The state’s largest historically black university teams up with a top health official to address community concerns about the coronavirus vaccine.

Then, a “Ban the Box” criminal justice reform bill falls short in the Senate.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, HUD awards Mississippi nearly six million dollars to address homelessness.

Segment 1:

Mississippi's Black residents are getting vaccinated at a disproportionately low rate compared to their white counterparts. State health officials and leaders within the Black community are confronting the issue by addressing concerns of trust and access regarding the coronavirus vaccine. Dr. Stephanie Miles-Richardson is an Associate Dean of Public Health at the Morehouse School of Medicine. During a virtual town hall event last night hosted by Jackson State University, she said for many in the community, the question boils down to trust.

Segment 2:

A criminal justice reform bill designed to help former inmates secure employment is facing challenges in the state legislature. Known as the Ban the Box Bill, it would prohibit questions about criminal convictions on applications for state jobs. Senator John Horhn, a Democrat from Jackson says the question is a barrier to those rehabilitated and trying to enter the workforce. Our Ashley Norwood discusses with Sen. John Horhn (D) and Sen. Joey Fillingane (R).

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Mississippi's Continuums of Care are receiving over $5.5 million dollars from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to renew support for 32 local homeless assistance programs. COC's use funding to provide a variety of interventions designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Hannah McHarrey is with Mississippi Balance of State - a COC responsible for programs in 71 of the state's 82 counties. She shares more about the function of COC's and the programming funded through HUD.

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Health officials update residents on the vaccine rollout.

Then, second draw loans though the Paycheck Protection Program became available last month. We check in with the Bankers Association.

Plus, ahead of a virtual panel examining and celebrating the history of the black church, we talk to Mississippi gospel icon.

Segment 1:

Mississippi residents 65 and older are getting vaccinated in growing numbers. According to data from the state department of health, more than 3 in 10 Mississippians 65 and older have received first doses. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the state-run drive through sites are operating at a high efficiency rate, but he is exploring more solutions to make the vaccine more accessible to communities of color.

Segment 2:

Mississippi banks are working with small business owners to originate new Paycheck Protection Program loans. The federal program, designed to assist small businesses stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, reopened in early January. Gordon Fellows, President and CEO of the Mississippi Banker's Association, says the first round of PP loans presented a number of challenges - chiefly a more severe level of unemployment, and an original fund from Congress that was depleted so quickly it had to be refilled. He details more on the second draw loans available through the federal program.

Segment 3:

Tonight MPB is presenting a virtual event celebrating the upcoming two-part documentary "The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song. It will include a screener of the documentary, songs from HBCU choirs, door prizes and the panel discussion. One of the panelists is Lannie Spann McBride - renowned music minister, retired educator and composer. She shares more about the role of music and the church. 

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After topping a quarter-million first doses, state health officials say the expect new vaccines will be available within a month.

Then, a recent report reveals inmates with disabilities face dire circumstances in Mississippi prisons.

Plus, the debate over how to rehabilitate Mississippi’s state parks intensifies in the senate.

Segment 1:

Mississippi is crossing new thresholds in vaccination distribution. More than a quarter-million Mississippians have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the vaccine rollout in the state is running smoothly, and two additional vaccines could make the vaccine rollout more efficient. The AstraZeneca vaccine trial is nearing completion, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is expected to be approved by the FDA in two weeks. dr. Dobbs says he has not seen detailed data from the study but says publicly available information looks promising.

As the department continues reaching more residents with vaccinations, it is also monitoring tests for traces of the new variants. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says that, unlike some other states in the region, Mississippi has not yet seen signs of a variant strain.

Segment 2:

A new report from Disability Rights Mississippi alleges cruel and unusual punishment at the hands of the state Department of Corrections. MDOC, which is under investigation by the Departent of Justice following a string of violent outbreaks and deaths, has been under new leadership since last spring. But the new report brings to the surface new concerns as it details allegations of abuse and discrimination against inmates with disabilities from 2020. Jane Walton is the communications director for Disability Rights Mississippi, a private non-profit advocacy group. She details the report with MPB's Becca Schimmel.

