Jackson State University’s president is arrested in a prostitution sting.

And the Senate appropriations committee considers the Department of Public Safety’s budget request.

Then, Mississippi honors the nation’s first African American Senator.

Segment 1:

Jackson State University President William Bynum has resigned from his position after being arrested over the weekend during a prostitution sting. The two day operation by the Clinton Police Department led to the arrest of the former JSU and sixteen others, including Shonda McCarthy, director of the Jackson State University art galleries. Mark Jones, Communications Director of the Clinton Police Department, shares the details of the sting, and JSU SGA President tells students to stay positive.

Segment 2:

Officials with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety are seeking a hefty budget increase to hire more troopers and make upgrades. Pat Cronin is with the agency's Administrative Operations. During a Senate appropriations committee meeting, Cronin made the case for additional funding to help upgrade the crime lab, hire more staff and increase salaries.  Senator Briggs Hopson of Vicksburg chairs the Appropriations Committee. He tells our Desare Frazier his committee will consider the information but its too soon to prioritize any requests.

Segment 3:

In January of 1870, the Mississippi legislature convened in the Old Capitol to determine who would represent the readmitted state in the U.S. Senate. It would be the first time since the Civil War that Mississippi filled its Senate seats. The next month, Hiram Revels would become the first African American to be elected to the Senate, and 150 years later, that milestone is being commemorated. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History will honor Revels on the very floor he was elected to represent the state of Mississippi. Serving as keynote speaker at the event is Dr. Eric Foner, the DeWitt Clinton Professor Emeritus at Columbia University.

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Following last week's indictments, we take a look at how one Mississippi non-profit's services rely on TANF funds.

And, with teen vaping on the rise, parents and school administrators take action.

Then, after Byte Size Tech, MPB celebrates 50 years - a conversation with Executive Director Ronnie Agnew.

Segment 1:

Mississippi's former Department of Human Service Director, John Davis, an ex-wrestler and non-profit officials are among those charged with embezzling at least $4 million from the TANF Fund--Temporary Assistant to Needy Families. Governor Tate Reeves has frozen the federal TANF grants which are administered by the state. But other Mississippi organizations that receive TANF funds may be put in a financial bind during the on-going investigation. Carol Burnett is director of Moore Community House and the Mississippi Low Income Childcare Initiative in Biloxi. She tells MPB's Desare Frazier she relies on those funds to assist low-income single mothers with childcare.

Segment 2:

While smoked tobacco use is on the decline among Mississippi youth, vaping is on the rise. Since 2010, e-cigarette use has increased by over 1000 percent in middle and high schoolers in Mississippi - that's according to M S tobacco data dot org. Health officials and community leaders met recently at a Vaping Summit in Flowood to discuss the issue. Jill Gordon, Executive Director of Enrich MS, is one of the organizers. She tells MPB's Kobee Vance she became active when she caught her middle school son vaping. 

Educators have banned vape products at schools, and now---they are trying to change municipal laws to make it more difficult for teens to get vape products. Ben Stein is the Principal at Northwest Rankin High School in Flowood. He tells our Kobee Vance a new ordinance is helping to lower the rates of teen vaping.

Segment 3:

Byte Size Tech

Segment 4:

If you have been listening to MPB Think Radio regularly, you've probably heard the dozen or so Happy Anniversary wishes. 2020 marks MPB's 50th year serving Mississippi, and to celebrate, Mississippi Edition will bring you a series of conversations with the influential figures that have shaped Mississippi Public Broadcasting over the last half decade. We start the celebration of that history with our current Executive Director Ronnie Agnew.

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The State Auditor’s office uncovers an embezzlement scheme.

Then, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division announces an investigation of the Department of Corrections.

And, the Fifth Circuit Court hears the appeal in Mississippi’s six-week abortion ban.

Segment 1:

The State Auditor's Office in cooperation with the Hinds County District Attorney's office is uncovering what Auditor Shad White calls the largest case on record. Arrests were made on Wednesday of former Department of Human Services Director John Davis and Dr. Nancy New, owner and Director of the Mississippi Community Education Center (MCEC) and New Learning, Inc, along with four other alleged co-conspirators. Auditor White addressed the indictments at the Hinds County Courthouse Thursday. We also received comment from the U.S. Attorney's office.

