Mississippi Edition

The Jackson-metro area begins its recovery following Tuesday's severe weather. And, Mardi Grad Indians hold a second line funeral in honor of a local icon. Then, we examine the factors of learning loss and how a pandemic-altered school year could add more challenges. Plus, in our Book Club, the people and places changed by America’s mighty waterways in “Holding Back the River.” Segment 1: At least...

For the second time in three days, tornadoes tear through the Magnolia State. We check in with MEMA for the latest assessments. Then, state health officials present an outlook for more vaccine distribution following reports Pfizer's shot could be soon available to more school-aged residents. Then, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, addressing learning loss the summer after a pandemic-alte...

Mississippians begin the road to rebuild and recovery after a flurry of tornadoes damaged some communities Sunday evening. Then, hospital leadership responds to the latest Executive Order lifting pandemic-related social distancing restrictions. Plus, state health officials explain the latest in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Segment 1: Damage assessments are underway across Mississippi following a...

Some Mississippi communities are waking to downed trees and damage after a number of tornadoes popped up yesterday evening. We get a preliminary report from MEMA. Then, a leader from a civil rights organization responds to the Governor’s comments on system racism. Plus, Mississippi’s colleges and universities prepare for in-person commencement ceremonies. Segment 1: Mississippi residents are...

Two Mississippi institutions of higher learn team up to study young adults' attitudes and practices regarding the coronavirus. Then, civil rights advocates call for a change in the jury selection process. Plus, a nearly $12 million award is aimed at creating conservation jobs on the Gulf Coast as part of the Deepwater Horizon recovery effort. Segment 1: Tougaloo College and the University of South...

Health officials continue their vaccination campaign as variants of the coronavirus grow more present in the Magnolia State. Then, federal applications for financial assistance to attend colleges and universities is down compared to last year. We examine the factors with Get 2 College. Plus, in today's Book Club, meet Mississippi’s new poet Laureate, Catherine Pierce. Segment 1: Mississippi's heal...

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is given the green light to resume, and the CDC revised it’s guidance. Then, Mississippi was only one of three states to lose population last decade. We examine the socio-political factors that could explain the shift. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, restaurants get additional relief through a new grant administered by the Small Business Administratio...

Newly released Census data shows a population decline in the Magnolia State. We examine the the numbers with the State Data Center. Then, American Rescue Plan is providing new opportunities for uninsured Mississippians to get healthcare coverage. Segment 1: The southern region of the Unites States grew in population over the last decade - that's according to recent date released by the U.S. C...

A new signed by the Governor could soon extend parole opportunities to some Mississippi inmates. Then, Mississippi is joining four other southern states today in observing Confederate Memorial Day. But, civil right advocates are critical of a practice they say glorifies the confederacy.  Plus, members of the Mississippi legislative Black Caucus seek an investigation into the 2018 death of a G...

As vaccinations slow, health and community leaders address access issues. Then, investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell details the 2018 death of Robert Loggins. Plus, visual artist Alexis McGrigg describes the composition and style of her work. Segment 1: Mississippi's health leaders continue to encourage vaccination as the state experiences a rise in COVID-19 infections and other health care metri...

A recently signed law secures more dignified practices for women in Mississippi's prisons. Then, a university professor responds to recent statements by the Secretary of State regarding college students' voting proclivities and the education they receive. Plus, in our Book Club, A New York Times bestselling author explores what it means to be alive in “Life’s Edge.” Segment 1: A new law will soon...

The CEO of a Jackson based financial services organization testifies before the Senate on some of the banking challenges faced by rural communities. Then, 2020 was a census year meaning the Magnolia State will soon have new voting districts drawn. In our sixth and final installment of Your Vote, Your Voice, we examine the policies and procedures that guide the pens that draw the maps. Plus, we loo...

Access to affordable childcare gets a funding boost through the American Rescue Plan. Then, from the Gulf States Newsroom, the history of community health centers and the role they’re playing in the Delta during the pandemic. Plus, in the fifth installment of Your Vote, Your Voice, we examine who votes in Mississippi. Segment 1: Access to affordable childcare in Mississippi is getting a major fund...

