Mississippi Edition

Mississippi School leaders have mixed reactions to the U.S. Department of Education freezing COVID-related federal funding.   Then, a federal program supporting volunteer work in the state ends today. Plus, a new law regulates the herbal drug Kratom, which some say could be a major boon in the fight against opioid deaths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new report identifies a company with a chicken processing plant in Mississippi as one of the 12 most dangerous places to work in the country. Then, a new state law prohibits camping in public property not designated for that purpose. Critics say it unfairly targets Mississippians who are un-housed. Plus, what will federal cuts to AmeriCorps could mean for the state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

Sexual violence is not rare in Mississippi. A coalition of advocates are trying to help folks stay safe and access resources after an attack. Then, Mississippi's 2nd district congressman shares his thoughts about the ongoing budget cuts and tariff discussions happening in Washington. Plus, cuts are being proposed for Medicaid. It's a program many rely on to afford elder care, and providers say it'...

Parents, childcare workers and advocates are calling on the state Department of Human Services to provide funding after abrupt cuts made in Washington. Then, 2nd District Congressman Bennie Thompson holds a town hall meeting to talk about policy changes by the Trump Administration. Plus, For the first time rap superstar Lil Wayne headlines the Jazz Fest beginning this weekend in New Orleans. ...

The Mississippians who have donated their bodies to science are honored. Then, a new marker helps tell the story of Rosa Scott, a pioneer in education for African Americans who helped establish a school. We speak with the teacher who spearheaded the effort to erect a historic marker in her honor.  Plus, A pause on collecting student loan debt has been lifted. One Mississippian shares her...

An air quality report shows major signs of pollution in some parts of Mississippi. Then, a deadline nears for air travelers to have a Real ID driver's license or identification card to fly. Plus, trade wars helped build the South’s massive auto industry. But historians say don’t expect the same results from today’s tariffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippians celebrate the legacy of Pope John Francis. He died yesterday at the age of 88. Then, Conservationists urge the Army Corps of Engineers to use measured steps in opening the Bonne Carre Spillway. Engineers want to prevent flooding from the Mississippi River.  Plus, we speak with the state Insurance Commissioner about catastrophe savings accounts and how they can be helpful a...

Fifteen years ago today, the BP oil spill, the largest in history oil flowed into the Gulf of Mexico for nearly  3 months. Environmentalists say the disaster is still being cleaned up. Then, protesters gather at the state Capitol in Jackson to protest Trump Administration policies and call for Congress to rein in the executive branch. Plus, the Mississippi Department of Health ends free...

The Mississippi River has been listed as one of the most endangered rivers in the nation. Local officials say cutbacks in disaster relief is at the core of the problem. Then, federal cuts to early childhood funding could hinder many Mississippi families from accessing pre-k education. Plus what resources are helping Mississippians access elder care? It's a process that's often difficult and costly...

Federal judges order the State Election Commission to redraw voting lines in the DeSoto County area again. Then, the City of Jackson breaks ground on affordable housing in the historic Farish Street community, once a bustling black neighborhood. Plus, Residents in the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans are trying to address serious flooding that's plagued the area for years. Hosted on Acast. See ac...

Parents and childcare providers are worried that the loss of an early education subsidy could jeopardize access to affordable care and put centers out of business. Then, Mississippi's State Auditor shares a new report claiming there's more than $400 million in wasteful state spending by state agencies. Plus, hear what it takes to curate a museum and share Mississippi culture with the world. Hosted...

Health advocates are sounding the alarm that Black women in Mississippi are at a much higher risk of dying during pregnancy than their white counterparts. Then, federal grants to museums are being shut off. A curator shares what that could mean for Mississippi and the preservation of state history. Plus, Mississippi's State Health Officer hopes a new law will help more hospitals open in rural Miss...

Mississippians who oppose cuts being made by the Trump administration are trying to meet with the state's two Senators. Then, a coalition of religious groups are meeting with Jackson's top mayoral candidates to discuss their plans for the city. Plus, we speak with the Mississippi Department of Education's Parent of the Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mississippi Medical Association unveils a marker about the history of hospitals that served Black people during the Jim Crow Era. Then, for the first time in Mississippi, treatments are being offered for people at high risk of developing psychosis. Plus, a celebration of Blues in Clarksdale this weekend at the 22nd annual Juke Joint Festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...

Mississippi agencies announce new guidelines on how reports of child abuse cases will be handled in all 82 counties. Then, Mississippi's State Health Officer says he's hopeful investments by the legislature can sustain public health initiatives in the wake of federal cuts. Plus, we speak with a financial expert about how Mississippians can make plans when there is high market volatility. Hosted on...

Courts are reviewing a new set of redistricting maps for Mississippi.  Then, mayors of towns along the Mississippi River are seeking federal aid for flooding as the water level continues to rise. Plus, state regulators deny a company two permits to produce more air pollution in rural Mississippi. Residents are praising the decision. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're speaking with Dr. Thomas Dobbs, Mississippi's former State Health Officer, reflecting on the five years that have passed since the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic. For an extended version of the show, visit MPB's YouTube page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Millions of federal dollars being used by the Mississippi Department of Education is being rescinded. Then, ag economists share what the Trump administration's sweeping round of new tarrifs could mean for agriculture in the state. Plus, A climate change conference brings student together to examine the role communities of color can play in tackling environmental justice issues. Hosted on Acast. Se...

Lawmakers have ended the 2025 legislative session without passing a budget. Governor Tate Reeves says not to worry. Then, the state Department of Health learns that over $230 million dollars in federal funding is being revoked.  Plus, federal grants already awarded to the Mississippi Humanities Council are cut. Hear that could mean for historians and preserving culture in the state. Hosted on...

House lawmakers have officially ended their 2025 legislative session, although the Senate is still meeting today. More than 100 budget bills haven't been passed. Then, Major cuts to healthcare have stripped funding from several Mississippi organizations helping folks with HIV and AIDS. Plus, a tour of the state capitol is helping students better understand how laws are passed, and get them involve...

A bill that could cut out the middleman and potentially reduce drug costs nearly passed the legislature yesterday. But now it's being sent back for more debate. Then, Governor Tate Reeves has requested federal disaster relief in response to the March 14th and 15th tornadoes that killed 7 in Mississippi. Plus, federal tariffs go into affect today in what the Trump administration is calling "Liberat...

The federal government is clawing back hundreds of millions of dollars allocated to Mississippi public schools for COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts. Then, human trafficking can be a difficult crime to spot and report. Elected officials are working with businesses to train a network of watchdogs and help victims.  Plus, today is the primary election day for many municipalities across Mississip...

We speak with the National Weather Service to get an update on this morning's severe storms. Then, More than 100 bills that fund all of the functions of Mississippi’s state government died Saturday night after the House didn't show up for what's known as "conference weekend." Plus, thick layers of pollen that blanket Mississippi can make life harder for many living with allergies. And doctors say...

Governor Tate Reeves signs a bill eliminating the state's income tax. Then, disaster response teams are on the ground in Tylertown and surrounding communities to help with recovery efforts from this month's tornadoes. Plus, Mississippi has the worst scores for long term care services for the elderly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Among the 7 Mississippians who died as a result of the March 14th and 15th tornadoes was a child. Their parents, and the community of Tylertown, are mourning the loss. Then, Lawmakers have until Saturday night to negotiate a new tax bill to fix an error-riddled Senate bill passed last week.  Plus, insurance officials are sharing tips on when to file a claim in the wake of a storm. Hosted on A...