Mississippi Edition

Healthcare professionals from across Mississippi gather to discuss possible solutions to fighting the state's soaring infant mortality.Then, an award-winning educator is helping students think critically about how to draw more tourism to the state.Plus, a Delta Festival focused on developing a 10-year plan to bring economic prosperity to the region and the rest of the South. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal dollars were supposed to go to Jackson to assist with the city's water crisis. Civil Rights Attorneys are now arguing that those funds were wrongfully withheld by the state.Then, state lawmakers are considering policy changes that restore the right to vote for some convicted felons and fix the ballot initiative process.Plus, a former Mississippi mayor who was charged with conspiracy shares his new book about working in municipal government and finding redemption. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alumni and supporters of Jackson State University are calling for a fair and transparent national search for the university's next leader. Then, 24 years later, how has security in the homeland changed since 9/11?Plus, Books, books and more books! The 11th annual Mississippi Book Festival is coming to town, and we'll tell you what you need to know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show:Mississippi legislators are hearing testimony about failing water systems across the state.What can be done to provide safe drinking water and proper oversight? Then, one of Mississippi's top row crops continues to experience challenges. Heavy rains in the spring have resulted in lower yields of Cotton.Plus, how a book club in prisons can help inmates turn their lives around. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Educators say too many students are chronically absent from school. They're meeting to talk about methods to combat the problem.We return to North Gulfport, where some residents say they're still dealing with flooding 20 years after Hurricane Katrina, despite ongoing development.Plus, September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. A doctor is urging men not to wait for screenings because being proactive saves lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

State regulators move to end local control of the Holly Springs Utility Department due to years of neglect, causing frequent, lengthy outages.Then, in one year job growth is down 75 percent across the nation. But an economist says Mississippi remains relatively flat.Plus, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina required a fast response to rebuild. But some minority communities say they were left out of important safety and environmental protections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show:Federal regulators are changing their stance on vaccines. Other states are removing their requirements on vaccines for children.Then, infant and matrnal mortality rates are extremely high, ranking Mississippi at the top of the list, especially for black birthing people and their families.Plus, emergency managers on the Gulf Coast reflect on facing the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mississippi agriculture commissioner meets with farmers who say they're facing a crisis. They talk about what the state can do to help shore up the industry.Then, infant mortality in Mississippi is alarmingly high. An expert in the field of maternal mortality says the problem is worse for Black mothers and their babies.Plus, concerned citizens are responding to recent bicycle deaths in New Orleans, and how the risks can be mitigated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cannabis industry in Mississippi is experiencing low demand, and steep competition. Lawmakers are considering how to address the issue.Then, the recent Overdose Awareness Day draws attention to the importance of mental health care in treating addiction. A closer look ahead.Plus, Hurricane Katrina dealt a blow to Amtrak service on the coast, ending it for 20 years. Now, Amtrak is back with the Mardi Gras route. We'll take a ride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Families, advocates, and state officials are remembering those who died from opioid overdoses.Then, Hurricane Katrina devastated the lives of many Mississippians. That includes their mental health.Plus, Mississippians are reflecting on the legacy of Emmett Till 70 years after the 14-year-old was murdered in the Mississippi Delta. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue our conversation with former Governor Haley Barbour about how Mississippi overcame the massive damage left by Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago today.Then, we hear reflections on how the story of Emmett Till's murder helped inspire a generation of civil rights activists.But first, a psychedelic drug called Ibogaine could soon be the subject of medical research in Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Officials from Jackson meet with the state legislators to discuss revitalizing the city.Then, the violent lynching of Emmett Till 70 years ago today is being commemorated with a new artifact at the Two Mississippi Museums.Plus, Friday is the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. We spend time with former Governor Haley Barbour as he reflects on the horrific storm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media site Blue Sky hasn't blocked Mississippi users yet, but access to the platform is up in the air due to a new state law.Then, Media coverage in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has been the subject of criticism.But in Louisiana, smaller, local publications played a role in keeping New Orleans' culture afloat.Plus, this week marks the 70th anniversary of the death of Emmett Till. The 14-year-old was lynched in Money, Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

