As COVID cases remain plateaued, health officials worry about putting stress on the system.

Then, what the Supreme Court decision means for a Mississippi DACA recipient.

Plus, today is Juneteenth. We look at how Mississippi’s black community is celebrating.

Segment 1:

Mississippi’s healthcare system is under growing stress by the coronavirus causing concern in the healthcare community. A new cluster of COVID-19 cases has been identified in Oxford, and State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the community could be in the middle of a significant outbreak. He says they have linked several of these cases to fraternity rush parties. Dobbs also says there are other worrisome indicators coming out of the department's surveillance data.

Segment 2:

Advocates for immigrant rights in Mississippi are responding to the Supreme Court’s decision to block President Trump’s attempt to end the DACA Program. Jesus Roman, a DACA recipient, was born in Mexico but has been in the United States since he was one. He was at his job in Flowood when he heard the news about the Supreme Court’s decision to keep the DACA program. 

Segment 3:

The Emancipation Proclamation - an act of executive authority by President Abraham Lincoln freeing slaves in the confederate states - became official on January 1st, 1863. But it would take over two years for word to reach enslaved people west of the Mississippi River. When a Union General reached Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865 with news the Civil war had ended and slaves were freed, a holiday was born. Brad Franklin, an organizer of Juneteen on Farish Street, joins us to share how central Mississippi is celebrating Juneteenth.

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The Senate considers a new abortion restriction bill.

And, we look at how small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic are receiving additional support.

Then, Jackson is home to the national Phi Theta Kappa headquarters. Their leader is pushing on lawmakers to change the flag.

Plus, in today’s Book Club … Public discussions, through books, focusing on racial and social justice.

Segment 1:

An abortion bill is making it's way through the Mississippi legislature that would ban the procedure on the basis of race, sex or abnormality. The Life Equality Act of 2020, makes its a felony for a doctor to perform an abortion because of race, sex or disability; unless its a medical emergency.  Republican Senator Joey Fillingane of Sumrall introduced the bill on the floor of the Senate yesterday, invoking the 14th Amendment and Civil Rights Act of 1964 in support of the legislation.

An attempt was made to change some of the bill's language to protect doctors from bad actors with ulterior motives for seeking an abortion. That amendment failed. Felicia Brown is with Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates. She tells our Desare Frazier the bill is another in a long line of passed legislation that will likely be struck down as unconstitutional. 

Segment 2:

Small businesses across Mississippi are relying on grants and loans to survive the economic impact of the Coroanvirus pandemic. But, some businesses still need extra support. A family-owned furniture store in Natchez has lost almost two months of sales because of the Coroanvirus. Darby Short, owner of Darby’s Furniture and Interiors, tells our Kobee Vance her business qualified for 75 thousand dollars in PPP loans, but that money is already gone.

Segment 3:

Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is a national junior college honor society with chapters in all 50 state and nearly 60 outside of the U.S. The organization has been based in Jackson since 1935, and has weathered the social and political challenges of the nation throughout the years. Now their President and CEO, Lynn Tincher-Ladner is using her position of leadership to press Mississippi's leaders to take action in regards to Mississippi's state flag. She says the Confederate imagery doesn't reconcile with the Society's diversity and equity initiatives.

Segment 4:

Today’s Book Club segment takes a different tack as we focus on planned discussions about racial and social justice . Richard Howorth, owner of Square Books and Off Square Books in Oxford, says the forums will cover one book at a time with two hosts, one white and one African American. Howorth joins us to talk about the plans, the purpose and book selections.

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The Senate Corrections Committee advances the nomination for the new Commission of MDOC.

Then, we examine how the pandemic has affected the state’s Choctaw community.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, what the latest Chism poll says about why Mississippians feel they way they do about the flag.

