Mississippi Edition

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.

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 trading with the U.S. much more expensive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 conceive children using IVF share their story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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 events. You'll hear more about the rodeo ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

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

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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Celebrating the National Day of Prayer in Jackson at the Mississippi Coliseum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.com/privacy for more information.