Mississippi Edition

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.

Mississippi Department of Health warns cases of the Whooping Cough are rising at a high rate.Children are especially vulnerable and it can be fatal. Then, the Army Corps of Engineers reveals new flood control plans for the Pearl River in Jackson.Plus a new civil rights marker shares the story of the Alexander versus Holmes County Supreme Court Decision. That rule led to the desegregation of all public schools nationwide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New polling from the Southern Poverty Law Center shows lower approval ratings for Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. That could mean a more difficult election cycle for her next year. Then, more school districts in Mississippi are adopting "no cell phone" policies.Plus, a funeral service is being held today for "Mama" Mosie Burks, the lead singer for the Mississippi Mass Choir. She died last week at the age of 92. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Religious leaders led a faith-based demonstration outside the Jackson offices of Mississippi's two U.S. senators.Then, after nearly two decades of planning and implementation, Mississippi's court system is now fully online.Plus, healthcare stakeholders offer warnings about how hospitals and patients in Mississippi could be harmed by looming federal funding cuts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the tax-free weekend in Mississippi. What that means for families trying to save while making back to school purchases.Then, the first Naloxone vending machine in Mississippi is now open. Health officials say it will be a positive tool in curbing overdose deaths.Plus, community organizers say Black Women in Mississippi still get paid a fraction of their white male counterparts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi's top health expert says federal funding cuts won't be allowed to affect critical health programs in the state.Then, lawmakers are searching for ways to curb the opioid epidemic in Mississippi using millions of dollars from a national legal settlement.Plus, how a shortage of specially trained nurses could be slowing the justice process for sexual assault cases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congress has passed a version of Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" what that means for Mississippi, ahead.Then, Airports around Mississippi received over $21 million dollars in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration. Plus, the U.S. continues to treat drug use largely as a criminal issue. But police in other countries, like the Netherlands, have taken a different approach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi Highway Patrol cautions major holidays like the 4th of July can be deadly when drivers don't follow the rules of the road. Then, the new mayor of the capital city talks about his vision to revitalize Jackson and hopes to build better relationships with federal, state and county, officials.Plus, we talk with political activist Stacey Abrams about the life and legacy of civil rights icon Medgar Wylie Evers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A variety of new state laws are now in effect. One of the biggest changes folks will see in their daily lives is a higher gas tax.Then, today marks what would have been Medgar Wiley Evers' 100th birthday. We hear from a journalist attending a celebration for the Evers' birthday, as well as Evers' daughter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi House Speaker Jason White says he's planning a major push next year making it easier for families to change where their kids go to school.Then, the daughter of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, shares her experience growing up during the civil rights movement.Plus, a conversation with former MSNBC Host Joy Ann Reid on her work preserving and promoting the life and legacy of Medgar Wylie Evers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi lawmakers named to select four committees will soon begin holding hearings on issues like the revitalization of the Capital city.Then, Louisiana's new third-grade reading test is now required by law. Just like in Alabama and Mississippi, if students don't pass, they may have to repeat the grade.Plus, Medgar Evers would have turned 100 this week. His work in the civil rights movement is being celebrated in Jackson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daughters of three civil rights leaders share how their parents shaped their lives while also fighting for racial equality.Then, a new gas tax goes into effect next week. An official with MDOT shares what that means for drivers.Plus, we talk with the new Medical Director for the Mississippi Department of Health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi executes the state's oldest and longest-serving death row inmate Wednesday evening at Parchman Penitentiary.Then, High school seniors in Mississippi no longer have to pass a U.S. History assessment exam to graduate. Plus, a new art exhibit opens today in Ocean Springs. It features influential modernist painter and native Mississippian Dusti Bongé. