Mississippi Edition

On today's show: As education funding discussions continue, hear from one group who says the public should have more input. Then, public health officials are urging caution - not hysteria - after a deer is found with Chronic Wasting Disease. And the Book Club looks at overcoming race- and gender-bias in "From Liberty to Magnolia." Guests include: Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald - Children's Defense Fund Sen. Gray Tollison - Oxford, Mississippi Republican Dr. Paul Byers - State Epidemiologist, Mississippi Janice S. Ellis - Author, "From Liberty to Magnolia"

On today's show: Law enforcement officers across the state are learning new tactics to combat opioid abuse. Then, find out why some Mississippi families are struggling to get by, even after signs of economic recovery. Plus, why a Federal administration wants some drivers to step on the brakes, and get their cars checked immediately.

On today's show: Find out why a Mississippi representative revealed a gun in the capitol as the debate over state gun laws continues. Then, what's next for a new measure to re-authorize Medicaid? The House is sending their bill over to the Senate. And, we'll hear from the head of the Teach for America program as they celebrate 25 years placing teachers in under-served parts of the state. Guests include: Rep. Charles Young - Meridian, Mississippi Democrat Rep. Andy Gipson - Braxton, Mississippi Republican Rep. Steve Holland - Tupelo, Mississippi Democrat Barbara Logan Smith - Teach for America, Mississippi

On today's show: More funds could be headed to cities and counties for infrastructure improvements if legislators find common ground. Then, we'll meet some the state's top artists as they prepare to receive the Governor's Arts awards. And in our Book Club, a conversation with author Jarret Ruminski about his book exploring the life and loyalty of people in Civil War Mississippi. Guests include: Sen. Terry Burton - Newton, Mississippi Republican - Senate Pro Tempore Sen. David Blount - Jackson, Mississippi Democrat David Keary - Governor's Arts Awards recipient - Ballet Mississippi Steve Azar - Governor's Arts Award recipient - Singer/Songwriter Jarret Ruminski - Author, "The Limits of Loyalty"

On today's show: A bill that keeps Mississippi's Medicaid program operating passed the Senate, but not without its critics. Then, terms regarding the Kemper energy facility are finally settled. Now, what's the cost to ratepayers in the state? And after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, dental students at the University are giving back to Mississippians all week long with an annual program. Guests include: Sen. Brice Wiggins - Pascagoula, Mississippi Republican Sen. Willie Simmons - Cleveland, Mississippi Democrat Dr. Susan Buttross - Southern Remedy Health Minute Dr. John Smith - University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry Andrew Sinclair - UMMC dental student Tamekia Shumake-Jones - Johnson Elementary (Jackson) teacher

On today's show: Opposing sides weigh-in on a bill that could enact the nation's strictest abortion restrictions. Then in a special delivery of Everyday Tech, it's Safer Internet Day. And, a bill that could put equal pay on state record faces a deadline for action. We'll hear from the advocate still fighting for all women. Guests include: Rep. Tracy Arnold - Booneville, Mississippi Republican Rep. Kathy Sykes - Jackson, Mississippi Democrat Felicia Brown Williams - State Director, Planned Parenthood Everyday Tech - Wiltz Cutrer, Jeremy Thompson Lilly Ledbetter - Women's Equal Pay Advocate

On today's show: How Mississippi lawmakers plan to cut Medicaid costs and also help more people. In StoryCorps, a conversation on the benefit of having a teacher who later becomes a lifelong friend. And, a national highway safety report says Mississippi has some changes to make to improve safety. Guests include: Sen. Brice Wiggins, Pascagoula, Mississippi Republican - Senate Medicaid Chair Sen. Sollie Norwood, Jackson, Mississippi Democrat Peter Kurdock - Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety

On today's show: We'll learn more about a controversial bill on education funding. Will taxpayer dollars to private schools? Then, find out the two risky habits putting Mississippians at risk for Cancer. And as you prepare for the big game, food safety experts are waving on the flag before any dish spoils. Plus, the story of an unsung civil rights hero in Hattiesburg being recognized by the state. And we'll hear from a Mississippi teen on the way to Carnegie Hall. Guests include: Sen. Gray Tollison - Oxford, Mississippi Republican Sen. David Blount - Jackson, Mississippi Democrat Sandra Shelson - Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi Archie Magoulas - U.S. Department of Agriculture Azaiah Ambrose - Natchez High student to play at Carnegie Hall

