Transgender Bathroom Access In Public Schools

A group of Republican lawmakers in Mississippi is asking the State Department of Education to defy a federal order to allow public school students to use the bathroom that reflects their gender identity. The eleven legislators are asking state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright to refuse to comply with the federal order -- or resign. They issued the ultimatum in an open letter to Wright. Representative Robert Foster is from Hernando. He told MPB's Mark Rigsby the order from the federal government is overreach.

Law Enforcement Memorial

Mississippians are taking time out to remember the roughly 230 law enforcement officers who have died while on duty in the Magnolia State. At a memorial service in Jackson last night, participants lit candles and surviving family members placed roses along the memorial to commemorate their loss. Over the past several years, Mississippi has ranked among the deadliest states in the nation for law enforcement. Attorney General Jim Hood told MPB's Paul Boger 2015 was a tough year for officers on duty.

Health Minute

Help For The Financially Vulnerable

Many Mississippians navigate day-to-day life without the financial tools that most take for granted. For some, even having a bank account is a dream. The state has more unbanked citizens than any other in the nation. Sixteen-point-four percent of Mississippians don't have bank accounts -- according to CFED -- an economic advocacy group. Michelle Bruce is with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the state. She told MPB's Karen Brown a new Financial Coaching Program is bringing financial options to veterans and the economically vulnerable in the state.