Segment 1:

Mississippi lawmakers are one step closer to confirming the nomination of a new corrections

commissioner with a controversial past. Yesterday the Senate Corrections Committee voted to advance the nomination of Burl Cain. The 77-year old gained notoriety for turning around the troubled Angola Prison in Louisiana where he was warden for 21 years. Cain left under allegations of ethics violations including side deals involving inmate labor. During the committee's confirmation hearing, Democrat Senator Derrick Simmons addressed those allegations and asked Cain why he wanted the job. Simmons, who voted to advance the nomination, tells our Desare Frazier he recognizes there are dual perceptions of Cain, but will put faith in the man the Governor has selected.

Segment 2:

The Native American population in Mississippi is showing a disproportionately higher rate of coronavirus infections and deaths, according to state health officials. MPB’s Ashley Norwood takes a look at how the Choctaw Indian community is navigating both health and economic concerns during the ongoing pandemic.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

In the nearly two decades since Mississippians last cast their ballots on the state flag, public perception of that flag has shifted. During a 2001 referendum, 64 percent of voters elected to keep the current design, but a recent Chism strategies poll reveals that gap has narrowed significantly. Support for the flag has dwindled below the majority threshold, and only a one point gap exists between those who want to keep the flag, and those who want a new design. Dr. Nathan Shrader is the Chair of the Department of Government and Politics at Millsaps College. In part two of his conversation our Michael Guidry, Dr. Shrader examines the reasons voters give for their position on the flag.

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State officials and the US Attorney’s office warn against unemployment scams.

And, the latest Supreme Court decision serves as a milestone for the LGBTQ community.

Plus, a new Chism poll reveals a narrowing gap between support for the flag and the effort to change it.

Segment 1:

The coronavirus pandemic has shaken the nation's economy with unemployment numbers unseen since the Great Depression. That includes Mississippi where toll of the current recession has Mississippians filing for unemployment benefits in record numbers. But lately, some employed Mississippians are unexpectedly receiving notices of enrollment from the Department of Employment Security. Governor Tate Reeves warns this is part of a national scam.

US Attorney Mike Hurst says this has been a nationwide issue, and he warns perpetrators that his office has experience with tracking down fraudsters. Jackie Turner, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, says if a resident thinks they are a target of this scam, they should contact her office immediately.

Segment 2:

Mississippi advocates for the LGBTQ community are praising the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender person is against the law. Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6 to 3 that language in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people from work place discriminatory termination.  Rob Hill is with the Human Rights Campaign. He tells our Desare Frazer the court's decision is a confirmation of decades-long lower court rulings. 

Tiffany Mitchell of Flora is a transgender woman who is pleased with the high court's ruling. The 28-year old says she worked for a retail company about six years ago that stopped scheduling her for hours after she came out as transgender. Mitchell says she filed a lawsuit against the company but it went out of business before the case went to trial. She says many in the LGBT community don't report work place discrimination.

Segment 3:

Protests over police violence and systemic racism have re-energized the debate over the Mississippi state flag. Those who seek holistic changes view the flag as a reminder of the centuries-long effort to subjugate and oppress the black community. Those who support keeping the current design argue the confederate imagery is a symbol of southern pride and heritage. The last time this debate was given a formal public platform in a 2001 referendum, nearly two-third of voters supported the current design. But, a new poll from Chism strategies shows that gap has narrowed in the nearly two decades since. Nathan Shrader is the Chair of the Department of Government and Politics at Millsaps. In part one of our conversation, he tells our Michael Guidry what the latest polling says about who wants change, and who prefers the status quo.

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Protests against systemic racism and police bias continue throughout the state.

Then, Mississippians are facing mental health challenges as the pandemic continues.

Plus, with conversation over the state flag re-energized, we examine the design favored to replace it.

Segment 1:

The rallying cries for change within police departments continued this weekend throughout the state. From the greater Jackson area to the Pine Belt, hundreds gathered to speak in solidarity against the systemic racism they say is at the root of police brutality and bias. In Brandon, residents gathered out side of the local police department to present Chief William Thompson with demands and questions. Brandon resident and activist Sham Williams also addressed the crowd, drawing on her experiences to highlight the injustices she says are inherent in system riddled with hurdles for black communities.

