In this conversation, David Olds and Jim Newman discuss juvenile crime and education in Mississippi with District Attorney Scott Colom. They explore the challenges facing public education, the importance of community support, and the role of employment in preventing crime. Colom emphasizes the need for advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration to improve educational outcomes and reduce juvenile crime. The discussion also touches on the impact of federal funding, the disconnect between politics and education, and the importance of local governance in addressing these issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Juvenile Crime in Mississippi
02:58 The Importance of Education in Preventing Crime
06:01 Challenges in Mississippi's Public Education System
08:51 Funding Disparities and Their Impact on Education
11:58 The Role of Community and Advocacy in Education
14:54 Cultural Influences on Youth and Crime
18:04 Real-Life Consequences of Crime on Youth
21:10 The Need for Positive Role Models and Opportunities
23:57 Teacher Support and Educational Funding
27:01 The Federal Government's Role in Education Funding
29:49 The Importance of Mentorship and Community Engagement
33:49 Reclaiming Local Politics
36:18 Understanding Voter Apathy
39:31 The Importance of Local Governance
43:41 Connecting Stories to Policies
47:42 Addressing Drug Addiction as a Public Health Issue
52:50 Employment Opportunities and Economic Development