Health leaders continue to address vaccine hesitancy.

And, most states don’t have a sales tax on groceries. But, Alabama and Mississippi do. And that money could go a long way for low-income residents. 

Then, in our Book Club, one of the country’s largest collections of children’s literature can be found at the University of Southern Mississippi. Now there’s a book about all those books.

Plus, the AG's office teams up with the Secret Service to fight cyber fraud.

Segment 1:

Doctors with the Mississippi Department of Health and the University of Mississippi Medical Center are working to dispel myths about the coronavirus vaccines. The efforts are part of a targeted approach to increase vaccinations within communities of color. During the early stages of the pandemic, Black and Native Mississippians were hit disproportionately hard by the virus. Since the vaccine rollout, two major challenges have emerged in the attempt to inoculate communities of color: access and hesitancy. 

Segment 2:

Politicians on both sides of the aisle in Mississippi and Alabama have been trying – and failing – to cut the grocery tax for over a decade. It’s a sales tax that impacts low-income families the most and the majority of states don’t have it. Mississippi’s latest attempt to slash it failed when the Legislative Session ended last week. Stephan Bisaha of the Gulf States Newsroom reports on why the tax is so hard to get rid of and how Louisiana did it.

Segment 3:

The University of Southern Mississippi houses one of the largest collections of children’s literature in the country and we have Lena De Grummond to thank. Spending most of her adult life as a librarian in Louisiana, de Grummond was forced to retire at age 65. She was offered a job teaching Children’s literature at Southern Miss and, in an effort to reward her hard-working adult students, began soliciting materials from children’s authors and illustrators around the country. Carolyn J. Brown is one of the editors of the new book, “A De Grummond Primer: Highlights of the Children’s Literature Collection. She says De Grummond never intended to start a collection.

Segment 4:

Cyber crime is on the rise in Mississippi, including wire fraud, ransomware, and use of crypto-currency in illegal transactions. Now, the state's chief legal officer is partnering with the Secret Service to target these crimes. Attorney General Lynn Fitch says her office will use this new partnership to prosecute the growing number of cyber crimes.

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State officials continue to encourage residents to get shots as Mississippi attempts to climb from the bottom rungs of the national vaccination tables.

Then, a coalition of health leaders file an initiative to put Medicaid expansion on the ballot.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we recap the 2021 legislative session.

Segment 1:

Over four months into vaccine availability, more than 1.3 million Mississippians have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine according to Governor Tate Reeves. But, the Magnolia State still sits toward the bottom of the national tables when it comes to partially and fully vaccinated rates, and Reeves says he is concerned about vaccine hesitancy. Yesterday, flanked by a number of doctors including State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs, Reeves addressed the concerns for hesitancy and says some residents are slowly realizing the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Segment 2:

After years of political punting by state leaders and legislators, a coalition of medical professionals are leading the charge to expand Medicaid in Mississippi. First reported by Mississippi Today, a group - including the President of the Hospital Association - filed an an application with the Secretary of State's office to make the question of expansion a ballot initiative. Healthcare for Mississippi is the non-profit behind the new Initiative 76 effort. Dr. John Gaudet is part of the effort. He shares more with our Michael Guidry.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Mississippi Lawmakers closed out the 2021 legislative session one week ago today- allocating the state’s $6 billion budget across a range of state agencies and programs. MPB’s Senior Reporter Desare Frazier covers the state legislator and is here to give us a recap.

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The federal Paycheck Protection Program is extending its second draw loan window. We hear from the Bankers’ Association on where the aid is going.

Then, in recognition of National Child Abuse Awareness Month, we examine the roots of issue and how Mississippians can help.

Plus, faith leaders respond to the new Georgia voting laws and comments made by a Mississippi Senator.

Segment 1:

Mississippi businesses still struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic are getting an extension to apply for loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. The program subsidizes businesses that have lost revenue because of the pandemic, and if applicants provide proof that revenue was lost, the loan will be forgiven.  This is the second draw of relief loans- after high demand for the initial allocation in the spring of 2020 cause the fund to run out. Gordon Fellows, with the Mississippi Bankers Association, says the second round of the program includes better fraud protection and opens the door to sole-proprietor businesses.

Segment 2:

Experts are concerned that many cases of child abuse in Mississippi are not being reported. Around 10 thousand children in the state are victims of abuse each year, but not as many cases are being reported during the coronavirus pandemic. Mississippi's Child Protective Services Commissioner Andrea Sanders says more children are staying home because of the pandemic. She tells our Kobee Vance, the drop in reported cases is actually a cause for alarm.

