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Mississippi Edition
2/9/21 - Vaccine Stats and Update | Second Draw PPP | Lannie Spann McBride
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.
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04/28/2025: Sexual Violence Symposium | Washington Cuts | Medicaid and Elder Care
24:16|Sexual violence is not rare in Mississippi. A coalition of advocates are trying to help folks stay safe and access resources after an attack.Then, Mississippi's 2nd district congressman shares his thoughts about the ongoing budget cuts and tariff discussions happening in Washington.Plus, cuts are being proposed for Medicaid. It's a program many rely on to afford elder care, and providers say it's making their jobs more challenging.
04/25/2025: Childcare Funding | Congressional Feedback | Jazz Fest Headliner
24:10|Parents, childcare workers and advocates are calling on the state Department of Human Services to provide funding after abrupt cuts made in Washington.Then, 2nd District Congressman Bennie Thompson holds a town hall meeting to talk about policy changes by the Trump Administration.Plus, For the first time rap superstar Lil Wayne headlines the Jazz Fest beginning this weekend in New Orleans. Hear why this is a big deal for other rappers in the city.
4/24/2025: Body Donations | Rosa Scott Marker | Student Loan Repayment
23:49|The Mississippians who have donated their bodies to science are honored.Then, a new marker helps tell the story of Rosa Scott, a pioneer in education for African Americans who helped establish a school. We speak with the teacher who spearheaded the effort to erect a historic marker in her honor. Plus, A pause on collecting student loan debt has been lifted. One Mississippian shares her experience about her experience trying to pay back the loans.
04/23/2025: Air Quality Report | Real ID Deadline | Auto Trade and Tariffs
23:15|An air quality report shows major signs of pollution in some parts of Mississippi.Then, a deadline nears for air travelers to have a Real ID driver's license or identification card to fly.Plus, trade wars helped build the South’s massive auto industry. But historians say don’t expect the same results from today’s tariffs.
04/22/2025: Mourning Pope Francis | Bonne Carre Spillway | Catastrophe Savings Accounts
23:47|Mississippians celebrate the legacy of Pope John Francis. He died yesterday at the age of 88.Then, Conservationists urge the Army Corps of Engineers to use measured steps in opening the Bonne Carre Spillway. Engineers want to prevent flooding from the Mississippi River. Plus, we speak with the state Insurance Commissioner about catastrophe savings accounts and how they can be helpful after a disaster.
4/21/2025: BP Oil Spill | 50501 Protest | Free STD Testing Ends
23:51|Fifteen years ago today, the BP oil spill, the largest in history oil flowed into the Gulf of Mexico for nearly 3 months. Environmentalists say the disaster is still being cleaned up.Then, protesters gather at the state Capitol in Jackson to protest Trump Administration policies and call forCongress to rein in the executive branch.Plus, the Mississippi Department of Health ends free sexually transmitted infections testing due to federal funding cuts.
4/18/2025: Mississippi River Endangered | Head Start Mississippi | Elder Care Access
24:14|The Mississippi River has been listed as one of the most endangered rivers in the nation. Local officials say cutbacks in disaster relief is at the core of the problem.Then, federal cuts to early childhood funding could hinder many Mississippi families from accessing pre-k education.Plus what resources are helping Mississippians access elder care? It's a process that's often difficult and costly.
04/17/2025: Redistricting in DeSoto County | Farish Street Groundbreaking | New Orleans Flooding
23:40|Federal judges order the State Election Commission to redraw voting lines in the DeSoto County area again.Then, the City of Jackson breaks ground on affordable housing in the historic Farish Street community, once a bustling black neighborhood.Plus, Residents in the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans are trying to address serious flooding that's plagued the area for years.
04/16/2025: Childcare Subsidies | MOGE | Museum Curation
23:58|Parents and childcare providers are worried that the loss of an early education subsidy could jeopardize access to affordable care and put centers out of business.Then, Mississippi's State Auditor shares a new report claiming there's more than $400 million in wasteful state spending by state agencies.Plus, hear what it takes to curate a museum and share Mississippi culture with the world.