With the Johnson & Johnson vaccine still on pause, health officials examine vaccination rates and the hesitancy factor. Then, from the Gulf States Newsroom, how partnerships with community health centers are reaching rural residents in the region. Plus, in part four of You Vote, Your Voice, we explore how those with felony convictions lose access to the ballot. Segment 1: The vaccination in Mi...

Community leaders urge Governor Reeves to sign a parole eligibility bill that’s been sitting on his desk since the end of the legislative session. Then, while the arguments in the case against Initiative 65 focus on process, under the surface the subject of the matter - medical marijuana - is playing a significant role. Plus, this year’s Poetry Out Loud competition might look different, but the re...

Clinics adjust to the temporary pause in the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. We examine how the new CDC guidance could effect the vaccination effort in the Magnolia State. Then, the fate of medical marijuana is in the hands of the Mississippi Supreme Court following yesterday's oral arguments. We break down each side of the debate. Plus, in today's Book Club, a historian lays out the histor...

Health officials call for a pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following a change in CDC guidelines. Then, in the third installment of Your Vote, Your Voice, we examine both past and existing barriers to ballot. Plus, the fate of medical marijuana possible hangs in the balance as the Mississippi Supreme Court hears oral arguments challenging the legitimacy of Initiative 65. Segment 1: Miss...

A federal emergency relief program targets those facing rent and utility hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic. Then, understaffing in prisons across Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama has been a problem for years. We examine why it's so difficult to find and keep new correctional officers. Plus, in our second installment of Your Vote, Your Voice, we explore the different efforts and perspect...

Health leaders provide updates on coronavirus vaccinations and transmission in the state. Then, in the first installment of our Your Vote, Your Voice series, we examine the basic voting requirements in Mississippi. Plus, a coalition including the NAACP is leading the drive to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot. Segment 1: Overall coronavirus transmission in Mississippi is down this spring c...

Overall coronavirus cases are trending down. Vaccine rollout is now in its fifth month. We talk to the State Health Officer about how Mississippi is faring in its year long fight against COVID-19. Plus, migrant workers profoundly affected by the ICE raid of 2019, are calling on action from the Biden Administration. Segment 1: Vaccines for COVID-19 have been available to all Mississippi residents 1...

Health leaders continue to address vaccine hesitancy. And, most states don’t have a sales tax on groceries. But, Alabama and Mississippi do. And that money could go a long way for low-income residents.  Then, in our Book Club, one of the country’s largest collections of children’s literature can be found at the University of Southern Mississippi. Now there’s a book about all those b...

State officials continue to encourage residents to get shots as Mississippi attempts to climb from the bottom rungs of the national vaccination tables. Then, a coalition of health leaders file an initiative to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we recap the 2021 legislative session. Segment 1: Over four months into vaccine availability, more than 1.3...

The federal Paycheck Protection Program is extending its second draw loan window. We hear from the Bankers’ Association on where the aid is going. Then, in recognition of National Child Abuse Awareness Month, we examine the roots of issue and how Mississippians can help. Plus, faith leaders respond to the new Georgia voting laws and comments made by a Mississippi Senator. Segment 1: Mississippi bu...

UMMC and the FCC come together to champion new efforts in tele-health.  And Senator Wicker discusses the American Rescue plan and corporate response to the Georgia voting laws. Then, health officials provide updates on vaccine progress in the state. Plus, violence is down in Mississippi prisons. We hear from the commissioner of MDOC. Segment 1: The tele-health center at the University of Miss...

The presiding officers of the House and Senate recap the legislative session. Then, how a failure to extend Medicaid postpartum health care to twelve months impacts mothers and children in a state with the highest infant mortality rate. Plus, on the eve of local primaries, we examine the significance of municipal elections. Segment 1: The Magnolia State is closing the books on the 2021 legislative...