The Other Side: Mississippi Today's Political Podcast

Dr. Anita Henderson, a Hattiesburg pediatrician, joins Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau and Kate Royals to discuss the dramatic increase of COVID-19 delta variant cases among children. While experts are unsure whether the delta variant is more virulent or causes more severe illness in children, they are sure of this: There is far, far more of it.

Mississippi Today's political team discusses the recent leadership of Gov. Tate Reeves. As the state's COVID-19 crisis has become more dire than ever — as the state's hospital system is reportedly days to failure — Reeves has been largely out of the public eye and is receiving criticism from every quarter.

State Rep. Robert Johnson of Natchez, the House Democratic leader, expresses concerns during an interview with Mississippi Today's Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender that state leaders are not taking adequate steps to determine best way to spend about $6 billion coming to various governmental entities in Mississippi from the American Rescue Plan.State Rep. Robert Johnson of Natchez, the House Democratic leader, expresses concerns during an interview with Mississippi Today's Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender that state leaders are not taking adequate steps to determine best way to spend about $6 billion coming to various governmental entities in Mississippi from the American Rescue Plan.

Mississippi Today journalists Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender recap events from the recently completed Neshoba County Fair and address other issues facing the state, ranging from medical marijuana to teacher pay raises to Critical Race Theory.

Mississippi Today reporters Will Stribling and Geoff Pender discuss the spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as Mississippi schools prepare to start the year. They also discuss what the state's leaders doing (or not) to promote vaccinations.

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau and Bobby Harrison break down the redistricting process, Which Mississippi lawmakers will commence during the 2022 legislative session.

Brandon Jones, policy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center's Action Funds, talks with Mississippi Today's Bobby Harrison and Geoff Pender about results of the poll his organization commissioned on reinstating the ballot initiative process that was struck down by Mississippi Supreme Court.

Jessica Rice, the executive director of the Mississippi Cannabis Trade Association, talks with Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau and Geoff Pender about the potential economic impact of a medical marijuana program in the state.

Secretary of State Michael Watson said he believes Gov. Tate Reeves should call a special session of the Legislature to address issues created by a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the Initiative 65 medical marijuana program and Mississippi voters' right to ballot initiative. Watson gives his take on the ruling and what might happen moving forward. He said his office will also have numerous issues before the 2022 legislative session, dealing with election issues, business services, and the public lands his office oversees.