Mississippi Edition

The FBI arrests 20 as part of a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Mississippi Delta. Some worked in law enforcement.Leaders in the Mississippi House and Senate disagree on what public education policy they should focus on for the 2026 legislative session. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus hear testimony and recommendations to combat the state's highest in the nation maternal mortality rates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

State lawmakers are trying to find solutions to two major education problems: teacher shortages and chronic absenteeism.Then, a new state-of-the-art medical facility opens, focusing on children with complex medical needs.Plus, we speak with a Madison County principal recognized nationally for her work in elementary education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

State lawmakers weigh in on how the legislature can help revitalize Jackson.Then, members of the Jackson State University community provide comment on the selection of a new school President.Plus, we hear from a breast cancer survivor about how she managed to overcome the devastating disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is the federal shutdown affecting food assistance programs? That's ahead.Then, Lawmakers are meeting with Jackson officials to discuss the city's public utility needs.Plus, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plans are underway to build a new asphalt plant near Oxford. Some say it'll promote growth while others say they worry about farmers and the environmental risk.Then, Mississippi monthly job reports is delayed because of the government shutdown. You'll hear from the state economist. Plus, it's open enrollment season for Medicare. What Mississippians need to know ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Entergy Mississippi is expanding electricity production, investing $1.2 billion dollars in a new advanced technology power station in Vicksburg.Then, flood insurance is in limbo. The government shutdown has frozen new policies and renewals. We’ll explain what you need to know.Plus, the immigration raid on a Hyundai battery plant has some Louisiana residents calling for the state to pull support for the carmaker. But Hyundai’s sticking with plans to expand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will changes to the state's troubled public employees' retirement system affect first responders? That's ahead.Then, a coalition of faith leaders in Jackson call for the Trump administration to protect healthcare for thousands of Mississippians.Plus, speed dating isn’t just for singles. It’s also big in the South’s car-making business. We go to a match-making day as car companies search for American suppliers to avoid tariffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hundreds gather in Jackson to protest the Trump administration as part of a national "No Kings" movement.Then, we hear from a veteran about how the federal government shutdown has been affecting his life.Plus, twenty years after Katrina, experts say disaster planning in jails and prisons needs improvement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

