A winter storm brings ice and snow to the Magnolia State. We look at the forecast and the conditions on Mississippi's roads
Then, Dr. Fauci joins Mississippi health officials and Tougaloo College to discuss vaccine access in the state's Black communities.
Plus, the Human Rights Campaign responds to recent legislation.
Segment 1:
Much of the state is experiencing sub-freezing temperatures this morning which are likely to linger for the next 48 hours. The low temperatures are part of a massive winter storm that is expected to bring more rain, sleet, snow and ice accumulations throughout the day. For latest on the wintry conditions we are joined by Nicholas Fenner of the National Weather Service in Jackson.
Segment 2:
The winter storm is creating hazardous road conditions throughout the state. The Mississippi Department of Transportation began treating roadways yesterday. But a number of delays occurred on the state's interstate highway system last night as a result icy roads. Jason Smith is Deputy Director of Public Affairs with MDOT. He shares more on Mississippi's motorways during this severe winter event.
Segment 3:
The majority of Mississippians say they are likely to get the coronavirus vaccine, but some are are still opposed to the shot. The Mississippi Department of Health has released preliminary data from an ongoing survey asking Mississippians their thoughts on the vaccines. The results show that 72 percent of survey participants are planning to be vaccinated, but half of Black residents surveyed say they are unsure or do not want to get the shot. During a virtual panel hosted by Tougaloo College, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, talked about the impact of COVID-19 on minorities in Mississippi.
Segment 4:
Advocates for the LGBTQ community are expressing outrage over a bill passed by the Mississippi Senate. The measure bans transgender female students from playing girls’ and women’s sports in public schools and universities. Senate Bill 2536, authored by Republican Angela Hill also states all team members must be of the same biological sex. Rob Hill - no relation - is with the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group. He says the legislation is a cookie-cutter bill being used across the country by extremist groups. He tells our Desare Frazier, the bill propagates a false narrative.