Segment 1:

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann is pushing for Mississippi’s election laws to be updated during this legislative session. He says it is time to address the state's outdated and inefficient election laws - saying Mississippians deserve a hassle-free way to vote.  Secretary Hosemann spoke with MPB's Maura Moed.

Not every change to the State's election laws would receive bi-partisan support, but some of the ideas - like early voting - have been pushed by democrats before.  State Representative David Blount of Jackson talks with MPB's Paul Boger about the proposed reforms.

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Segment 2:

A coalition of Mississippi State flag supporters are making their voices heard, coming to the capitol yesterday to keep the confederate battle  emblem on the flag.   Flag detractors point to the divisive nature of the symbol - saying it underscores racial prejudice in the south.   Supporters, such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans, say the symbol represents history and heritage - not racism.  

Mississippi's Civil War-era Articles of Secession do list slavery as a primary cause behind the state leaving the Union. Still, pro-Confederate groups have long claimed the conflict had more to do with states' rights.   That's a refrain echoed by Don Jacobs of Purvis.  He attended yesterday's rally to keep the State Flag, and spoke with MPB's Desare Frazier.  In this segment we also hear from the sponsor of an initiative to change the state flag of Mississippi.

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Segment 3:

Across the country next week, schools, families and advocacy groups will host events to celebrate School Choice Week. Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and most Southern states allow some form of school choice – magnet schools, vouchers for private schools and charter schools. But how do these options affect learning, school demographics, and student success? The Southern Education Desk explores Matters of Choice beginning with this report from WWNO’s Mallory Falk in New Orleans -- the choice epicenter. 
This report is supported by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Matters of Choice continues tomorrow with a look at school choice in Florida and how it has affected public education.