Mississippi Edition

Congressional leaders are trying to understand Mississippi's welfare scandal happened, and safeguards that could be put in place to prevent misspending of welfare dollars. Among the people testifying to the body is Brett Farve and the director of the ACLU of Mississippi.Then, conservative state lawmakers are meeting in Flowood to discuss tax reform; a top priority for the Governor.Plus, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals hears arguments over the state's absentee ballot process.

Mayors from three Mississippi port cities are joining others along the Mississippi River calling for federal policy changes to protect the River's economic value.Then, Alabama is set to perform the nation's second nitrogen gas execution and a lot of people are speaking out against it.Plus, it's Prostate Cancer Awareness month and Health experts are encouraging men in the state to get screened. 

Mothers in Mississippi experience the highest rates of birth outcomes in the country. What are medical professionals doing to overcome these alarming statistics?  Then, A new billboard campaign is launching in Mississippi to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections among adults 55 and over.Plus, Mississippi lawmakers are asking how the state can better invest in mental health for youth.

The U. S. Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff's Department whose officers tortured two Black men in racist attacks. Then,  This month marks the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. A newly awarded grant will help Mississippi combat the rise of domestic violence in the state.Plus, Mississippi lawmakers are seeking ways to reduce the state's prison population and recidivism rates.

There's a new program in Mississippi designed to keep people with mental health issues out of jail.Then,  A new campaign is pushing to free five Mississippi women who have been in prison since the late 80s/early 90s.Plus, A new grant program will help some Mississippi homeowners fortify their homes against storm damage.   

The latest grades for Mississippi schools and districts are in. How well are the state's schools performing?Then, Mississippians living with long COVID will soon have help regaining employment. Plus, the story of a historic Mississippi winery that was forced to close down after threats of violence.

Civil Rights organizations file a federal lawsuit claiming district lines in DeSoto County discriminate against Black residents. Then, After a month-long strike AT&T workers are back on the job.Plus, Advocates in Alabama are asking for a new trial for Toforest Johnson. A podcast that came out last year helped shed light on his case.

 It's Infant Mortality Awareness Month, and Mississippi health officials are talking about how the state can see fewer babies die before their first birthday.Then, in rural Alabama, residents are struggling with the rising cost of groceries while living in food deserts.Plus, Jackson State University has officially installed a new president.

Hurricane Francine makes landfall around noon today along the Louisiana coast and is expected to move northeast across Mississippi.Plus, authors and book vendors are gearing up for the 10th annual Mississippi Book Festival this weekend.