Lt. Governor Hosemann makes committee assignments.

Plus, a ballot initiative on medical marijuana.

Then, after Byte Size Tech, a conversation with Jim Hood

Segment 1:

Mississippi's new Republican lieutenant governor is putting together a bipartisan leadership team in the state Senate. Delbert Hosemann announced Senate committees Friday naming Republicans as chairmen of the two committees most-directly responsible for taxpayer dollars. W. Briggs Hopson of Vicksburg will chair Appropriations and Josh Harkins of Flowood will chair Finance. Hosemann also named Republicans to lead the Education Committee and the two Judiciary Committees. 

Democrat Juan Barnett of Heidelberg was selected to lead the Corrections committee. Barnett tells MPB's Desare Frazier that he is excited about the opportunity.

After serving on the Education committee for 12 years, Democrat David Blount assumes a leadership role as Vice Chair of the committee. He tells our Desare Frazier teacher pay is his top priority.

Segment 2:

Medical Marijuana will be on the ballot when Mississippi voters head to the polls this November. The proposed amendment would allow licensed physicians to prescribe marijuana to patients with debilitating medical conditions. Advocates for medical marijuana, like Jamie Grantham of Mississippians for Compassionate Care, say it can help thousands of people with chronic pain. She explains the Medical Marijuana 2020 campaign with MPB's Michael Guidry.

Dr. Thomas Dobbs is a state health officer with the Mississippi Department of Health. He tells our Michael Guidry that the proposed amendment presents a number of challenges.

Segment 3:

Byte Size Tech

Segment 4:

Jim Hood served as Mississippi's Attorney General for 16 years. After a hard-fought campaign for governor in 2019, Hood is stepping away from state office. He joined us to reflect his tenure as the state's attorney in part one of our conversation.

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Severe weather is anticipated across the Magnolia State this weekend. We have the details about what to expect. Then, new state officers are sworn in, and the house passes its first bill of the session.

And, the 2020 senate race is set. We hear from the candidates.

Plus, more on prison reform.

Segment 1:

An outbreak of severe weather is expected Saturday morning as an intense line of severe thunderstorms moves through the area. We welcome the National Weather Service in Jackson to tell us more.

Seven of Mississippi's eight statewide office holders have been officially sworn-in. Among them, Lynn Fitch, the first woman to serve as Attorney General. Secretary of State Michael Watson and Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann were also among the seven Republicans beginning their terms in state office yesterday.

The Mississippi House has voted to pay the full cost for this year's teacher pay raise.  The $1,500-per-person raise was approved during the 2019 session. But, officials later discovered a bureaucratic error that resulted in too few teachers being counted as the state budget was written. The error meant that too little money was initially set aside for the budget year that started July 1. Rep. Richard Bennett from Harrison County led the floor debate. House Bill 1 will cover the shortfall of more than $18 million. The measure now moves to the Senate where it is expected to pass. 

Segment 2:

When Mississippians head to to polls in November, they will see some familiar names on the ballot. Republican Cindy Hyde Smith will once again face Democrat challenger Mike Espy for a place in the U.S. Senate. Hyde Smith filed for re-election last week. During her filing ceremony, she touted the appointment of conservative judges among the list of accomplishments she is most proud of during her abbreviated term. When asked about impeachment, the Republican told MPB's Desare Frazier that fairness is what is needed most.

Attorney Mike Espy filed his election papers this week. He tells our MPB's Kobee Vance that his campaign learned a lot from the last race and that his team is ready to narrow the gap.

Segment 3:

Mississippi's prison system is transferring 375 inmates to a private prison after recent eruptions of violence. The state corrections commissioner says the prison system doesn't have enough guards to safely keep the inmate in state custody. The state signed a contract with private prison operator CoreCivic of Nashville. The inmates are being shifted for at least 90 days from the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, where three people died and others were injured in violence last week. J. Robertson is with Empower Mississippi. He tells our Michael Guidry that the first step to reforming the system is addressing sentencing.

