Shows
Between the Headlines: ColumbusFrom Grenades to PanhandlingGot a question or a tip? Send us a textThis week on Between the Headlines, Zack Plair and David Chism dig into two big local stories — one bizarre, one contentious. First, they unpack the tale of a live World War II-era hand grenade that wound up at the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office (yes, really). Then, the hosts turn to Columbus City Council’s unanimous rejection of the so-called “Safe Solicitation Act,” a state law aimed at regulating panhandling. The discussion ranges from free speech to compassion to public safety — and what communities like ours can realisticall...
2025-10-0236 minBetween the Headlines: ColumbusTrip Hairston & Lynn Spruill Discuss Joe Max Higgins' Firing PLUS How Bad Was It?Got a question or a tip? Send us a textPlease note this episode contains explicit language.A seismic shift has rocked the Golden Triangle as economic development powerhouse Joe Max Higgins was suddenly and unanimously fired by the Link's executive committee after 22 years at the helm. We dive deep into the fallout with special guests Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill and Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Trip Hairston, who offer candid insights into both Higgins' remarkable achievements and the controversial behavior that ultimately led to his downfall.The conversation doesn't shy away...
2025-08-281h 00Between the Headlines: ColumbusIn Studio: Sen. Chuck Younger PLUS City's Need for Transparency After Press Release NightmareGot a question or a tip? Send us a textTransparency isn't just a buzzword—it's the cornerstone of public trust. When Columbus city officials issue misleading statements and then refuse to acknowledge their mistakes, who holds them accountable? This question echoes throughout our latest episode as we examine the proposal for a Public Information Officer at City Hall and the disturbing absence of the CPD Citizens Overview Committee. Will a new city PIO position enhance transparency or simply become another layer of bureaucracy shielding officials from scrutiny? Our in-depth interview with State Senator Chu...
2025-08-1559 minBetween the Headlines: ColumbusCrash, Lies, and Bodycams: A Police Cover-Up PLUS Book Fest & Columbus' Biggest Facebook GroupGot a question or a tip? Send us a textWe've got a mixed bag this week with a breaking investigative story and two interviews!A shocking cover-up attempt rips through Columbus as we uncover disturbing details of police deception following a high-speed crash. Investigation files reveal a police officer was traveling at a staggering 77 mph down College Street when he struck a civilian's car, causing injuries serious enough to require helicopter transport for a brain bleed.The evidence is damning. Body camera footage shows the officer flying airborne over railroad tracks with...
2025-08-0147 minBetween the Headlines: ColumbusIn Studio: MUW President Nora MillerGot a question or a tip? Send us a textThe battle for the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) takes center stage again as MUW President Nora Miller breaks her silence on the controversial relocation proposal. With remarkable candor, Miller dismantles the flawed process that led to the recommendation to move MSMS to Mississippi State University—revealing how public input was overwhelmingly against relocation by a stunning 185 to 3 margin."It was predetermined what the decision was going to be," Miller states, explaining how the evaluation criteria were suspiciously developed only after proposals were su...
2025-07-2457 minBetween the Headlines: ColumbusIn Studio Showdown: Kabir Karriem v Pierre Beard for District 41Got a question or a tip? Send us a textWhen incumbent State Representative Kabir Karriem and challenger Pierre Beard stepped into our studio, we knew we were in for an enlightening conversation—what we got was political theater at its most raw and revealing. Their face-off for Mississippi House District 41 quickly evolved from policy discussion to personal confrontation, giving voters an unfiltered look at both candidates.The special election, triggered by redistricting efforts to increase Black representation in the state legislature, has both candidates presenting vastly different visions for District 41. Representative Karriem leans heavily on...
2025-07-171h 02Between the Headlines: ColumbusZack & David Go To A Trump ProtestGot a question or a tip? Send us a textWhat happens when our hosts step out of the studio and into the frontlines of political activism? Zack Plair and David Chism brave the rain to spend time with anti-Trump protesters gathered outside the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library in downtown Columbus.The conversations they capture reveal a fascinating tapestry of perspectives, concerns, and motivations. From passionate declarations about perceived threats to civil liberties to nuanced discussions about policy disagreements, these protesters—roughly twenty strong despite threatening weather—paint a picture of grassroots activism in a predominantly cons...
