Mississippi Edition for Monday, October 21:

Find out how a nationwide shortage of an anti-cancer drug is affecting kids with cancer right here in Mississippi. And after Byte Size Tech, the family of the late Emmett Till is in Mississippi to honor the Chicago teen whose Delta murder was a catalyst in the civil rights movement. And find out how digital technology is giving people a way to remember Till that can never be riddled with bullets. 

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Segment 1:

A nationwide shortage of a critical pediatric cancer drug has Mississippi's Batson Children's Hospital putting a contingency plan in place. Dr. Anderson Collier says one of the two companies that made Vincristine has stopped production. He says doctors use the drug for almost every major tumor they treat in children. Through careful rationing, Collier says they should have enough Vincristine to get through six weeks or so. After that, who knows? Dr. Anderson Collier spoke with MPB's Desare Frazier.

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Segment 2: Byte Size Tech 

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Segment 3: 

A fourth sign commemorating Emmett Till’s death is now up in the Mississippi Delta near the site where the Chicago teen was found murdered in 1955. The new sign replaces the bullet-riddled sign which was only put up last year. This summer, an image of three University of Mississippi students standing near the vandalized sign with guns went viral. 

The Emmett Till Memory Project mobile app is on APPLE and GOOGLE.

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Mississippi Edition for Wednesday, October 16, 2019:

Seniors have some important decisions to make starting this week about their healthcare. We'll talk about Medicare Open Enrollment. Then, hear why the Democratic candidate for Governor wants his opponent to remove a new TV ad. And after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, learn more about a series of events honoring Emmett Till, including the unveiling of a newly restored historical marker.

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01:11 - Segment 1:

Open enrollment is underway for Medicare nationwide - including Mississippi - for those turning 65.  There are various parts to the government-run insurance program for people of retirement age. Coverage can include doctor's visits, tests like X-rays or blood work, hospital stays and prescription drugs. Richard Courtney of Courtney Elder Law Associates talks about the options with MPB's Desare Frazier.

08:42 - In other news:

Mississippi's Democratic candidate for governor is asking his Republican opponent to stop airing an ad about increasing teacher pay. Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood is calling Republican Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves's ad a fraud because the video was shot at New Summit - a private school in Jackson. 

Hood says Reeves provided $1 million dollars in funding for the school through legislative earmarks over four years. Hood considers $5,000 in combined donations from the schools leaders to be "in return" for the funding. Hood's campaign also received a donation of about $2,000 from the school's leadership.  Reeves' campaign did not respond to a request for a comment.

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10:12 - Segment 2: Southern Remedy Health Minute (Artificial Sweeteners)

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12:17 - Segment 3: 

A newly restored historical marker honoring Emmett Till is being unveiled. It's part of a series of events to honor the African American teen whose gruesome murder in Mississippi helped spark the civil Rights movement. Patrick Weems is director of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center. He says there has been repeated vandalism of markers and signs since 2007. He talks with us about the importance of Till's legacy.

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Mississippi Edition for Tuesday, October 15, 2019:

We'll hear what Republican Tate Reeves and Democrat Jim Hood had to say last night during the 2nd debate in the Governor's race. Then, sexually transmitted diseases in Mississippi are on the rise. Find out in which category we lead the nation. And after a Mississippi Story Corps, a new lawsuit is filed over a buffer zone established outside the state's lone abortion clinic.

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01:11 - Segment 1:

The two major party candidates for Mississippi governor faced-off in their second debate in less than a week. MPB's Desare Frazier reports.

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06:05 - Segment 2: 

Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Mississippi has the highest rate of gonorrhea cases. There are almost 327 gonorrhea cases per 100,000 people in the state. Dr. Thomas Dobbs, the state health officer (Mississippi State Department of Health), talks with MPB's Alexandra Watts about who is most at risk.

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10:38 - Segment 3: Mississippi StoryCorps

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14:55 - Segment 4: 

Abortion opponents in Mississippi have filed a lawsuit challenging a local ordinance that will restrict noise levels and require protesters to remain a certain distance from the entrance of health care facilities. The lawsuit says the Jackson ordinance unconstitutionally limits free-speech rights as people try to persuade women not to end pregnancies.  We talked with Aaron Rice, who's the director of the Mississippi Justice Issue, which filed the lawsuit.

