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 ...
Aug 12, 2025•41 min•Ep. 20
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...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 19
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 t...
Jul 01, 2025•48 min•Ep. 18
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 a...
Jun 24, 2025•53 min•Ep. 17
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 informati...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 16
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 ...
Jun 10, 2025•55 min•Ep. 15
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...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 14
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...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 13
In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage in a comprehensive discussion with former Governor Ronnie Musgrove about the pressing issues facing Mississippi, particularly in the realms of public education, economic development, healthcare, and the implications of state policies. Governor Musgrove shares insights from his tenure, emphasizing the importance of investing in education and healthcare to foster economic growth and improve the quality of...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 12
In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman discuss the implications of eliminating the Mississippi state income tax with guest Kyra Roby, the policy director for One Voice. The conversation covers the importance of taxes in funding public services, the regressive nature of Mississippi's tax system, and the potential consequences of tax cuts on low-income families. Roby emphasizes the need for a fair and equitable tax system, civic engagement, and accou...
Apr 29, 2025•59 min•Ep. 11
This conversation explores the history and impact of desegregation in Mississippi public schools, focusing on the legacy of Jack Reed Sr. and the community's efforts to integrate schools. The discussion highlights the challenges faced during this process, the role of education and sports in promoting integration, and the ongoing issues in education funding and leadership in Mississippi. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Desegregation in Mississippi 03:06 Jack Reed Jr.'s Family Legacy and Activism 0...
Apr 22, 2025•57 min•Ep. 10
In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Mississippi House Representative Robert Johnson to discuss pressing issues in the state, including redistricting, the recent legislative session, the elimination of the state income tax, and the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Johnson expresses disappointment in the legislative outcomes, particularly regarding education and healthcare, and emphasizes the need for stronger Democratic representation a...
Apr 15, 2025•54 min•Ep. 9
In this episode, David Olds, Jim Newman and Dr. Deborah Williams discuss the political landscape in DeSoto County, Mississippi, focusing on upcoming elections, voter registration, and the importance of civic engagement. Dr. Williams emphasizes the need for community involvement, the role of poll workers, and the significance of voting as a civic duty. The conversation also touches on national issues affecting local politics, including Medicaid cuts and controversial immigration policies, while e...
Apr 08, 2025•41 min•Ep. 8
In this episode, David Olds and Jim Newman discuss pressing issues in Mississippi, including the potential elimination of the state income tax, the impact on public education, and the implications for national security. They are joined by Ty Pinkins, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Senate, who shares his insights on the economic challenges facing the state and the need for new leadership. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of state and federal policies and the impor...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 7
In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Jarvis Dortch, the Executive Director of the ACLU of Mississippi, discussing critical civil rights issues in the state. The conversation covers various topics including police accountability, voting rights, redistricting, and the implications of DEI policies. Dortch shares insights on ongoing legal challenges, the importance of public participation in legislative processes, and the broader context of civil rig...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 6
Summary In this conversation, David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Greta Kemp Martin, the Litigation Director for Disability Rights Mississippi. They discuss various pressing issues affecting Mississippians with disabilities, including education, healthcare, voting rights, the prison system, and the challenges posed by unlicensed personal care homes. Greta shares insights into the work of her organization, the importance of advocacy, and the need for systemic changes to improve the lives of ind...
Mar 18, 2025•51 min•Ep. 5
In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Representative Justis Gibbs to discuss pressing issues in Mississippi, including taxation, public education funding, prison reform, and voter rights. The conversation delves into the implications of eliminating the state income tax, the Inspire Act's impact on education funding, and the need for reform in the prison system to protect inmates' rights. Gibbs emphasizes the importance of restoring voting rights f...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 4
In this episode, David Olds and Jim Newman discuss pressing national security issues with retired Rear Admiral Jamie Barnett. The conversation covers the impact of misinformation and botnets on public perception, the role of AI and cloud technology in military operations, and the importance of NATO in maintaining global stability. Admiral Barnett emphasizes the need for increased defense spending and the revitalization of U.S. foreign aid to counteract China's growing influence. The discussion a...
Mar 04, 2025•59 min•Ep. 3
In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts 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 engagement, the impact of school choice and funding formulas, and the need for accountability in education. The conversation emphasizes the successes of Mississippi's public schools and the vital...
Mar 04, 2025•46 min•Ep. 2
In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Erica Jones discuss the pressing issues surrounding public education in Mississippi. They delve into funding challenges, the implications of school choice and vouchers, the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP), and the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Erica emphasizes the importance of community schools and parental engagement in supporting public education, advocating for continued funding and resource...
Feb 28, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1
