Mississippi Happenings

In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, co-hosts David Olds and Jim Newman break down the latest developments from the Mississippi Legislature following the January 31, 2026 session. The conversation covers major policy debates, legislative priorities, and behind-the-scenes dynamics shaping the 2026 lawmaking season.Topics include infrastructure and public services, education policy, economic and workforce issues, and the political context influencing decision-making at the Capitol. Drawing on experience and regional insight, the hosts explain what these legislative actions mean for Mississippi residents and what to watch as the session moves forward.This episode provides clear analysis, practical context, and informed commentary for anyone looking to understand Mississippi politics beyond the headlines.00:00 – Introduction & Winter Weather Check Hosts David Olds and Jim Newman open the show and discuss recent weather impacts across Mississippi.04:30 – Overview of the Legislative Session Setting the stage for the January 31, 2026 legislative review and key themes emerging at the Capitol.11:15 – Major Bills & Policy Priorities Discussion of prominent legislation under consideration and the political motivations behind them.22:40 – Infrastructure, Utilities & Local Impacts How legislative decisions affect counties, rural areas, and statewide services.32:10 – Education & Workforce Issues Debate over education policy, workforce development, and long-term economic implications.43:25 – Political Dynamics & Party Strategy Insight into alliances, disagreements, and the broader political landscape in Mississippi.

In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman sit down with State Representative Becky Currie, Chairwoman of the Mississippi House Corrections Committee, to discuss the urgent challenges facing healthcare in Mississippi’s prison system. From overcrowding and medical access to funding and accountability, Representative Currie offers a candid look at the realities inside state correctional facilities and the reforms needed to ensure both safety and dignity for all Mississippians.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of Mississippi Prisons01:50 Becky Curry's Journey into Corrections08:08 Healthcare Challenges in Mississippi Prisons16:23 The Role of VitalCore in Prison Healthcare24:10 Mental Health Facilities and Their Impact26:30 Addressing Rape Kit Issues in Mississippi30:13 Controversies in Law Enforcement and Corrections33:19 Expanding Medicaid in Mississippi34:34 The Importance of Rural Hospitals37:38 Medicaid Expansion and Federal Funding40:30 School Choice and Education Reform

In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Kathleen O'Beirne to discuss the implications of federal policies, particularly HR1, on Mississippi families. They explore the effects of tax policy changes, healthcare challenges, education funding cuts, and food insecurity, emphasizing the need for grassroots activism and community engagement to address these pressing issues.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Family Ties03:10 Understanding HR1: Trump's Big Beautiful Bill05:56 Tax Policy Changes and Their Impact on Mississippi Families08:57 The Effects of Medicaid Cuts12:08 Inequality and Economic Disparities12:42 The Misrepresentation of Tax Benefits14:21 Healthcare Access and Medicaid Expansion17:25 The Broader Economic Impact of Cuts20:25 Education Funding and Its Consequences32:23 Impact of Disruption on Families35:15 Food Insecurity and Its Consequences37:30 Short-Sighted Policies and Their Effects37:51 Disdain for Vulnerable Populations37:57 Religion and Politics: A Complex Relationship38:39 Government Shutdown: Potential Consequences42:07 Economic Impact on Farmers43:53 The Ripple Effect of Policy Changes45:40 Awakening of the Mississippi Voter46:53 Using Social Media for Advocacy52:02 The Importance of Civic Engagement

In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with Senator David Blount to discuss critical issues facing Mississippi, particularly focusing on the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and its funding challenges. Senator Blount explains the current state of PERS, the implications of recent legislative decisions, and the potential impact on public employees and education funding. The conversation highlights the need for a sustainable financial strategy for PERS and the importance of education in the state budget.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings Podcast01:27 Understanding PERS: The Employee Retirement Fund10:24 Challenges Facing the Retirement System18:36 Education: The Top Priority for the Upcoming Session

Read the NPR Article Here: https://www.npr.org/2025/10/18/nx-s1-5577941/adm-alvin-holsey-who-was-overseeing-the-venezuelan-boat-strikes-steps-downIn this episode, the hosts discuss the recent military actions taken by the U.S. off the coast of Venezuela, exploring the legal, ethical, and political implications of these operations. They delve into the command structure of military operations, the role of intelligence in decision-making, and the potential consequences of using military force for law enforcement purposes. The conversation also touches on the importance of international law, the role of Congress in overseeing military actions, and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy in a changing global landscape. The episode concludes with a discussion on the rise of authoritarianism and its impact on democracy, along with recommendations for further reading on these critical issues.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Military Actions in Venezuela06:23 Understanding Military Command Structure09:20 Legalities of Military Engagement11:49 The Role of Coast Guard in Drug Interdiction14:52 Concerns Over Use of Military Force17:49 Intelligence and Lawfulness of Orders20:36 Political Implications of Military Actions23:33 Congressional Authority and Military Force26:32 Cost-Effectiveness of Military Actions29:23 Designating Organizations as Terrorists32:22 Impact on Venezuelan Politics35:11 International Law and Human Rights38:17 China's Actions in the South China Sea40:12 Conflict in the South China Sea42:23 Taiwan's Strategic Importance44:23 Global Autocracy and International Relations46:49 America's Global Standing48:15 Trust and Alliances in a Changing World50:33 The Role of International Institutions53:06 The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict55:41 The Rise of Authoritarianism in the U.S.01:02:07 Recommended Readings on Democracy and Autocracy