The calls against systemic racism from protesters go beyond police departments. The pandemic has also revealed significant health disparities as communities of color have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. State health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the seeds of racism does play a factor in the troubles seen in health care.

Segment 2:

Calls to Mississippi’s suicide prevention hotline are on the rise. increased by 20 percent throughout the coronavirus pandemic according to mental health officials. The fear, anxiety and pain caused by the coronavirus pandemic and social isolation are some of the factors state officials link to a 20 percent increase in call volume. Governor Tate Reeves is asking Mississippians to stay socially distant, but not socially isolated. He asks residents who feel depressed during these times to not give up on life.

Wendy Bailey is the Chief of Staff at the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. She says data indicates nearly one in five Mississippians will face mental health challenges in their lives. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health has several programs available to residents seeking help. Bailey says oftentimes Mississippians get caught up helping others and

don’t stop to help themselves.

Segment 3:

Cries against systemic racism have re-energized an old conversation in Mississippi - the debate over the state flag. Emblazoned with the battle flag of the confederacy, the Mississippi flag has long been a topic of consternation for many. Now, Mississippi lawmakers are starting to churn the waters as they look to draft possible resolutions to replace the flag. Others want to put it to a vote of the people as the did in 2001. As the debate continues, the favored design to replace the current flag is the Stennis Flag, designed by Laurin Stennis. She joins us to share how the design came to be, and how the name associated with the flag presents a troubled legacy. 

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Faith leaders send a unified messages to state officials to change the flag.

Then, fraudsters are are stealing identities to scam for unemployment benefits. We examine the red flags and what victims should do if they are targeted.

Plus, how Mississippi’s school administrators are planning for a fall semester that could require lots of changes.

Segment 1:

Mississippi interfaith leaders are speaking out - calling on lawmakers to remove the state flag, which prominently features confederate iconography. Faith-based leaders gathered outside the Cathedral of St. Peter in Jackson yesterday, saying the current flag promotes a symbol of hate, racism and slavery - all of which have no place in the state today.  

Bishop Ronnie Crudup is the Senior Pastor of New Horizons Church International in Jackson and a Bishop with the Fellowship of International Churches. He tells our Desare Frazier the current flag sends the message to the rest of the nation that Mississippi refuses to change.

Okolo Rashid is the President and co-founder of the International Museum of Muslim Cultures in Jackson. She says the death of George Floyd has served as a cultural and spirtitual wake up call.

Rachel Glazer is with Jackson's Jewish Community. She says she empathizes with the the black community who sees the flag as a symbol of oppression.

Segment 2:

The coronavirus pandemic has shaken the nation's economy with unemployment numbers unseen since the Great Depression. That includes Mississippi where toll of the current recession has Mississippians filing for unemployment benefits in record numbers. But lately, some employed Mississippians are unknowingly receiving deposits in their bank accounts, or debit cards in their mailboxes. They are the targets of fraudsters, looking to take advantage of the billions of relief dollars pumped into employment security offices across the nation. Shad White is the State Auditor of Mississippi. He tells our Michael Guidry how these scamming rings operate, and what Mississippians need to know if they are targeted.

Segment 3:

The Mississippi Department of Education is providing reopening options for school districts to consider as eyes turn toward the next school year. Districts will have the choice between a traditional schedule, a virtual schedule, or a hybrid schedule - all options taking into account health and safety, programming, operations, and community support needs. Dr. Ronniee McGehee is the Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of School Administrators. He joins us to discuss the myriad of factors district leaders will face as they prepare for a new school year during a pandemic.

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The Governor announces the launch of the Back to Business Grant program website.

And, a look how the pandemic has changed the way we grieve.

Then, part two of our conversation on the history of racial injustice.

Plus, in today’s book club – Civil war soldiers included some women disguised as male soldiers as we learn in Shelby Harriel’s “Behind the rifle.”

