A record high in COVID-19 cases elevates health professionals' concerns over an already stressed hospital system.

Then, the Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee reflects on the storming of the Capitol earlier this week.

Plus, the latest State of the State survey reveals a drop in the Governor's approval rating.

Segment 1:

Mississippi has a new record high in daily coronavirus cases. This comes as the department of health reports 3,255 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, showing signs of a surge that health officials predicted would follow the holiday season. Dr. Mark Horne is President of the Mississippi State Medical Association. Horne tells our Kobee Vance he feels as if residents have grown numb to the high numbers.

Segment 2:

This week, pro-Trump extremists stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. During the insurrection, lawmakers in the House and Senate Chambers were first placed under lock-down, and then evacuated to a number of undisclosed places. Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson was in the House gallery when the events began. Thompson shares his experience with our Michael Guidry and says he is joining in the House's effort to impeach President Donald Trump.

Segment 3:

A new poll suggests Mississippians largely disapprove of the job Governor Tate Reeves has done in his first year in office. The latest State of the State Survey conducted by Millsaps College and Chism Strategies, reveals a 49 percent disapproval rating for Reeves. Nathan Shrader is Chair of the Department of Government and Politics at Millsaps. In part two of his conversation with MPB's Michael Guidry, Shrader breaks down the Governor's approval marks and examines how the state's voters feel about voting expansion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health officials lay out plans to expedite vaccines to Mississippi’s oldest residents.

Then, the new state flag moves one step closer to becoming official as the Senate ratified the November vote. But a recent poll indicates nearly 40 of voters still believe Mississippi is heading in the wrong direction.

Plus, in today’s Book Club, Mississippi author, Michael Farris Smith, creates a backstory for “The Great Gatsby’s” narrator, Nick Carraway

Segment 1:

With a coronavirus vaccine now limitedly available, the Department of Health is expanding vaccine availability ahead of schedule to residents age 75 and older. State health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says he wants the current allocation of vaccines to go to who needs them - especially those in the most vulnerable age groups. 

Segment 2:

The Magnolia State is a Governor's signature away from officially having a new state flag. The Senate ratified the results of the November initiate yesterday. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann says he wants the vote to be a stepping stone to more comprehensive solutions. But despite the state's progress in adopting a new banner, many Mississippians - nearly 40 percent - believe the state is headed in the wrong direction. That's according to the latest State of the State Poll conducted by Chism Strategies and Millsaps College. Nathan Shrader is the Chair of the Department of Government and Politics at Millsaps. In part one of his conversation with our Michael Guidry, Shrader breaks down how voters view the direction of the state, and its leadership's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Segment 3:

It’s fair to say that F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” sits high on many lists of the greatest American novels. Mississippi writer, Michael Farris Smith, says he was fascinated by the book’s narrator, Nick Carraway. In his new novel, simply titled “Nick,” Farris Smith creates a back story for Carraway. He tells us he wasn’t a big fan of The Great Gatsby when he first read it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers in the house certify the November vote to adopt a new state flag.

Then, on the day Congress is scheduled to certify the electoral votes for President, one member of Mississippi's Congressional delegation explains why he is joining at least 100 other Republicans in objecting certification.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, Black health care professionals encourage their communities to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

Segment 1:

Mississippi is one step closer to formally adopting a new state flag. Lawmakers made certification of the November vote to adopt a new flag their top priority as they gaveled in the 2021 session yesterday afternoon. Members of the Mississippi House voted 119-1 to formally adopt the new state flag with a magnolia and the phrase "In God We Trust." It will replace a Confederate-themed flag legislators voted to remove six months ago. Democratic Chair of the Mississippi House of Representatives Robert Johnson says the official ratification of the is a victory. Johnson, who long sought to change the state flag, tells our Michael Guidry it feels like his and other voices were finally heard.

Segment 2:

Members of Congress will vote to certify the electoral votes from the 2020 Presidential Election today, but at least one Mississippi Congressman says he will object to the certification. Steven Palazzo of Mississippi's fourth district is part of group of over 100 Republican members of the House of Representatives who say they will oppose certification. Palazzo says changes to voting procedures in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia were unconstitutional. 