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire with the involvement of the U.S. What does it mean for Mississippi? That's ahead.Then, a federal judge hears arguments challenging Mississippi's law banning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at public schools and universities. Plus, three organizations representing business interests in the state merge under one umbrella called the Mississippi Business Alliance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Iranian American living in Jackson shares her thoughts on the conflict between her home country, Israel and the US air strikes.Then, courts have approved a settlement between the NCAA and student athletes, making it possible for colleges and universities to pay students who participate in sports programs.Plus, mental health advocates are reaching out to Black Men in Mississippi to share ways to prevent suicide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi is set to carry out the execution of a death row inmate on Wednesday. That's despite numerous attempts to have the sentence overturned.Then, health advocacy experts say a new FDA-approved shot could help reduce transmission of HIV in Mississippi.Plus, a burn victim shares her story of recovering from 3rd degree burns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show;Immigrant Rights activists are calling for the release of an immigrant arrested while working with his supervisor. He's now in ICE custody.Then, Mississippians share how they celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America. Plus, how do teens who grow up while in prison reenter society? There's a group that helps them along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi is partnering with chip manufacturer NVIDIA.Then, post-traumatic stress disorder affects roughly three percent of Americans. But in Mississippi, they say that number could be higher.Plus, Mississippi is one of 20 states that do not recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new national report lists Mississippi at the bottom for several key health indicators. One is maternal health an on-going issue for the state.Then, what are the risks of cancer for people who drink alcohol? That's ahead.Plus, health officials are trying to address the state's high rate of Alzheimer's disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show:Educators are working with business leaders in Mississippi to discuss how artificial intelligence can be used effectively in the workplace.Then, dentists are reminding families to get checkups for their kids this summer.Plus, meningitis transmission is increasing in other states. Mississippi has high vaccination rates, but experts say there are still vulnerable people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of Mississippians in Jackson and across the state hold protests as part of the nationwide "No Kings" demonstrations.Then, a coalition of advocates concerned about access to healthcare in the state talk about the future of Medicaid on the local and state levels. Plus, a caregiver shares the hurdles she has to overcome when helping the elderly and disabled. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Governor Tate Reeves announces major investments to bolster the artificial intelligence industry across Mississippi.Then, the state's congressional delegation share differing opinions on President Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'.Plus, a free healthcare event in Jackson is highlighting the need for community outreach throughout Mississippi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new administrator for the US Environmental Protection Agency visits Mississippi.Then, officials are warning about a scam that claims people owe money for traffic violations that don't exist.Plus, Mississippi and Louisiana have some of the smallest tech scenes in the country. But some tech companies are choosing to stay in the South anyway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour shares remarks on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.Then, a summit in Jackson brings together law enforcement agencies from across the state.Plus, a new law is expected to regulate the seafood industry in Mississippi, prioritizing local products.And ahead, the blockbuster horror film 'Sinners' has become popular because of the range of Mississippi Delta cultures it represents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Civil rights groups sue the state over a new law banning DEI programs in public schools.Then, June is Men's Mental Health Month. Healthcare leaders are calling attention to high rates of suicide among men.Plus, As the movie 'Sinners' continues to shine a national spotlight on Clarksdale, residents in the Delta town hope it'll breathe new life into the city. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi receives its highest education ranking yet in a national report.Then, researchers at two Mississippi universities report unsafe levels of toxic metals in fish.Plus, business leaders share ideas on how artificial intelligence can be used to move Mississippi forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Community advocates raising awareness about their work preventing gun violence in Jackson, saying they're reorganizing now that some funding is cut.Then, many students rely on the breakfast and lunch at school. School Districts are planning to open their feeding program to ensure children don't go hungry during the summer break. Plus, power providers are preparing for the predicted busy hurricane season. Are you? We'll talk about that too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 together experts in Alzheimer's and Dementia along with those at the forefront of helping families with resources and emotional support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/privacy for more information.

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 2026Then, 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 of Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker as medical professionals look for ways to provide needed care in a crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 to have engaged in police brutality and racial targeting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/privacy for more information.

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 national politics and what some potential policies mean for the state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 substance abuse in the state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.