On today's show: Find out why some lawmakers say it could be another year before Mississippi has a state lottery. Then, we'll hear from a group of students at an inner-city high school changing stereotypes with a mind game. And in our book club, it's award-winning author Colson Whitehead on his novel, The Underground Railroad. Guests include: Sen. Willie Simmons - Cleveland, Mississippi Democrat Sen. Phillip Moran - Kiln, Mississippi Republican Rep. Oscar Denton - Vicksburg, Mississippi Democrat Lizabeth Thrasher - Wingfield High School (Jackson) Chess Coach William Smith - Wingfield High School (Jackson) Chess Player Colson Whitehead - Author, "The Underground Railroad"

On today's show: Find out how a budget shortfall could affect services for Mississippi children. Then, details on what some physicians say could happen if lawmakers stamp out some hospital certification requirements. And, after a conversation from the story corps mobile tour, meet the award-winning Mississippi educator receiving national recognition. Guests include: Commissioner Jess Dickinson - Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services Principal Robyn Killebrew - Pass Christian High School - Milken Award winner StoryCorps: Debbie Kassoff interviews her father, Hal Kassoff

On today's show: A conversation with Rep. Gregg Harper as he plans his final year in office. Find out his advice for the growing list of candidates hoping to take his place. Then on Everyday Tech, learn tips for monitoring your safety on the Internet. And, we'll hear what's at stake for fire protection in rural areas of Mississippi. Guests include: Rep. Gregg Harper - Mississippi 3rd District Republican Congressman Everyday Tech: Wiltz Cutrer, Jeremy Thompson Rep. Larry Byrd - Petal, Mississippi Republican Chief Jennifer Williams - Chickasaw County Fire Department

On today's show: Will tax hikes on tobacco products become state law? A new study shows why the effort could help Mississippians. Then, how health screenings can help uninsured and under-insured women monitor their well-being. And, runners and music lovers are headed to the capital city. We'll hear the plans for this year's Mississippi Blues Marathon. Guests include: Amy Ellis - American Lung Association Rep. Gary Chism - Columbus, Mississippi Republican Dr. Ruben Baler - National Institute on Drug Abuse Dr. Stephen Raab - University of Mississippi Medical Center John Noblin - Mississippi Blues Marathon

On today's show: Supporters of school choice weigh in on expanding options for education in Mississippi. Then, advocates for public schools in Mississippi are rejecting proposals they say would privatize K through twelve education. And after a Southern Remedy health minute, find out why a group of mothers say vaccine laws should not be changed.

On today's show: Budget woes, inadequate facilities and low salaries could affect a state agency charged with keeping the public safe. Learn more. Then, some say "School Choice" vouchers would siphon money away from public schools. Find out why advocates are still pushing for change. And after StoryCorps, an acclaimed filmmaker is celebrating the history of historically black colleges. We'll hear from documentarian, Stanley Nelson.

On today's show: A conversation with Governor Phil Bryant in light of the shutdown of the federal government. We'll also ask him what he thinks of a new effort to revamp public school funding in Mississippi. And after Everyday Tech, the Roe versus Wade decision may have been 45 years ago. But the deep feelings on both sides of the abortion debate remain.

On today's show: Road repair on less than 20-grand. The State Department of Transportation makes its case to the Legislature. Plus, we'll hear from the organization looking out for Mississippi cities. Then, find out what a new study says about gun-related death in Mississippi. And a year after a monumental women's march, we'll find out what progress is being made, and why many are still marching.

On today's show: The governor's state of the state address has put the ball in the legislators' court. We'll hear from both sides on what's next. Then after a Health Minute, find out if state health officials are ready to take on a health emergency or if Mississippians are at risk.

On today's show: Could it ever work? A measure tying road and bridge improvements to economic growth in the state is in question. Then, who's at risk? Mississippi's critically low blood supply has advocates calling for support. And, today is the final day on-the-air for the long-time host of "All Things Considered." We'll hear from NPR's Robert Siegel.

On today's show: Find out how legislators are responding to a possible change in the state's economic outlook. Then, emergency response network, FirstNet, could help those living in the more remote parts of Mississippi. And, if you resolve to lose weight, find out how much physical activity you need to stay fit in the New Year. Plus, meet Mississippi author Chauncey Citchens in today's Book Club.

On today's show: What will state legislators do for the thousands of Mississippians receiving Medicaid? Then, find out how the freezing cold temperatures are affecting the state's homeless population. And after a health minute, Is weight loss on the top of your New Year's resolutions list? Find out how to achieve better health in 2018 in a State of Obesity conversation.