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Health officials say they're concerned about low vaccination rates among Black healthcare workers in Mississippi. Black Mississippians make up around 35 percent of the state's total population, but only 17 percent of the state's coronavirus vaccines have been given to Black healthcare workers and long term care residents. Dr. Malcolm Taylor, a Cardiologist who recently received the vaccine, tells our Kobee Vance the Black community has a skepticism rooted in mistrust from the Tuskegee study, but says this vaccine is the best way to reduce the chance of contracting COVID-19. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

State leaders move to make the coronavirus vaccine more accessible to older residents as COVID-19 transmission and hospitalizations continue to soar.

Plus, on the opening day of the new legislative session, we preview the major issues like teacher salaries and the state income tax with our analysts.

Segment 1:

State leaders in Mississippi are deviating from CDC recommendations to make the coronavirus vaccine more accessible to the state's older residents. Governor Tate Reeves says the state and the nation is beyond the point of using the hand of government to restrict individuals, and should focus its efforts on vaccine distribution. During a press briefing yesterday, Reeves indicated getting vaccine to the most in need is the best way to prevent hospital strain and death.  Mississippi, like much of the nation, is experiencing a slower roll-out of the vaccine than originally anticipated. Reeves suggests this is a result of navigating CDC guidelines, and is expanding initial vaccine eligibility to older residents.

The amended vaccine distribution plan comes as the state experiences its highest levels of COVID-19 related hospitalizations and ICU occupancy. State Health Officer Dr. Dobbs fears another surge is imminent following the holiday season.

Segment 2:

With transmission of the coronavirus at an alarming rate, lawmakers are considering how to approach business this session. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann has been publicly vocal about suspending the majority of the session until March 1st. House leadership has not shown signs of being receptive to the idea. Austin Barbour is a Republican strategist. Brandon Jones is a former Democratic legislator. They share their analysis on the upcoming session and the issues on the table. Barbour begins by suggesting the recent death of a former lawmaker may influence how leadership considers how it conducts business.

Segment 3:

As lawmakers return to the state capital for the new legislative session today, they will be doing so following a year in which a number of state agencies were rocked by scandals. We continue our preview by examining lawmakers' role in oversight, and what issues our analysts believe should receive top priority.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lt. Governor previews the upcoming legislative session while considering safety measures during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Then, a moratorium that prevents evictions has been extended by the federal government. But one apartment association leader says unpaid housing bills are still piling up for thousands of Mississippians.

Plus, a museum district receives grant funding to create more engagement spaces for Mississippi families.

Segment 1:

Mississippi lawmakers are scheduled to return to the capital city tomorrow for the second session of the legislative term. Last year's session brought a slew of promises - including teacher pay raises and criminal justice reform. But the coronavirus pandemic interrupted the regular calendar and altered some policy priorities. A rising awareness of racial injustice prompted lawmakers to retire the state flag in the summer, which was followed by an outbreak among members that halted business for months.  

With coronavirus transmission at a rate more severe now than ever, Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann is proposing the legislature postpone the majority of the session until March 1st. Hosemann shares his concerns along with his priorities and outlook for the 2021 session. 

Segment 2:

Temporary relief is being extended for some Mississippi residents who have been unable to pay rent during the coronavirus pandemic. Part of the relief bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump last month protects renters from eviction for at least one more month, but they will continue to receive bills. James Burwell, President-Elect of the Mississippi Apartment Association tells our Kobee Vance there will need to be more rental assistance programs in 2021 to help renters and property owners through the remainder of the coronavirus pandemic.

Segment 3:

The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation is awarding a nearly $4 million grant to create a state-of-the-art complex for physical and educational activities. The grant is for the LeFleur’s Bluff State Park Education and Tourism Partnership - a collaboration between Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum. Susan Gerrard is the President and CEO of the Children's Museum. She shares more about the grant and the partnership with our Michael Guidry.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Moderna's vaccine potentially on the way, Mississippi's health officials plan for distribution of shots to more front-line workers and long term care residents.