In this episode, David Olds and Jim Newman discuss the implications of HR1, the 'Big Beautiful Bill', with guest Kathleen O'Beirne. They explore how the bill affects tax policies, Medicaid cuts, and the overall economic landscape in Mississippi. Kathleen emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism and community engagement in addressing these issues, highlighting the detrimental effects of inequality and the need for healthcare access. The conversation also touches on education funding challenges and the necessity for Mississippians to speak up and take action against policies that harm their communities.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Family Ties02:57 Understanding HR1: Trump's Big Beautiful Bill05:43 Tax Policy Changes and Their Impact on Mississippi Families08:44 The Effects of Medicaid Cuts11:56 Inequality and Economic Disparities14:42 The Misrepresentation of Tax Benefits17:30 Healthcare Access and Medicaid Expansion20:34 The Broader Economic Impact of Cuts23:34 Education Funding and Its Consequences35:32 Impact of Disruption on Families38:25 Food Insecurity and Its Consequences41:14 Short-Sighted Policies and Their Effects41:35 Disdain for Vulnerable Populations45:57 Religion and Politics: A Complex Relationship46:49 Government Shutdown: Potential Consequences50:17 Economic Impact on Farmers52:03 The Ripple Effect of Policy Changes53:50 Awakening of the Mississippi Voter55:03 Using Social Media for Advocacy01:00:12 The Importance of Civic Engagement

In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman discuss the critical issues surrounding public education in Mississippi with guest Nancy Loome, executive director of the Mississippi Parents Campaign. The conversation covers the ongoing debate about the allocation of public funds to private schools, the legal challenges faced by public education advocates, and the importance of community support for public schools. Loome emphasizes the need for accountability in education funding, the impact of recent legislation, and the successes of Mississippi's public schools. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with their legislators and support public education initiatives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings Podcast01:41 Public Education in Mississippi: An Overview02:18 The Debate on Public Funds for Private Schools07:45 Legal Challenges and Accountability in Education Funding12:46 Public Hearings and Legislative Transparency17:44 The Children's Promise Act and Its Implications25:59 Vaccination Policies in Private vs. Public Schools29:21 Legislative Resistance to School Vouchers32:21 Federal Tax Credit Voucher Program40:19 Progress in Mississippi Public Education44:26 Challenges in Rural Education Funding51:50 Concerns Over Homeschooling Legislation57:24 Community Support for Public Education

In this episode, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage with retired military officials Jamie Barnett and Major General Andy Turley to discuss the recent U.S. military actions off the coast of Venezuela. The conversation delves into the command structure of military operations, the legalities surrounding the use of force for law enforcement purposes, and the political motivations behind these actions. The discussion also touches on the implications for international relations, the perception of the U.S. on the global stage, and the importance of congressional oversight in military decisions. The episode concludes with recommendations for further reading on the themes of democracy and authoritarianism.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Military Actions in Venezuela00:54 Understanding Military Command Structure03:51 Legalities of Military Engagement06:19 The Role of Coast Guard in Drug Interdiction09:22 Concerns Over Use of Military Force12:19 Intelligence and Lawfulness of Orders15:07 Political Implications of Military Actions18:04 Congressional Authority and Military Force21:03 Cost-Effectiveness of Military Actions23:54 Designating Organizations as Terrorists26:53 Impact on Venezuelan Politics29:41 International Law and Human Rights32:48 China's Actions in the South China Sea34:43 Conflict in the South China Sea36:53 Taiwan's Strategic Importance38:54 Global Autocracy and International Relations41:20 America's Global Standing42:45 Trust and Alliances in a Changing World45:04 The Role of International Institutions47:37 The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict50:12 The Rise of Authoritarianism in the U.S.56:37 Recommended Readings on Democracy and Autocracy

