Mississippians prepare to vote on medical marijuana.

Then, legislators hold a joint hearing of Medicaid committees to discuss technical amendments to the Medicaid bill.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation releases it’s State of Childhood Obesity Report.

Segment 1:

Mississippians are sharing their thoughts about legalizing medical marijuana at a town hall event before the November Election. At an event in Jackson last night, voters turned out to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Ballot Initiative 65 - which could legalize medical marijuana within the framework of the state constitution - and Alternative Measure 65A - which was introduced by legislators to offer more over oversight from state government.

Segment 2:

Mississippi lawmakers are holding hearings with medical providers to decide how Medicaid should be operated. Medicaid provides healthcare for more than 700,000 low-income Mississippians, and lawmakers want to hear concerns from mental and health care providers as they decide what, if any, changes should be made to the program. Democratic Senator David Blount of Jackson, is on the Medicaid Committee. He explains the technical amendment hearings with our Desare Frazier.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Roughly one in seven U.S. youth ages 10-17 have obesity according to the newest available data. The data are included in a new report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, State of Childhood Obesity: Prioritizing Children’s Health During the Pandemic. As experts link obesity to increased risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms, the report promotes changes to prioritize children’s health and improve equity in response to the pandemic and throughout recovery. Jamie Bussel is a Senior Program Officer with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

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

Health officials say rapid point of care tests will soon be available in Mississippi as the state experiences an upward swing in coronavirus transmission.

Then, the Secretary of State’s office releases data on absentee voting.  

Plus, Senate Judiciary hearings for Amy Coney Barrett continue today under a cloud of controversy. We examine the political stakes of her confirmation.

Segment 1:

The number of Mississippians testing positive for the coronavirus is up, and so is the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations. To help in identifying cases quickly, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says new rapid coronavirus test kits are now being used at several drive thru testing sites around the state. Dobbs is concerned about the state's healthcare system being strained once more. He says data points indicate the state is reversing course in it's fight against the coronavirus.

Segment 2:

A report on the number of Mississippians voting by mail-in absentee ballot is coming out as election day nears. According to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office some 91,000 people have requested absentee ballots statewide. Of that number, more than 58,000 have voted and mailed the ballots back to their county circuit clerk's office. Adams County Circuit Clerk Eva Givens tells our Desare Frazier she suspects the number of absentee votes will increase.

The number of absentee ballots could be an indication of the stakes of this year's election - with a pandemic causing concerns over safety at the polls. Voters are also focused on major issues like health care and economic recovery and security. Nathan Shrader, chair of the Government and Politics Department at Millsaps College, says voter enthusiasm is usually higher during a Presidential election year.

Segment 3:

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee continues the confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett - President Trump's nominee to fill the vacant Supreme Court seat following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It is a process clouded in controversy after Senate Republicans refused President Obama's nomination a hearing in 2016 - citing the election year and the will of the voters. Matt Steffey, Professor at the Mississippi College School of Law, breaks down the political stakes of the hearing and confirmation. 

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

Hurricane Delta brought strong winds and heavy rains to parts of Mississippi. We assess the impact with MEMA.

Then, the state’s top health officials express concerns over trends in coronavirus transmission data.

Plus, a new report reveals how Mississippi compares to other states in voting accessibility.

Segment 1:

Hurricane Delta swept through parts of Mississippi over the weekend, bringing with it damaging winds and heavy rains. Delta was the third Category 2 or stronger storm to hit the Gulf region since August. While the state dodged direct hits in each instance, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency says Delta delivered significant impacts to the state. MEMA Director Greg Michel shares more with our Michael Guidry.

Segment 2:

Mississippi is one of the top 20 states with the most new cases of the coronavirus per capita in the U.S., and health officials say a "big upswing" of COVID-19 cases could be on the horizon. During a Mississippi State Medical Association round table, State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers cautioned residents not to focus too much on any single day report. But he also says the curve in cases is changing.

