Mississippi Edition

The new education budget closes the funding gap for the MAEP. We hear from the Senate Education Committee Chair. And, how the pandemic is causing a drop in routine vaccinations for school-aged children. Then, in our Book Club, stories from Natchez in Richard Grant's latest book, "The Deepest South of All"  Plus, the arrival of spring usually brings visitors to the Mississippi Gulf Coast....

In an attempt to address Mississippi’s high incarceration rate, lawmakers send a parole reform bill to the Governor. Then, how community health centers in the Delta are helping residents get vaccinated. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, the state takes a step toward local alcohol delivery. Segment 1: Mississippi lawmakers are sending legislation to the desk of Governor Tate Reeves that...

As the legislature nears the end of the 2021 session, lawmakers approve final budget bills - including a budget increase for education. Then, in part two of our conversation with UMMC's Dr. Louann Woodward, we look at the lessons learned and the lasting toll of the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, we break down the highlights from the latest Millsaps/Chism State of the State Poll. Segment 1: Mississipp...

More variants of the coronavirus appear in Mississippi as health officials continue vaccination efforts.  Then, a leader at the state’s only tier one trauma facility reflects on a year of facing the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, a recent economic study reveals a revitalized railway could bring a boost to coastal counties. Segment 1: More coronavirus variants are showing up in Mississippi. Accor...

Mississippi reaches parity in its effort to expand vaccine access to communities of color. Then, the Tax Freedom Act is dead, but the push to transform tax policy continues. We hear from the Mississippi Center for Public Policy. Plus, The “Hawkins vs. Town of Shaw Project” is recognized by the Mississippi Humanities Council. Segment 1: The number of African Americans receiving the coronavirus...

For the second time in as many weeks, the Magnolia State faces the threat of severe storms and tornadoes. We talk to the National Weather Service. Then, for years, Alabama and Mississippi have refused to expand Medicaid. But advocates hope a new federal incentive could change things. Plus, premiering at the Oxford Film Festival this weekend, “Look Away, Look Away”. Segment 1: For the second c...

As vaccination numbers continue to climb, we look at the role the VA is playing in distribution. Then, with the legislative session winding down, we examine the Medicaid landscape with the insurance commissioner. Plus, what the latest State of the State poll reveals about Mississippians’ attitude toward the coronavirus vaccine. Segment 1: Veterans in Mississippi are showing up at the G. V. Sonny M...

Mississippi surpasses one millions doses of coronavirus vaccine. Then, we examine the targeted strategies officials are using reach work communities that suffered outbreaks at the start of the pandemic. Plus, FEMA offers funeral assistance for families managing COVID-19 related deaths. Segment 1: The Magnolia State's vaccine rollout is hitting new benchmarks as the state tops one million doses of...

Health officials confirm a second coronavirus variant in Mississippi. Then, Jackson State University steps up to promote vaccination. Plus, indigenous remains are repatriated to the Chickasaw nation. Segment 1: Mississippi health officials are reporting the first identified case of the South African strain of coronavirus in Harrison County. State Health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the South...

The founder of a Jackson private school and her son plead not guilty to federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Then, a number of spring deadlines approach for students seeking opportunities in higher education. Plus, actor and comedian Jay Jurden shares what it’s like to be black, queer, and Southern in NYC. Segment 1: Two defendants from last year's shocking Department of Human Servi...

Mississippi was largely spared the severity of yesterday’s storm. We assess the effects with MEMA. Then, what the American Rescue Plan could do for the state of child care in Mississippi - especially that of single mothers. Plus, in today’s Book Club, a literary look at the Magnolia state’s vast landscapes in Ralph Eubanks’ book, “A Place Like Mississippi.” Segment 1: Mississippians are waking up...

One month after a severe winter weather event, Mississippi prepares for it's first wave of spring storms. Then, while Amazon workers attempting to unionize in Alabama attract national support, veteran labor organizers in the South say the workers face an expensive uphill battle. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, the Senate kills the Freedom Tax Act, but House leadership makes moves to k...