Segment 2:

The U.S. Department of Justice announced its investigating four Mississippi prisons. The Civil Rights Division will examine conditions at Parchman Penitentiary, Southern Mississippi Correctional Institute, the Central Mississippi and Wilkinson County Correctional Facilities. Mississippi 2nd District Congressman Bennie Thompson requested the investigation after recent violence and the deaths of at least 15 inmates most of them at Parchman. He tells MPB's Michael Guidry Mississippi has a problem and he hopes the DOJ's involvement will bring some solutions. Plus, reaction from Cliff Johnson of the MacArthur Justice Center and Governor Tate Reeves.

Segment 3:

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Thursday in Jackson Women's Health Organization v Dobbs — a case challenging Mississippi’s ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. This is the first of the recent six-week abortion bans to reach a federal court of appeals. The ban was blocked by a district court last May, but the State of Mississippi appealed the decision. Hillary Schneller, an attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights, recaps the arguments from the Fifth Circuit in Houston.

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Education takes center stage at the capitol.

And members of Mississippi‘s congressional delegation respond to the State of the Union.

Then, in today’s Book Club, first person accounts from former slaves in “River of Blood.”

Plus, a lifetime achievement award for the Jackson Southernaires.

Segment 1:

The Senate unanimously passed a bill to give teachers a 1,000 dollar raise, and elevate the starting salary for a new teacher to $37,000. And, the topic of early learning collaboratives recieves significant attention in the legislature. Education advocates are urging Mississippi lawmakers to expand a successful Pre-K program that's not accessible statewide. Rachel Canter is with the non-profit Mississippi First. She tells MPB's Desare Frazier. Senate Education Chair Republican Dennis DeBar of Leakesville says an increase in funding may be possible.

Segment 2:

President Donald Trump presented his State of the Union address Tuesday night to a joint session in the House of Representatives. Trump had been at the center of an impeachment trial that ended Wednesday after the Senate failed to meet the two-thirds threshold required to remove the president from office. Republican Congressman Michael Guest joined our Michael Guidry to discuss the President's message and the path forward for a Congress engulfed in partisanship.

Segment 3:

Today’s Book Club feature is apropos for this Black History month. It’s a book about slavery from the people who lived it. During the 1930s, the U.S. Government interviewed thousands of former slaves about their lives. In “River of Blood,” excerpts of those interviews are accompanied by the photos of those who shared their stories. Richard Cahan is an editor of the book.

Segment 4:

The Jackson Southernaires are a nearly 80 year-old gospel group and the first group in Mississippi to employ keyboards, guitar, drums and bass instruments in gospel, establishing a practice that continues today. Their longevity, success and influence has now led to the group being presented with the Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement in music. Larry Morrisey of MPB Think Radio's Mississippi Arts Hour sat down with Southernaire Maurice Sorrell.

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Members of the Walnut Grove community respond to the plan to relocate inmates.

Then, a joint committee session on criminal justice reform.

And, after a southern remedy health minute, a Governor’s Arts Awards, Lifetime Achievement recipient.

Segment 1:

Members of the Walnut Grove community are speaking up regarding the state's plan to potentially reopen a local prison facility. Among them are Leake County NAACP and Boys & Girls Club representative Gwendolyn Barton Reid. She tells MPB's Kobee Vance the community is concerned about the state's intentions to reopen the Walnut Grove facility as a relief mechanism for Parchman.

Segment 2:

As Mississippi lawmakers tackle prison reform, the Mississippi Association of Gang Investigators says an issue they have to confront is the thousands of gang members that flow in and out of the system. Jimmy Anthony is the association's vice president. He tells MPB's Desare Frazier the state can not continue to deny the existence and influence of gangs in Mississippi.

Anthony spoke to members of the Senate in a committee meeting about criminal justice reform. Republican Senator Brice Wiggins of Pascagoula chairs the Judiciary B Committee. He says it's time for people to understand what's happening in Mississippi communities. Democrat Juan Barnett is the chair of the Senate corrections committee. He tells our Desare Frazier reform means helping those convicted transition into productive community members.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

The annual Governor's Arts Award are Thursday. The awards are given to individuals and organizations to recognize outstanding work in the artistic disciplines, and community development and patronage in Mississippi. Among those being honored is Henry Danton, who is set to received the Lifetime Achievement in Dance. Danton is a 100-year old renowned ballet dancer and teacher. He joined MPB Think Radio's Mississippi Arts Hour to share his story. 