In this episode of the Mississippi Happening podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman discuss the current volatile state of American politics with guest Dr. Nathan Schrader. They explore the challenges of governance, the lack of effective leadership from the Democratic Party, and the impact of grassroots movements. The conversation also touches on recent political violence, concerns about martial law, and the role of young voters in shaping the future. Additionally, they address issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the political landscape in Mississippi and potential candidates for upcoming elections.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates01:36 The Volatile State of Politics05:07 Concerns About Democratic Leadership10:21 Grassroots Movements and Local Activism14:49 The Impact of Recent Political Violence18:23 Martial Law and Political Power22:45 Student Perspectives on Politics27:58 The Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion37:14 The Roots of Discontent39:38 Rhetoric and Violence in Political Discourse41:35 Understanding the Shooter's Grievances43:20 Local Politics and Community Responses44:27 The Power Dynamics in Republican Politics48:32 Fear and Loyalty in Political Leadership51:45 Fundraising Challenges for Candidates54:18 Opportunities for Democrats in Mississippi

"Potholes are not political."In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman discuss various pressing issues facing Mississippi, including legislative challenges, voter rights, and the importance of public education. They emphasize the need for community engagement and grassroots activism to address these concerns. The conversation also touches on the accessibility of voting, the political climate, and the necessity for informed discussions among citizens to foster change.TakeawaysPublic education funding is crucial for Mississippi's future.Voter rights and access to voting are significant issues.Early voting could increase voter turnout in Mississippi.Community engagement is essential for political change.Legislators need to listen to constituents' priorities.Apathy among voters contributes to ongoing political issues.Grassroots activism can lead to meaningful change.The political climate is polarized, affecting collaboration.Conversations between differing viewpoints can foster understanding.Legislative sessions should focus on the needs of the people.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Host Dynamics00:47 Mississippi Legislative Issues08:15 Public Education Concerns13:58 Voting Rights and Accessibility20:47 Local vs National Focus23:37 The Trump Party and Republican Dynamics24:44 Voter Engagement and Local Elections26:56 The Importance of Voting and Civic Responsibility28:19 Redistricting and Its Impact on Democracy30:34 Key Issues Facing Mississippi: Education and Economy33:19 The Role of Town Halls in Legislative Accountability34:22 The Need for Open Dialogue Across Political Lines36:20 Grassroots Movements and Community Involvement38:24 Upcoming Conversations and Future Topics

In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and guest Danita Munday discuss the pressing issues surrounding special education in Mississippi. They explore the challenges faced by students with disabilities, the implications of federal reports, and the potential consequences of dismantling the Department of Education. The conversation highlights the alarming literacy rates among Mississippi students and the complexities of school vouchers. Munday emphasizes the importance of advocacy for children with special needs and provides insights into navigating Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The episode concludes with practical advice for parents to ensure their children receive the education they deserve.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Current Events02:01 Special Education Challenges in Mississippi03:18 The Importance of Compliance in Special Education06:40 The Impact of Federal Oversight on Education12:11 Concerns Over the Department of Education's Future15:19 Analyzing Mississippi's Education Statistics19:02 The Literacy Crisis in Mississippi22:08 School Vouchers and Their Implications28:58 Understanding Individual Education Plans (IEPs)33:44 The Role of Testing in Special Education41:43 The Literacy Rates of Students with Disabilities49:39 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents50:04 Questioning Authority in Education52:59 Identifying Skills for Special Needs Children54:02 Understanding Educational Standards and Assessments58:06 Final Thoughts on Supporting Special Needs Students

In this episode of Mississippi Happenings, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage in a candid discussion about the wealth gap in America, the implications of oligarchies, and the importance of public education. They explore the challenges facing Mississippi's education system, including compliance issues and funding disparities. The conversation also touches on the role of the National Guard in addressing crime rates and the political dynamics at play, including the influence of the Epstein files on current events. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the need for accountability in politics and the importance of maintaining a two-party system for healthy governance.Chapters00:00 Wealth Disparity in America03:13 The Role of Capitalism and Society06:10 Education Funding and Public vs. Private Schools08:53 Inequality in Education11:59 Special Education Compliance Issues14:57 Political Perspectives on Education17:58 The Future of Education in Mississippi26:35 The Middle Class and Political Dynamics26:52 State Income Tax and Its Implications28:41 Opportunities for Democrats in DeSoto County30:07 The Importance of a Two-Party System31:09 National Guard Deployment and Crime Rates34:11 The Role of National Guard in Urban Areas38:59 Mayoral Responsibilities and Crime Management41:58 Addressing Root Causes of Crime44:17 Political Distractions and Accountability47:10 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:49 Political Commentary and Perspectives01:04 Mississippi Kitchen Table Issues01:59 The Impact of DEI Elimination02:24 Historical Context of Segregation and Desegregation02:40 The Historical Context of Civil Rights08:32 Personal Journey in Activism14:19 The Role of Community in Civil Rights20:44 The Importance of Voting Rights26:30 The Evolution of Activism and Engagement40:21 Disconnection from the Political System42:23 Personal Experiences in Civil Rights Activism48:32 The Impact of Leadership and Government on Civil Rights52:31 Challenges in Modern Activism57:02 Generational Perspectives on Civic Engagement01:00:28 The Importance of Continued Activism