Segment 3:

Pastors in Mississippi are joining a national effort condemning comments by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith against early voting on Sundays, and rebutting Georgia's new voting laws. During a U.S. Senate hearing on a Democratic-sponsored bill to expand voting rights, lawmakers began discussing a recent law in Georgia that prevents early voting on Sunday. After church, Black congregations go to the polls together to cast their votes. Reverend Jeffery Gladney of Red Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Tupelo says preventing Sunday voting is voter suppression. He tells our Kobee Vance he signed a petition along with more than 11 thousand nationwide asking Hyde-Smith to reverse her statements..

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UMMC and the FCC come together to champion new efforts in tele-health. 

And Senator Wicker discusses the American Rescue plan and corporate response to the Georgia voting laws.

Then, health officials provide updates on vaccine progress in the state.

Plus, violence is down in Mississippi prisons. We hear from the commissioner of MDOC.

Segment 1:

The tele-health center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is being recognized by federal officials for meeting the rising demand of remote medicine. The center received $1 million dollars in federal funding last year from the FCC's COVID-19 tele-health program. The funding helped to purchase tablets and other take-home electronics so patients can monitor their health and keep in touch with physicians. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Mississippi U.S. Senator Roger Wicker toured the facility last week. Chairman Carr says Senator Wicker was an early advocate for tele-health at the start of the pandemic, and recalled a visit to a pilot program in Ruleville.

The Senator has also recently spoken out against the corporate response to the new Georgia voting laws, and has championed some of the relief provided through the American Rescue Plan despite voting against earlier this year. He discussed his positions on the two issues with our Kobee Vance.

Segment 2:

Mississippi's health leaders are calling on health care providers to help vaccinate more Mississippians. During a roundtable with the Mississippi Medical Association last week, State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers and State Heath Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs laid out a plan to get more vaccines to local providers.

Segment 3:

Violence at Mississippi prisons has gone down significantly, according to the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Both serious and minor infractions at Parchman fell by about 63 percent from 2019 to 2020. MDOC is reporting violence at all state prisons is down by 52 percent in the same time period - statistics that include riots that occurred January 2020. Commissioner Burl Cain, who took over the department in May of 2020, tells our Becca Schimmel the drop is a result of new strategies implemented to reduce incentives for gang activity.  

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The presiding officers of the House and Senate recap the legislative session.

Then, how a failure to extend Medicaid postpartum health care to twelve months impacts mothers and children in a state with the highest infant mortality rate.

Plus, on the eve of local primaries, we examine the significance of municipal elections.

Segment 1:

The Magnolia State is closing the books on the 2021 legislative session. Lawmakers adjourned sine die yesterday after months of debate over topics like health care, state budgets, and tax reform. Leaders from both chambers met with members of the press to recap the session.

Segment 2:

A Mississippi advocate promoting maternal health is disheartened a provision to extend Medicaid postpartum care to 12 months failed to pass the legislature. Nakeitra Burse - who operates a public health, research and development company - has faced personal loss when it comes to the lack of postpartum care in the state. Several women in her family died after giving birth. She says a legislative Mortality Review Committee recommended in 2019 to expand Medicaid postpartum care to at least 12 months. But now she worries the failure to extend the period will keep Mississippi at the bottom of the list for infant and maternal mortality. 

Segment 3:

Primaries for municipal elections in the Magnolia State are around the corner. Tomorrow is the last day for in-person absentee voting for city offices throughout Mississippi - that's ahead of Tuesday's official primary day. Municipal government is the most localized form of government in the state. Shari Veazey is Executive Director of the Mississippi Municipal League. She breaks down the various local offices and the importance of municipal elections.

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The new education budget closes the funding gap for the MAEP. We hear from the Senate Education Committee Chair.

And, how the pandemic is causing a drop in routine vaccinations for school-aged children.

Then, in our Book Club, stories from Natchez in Richard Grant's latest book, "The Deepest South of All" 

Plus, the arrival of spring usually brings visitors to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We examine how the region fared last vacation season as the new one approaches.  

