A Mississippi medical leader responds to the surge as coronavirus transmission in the state continues to worsen.

Then, with many students learning virtually this year, the Department of Education is working to shrink the digital divide.

Plus, the Mississippi lottery celebrates its first year.

Segment 1:

The coronavirus surge is continuing to worsen in Mississippi as the state has experienced new cases of COVID-19 in excess of 1,000 for the sixth consecutive day. And for the first time during the pandemic, Mississippi hospitals have surpassed 1,000 COVID-19 admissions. It's a metric State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs calls "truly serious".  Dr. Jennifer Bryan of the Mississippi Medical Association tells our Desare Frazier she's concerned the holidays will contribute more to the current wave of cases and hospitalizations. 

Segment 2:

Mississippi school districts are working to shrink the digital divide that has grown more apparent during the coronavirus pandemic. The Mississippi Department of Education used CARES Act funds to purchase devices and equip districts with the resources necessary for virtual learning. State Superintendent Carey Wright says the money allocated by the legislature has gone a long way.

Segment 3:

The new Mississippi lottery began a year ago with excitement and enthusiasm. But less than six months into its inaugural campaign, the pandemic came and sales suffered. Now, the lottery is entering it's second year with a head full of steam and new games on the horizon Tom Shaheen, President of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation tells our Michael Guidry how the lottery rebounded and what players can look forward to in year two.

**This episode was produced during Giving Tuesday and was abbreviated to accommodate MPB's Giving Tuesday Drive**

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