Best MDOT Podcasts (2024)

1
04/10/2024: Severe Storms | MDOT Financial Needs | PERS Bill in the Senate 23:03

8d ago23:03

23:03

Severe thunderstorms are sweeping through Mississippi today. We're speaking to the National Weather Service. Then, the Mississippi Department of Transportation says they need more funding to keep the state's roads and bridges safe. Plus, the debate continues on if Mississippi lawmakers should intervene in the state employees' retirement system. Hos…

1
MDOT with Collin Strajack (Host) 40:33

10d ago40:33

40:33

In a candid and heartfelt episode of the Modern Day Overthinker podcast, host Collin Strajack opens up about his recent struggles with OCD, anxiety, and depression, shedding light on the inner turmoil that led to a hiatus from the podcast. Collin delves into the challenging OCD loops that trapped him, detailing the compulsive behaviors that disrupt…

1
04/18/2024: Felony Disenfranchisement | Medicaid Rally | Award Winning Author 23:36

6h ago23:36

23:36

Civil rights advocates are seeking a way to restore voting rights to people who have served their time for convictions on certain felonies. Then, for the second day in a row, a coalition of activists rally at the state Capitol for full Medicaid expansion in Mississippi. Plus, a Native American author is honored for her contributions in children's l…

1
Slow but steady progress on legislation to protect road workers 32:33

17h ago32:33

32:33

Late last month, a Michigan Senate committee advanced legislation to enable the use of automated technology to enforce speeding laws on segments of roads under construction. Pennsylvania became the latest to join dozens of other states employing the technology, with positive results. This week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast revisits the …

1
04/17/2024: Medicaid Rally | Federal Marijuana Regulations | Petition to oust Rankin County Sheriff 19:08

1d ago19:08

19:08

A coalition of religious and nonprofit groups is rallying for full Medicaid expansion in Mississippi, calling it a moral imperative. Then from the Gulf States Newsroom: a former New Orleans police chief is pushing for changes to federal marijuana rules. Plus, civil rights activists are gathering signatures to oust the Sheriff of Rankin County for h…

1
04/16/2024: Lawsuit against School | Micro-preemies | "Exvangelicals" Book 24:02

2d ago24:02

24:02

Attorneys claim a 15 year old student from Canton was physically assaulted by her school's resource officer. Then, healthcare experts say getting pregnancy health screenings can greatly increase the survivability of very premature births. Plus, a new book shares the experience of an NPR journalist who left the evangelical church. Hosted on Acast. S…

1
04/15/2024: State Insurance Exchange | Crawfish Prices | Tax Deadline Day 24:01

3d ago24:01

24:01

Some Mississippi lawmakers want to replace the federal health insurance exchange with a state-based one. From the Gulf States Newsroom, crawfish prices skyrocketed this season. Farmers and fishermen are struggling as they try to sell the little crawfish they’ve been able to catch. Plus, the deadline to file taxes is midnight on Monday, April 15th. …

1
Medicaid expansion, other issues could make end of 2024 session chaotic 28:32

4d ago28:32

28:32

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison, Geoff Pender and Taylor Vance discuss the biggest issues – Medicaid expansion, school funding and PERS – that could spur contentious final days of the 2024 legislative session.By Mississippi Today

1
04/12/2024: INSPIRE Act Revived | Jackson Water Billing | Plastics Manufacturing 23:55

6d ago23:55

23:55

The Mississippi House is reviving their education funding bill, despite Senate efforts to block it. From the Gulf States Newsroom: Jackson has struggled to keep drinking water safe and affordable. Now, the city's taking a new approach through one of the nation's oldest safety nets. Plus, billions of taxpayer dollars are being used to fund plastics …

1
04/11/2024: Goon Squad State Sentences | Medicaid in Alabama | 21st Annual Juke Joint Festival 22:52

