Mississippi Edition

The Mississippi Senate advances legislation to allow more collaboration between community hospitals. The, the former state health officer breaks down a increasing threat in pre-natal care. Plus, February is American Heart Health month. We talk to a cardiologist about the signs of heart disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former Chancellor of the University of Mississippi says then-Lt. Governor Tate Reeves once acknowledged the benefits of Medicaid expansion...but said he couldn't support it for political reasons. Then, the House passes a bill that would divert special tax revenue in Jackson away from roads and bridges and into the water system. Plus, opening the door for package stores to operate on Sundays. H...

New research in the medical marijuana industry will help patients and dispensaries better understand how different applications of cannabis affect outcomes. Then, a look at what pregnancy resource centers offer expecting mothers...and what they don't. Plus, the mysterious death of explorer Meriwether Lewis is the subject of a Mississippi-based independent film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

The Democratic delegation from Hinds County pushes back against a bill that would create a special judicial jurisdiction within the capital city complex. Then, a number of education bills made it out of committee on deadline day, while others failed to advance. We examine what's still active this session. Plus, a look at "How Hip Hop Changed the World". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

The Governor delivers his state of the state and calls on lawmakers to back his policies on tax reform, education and healthcare. Then, the Democratic front-runner in the gubernatorial race provides his response - with an emphasis on Medicaid expansion. Plus, a celebrated musician featured on three Blues Trails markers adds a Governors Arts Award to his list of honors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

After years of waiting, patients in Mississippi have access to medical marijuana. Then, Jackson's third-party water administrator lays out a financial plan for the city's system and billing. Plus, recognizing a leading figure in Mississippi's art community ahead of the Governor's Arts Awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A coalition of women and family advocates campaign for legislation to expand health care access. Then, medical marijuana is now available in some Mississippi dispensaries. But leaders in the industry say a certification backlog is slowing down the distribution of product. Plus, Mississippi's latest tobacco policy rating from the American Lung Association. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...

Mississippi's immigrant community asks lawmakers to consider legislation that protects and preserves their community. Then, school choice advocates want more options. But supporters for traditional public school say the state shouldn't redirect funds away from an already under-funded system. Plus, a Mississippi university charts a new course in better understanding and combating human traffic...

Lawmakers and education advocates celebrate the ten-year anniversary of Mississippi’s Pre-K program. Then, in part two in our conversation on teacher attrition, we look at which teachers are most impacted by exiting factors. Plus, today’s History is Lunch examines the Delta’s Chinese community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are fewer overall education vacancies this year. But a recent report suggests more Mississippi teachers could be eyeing the exit. Then, emergency officials use a mock disaster to prepare for a worst case scenario. Plus, January is Braille Literacy Month. We learn more about teaching the code to Mississippi's visually impaired youth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

The state's university hospital adds a burn unit. Then, emergency services in the Gulf South are spending more time waiting to offload patients at hospitals and that means fewer of them are responding to calls at any given time. Plus, the Mississippi House of Representatives passes a bill limiting gender affirming care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health experts see a post-holiday surge in COVID-19 cases. Then, Poison Control reports a rise in marijuana-related calls. Plus, the Mayor of Pickens is part of a conference in Washington, D.C. She shares more about leading a small town in the Magnolia State. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first filing day of the Mississippi legislature has come and gone. We talk to the Lt. Governor about what bills are working through the Senate. Then, a Mississippi neighborhood says it’s experiencing the downside of industrial manufacturing...pollution. Plus, a trans-rights advocate examines some of the bills in the legislature that could affect their community. Hosted on Acast. See acast...

Administrators at UMMC say a 2007 law could allow a means to open a burn center at the hospital. Then, college students engage in conversation about activism and reconciliation on the National Day of Racial Healing. Plus, this week's History is Lunch takes a look at state's Department of Agriculture and Commmerce. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Day of Racial Healing hopes to open and encourage discussion about racism and reconciliation. Then, a Mississippi lawmaker introduces legislation to de-criminalize fentanyl test strips. Plus, what teachers want to see this legislative session. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on the legacy and contributions of the Civil Rights icon. And, we examine the figure with whom King shares a day of remembrance - the Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another pediatric COVID-19 death brings Mississippi's pandemic total to fourteen. We examine the risks the coronavirus still presents to the state's youngest residents Then, the Department of Health asks lawmakers for additional funding to support programs aimed at bridging health disparities. Plus, an effort to replace the state's representation in Statuary Hall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

Leaders from the Legislative Black Caucus present their policy priorities on a major deadline day. Then, the Attorney General is asking the Supreme Court not to take up a disenfranchisement case. We speak to one of the lawyers fighting to restore suffrage. Plus, a recent NFL injury is sparking interest in CPR training. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Critical agencies are asking lawmakers for more funding to fill job vacancies and retain staff. Then, as the enrollment deadline for the ACA Marketplace nears, we hear from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation about to access health care plans. Plus, what the new Mississippi income tax plan means for paychecks this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The American Academy if Pediatrics has new guidelines for childhood obesity. We examine the changes and what it could mean for Mississippi families. Then, months after their historic pay raise went into effect, Mississippi teachers get a hike in insurance premiums. Plus, safe banking in the new medical marijuana industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Industry leaders say it will still be weeks before patients can get medical marijuana. We hear what further changes they're seeking to rules and regulations. Then, a new quick charge EV station should inform future energy and infrastructure investments. Plus, reflecting on athlete safety following the Damar Hamlin incident. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Officials in the capitol city announce a 600-million-dollar infusion of federal funding to fix its aging water system. Then, we examine how members of the Jackson Public Schools community are managing unexpected disruptions. Plus, business leaders lobby lawmakers to consider more economic investment this legislative session. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The state's medical association issues suggestions for lawmakers to tackle the hospital crisis. Then, members of the faith-community invite state officials and legislators to let prayer bridge the political divide. Plus, creating a new "Black Wall Street" in Hattiesburg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2023 legislative session is now underway. We hear from chamber leadership on the outlook for next 90 days. Then, Republicans control both Houses, but Democrats have policy priorities of their own. A conversation with the House Minority Leader. Plus, how teachers in the capital city's public schools face persistent challenges brought on by a troubled water system. Hosted on Acast. See...

Mississippi's lawmakers return to the Capitol as the final session of the term begins. Will legislators expand Medicaid? Will there be any type of welfare reform? We examine legislative priorities with analysts Austin Barbour and Brandon Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.