The recent trends represent a reverse in course compared to the previous two months. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says that is reason enough for health care providers to prepare for a surge.

Segment 3:

A newly released report by the Democracy Initiative shows Mississippi is the only state in the country that hasn’t provided people with more voting options due to the coronavirus pandemic. The coalition of 75 national organizations is working to help states make voting easier and safer. Oure Desare Frazier speaks with Wendy Fields of the Democracy Initiative and Corey Wiggins of the MS NAACP.

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

As Hurricane Delta approaches the Louisiana coast, we look at how the weather event will affect parts of Mississippi.

Then, how state leaders are preparing to respond to the storm.

Plus, the two legislative education committee chairs address the concerns of Mississippi’s school communities.

Segment 1:

Hurricane Delta is expected to make landfall today before bringing wind and rain to western Mississippi this weekend. For the latest on Delta we check in with the National Weather Service in Jackson.  We are joined by Daniel Lamb.

Segment 2:

Mississippi has seen a number of close calls this hurricane season, and now Hurricane Delta is the latest in number of tropical cyclones to threaten the Gulf States. Officials are asking residents to be on high alert as Hurricane Delta moves towards landfall. Governor Tate Reeves has declared a state of emergency as the storm is expected to cross into Mississippi sometime tomorrow. Greg Michel, Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency says preparations for the storm began earlier this week.

Segment 3:

Education in the midst of the coronavirus has advocates seeking answers about a range of issues from legislators including getting devices to students for distance learning. The Parents’ Campaign held a virtual meeting yesterday with House Education Chair Richard Bennett and Senate Education Chair Dennis DeBar. We examine the issues both chairs discussed.

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

The statewide mandate has expired, but some local leaders are still requiring residents to mask up. 

And, UMMC conducts over 200 transplants per year. We examine how these life changing procedures have been affected by the pandemic.

Then, the President called for supporters to watch the polls on Election Day, but how legal is the practice?

Plus, in our Book Club, forty-seven poets associated with Mississippi are showcased with the aim of cementing poetry's place in today’s culture.

Segment 1:

New coronavirus cases and hospitalizations have increased this week in Mississippi, and health officials have concerns about residents not wearing masks in public. Last week, Governor Tate Reeves chose to allow his mask mandate to expire, but some local officials are choosing to extend orders within their jurisdiction. MPB's Kobee Vance talks with Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton and Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs.

The expiration of the statewide is generating some concern among health care leaders. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the state's equilibrium is unraveling. Vice Chancellor of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Louann Woodward has recently stated she would have liked to see the mandate extended.  Aside from being the only Tier I Trauma Center, UMMC also performs over 200 transplants be year. Transplantation specialist Dr. Christopher Anderson says the pandemic has presented additional challenges for transplant recipients and doctors.

Segment 2:

The 2020 General Election is less than four weeks away, and President Donald Trump, who has been sowing doubts into the legitimacy of the election, has called for his supporters to watch the polls. The practice of poll watching varies from state to state, and watchers usually work for candidates or political parties to observe how the election is being conducted. In Mississippi, the Secretary of State’s office requires they be at least 150 feet away from entrances and only two are allowed inside. Damon Hewitt is with the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He tells our Desare Frazier the national organization is concerned about poll watchers or others intimidating voters.

Segment 3:

In Mississippi, the importance of poetry is cemented in today’s culture. In the book, “Mississippi Poets,” author Catharine Savage Brosman introduces readers to the poets themselves, stressing their versatility and diversity. Her book is both a source of information and a showcase. She tells us that the poets included span many years and work influenced by personal experiences and Mississippi itself.

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

As the CDC clarifies the airborne dangers of the coronavirus, a state leader in healthcare continues the push to mask-up.

Then, a new investigative report reveals a disproportionate number of cases at for-profit long term care facilities.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a look at the pandemic-era State Fair.

