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Mississippi Edition
ME 2/14/20 - Flood Threat | Buffer Zone Ordinance | Clergy for Prison Reform | Forks of the Road
The latest on the Pearl River flood threat with MEMA Director Greg Michel.
And a lawsuit blocking a city buffer zone ordinance gets sent back to state court.
Then, a Clergy group advocates for prison reform.
Plus, the Forks of the Road in Natchez gets closer to national park status.
Segment 1:
Heavier-than-expected rainfalls this are causing a major flood threat for northeast and downtown Jackson, as well as western Rankin County. The Pearl River is projected to rise and crest near 38.0 feet early Sunday morning - the highest levels since 1983. We are joined by Greg Michel, Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
Segment 2:
A lawsuit challenging a City of Jackson ordinance that places a buffer between protestors and the state's only abortion clinic will now be heard in state court. A lawsuit filed by the Mississippi Justice Institute challenges the ordinance, saying it violates their right to free speech under Mississippi's Constitution. We talk to Aaron Rice, Director of the Mississippi Justice Institute and Diane Derzis, owner of the Jackson Women's Health Organization.
Segment 3:
Members of the Clergy from across the state and from different denominations are rallying for prison reform at the State Capitol. Members of Clergy for Prison Reform say it is time for state legislators to give ex-prisoners a new chance at life. Wesley Bridges is CEO of Clergy for Prison Reform and Pastor at Unity Worship Ministry in Monticello. He says the organization's policy is based on the biblical teachings of Jesus.
Segment 4:
In 1995, Clifford M. Boxley was set to leave his hometown of Natchez for the African continent - where he planned to live out the rest of his life. But the history of his hometown called on him to stay, preserve, and reinterpret that complex history. Twenty-five years later, Mr. Boxley is leading the charge to have the historic Forks of the Road attain national park status. He tells us more about his mission.
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