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Two State House Representatives leave the Democrat party. Lt. Governor-elect Hosemann visits Parchman.

Then, restitution centers are at the center of a new investigative story. We take a closer look with one of the reporters.

Plus, a new Book Club.

Segment 1:

As the 2020 legislative session gets underway, two Mississippi Democrats are leaving the party to become independents. Representative Michael Evans of Preston in Kemper County says his district is about half Republicans and half Democrats. He tells MPB's Desare Frazier why he made the change, and what he's focusing on during the session. Kevin Horan of Grenada is also becoming an independent. There are 44 Democrats in the House, 75 Republicans and now three Independents. The state legislature has a Republican super-majority in both chambers.

Prisoner advocates are calling on the federal government ---to investigate the state's prison system---for possible civil rights violations. Incoming Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann visited Parchman this week. He shares his concerns with MPB's Ashley Norwood.

Segment 2:

In a story jointly reported by The Marshall Project and Mississippi Today, journalists Anna Wolfe and Michelle Liu dive into the dark world of Mississippi's restitution centers. Stuck between prison and freedom, inmates often don't know when they'll get to go home. As Michelle Lui of Mississippi Today tells us, the research on this topic was extensive.

Annita Husband is the subject of the story. A judge sentenced her to one of the state's four centers in 2015. She reflects on her time in the Flowood restitution center with our Michael Guidry. Find out more about Annita Husband's story in "Working Towards Freedom". This story was jointly reported by The Marshall Project and Mississippi Today. The print version of this story is available at TheMarshallProject.org and MississippiToday.org.

Segment 3:

Mississippi icon, B.B. King, spent his life playing the blues and introducing other musicians to the genre he embraced. In a new portrait of King, author Diane Williams shares the details of his humble beginnings before offering a series of interviews with bandmates and family. It’s in “The Life and Legacy of B.B. King.”

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The new legislative year is underway. We check in with the Senate and hear some reflections from outgoing Governor Bryant.

Then, the SPLC leads a coalition of advocates in urging the Department of Justice to investigate the Mississippi prison crisis. We talk to one of their lead attorneys.

And, in a historic moment, Willie Simmons is sworn in as Transportation Commissioner.

Segment 1:

The Mississippi Senate commenced Tuesday at noon. After swearing in all 52 Senators, one of the first orders of business was to elect a new President Pro Tempore. Republican Senator Josh Harkins of Rankin introduced the nomination of Dean Kirby. Democrat Barbara Blackmon seconded the motion. Republican Senator Chassaniol also seconded the nomination. Dean Kirby was elected President Pro Tempore by acclamation.

Senator Brice Wiggins, a Republican from Pascagoula, tells MPB's Desare Frazier that the first meeting of the new Senate body brought a refreshing energy that will be needed to move Mississippi forward.

Governor Phil Bryant was also on hand at the Capital. He reflects on his eight years as governor with our Desare Frazier.

Segment 2:

The Southern Poverty Law Center is leading a coalition of reformers in a push to get the United States Justice Department to investigate the Mississippi prison crisis. Paloma Wu, a Senior Supervising Attorney with the SPLC, was one of many speakers during a rally outside the capitol Tuesday. She tells our Michael Guidry that the current crisis is decades in the making.

Dora Wolfe of Terry has a son currently incarcerated at Parchman. She believes the current conditions are unsafe.

Segment 3:

Willie Simmons was sworn in as Central District Transportation Commissioner on Tuesday. The moment marks the first time an African-American has held that position. Mr. Simmons met with MPB's Kobee Vance during the ceremony.

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The 2020 legislative session begins today. We take a look at what members of the House hope to accomplish this year.

Then, a special report on the prison crisis.

And, among the twenty five new members of the state house being sworn in, seven are women. We speak with two of them.

Segment 1:

Today marks the start of the 2020 Mississippi Legislative session with newly elected lawmakers joining those returning for the new four year term. In-coming governor Republican Tate Reeves says he'll be working with the legislature on issues that include workforce development and education.

