Mississippi Edition

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.