Mississippi Edition

Lawmakers draft legislation to clarify the definition of hazing and stipulate penalties for institutions failing to report violations.  

Then, restoration of power across the state is nearly complete following last-week's generational winter storm. We hear from Entergy Mississippi on the storm's impact and the recovery process.

Plus, the William Winter Institute continues its pursuit for racial reconciliation.

Segment 1:

Legislators in the Mississippi House of Representatives are tackling the issue of hazing. Two bills on the matter, drafted and approved by members of the House, are now headed to the Senate. House Bill 6 requires the Mississippi College Board create a uniform hazing policy for all universities. The bill defines hazing as any reckless act that causes physical or emotional harm directed against another person. Another bill heading to the Senate, House Bill 5, stipulates an organization failing to report know violations would be assessed a $10,000 fine and lose any public funds it receives. House Democrat Gregory Holloway of Hazlehurst serves on the universities and colleges committee. He shares more with our Desare Frazier. 

Segment 2:

Restoration of electrical services is nearly complete statewide following last week's severe winter storm. Plunging temperatures and heavy accumulations of ice caused downed lines and strains on the grid, resulting in widespread outages. Mara Hartmann, spokesperson with Entergy Mississippi, says crews have been working 16-hour shifts for several days to repair damaged power lines, broken poles, and transformers. She recaps the recovery effort with our Kobee Vance.

Segment 3:

When former Governor William Winter passed away late last year, he was remembered and revered by many of his colleagues for his endless pursuit of racial reconciliation in a state with a complex and often harrowing history of race relations. His namesake organization, the Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation is continuing that calling through commitment to youth and community. Von Gordon is the Youth Engagement Manager for the Winter Institute. In part one of our conversation, he discusses the importance of empowering youth in search for reconciliation.