Segment 1:

"It's been a good year for education". Those sentiments were shared this week by chairs of both the House and Senate Education committees as lawmakers passed the state's K-12 education budget. The bill includes variety of spending provisions including a teacher pay raise, increased funds for classrooms, and math coaches in high need areas. Senator Dennis Debar chairs the Senate Ed Committee. He tells our Ashley Norwood the budget increased year-over-year, and closed the funding gap for the Mississippi Adequate Education Program.

Segment 2:

Pediatricians in Mississippi are encouraging parents to bring children in for checkups and vaccinations for preventable diseases. Thousands of children in Mississippi are behind on their vaccinations according to Dr. Anita Henderson with the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She tells our Kobee Vance the pandemic has played a role in the decline, but ensures it's safe to bring kids back to the doctor's office.

Segment 3:

Richard Grant was born in Malaysia, lived in Kuwait as a boy and moved to London. Then he moved to New York and from there to Mississippi. The travel writer lived in the tiny town of Pluto and wrote the acclaimed book, "Dispatches from Pluto." Now, the city of Natchez is Grant's focus in his new book, The Deepest South of All: True Stories from Natchez, Mississippi - in this week's Book Club with Karen Brown.

Segment 4:

While it may be unseasonably cool this April morning, the spring month usually marks the beginning of a bustling tourism season for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Casinos in the region temporarily shut down this time last year, and the mitigation efforts against the coronavirus led to a decline in hotel occupancy. But Milton Segarra, CEO of Coastal Mississippi says, despite the obstacles, the region fared better than other parts of the nation during the pandemic. He tells our Karen Brown, the coast is ready to welcome visitors. 

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In an attempt to address Mississippi’s high incarceration rate, lawmakers send a parole reform bill to the Governor.

Then, how community health centers in the Delta are helping residents get vaccinated.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, the state takes a step toward local alcohol delivery.

Segment 1:

Mississippi lawmakers are sending legislation to the desk of Governor Tate Reeves that will make more inmates eligible for the possibility of parole. The Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act, reduces the time served to be considered for parole for certain convictions. Republican Senator Angela Hill of Picayune read a summary of the bill provided by an attorney. She claims language in this and other parole reform bills is muddled, and is concerned violent criminals are already receiving illegitimate parole opportunities. Democratic Senator Juan Barnett of Heidelberg, chairs the Corrections Committee and has been a long-time advocate for criminal justice reform. He insists sexual offenders, murderers and traffickers are among the crimes that don’t qualify for parole. He also says its sometimes necessary to consider the individual acts of a parolee more than the simple language of the conviction.

Segment 2:

Mississippi is expected to receive 15 thousand doses of the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine this week, and community health centers will be instrumental in vaccinating some of the most difficult-to-reach communities in the state. The Delta Health Center, based in Mound Bayou, is using drive-thru coronavirus vaccination sites, as well as 7 certified clinics to vaccinate Mississippians in 5 rural delta counties. John Fairman, CEO at Delta Health Center, tells our Kobee Vance the center is now able to receive vaccines directly from the federal government.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Mississippi could soon join dozens of states in allowing for the home delivery of alcohol. House Bill 1135 would allow for licensed businesses to deliver wine and spirits to customers within a 30-mile radius. Under the legislation, those operating delivery services must obtain a permit from the state. The bill could benefit restaurants and local businesses like Queens Reward Meadery in Tupelo by allowing them to deliver alcohol directly to local customers. Owner Jeri Carter says most of her business comes through the on-site tasting room. She tells our Michael Guidry she is excited about how the bill could potentially allow her to serve her customer base in a different way.

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As the legislature nears the end of the 2021 session, lawmakers approve final budget bills - including a budget increase for education.

Then, in part two of our conversation with UMMC's Dr. Louann Woodward, we look at the lessons learned and the lasting toll of the coronavirus pandemic.

Plus, we break down the highlights from the latest Millsaps/Chism State of the State Poll.

Segment 1:

Mississippi lawmakers are finalizing the state’s $6 billion dollar budget this week. Included in bills passed yesterday are raises for state employees and an increased allocation for education. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann says the state legislature has touched on a number of high-priority issues this session.

Segment 2:

The Biden Administration is calling for governors and local leaders to re-institute mask mandates as the nation continues to combat transmission of the coronavirus. President Joe Biden sent the message yesterday with a pledge to also ramp up vaccine distribution nationwide. Locally, the year-long pandemic has placed tremendous strain on the state's hospital system. In part two of our conversation Dr. Louann Woodward of UMMC, we look at the lasting toll of the coronavirus pandemic, beginning with mental and emotional state of health care workers.

