Mississippi Happenings

Mississippi Happenings
Podcast Description
MS Happenings is your go-to source for political news and events that matter to Mississippians. Hosted by Jim Newman and David Olds, this weekly podcast fills the gap left by traditional news coverage, ensuring that all corners of the Magnolia State—North Mississippi, the Delta, the Coast, and beyond—stay informed.
We tackle the kitchen table issues that impact everyday life, from legislative decisions to local policies affecting communities statewide. Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet rural town, Mississippi Happenings brings you the news you need, without the out-of-state distractions.
Join us each week for insightful discussions, in-depth analysis, and a fresh perspective on the issues shaping Mississippi’s future. Stay informed. Stay engaged.
Subscribe now to never miss an episode!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Focuses on political news, education, taxation, disability rights, and public policy in Mississippi, with episodes discussing topics like the implications of eliminating state income tax and the challenges of public education funding in the state.

MS Happenings is your go-to source for political news and events that matter to Mississippians. Hosted by Jim Newman and David Olds, this weekly podcast fills the gap left by traditional news coverage, ensuring that all corners of the Magnolia State—North Mississippi, the Delta, the Coast, and beyond—stay informed.
We tackle the kitchen table issues that impact everyday life, from legislative decisions to local policies affecting communities statewide. Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet rural town, Mississippi Happenings brings you the news you need, without the out-of-state distractions.
Join us each week for insightful discussions, in-depth analysis, and a fresh perspective on the issues shaping Mississippi’s future. Stay informed. Stay engaged.
Subscribe now to never miss an episode!
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

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