Mississippi Edition

The Mississippi River has been listed as one of the most endangered rivers in the nation. Local officials say cutbacks in disaster relief is at the core of the problem.Then, federal cuts to early childhood funding could hinder many Mississippi families from accessing pre-k education.Plus what resources are helping Mississippians access elder care? It's a process that's often difficult and costly.

Federal judges order the State Election Commission to redraw voting lines in the DeSoto County area again.Then, the City of Jackson breaks ground on affordable housing in the historic Farish Street community, once a bustling black neighborhood.Plus, Residents in the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans are trying to address serious flooding that's plagued the area for years.

Parents and childcare providers are worried that the loss of an early education subsidy could jeopardize access to affordable care and put centers out of business.Then, Mississippi's State Auditor shares a new report claiming there's more than $400 million in wasteful state spending by state agencies.Plus, hear what it takes to curate a museum and share Mississippi culture with the world.

Health advocates are sounding the alarm that Black women in Mississippi are at a much higher risk of dying during pregnancy than their white counterparts.Then, federal grants to museums are being shut off. A curator shares what that could mean for Mississippi and the preservation of state history.Plus, Mississippi's State Health Officer hopes a new law will help more hospitals open in rural Mississippi.

Mississippians who oppose cuts being made by the Trump administration are trying to meet with the state's two Senators.Then, a coalition of religious groups are meeting with Jackson's top mayoral candidates to discuss their plans for the city.Plus, we speak with the Mississippi Department of Education's Parent of the Year.

The Mississippi Medical Association unveils a marker about the history of hospitals that served Black people during the Jim Crow Era.Then, for the first time in Mississippi, treatments are being offered for people at high risk of developing psychosis.Plus, a celebration of Blues in Clarksdale this weekend at the 22nd annual Juke Joint Festival.

Mississippi agencies announce new guidelines on how reports of child abuse cases will be handled in all 82 counties.Then, Mississippi's State Health Officer says he's hopeful investments by the legislature can sustain public health initiatives in the wake of federal cuts.Plus, we speak with a financial expert about how Mississippians can make plans when there is high market volatility.

Courts are reviewing a new set of redistricting maps for Mississippi. Then, mayors of towns along the Mississippi River are seeking federal aid for flooding as the water level continues to rise.Plus, state regulators deny a company two permits to produce more air pollution in rural Mississippi. Residents are praising the decision.

We're speaking with Dr. Thomas Dobbs, Mississippi's former State Health Officer, reflecting on the five years that have passed since the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic.For an extended version of the show, visit MPB's YouTube page.