Sally comes ashore east of the Mississippi-Alabama state line. We examine the threats the storm still presents the coastal counties as it moves out.

Then, Jackson county has been hammered with rain from Sally over the last 24 hours. We check in with their locale emergency manager.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, state health officials weigh in on the effectiveness of masks.

Segment 1:

For days, Hurricane Sally has been threatening the Mississippi Coast as it churned in the waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Now, it appears that threat is over. Sally officially made landfall this morning near Gulf Shores, Alabama after strengthening overnight to a Category 2 storm with winds topping 100 miles per hour. But the slow pace of the storm could still require residents along the coast and in eastern Mississippi to be weather-aware.

Segment 2:

For the Mississippi Gulf Coast, hurricane season is a time of hyper-awareness and preparation. Jackson County in the southeastern corner of the state, was forecast to be hit by some of the most severe elements of Hurricane Sally when the state began preparing for the storm last weekend. But as the storm ticked east, the county was spared some from the worst. Still, as Emergency Services Director Earl Etheridge tells our Michael Guidry, the county was hit with winds strong enough to down trees and cause power outages.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Mississippians will be required to wear masks through the end of September following Governor Tate Reeves' decision to extended his pandemic-related executive order. The state has seen a downward trend in coronavirus cases since mandate was issued in August. State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says mask-wearing could still be in integral part of fighting transmission even as vaccines are developed.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs has long supported the wearing of masks. He says new studies are being conducted that examine micro-exposure - which could further prove the effectiveness of masks.

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

Hurricane Sally slowly churns off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We have the latest on the storm with the National Weather Service.

Then, a look at how the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is preparing for Sally's landfall and subsequent recovery efforts.

Plus, the Governor extends the mask mandate while loosening restrictions on restaurants.

Segment 1:

Hurricane Sally is lurking in the northern Gulf of Mexico, sending rain, winds and storm surge to the coastal areas. Sally quickly strengthened from a tropical storm to a category 2 hurricane yesterday, but has weakened some since then. Still, it's a slow moving storm, with a forecast that could bring days of rain to some coastal counties, with the strong potential for flooding. For the latest on Sally, we are joined by Ben Schott from the National Weather Service in Slidell.

Segment 2:

Coastal and southeastern Mississippians are starting to feel some of the effects of Hurricane Sally. The storm is expected to bring winds, storm surge, and lots of rain. Some residents are under evacuation orders; others have elected to ride out the storm. In either case, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is preparing to respond. As MEMA Director Greg Michel tells our Michael Guidry, the early preparations for the storm were coordinated in a way to adjust if Sally's projected path continues to change.

Segment 3:

Mississippi residents will be under a mask mandate through the end of September. Yesterday, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending his Executive Order through the end of month. But he is also easing restrictions on restaurants - citing the declining trend in COVID-19 cases.

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

Tropical Storm Sally strengthens in the eastern Gulf of Mexico as it inches towards the Mississippi coast.

Then, hundreds line up for meals as the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic lingers.

Plus, a virtual conference aims to equip caregivers with the tools to manage Alzheimer’s.

Segment 1:

Tropical Storm Sally is moving slowly northwest towards the mouth of the Mississippi River as it continues to gain strength - now with sustained winds of 65 miles per hour. Residents of Hancock County are under an evacuation order - effective as of 7:00 a.m. this morning. Local emergency agencies are warning storm surge and power outages could occur as early as tonight. For the latest on Sally and the threat it presents to Mississippi we are joined by Ben Schott of the National Weather Service in Slidell.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and National Guard are preparing for Sally and the severe threat of flooding it brings. MEMA Director Greg Michel says the combinations of storm surge and flooding could impact Hancock and Pearl River Counties.

Segment 2:

The number of people going hungry in Mississippi has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. As MPB's Kobee Vance reports, Mississippi leads the nation in food insecurity.

Segment 3:

Approximately five and a half million Americans face the daily challenges of Alzheimer's - including over 57,000 Mississippians. Caregivers and family members of those living with the disease require unique tools and strategies to navigate each day. To help, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is hosting a free, virtual Alzheimer’s educational conference for Mississippi residents tomorrow. Charles Fuschillo with the AFA says this unique conference will arm caregivers with the local resources they need to provide the best quality care for their loved ones and maintain their own health.

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

The Governor highlights economic recovery efforts through a pandemic-response, job-skills program.

Then, what a candidate for the U.S. Senate says about President Trump’s recorded conversations on the severity of the coronavirus.

Plus, the state auditor’s office provides transparency through a CARES Act funds tracking website.

Segment 1:

A federally funded program is working to improve Mississippi's workforce after high job loss during the coronavirus pandemic. The ReSkill Mississippi initiative is working to educate residents through technical education and on the job training. More than 10 percent of Mississippians were unemployed at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Tate Reeves says in the past month, ReSkillMS helped place more than 17 hundred people in training at community colleges to prepare them for skilled jobs with higher pay.

Businesses looking to hire new employees and train them can apply for reimbursement for up to 75 percent of that job's wages. Patrick Sullivan, Director of the State Workforce Investment Board, says Mississippi is faring better than other parts of the country in its economic recovery.