The City of Jackson released a statement from City Attorney Tim Howard. He says: “The Ordinance of the City of Jackson Prohibiting Certain Activities Near Health Care Facilities is based on well-established case law and was passed after thorough consideration. As to any other comment, we will do all of our talking where it counts and where we normally do it – through pleadings and in the courtroom.” 

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Mississippi Edition for Monday, October 14, 2019:

Just weeks from a statewide election, a new court challenge is looking to change the way Mississippi elects its governor. Then, a Byte Size Tech question about what happens to your data when you die.  And some advice to help put your best foot forward with prospective employers.

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Segment 1:

A federal judge may soon rule on a Mississippi election law some attorneys argue is discriminatory.  A provision in the 1890 Constitution requires a statewide candidate to win the popular vote and the majority of the 122 House districts. If no one wins, the election is decided by the House. Attorney Marina Jenkins is with the National Redistricting Foundation. She talks with MPB's Desare Frazier about the argument she made in court Friday.

For a bit more perspective on Mississippi's law - which is the only one of its kind in the United States - we turn to Matt Steffey. He's a professor at the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson. He spoke with MPB's Desare Frazier.

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Segment 2: Byte Size Tech

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Segment 3: 

Mississippi's unemployment rate is just over 5 percent. That's low. But it doesn't mean no one is looking for work, or even looking for better work. The Getting to Work Resume Building Workshop is taking place here at MPB later this week to help out all those job seekers. Joining us with more on building an effective resume is Roy Balentine of the Mississippi Community Education Center. They're one of MPB's resume building partners. Balentine spoke with MPB's Ezra Wall.

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Mississippi Edition for Friday, October 11, 2019:

The Republican and Democratic candidates for Mississippi Governor go head-to-head in Hattiesburg. We'll have the recap. Then, the first-ever "State of Childhood Obesity" report shines a bright light on a staggering problem in Mississippi. And we'll talk to the Special Olympics of Mississippi, just in time for the start of their Fall Games.

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01:11 - Segment 1:

The two major party candidates for Mississippi governor traded barbs over campaign contributions, highway funding, healthcare and more during a one hour debate at the University of Southern Mississippi last night. The debate was hosted by WJTV. Today, we'll hear from both candidates on three major issues: teacher pay, Medicaid expansion, and infrastructure. In addition to Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood and Republican Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, you'll also hear WJTV anchor Byron Brown and WREG anchor Greg Hurst.

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10:20 - Segment 2: 

More than half of today's children will be obese by age 35 according to a new report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "The State of Childhood Obesity" tracks the latest national and state level data on childhood obesity rates. We're joined by Jamie Bussel of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She talks about the problem, and what's behind it.  

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18:16 - Segment 3: 

From swimming to golf, horseshoes to soccer, Special Olympics Mississippi (Facebook | Instagram) gives people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to compete in the sports they love. This year's Fall Games are starting today in Hattiesburg. We're joined by Special Olympics Mississippi Executive Director Monica Daniels, and softball player Erin Showah. Daniels starts by talking about the impact of the organization.

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Photo Credit: Democratic State Attorney General Jim Hood, left and Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, right, shake hands at the conclusion of their first televised gubernatorial debate at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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Mississippi Edition for Thursday, October 10, 2019:

A new survey shows parents have some information - and some misinformation - on charter schools. Then, a gulf coast woman shares her breast cancer story of survival. Our conversation with Heather Wiggins and her husband, Senator Brice Wiggins. And in our Book Club, a renowned artist from Mississippi champions a Mississippi folk artist in his book, "Pappy Kitchens and the Saga of Red Eye, the Rooster."

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Segment 1:

More work is needed to educate Mississippi parents about charter schools. That's according to a survey by the nonprofit Mississippi First. Thirty-seven percent of parents whose children attend charter schools think they're private. Forty-four percent of parents with children in traditional public schools also think they're private. But charter schools are funded with taxpayers dollars.  

Torren Ballard of Mississippi First says, even though some people need better information on charter schools, overall the survey is encouraging. He talked with our Desare Frazier.