Segment 1:

Small businesses in Mississippi that suffered losses from the Coronavirus can begin applying

today for a new grant. The Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program will be open to small businesses with 50 employees or less using funds from the CARES Act. Businesses can apply for up to 25 thousand dollars for expenses related to COVID-19. Governor Tate Reeves announced the Back to Business website during his daily press briefing yesterday, noting that the pandemic has been an economic emergency for the state.

The COVID-19 death total is nearing 900 as the state enters its fourth month of the active cases and deaths. All throughout Mississippi, those who have lost loved ones, whether by COVID or otherwise, are having to adapt the way they grieve. Steve Holland, owner of Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo, tells our Ashley Norwood things have changed since the arrival of the coronavirus. In his almost 50 years in the funeral business, the former state representative says he never imagined a time like this.

Segment 2:

On June 1st, President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the Rose Garden before proceeding through Lafayette Park to St. John's Episcopal Church. In the moments prior, protesters were forced to retreat the ground surrounding the park they had occupied while demonstrating most of the day. In the days that followed, two distinct narratives emerged about the events of that evening - the one seen through images and videos on newcasts and through social media platforms; and the one promoted by the White House. We return to our conversation with Jackson State University professor of History Dr. Robby Luckett to look closer at how this practice of manipulating the narrative traces back to the Civil Rights Era.

Segment 3:

More than two and a half million men fought in the civil war … And so did some women disguised as male soldiers. Why were they there and how did they pull it off? Shelby Harriel is the author of Behind the Rifle: Women Soldiers in Civil War Mississippi. My first question to her? How many women soldiers were there?

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Lawmakers turn their attention to the state flag following recent protests against systemic racism and police brutality.

Then, a look at the history of the often tumultuous relationship been Mississippi’s black community and law enforcement.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a new documentary premiering on MPB Television examines food insecurity in the state capital.

Segment 1:

The Mississippi flag is receiving notable attention from all circles following a weekend of protests against systemic racism and police brutality. The flag, which features the confederate emblem, has long been a source of consternation for many Mississippians. On Monday, during his daily press briefing, Governor Tate Reeves side-stepped the issue of flag and what it represents, instead invoking a failed 2001 referendum to change the flag. But the recent protests are renewing interest among Mississippi legislators to take action on the flag issue. Democrat Robert Johnson of Natchez is the party leader in the House. He tells our Desare Frazier lawmakers should be the ones to make the change and they are talking across the aisle to make it possible.

In 2001, Mississippians voted 65 to 35 percent along racial lines to keep the flag flying.

Republican Tracy Arnold of Booneville thinks voters should decide if the flag stays or goes, and says the deadline for introducing a bill to change the flag has passed.

Segment 2:

Eleven days before the death of George Floyd, Jackson State University Professor Dr. Robby Luckett published an op-ed in the New York Times reflecting on the 1970 shooting deaths of two students at the hands of police on the college's campus. The message - that America cannot forget what happened and the injustice that followed. In part one of a two part conversation, Dr. Luckett shares how the message of that article is woven into the fabric of the current push for racial justice.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Food deserts; food swamps; food apartheid. All terms used to represent the socio-economic landscape of Jackson, Mississippi in the new documentary short Fertile Ground, premiering on MPB TV tonight. The Fertile Ground documentary follows the life of Jackson residents experiencing challenges accessing healthy food options, while also detailing the systematic policy failures that have allowed “food swamps” to thrive. Featuring interviews with local farmers, food activists and city leaders, the documentary also spotlights the growing possibility to transform Jackson’s local food system. Director Alex Warren and Executive Producer Robbie Piantanida join our Michael Guidry to discuss.

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The Governor responds to protests and their calls for change.

And, state officials caution residents not to drop their guard in the fight against the coronavirus.

Then, a Mississippian living abroad shares her pandemic experience from South Korea.

Plus, a new non-profit is launching to further assist small businesses in the state.

