Mississippi Edition

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.

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.