Joanne Mickens is the Executive Director of Parents for Public Schools. Her organization doesn't have an official position on charter schools. But on a personal level, she has some concerns.  

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Segment 2: 

More than 245,000 women get breast cancer every year in the U.S. and more than 40,000 women die from the disease.  That's according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  October is breast cancer awareness month and health care providers are urging all women over the age of 50 to get regular mammograms. But Heather Wiggins of Pascagoula was just 44 when she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in October 2015. She and her husband, Republican Senator Brice Wiggins, shared their story with MPB's Ezra Wall.

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Segment 3: 

O.W. “Pappy” Kitchens was a Mississippi artist, who started painting at the age of 67. He said he was a folk artist, saying "I paint about folks, what folks see and what folks do.” Today’s Book Club selection is called, ”Pappy Kitchens and the Saga of Red Eye the Rooster.” Its author is no slacker in the art community either. William R. Dunlap, also a Mississippian, is a renowned artist, arts commentator, and writer. His work has been displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. He tells us that he and Kitchens admired each other.  

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Mississippi Edition for Wednesday, October 9, 2019:

Democratic lawmakers are hearing research that says failure to expand Medicaid is costing lives. We'll talk about it. Then, hear from a Republican legislator who says Medicaid expansion isn't the answer. Find out what he wants to do instead. And after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, find out how a Delta elementary school can go from an F-grade to an A-grade in a single year.

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01:11 - Segment 1:

Mississippi Democrats are holding hearings about the benefits of expanding Medicaid ahead of the November 5th general election.  House Democrat Jarvis Dortch of Jackson says, studies show expanding the healthcare program provides more preventive healthcare, and better access to medical services.  He says this is an issue voters should care about. 

At a hearing at the Capitol yesterday, lawmakers heard from Sarah Miller. She's a public policy professor at the University of Michigan. She talked with our Desare Frazier about her newest research on the impact of the Affordable Care Act, and what happens in states like Mississippi that don't expand Medicaid.

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06:45 - Segment 2: 

With all the resistance to Medicaid expansion, the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare - however you want to put it - you might be surprised to learn that a growing number of Mississippi Republicans favor some kind of government involvement in making healthcare available to the working poor. That's the group of people most affected by non-expansion of Medicaid. It's people who are too poor to buy private insurance, their jobs don't offer such benefits, and they make too much money to qualify for Medicaid. 

House Republican Tracy Arnold of Boonville says he is against Medicaid expansion. But he tells our Desare Frazier he has a plan to cover the working poor.

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13:33 - Segment 3: Southern Remedy Health Minute (Brand vs. Generic Rx)

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15:25 - Segment 4: 

Armstrong Elementary School in Greenville can now call itself an A-rated school. But at this time last year, Armstrong was failing. But how can a school go from F-rated to A-rated in just one year? MPB's Alexandra Watts spoke with Greenville Superintendent Debra Dace, and Armstrong Principal Yolanda Johnson. Superintendent Dace starts the conversation.

So it seems the skepticism of Armstrong's F-to-A leap could be based in a potential misunderstanding. It turns out, a school's overall accountability score isn't only based on proficiency. Instead, for some schools, a big part of the score is based on improvement.  Alan Burrow from the Mississippi Department of Education explains.

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Mississippi Edition for Tuesday, October 8, 2019:

A controversial Mississippi abortion law is in front of the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans. We'll hear from the attorney arguing against the State. And after a Mississippi StoryCorps, hear from one expert who says constantly falling down is not a natural part of old age, and is actually very dangerous. And find out what researchers are saying about hemp in Mississippi.

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01:11 - Segment 1:

The 5th U.S. circuit court of Appeals is reviewing arguments for and against a Mississippi law that would ban most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The state passed the law in 2018. Mississippi's only abortion clinic immediately sued to block the law from taking effect. Hillary Schneller is an attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights and says the law is unconstitutional. She spoke with MPB's Desare Frazier.

Arguing on behalf of the state were lawyers from the Mississippi Attorney General's office. Attorneys for the state usually don't talk to the media during the course of a case. In a statement, the AG's office says - quote - "the state's interest in protecting unborn life justifies the restriction after 15 weeks."