And, the ten-month long pandemic has changed the way Mississippians live and grieve. We examine how the coronavirus has affected mental health in the state.

Then, how mitigation practices are changing the ways families engage withe Santa this holiday season.

Segment 1:

Hospitals across Mississippi are administering the first coronavirus vaccines to front-line healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients. The first 25,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine have gone primarily to at-risk health professionals. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers tells our Kobee Vance the first week of distribution has gone well, but more vaccine is needed to meet the needs of hospitals and long-term care facilities. We also hear from State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and Dr. Emily Landrum of Starkville

Segment 2:

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is launching a "Behind the Mask Campaign" to encourage residents to pay closer attention to their mental health and seek help when needed. Experts say feelings of anxiety and depression are common during the coronavirus pandemic, with contributing factors that include changes in employment, children learning from home, and death of loved ones. Molly Taylor is with the state department of mental health. She says a $1.6 million grant is allowing the department to fund 15 providers across the state to further offer mental health services. She examines the toll of the pandemic on Mississippi's mental health with our Ashley Norwood.

Segment 3:

How do you visit Santa in a pandemic? Of course, climbing on Santa’s lap in a crowded mall isn’t safe with COVID-19 surging across the South. But families and Santa are adapting. From W-B-H-M in Birmingham, Alabama, Andrew Yeager reports.

Segment 4:

Highway safety is a serious matter. But during this and other holiday seasons, a team from the Mississippi Department of Transportation is using a touch of levity to get those safe driving messages out. Michael Flood is with MDOT, he shares more about this year's messaging campaign and the importance of getting real-time information to Mississippi's motorists.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While vaccines reach hospitals, health leaders still warn community transmission of the coronavirus is at dangerous levels.

Then, the state’s only Tier I trauma center details its plans to get vaccine shots to its most at-risk front line workers.

Plus, in our Book Club, some holiday food recommendations from Mississippi cookbook author, Martha Hall Foose,

Segment 1:

COVID-19 hospitalizations are at record highs in Mississippi, and the state is continuing to experience an alarming rate of coronvirus transmission. To help manage the demand on hospital space and staff, the state's leading health experts are encouraging all frontline workers to protect themselves by taking the coronavirus vaccine. Our Kobee Vance speaks with Dr. Mark Horne (President of the Mississippi State Medical Association), Dr. Thomas Dobbs (State Health Officer) and Dr. Anita Henderson (President Elect of the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics).

Segment 2:

Medical leaders at one of Mississippi's largest hospitals are celebrating the first days of COVID-19 vaccination. After thirty-nine hundred doses arrived at the University of Mississippi Medical Center on Monday, front line workers at the Tier I trauma facility received the first injection of the coronavirus vaccine yesterday. Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Dr. LouAnn Woodward says the distribution is good news in the state's fight against COVID-19.

Segment 3:

It’s getting to be crunch time for Christmas preparations, whether it’s last minute shopping, wrapping gifts or holiday food planning. To the rescue is Mississippi cookbook author, Martha Hall Foose. Her latest book, “A Good Meal is Hard to Find” includes some recipes perfect for the big holiday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hospitals are expecting shipments of the coronavirus vaccine in an effort to protect frontline workers.

Then, a new report details Mississippi’s teacher shortage crisis and the dried-up educator pipeline.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we look at how children in the state are faring during the coronavirus pandemic.

Segment 1:

Boxes of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, packed dry ice, are arriving at hospitals in Mississippi. The initial allocation of 25,000 doses is being distributed throughout the state, and frontline workers and long term care residents are being prioritized. Lee Bond, CEO of Singing River Health System says their first box of the vaccine arrived yesterday afternoon and was loaded into special freezers. He tells our Kobee Vance the 975 doses they received will cover the front-line workers in system's three hospitals.