Segment 1:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now acknowledging the coronavirus can be spread by tiny airborne droplets with the potential to linger in the air for hours and reach further than six feet. This comes two weeks after it removed similar guidance from its website. The information could be critical for Mississippi, where Governor Tate Reeves allowed the statewide mask mandate to expire last week. Dr. LouAnn Woodward is Vice Chancellor of the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She tells our Desare Frazier after a summer of buy-in, residents are reaching a point of COVID fatigue that could cause concern.

Segment 2:

A new analysis by the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting shows twice as many residents caught COVID-19 at Mississippi's for-profit nursing homes, and nearly three times more died there. The study, done in partnership with the Pulitzer Center is part of the Center's Poverty and the Pandemic Series. MCIR Founder Jerry Mitchell shares more about the report.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

The 161st Mississippi State Fair is opening today, and is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the state. Nearly 500,000 people typically attend the Mississippi State Fair, and despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic officials say attendance could remain high. Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson tell our Kobee Vance the fair can occur safely and serves as an opportunity to showcase the newly completed trade mart.

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

As Mississippi surpasses two pandemic milestones, we examine the state’s response to the coronavirus.

Then, the Lt. Governor reflects upon an unprecedented first session.

Plus, a Civil Rights icon is celebrated on what would have been her 103rd birthday.

Segment 1:

Mississippi has surpassed two grim milestones in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Over the weekend, total COVID-19 cases reached the 100,000 mark, while related deaths topped 3,000. After steadily dropping for much of August, the seven-day case average in the state has leveled off recently. And last week, Governor Tate Reeves allowed his Executive Order carrying the statewide mask mandate to expire. Dr. Claude Brunson is the Executive Director of the Mississippi State Medical Association. He examines the state of the pandemic in Mississippi with our Michael Guidry.

Segment 2:

For first-term Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, the 2020 legislative session began like many before it. But it was soon interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, creating arguably the most unorthodox legislative year on record. Hosemann and other legislative leaders had to quickly pivot to the emergency needs of the state in its fight against COVID-19. The Lt. Governor reflects on the session beginning with how lawmakers allocated over a billion dollars in CARES Act relief.

Segment 3:

Today marks what would have been the 103rd birthday of Civil Rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer. Hamer is most notably known for her testimony at the 1964 National Democratic Party’s Convention on behalf of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. In commemoration of Hamer's life and legacy, an historic marker is being unveiled outside of the Sunflower County Courthouse. It is the product of months of planning by Mississippi Valley State University’s public history students, and their professor, Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed.

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

The Secretary of State’s Office prepares for Election Day.

And, a federal ruling extends the Census count until the end of the month.

Then, members of the Till family receive a nomination for the Congressional Gold Medal.

Plus, MPB Education kicks off a new classroom.

Segment 1:

Mississippians will be heading to the polls in less than five weeks to cast their ballots. And although the average number of new COVID-19 cases has declined since a summer spike, the chief executive officer over elections says safety at the polls is still a top priority. Secretary of State Michael Watson tells our Ashley Norwood his office is using the old Mississippi Trademart as a staging area in a plan to equip Mississippi counties with the protective gear they need for Election Day.

This election will be final Congressional election with Mississippi's existing House districts - which are based on results gathered by the decennial census. Trump administration official Wilbur Ross attempted to end the Census 2020 count by today, but last week a federal judge ruled the Secretary of Commerce's office must continue counting until October 31st. John Greene is the Vice Chair of the Complete Count Committee in Mississippi. He shares how Mississippi has responded to the 2020 census.

Segment 2:

The Congressional Gold Medal, bestowed by the United States Congress is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States. Now, Emmett and Mamie Till-Mobley are being nominated for the honor through a bipartisan bill with 33 cosponsors including Senators Richard Burr of North Carolina and Corey Booker of New Jersey. Benjamin Saulsberry is the Museum Director of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center. He says the legacy of Mamie Till Mobley and Emmett Till is an integral part of our Nation’s story.