Segment 1:

The death of George Floyd at the knee of a Minneapolis police offer is raising cries for police reform and an end to systemic racism in America. In Mississippi, thousands descended upon the capital city and past the governors mansion over the weekend with hopes their voices would be heard. Unique to Mississippian's fighting for change - the state flag. Long a source of consternation and seen by some as a means to cling to the checkered legacy of Jim Crow, the flag is once again at the heart of Mississippi's drawn-out and often hushed conversation about reconciliation and racial equality. With the calls for systemic change echoing throughout the state, Republican Governor Tate Reeves says his position on the flag has not.

During the question portion of his daily press briefing yesterday, Reeves was asked by reporters to go beyond process rhetoric. On multiple occasions, the Governor side-stepped questions about his personal views of the flag, and its representation of Mississippi and its people, instead invoking a 2001 ballot referendum.

Segment 2:

In 2019, Jonna Higbee left the United States and her position at a Jackson metro area high school to teach abroad. After some consideration, she chose South Korea as her temporary home citing an interest in the culture as a deciding factor. Now, in the fog of unanswered questions generated by the coronavirus pandemic, the choice is feeling more permanent. Higbee joins us to discuss life abroad in the time of COVID. 

Segment 3:

Lifelong Mississippians Marie and Brian Sanderson are kicking off efforts to provide immediate financial assistance to Mississippi-based, small businesses as they face the dire economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. The non-profit Mississippi 30 Day Fund is designed to be quick, easy, and free of red tape, as small business owners work to keep employees on board and operations running in the near term. Marie, who grew up in Jackson, and Brian, who is a native of Pascagoula, live in Ocean Springs. They tell us they were inspired by the success of 30 Day Funds started by colleagues in other states and wanted to bring a similar initiative to Mississippi.

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Protesters descend upon the capital city in numbers unseen since the Civil Rights Era.

And how the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus is responding the their communities’ push for change.

Plus, the department of health is releasing the names of long term care facilities with suspected coronavirus outbreaks. We hear from from those who care for residents about the decision.

Segment 1:

Thousands of protesters, chanting “no Justice no Peace,” marched in downtown Jackson Saturday at the Black Lives Matter protest. The event, organized by students, was one of many throughout the country in the weeks following the death of George Floyd. The protesters marched from the Governor’s Mansion to Jackson City Hall, calling on state and local leaders to make changed to end police violence and systemic racism. Jessica McArthur of Jackson joined the march. She says the tone of the protest was positive, but tells out Kobee Vance the message cannot go unheard.

Before the masses descended upon the capital city Saturday, members of The Poor People's Campaign gathered outside of Attorney General Lynn Fitch's office Friday afternoon. Last week Fitch dismissed the case against former police officer Canton Boykin. Boykin was charged with manslaughter in the 2015 shooting death of 26-year-old Ricky Ball, a black man from Columbus. Members of the human rights group brought a letter they tried to deliver to Fitch asking for an explanation for her decision, but security turned them away. Catherine Davis, whose son Mark was also killed in a police shooting, was among those calling for answers. She shares her experience with our Kobee Vance.

Segment 2:

Members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus say they are hearing and feeling the cries for change within their communities. From prison reform to the health disparities prevalent throughout the coronavirus pandemic, black legislators have been searching for solutions to many of the injustices that their constituents face. With the killing of George Floyd amplifying those inequities, caucus member John Faulkner, a Democrat from Holly Spring, tells our Desare Frazier protests are the first step to making change real.

Segment 3:

More than half of coronavirus deaths in Mississippi have occurred in long term care settings. And now, due a court ruling, the public knows the name of each facility with a suspected outbreak, along with the number of employee cases, resident cases and deaths at those facilities. Priya Chidambaram with the Kaiser Family Foundation tells our Ashley Norwood she’s glad they’re releasing more data on the impact COVID-19 is having in long term care facilities.

The data release, however, is not free of skepticism. Tony Hamrick is president of the Mississippi Health Care Association. He acknowledges the data is public information, but also says facilities have always informed those who need to know of cases of transmission.

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