@ISSUE

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 participation can have a real influence on the committee’s work.

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 Commercial Appeal who has been following the data center story closely. Then analysts Rebekah Staples and Brandon Jones discuss how Mississippi can maximize the benefits while protecting community interests.

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 Staples and Brandon Jones then offer their perspectives on the topic, plus take a look ahead at redistricting.

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 Brandon Jones discuss the prospects for major reforms during an election year.

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 conducted.

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 youth and families.