Mississippi Edition

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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. 

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.

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.