Extra:

In national news, the Senate impeachment trial is entering what is expected to be its final day. After a day of floor speeches, it is anticipated the Senate will acquit President Trump. Senior Senator Roger Wicker was among those on the floor Tuesday announcing his intent to vote no on the articles.

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The state health department responds to a Hepatitis A outbreak.

Then, universities struggle to compete for faculty and staff.

And, a Mississippi tech company wants the state to invest more in computer science education.

Segment 1:

The Mississippi Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of Hepatitis A across Mississippi. Since April of 2019, there have been 149 cases of Hepatitis A, marking a period of sustained transmission across the state. The most recent case involved a restaurant worker in Vicksburg. Dr. Kathryn Taylor is the Deputy State Epidemiologist. She tells our Kobee Vance the department is investigating each case to prevent the spread of the disease.

Segment 2:

Mississippi's colleges and universities say they're struggling to compete for highly trained faculty. Mississippi College Board Commissioner Alfred Rankins told the Senate Appropriations Sub-Committee that between 2017 and 2019, surrounding states increased their funding for higher education, while Mississippi's declined by nearly 11 percent. Rankins is requesting 10 percent more for colleges and universities which would put their funding at $733 million dollars for fiscal year 2021.

Presidents of the state's eight universities and colleges discussed the challenges of attracting and retaining faculty. Dr. Jerryl Briggs is the President of Mississippi Valley State University. He tells MPB's Desare Frazier the lack of competitive salaries and the school's rural location are factors in attracting faculty and staff.  Republican Senator Jennifer Branning of Philadelphia heads the sub-committee that heard from Mississippi's university presidents. She says she will take the information presented and work with it throughout the process.

Segment 3:

A campaign by Mississippi-based tech company C-Spire designed to motivate legislators, policy makers and parents to invest more in computer science education made waves on Super Bowl Sunday. Dave Miller is the Senior Manage of Media Relations at C-Spire. He tells our Michael Guidry the time for that investment is now. 

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The state health department takes proactive measures regarding the coronavirus.

Then, a proposed constitutional amendment.

And, after Byte Size Tech, how a grassroots letter writing campaign is reaching Mississippi inmates.

Segment 1:

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in United States has reached eleven. Health officials in Mississippi are closely monitoring the outbreak. The risk of the coronavirus in Mississippi is low, but State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the state Department of Health is preparing for potential cases. Dr. Paul Byers, the State Epidemiologist, says new information is still being gathered, and that Mississippi health institutions are preparing despite the current low risk.

Segment 2:

According to Mississippi's constitution, candidates for state office must win both a majority of the popular vote PLUS a majority of the state's house districts. In the event a candidate does not carry both, the state house of representatives decides. The provision, written in 1890, received considerable attention during the 2019 gubernatorial race. But a potential constitutional amendment could change that requirement. Democrat Senator David Blount tells us more.

Segment 3:

Byte Size Tech

Segment 4:

Letters from across the state have started pouring into Mississippi's prisons. The Freedom Letters campaign, sponsored by the Reaching and Educating for Community Hope or RECH, Foundation, is a grassroots response to the current prison crisis. Pauline Rogers is a co-founder of the RECH Foundation. She tells us how her past has shaped her foundation's mission.

Dr. Garrett Felber is an assistant professor of history at the University of Mississippi. He is working closely with the RECH Foundation to get students and community organizations engaged in the nation wide campaign.

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A recent Supreme Court ruling could have severe effects on immigrants.  

Then, a lobbying group seeks to expand Mississippians' wine retail options.

Plus, the "Gridiron Girl" goes to the Super Bowl. 

Segment 1:

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the Trump administration to begin enforcing its new "public charge" rule, making it harder for lower-income immigrants to get a green card if they receive basic public benefits like Medicaid or SNAP. Madeline Morcelle is the Director of Public Benefits Law at the Mississippi Center for Justice, a public interest law firm that fights Mississippi's culture of injustice. She tell's MPB's Michael Guidry, the ruling could have profound effects on Mississippi's immigrant communities.

