In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with civil rights activist Larry Rubin to discuss the implications of eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, drawing parallels to historical segregation. They explore the historical context of civil rights movements, personal experiences from the 1960s, and the importance of voting rights in achieving social change. The conversation highlights the challenges of modern activism, the disconnect between generations, and the urgent need for community engagement, particularly in the fight for rural hospitals. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved in their communities and advocate for social justice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:49 Political Commentary and Perspectives
01:04 Mississippi Kitchen Table Issues
01:59 The Impact of DEI Elimination
02:24 Historical Context of Segregation and Desegregation
02:40 The Historical Context of Civil Rights
08:32 Personal Journey in Activism
14:19 The Role of Community in Civil Rights
20:44 The Importance of Voting Rights
26:30 The Evolution of Activism and Engagement
40:21 Disconnection from the Political System
42:23 Personal Experiences in Civil Rights Activism
48:32 The Impact of Leadership and Government on Civil Rights
52:31 Challenges in Modern Activism
57:02 Generational Perspectives on Civic Engagement
01:00:28 The Importance of Continued Activism

In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman discuss a range of topics, starting with a bizarre news story about a couple selling 'golden tickets to heaven.' The conversation then shifts to the rich history of the Chickasaw tribe in Mississippi, featuring insights from Brady Davis, CEO of the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation. Davis shares the migration story of the Chickasaw people, their historical significance in the region, and the ongoing efforts to preserve their culture through the development of the Chickasaw Heritage Center. The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation and the importance of educating the public about Native American history.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Unusual News Stories
03:51 Exploring Chickasaw History
14:19 Brady Davis's Background and Education
17:28 The Chickasaw Heritage Center
30:26 Cultural Significance and Future Plans
35:26 Chickasaw Heritage Center Development
41:30 Chickasaw Incana Foundation and Cultural Preservation
54:03 Educational Initiatives and Community Engagement

In this episode, David Olds and Jim Newman discuss the critical issues surrounding public education in Mississippi with Nancy Loome, the executive director of the Mississippi Parents Campaign. They explore the challenges facing public education, the importance of parental involvement, the impact of funding and policy changes, and the ongoing debate over school choice and vouchers. The conversation emphasizes the need for strong public schools and the role of citizens in advocating for effective education policies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Public Education in Mississippi
03:12 The Role of the Mississippi Parents Campaign
06:09 Understanding Mississippi's Education Rankings
09:05 Impact of Federal Education Policies
11:58 Funding Mechanisms for Public Schools
14:58 The Threat of School Choice
21:09 Accountability in Education
24:11 Legal Aspects of Education Funding
26:59 Charter Schools vs. Private Schools
30:02 Homeschooling and Public School Participation
31:45 Call to Action for Lawmakers and Parents

In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, host David Olds speaks with House Representative Becky Currie about the state of Mississippi prisons, healthcare challenges, and the need for reform. Currie shares her journey into the corrections system, her experiences visiting Parchman, and the healthcare issues faced by inmates, particularly regarding Hepatitis C treatment. The conversation also touches on the importance of mental health facilities, the handling of rape kits in emergency rooms, and the controversies surrounding Rankin County. Additionally, they discuss Medicaid expansion, the elimination of the state income tax, and the complexities of school choice in Mississippi.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Mississippi Prisons
02:55 Becky Curry's Journey into Corrections
09:45 Healthcare Challenges in Mississippi Prisons
18:02 The Role of VitalCore in Prison Healthcare
25:51 Mental Health Facilities and Their Impact
28:11 Addressing Rape Kit Issues in Mississippi
32:00 Controversies in Law Enforcement and Corrections
35:07 Expanding Medicaid in Mississippi
36:22 The Importance of Rural Hospitals
39:26 Medicaid Expansion and Federal Funding
44:10 Elimination of State Income Tax
52:30 School Choice and Education Reform

In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Cliff Johnson, director of the MacArthur Justice Center, discussing the center's mission to reform the Mississippi criminal legal system. They explore the implications of recent judicial rulings, the challenges of political polarization, and the importance of community responsibility in addressing violence. The conversation also touches on economic justice, the role of faith in social issues, and the need for hope and optimism in Mississippi's future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the MacArthur Justice Center
03:12 Impact Litigation and Individual Cases
05:56 The Shift of Power to the Executive
09:12 Concerns Over the Supreme Court's Political Nature
12:09 Engaging in Civil Discourse
15:02 The Role of Law Firms in Political Climate
18:04 Addressing Violence and Community Responsibility
21:07 The American Dream and Economic Challenges
24:07 Mississippi's Economic Policies and Income Tax Debate
28:36 Economic Challenges in Mississippi
34:26 The Impact of Legislation on Vulnerable Communities
40:52 Faith, Ethics, and Community Responsibility
42:53 Hope and Optimism for Mississippi's Future