7d ago22:52

22:52

State courts are handing down sentencing for six former Rankin County law enforcement officers for their attack and torture of two black men. From the Gulf States Newsroom: Medicaid expansion could provide health coverage to many in Alabama. Advocates say folks without it are struggling, and providers are feeling the strain. Plus, organizers are ki…

1
As construction season kicks off, a focus on protecting workers 26:11

7d ago26:11

26:11

This week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast focuses on National Work Zone Awareness Week. An event in Midland on Monday, April 15, will kick off the week with officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan State Police and several industry advocates and others. First, Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist…

1
Legislative Session: Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons 26:30

8d ago26:30

26:30

Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about the need for recurring revenue for Mississippi highways, anti-litter efforts, current projects and future projects possible with more funding. Show Intro/Willie Simmons intro – 01:14 Willie Simmons on being Chairman – 01:54 Conversatio…

1
04/09/2024: Child Abuse Awareness | March Madness | Medicaid Discussions 23:18

9d ago23:18

23:18

Thousands of Mississippi children are abused and neglected in our state every year. The attorney general's office and child advocacy groups are partnering to put a stop to the abuse. Then, March Madness is over, but many schools across the region got the chance to compete in this year’s NCAA basketball tournament. How does getting a shot at the cha…

1
04/08/2024: Jackson Gang Violence Crackdown | Congressman Thompson's words on Israel Hamas war | Solar Eclipse and Eyes 24:33

9d ago24:33

24:33

Federal prosecutors are helping to crack down on gang violence in Jackson. Then, the war between Israel and Hamas has led to thousands of casualties among civilians. Mississippi's 2nd District Congressman says it risks the long-standing relationship between the US and Israel. Plus, doctors say you need to wear protective glasses when looking at the…

1
Inside faith leaders' push to expand Medicaid in Mississippi 33:35

11d ago33:35

33:35

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau sits down with Rev. Dr. Jason Coker, a Baptist pastor who is helping lead a coalition of faith leaders who are advocating for Medicaid expansion. Coker discusses why his own Mississippi upbringing and his faith have inspired him to be a leader in the push for expansion, and how the policy change could help many Mi…

1
04/05/2024: Ballot Harvesting Bill | Jackson Notify Next-of-kin | Ida B Wells Descendent 23:22

13d ago23:22

23:22

Lawmakers want to redefine what constitutes illegal 'ballot harvesting' in Mississippi. Then, the federal government is stepping in to help Jackson notify next-of-kin when someone dies. Plus, a descendent of Ida B Wells shares how she is trying to keep her great-grandmothers 'legacy alive'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio…

1
Determining which roads to fix 24:23

14d ago24:23

24:23

This week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features explanations about how Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials prioritize road projects. MDOT Chief Operations Officer Gregg Brunner talks about the factors that go into selection and how planners and engineers strictly adhere to asset management principles. …

1
04/04/2024: State Superintendent | Everyone can be a lobbyist | Solar Eclipse Tips 24:22

14d ago24:22

24:22

The Mississippi Senate is set to confirm Dr. Lance Evans as the next State Superintendent of Education. Then from the Gulf States Newsroom, formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones are learning how to get facetime with their state lawmakers and advocate for change. Plus, the solar eclipse is just a few days away, and astronomers say it wil…

1
04/03/2024: Legislative Deadline Day | National Walking Day | Archaeology of former plantation 26:05

15d ago26:05

26:05

What bills are being taken off the table as lawmakers move beyond a major deadline in the state legislature? Then, get outside and walk for a bit! That's the challenge being given by heart health experts as part of national Walking Day. Plus, archaeologists are uncovering clues about the lives of long-gone plantation owners and their slaves. Hosted…

1
Legislative Session: State Treasurer David McRae 35:37

16d ago35:37

35:37

State Treasurer David McRae joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about his path to public service, promote the Unclaimed Property Program, provide his thoughts on PERS and much more. Show Intro/ State Treasurer David McRae intro – 01:14 David McRae background/position – 01:42 Highlights/Big projects as the Treasurer - 04:37 Un…

