We recap yesterday’s primary races.

And, the medical marijuana ballot initiative receives resistance in the House.

Then, after a southern remedy health minute, the role of health insurance providers in testing for corona-virus.

Segment 1:

We recap the primary races from Biden's big win to the Senate race rematch. And look at how each House incumbent fared. Plus, how voter turnout for each party compared to 2016.

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Lawmakers in the House clash over Initiative 65, a medical marijuana referendum on the November ballot. Republican Joe Bomgar of Madison spearheaded the effort, working on the initiative with organizations. Republican Trey Lamar of Senatobia says the referendum is too lenient --someone could obtain 5 ounces of marijuana in a month's time, the equivalent of 300 joints. The two exchanged words in heated debate on the House floor Tuesday.

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Southern Remedy Health Minute

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The Mississippi Insurance Department is actively monitoring the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease it causes, throughout the United States and around the world. According the Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, his office has communicated with most health insurance carriers in Mississippi and each carrier has a contingency plan in place to deal with increased claims, member questions, and other communications. He tells us how health insurance providers are handling coronavirus testing.

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We preview today’s primary elections.

Then, in celebration of Women’s History Month, we meet with two prominent women from the Department of Archives and History

Plus, an airbag recall could affect 100,000 Mississippi vehicles. How to know if yours needs to be replaced.

Segment 1:

Today, Mississippi joins five other states in what is being called Big Tuesday - a day of primary elections that will help shape local national races. Voters in Mississippi will have the ability to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primaries in races determining the two major parties' candidates for president, senator, and all four house seats. Lucien Smith is Chairman for the Mississippi GOP. He tells our Kobee Vance he estimates a good turnout of Republican voters.

The race for the Democratic nominee for President has been hotly contested. A field of over 20 active campaigns has been whittled down to three - former Vice President Joe Biden, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Bobby Moak thinks the candidates at the top of the ticket will motivate voters to turn out at the polls. But, as he tells our Kobee Vance, spring break could have some effect.

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The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment - granting women in the United States the right to vote. The Mississippi Department of History is honoring the role of women and the suffrage movement with a variety of programs this year, including its newest exhibition. We meet with Pam Junior, Director of the Two Mississippi Museums and Katie Blount, Director of the Department of Archives and History to discuss women, history, and leadership in Mississippi.

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More than 100,000 vehicles in Mississippi have unrepaired, recalled airbags. In a crash, defective airbags could rupture, spraying sharp, metal fragments that can cause injury or death. The National Safety Council’s "Check To Protect" program urges all drivers to make safety a priority by checking their vehicles, and getting their defective airbags repaired immediately. Chris Freeman is the airbag recall campaign manager for Fiat Chrysler. He tells our Michael Guidry, how recalled airbags can be hazardous to Mississippi drivers.

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Former Vice President Joe Biden visits the capital city ahead of Tuesday’s primary.

And the latest Mason-Dixon Poll breaks down the Senate race and the governor‘s approval rating.

Then, after Byte Size Tech, how early childhood education could stimulate Mississippi’s economy.

Segment 1:

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden was in Mississippi this weekend - visiting a Baptist church and holding campaign rally ahead of Tuesday's primary election. Hundreds filled Tougaloo College's Kroger Gym for Vice President Joe Biden's campaign rally. Actress Vivica Fox and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick came to support him. Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson made the introduction. Biden appealed to voters' desire to elect a nominee that could beat Republican incumbent Donald Trump. MPB's Desare Frazier talks to Biden supporters.

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The Democratic presidential primary is taking top billing for Tuesday's primary elections, but voters will also decide who will be on the ballot for one of Mississippi's Senate seats for the 2020 general election. Three Democrats are running for the opportunity to challenge Republican Cindy Hyde Smith. 2018 challenger Mike Espy is expected to secure that nomination again, and the latest Mason Dixon poll looks at how a potential rematch might shape up. Brad Coker is the Managing Director of Mason Dixon polling and strategy. He breaks down the Senate race and the Governor Reeves' approval rating with our Michael Guidry. 

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Byte Size Tech

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A new study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reveals improvements in early childhood education could contribute millions to Mississippi's Economy. The study found that Mississippi loses an estimated $673 million annually for the state’s economy. Scott Waller is the President and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council. He tells us where these economic losses come from, and how early childhood education could change those figures. 

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The legislature considers community college funding.

Then, with the primaries approaching we hear from secretary of state Michael Watson regarding election security.

And the latest Mason Dixon Mississippi poll breaks down how the two Democrat front runners match up against President Trump.

Segment 1:

Mississippi's 15 community and junior colleges are requesting $212 million from the legislature. That's 10 percent more than the current budget. Faculty at Mississippi community college say they haven't had a state-funded raise in 12 years. Marilyn Ford is with the state's faculty association for community and junior colleges. She tells MPB's Desare Frazier the current funding does not reflect the faculty workload. Democrat Gregory Holloway serves on the House Colleges and University committee. He says community colleges faculty salaries should reflect a midpoint between K-12 education and senior universities.

