Mississippi Edition

Lawmakers in the house certify the November vote to adopt a new state flag.

Then, on the day Congress is scheduled to certify the electoral votes for President, one member of Mississippi's Congressional delegation explains why he is joining at least 100 other Republicans in objecting certification.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, Black health care professionals encourage their communities to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

Segment 1:

Mississippi is one step closer to formally adopting a new state flag. Lawmakers made certification of the November vote to adopt a new flag their top priority as they gaveled in the 2021 session yesterday afternoon. Members of the Mississippi House voted 119-1 to formally adopt the new state flag with a magnolia and the phrase "In God We Trust." It will replace a Confederate-themed flag legislators voted to remove six months ago. Democratic Chair of the Mississippi House of Representatives Robert Johnson says the official ratification of the is a victory. Johnson, who long sought to change the state flag, tells our Michael Guidry it feels like his and other voices were finally heard.

Segment 2:

Members of Congress will vote to certify the electoral votes from the 2020 Presidential Election today, but at least one Mississippi Congressman says he will object to the certification. Steven Palazzo of Mississippi's fourth district is part of group of over 100 Republican members of the House of Representatives who say they will oppose certification. Palazzo says changes to voting procedures in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia were unconstitutional. 

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Health officials say they're concerned about low vaccination rates among Black healthcare workers in Mississippi. Black Mississippians make up around 35 percent of the state's total population, but only 17 percent of the state's coronavirus vaccines have been given to Black healthcare workers and long term care residents. Dr. Malcolm Taylor, a Cardiologist who recently received the vaccine, tells our Kobee Vance the Black community has a skepticism rooted in mistrust from the Tuskegee study, but says this vaccine is the best way to reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19.