Segment 3:

A newly released survey finds 51 percent of Mississippians support the American Rescue Plan recently signed by President Biden. The Millsaps College Chism Strategies State of the State Survey found despite the state’s support of conservative Republican politics, only 29 percent oppose the plan. The stimulus package includes $1,400 direct stimulus payments, extends unemployment benefits and increases the child earned income tax credit to $3,000. Nathan Shrader is the Chair of the Department of Government and Politics at Millsaps College, he breaks down the state's support of the relief package - as well as other highlights from the poll.

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More variants of the coronavirus appear in Mississippi as health officials continue vaccination efforts. 

Then, a leader at the state’s only tier one trauma facility reflects on a year of facing the coronavirus pandemic.

Plus, a recent economic study reveals a revitalized railway could bring a boost to coastal counties.

Segment 1:

More coronavirus variants are showing up in Mississippi. According to health officials, seven cases of the California variant have been identified - a variant State Health Officer Dr Thomas Dobbs says the is 25% more contagious. Also 26 infections from the U.K. variant and one case of the South African one have been discovered. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers the health department is monitoring the variants closely. For Dr. Dobbs, variant strains of the coronavirus are currently the most important factor in "getting back to normal". He's urging people to get vaccinated to slow the ability for variants to form and spread.

Segment 2:

The Magnolia State is mourning the 7,0000th COVID-19 related death this week. Mississippi surpassed the grim milestone over the weekend. COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations are down this month after reaching new heights earlier this year. But the mounting death toll serves as a reminder of how consequential the arrival of the coronavirus just over one year ago has been in Mississippi. The University of Mississippi Medical Center - the state's only tier one trauma center - has seen the reverberations of the pandemic up-close. Dr. Louann Woodward is Vice Chancellor at UMMC. In part one of our conversation, Dr. Woodward reflects on a year of battling the coronavirus within the walls of the hospital and throughout the greater Mississippi community.

Segment 3:

Signs of the massive destruction left by Hurricane Katrina still linger on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - nearly 16 years after the storm made landfall in Hancock County. Over the last decade and a half, progress has been made to revitalize the region - beginning with infrastructure and expanding to new tourist attractions. Now, the coastal counties are on the verge of renewing a tri-state rail service that could bring an added economic boost. Amtrak service from New Orleans to Mobile is scheduled to resume in 2022 with four stops along the coast. The passenger railway is expected to generate nearly half-a-billion dollars in economic impact and create up to 7,000 new tourism jobs. This is according to a recent study by the University of Southern Mississippi in cooperation with the Southern Rail Commission. John Robert Smith is the Chair of Transportation for America. He shares more on the study and how the region and the nation could see more investment in America's railways. 

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Mississippi reaches parity in its effort to expand vaccine access to communities of color.

Then, the Tax Freedom Act is dead, but the push to transform tax policy continues. We hear from the Mississippi Center for Public Policy.

Plus, The “Hawkins vs. Town of Shaw Project” is recognized by the Mississippi Humanities Council.

Segment 1:

The number of African Americans receiving the coronavirus vaccine in Mississippi is on the rise. For the first time last week, 38 percent of vaccines were administered to African Americans, matching the percentage of Mississippians who are Black population. 

Dr. Claude Brunson, Executive Director of the Mississippi State Medical Association, says the state needs to continue vaccination efforts in Black communities. He tells our Kobee Vance, the association worked with the Health Department to design a plan that could serve as a model for the nation.

Segment 2:

A Mississippi House plan to phase out the state income tax is uncertain of passage as legislators enter the final days of the session. Jameson Taylor with the Mississippi Center for Public Policy says he wouldn’t rule out a bill featuring some measure of reform passing. But he says he understands the Senate passing a bill to study the issue. He tells our Desare Frazier the push to reform Mississippi's tax structure is paired with desire to remove it from the list of poorest states in the nation.

Segment 3:

In the late 1960s in Mississippi, the small town of Shaw had to defend itself against a class action lawsuit over inequities in community services for black residents. It was filed by a man named Andrew Hawkins and became a groundbreaking federal civil rights case, yet, not many know the story. That changes tonight when the Mississippi Humanities Council awards the “Hawkins vs. Town of Shaw Project” the Preserver of Mississippi Culture prize. Shaw resident and Coordinator of the project, Dr. Timla Washington, shares the details, starting with the discrimination suffered by blacks in the town.  

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