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Mississippi's primary elections are on March 10th. There are contested races for both parties in Mississippi's second and third congressional districts, and a packed Republican field in the Republican primary for Mississippi's fourth district. In the race for Senate, Republican Cindy Hyde Smith is uncontested, while three hopeful challengers are on the Democratic ballot. While the parties are responsible for primary elections, Secretary of State Michael Watson has been traveling throughout the state to help local officials prepare. He tells our Kobee Vance that aside from discussing protocol and procedures, his office is maintaining relationships with the FBI and DHS to ensure election security through the fall.

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The Democratic primary race for president is down to three active campaigns - Vice President Joe Biden, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Ahead of the March 10th voting day, Mason Dixon Polling and Strategy surveyed Mississippians' on potential general election match-ups between Republican incumbent Donald Trump, and the two front runners in the Democratic race. Brad Coker is with the Mason Dixon poll. He tells our Michael Guidry, no matter the outcome of the March 10th primary, the state is projected to remain firmly red. 

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The governor introduces a new director for the Department of Human Services

And, a state-level task force is announced to combat the threat of COVID 19.

Then, in today’s Book Club, it’s Women’s History Month, and in that spirit we celebrate Eudora Welty - not for her writing, but for her photographs.

Segment 1:

Weeks after former Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services and five others were arrested for fraud, Governor Tate Reeves has appointed a new head to the agency. During a press conference this week, Reeves addressed the alleged corruption at the department and introduced its new director. Bob Anderson will replace John Davis who was indicted on charges connected to over four million dollars in stolen TANF funds. 

Segment 2:

The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has risen to 11 with a victim succumbing in California - the first reported fatality outside Washington state. The U.S, House of Representatives has passed a $8.3 billion spending bill to address the spread of the virus, including discretionary funds to boost vaccine development.

At the state level, Governor Tate Reeves as issued an executive order creating a task force comprised chiefly of officials from the State Health Department and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Reeves called this action a priority, and appointed Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs to lead the new response steering committee.

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Eudora Welty is indisputably one of Mississippi’s best writers. But she had an equal passion and talent for photography. In 1989 a book of her photographs was released by Mississippi’s University Press. It has been the biggest selling book for the Press ever since and now there’s a new edition. It’s called simply, “Eudora Welty Photographs” and her niece Mary Alice White tells us about Welty’s view behind the lens.

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The Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Healthy Schools shares its readiness plan for the coronavirus.

And, we hear from Congressman Michael Guest on how the federal government is responding to the growing number of cases nationwide.

Then, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a deadline day Legislative Roundup.

Segment 1:

The Mississippi Department of Education has released guidance for school districts about COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Scott Clements is the Director of the Office of Healthy Schools at MDE. He tells MPB's Kobee Vance the department has standing protocol for health epidemics, and is tailoring that plan for the coronvirus.

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Over the last week, the Trump administration has created a task force and submitted supplemental budget requests to Congress as measures to better manage the domestic coronavirus threat. Representative Michael Guest of Mississippi's 3rd District serves on both the Committee on Homeland Security and the Foreign Affairs committee. He tells our Michael Guidry the federal government must come together to protect the American people.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

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Tuesday marked a deadline day for Mississippi lawmakers - the last day for filed bills to clear committee in order to be considered for chamber debate and vote. MPB's Desare Frazier was on hand at the capitol as lawmakers saw their legislation receive committee approval. Hear from Sen. Tammy Witherspoon (D), Sen. Angela Hill (R), and Rep. Manly Barton (R).

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More action in the Senate corrections committee as the legislature approaches another deadline.

Then, the latest on the how the state Health Department is handling the coronavirus.

Plus, the next installment of our 50th anniversary series - a conversation with Peter Zapletal.

Segment 1:

Lawmakers on the Senate Corrections Committee are working to pass legislation to help revamp Mississippi's Prison system ahead of today's deadline. Deadly violence in recent months and the deaths of more than 20 inmates has driven state officials and lawmakers to take action. Prison officials have moved inmates out of Parchman's dilapidated Unit 29, where much of the violence occurred. Proposed Senate Bill 2684 would increase the number of offenders housed in regional jails and the per diem paid by the state. The corrections committee has also passed a measure that would allow non-violent offenders with debilitating conditions to be placed on a medical release regardless of time served. MPB's Desare Frazier talks with Corrections Chair Juan Barnett (D) and Senator Brice Wiggins (R).

Segment 2:

The Mississippi Department of Health is remaining vigilant as the coronavirus continues to spread across the country. State Health officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, says he's especially concerned about how the virus affects older, sicker populations. He tells our Desare Frazier the state already has already activated parts of it's pandemic response plan, which contains guidance and recommendations on how to prevent spread of contagious diseases. 