House lawmakers are considering a variety of "school choice" policies for next year's legislative session.Then, the Mississippi Department of Transportation explains what goes into safely evacuating residents when a catastrophic storm is bearing down on the Gulf Coast. Remembering the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina this week--we take a look at the program. It saved thousands of lives before the storm made landfall.Plus, how Katrina affected one of the state's largest employers on the coast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Connecticut company is investing $6 billion to build a major high-tech data center in Brandon.Then, a conference at Tourgaloo College shines a light on Black men's health and the importance of screenings.Plus, this week marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The coastal city of Waveland is considered "Ground Zero" for the storm. Hear about a museum that rose out of the destruction ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mississippi Department of Health declares a "public health emergency" because of the state's high infant mortality rate.The Institutions of Higher Learning begins the search for a new president of Jackson State University. Some Alumni call for more transparency this time after a number of resignations by past presidents.Plus, we continue our conversation with Jackson's new Mayor John Horhn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A closer look at a federal judge's ruling Mississippi Supreme Court District lines must be redrawn.Then, we talk with Jackson Mayor John Horhn, who took office in July, about the challenges and his goals for the state's capital city.Plus, we hear how tourism changed in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Governor Tate Reeves deploys 200 members of the National Guard to Washington DC. Then, a researcher focused on agriculture say Mississippi farmers could see economic benefits from the bill passed by Congress. Plus, The Town of Waveland's Police Chief talks about how officers survived Hurricane Katrina when it slammed the Mississippi Gulf Coast 20 years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new housing taskforce takes aim at unsafe apartments and negligent landlords in Jackson.Then, dozens of spiritual leaders and advocates rally against the 'big beautiful bill' for 'Moral Monday.'Plus, August is National Breastfeeding Month. CDC data shows mothers in Mississippi are quick to stop breastfeeding after giving birth. Hear why ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Protests outside the offices of U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith call for guardrails on national spending cuts. Additional concerns are being raised about a viral comment made by Senator Wicker.Then, Social Security turns 90. We hear from the AARP of Mississippi about what the program does for folks in the state.Plus, Hurricane Katrina pummeled the Gulf Coast, ending Amtrak service. Now, 20 years later, the wheels are finally rolling again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An automotive industry expert in the state says used car prices are up, but tariffs aren't necessarily behind the rising costs. Then, state lawmakers hold their first meeting examining healthcare insurance and policy changes. Plus, how do you know what charities are good stewards of your donations? Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson shares tips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new mental health platform for students is rolled out in 29 school districts across the state.Then, a new report ranks Mississippi sixth in the nation for most affordable homes. But housing advisors say the state's low salary average makes it hard to become a homeowner.Plus, a new podcast takes listeners behind the scenes inside the Mississippi Department of Health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith meets with leaders at the Mississippi Industries for the Blind.Then, a non-profit seeks to raise money to support early learning in the state. Plus, we speak with a financial advisor about ways folks can start saving money despite the cost of living. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The state's high syphilis rate is down, but an infectious disease expert says more must be done to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.Then, the attorney general's office is accepting applications for the Mississippi Opioid Settlement Fund. It's providing grants to curb the opioid epidemic.Plus, the state's supplier of blood for hospitals and others issues an emergency call for donations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What role does Mississippi play in the ongoing conflict along the Gaza Strip? Two members of the Israeli community share their thoughts.Then, the state's largest non-profit supporting pre-k education shares details on what Mississippi students need to succeed.Plus, a new initiative by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce could help prepare Mississippi's farmers for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An advisory opinion from Attorney General Lynn Fitch is upending Mississippi's hemp industry.Then, Temperature data shows New Orleans is getting hotter. But what would the data sound like?Plus, a civil rights activist talks about the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The legislation was passed 60 years ago this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lawsuit to stop the enforcement of an anti-DEI law is in the hands of a federal judge.Then, an FCC commissioner is in Jackson with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker to talk broadband expansion.Plus, we continue our conversation with State Superintendent of Education Lance Evans. Hear his plans for the new school year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Educators, students, and parents testify in federal court about the impact of Mississippi's law banning Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs.Then, more than 137 million pandemic relief dollars were clawed back from schools earlier this year. Now, that money is being returned.Plus, today marks the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The nation's Voting Rights