Mississippi Edition

Faculty at the University of Mississippi are teaming up with the state Department of Health to reduce the  spread of syphilis. The results are in, Tuesday's municipal elections show significant gains for the Democratic party. Hear what a state elected official in the party has to say about why they're garnering more support in this Red State. Plus, a conference this weekend brings togeth...

A new law privatizing the majority of the state's publicly-held oyster reefs is challenged by a lawsuit. Then, a judge says Mississippi needs a more consistent youth court system. A bill to place full-time judges in every county failed to pass this year. Plus, how food banks are helping to keep families fed, as federal cuts to food assistance are being rolled out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...

Mississippi's legislative leadership breaks down the results of last week's special session. Then, a new collegiate program is designed to help fill hundreds of teaching vacancies across the state. Plus, food banks in the state share how they're working with communities to help keep food on tables. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now that the special session is over, Republican leaders of the state House and Senate say education tops their agenda in 2026 Then, the grassroots national “State of the People Power Tour” stops in the Jackson metro area.  Plus, Harm Reduction, what it means and why it's so controversial, especially in the Gulf South. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers wrap up a special session to pass a roughly $7 billion state budget. Then, advocates for low-income Mississippians say cuts to federal food assistance will hurt the state. Plus, the University of Mississippi Medical Center opens a new burn unit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Democrats in the State House slowed progress on the first day of the special session, claiming a lack of transparency and calls to rubber stamp bills.  Then, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals hears arguments over accusations of police brutality and racial profiling to increase city revenues.  Plus, the challenges of obtaining emergency care in rural parts of the state draw the attention o...

State legislators return to the Mississippi Capitol this morning for a special session to pass a budget.   Then, federal funding has helped states like Alabama and Mississippi make great strides in fighting HIV. Now, funding is in jeopardy--raising concerns among healthcare advocates. Plus, many kids in the state live with untreated tooth decay due to little to no access to dental care....

Republican Governor Tate Reeves is expected to call Mississippi lawmakers back to the state capitol this week for a special session to adopt a budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Then, Mississippians are continuing to rally at the state capitol in Jackson, protesting the policies of the Trump administration.   Plus, a Seven States Safety Campaign is underway targeting police departments found t...

A newly released "Year in Hate" report identifies seven hate groups in Mississippi. Then, members of the US House of Representatives passed a major spending bill yesterday. Policy analysts in Mississippi say most changes won't apply to the state. Plus, did you know Columbus, Mississippi is the home of Memorial Day? We speak with a local expert about the origins of the national holiday. Hosted on A...

We speak with Congressman Mike Ezell about, President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," and what he knows about the governor's request for a major disaster declaration. Then, May is Stroke Awareness Month. Mississippi is tied with Alabama for the highest mortality rates in the country. Plus, lawmakers are considering what future budgets could look like for the state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri...

State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney is leading the creation of a new system of care to help lower the state's high infant and maternal mortality rates. Then, supporters of the federal food assistance program "SNAP" say budget cuts could hurt low-income families in Mississippi. Plus, we sit down with Mississippi Republican Party Chair Mike Hurst to talk about municipal elections in June along with n...

Fishermen in the Gulf are speaking out against legislation that would privatize wild oyster reefs in the area. Then, early childhood educators are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Head Start program in the state. Plus, residents of Tylertown await word of federal aid nearly 2 months after the governor requested a major disaster declaration from the Trump Administration.   Hosted o...

Women in Mississippi are at a higher risk for heart disease, one of the leading causes of death in the state. Then, doctors are sounding the alarm about the link between smoking and strokes. Plus, oyster farmers in the Mississippi Sound say their livelihoods could be put at risk by opening a major spillway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mississippi Department of Education shares plans for how the state could continue receiving grants that would help improve schools. Then, a leader with the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning responds to concerns about selecting the next president of Jackson State University. Plus, it's National Prevention Week, a time to highlight resources that can help treat mental disorders and sub...

How could tariffs affect Mississippians in the coming months? A business leader says some industries could be hit hard. Then, on this day in 1970, two young men were killed by police gunfire at Jackson State University during the height of racial tensions and non-violent protests. Plus, most commercial ships are built in China. The Trump Administration wants to change impose a new fee making tradi...

There are discussions in Washington about cutting billions of dollars in Medicaid funding, an action supporters of the program say would hurt thousands of vulnerable Mississippians. Then, it's National Hospital Week, we talk about the hard work of healthcare professionals and the struggle with addressing healthcare gaps in the state.   Plus, one of the first couples in the state to conce...

Mississippi's Commissioner of Agriculture is defending the President's choice to impose tariffs on foreign nations-- saying it could lead to better deals for Mississippi farmers. Then, hurricane season begins June 1st. The state's leading emergency manager is asking folks to be prepared for an active season. Plus, a new book explores the secret history of lethal injections and how executions...

The head of the Rankin County NAACP speaks out against comments by a county supervisor disparaging two victims of the Goon Squad. Then, Early learning advocates express relief the Trump Administration put the brakes on its plan to slash Head Start funding. Plus, locals share their thoughts on the newly chosen American Pope Leo the 14th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal courts approve a new redistring map for DeSoto County. Special elections are in November. Then, how can Mississippi bridge the gap between faith and mental health services? That's the central question at a summit in Brandon. Plus, The Angola Prison Rodeo is the only one in the country where incarcerated men compete in bull riding, buck breaking, and other controversial, dangerous even...

The President of Jackson State University resigns. Board members of the Institutions of Higher Learning appoint an interim leader. Then, a minister from a Catholic church in Jackson weighs in on the selection process for a new pope and who he wants to see in that role next. Plus, we continue our conversation with immigration leaders and hear from an undocumented immigrant living in...

Student loan payments resume for those in default, affecting millions of people, including Mississippians.   Then, immigrant rights leaders in the state share what it's like trying to help immigrants living in fear during the second trump administration. Plus, we speak with the student and photographer who helped document the Tougaloo 9 historic 1960s read-in protest in Jackson...

Officials say a federal program to increase Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements to rural hospitals could be a lifeline for their community. Then, aspiring Mississippi entrepreneurs seek to win a $15 thousand dollar prize for innovative tech ideas. Plus, we speak with a member of the Tougaloo 9, whose read-in protest in the 1960's helped lead the charge to desegregate libraries. Hosted on Aca...

Finding healthcare in rural areas of Mississippi can be difficult, and experts say the issue gets worse with age. Then, congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Texas delivers the commencement address at Tougaloo College over the weekend.   Plus, we speak with a member of the Tougaloo 9, a group of students whose read-in led to de-segregating libraries in Jackson.  Hosted on Acast. See aca...

Two victims attacked, tortured and sexually assaulted by law enforcement in Rankin County reach a settlement in a civil lawsuit. Then, the governor says major investments in electrical grids could put Mississippi at an advantage in the race for AI development. Plus, protesters continue their calls for congress to reign in the numerous cuts and executive orders issued by the White House. Also, Cele...

The Mississippi Department of Education announces gains in pre-k education. Then, Mississippians are wearing denim to help erase the stigma that victims of sexual assault can face. Plus, a new law will soon start the process of eliminating the state income tax. It's garnered praise by some, and the ire of others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.