Segment 3:

Debate over how best to operate Mississippi’s neglected state parks is growing controversial. The Senate recently passed a bill that creates a study committee to determine if state parks should be returned to local governments, repurposed, or leased to private companies to operate. The plight of the state's public parks has been a stated priority of Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann. 

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Mississippi’s vaccine rollout is drawing attention from neighboring states as outside residents cross state lines to get shots.

And the mayor of the capital city institutes a curfew in an attempt to curb crime.

Then, we examine how Mississippi’s Hispanic communities have withstood the coronavirus pandemic.

Plus, the Senate passes a teacher loan repayment program.

Segment 1:

State health officials are adding new drive-thru vaccine appointments weekly, trying to meet a growing demand for coronavirus inoculations. Residents 65 and older, as well as residents 16 and older with underlying health conditions are eligible. Those qualifications also extend to those who live outside the state but work in Mississippi. Now, health officials in Mississippi are concerned about a growing number of out-of-state residents coming into the state to get the coronavirus vaccine. The state does not require identification to get the shots. Mississippi has a limited number of doses that are dedicated to those qualifying residents and out of state workers. Liz Sharlot, Spokesperson with the Department of Health, shares more with our Kobee Vance.

Segment 2:

The mayor of Mississippi's capital city is issuing a curfew in an effort to curb crime. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antwar Lumumba announced a Proclamation of Civil Emergency yesterday that places a curfew on residents under the age of 18 from 10 pm to 5 am. Lumumba says the city's youth are engaging criminal activity because the pandemic has stripped them of the social structures they typically rely on, rendering them vulnerable.

Segment 3:

Hispanic residents account for over three percent of COVID-19 cases in Mississippi, and one percent of related deaths. Advocates say some in the Hispanic community can not afford health insurance and avoid immediate care, placing them at higher risk of severe outcomes from the coronavirus. Now with the state ramping up vaccine distribution, many in Mississippi's Hispanic and immigrant communities are wary of getting their shots. Only one percent of Mississippians who have received a coronavirus vaccine identify as Hispanic - that's according to state health officials. Luis Espinoza is with the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance. He shares more about the Hispanic community's pandemic experience and its members' reluctance toward the vaccine with our Kobee Vance.

Segment 4:

A college loan repayment program designed to attract graduates to teach in Mississippi schools in on the way to the House after passing the Senate yesterday. The three-year program would provide money annually to pay down the teacher’s student loan debt. Democratic Senator David Blount of Jackson says the repayment would more effective than the handful of loan forgiveness programs already on the books.

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The State Board of Health meets to begin outlining the state's new medical marijuana program.

Then, 2020 was a record year for organ transplants in Mississippi. We examine how MORA was successful in a year complicated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Plus, in our Book Club, a military Veteran and Professor Emeritus at West Point challenges the myths of the Confederate legacy in “Robert E. Lee and Me.” 

Segment 1:

The Mississippi Board of Health is discussing how the state will begin the new medical marijuana program adopted last year. Over 70 percent of voters approved Initiative 65 - a constitutional amendment legalizing the substance and assigning administrative duties of the program to the Department of Health. Yesterday, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs met with members of the board to discuss the program.

Segment 2:

Despite the complications of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 was a banner year for organ transplants and tissue donation. Last year, the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency worked with doctors, hospitals and donor families to transplant 284 organs through the generosity of 98 donors. It also received a record high in tissue donations. Kevin Stump is the President and CEO of MORA. He shares how the agency was able to achieve record impact. 

Segment 3:

Ty Seidule is an Army veteran, having retired as a Brigadier General. He taught history at West Point for decades. He’s also the author of “Robert E. Lee and Me,” a book he says challenges the myths and lies of the Confederate legacy. Seidule grew up in the south and held strongly different beliefs back then.