1
04/02/2024: Public Health Week Education Funding Plans at Deadline IVF Access in Alabama 23:20

17d ago23:20

23:20

Today is the last day the Mississippi Senate can take up a House bill that would transform how the state's public schools are funded. Then, from the Gulf States Newsroom, the debate continues over the rights of frozen embryos in Alabama. IVF treatments were temporarily halted and some worry the new law that allowed them to resume, may not be enough…

1
04/01/2024: HPV Vaccines | Rolling Fork Revisited | Bridge Collapse Reaction | NAACP Activist of the Year 24:13

18d ago24:13

24:13

HPV vaccines can help prevent one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. But the rate of vaccinations in Mississippi are among the lowest in the nation. Then from the Gulf States Newsroom, Last March, a tornado tore through Rolling Fork, residents of one mobile home park haven’t been able to return. Plus, the national NAACP is honoring a…

1
Explainer: The Legislature's dueling Medicaid expansion plans 24:47

18d ago24:47

24:47

Mississippi Today's Adam Ganucheau and Bobby Harrison break down the differences in the House Medicaid expansion plan and the Senate Medicaid expansion plan. They discuss where the legislative debate currently stands, where it's headed, and why some powerful leaders are still against expansion.By Mississippi Today

1
03/29/2024: Senate Medicaid | Operation Unified Phase 2 | Endometriosis Awareness 24:05

21d ago24:05

24:05

Lawmakers are moving one step closer to Medicaid expansion for the working poor, but discussions remain heated. Then, multiple law enforcement agencies are moving into phase two of an operation to crack down on crime in Jackson. Plus, March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
03/28/2024: Senate Medicaid Plan | Abortion Pill at Supreme Court | Sustained Flight Solar Aircraft 23:21

22d ago23:21

23:21

Senate lawmakers are considering an amendment to a House's Medicaid bill and substitute it with their own language. Then, the US Supreme Court is considering if the FDA adequately regulates a major abortion pill. Plus, a coastal Mississippi facility is the new testing grounds for an aircraft that can fly, without landing, for months. Hosted on Acas…

1
03/27/2024: Black Voters Rally | Water Billing Tech | Women in Civil Rights 23:33

22d ago23:33

23:33

Lawmakers and several advocacy groups are calling on the legislature to pass bills that can help the lives of Black Mississippians. Then, Tech companies promised Mississippi cities a solution for all their water bill problems – promises the cities were desperate to believe. Instead, a new investigation reveals how those companies exploited cities a…

1
03/26/2024: Supreme Court Abortion Drug | Jackson Water Billing | Wages and Healthcare for Black Women 24:18

24d ago24:18

24:18

The issue of abortion is back before the US Supreme Court today over a widely used drug for chemical abortions, and whether the FDA had the authority to make it more accessible. Then, Jackson’s water provider says everyone should pay what they owe. But residents say their new bills are still wrong. Plus, wages and healthcare access remain top prior…

1
03/25/2024: Silver City and Rolling Fork 1 year later | Medicaid | Coding Bootcamp 24:06

25d ago24:06

24:06

It's been 1 year since an EF4 tornado destroyed several towns in Northwest Mississippi, including Rolling Fork, Amory, and Silver City. Then, doctors continue to call on lawmakers to address the state's financial crisis in healthcare. They say Medicaid is a major part of the solution. Plus, black women in Mississippi are being encouraged to partici…

1
In funding Mississippi schools, how important is an objective funding formula? 30:03

25d ago30:03

30:03

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison and Taylor Vance speak with House Education Vice Chair Kent McCarty, R-Hattiesburg, about his proposal to change the way Mississippi’s K-12 public schools are funded and whether his plan is good for education.By Mississippi Today

1
03/22/2024: Final Goon Squad Sentencing | Education Funding | Ant-Trans Legislation 21:14