Phillip Gunn is returning to Capitol Hill with a number of goals in mind for the session as well as the four year term.  Chris Bell of Hinds County is also returning to Capitol Hill. The second-term Democrat emphasizes that teacher pay raises and infrastructure are his top priorities. Both men talk with our Desare Frazier.

Segment 2:

Families of prisoners in the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman say they are worried about their loved ones after a recent string of fatal fights among inmates. As MPB's Ashley Norwood reports, state prison systems remain on lock down.

Segment 3:

Twenty five new legislators will join the State House of Representatives this term. Six of those new members are women. Zakiya Summers is a Democrat representing House District 68 which includes West Jackson, South Jackson, Byram and Terry. She tells MPB's Ashley Norwood what compelled her to run for office. Dana Underwood McClain chose to run partly due to her concerns regarding Mississippi's educational system. The Republican from Columbus also believes the law-making body needs the perspective she and her other female members brings.

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With prisons on lock down after a string of deaths, we take a closer look at the condition of Mississippi's corrections department.

Plus, ten years after a tragedy, new school bus safety equipment is being introduced in Mississippi.

And, after Byte Size Tech, a conversation with Senator Dean Kirby. 

Segment 1:

Prison systems remain on lock down after more than a week of violent behavior at two state prisons and one regional prison. The violence resulted in five inmate deaths and several injuries. All five victims were killed by other inmates. Lisa Graybill is the Deputy Legal Director for the Southern Poverty Law Center. She tells MPB's Ashley Norwood that this outbreak of violence is unique to Mississippi.

On Friday during her re-election filing event, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith joined Senator Wicker in expressing support of the President's actions.

Segment 2:

Ten years ago Nathan Key was killed after being stuck by a passing car while getting off of his school bus. Now, Safe Fleet, a manufacturer of safety solutions for fleet vehicles is introducing technology designed to prevent those types of accidents. Chris Akiyama is the Vice President of School Bus Safety. He explains the predictive stop arm with our Michael Guidry.

Lori Key McJohnson is Nathan Key's mother. In 2011 she pushed the state legislature to pass Nathan's Law, which increased penalties for driving past a stopped school bus. She worked with Safe Fleet to bring the technology to Jones County. She tells us about her role and her continued efforts in advocating for school bus safety.  

Segment 3:

Byte Size Tech

Segment 4:

The 2020 Legislative session is slated to begin this week. When the Senate convenes, Republican Dean Kirby of Rankin County is expected to be voted in as the next Pro Tempore. He talks with our Desare Frazier about his anticipated role and what he is looking forward to this session. 

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The 2020 Legislative session begins next week. We take a look at Lt. Governor elect Hosemann's agenda and how he's reaching out to members of the Senate.

Then, Mississippi's poultry economy took a dip in 2019. What accounts for the drop in state's the chief agriculture industry.

And, a yearly report assesses the quality of the Sonny Montgomery VA Hospital.

Segment 1:

Next week, Delbert Hoseman will be sworn in as 33rd Lt. Governor of Mississippi. Since the November election, Hosemann has been preparing for his new role leading the Mississippi Senate. He says that meeting with state agencies was a high priority. Hosemann also identifies the need for the new legislature to address the growing concerns over education. The first step for Hosemann in leading the Senate is meeting all of his colleagues and understanding their priorities and goals.

Senator John Horhn, a Democrat from Jackson was pleasantly surprised during his meeting with Hosemann. He tells MPB's Ashley Norwood they share many common legislative issues.

Segment 2:

The Mississippi poultry industry accounts for nearly three billion dollars of the yearly Mississippi economy. But the industry did not perform as well in 2019 as it had in the past. Dr. Tom Tabler is a poultry scientist with the Mississippi State University Extension Center. He tells us that consumer concerns over antibiotics is changing the industry.