In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman reflect on various critical issues affecting Mississippi, including education funding, healthcare, political activism, and the importance of historical awareness. They discuss the implications of prioritizing space exploration over pressing domestic issues, the challenges faced by rural education systems, and the need for community engagement in political processes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of dialogue across political lines and the necessity of addressing the needs of all citizens in Mississippi.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Past Episodes
05:04 Elon Musk and Space Exploration Priorities
09:49 Education Funding and Legislative Priorities in Mississippi
14:37 Historical Context and Integration in Mississippi Schools
19:32 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education
24:40 Legislative Changes and Their Impact on Mississippi
29:41 Healthcare and Medicaid Challenges
31:28 Incarceration and Healthcare Rights
34:32 Political Participation and Voter Engagement
37:31 International Issues and National Security
41:36 Mississippi's Strengths and Challenges
43:44 Bridging Political Divides
47:35 Personal Reflections and Perspectives

In this episode, David Olds and Jim Newman engage with retired Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett to discuss the complexities of national security, the DIME framework (Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic), and the implications of the Trump administration's policies on these areas. They explore the American public's disinterest in foreign affairs, the erosion of democratic norms, and the importance of maintaining a robust diplomatic presence. The conversation also touches on the role of information in shaping global perceptions, the risks to the rule of law, and the future of U.S. economic power in a changing world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings
01:15 Understanding DIME: The Framework of National Power
03:07 The American Disinterest in Foreign Affairs
05:29 The Impact of Trump's Administration on DIME
13:19 Navigating Complex Decisions in National Security
15:36 The Role of Information Power and Voice of America
20:05 The State of Democracy and Rule of Law
30:14 The Future of Federal Employment and Public Service
34:31 Civil Service and Employment Rights
35:51 Economic Power and Global Financial Systems
38:59 Tariffs and Market Manipulation
43:43 Military Decisions and National Security
47:54 Intelligence and Military Oversight
54:44 Debt and Economic Stability
59:57 Education and Future Generations

In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Mary Jane Meadows and Jamie Rebentisch from Indivisible Northeast Mississippi. They discuss the grassroots activism efforts of their organization, which focuses on advocating for social justice, healthcare access, and civic engagement in their community. The conversation highlights the growth of the group since its inception in 2017, the importance of community involvement, and the upcoming events aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing citizens. The guests share their experiences in organizing protests, building a diverse coalition, and utilizing tools for activism, emphasizing the need for collective action in addressing local and national issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:39 Grassroots Activism: Indivisible Northeast Mississippi
04:55 The Growth and Impact of Indivisible
07:46 Community Engagement and Political Advocacy
10:49 Mobilizing for Change: Strategies and Successes
13:52 Protests and Public Engagement
17:03 Safety and Community Support in Activism
19:56 Historical Context and Educational Initiatives
22:52 Key Issues Driving Activism
25:58 Conclusion and Future Plans
37:01 Education and Knowledge Sharing
37:01 Community Engagement and Activism
43:22 Upcoming Events and Public Actions
48:15 Organizational Structure and Endorsement Process
52:16 Activism Tools and Resources

In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings Podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage in a profound conversation with Lovie West and Virginia Tolliver, two women who share their personal experiences growing up during segregation in Mississippi. They discuss the impact of segregation on education, the role of caring teachers, the significance of sororities and fraternities in empowering the Black community, and the ongoing challenges of racism and inequality. The conversation also touches on the Great Migration, the struggles of sharecropping, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing racism in today's society.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings Podcast
03:07 Meet the Guests: Lovey West and Virginia Tolliver
05:04 Growing Up in Rural Mississippi: Lovey's Story
11:09 Virginia's Experience in Segregated Schools
19:49 The Role of Education and Community Support
24:24 The Impact of Jim Crow Laws
31:39 Reflections on Racial Dynamics Today
36:42 Confronting the Legacy of the KKK
38:45 Navigating Fear and Survival in a Hostile Environment
42:04 The Impact of Integration on Community Dynamics
44:23 Current Challenges and the Erosion of Civil Rights
47:16 Racism: A Persistent Underlying Issue
52:06 The Great Migration: Seeking Better Opportunities
57:19 The Reality of Sharecropping and Economic Struggles
01:00:07 The Strength of Black Women in Adversity
01:03:20 Reflections on Progress and Regression in Racial Equality

In this conversation, David Olds and Jim Newman discuss juvenile crime and education in Mississippi with District Attorney Scott Colom. They explore the challenges facing public education, the importance of community support, and the role of employment in preventing crime. Colom emphasizes the need for advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration to improve educational outcomes and reduce juvenile crime. The discussion also touches on the impact of federal funding, the disconnect between politics and education, and the importance of local governance in addressing these issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Juvenile Crime in Mississippi
02:58 The Importance of Education in Preventing Crime
06:01 Challenges in Mississippi's Public Education System
08:51 Funding Disparities and Their Impact on Education
11:58 The Role of Community and Advocacy in Education
14:54 Cultural Influences on Youth and Crime
18:04 Real-Life Consequences of Crime on Youth
21:10 The Need for Positive Role Models and Opportunities
23:57 Teacher Support and Educational Funding
27:01 The Federal Government's Role in Education Funding
29:49 The Importance of Mentorship and Community Engagement
33:49 Reclaiming Local Politics
36:18 Understanding Voter Apathy
39:31 The Importance of Local Governance
43:41 Connecting Stories to Policies
47:42 Addressing Drug Addiction as a Public Health Issue
52:50 Employment Opportunities and Economic Development