With plans to allocate new rapid coronavirus tests to schools, we examine how some Mississippi school districts have navigated the first months of the academic year, and how ramped up testing could serve their communities.

Then, the first in a series of public hearings on the medical marijuana occurs tonight. We check in with principals on both sides of the issue.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, it's where a plot to remove and replace the Speaker of the House was hatched. Now it's on a list of endangered historic sites.

Segment 1:

This week, 150 million rapid point-of-care tests are expected to be distributed to states in an effort to help schools and business continue to operate during the coronavirus pandemic. The new rapid coronavirus test kit offers results in 15 minutes, without the need for a lab or external equipment, and can be performed by anyone. Governor Tate Reeves says this could allow teachers the opportunity to be tested daily. MPB's Kobee Vance speaks with school leaders in Clinton and Corinth.

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Public Hearings are taking place statewide to educate Mississippians about two initiatives on

the November ballot that could possibly make medical marijuana legal. Initiative 65 would make medical marijuana available to those sufferings with chronic illnesses like epilepsy and cancer. MPB's Desare Frazier hears from principals on both sides of the issue.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

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In 1984, lawmakers in the Mississippi House of Representatives hatched a plan to remove Speaker Buddy Newman. It was a calculated move, discussed over meals and drinks at the legislature's home-away-from-home during the second half of the 20th century. Ed Blackmon, who first served in the state house in 1980, recalls how the Sun n' Sand Motel provided the backdrop for the historic move.

The Sun n Sand closed in 2001 and has been mired in neglect for nearly 20 years. Now, in an effort to preserve it, the National Trust for Historic Preservation is placing the motel on its annual list of endangered places. Katherine Malone France is the Trust's Chief Preservationist.

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The Governor joins President Trump in announcing a plan to allocate 150 million rapid point of care tests.

Then, the two main candidates for President square off in the season's first debate. We hear perspectives from supporters on both sides of the contest.

Plus, the IRS is reaching out to over 80,000 Mississippians as part of a CARES Act relief program.

Segment 1:

The White House is rolling out a plan to allocate 150 million rapid point of care coronavirus tests in an effort to help states reopen schools and businesses. President Trump announced the plan yesterday with members of the White House Task Force. Admiral Brett Giroir says the rapid test was developed so the no laboratory instrument is required, and results are available in 15 minutes. 100 million of the tests will be allocated the states. Governor Tate Reeves, in attendance at the White House, says the distribution of the rapid tests in Mississippi will hopefully expand the number of students participating in on-campus learning.

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Mississippians will be among the millions watching tonight's presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. The two will square off in Cleveland, Ohio for the first of three scheduled debates Our Kobee Vance talks with Republican Strategist Henry Barbour and Co-coordinator for Mississippi Women for Joe Biden Pam Johnson.

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The IRS is sending special letters to several thousand Mississippians who could be eligible to receive coronavirus stimulus money. These 86 thousand Mississippians - whom the IRS deems "hard to reach" - have not filed a tax return recently and could be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment. IRS Spokesperson Michael Devine tells our Kobee Vance many of the residents who have not filed yet may not know the program exists.

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State health officials are monitoring increasing coronavirus transmission in a number of Mississippi counties as fears of a rebound grow.

Then, in part two of our Gulf States Newsroom Round-table, how reproduction rights could be shaped by a conservative Supreme Court.

Plus, an election commissioner outlines ballot procedures ahead of the November election.

Segment 1:

Coronavirus transmission in Mississippi is leveling off, but health experts are closely monitoring several Mississippi counties that have increases in infection rates. On a Facebook live roundtable, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says he’s concerned the state could see a rebound in coronavirus cases soon. He says if people don't take the virus seriously, case numbers could go up.

Segment 2:

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump announced Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the high court. Coney Barrett's nomination comes wrapped in scrutiny as many Democrats argued the seat should not be filled during an active election - pointing to the 2016 example of the Republican-controlled Senate denying Merrick Garland a confirmation hearing during an election year.

