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Welcome to @ISSUE 2026! Host Wilson Stribling and political analyst Brandon Jones welcome new analyst Rebekah Staples to the @ISSUE team. Rebekah gives a baseball-themed explanation of the legislative process, then the team dives into the issues of school choice, the ballot initiative process, and concerns about federal budget cuts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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@ISSUE • Public Meetings on Redistricting Begin

The Joint Legislative Committee on Redistricting and Reapportionment has begun its series of eight public meetings across the state, getting comments from citizens before redrawing districts. Host Wilson Stribling interviews Representative Noah Sanford (R-Collins), vice chairman of the Joint Committee. Then analysts Brandon Jones and Rebekah Staples discuss the process and agree that public…

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@ISSUE • Hyperscale Data Centers in Mississippi

The artificial intelligence boom is here, with hyperscale data centers in operation and many more under construction across Mississippi. Construction jobs and tax revenues are bringing money into the state, but how are communities dealing with concerns about noise, air pollution, water depletion, and other impacts? Host Wilson Stribling welcomes guest Neil Strebing, a reporter for the Memphis…

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@ISSUE • Changes ahead for universities & community colleges? (Part 2) • Rep. Zakiya Summers interview

Could performance-based funding have unintended consequences for Mississippi’s universities? Host Wilson Stribling looks back at last week’s interview with Senate Universities & Colleges Committee chair Sen. Nicole Boyd (R-Oxford). Then Wilson welcomes Rep. Zakiya Summers (D-Jackson) to discuss how new proposals might affect HBCU’s, as well as predominantly white institutions. Analysts Rebekah…

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@ISSUE • Changes ahead for universities & community colleges? • Sen. Nicole Boyd interview

How can Mississippi’s universities and community colleges better prepare students for tomorrow’s workplace? Legislators are advocating new performance measures not only to gauge educational outcomes, but also to determine institutional funding. Host Wilson Stribling interviews Sen. Nicole Boyd (R-Oxford), chair of the Senate Universities and Colleges Committee. Then analysts Rebekah Stapes and…

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@ISSUE • Youth Court Special Session: Legislature passes major reforms

Last week the legislature met in special session to pass sweeping youth court system reforms. Host Wilson Stribling welcomes Jamie McBride, longtime adjunct professor at MC School of Law, to discuss key elements of the new legislation. Then analysts Brandon Jones and Clifton Carroll join Wilson to offer their viewpoints not only on the new reforms, but also on how the special session was…

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@ISSUE • Mississippi's Youth Court Crisis: How did this happen?

Mississippi’s Youth Courts were thrown into crisis on July 1 when key legislation expired. Now two hotly contested lawsuits are underway, and a special session may be the only solution. Madison County Youth Court prosecutor Lindsey Herr joins host Wilson Stribling to discuss what’s transpired. Then, roundtable analysts Brandon Jones and Rebekah Staples break down what this means for Mississippi’s…

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@ISSUE • New Mississippi Laws In Effect July 1

New laws passed during the spring legislative session went into effect on July 1. Host Wilson Stribling speaks with Clarion-Ledger legislative reporter Bea Anhuci and analysts Rebekah Staples and Brandon Jones, discussing how these new laws will affect you and what they say about Mississippi's priorities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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@ISSUE • Politickin' at the Neshoba County Fair

The Neshoba County Fair brought together political candidates, elected officials, and hundreds of fairgoers last week for one of Mississippi's great traditions. On this week's @ISSUE, host Wilson Stribling brings you highlights from the speeches, followed by expert analysis from Republican Rebekah Staples and Democrat Brandon Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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@ISSUE • School District Consolidation

Mississippi's student population is shrinking. Some districts are struggling both academically and financially. Is school district consolidation the answer? Host Desare Frazier speaks with Rep. Rob Roberson (R-Starkville), chair of the House Select Committee on School Consolidation. We also hear from Nancy Loome, executive director of the Parents' Campaign. Then, analysts Brandon Jones and Rebekah…

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@ISSUE • The Rural Health Transformation Program in Mississippi

The Rural Health Transformation Program will bring more than $200 million to Mississippi in 2026, and as much as $1 billion over five years. But how will this money be used, and who will make the decisions? @ISSUE reports on the joint Senate-House hearing held last week. Host Wilson Stribling interviews Sen. Hob Bryan (D-Amory), chairman of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. Then,…

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@ISSUE • Interview with Jackson Mayor John Horhn

Jackson Mayor John Horhn sits down with host Wilson Stribling to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Mississippi's capitol city. Mayor Horhn talks about improved relations between city and state, public safety initiatives, infrastructure improvements, the water controversy, control of the airport, and more. Then analysts Brandon Jones and Rebekah Staples join Wilson to look at the work…

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