2025-06-1432 minBetween the Headlines: ColumbusIn Studio: Jeffrey Rupp, former Columbus mayorGot a question or a tip? Send us a textColumbus municipal elections brought a major shakeup with Stephen Jones winning the mayoral race and five of seven council seats changing hands amid disappointingly low voter turnout. Former mayor Jeffrey Rupp joins the podcast to provide historical perspective on Columbus politics, economic development, and the differences between Columbus and Starkville governance.• Low voter turnout of only 4,500 ballots in Columbus elections reflects growing political apathy• Stephen Jones secured victory with 56.4% of votes, including strong absentee ballot performance• Ward 4 saw surprise upset with Lavonne Harris defeat...
2025-06-061h 00Between the Headlines: ColumbusRick "Don't Go" Mason on His Journey, Race Relations and a Mayoral Forum RecapGot a question or a tip? Send us a textThis week's Between the Headlines dives deep into Columbus' mayoral race following Tuesday's forum at Nissan Auditorium, where surprising performances may have shifted some voters' perspectives—though perhaps not enough to change the expected outcome.Dispatch managing editor Zack Plair and co-host David Chism analyze each candidate's performance, with Plair declaring Darren Leach the clear winner of the night. "If anybody picked up votes Tuesday, it was Darren Leach," Plair notes, praising Leach's articulation of his vision while wondering where "this version of Darren" had be...
2025-05-2954 minBetween the Headlines: ColumbusIn Studio: Darren Leach PLUS Changes to Market Street FestivalGot a question or a tip? Send us a textPastor Darren Leach, independent mayoral candidate endorsed by incumbent Mayor Keith Gaskin, shares his vision for implementing data-driven management and transparent metrics for Columbus city departments. Through his unique combination of engineering expertise and community service experience, Leach aims to rebuild neighborhoods while fostering unity among city leadership.• Creating clear performance indicators for all city departments to ensure accountability and transparency• Approaching infrastructure challenges with systematic analysis rather than quick fixes• Building consensus through open communication with council members before presenting ideas• Redevelo...
2025-05-0155 minBetween the Headlines: ColumbusIn Studio: Robert SmithGot a question or a tip? Send us a textRobert Smith, former Columbus mayor and current president of the Columbus Municipal School District, offers insights on local education, environmental concerns, and city politics while reflecting on his own leadership philosophy.• CMSD faces another superintendent search after Dr. Ellis' unexpected resignation• The district has improved to a B rating but continues struggling with declining enrollment, dropping from 5,100 to around 3,000 students• Franklin Academy's future remains undecided though local businessmen have expressed interest in redevelopment• The R.E. Hunt renovation is nearly complete with a grand...
2025-04-2450 minBetween the Headlines: ColumbusMilitary Road Obstacle and Mall Tax Incentive Goes Sour; Mayoral Candidate Bill Strauss Joins UsGot a question or a tip? Send us a textColumbus residents are expressing outrage over a $14,300 concrete barrier installed on Military Road, designed as a traffic-calming "chicane" that has become a flashpoint for debate about public safety and infrastructure spending. Meanwhile, Link CEO Joe Max Higgins takes the mall owners to task for their failure to fulfill tax incentive obligations for Columbus Place development.• Bill Strauss discusses his mayoral platform and strategies for addressing neighborhood blight• Columbus currently falling behind on projected sales tax revenue while Starkville shows 10% growth• Concerns about respectful dialog...
2025-04-1747 minBetween the Headlines: ColumbusMSMS Move Recommended; Jason Spears Interview; Ward 6 Dilemmas; Mickens' Legal LossGot a question or a tip? Send us a textA seismic shift is coming to Columbus as the MS Board of Education unanimously votes to recommend relocating Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) from Mississippi University for Women to Mississippi State University. With only legislative approval standing in the way, this decision threatens to leave a gaping hole in MUW's campus, where MSMS students currently represent 10% of the student population and 40% of residential students on campus.Questions abound regarding the evaluation process that led to this decision, with MSU scoring 363 points to MUW's 304...
2025-03-201h 07Between the Headlines: ColumbusIn Studio: Leroy Brooks and Stephen JonesGot a question or a tip? Send us a textFirst, Zack and David dissect "an exercise in the absurd" as they recount the previous night's Democratic forum where Ward 5 Councilman Stephen Jones and County Supervisor Leroy Brooks spent more time trading barbs than discussing policy. The duo analyzes how these political heavyweights overshadowed other candidates while turning what should have been a substantive debate into what one audience member aptly described as "a comic strip."Then, both Democrat mayoral candidates join us in studio for a heated discussion that reveals fundamental differences in their...
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