Segment 2:

Grocery stores want to be a one stop shop, but they still can't sell strong wine. Currently, Mississippi grocery stores can only sell wine with up to 5 percent alcohol - wines with higher alcohol by volume or AVB are sold at locations holding a liquor license. Elliott Flaggs is the Chair of the Looking for Wine Coalition, an organization lobbying on behalf of grocery stores and chains to change the laws and allow more wine in grocery stores. He explains the coalition's mission and progress with MPB's Kobee Vance.

The expansion of wine retailers may exacerbate existing storage problems. Before liquor can be sold to stores, it must first go through the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control, under the purview of the Department of Revenue. Herb Frierson is the department's commissioner. He tells our Kobee Vannce the warehouse that houses the state's alcohol is already at maximum capacity, and couldn't keep up with the demand if grocery stores began to sell strong wines.  

Segment 3:

Young football players across the country will be watching as the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers square off in Super Bowl Fifty Four on Sunday night. Among them will be Aniah Echols, a seventh grader from Oxford. But unlike most of her peers, Aniah will be watching the game from a seat inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The first female football player ever for Oxford Middle School was gifted tickets to the game by Hall of Famer Michael Strahan after her efforts gained national attention. She shares her story with our Michael Guidry.

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As the legislative session kicks into gear, bills make their way out of committee.

Then, one house member's mission to improve maternal and infant care.

Plus, from McComb to Miami. One Mississippian's Super Bowl journey.

And in today’s Book Club, find out what the University Press of Mississippi has been doing for the last fifty years.

Segment 1:

Legislation to address the short fall in the teacher pay raise from 2019 is one step closer to being finalized. House Republican John Read of Gautier chairs the Appropriations Committee. He says that bill, along with a bill that will appropriate funds for Census advertising, has passed through the house committee. He stresses the importance of the census, and the need for appropriations to address the prison crisis. Members of Mississippi's Legislative Black Caucus are also drafting legislation focused on prison reform. House Democrat Robert Johnson of Natchez is with the state's black caucus. He tells MPB's Desare Frazier they're drafting legislation to address the factors related to the prison crisis.

Segment 2:

Health care and accessibility were high priorities for Mississippians according to a recent poll. House Democrat Jarvis Dortch is drafting legislation to address those issues. He tells MPB's Michael Guidry he wants to tailor programs to address Mississippi's highly needed preventive care as well as infant and maternal support.

Segment 3:

Growing up in McComb, Charvarius Ward dreamed of playing in the NFL. On Sunday, he will step onto football's biggest stage as a member of the AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs as they take on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl fifty four. He tells MPB's Michael Guidry his focus and determination are the reasons he's made it this far.

Segment 4:

Today’s Book Club doesn’t feature an author or a particular book, but a lot of books from a lot of authors that come to you from Mississippi’s largest publisher and the only non-profit publisher in the state. The University Press of Mississippi is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Craig Gill is its Director …

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On the heels of the governor’s state of the state, education reform activists take to the capital. We hear from school choice proponents, skeptics, and legislators tasked with determining the fate of the Education Scholarship Account.

Then, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we examine the risks of acetaminophen over dosage.

Segment 1:

More than 800 Children from Mississippi charter, public and private schools rallied at the capitol on Tuesday in recognition of National School Choice Week. Grant Callen is the Founder and President of Empower Mississippi. He spoke the the crowd about the organizations mission regarding school choice, as did Dr. Tamela Boyd Shaw of Leflore Legacy Academy, and parent John Wells.

Segment 2:

School choice advocates are urging lawmakers to renew the Education Scholarship Account program, which ends this year. It provides about $6,500 to special needs students to help pay for tuition or services at private schools. Supporters of choice want to see the program extended. Nancy Loome of the Parents Campaign, however, questions whether Mississippi should be allowing public money to flow to private institutions. She shares her concerns with MPB's Desare Frazier.

House Education Committee Chair Richard Bennett, House Education Committee Member Larry Byrd, and Senate Education Committee Member Sollie Norwood also weigh in.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

This year’s flu season got off to an earlier-than-normal start and is on track to be one of the worst in decades. Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas have been among the hardest-hit states when it comes to the flu this year - that's according to the CDC. The Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition is urging consumers to double check their medicine labels when treating cold and flu symptoms to avoid doubling up on acetaminophen. Sophia Thomas is President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She explains the need to be aware of the active ingredients in over-the counter cold and flu medicines to avoid doubling up on acetaminophen. 

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