Week 1, 2020 Session

A recent string of deadly violence in Mississippi prisons has caught national attention. Prison advocates and families have been rallying outside the state capitol since day one of the 2020 legislative session. They are calling on lawmakers to take immediate action saying state inmates’ constitutional rights are being violated.

Mississippi's Prison Unrest and Response from State Leaders

Week 1, Session 2021

Ratifying a new state flag topped the agenda for lawmakers at the start of the 2021 session.As the 2021 legislative session convenes, lawmakers move swiftly to ratify the “In God We Trust” flag. During a ceremony, Gov. Tate Reeves signs the flag bill into law and new flags are raised atop the Capitol in Jackson. A proposed $1,000 teacher pay raise bill is moving through the Senate. Members of the Legislative Black Caucus are outlining their priorities for the 2021 session.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s official. Mississippi is flying a new state flag. 

In this @Issue Special, host Wilson Stribling moderates a debate over the two initiatives on the ballot that could allow for the legalization of medical marijuana in Mississippi. Guests include Angie Calhoun of Medical Marijuana 2020 and Jim Perry of the State Board of Health.

@Issue Special: Mississippi's Debate Over Legalizing Medical Marijuana

In this special edition of @Issue, MPB's Desare Frazier talks one-on-one with State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs, and takes viewer/listener questions about the coronavirus pandemic in Mississippi.

@Issue: Coronavirus Crisis | A one-on-one with State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs

Week 7, 2020 Session

New DHS Director Bob Anderson has been appointed to root out corruption in the agency. State health officials discuss plans to control the threat of the coronavirus in Mississippi. Lawmakers move dozens of bills out of committee this week. Political analysts Brandon Jones and Austin Barbour look ahead to the March 10th presidential primary election.

New DHS Director Appointed, State Prepares for Coronavirus

Week 6, 2020 Session

A bill to allow the state auditor access to tax returns of people receiving government assistance is moving through the legislature and advocates are speaking out. Senate committees pass a revised version of the voucher bill for students with special needs. Moms Demand Action are supporting a red flag bill. In November, voters get to choose if medical marijuana should be legal in Mississippi.

Advocates Rally Against a Welfare Verification Bill

Week 5, 2020 Session

Gov. Tate Reeves says the remaining prisoners in Parchman’s Unit 29 are being transferred to a nearby correctional facility. Reeves also tells flood evacuees how to report damages to MEMA. Lawmakers and State Dept. of Mental Health officials discuss a pending lawsuit. The U. S. Justice Dept. is suing the state for not providing mental health patients enough care in their communities.

Closing Parchmans's Unit 29, Mental Health Lawsuit, Historic Flood Recovery

Week 4, 2020 Session

Senate bill 2557 passed 35-14 along party lines but not without a fight. Democrats argue it’s an attack on poor people. The House and Senate corrections committees are listening to presentations about expanding intervention courts and workforce training in prisons. The Department of Public Safety is asking for a $55 million budget increase. Lawmakers say it’s too soon to make promises.

Lawmakers Pass Welfare Verification Bill Along Party Lines

Week 3, 2020 Session

The Department of Justice is opening an investigation on conditions at four state prisons after at least 15 inmates have died. Governor Tate Reeves says he is in support of the investigation. The Senate passed a teacher pay bill that would give most teachers and teachers’ assistants a $1,000 raise. It heads to the House for more discussion.

Federal Investigation Opens Over Conditions at State Prisons

Week 2, 2020 Session

Gov. Tate Reeves announces the closing of parts of the State Penitentiary at Parchman that’s been recently rocked by deadly violence in his first State of the State address. It’s National School Choice Week and parents are urging lawmakers to renew the Education Scholarship Account program for children with special needs.

2020 State of the State Address, School Choice Week

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Mississippi's Prison Unrest and Response from State Leaders

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@Issue Special: Mississippi's Debate Over Legalizing Medical Marijuana

@Issue: Coronavirus Crisis | A one-on-one with State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs

New DHS Director Appointed, State Prepares for Coronavirus