Act turns 60 today. A professor and civil rights activisttalks about voting gains and losses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special primary elections are underway in the state for 7 legislative seatsThen, Doctors in the state are cautioning folks about a rare bacteria in waterways.Plus, the state's lead Emergency Manager shares what changes at FEMA could mean for Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippians with ties to Israel and Gaza share their thoughts on the current hunger crisis.Then, changes to federal funding isn't slowing the state's push to expand broadband access.Plus, officials at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Jackson celebrate 100 years of medical research by VAs across the nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A state legislative leader says one of his top priorities for the next session is expanding school choice.Then, the Army Corps of Engineers hears what residents in Jackson think about different versions of the "One Lake Project", an effort to mitigate flooding along the Pearl River.Plus, students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center are relocating thousands of graves, a unique opportunity to better understand the state's medical history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stump speeches are underway at the annual Neshoba County Fair. Hear what some Mississippi elected officials are talking about. Then, Children are going back to school. That means drivers need to slow down even if they're in a hurry to keep kids safe in school zones.Plus, the head of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History receives a prestigious lifetime achievement award. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A U.S. District Judge in Mississippi writes a temporary ban of the state's DEI ban. It contained numerous errors, sparking questions about whether artificial intelligence was used to help write it.Then, another federal court stops the closure of Job Corps Center in the state and across the country. Plus, a virtual meeting to determine how best to spend millions in opioid settlement dollars is interrupted by a hacker showing crude images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nationally known business leaders and those in the state take part in a summit to address moving the Magnolia State's economy forward, which also means combating "Brain Drain."Then, we talk with a photographer who is the first to win a new category in a prestigious national award. He captured the devastation and rebuilding in Rolling Fork after an EF-4 Tornado decimated the community.Plus, a grocery store owner in Alabama braces for cuts to SNAP benefits he says will hurt small independent grocers. More about that ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A presidential Executive Order seeks to move unhoused people with mental illness or substance abuse disorders into long-term care facilities.Then, a professional in the fishing industry reacts to a new state law seafood labels must include whether the product is domestic or imported. Plus, a new film highlights the history of Clarksdale, and how the rural delta town has contributed to American culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FBI arrests 10 Mississippi men in a major drug sting operation. One suspect is still at large.Then, the federal government approves a Mississippi plan that allows pregnant mothers to get pre-natal care through Medicaid while their applications are processed. Plus, Black women in the state have a higher risk of complications during pregnancy. Medical experts are talking about how to stay healthy and safe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's dangerously hot outside. Experts in weather and medicine say it's important to stay cool and drink water.Then, we continue our conversation on ways Mississippians can slow the onset of dementia with a doctor from the MIND Center in Jackson.Plus, a new book shares the story of how a small delta town became a pivotal location for the civil rights movement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has access to medicaid data. Advocates for immigrants in Mississippi say it needs to be stopped.Then, what are the warning signs of someone developing dementia? We speak with a doctor about what Mississippians need to know.Plus, the Trump administration is delaying federal grants that help provide overdose-reversal drugs like Narcan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new state law requires social media sites to verify the age of minors trying to sign up for their platforms. A coalition of media companies is challenging that requirement at the U.S. Supreme Court.Then, disability rights leaders say federal cuts could make it harder for folks to get equal opportunities through the Americans with Disabilities Act.Plus, we sit down with MPB's Executive Director, Royal Ails, to discuss how federal cuts to public broadcasting could affect Mississippians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're speaking with MPB Executive Director Royal Ails on how federal clawback for public broadcasting funds could affect Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Black women in Mississippi have a 1 in 4 chance of developing postpartum depression, according to new research.Then, Alcorn State University is partnering with a casino in Natchez to house students during the fall semester.Plus, a health official shares what reductions in subsidies for the Affordable Care Act premiums could mean to rural Mississippi hospitals and the communities they serve. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Activists in Jackson are continuing to speak out against federal cuts by the Trump administration and Congress.Then, new school policies are limiting cell phone use in classrooms. We speak with a superintendent about what these policies mean for students and teachers.Plus, a man who was paralyzed just a few years ago is now walking -- sharing his story of recovery and perseverance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.