Mississippi Today and Deep South Today announce the launch of “Black Box,” a new investigative podcast that takes listeners inside one of the most consequential public health and government accountability stories unfolding in Mississippi.
Hosted by Mississippi Today Mental Health Reporter Allen Siegler, “Black Box” follows the money behind Mississippi’s opioid settlement and examines how more than $400 million intended to address addiction, treatment and recovery is being spent across the state.
The five-part narrative series combines original reporting, on-the-ground storytelling and exclusive interviews with public officials, advocates, families and people directly impacted by the opioid crisis.
The first two episodes launch Tuesday, with the final three episodes launching in coming weeks.
“As states across the country proudly announced using millions of opioid settlement dollars to address addiction, few knew how Mississippi was managing its money,” Siegler said. “This series traces what’s happened since the state received its first settlement check, where the money might go next and what the victims of Mississippi’s opioid epidemic think of these decisions.”
After decades of lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies accused of fueling the opioid epidemic, states began receiving billions of dollars in settlement. Mississippi is expected to receive more than $400 million. The series investigates what happens after the money arrives, examining decisions made by lawmakers, local governments and public agencies tasked with determining how the money is spent.
Throughout the series, listeners will travel across Mississippi to hear from families affected by addiction, public health experts, recovery advocates and policymakers while exploring questions of transparency, accountability and public trust. Episodes investigate how local governments have spent settlement dollars, whether spending decisions align with public health recommendations and how political decisions may shape the future of addiction treatment and prevention.
“Black Box” is the first major narrative podcast released under the Deep South Today banner, showcasing the organization’s commitment to ambitious, multimedia journalism that serves communities across the South. The project is a collaboration among Mississippi Today, Deep South Today and the award-winning audio production company, Goat Rodeo.
“At Deep South Today, we believe some stories deserve more than a headline,” said Emily Wagster Pettus, Editor in Chief of Mississippi Today. “This investigation combines rigorous accountability reporting with powerful storytelling to help listeners understand not only how public dollars are being spent, but what is at stake for Mississippi communities.”
Mississippi Today has reported extensively on opioid settlement spending since 2023, uncovering how state and local governments have approached one of the largest public health funding opportunities in state history. “Black Box” expands that award-winning reporting into an immersive audio experience designed to bring listeners closer to the people, decisions and consequences behind the story.
Listeners can subscribe on all major podcast platforms.
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