a southern city prepares to host the first two rounds of college basketball's March Madness. Plus, what a cap on insulin costs could mean for Mississippians living with diabetes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More pushback from Jackson residents and community activists as HB 1020 inches toward conference. Then, Black women in Mississippi face disproportionately high health risks during pregnancy. We examine the causes and factors with an expert. Plus, the state green lights three new early learning collaboratives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Equal Pay Day, we examine the wage gap and where it still persists in Mississippi. Then, the Department of Health issues a new directive to combat the rise in congenital syphilis. Plus, a new tax deduction incentive looks to help bolster community endowments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.