Segment 3:

Mississippi Public Broadcasting, in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Education, is launching a new television channel – MPB Classroom TV. The channel is designed to provide instructional content on television to PreK-12th grade students in the state of Mississippi. Tara Wren is Director of Education at MPB. 

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

Lawmakers return to the Capitol to finalize CARES Act spending.

Then, health care and the pandemic continue to be core issues of the November election. We hear from one health official about how Medicaid expansion could help the state’s most vulnerable.

Plus, a Jacksonian returns home to helm the Mississippi Arts Commission.

Segment 1:

Mississippi legislators are back at the capitol today to finalize bills to spend the remainder of the $1.25 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds.Mississippi lawmakers passed bills yesterday creating grant programs to help a number of industries affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Among them--the Mississippi ICU Infrastructure Act provides $10 million to help hospitals add beds and other services for COVID 19 patients. A $13 million grant program was created to help poultry, cattle and sweet potato farmers who’ve had losses due to COVID 19. Lawmakers are also helping landlords who’ve lost money with grants up to $30,000.

One funding amendment that did not pass was additional aid to Mississippi's three public HBCUs. House Democrat Gregory Holloway of Hazlehurst tells our Desare Frazier those institutions have been disproportionately affected. Senate Minority Leader Derrick Simmons says the programs to aid to farmers and landlords were passed in response to issues that went un-addressed earlier in session. He also expresses concern over an Election Day without a mask mandate in place.

Segment 2:

A new coalition of medical experts and non-profits is advocating for Medicaid expansion in eight southern states, including Mississippi. Members of Southerners for Medicaid Expansion, who held a vigil honoring the more than 200 thousand people in the U.S. who have died from the coronavirus, believe the south's response to the coronavirus pandemic has been hindered due to the failure to expand the program. Dr. Charlene Collier with the state Department of Health tells our Kobee Vance the pandemic has only made health disparities worse.

Segment 3:

The Mississippi Arts Commission will be under new executive leadership beginning November 1st. Long-tenured director Malcolm White officially left the post this week after annoucing his departure this summer. Replacing him is Jackson native Sarah Story, who is making her way back to Mississippi after stops in New Orleans and Austin. She says while in New Orleans remained steeped in Mississippi influences, and is excited about the opportunity to work directly with Mississippi artists.

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

Five weeks before the election, the Governor is allowing the statewide mask mandate to expire.

Then, the President told them to “stand back and stand by”. We learn more about a militia the SPLC labels a hate group.

Plus, in today’s book club … the true story of a woman who became a nun who became a doctor who became a godsend to a small town in Tallahatchie County.

Segment 1:

Mississippi is no longer under a statewide mask mandate. Governor Tate Reeves allowed the Executive Order carrying the mandate to expire yesterday afternoon. Reeves says despite the lift on masks, he still urges Mississippians to practice personal responsibility.

New cases of COVID-19 have moderately flattened over the last six weeks. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says that trend can continue if residents continue to practice public health guidelines.

Segment 2:

Organizations that monitor hate groups and other extremists, like the aforementioned Proud Boys, are concerned that those ideologies could be spreading across the country after President Trump did not directly denounce white supremacy at Tuesday night's debate. The Southern Poverty Law Center is currently tracking 12 hate groups in Mississippi. The Alabama based organization monitors how such groups spread across the country. Cassie Miller, research analyst at SPLC, profiles the group

Segment 3:

A young woman became a nun, then in middle age became a doctor. Her tuition was waived in exchange for spending three years in an underserved community. That’s how Sister Anne Brooks ended up in the small town of Tutwiler in Tallahatchie county. After her three year obligation was completed Sister Brookes decided to stay … so she did … for three decades. In the book, “Power of One,” author Sally Palmer Thomason chronicles her journey starting with the debilitating arthritis and the doctor who treated her.

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