Advocates for reproductive rights are also tightly focused on the nomination and what it could mean for the landmark decision of Roe v Wade. Mary Zeigler, a Professor of Law at Florida State University joins us along with MPB's Desare Frazier and Rosemary Westwood of WWNO in New Orleans in part two of our Gulf States Newsroom on abortion laws. Mary Zeigler begins by examining the probability of the court taking up the case of Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban.

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The 2020 election is shaping up to be unlike any other as the coronavirus continues to affect how voters consider casting their ballots. A record number of absentee ballots are expected to be cast in Mississippi ahead of the November 3rd general election - the virus contributing in part to the overall rise in requests. In Mississippi absentee voting is limited to a list of reasons - mainly for those who are 65 years of age, disabled and those who will be out of the county. But some provisions have been made for those directly impacted by COVID-19.  

Others will still head to the polls to vote on Election Day. Hinds County Election Commissioner Toni Johnson says poll workers in her precincts are mostly over 65 and part of the vulnerable population. She outlines ballot procedures for in-person and absentee voting ahead of the November election.

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As the first week of absentee voting comes to a close, we check in with a county circuit clerk on the procedures and deadlines for casting an absentee ballot.

Then, Mississippi is one of a number of states with a record of passing strict abortion laws that end up mired in the courts. We explore this trend in a Gulf States Newsroom Round-table.

Plus, a Mississippi university offers a free public course on pandemics and infectious disease.

Segment 1:

The number of Mississippians opting to vote absentee is on the rise due to the coronavirus pandemic. Rankin County Circuit Clerk Becky Boyd says her office has mailed out more 1200 applications with ballots since absentee voting began Monday. But, as she explains with our Desare Frazier, voting absentee in Mississippi requires careful attention to procedure.

Segment 2:

As President Donald Trump prepares to announce his nominee for the Supreme Court vacancy following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, political and legal experts are watching carefully as the next judge could tilt the court to a strong conservative majority. Such a shift could effect a number of cases scheduled to go before the court this fall, including one of Mississippi's abortion restriction laws.

Mississippi isn't alone in its quest to pass restrictions that challenge Roe v Wade - the 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationally. Rosemary Westwood of WWNO in New Orleans joins us along with MPB's Desare Frazier and Mary Zeigler, a Professor of Law at Florida State University in part one of our Gulf States Newsroom on abortion laws. Rosemary beings by explaining a Louisiana restriction law that was struck down this summer.

Segment 3:

A free, online course that assists in understanding COVID-19 and related pandemic topics is now available to the public, thanks to the work of faculty and staff at The University of Southern Mississippi. “Understanding the Pandemic: A COVID-19 Public Service Short Course” contains six modules and is the brainchild of Dr. Douglas Masterson, Senior Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at USM.

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As the state enters fall, COVID transmission is trending down. But there are still concerns over access to the ballot in the heat of a pandemic.

Then, the pro-life 40 Day Vigil kicked off yesterday. We examine how the debate over reproductive rights is manifesting at the state’s only abortion clinic.

Plus in our Book Club, imagine that a DNA sample could tell you what you should be doing with your life. That's the premise of M.O. Walsh's novel, "Big Door Prize."

Segment 1:

After a summer of widespread transmission, state officials say COVID-19 infections are trending down as the state enters fall. State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs says doing enough of the "right stuff" helps reduce the R-naught value - a metric used to measure transmission. The steady decline in infections comes as Mississippians prepare to head to the polls. Absentee voting began this week, and a lawsuit currently in federal court seeks to ease the procedures for voting absentee. As the weather cools and flu season approaches, public concerns over crowded polling precincts are becoming more immediate. Governor Tate Reeves says he believes in-person voting can occur safely in Mississippi.

Segment 2:

Members of Pro-Life Mississippi and others are praying on the sidewalk outside of the Jackson Women's Health Organization - the only operating abortion clinic in Mississippi. They are joining in a campaign that features similar vigils in more than 500 cities across the country as part of the 40 Days for Life. The recent death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has elevated tensions around the issue of reproductive rights with Supreme Court scheduled to hear cases on abortion restrictions this fall. Many conservatives hope President Trump nominates a replacement that will help overturn the 1973 Roe v Wade decision that legalized abortion nationally. We hear from Pam Miller of Sidewalk Advocates for Life and Derenda Hancock of Pink House Defenders.