Segment 3:

The Sonny Montgomery Veteran's Medical Center in Jackson is working to provide more information about the quality of its care to compete with hospitals across the state. The center has added a link to its website called "Compare Your VA Facility." Veterans can see how the Jackson and Biloxi medical centers compare with other hospitals based on a yearly report that assesses the quality of care in a range of categories. Medical Center Director Dr. David Walker tells MPB's Desare Frazier that Sonny Montgomery is outperforming the community in a number of measures.

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The Secretary of State's office files an injunction against the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Then, 2020 is a Census year. Why this year's count is vital for Mississippi communities.

Plus, financial planning for the New Year.

And, Mississippi Blood Services is in need of donors. We look at how you can help.

Segment 1:

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann has filed suit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi River Commission; alleging an illegal release of water into the Mississippi Sound from the repeated opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway. Hosemann tells MPB's Michael Guidry that the infiltration of freshwater into the Mississippi Sound has caused devastating effects across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Segment 2:

This year the US Census Bureau will conduct its constitutionally required count of people inhabiting the United States. The Mississippi Complete Count Committee is tasked with making sure Mississippians are accurately included in this decade's count. Giles Ward is the committee chairman. He tells MPB's Ashley Norwood how the committee plans on reaching residents of the state.

Segment 3:

For many, the New Year means a chance to make financial plans or change spending habits. Ryder Taff is with financial advisors New Perspectives. He tells our Michael Guidry, whether large or small, setting financial goals should start with assessing your values.

Segment 4:

Mississippi needs blood donors. Emily Austin is the Marketing and Communications Manager for Mississippi Blood Services. She tells our Ashley Norwood that the current shortage extends beyond the state.

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An end-of-year Fatality Report details the number of Mississippi law enforcement officers that have been killed in the line of duty.

Plus, practicing fire and fireworks safety this New Year's Eve.

And, a mother's mission to reduce drunk driving fatalities in Mississippi.

Segment 1:

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has released an End of Year Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities Report. The report finds that over 100 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in 2019. Four of those deaths occurred in Mississippi. Marcia Ferranto is CEO of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. She talks with us about the report's conclusions.

Segment 2:

Tonight, across the country and the state, many will celebrate the New Year with fireworks. Others may welcome it with bonfires. In either case, John Pope, President of the Mississippi Firefighters Association, urges caution. As he tells our Kobee Vance, safety is paramount when handling fireworks.

Segment 3:

The Mississippi Highway Patrol arrested 95 drunk drivers and a record 10 people died during the Thanksgiving holiday. This Christmas there were 39 DUI's and 5 deaths. Sherrel Clark with Mother's Against Drunk Driving Mississippi warns people against the dangers of drunk driving. The 53-year old says her younger brother was killed by a drunk driver in 1988. Then in 2006, her daughter, who was pregnant with twins, was killed by one. She tells MPB's Desare Frazier about those dangers and how her personal experience has shaped her advocacy.

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Members of PERS may now be eligible to serve as legislators while maintaining their retirement.

Plus, advice on some end of the year, tax-friendly giving.

Then, after Byte Size Tech, making and keeping those New Year fitness resolutions.

Segment 1:

A rule change by the Public Employee Retirement System allows Mississippi state agency and public school retirees to continue collecting pension benefits while also being paid to serve in the state legislature. Ray Higgins is the Executive Director of PERS. He explains the change with our Kobee Vance. The Parents Campaign is a public school advocacy organization. Executive Director Nancy Loome tells us that the rule change could encourage retired teachers to run for legislative office.

Segment 2:

There are only two days left to make charitable donations for the 2019 tax year. But how can you make sure your are donating in the most tax-friendly way? Dr. Nancy Anderson is President of New Perspectives. She talks with MPB's Michael Guidry about ways to sensibly give.

Segment 3:

Byte Size Tech

Segment 4:

A 2018 survey conducted by NPR and The Marist Poll concluded that 44 percent of American adults will make a New Year's resolution. Many of those resolutions are health and fitness related. But studies also indicate that a significant number of those resolutions fail within four to six weeks. We talk to Dr. Josie Bidwell of our own Southern Remedy about how to make and maintain realistic resolutions.

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