State officials begin the process of finding a new president for Jackson State University. Now, stakeholders in the school are joining the search.Then, lawmakers and education leaders meet in Jackson to discuss how to better prepare students for an evolving workforce.Plus, gun violence surrounding school sporting events last weekend have spurred new discussions on safety at ball games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The State of Mississippi carries out the execution of Charles Ray Crawford. The 59-year-old was convicted of the 1993 kidnapping, rape and murder of a college student in Tippah County. Then, the U.S. Supreme Court hears a Louisiana case that will determine if race can be used in drawing legislative maps. We take a look at what the ruling could mean for Mississippi.  Plus, Mississippi's auditor finds some state agencies aren't in compliance with cybersecurity laws. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Residents of Gloster say a wood pellet plant operating in their community is the cause of many health issues.They're asking the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to continue denying the company's request to scale up production.Then, Mississippi adopts a new benchmark program to gauge the success of public schools.Plus, we talk with the producer of a documentary exploring the life and legacy of the nation’s first African American Supreme Court justice.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of Mississippians are at risk of losing their health insurance if lawmakers in Washington don't act soon.Then, October is breast cancer awareness month. And Early detection of breast cancer saves lives. But Mississippi has one of the lowest breast cancer screening rates in the nation for older women. Plus, Law enforcement in Mississippi are warning residents about a scam involving false claims of a loved one being in prison needing bail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Homecoming celebrations across Mississippi turn deadly this weekend as 8 people are killed in separate shootings. Then: Tackling the state's chronic absenteeism rate will be a top priority for Mississippi legislators in the upcoming session. Plus: Corrections officials in New Orleans reflect on the legacy of Katrina and how it changed their thinking about caring for people in lockups during storms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi lawmakers are hearing why genetic testing for cancer patients could give them better access to more effective treatment.Then:  New guidelines released this week from the CDC now determine who can get and give the COVID vaccine.  Plus: how college students are being prepared to work alongside artificial intelligence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi's top health official says the state is at risk of running out of funds for its food and nutrition program if the Federal Government shutdown continues.  Then: The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a Mississippi voting rights case that could affect how voters fight discrimination at the ballot box.Plus: Opponents of the death penalty rally outside the state Supreme Court protesting the scheduled execution of a man convicted of murder and rape of a college student.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Residents of the rural Gloster community are speaking out against a company they say is polluting the air.Then, State and national Democrats see a chance to gain ground in Mississippi as Trump’s economic policies take hold.Plus, it's Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi. How to protect your family during storms ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The troubled detention center for Hinds County is now under federal control.Then, the government shutdown has many federally owned locations throughout the state closed. But the Military Park in Vicksburg remains open through donations. More on that ahead.Plus, providing care for loved ones can often be a family affair. We speak with a couple who have taken on that job more than a dozen times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Protesters gather outside the new office of Mississippi Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. They're calling for her to protect ACA healthcare subsidies.Then, how changes to federal food assistance programs could affect folks in the state.Plus, Medical providers in a variety of disciplines work together in the Delta to provide services to underserved communities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Communications Commission visits Mississippi to discuss freedom of speech and technology.Then, the ribbon is cut on the Mississippi State Fair. Officials say it's a major economic driver for Jackson, and the tourism industry.Plus, it can be difficult to offer aid to a loved one who is home-bound. One option many families turn to is having a home caregiver. More on that ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The state sees history making job numbers for August despite the unemployment rate remaining steady. We take a closer look.Then, the Southern Poverty Law Center begins an annual tour this time to explain the impact of the Big Beautiful bill on Mississippians.Plus, It's the time to year that healthcare providers recommend folks be vaccinated to prevent respiratory illness likely to spread during the winter months.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The state sees history-making job numbers for August despite the unemployment rate remaining steady. We take a closer look.Then, the Southern Poverty Law Center begins an annual tour this time to explain the impact of the Big Beautiful bill on Mississippians.Plus, it's the time of year that healthcare providers recommend folks be vaccinated to prevent the respiratory illness likely to spread during the winter months.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi Department of Health confirms a 2-month-old has died from pertussis, often called Whooping Cough. The state health officer is urging adults to keep their booster shots up to date. Then, the gross domestic product is down by nearly 1 percent in the state. What that means for the economy ahead.Plus, Pharmacies in Louisiana are making their own rules about who can get a COVID-19 vaccine amid confusion around official guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medical experts in Mississippi are continuing to push back on the President's remarks that blame rising cases of autism on Tylenol. Then, how does Mississippi rank on the Commonwealth Fund's scorecard on Climate, Health and Healthcare?  Plus, We'll share the story of two sisters who fought through the grief of suddenly losing their mother by creating a podcast.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi school accountability grades are released. How well did schools score? We'll take a look.Then, Mississippi lawmakers are hearing arguments for and against proposals on school choice.   Plus, what are those white fluffy balls you see floating in the air? They're actually insects. More on that ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medical professionals in Mississippi respond to the confusion and concern caused by linking the use of Tylenol during pregnancy to autism. Then, Mississippi lawmakers examine possible changes to the state's struggling Justice Court system.Plus, a look back at the crisis that left thousands stranded in an Orleans jail as Hurricane Katrina made landfall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut change how Mississippians borrow and save?Then, Emergency medical personnel killed in the line of duty are honored with their names etched in stone.  Plus, A Stand Down event in Jackson to help homeless veterans in the state find vital services like housing and medical care.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Combating the Opioid crisis in the capital city.  Fentanyl Harm Prevention Kits and Emergency Overdose Boxes are now in the hands of first responders.Then, a new online tool is launched to address Mississippi's childcare shortages. Plus, Sickle Cell disease causes severe pain and even death. Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the disease and find a cure.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A rally through the streets of Jackson calls for unity and solidarity among Black men---to address critical issues facing the Black community.   Then, Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell speaks on the tragic loss of Delta State University student Trey Reed, and how law enforcement balances transparency with privacy.Plus, a Jackson State University professor discusses his role in updating a school textbook about Mississippi's history of conflict and change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A leading pediatrician shares her concerns on changes to federal vaccine recommendations.Then, dyslexia is a reading disorder that affects around 1 in 5 Mississippians. An educator says there are solutions.Plus, we continue our conversation with Reena Evers-Everette about her father in MPB's new documentary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

University officials address the growing concerns about the death of Trey Reed -- the 21-year old Delta State University student found hanging from a tree Monday on campus.Then, Attorneys continue to debate in federal court if Rankin County School District has done enough to eliminate the remnants of segregation.Plus, the new MPB documentary about civil rights leader Medgar Evers airs tonight. His daughter shares her thoughts about the film and discusses her father's unwavering commitment to fight for voting rights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rankin County School District is seeking to end a 1967 court ruling that mandated desegregation in the area. District attorneys say the school system has made efforts for that cause, but others say more needs to be done.Then, mental health experts are seeking solutions to cut down on suicide rates in Mississippi.Plus, a new documentary airing this week on MPB Television recounts the life of Medgar Wylie-Evers, and how he helped advance the Civil Rights movement in the state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delta State University officials say the body of a student was found yesterday morning. Students are reportedly safe, but are being offered counseling services.Then, a city council member in Hernando plans to introduce a motion today to rename a city street after the conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk following his assassination in Utah last week.Plus, Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell is visiting with police and sheriffs' offices in all of the state's 82 counties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.