Segment 3:

Author M.O. Walsh instantly became a New York Times Best Selling author with his debut novel, "My Sunshine Away." The former MFA graduate from The University of Mississippi has a new book, "Big Door Prize." It's already garnering high praise. In it, DNA offers more than one's genetic history. Walsh explains. 

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As Republican leadership in the Senate rushes to fill the Supreme Court vacancy, we examine what’s at stake for the Affordable Care Act and the Mississippian’s insured through it.

Then, researchers in the Magnolia State work on developing a nasal spray designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a statewide non-profit works to help new Mississippi voters get registered.

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Mississippi is among 18 states seeking to overturn the Affordable Care Act in a case scheduled to go before the U.S. Supreme Court in November. And the vacancy on the high court created by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last week is causing Republican leadership in the Senate to seek a expedited confirmation of President Trump's nominee. Trump says he'll nominate conservative for the seat, and that plan could tilt the court toward an opinion that will end the 10-year-old health insurance program. State Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney says about 110,000 people are enrolled in the ACA in Mississippi. He tells our Desare Frazier a decision to end the program would effect the entirety of the healthcare system in the state.

Segment 2:

A new nasal spray that could prevent someone from contracting the coronavirus is being researched in Mississippi. The spray, in trial at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy and Medicine, is designed to block and neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease. Co-lead researcher Dr. Ritesh Tandon says he is hopeful for a vaccine early next year, but thinks a pandemic like the coronavirus should be attacked from multiple angles. He tells our Kobee Vance the experimental nasal spray could help those skeptical about vaccines.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

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The deadline to register to vote in the November 3rd general election in Mississippi is quickly approaching. The Mississippi chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI is working to register new voters for the upcoming election. Executive Director Sitaniel Wimbley [like Nathaniel, but Sit-taniel] tells our Kobee Vance registering to vote is the first step a resident can take to make their voice heard.

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The passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is re-energizing the issue of women’s reproductive rights. We examine the fate of Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban following her death.

Then, the Speaker of the House lays out his priorities for the final days of an unorthodox session.

Plus, Trust for America’s Health releases it’s annual State of Obesity report. We look at how Mississippi fares.

Segment 1:

Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban is one of a number of cases that's on the docket to be reviewed by the U.S.Supreme Court. But, the death of U.S. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will delay hearing the case and is re-energizing the debate over reproductive rights at the federal level. We hear from Staci Fox of Planned Parenthood of the Southeast, Laura Duran of Pro-Life Mississippi, and Senator Angela Hill

Segment 2:

The Mississippi legislature is expected to reconvene in the next couple of weeks to complete the session and assess how the state is spending more than one billion dollars in federal coronavirus relief. Speaking virtually to reporters during the Stennis Press Forum, House Speaker Philip Gunn says lawmakers want to ensure those funds are spent before they expire.

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Mississippi again has the highest adult obesity rate in the country at 40.8 percent - that's according to The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America. The seventeenth annual report from Trust for America's Health provides state-by-state rankings of adult obesity rates, information on trends by region, age, gender and ethnicity. Rhea Farberman is the Trust's Communications Director. 

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The Army Corps of Engineers evaluates plans for the Yazoo Backwater Pump Project.

Then, the Mississippi Supreme Court rules against further expanding absentee voting, while an injunction in federal court requests an immediate ruling in a similar suit.

Plus, state officials say Mississippi is faring better in the battle against coronavirus transmission than it did following the Fourth of July.

Segment 1:

Damage Assessments are being sent to the Army Corps of Engineers to show how a flood prevention system could have made an impact in last year's historic flooding in the Mississippi Delta. Plans for the Yazoo Backwater Pump Project are being evaluated by the Corps of Engineers after months of damage assessment. In a press briefing Friday, Governor Tate Reeves was flanked by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson to express their support for the project.

Segment 2:

Lawyers for the Mississippi Center for Justice argue absentee voting should be expanded in the state during the pandemic - granting eligibility to voters who wish to avoid crowded poll sites in adherence to public health guidelines. But late last week, the Mississippi Supreme Court struck down that argument while clarifying what conditions do allow a person to vote absentee. Attorney Robert McDuff of the Mississippi Center for Justice explains the ruling with our Desare Frazier.