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The Governor outlines more vaccine programs as state health officials monitory variant strains of the coronavirus.

Then, with Initiative 65 scheduled for hearings at Mississippi’s highest court, lawmakers draft a potential substitute.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a former President of the state medical association laments Mississippi’s reluctance to expand Medicaid.

Segment 1:

Mississippi is passing another milestone in its efforts to vaccinate residents against the coronavirus. Governor Tate Reeves says the state has surpassed a quarter million vaccinations, and is prepared to begin distributing more second doses in the coming weeks. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says distribution through 21 drive-thru sites operated by the Department of Health are running efficiently. He also says more access points are being made available - including one through a new federal pharmacy program.

Segment 2:

Initiative 65 - the ballot referendum making medical marijuana legal via a constitutional amendment - is being challenged at the state's highest court. Over 70 of Mississippi voters approved the initiative last November. Now, a new bill out of the Senate Finance Committee would create a separate law called the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, which could serve as a substitute measure if the court strikes down Initiative 65.

Senate Bill 2765, authored by Republican Kevin Blackwell, delegates responsibility for regulating the program to the state department of agriculture. Blackwell says the law is more fair toward small business. Blackwell and Democrat David Blount debated the bill during yesterday's committee meeting. Our Desare Frazier also talks with Sen. John Horhn (D).

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Dr. Tim Alford is a longtime family physician and past president of the Mississippi State Medical Association. He knew Mississippians were struggling to get health care before he began working in the emergency room in this small town five years ago. He laments the state has refused to accept Medicaid expansion since the discussion began in 2014. 

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Faith leaders from Mississippi's Black communities come together in a mass vaccination event to promote hope and healing 

Then, communities of color have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We'll look at how pre-existing gaps in health care access across the region are also impacting the vaccine rollout. 

Plus, lawmakers explore different ways to improve Mississippi's state parks.

Segment 1:

African American ministers from across Mississippi are uniting to encourage their congregations to get the coronavirus vaccine. About 20 faith leaders came to New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson yesterday to get shots vaccine and build community trust and confidence in the vaccine. The event was sponsored by the Mississippi Health Department and the State Medical association. MPB's Desare Frazier talks with Dr. Claude Brunson and Senior Pastor of New Horizon Church International Bishop Ronnie Crudup Sr.

Segment 2:

Communities of color have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they’re at risk of being left behind in the vaccine rollout. Baton Rouge, Louisiana is one city where many Black residents have long lacked the medical resources they need. Shalina Chatlani has this story. 

Segment 3:

State lawmakers in both chambers are introducing measures to improve Mississippi's state parks. In the Senate, a bill filed by Republican Neil Whaley would privatize operation of some of the state's 25 parks while giving others over to municipal control. It's an approach that has the support of Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann. Hosemann says revitalization of state parks is a priority for him, and believes Whaley's plan is possible path toward it.

In the House of Representatives, members are addressing the plight of Mississippi's state parks through a series of bills. Democrat Tom Miles is a co-sponsor on all of them. He wants to see the parks remain under the control of state agencies, with new attention to advertising and a diversified funding stream.

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The health department opens up new sites as the state continues its coronavirus vaccine rollout.

Then, Mississippi scores poorly in a new study assessing tobacco control.

Plus, a Jackson hospital is the first in the state to offer a new breast cancer treatment.

Segment 1:

The Mississippi Department of Health is opening new coronavirus vaccination sites in an effort to expand vaccine access in the state. The two new drive-thru locations will be stationed in the cities of Vicksburg and Monticello. Jim Craig, Senior Deputy at the Department of Health says these sites will help reach more eligible Mississippians.

The state has topped 200,000 first doses of the coronavirus vaccine - both the Pfizer and Moderna products require two doses. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the department and its partners have developed a steady rhythm to get shots to residents efficiently.