With a goal of "getting back to normal", the Governor expands vaccine eligibility to all Mississippians. We examine the impact increased access could have in the state. Then, with stimulus payments from the American Rescue Plan on the way, we explore how the infusion of cash could help families in the Magnolia State. Plus, the Institute for the Humanities at MSU analyzes contesting narratives...

Health leaders in the Magnolia State discuss vaccine expansion. Then, a new study analyzes the obstacles Mississippians with felony convictions face as they try to re-enter the community. Then, a Mississippi casino offers employees an incentive for getting vaccinated. Segment 1: After a steady declining slope in coronavirus cases, Mississippi is experiencing a slight leveling-off as residents resu...

Mississippi becomes the first state this year to pass a law banning transgender athletes from competing on girls or women's sports teams. The bill's author claims the measure protects women, while LGBT advocates say it's a solution in search of a problem. Then, a recent study reveals the toll of the pandemic on Mississippi's most under-served children. Plus, the House rejects a controversial...

A recent study provides more detail on transmission of COVID-19 in pediatric carriers. Then, Alabama's governor is seeking to improve conditions in correctional facilities by expanding private prisons. But reform advocates in the region are urging a different approach. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we preview the pandemic anniversary special. Segment 1: High school students thr...

Officials in the city of Jackson say the current water crisis is nearing an end, but certain underlying issues still need to be reconciled. Then, as the state approaches the one year anniversary of its first case of COVID-19, health officials reflect on the year that was. Plus, as the nation recognizes National Women’s Month, advocates in Mississippi say more must be done to support low-income sin...

Progress is made restoring water to Jackson residents, but the symptoms of a old and crumbling infrastructure remain. Then, state faith leaders send a unified message of support for Medicaid expansion. Plus, a coalition of health advocates press the legislature for a higher cigarette tax. Segment 1: An estimated five thousand residents in Jackson have not had running water since the winter storm l...

Community leaders in Jackson speak out as the city’s water problems persist. Then, Mississippi lawmakers send a bill to the Governor that would bar transgender students from playing sports with their identified gender. Plus, the legislature moves one step closer to creating a Conservation Trust Fund. Segment 1: Residents in the Capital City are still struggling with water problems more than t...

Health and municipal leaders respond the the Governor’s decision to roll back mitigation efforts: And restoration of water in the Capital city takes a step backwards. Then, a teacher pay raise is hanging by a thread in the state legislature. We hear from one professional education group. Plus, in our book club - "The Life and Legacy of B. B. King.” Segment 1: Mississippians are no longer under exe...

The Governor roll backs restrictions on mask wearing and gatherings while advocating vaccinations. Then, the long-promised teacher pay raise sits in legislative limbo. We look at how and if the raise will come this year. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we examine how yesterday's Supreme Court hearing could affect voting rights in Mississippi.  Segment 1: Mississippians will...

Water outages continue in Jackson as treatment and distribution facilities struggle to reach pressure levels high enough to service parts of the city. Then, the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act receives scrutiny from policy analysts and state leaders. Plus, the Mississippi's Public Service Commission announces a comprehensive review of the the state's utility infrastructure. Segment 1: Water outag...

The water crisis in the Capital City continues as residents face prolonged outages. City officials weigh in. Then, the coronavirus vaccination rollout accelerates following delays brought on by last month’s winter storm. Plus, an analysis of the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act. Segment 1: Residents in parts of the capital city have been without running water for nearly two weeks. Jackson's water treat...

Residents of the capital city continue to face water outages following last week’s winter storm. Then, a Mississippi agency assigned to distribute millions in federal pandemic relief funds is under pressure to get the program going or risk losing the money. Plus, the Mississippi Economic Council responds to the House’s fast-tracked tax plan. Segment 1: The Mississippi National Guard has stationing...

Lawmakers in the House introduce legislation to eliminate the Pink tax. And, one leader from the hospital association weighs in on the debate on expanding Medicaid. Then, Mississippi State University recognizes the power of storytellers. Plus, in our Book Club: “I AM A MAN: Civil Rights Photographs in the American South, 1960–1970.” Segment 1: House Bill 1238 would exempt baby formula, diaper...