Segment 3:

Mississippi's Health Officer says data indicates the state is not yet seeing a spike in cases following the Labor Day holiday. The state's COVID numbers sharply rose in July following Independence Day. Widespread transmission led Governor Tate Reeves to issue a statewide mask mandate in August. Dr. Thomas Dobbs says he's glad to see the state is not repeating the trends from earlier this summer. Governor Tate Reeves credits Mississippians for the state's progress but says the decline in cases could be sharper - noting a suspected flattening last week.

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A Mississippi U.S. Attorney announces a new campaign against domestic violence.

Then, the Public Service Commission subpoenas telecom giant AT&T over questions regarding broadband expansion in the state.

Plus, how student leaders at two of Mississippi's public universities are serving as liaisons between administration and the student body in the effort to keep campus safe during a pandemic. 

Segment 1:

Families are staying home more during the coronavirus pandemic, and officials say this has led to a rise in domestic violence. In 2019, more than 10,000 calls were made to Mississippi law enforcement to report cases of domestic violence. U.S. Attorney of Mississippi's Southern District, Mike Hurst says domestic violence continues to be an area of concern that has risen during the coronavirus pandemic. 

"Operation Pheonecia", which will work towards removing guns from the hands of abusers, is named after Pheonecia Ratliff of Canton, who was killed by her ex boyfriend after reporting him for domestic violence. Her mother, Suzanne Ratliff, offers advice to people facing domestic violence with our Kobee Vance.

Segment 2:

Major telecommunications conglomerate AT&T has agreed to provide the state of Mississippi records detailing how it used the almost $284 million it was paid by the federal government to expand internet access in the state. Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley said AT&T initially denied requests last week for records related to work it completed in the state to provide fixed wireless service access through the Connect America Fund. Earlier this week he spoke with our Desare Frazier, saying his office is charged with ensuring the work is done.

Segment 3:

A close eye is being turned to college campuses this fall as students are resuming in-person learning. College students usually exhibit a level of independence and freedom often not reserved for their K-12 peers, which has led to concerns from health officials over the potential for widespread community transmission of COVID-19 on university campuses. They worry the social element of college life could lead to behaviors and practices that could cause outbreaks. To combat this, university administrators are leaning on student leadership to develop and communicate safety plans. We talk to Sarah Helen Skelton of Mississippi State and Joshua Mannery of the University of Mississippi.

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A coalition of health professionals are sending a united message to Mississippians to fight the flu.

Then, Mothers Against Drunk Driving turns 40. We look back with their national President and discuss new initiatives the group is pursuing.

Plus, in today’s book club … A remarkable story that began thirty years ago in Ted Jackson’s new book, “You Ought to Do A Story About Me.”

Segment 1:

A coalition of doctors and associations called 'Flu Fighters' is uniting to urge Mississippians to get their flu shot. Flu season begins in October, but doctors say now is the time to get a flu shot. Dr. Mark Horne, President of the Mississippi State Medical Association, tells our Kobee Vance viruses like the flu or coronavirus lower immunity to other illnesses, which could lead to severe outcomes for patients.

Experts say that wearing masks and social distancing will help reduce transmission of the flu, but the virus still poses a serious risk because of the coronavirus. Dr. John Gaudet is President of the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He says young children and older adults are the most at risk for severe outcomes from the flu, and measures should be taken to avoid a "twindemic".

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Mothers Against Drunk Driving - more commonly known as MADD - is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of its founding. The organization has long-served to humanize the tragedies associated with impaired driving, and is releasing a new survey that measures the American public’s attitudes and knowledge about the impact of marijuana on traffic safety. According to the survey, one in eight U.S. adults admits to having driven under the influence of marijuana. President Helen Witty joins us to reflect on MADD's origins and how the group is facing the evolving issue of impaired driving.

Segment 3:

Ted Jackson has been a photojournalist with the New Orleans Times Picayune for the last 36 years. The Pulitzer Prize winner is a McComb native and alum of The University of Southern Mississippi. Thirty years ago he took a picture of a homeless man that led to a revelation, redemption and his new book, “You Ought to Do A Story About Me.” 

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