Mississippi Edition

Health officials confirm a second coronavirus variant in Mississippi.

Then, Jackson State University steps up to promote vaccination.

Plus, indigenous remains are repatriated to the Chickasaw nation.

Segment 1:

Mississippi health officials are reporting the first identified case of the South African strain of coronavirus in Harrison County. State Health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the South African strain or B.1.3.5.1 is more easily spread. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers is urging people to get vaccinated. He says even though some of the vaccines may not prevent infection, they will still reduce hospitalizations and deaths.

Segment 2:

Mississippi's expanded coronavirus vaccine eligibility means college students are now able to get their shots - and colleges and universities in the state are hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics to make access easier. This weekend, Jackson State University attracted nearly 300 students, faculty and community members. JSU President Thomas Hudson tells MPB's Kobee Vance vaccination is the best path toward normalcy.

Segment 3:

The Chickasaw Nation is receiving the remains of 403 Native Americans along with 83 lots of burial objects from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The return marks the largest repatriation of human remains in Mississippi History, and the first for the state agency. Meg Cook is the Director of Archeology Collections.