Between the Headlines: Columbus

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Zack and David break down Tuesday night's mayoral debate between Leroy Brooks and Bill Strauss where both impressed the audience. The loser of the debate? A candidate who wasn't even there.

Then Rep. Rob Roberson - who many view as the face of the effort to move MSMS from Mississippi University for Women to Mississippi State University - joins us via Zoom from Jackson to discuss the future of the state's school for the academically gifted.

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What happens when a city's desire for modern connectivity clashes with concerns over its visual landscape? We tackle this pressing issue as we explore the drama surrounding AT&T's proposed 5G tower in Columbus. Despite meeting zoning requirements, the project faced significant pushback from the Planning Commission and City Council, culminating in Mayor Keith Gaskin's decisive vote against it. Listen as David and Zack unravel the political dynamics, the intricate decision-making process, and the broader implications for local governance and community development.

Meanwhile, Columbus' political scene is shaking up with the unexpected participation of independent candidates at a typically Democratic debate. Candidate Stephen Jones clashes with Democrat Chair Kabir Karriem over the logistics of the debate and says he can't attend. 

From politics to performance, we shift gears to talk to Golden Triangle Theatre director Garrett Torbert about his group's upcoming plans, and we discuss the city's refusal to allow GTT to use the dormant Amphitheater. Join us as we advocate for its utilization, challenging city leaders by envisioning a more immediate vibrant future for the venue.

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Zack and David explore what seems to be a coordinated plan to move Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science from the campus of Mississippi University for Women to Mississippi State University. We also discuss misinformed councilmen and drama in Ward 2.

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Today, we explore a riveting political drama unfolding in Columbus centered around Susan Wilder, the city's grant writer. A low-risk grant which could eventually make the city greener, astonishingly faces an unexpected hurdle when a 4-2 council vote initially rejects it. However, the mayor's determined intervention stirs the pot, leading to a special meeting that ultimately swings in favor of the grant. This episode questions whether Wilder is merely a pawn in a larger political game as her job security hangs in the balance.

Next, we turn our attention to a public feud between Joseph Mickens and Leroy Brooks, two stalwarts of local politics, who find themselves in a clash that transcends policy debates and dives into personal and racial provocations. Brooks accuses Mickens of threats, while Mickens fights back with a meme fraught with racial implications and a contentious video statement. We dissect the layers of this rivalry, considering the broader political and social ramifications for their campaigns and the community’s perception of leadership.

Finally, we shine a spotlight on the upcoming Columbus mayoral and city council elections, offering a strategic analysis of the candidates' positioning. We examine how candidate profiles, voter turnout, and strategic moves could shape the future of Columbus politics, leaving listeners with a clearer view of the race's stakes.