28d ago21:14

21:14

The final two former Rankin County officers who call themselves the Goon Square are sentenced after brutalizing two black men last year. Then, lawmakers continue to disagree over how the state should fund public education. Plus, several bills moving through the legislature could re-define what rights are available to transgender Mississippians. Hos…

1
03/21/2024: Day 2 Goon Squad Sentencing Dollar Stores PERS Hearing 20:11

29d ago20:11

20:11

The largest sentencing so far has been handed down to a former member of the Rankin County "Goon Squad". Then, some dollar stores are closing their doors across the nation, but Dollar General is expanding their operations. Plus, the Public Employees' Retirement System for Mississippi is strained for long-term viability, and the state legislature wa…

1
How Complete Streets support mobility for all 23:28

29d ago23:28

23:28

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about revisiting the state’s Complete Streets policy, adopted by the State Transportation Commission in 2012. Amy Matisoff, whose duties include strategic alignment and outreach for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), explains why she’s spearheading …

1
03/20/2024: Down Syndrome | Goon Squad | History is Lunch Author 21:19

30d ago21:19

21:19

A coalition of advocacy groups for people with Down Syndrome met with lawmakers during their first advocacy day at the Capitol. Then, the first of the officers involved with the Rankin County Goon Squad are being sentenced in federal court this week. Plus, a new book gives a unique insight into the life of a volunteer during Freedom Summer. Hosted …

1
03/19/2024: PERS Board | Mississippi Sound | COVID-19 Anniversary 20:37

1M ago20:37

20:37

The Board of Mississippi's retirement system for public employees is pushing back against an attempt from lawmakers to replace them with political appointees. Then, Five years after an ecological disaster, residents of the Mississippi Coast want more say in how much floodwater is sent into the Mississippi Sound. Plus, it's been 4 years since the on…

1
Legislative Session: State Senator Joel Carter 14:51

1M ago14:51

14:51

State Senator Joel Carter joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to talk about how he got into politics, updates from the Energy Committee, his favorite place to grab a bite to eat during the session and more. Show intro/State Senator Joel Carter – 01:15 Joel Carter background/Journey to politics – 02:06 The benefit of working in the fo…

1
03/18/2024: Senate Ballot Initiative | Early Voting | The W Remains Independent 21:49

1M ago21:49

21:49

A vote this week could move the state one step closer to restoring the ballot initiative process. But votes in the Senate may be difficult to piece together. Then, some lawmakers want to create a process for early voting. Plus, many students and alumni of the Mississippi University for Women are saying thanks that a bill has died that would have me…

1
Title: Two-thirds majority votes key for Medicaid expansion, restoring initiative 27:12

1M ago27:12

27:12

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison, Geoff Pender and Taylor Vance discuss a busy week at the Capitol, where legislators work to garner two-thirds majorities to pass Medicaid expansion and to restore the initiative process. As it turns out, it is the Senate thus far having trouble reaching those two-thirds majorities.…

1
Introducing Created Equal with Stephen Henderson 51:30

1M ago51:30

51:30

Created Equal is about the promise of opportunity and the challenge of inequality from the city that built America — Detroit. Exploring the strings of inequality that run through the American experience, each episode explores the question: How did we arrive at this moment in history? Stephen Henderson hosts, building on familiar themes from Detroit…

1
03/15/2024: Senate Medicaid Plans and Doctor Reactions | Re-Entry Rally 22:46

1M ago22:46

22:46

Senate lawmakers have killed their bill for expanding Medicaid benefits for Mississippi's working poor, but their plan isn't completely dead yet. Health leaders also weigh in on the state's lacking access for care. Plus, activists are calling on the legislature to make it easier for people leaving prison and re-entering society. Hosted on Acast. Se…

1
Here’s how MDOT supports electric vehicle charging 20:52

1M ago20:52

20:52

You may have heard about the federal government’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, funded in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at $1 billion a year for five years. Michigan was fortunate to receive $110 million of those funds. On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Steve Minton, an innovative contracts …

1
03/14/2024: Cannabis Product Regulation | Prison Healthcare | Early Voting 23:50