Segment 3:

Puppeteer Peter Zapletal came to Mississippi Educational Television in 1971 - one year after the agency was launched. 32 years and a case full of Emmys later, he retired from Mississippi Public Broadcasting after guiding television programing through milestone achievements like Cylde Frog and Dr. Tick Tock. He recently sat down with us to share his journey from Czechoslovakia to Jackson.

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An Equal Pay Bill makes it out of committee in the Senate.

Plus, the Mississippi Department of Education is playing a role in the Census.

Then, after Byte Size Tech, a Memphis-based band with Mississippi influences comes to town.

Segment 1:

Mississippi is the only state without an equal pay law, but there are several equal pay bills authored by women in the Senate. One, by Senator Sally Doty, chair of the Judiciary A Committee, was approved. She tells MPB's Desare Frazier SB 2522 allows a woman to file a complaint in circuit court and possibly recover wages if she's doing the same job as a man but is paid less.

Some advocates for working women want changes made to the bill, saying it say places too much burden on the victim. Cassandra Welchlin with the Black Women's Round Table says the bill requires information the Federal Equal Pay Act doesn't, such as documenting education and experience. She tells our Desare Frazier the federal law focuses on whether the woman is doing the same work as a man but paid less regardless.

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The Mississippi Department of Education is joining with the U.S. Census Bureau to make sure all students — and their families — are counted in this year’s census. Superintendent of Education, Carey Wright, tells MPB's Alexandra Watts communities like the Mississippi Delta will be affected by the count for the next decade. Andrea Robinson is with the U.S. Census Bureau's Atlanta Region which administers the Census in Mississippi. She says children ages 5 and under are the most likely to be uncounted.

Segment 3:

Byte Size Tech

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For over twenty years now, Lucero and lead singer and songwriter Ben Nichols have been drawing from the southern experience to craft a style that is a fusion of classic rock n roll and country funk. Tapping into local literary influences and inspired by the might of the Mississippi River, Nichols' songs offer up tales of longing, searching, and old-fashioned revelry. He shares it all with our Michael Guidry.

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With new documented cases of the coronavirus emerging in the United States, Mississippi officials make preparations.

Then, a bill to renew the Education Scholarship account gets debated in the Senate.

Plus, the 2020 Poetry Out Loud State Champion.

Segment 1:

Health officials in Mississippi are preparing for an outbreak of COVID-19: the disease caused by the new coronavirus. Currently there are no known cases of the coronavirus in Mississippi. MPB's Kobee Vance talks with State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers and Dr. Bhagyashri Navekele, the Medical Director of the Office of Infection Prevention at UMMC.

Segment 2:

Mississippi lawmakers are in the first stages of rewriting the states special needs voucher program. Educational Scholarship Accounts or ESAs provide about $6,500 to help students with private schools tuition or services. A state oversight agency found there was little accountability. Republican Senator Dennis DeBar of Leakesville chairs the Education Committee. He shares some of the new bill's revisions with MPB's Desare Frazier, and we hear from Chief of Government Relations and Communication Pete Smith.

Segment 3:

Morgan Love left her home school of Murrah in Jackson to attend the Mississippi School of the Arts in Brookhaven. This week she returned to the capital city for the state Poetry Out Loud Finals, and walked away a champion. She shares her experience with MPB's Michael Guidry.

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The debate over Medicaid and TANF scrutiny moves to the house.

And, Mississippi's gun reform advocates support a Red Flag bill.

Then, in today’s Book Club, a Mississippi novelist tells us the story of a small town, once peaceful but now a landscape of fear, violence and regret.

Segment 1:

A bill that would allow the state auditor to examine the tax returns of people who receive federal benefits continues to generate controversy in the Mississippi legislature. Senate Bill 2257 appeared in the House Ways and Means committee this week, and was met with much of the same discord it received on the Senate floor. MPB's Desare Frazier talks to Representatives Joey Hood (R-Ackerman) and Robert Johnson (D-Natchez).

Segment 2:

Gun safety activist are urging Mississippi lawmakers to pass a bill that would temporarily take firearms away from people under certain circumstances. Senate Bill 2055, referred to as the Red Flag Law, would allow families or law enforcement to intervene when they believe someone is a threat to themselves or others and has access to guns. Mary Helen Able is with Mississippi Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. She tells our Desare Frazier why she supports the bill.

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Mississippians are well aware of the invasive plant kudzu that grows, seemingly, everywhere. The clingy vine plays a major role in the latest novel by Oxford writer, Michael Farris Smith. Southern Gothic in tone, “Blackwood” takes place in a small dying Mississippi town. The novel is dark and violent and ultimately heartbreaking. Michael Farris Smith starts our interview talking about his method of writing.

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