Mississippi Edition

New polling from the Southern Poverty Law Center shows lower approval ratings for Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. That could mean a more difficult election cycle for her next year.  Then, more school districts in Mississippi are adopting "no cell phone" policies. Plus, a funeral service is being held today for "Mama" Mosie Burks, the lead singer for the Mississippi Mass Choir. She died l...

Religious leaders led a faith-based demonstration outside the Jackson offices of Mississippi’s two U.S. senators. Then, after nearly two decades of planning and implementation, Mississippi’s court system is now fully online. Plus, healthcare stakeholders offer warnings about how hospitals and patients in Mississippi could be harmed by looming federal funding cuts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...

It's the tax-free weekend in Mississippi. What that means for families trying to save while making back to school purchases. Then, the first Naloxone vending machine in Mississippi is now open. Health officials say it will be a positive tool in curbing overdose deaths. Plus, community organizers say Black Women in Mississippi still get paid a fraction of their white male counterparts. Hosted on Ac...

Mississippi’s top health expert says federal funding cuts won’t be allowed to affect critical health programs in the state. Then, lawmakers are searching for ways to curb the opioid epidemic in Mississippi using millions of dollars from a national legal settlement. Plus, how a shortage of specially trained nurses could be slowing the justice process for sexual assault cases. Hosted on Acast. See a...

Congress has passed a version of Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" what that means for Mississippi, ahead. Then, Airports around Mississippi received over $21 million dollars in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration.  Plus, the U.S. continues to treat drug use largely as a criminal issue. But police in other countries, like the Netherlands, have taken a different approach.  H...

Mississippi Highway Patrol cautions major holidays like the 4th of July can be deadly when drivers don't follow the rules of the road.  Then, the new mayor of the capital city talks about his vision to revitalize Jackson and hopes to build better relationships with federal, state and county, officials. Plus, we talk with political activist Stacey Abrams about the life and legacy of civil righ...

A variety of new state laws are now in effect. One of the biggest changes folks will see in their daily lives is a higher gas tax. Then, today marks what would have been Medgar Wiley Evers' 100th birthday.  We hear from a journalist attending a celebration for the Evers' birthday, as well as Evers' daughter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi House Speaker Jason White says he's planning a major push next year making it easier for families to change where their kids go to school. Then, the daughter of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, shares her experience growing up during the civil rights movement. Plus, a conversation with former MSNBC Host Joy Ann Reid on her work preserving and promoting the life and legacy...

Mississippi lawmakers named to select four committees will soon begin holding hearings on issues like the revitalization of the Capital city. Then, Louisiana’s new third-grade reading test is now required by law. Just like in Alabama and Mississippi, if students don’t pass, they may have to repeat the grade. Plus, Medgar Evers would have turned 100 this week. His work in the civil rights movement...

Daughters of three civil rights leaders share how their parents shaped their lives while also fighting for racial equality. Then, a new gas tax goes into effect next week. An official with MDOT shares what that means for drivers. Plus, we talk with the new Medical Director for the Mississippi Department of Health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi executes the state's oldest and longest-serving death row inmate Wednesday evening at Parchman Penitentiary. Then, High school seniors in Mississippi no longer have to pass a U.S. History assessment exam to graduate.   Plus, a new art exhibit opens today in Ocean Springs. It features influential modernist painter and native Mississippian Dusti Bongé. Hosted on Acast. See acas...

Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire with the involvement of the U.S. What does it mean for Mississippi? That's ahead. Then, a federal judge hears arguments challenging Mississippi's law banning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at public schools and universities.  Plus, three organizations representing business interests in the state merge under one umbrella called the Mississi...

An Iranian American living in Jackson shares her thoughts on the conflict between her home country, Israel and the US air strikes. Then, courts have approved a settlement between the NCAA and student athletes, making it possible for colleges and universities to pay students who participate in sports programs. Plus, mental health advocates are reaching out to Black Men in Mississippi to share ways...

Mississippi is set to carry out the execution of a death row inmate on Wednesday. That's despite numerous attempts to have the sentence overturned. Then, health advocacy experts say a new FDA-approved shot could help reduce transmission of HIV in Mississippi. Plus, a burn victim shares her story of recovering from 3rd degree burns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show; Immigrant Rights activists are calling for the release of an immigrant arrested while working with his supervisor.   He's now in ICE custody. Then, Mississippians share how they celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America.  Plus, how do teens who grow up while in prison reenter society? There's a group that helps them along the w...

Mississippi is partnering with chip manufacturer NVIDIA. Then, post-traumatic stress disorder affects roughly three percent of Americans. But in Mississippi, they say that number could be higher. Plus, Mississippi is one of 20 states that do not recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new national report lists Mississippi at the bottom for several key health indicators. One is maternal health an on-going issue for the state. Then, what are the risks of cancer for people who drink alcohol? That's ahead. Plus, health officials are trying to address the state's high rate of Alzheimer's disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show: Educators are working with business leaders in Mississippi to discuss how artificial intelligence can be used effectively in the workplace. Then, dentists are reminding families to get checkups for their kids this summer. Plus, meningitis transmission is increasing in other states. Mississippi has high vaccination rates, but experts say there are still vulnerable people. Hosted on...

Thousands of Mississippians in Jackson and across the state hold protests as part of the nationwide "No Kings" demonstrations. Then, a coalition of advocates concerned about access to healthcare in the state talk about the future of Medicaid on the local and state levels.  Plus, a caregiver shares the hurdles she has to overcome when helping the elderly and disabled. Hosted on Acast. See acas...

Governor Tate Reeves announces major investments to bolster the artificial intelligence industry across Mississippi. Then, the state's congressional delegation share differing opinions on President Donald Trump's  'Big Beautiful Bill'. Plus, a free healthcare event in Jackson is highlighting the need for community outreach throughout  Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

The new administrator for the US Environmental Protection Agency visits Mississippi. Then, officials are warning about a scam that claims people owe money for traffic violations that don't exist. Plus, Mississippi and Louisiana have some of the smallest tech scenes in the country. But some tech companies are choosing to stay in the South anyway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...

Former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour shares remarks on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Then, a summit in Jackson brings together law enforcement agencies from across the state. Plus, a new law is expected to regulate the seafood industry in Mississippi, prioritizing local products. And ahead, the blockbuster horror film 'Sinners' has become popular because of the range of Mississip...

Civil rights groups sue the state over a new law banning DEI programs in public schools. Then, June is Men's Mental Health Month. Healthcare leaders are calling attention to high rates of suicide among men. Plus, As the movie 'Sinners' continues to shine a national spotlight on Clarksdale, residents in the Delta town hope it'll breathe new life into the city. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...

Mississippi receives its highest education ranking yet in a national report. Then, researchers at two Mississippi universities report unsafe levels of toxic metals in fish. Plus, business leaders share ideas on how artificial intelligence can be used to move Mississippi forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Community advocates raising awareness about their work preventing gun violence in Jackson, saying they're reorganizing now that some funding is cut. Then, many students rely on the breakfast and lunch at school. School Districts are planning to open their feeding program to ensure children don't go hungry during the summer break.  Plus, power providers are preparing for the predicted bus...