1M ago23:50

23:50

Hemp-based cannabis products would be subject to the same regulations as medical cannabis if a bill passed by the Mississippi House becomes law. Then, an advocate for incarcerated Mississippians says prisoners often don't have access to proper healthcare. Plus, lawmakers are considering if Mississippi should have early voting options. The state's h…

1
03/13/2024: Primary Results | Jackson Water | Prison Conditions 23:59

1M ago23:59

23:59

Jackson's water system could be controlled by a new nine-person board if a bill that passed in the state Senate becomes law. Then, an advocate for the rights of the incarcerated says Mississippi prisons are worse than outlined in a Department of Justice investigation. Plus, we speak with two authors about their guide for more than 200 museums acros…

1
MDOT with Zane Landin 1:00:59

1M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

In this episode of the "Modern Day Overthinker" podcast, Collin welcomes Zane Landin, a fellow mental health advocate, to discuss a range of topics including mental health, the power of storytelling, and the importance of vulnerability, particularly among men. Zane shares his journey from graduating with a bachelor's degree in communication to beco…

1
Legislative Session: MDOT Executive Director Brad White 20:09

1M ago20:09

20:09

MDOT Executive Director Brad White joined The Extra Mile Podcast: Legislative Session to provide an update on efforts to find recurring revenue for Mississippi highways among other topics. Show Intro/Brad White Intro – 01:15 Brad White speaking tour/goals – 01:50 Plans/Conversations for revenue – 04:35 Brad White on Legislative support – 07:40 Remo…

1
03/12/2024: Primary Elections | Sports Betting in Alabama | Dry Weather Lasting Effects 23:59

1M ago23:59

23:59

Voters are going to the polls today for Mississippi's party primaries. Then, Alabama lawmakers have been trying to legalize gambling in the state for years, but there have been some bumps in the road. Plus, Forecasters say the impacts of last year's drought remain, and could affect the state this dry season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f…

1
03/11/2024: Primary Election | Cheap vs Affordable homes | That Penson Girl 24:02

1M ago24:02

24:02

Tomorrow is Mississippi's Primary election. We speak with Secretary of State Michael Watson about what voters can expect at the polls. Then, When it comes to building houses, affordable is not the same thing as cheap. Plus, a new novel follows the story of a woman in World War 1 who has to face aspects of racism, sexism, and poverty. Hosted on Acas…

1
Attorney Rob McDuff provides update on lawsuit to create more Black-majority legislative districts 31:37

1M ago31:37

31:37

Mississippi Today’s Bobby Harrison and Taylor Vance talk with Jackson attorney Rob McDuff about lawsuits involving legislative redistricting and school funding and how newspaper articles led an inquisitive 12-year-old in Hattiesburg to pursue a legal career focusing on civil rights and other social justice issues.…

1
03/08/2024: Education Funding Formulas | Tour of an IVF Clinic | Poetry Out Loud Winner 2024 23:39

1M ago23:39

23:39

The state Senate is advancing an education funding bill. But it's very different from what House lawmakers have already passed. Then, we tour a clinic that is offering Invitro Fertilization services. Plus, a Mississippi student is being recognized for their poetry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
03/07/2024: Campaign Finance Reform | OTC Birth Control | Indicted without representation 23:36

1M ago23:36

23:36

The state Senate's Elections Committee has advanced a bill to strengthen penalties for campaign finance violations. Then, Mississippians will soon be able to buy over-the-counter birth control. Plus, some Mississippians are being indicted without legal representation according to a new report from the Marshall Project. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co…

1
03/06/2024: House Education Committee | Women Incarceration | White Supremacy Then vs Now 23:45

1M ago23:45

23:45

The Mississippi House's Education Committee has advanced a bill that would change how the state's public schools are funded. Then, women face unique challenges during incarceration, often leading to a cycle of time in and out of prisons. Plus, historians are finding similarities in how white supremacy groups organized in the 60s and the modern day.…

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