Some 928,000 Mississippians lack access to high-speed internet, particularly in rural communities. This puts them at a disadvantage for work and school and often forces them to travel to find WiFi hotspots in order to complete necessary assignments.
Some internet providers do not want to take the chance of expanding into rural communities because it is difficult to cover the costs of digging out old infrastructure and installing expensive equipment. Meanwhile, the Mississippi Public Service Commission has been pushing for service to be expanded, and a partnership between the MEGAPOP coalition and CSpire is working to bring broadband infrastructure to more communities.
Daily Journal reporter Zack Orsborn (7:31) recently wrote about the issue that has a large impact on the region, and he joins Brad and guest co-host Lauren Wood to share what he learned from his reporting.
Also on today’s show, health reporter Michaela Morris (14:08) discusses the 30th birthday for North Mississippi Medical Center Women’s Hospital. Today’s pregnant women have a much different experience than did those who gave birth before the new facility was built, and Michaela recounts the changes through the years.
Capitol Bureau Chief Bobby Harrison (30:44) provides an account of this week’s state budget hearings, including a debate between Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and the heads of the state departments of Health and Mental Health on whether cuts made by those departments were necessary.
Food editor Ginna Parsons (38:04) breaks down this week’s food section – banana pudding, Sunday dinners and pasta primavera.
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