Segment 2:

Mississippi's public education system has faced unprecedented hurdles this year - with hybrid classrooms and virtual learning creating new challenges for teachers and administrators alike. But the pandemic is also highlighting one of the state's more persistent dilemmas - a critical teacher shortage.

Now, a new study shows a sharp decline in college graduates deciding to enter the field of education, causing the state's educator pipeline to dry up. The report, compiled by Mississippi First, reveals the state saw a more than 30% drop in in-state college graduates becoming teachers within a four year span. Toren Ballard is the study's project director. He says legislative measures, like teacher pay raises, could help reverse the trend.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows children in Mississippi are facing serious hardship due to COVID-19. Issues like food insecurity, health care, poverty, and education have been amplified during the coronavirus pandemic, and, as a result, Mississippi's children are struggling to have basic needs met. Linda Southward is with the Children's Foundation of Mississippi. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the first coronavirus vaccines arrive in Mississippi, health officials detail plans for the initial shipments.

Then, state officials and Republican leaders gather to formalize Mississippi’s six electoral votes.

Plus, on the heels of its legalization, a small group organizes a trade association for medical marijuana.

Segment 1:

Mississippi's first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine has arrived and health workers are already receiving the first dose. During a live zoom press conference yesterday, State health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and several other health officials were some of the first in Mississippi to receive an injection of the Pfizer vaccine. Dobbs and State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers say the vaccine is becoming available for the state's healthcare workers and long term care facilities as Mississippi is experiencing it's highest COVID-19 transmission rate.

Dobbs also acknowledges the skepticism that surrounds the new vaccine. He says understands the caution and concern. During the Zoom conference he says he and other health leaders have faith in the vaccine, noting the research and development technology used to produce the vaccine has been going on for a decade.

Segment 2:

Mississippi voters turned out in record numbers in last month's General Election, and yesterday, the state's six electoral votes for President were formalized. State officials and Republican leaders cast the state's votes for Republican Donald Trump, who won 58 percent of the popular vote. Following the electoral vote, Secretary of State Michael Watson celebrated the record turnout and showed reverence for the process.

During the event, Governor Tate Reeves defended the institution of the Electoral College, calling out those who seek to dismantle it. Reeves says the Electoral College ensures Mississippi's voters aren't disenfranchised. He also defended AG Lynn Fitch's decision to join Texas' lawsuit against four swing states.

Segment 3:

Within a year, Mississippi will have a medical marijuana program, and some residents are joining in an effort to form a trade association to help create, support, and guide the medical marijuana industry in the state. Jessica Rice is the Director of Public Relatios for the Mississippi Cannabis Trade Association. She discusses the association's formation and its goals with our Desare Frazier. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A COVID-19 vaccine is approved and on its way, but state health officials warn of a hospital system under duress as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to soar.

Then, with outbreaks in long term care facilities growing, we explore the factors leading to transmission in the state's nursing homes.

 Plus, the enrollment period for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act ends tomorrow.  We examine how residents can qualify and apply for coverage.

Segment 1:

Frontline healthcare workers in Mississippi could begin receiving the coronavirus vaccine today. After an approval for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration, 25,000 doses of the the Pzizer vaccine is expected to arrive in the state, and will be delivered to select Mississippi hospitals. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says supplies are limited and hospitals will decide which healthcare workers will receive the vaccination.

While health officials find hope in a vaccine, they also caution there will not be enough of it in the next few months to have any impacts on the greater population. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to soar. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says hospitals are reaching a point where over-night elective procedures are utilizing too many resources.

Segment 2:

Coronavirus cases in Mississippi are continuing to surge and the number of outbreaks in long term care facilities are higher than ever before. Experts are calling on the community to minimize virus transmission saying it's the best tool to reduce outbreaks inside nursing homes. But as MPB's Ashley Norwood reports, an employee inside a nursing home believes community transmission is only part of the problem.

Segment 3:

Tomorrow is the deadline to enroll for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. This period, there are two insurance companies covering all 82 counties-- Molina and Ambetter  Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney says nearly 100,000 people have signed up for coverage on healthcare dot gov, and shares more how residents can enroll.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.