Mississippi Edition

It's officially wintertime in Mississippi. The Emergency Management Agency shares tips on how to protect your house.Then, seven families who had their houses destroyed in 2023 storms are being given a new place to call home.Plus, how thousands of toy donations are helping bring holiday cheer to the state's only children's hospital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just a few days before Christmas, holiday spending is up this year.  What does this shopping boon mean for Mississippi's economy?   Then, Airline and road travel is expected to be the busiest on record during this holiday period. Experts share tips on how to get to your destination safely.Plus, Mental health experts are encouraging everyone to be aware of the signs and causes of holiday depression.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center finds funding disparities in the state’s public education system have created opportunity gaps for Black and Brown students.  Then, Mississippians are being asked to donate the gift of life. There's an urgent need for blood donations across the state.  Plus,  We meet a strength and conditioning coach in the South who trains athletes from the WNBA to the NFL to middle schoolers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mississippi's electoral college formally votes to elect Donald Trump president. Then, Mississippi's Agricultural Commissioner is urging Congress to act quickly to help the state's farmers who are facing economic hardships.Plus, the holidays can be a joyful time for many, but for folks struggling with addiction, it can be tough. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of businessmen along with a former governor is looking to bring life back to the capital city of Jackson by building a casino.  Then, The Mississippi Association of Educators is outlining its K-12 agenda for next year's legislative session. Plus, How did jails and prisons take root in Louisiana? A recent book argues, it started with slave owners well before the Civil War. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beginning in January, states will be required to provide young people who are locked up with medical services 30 days before they’re released.Then, Mississippi lawmakers are considering a proposal to reform and expand a tuition assistance program to help some of the state’s poorest recipientsPlus, the Mississippi Lottery Corporation celebrates 5 years of gaming in the state, with millions of dollars going towards improving the state’s infrastructure.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The deadline to enroll for insurance through Healthcare.gov is just days away. Applications sent in this weekend could be active as early as January 1st.Then, the VA is launching a new campaign to reach veterans who were exposed to blasts during their service.Plus, not all trash should go in the garbage. The Attorney General's office is helping some Mississippians properly dispose of sensitive documents, digital devices and expired or unused medications.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joint Legislative Budget Committee adopts their budget recommendations for the upcoming 2025 session.Then, for small businesses in Mississippi, providing insurance to workers can be expensive, and often unaffordable.Plus, ornaments are being hung in honor and memory of Mississippi victims of violent crime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers are considering if the state should financially support parents who want to send their children to private schools.Then, the start of Winter is two weeks away. Emergency Management Officials share tips on how to get prepared for the cold.Plus, attracting businesses in the field of Artificial Intelligence and regulating the rapidly growing industry  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doctors say expanding Medicaid benefits in the state could have major benefits for accessing healthcare and improving the overall health of Mississippians.Then, President-Elect Donald Trump is expected to impose major trade tariffs on China. But agriculture economists, say it could make life harder for some farmers in Mississippi.Plus, the holidays are a time of giving. We speak with the Salvation Army about the various ways folks can give back to their community this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a growing number of dolphins washing ashore along Mississippi's islands either dead or severely ill. It's sparked concern among local marine biologists.Then, Mississippi has one of the highest infection rates for HIV in the nation. Health officials say getting tested and using protection can play a big part in mitigating risk.Plus, toy donations during the holidays are helping families at the state's only children's hospital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How could Mississippi improve the state's community mental health care centers through access and funding? That's the question lawmakers are trying to answer.Then, when someone loses their right to vote in Mississippi because of a felony conviction, it can be difficult to have that right restored.Plus, it's National Tax Security Week, a time where financial experts are reminding folks about the various scams targeting your identity and checkbook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As lawmakers make their budget recommendations for next year's session, the State Auditor releases his own proposals.Then, Strikes by unions usually last until one side caves-in. Either the workers or the company. But lately workers have been relying on short strikes. Hear the pros and cons of that approach.Plus, Families welcome home Mississippi National Guard members with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team from the Middle East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved the Yazoo Pump Project, an initiative that's received significant push-back from environmental protection groups.Then, a lawsuit that could have made it easier for cannabis producers to advertise has been denied by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.Plus, many Black women in Mississippi voiced their support for Kamala Harris for president. Now, local organizers are preparing for another 4 years with Donald Trump as President.MPB reached out to groups backing the Yazoo Pump Project and the Army Corps of Engineers but received no response by the time of broadcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers in Mississippi want to cut taxes, but they're debating how it should be done.Then, it's "Giving Tuesday" today.  Before pulling out your card or checkbook, the secretary of state says it's best to do some homework.Plus, Tornado season is shifting in the Gulf South and scientists are working to better understand the storms.Image: Liza Summer via Pexels.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is Cyber Monday, one of the biggest online shopping days in the country.  We talk to a cyber security expert on how to avoid online dangers. Then, People in Alabama’s Black Belt living in manufactured homes now have some tools to help with sanitation issues plaguing many in the region.Plus, Advocates for abused and neglected children in Mississippi say legislation to create a uniform court system would be a major step toward protecting the state's children.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Voters in Mississippi have chosen who will hold the open seat on the state Court of Appeals. But the race for Supreme Court Justice is still too close to call.    Gun violence has been on the rise in Birmingham and young black men in the city worry they my die young.Then, we'll explore Mississippi's secret coast. It's a place bursting with history, beauty and resilience. Plus, finding the perfect Christmas tree that's grown locally on a Mississippi Christmas tree farm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We speak with leaders at the Mississippi Hospital Association about healthcare needs in the state.Then, it's legal to buy and sell "kratom" at many convenience stores and gas stations throughout Mississippi. But what does that accessibility mean for the state?Plus, holiday travel can increase risks of traffic accidents and delays. Road and air safety leaders are cautioning Mississippians ahead of the Thanksgiving weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jackson's infrastructure problems have been well documented. A new report suggests it may just be "the canary in the coal mine" for Mississippi.Then, the runoffs for this year's general election in Mississippi are tomorrow. On the ballot is a seat on the state supreme court.Plus, Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and emergency responders are cautioning folks about fire safety risks in the kitchen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tobacco is the number one cause of lung cancer in Mississippi. Health officials are urging folks to quit tobacco during this Lung Cancer Awareness Month.Then, climate experts in solar power are speaking with state officials about the benefits of green energy.Plus, transmission of STD's may be slowing, but Mississippi continues to lead the nation in congenital syphilis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.