Mississippi Edition

Lawmakers are running out of time to expand Medicaid benefits to the working poor as the session nears a close.But Mississippi's Speaker of the House Jason White says he's still confident the state can pass a bill for Medicaid.Plus, health officials are seeking new methods to reach under-served communities.

Mississippi business leaders are calling for Medicaid expansion, but lawmakers remain deadlocked.Then, how registering to be an organ donor can save lives.Plus, Mississippi's dark history often gets a cleaner slate than it should. A new book seeks to clear the air.

 Mississippi legislators are trying to reach an agreement over Medicaid expansion as the session nears an end.  Then, Nearly four in ten people, in the U.S. live in counties that have unhealthy levels of air pollution. How do counties in Mississippi stack up?Plus, A former Mississippi politician is sharing stories of his experience in the state legislature through a short film.  

Almost 3 dozen people convicted of felony crimes in Mississippi could soon have their voting rights restored.  Then, Law enforcement officials in Jackson say a federal program meant to address gangs and other violent crimes in the capital city -is set to begin soon.  Plus, fluctuating crop prices have caused major shifts in what's being planted this year.

A newly released report shows racial and ethnic health disparities are persistent across the U.S., especially in the deep south.  Mississippi Tree farmers who lost forest land during last year's extreme drought are now eligible to receive federal assistance for their losses. Plus, tomorrow is National Record Store Day.  Audiophiles and vinyl collectors will be in search of that one-of-a-kind item. 

Civil rights advocates are seeking a way to restore voting rights to people who have served their time for convictions on certain felonies. Then, for the second day in a row, a coalition of activists rally at the state Capitol for full Medicaid expansion in Mississippi. Plus, a Native American author is honored for her contributions in children's literature. 

A coalition of religious and nonprofit groups is rallying for full Medicaid expansion in Mississippi, calling it a moral imperative. Then from the Gulf States Newsroom: a former New Orleans police chief is pushing for changes to federal marijuana rules.Plus, civil rights activists are gathering signatures to oust the Sheriff of Rankin County for his lack of oversight over the 'Goon Squad.'

Attorneys claim a 15 year old student from Canton was physically assaulted by her school's resource officer.Then, healthcare experts say getting pregnancy health screenings can greatly increase the survivability of very premature births.Plus, a new book shares the experience of an NPR journalist who left the evangelical church.

Some Mississippi lawmakers want to replace the federal health insurance exchange with a state-based one.From the Gulf States Newsroom, crawfish prices skyrocketed this season. Farmers and fishermen are struggling as they try to sell the little crawfish they’ve been able to catch.Plus, the deadline to file taxes is midnight on Monday, April 15th.