Mississippi Edition

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.

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.

Sexual violence is not rare in Mississippi. A coalition of advocates are trying to help folks stay safe and access resources after an attack.Then, Mississippi's 2nd district congressman shares his thoughts about the ongoing budget cuts and tariff discussions happening in Washington.Plus, cuts are being proposed for Medicaid. It's a program many rely on to afford elder care, and providers say it's making their jobs more challenging.

Parents, childcare workers and advocates are calling on the state Department of Human Services to provide funding after abrupt cuts made in Washington.Then, 2nd District Congressman Bennie Thompson holds a town hall meeting to talk about policy changes by the Trump Administration.Plus, For the first time rap superstar Lil Wayne headlines the Jazz Fest beginning this weekend in New Orleans. Hear why this is a big deal for other rappers in the city.

The Mississippians who have donated their bodies to science are honored.Then, a new marker helps tell the story of Rosa Scott, a pioneer in education for African Americans who helped establish a school. We speak with the teacher who spearheaded the effort to erect a historic marker in her honor. Plus, A pause on collecting student loan debt has been lifted. One Mississippian shares her experience about her experience trying to pay back the loans.

An air quality report shows major signs of pollution in some parts of Mississippi.Then, a deadline nears for air travelers to have a Real ID driver's license or identification card to fly.Plus, trade wars helped build the South’s massive auto industry. But historians say don’t expect the same results from today’s tariffs.

Mississippians celebrate the legacy of Pope John Francis. He died yesterday at the age of 88.Then, Conservationists urge the Army Corps of Engineers to use measured steps in opening the Bonne Carre Spillway. Engineers want to prevent flooding from the Mississippi River. Plus, we speak with the state Insurance Commissioner about catastrophe savings accounts and how they can be helpful after a disaster.

Fifteen years ago today, the BP oil spill, the largest in history oil flowed into the Gulf of Mexico for nearly 3 months. Environmentalists say the disaster is still being cleaned up.Then, protesters gather at the state Capitol in Jackson to protest Trump Administration policies and call forCongress to rein in the executive branch.Plus, the Mississippi Department of Health ends free sexually transmitted infections testing due to federal funding cuts.