There’s much to discuss this Saturday in #nerdland!
First, measles! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared in 2000 that measles had been eliminated in the United States -- joining the likes of other infectious diseases like polio and malaria. And yet here we are 15 years later -- and the headlines are all about the latest measles outbreak traced to the Disneyland amusement park in Anaheim, California. We’ll bring you the latest on the measles outbreak, what’s behind it, and how it could impact preparations for the Super Bowl.
The separation of church and state is one of the founding principles of this country. Yet, there is a growing push by some religious groups to put churches in public schools. It is true that churches have a legal right to be in schools during off hours; but, could this become a slippery slope and lead to churches becoming too deeply integrated into the life of a school? Our guests will discuss this growing movement.
Marissa Alexander is in #nerdland, live from her home in Jacksonville just days after her release from prison. We’ll hear about her plans to move forward and her attorney, Faith Gay, will provide more insight into Ms. Alexander’s ordeal. We’re very excited to have Marissa join us but even more thankful for her return home. This is an interview that you don’t want to miss!
Shondaland is back and “Empire” is on top! The new Fox series about a music mogul, his hip hop dynasty, and his family has taken the ratings by storm. The new hit show has seen viewership increase every week since its premiere earlier this month. This consistent increase is unprecedented in recent TV history. What’s the secret behind the success of “Empire”? Jason Lynch, founder of “Tv & Not TV,” Janet Mock, host of “So POPular!” on Shift, and Joy Reid, host of “The Reid Report” will weigh in on “Empire” and all things Olivia Pope! Check out these interesting reads on “Empire”:
- How Fox's Marketing Fanned the Flames of Empire, One of the Biggest New Shows in Years: The strategy behind a breakout hit
- Ratings: Fox’s ‘Empire’ Draws Largest Audience Yet, Dominates Wednesday
- Empire Is a Massive Hit. Here’s What Its Success Could Mean for the TV Business.
- Is Empire's Depiction of the Hip-Hop World Authentic?
- Fox's 'Empire' revives 'blaxploitation' genre
- African-Americans propel prime time TV hits like 'Empire'
All that, plus, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s new alternative to Medicaid Expansion, Bobby Jindal “Stumbles & Tumbles,” UVA sorority members being urged to avoid frat parties during recruitment weekend, and this week’s Footsoldier who is painting a fuller image of beauty in the fashion industry.
Be sure to read what we’ve linked above, and watch Melissa Harris-Perry Saturday at 10am ET on msnbc. Join the conversation—share your thoughts about these issues on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #nerdland.