Segment 2:

A newly released report finds Mississippi is failing to support efforts that help reduce tobacco use.  The annual report card from the American Lung Association gives the state an overall "F" rating for not adequately funding tobacco prevention programs or creating enough clean-air regulations. Ashley Lyerly is with the Lung Association's Mississippi office. She shares more about the report with our Desare Frazier.

Segment 3:

A Jackson area hospital is the first in Mississippi to offer a new treatment method for early-stage breast cancer. Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy is now available at Merit Health Woman’s Hospital and could completely replace the three- to six-week course of traditional external beam radiation. Dr. Phillip Ley of Merit Health explains the one-day treatment.

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The Governor sets a goal for weekly vaccinations.

And, a new "Use it or Lose it" bill could affect voter rolls.

Then, how the Crown Act attempts to rectify racially discriminate dress codes for hair.

Plus, the insurance commissioner encourages companies to remove financial barriers to the vaccine.

Segment 1:

Governor Tate Reeves says he wants Mississippi to reach 100 thousand coronavirus shots a week as the state continues to expand its vaccination program. This week the state has administered fewer vaccinations than in weeks prior. Reeves says that's partially the result of having fewer people eligible for second doses. But he believes the numbers suggest the state could reach his goal soon.

Segment 2:

Some voting rights advocates are raising concerns about a bill in the legislature that would purge Mississippians from the voting rolls. A bill passed out of the Senate Elections Committee this week stipulates that Mississippians who don’t vote over a period of time or respond to a mailed confirmation notice would be removed from the rolls. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann supports the bil,l but voting rights advocates, like Jarrius Adams with the non-profit Mississippi Votes, sees legislation like Senate Bill 2588 as a way to suppress the vote.

Segment 3:

New Orleans is the first city in the Deep South to prohibit Black employees from being discriminated against for wearing natural hairstyles. The legislation behind this effort --called the “Crown Act'' --has been gaining momentum all over the country. From New Orleans, Bobbi Jeanne Misick explores the historical and emotional impact of hair discrimination in the region. 

Segment 4:

The Mississippi Insurance Department is issuing guidance to insurance companies regarding coverage for coronavirus vaccines. Insurance commissioner Mike Chaney recommends companies forego any cost-sharing for vaccinations at private clinics, hospitals or pharmacies.  He says the cost of getting a vaccine should not be a barrier for Mississippians.

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Human trafficking presents new challenges during the pandemic as Mississippi’s rate surpasses the National average by 175 percent.

Then, members of the state's legal profession outline how the new medical marijuana program could affect employers and the workplace.

Plus, in today’s Book Club: What actions and words are protected by the First Amendment? Author Ian Rosenberg tells us in “The Fight For Free Speech".

Segment 1:

Mississippi has the second highest rate of human trafficking in the nation according to the human trafficking hotline. The state surpasses the national average by 175 percent. The practice has also risen in the state throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and officials are working to crack down on what they are calling a modern-day slave trade. Suzie Harville is CEO of Advocates for Freedom, a non-profit raising awareness of human trafficking in Mississippi. She tells our Kobee Vance the traffic through the state capital to other major cities makes the whole state vulnerable. 

Segment 2:

Members of Mississippians legal profession are examining how the state's medical marijuana program will impact the workplace. Medical marijuana was made legal through an adopted constitutional amendment last fall, but there is no existing statute to guide legal practices for employers and employees regarding the substance. The amendment assigns regulatory control to the Department of Health and stipulates rules and regulations be developed and made public by July 1st. Ashley Cannady and Scott Andress are attorneys with Balch and Bingham in Jackson. The firm is conducting a webinar today focused on medical marijuana in the workplace. They share more about the program, developing regulation and workplace considerations with our Michael Guidry. 

Segment 3:

In this tumultuous time in our country, dialogue is ramped up as are actions of protest and violence … but what’s legal and what’s not? In his book, The Fight For Free Speech: Ten Cases That Define our First Amendment Freedoms,” Ian Rosenberg distills the spectrum of free speech law down to ten critical issues. Our conversation begins with what rights are protected under the first amendment.

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