Mississippi Edition

Health officials update residents on the vaccine rollout.

Then, second draw loans though the Paycheck Protection Program became available last month. We check in with the Bankers Association.

Plus, ahead of a virtual panel examining and celebrating the history of the black church, we talk to Mississippi gospel icon.

Segment 1:

Mississippi residents 65 and older are getting vaccinated in growing numbers. According to data from the state department of health, more than 3 in 10 Mississippians 65 and older have received first doses. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the state-run drive through sites are operating at a high efficiency rate, but he is exploring more solutions to make the vaccine more accessible to communities of color.

Segment 2:

Mississippi banks are working with small business owners to originate new Paycheck Protection Program loans. The federal program, designed to assist small businesses stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, reopened in early January. Gordon Fellows, President and CEO of the Mississippi Banker's Association, says the first round of PP loans presented a number of challenges - chiefly a more severe level of unemployment, and an original fund from Congress that was depleted so quickly it had to be refilled. He details more on the second draw loans available through the federal program.

Segment 3:

Tonight MPB is presenting a virtual event celebrating the upcoming two-part documentary "The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song. It will include a screener of the documentary, songs from HBCU choirs, door prizes and the panel discussion. One of the panelists is Lannie Spann McBride - renowned music minister, retired educator and composer. She shares more about the role of music and the church.