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06:41 - Segment 2: StoryCorps

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11:00 - Segment 3: 

One in four adults aged 65 and older will fall every year. In fact, Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans according to the National Council on Aging. Twenty percent of those who do fall will have a fractured hip, broken bones and head injuries. Kathleen Cameron with the National Council on Aging says many older adults never recover from injuries due to falls. She says the key is prevention.

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17:16 - Segment 4: 

Members of a government task force in Mississippi have been trying to determine if there’s a future for growing industrial hemp in the state.  The crop could be used for fiber or sold as seeds.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture is in the process of creating rules for Hemp production and it’s still listed as a controlled substance in the state.  But the Legislature created the Mississippi Hemp Task Force to make sure the state is ready when regulations are finalized. Wes Burger is with Mississippi State University and studies crops. He talked with MPB's Desare Frazier about his research after a recent meeting of the Task Force. 

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Mississippi Edition for Monday, October 7, 2019:

The University of Mississippi's incoming Chancellor is on the defensive. That's following an abrupt hiring process that has left many outraged.  And after Byte Size Tech, Millsaps College releases its last pre-election State of the State poll. We'll talk about what likely voters had to say.

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Segment 1:

University of Mississippi can expect more protests this week over the appointment of incoming Chancellor Glenn Boyce. Some faculty and students protested last week saying the College Board didn't follow its procedures for selecting Boyce. In fact, protests shut down the on-campus announcement of Boyce's appointment. He didn't apply for the position and was consultant during the search process.  History professor Garrett Felber was one of the protesters removed from the news conference.

Jared Foster is a senior at the university. He's part of a campus organization called Students Against Social Injustice. Foster tells MPB's Desare Frazier the state College Board should do more to acknowledge student and faculty concerns.

After protestors shut down the official public announcement of Glenn Boyce as Chancellor of the university, he spoke to members of the media at a hastily called teleconference. Boyce started by talking about stepping into his new role.

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Segment 2: Byte Size Tech

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Segment 3: 

About 50% of Mississippi voters are extremely or somewhat enthusiastic about voting in next month's general election. That's according to the latest Millsaps/Chism State of the State survey. The quarterly survey examines issues of relevance in state politics. It finds voters are divided when it comes to their perceptions of the state's direction. We're joined by Millsaps College Professor Nathan Schrader.

Millsaps partners with Chism Strategies to conduct the State of the State survey. Chism is a democratic political consultancy firm, and they are working with statewide candidates during this election cycle. 

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Mississippi Edition for Friday, October 4, 2019:

A new settlement will change the way policing is done in a Mississippi county where some blacks felt targeted. Then, the candidates for Secretary of State go head to head in Hattiesburg. We'll hear from both of them. And a statewide burn ban is in effect. Just what does that mean? And how long could it last?

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01:11 - Segment 1:

A federal judge has approved a settlement in a racial profiling lawsuit against the Madison County Sheriff's Department. Yesterday U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves heard the details of the consent decree. The agreement includes training for officers, new rules for traffic checkpoints, and a community advisory board.  Private attorneys and the American Civil Liberties Union represented eight plaintiffs. Khadafy Manning says he was re-learning how to walk after a spinal cord injury when he was taken out of his home by deputies. He's one of the eight plaintiffs in the case. He tells MPB's Desare Frazier he was being pressured to give accounts of events he had not seen. Canton resident Lawrence Blackmon is another plaintiff. He tells our Desare Frazier the constant possibility of being stopped for no reason made him uneasy.

Attorneys for the Madison County Sheriff's Department say the allegations of bias were never proven. They say they settled to save time and money. 

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08:04 - Segment 2: 

The Republican and Democratic candidates vying to be Mississippi's next Secretary of State both appeared in a public forum at William Carey University in Hattiesburg. Former Hattiesburg mayor Johnny Dupree and Republican State Senator Michael Watson held a discussion moderated by WLOX news director, Brad Kessie.

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16:15 - Segment 3: 

All 82 counties in Mississippi are under a statewide burn ban with no exceptions. The governor signed the proclamation because of the extreme drought conditions in the state. Jason Scott with the Mississippi Forestry Commission says during the month of September, Commission fire fighters responded to 239 fires that burned approximately 42-hundred acres throughout Mississippi. He explains to MPB's Ezra Wall.  

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