Segment 2:

This week, tapes revealing what President Donald Trump knew in February about the severity of the novel coronavirus are raising questions regarding his leadership and handling of the pandemic. In a series of 18 interviews with renowned Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward, Trump is recorded saying the virus is more deadly than "even your most strenuous flus". In a March 19th interview, Trump is on record admitting wanting to "play it down". Those comments came after Trump had held a number of political rallies where he suggested the virus was a hoax. Yesterday, during a press briefing, Governor Tate Reeves defended the President's decision as a means to avoid panic.

Mike Espy is challenging incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith in a rematch of the 2018 special election. He tells our Desare Frazier, the revelations about what President Trump knew in February and his initial downplaying of the pandemic, is also an indictment on his opponent.

Segment 3:

Mississippians now have access to detailed data on how the state is spending 1.25 billion dollars in federal coronavirus relief. An online expense tracker has been released by the State Auditor's office to offer additional transparency as the state spends its share of the two trillion in federal CARES Act dollars. State legislators have allocated most of that money to several state agencies, but only around 167 million has been spent. State Auditor Shad White tells our Kobee Vance this is the taxpayers' money, and this tool will allow them to see how it's being used.

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

Proponents for medical marijuana are hitting the road to advocate for ballot initiative 65, but some health officials say a constitutional amendment protecting the drug is a step in the wrong direction.

Then, the capital city is fighting food insecurity with a pilot program featuring Jackson chef Nick Wallace.

Plus, in our Book Club, "Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee."

Segment 1:

Supporters of medical marijuana are working to educate voters about an initiative on the

November ballot that would make its use legal in Mississippi. With events this week in the capital city and on the coast, members of Medical Marijuana 2020, the organizing group behind Initiative 65, are working to gain momentum ahead of the November election. Initiative 65 would allow Mississippians with one of 22 debilitating conditions such as cancer, seizures and multiple sclerosis obtain a prescription from a doctor to use medical marijuana. Jamie Grantham is Communication Director for Medical Marijuana 2020.

For Jim Perry, a member of the state Board of Health, Initiative 65 is the wrong way to pursue the issue of medical marijuana. He tells our Desare Frazier, it the measure passes, it would become a part of the state constitution, giving it protections no other drug has.

Segment 2:

Access to healthy food is a global challenge and one that impacts thousands of U.S. cities and over 40 million people nationwide. This crisis has been further exacerbated by the growing problem of income disparity and, more recently, the coronavirus pandemic. But community leaders in Jackson are teaming up with local chefs to combat the issue through Sunshine for All - a pilot program sponsored by Dole Packaged Foods. Chef Nick Wallace, an Edwards native, says he wants to use his platform to address local food insecurity. He tells our Michael Guidry one way to do this is by embracing the "slow food" movement. 

Segment 3:

In a true crime story from the 1970s, a rural preacher was accused of murdering five family members. He escaped justice until he was shot dead by a relative at the funeral of his last victim. The relative’s lawyer was the same attorney who represented the dead preacher. Enter one of America’s most beloved authors, Harper Lee, who attended the trial daily and spent many years working on her own version of the case. Casey Cep is the author of Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee.

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

COVID-19 transmission rates continue to trend down as flu season approaches.

Then, Curtis Flowers' attorney sheds light on what's next after 23 years behind bars and four reversed convictions.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, over 20 percent of Mississippi teens engaged in e-cigarette use last year. Now, the American Lung Association is announcing a comprehensive plan to curb youth vaping.

Segment 1:

Transmission rates of the coronavirus are on the decline in Mississippi. Governor Tate Reeves says the six weeks following the July peak have been a vast improvement for the state. He credits the efforts of Mississippi residents. To avoid the resurgence seen in other parts of the world, state health officials are increasing testing availability. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says free testing is being made available once a week in every county.

Segment 2:

Curtis Flowers has spent the last 23 years of his life behind bars or in the courtroom. The fifty-year-old was tried six times for capitol murder related to the 1996 shooting deaths of four people in a Winona furniture store. Two of those trials resulted in hung juries - the other four in convictions that were eventually reversed due to prosecutorial misconduct. Last week, Attorney General Lynn Fitch dropped the case against Flowers, essentially ending the decades-long saga. Now Flowers - and his attorneys - are looking at how to reconcile this injustice. Robert McDuff is with the Mississippi Center for Justice and a recent member of Flowers' defense team. He shares more on what's next for Curtis Flowers in part two of his conversation with Desare Frazier.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Medical experts in Mississippi are raising awareness about the dangers of young people vaping, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 20% of high school students in Mississippi used e-cigarettes last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts believe that rate may increase as students return to school and may experience social pressure to vape. Dr. John Gaudet is president of the Mississippi Chapter of the Academy of American Pediatrics. He tells our Ashley Norwood adolescents are prone to greater risk-taking.

The American Lung Association in Mississippi is launching a new comprehensive plan to prevent students from vaping and assist those who want to quit. Ashley Lyerly is with the association. She says the return to school provides a pathway to reach students.

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

After over two decades behind bars, Curtis Flowers has his case dropped.

Then, the CDC issues an eviction moratorium, protecting renters through the end of 2020. We examine how the action affects tenants and landlords in Mississippi.

Plus, bus drivers in a Mississippi school district are being denied routes over a conflict involving working hours and compensation.  

Segment 1:

When Curtis Flowers posted bail and left prison in December, his future remained uncertain. He had been tried for capital murder six times, convicted four times, and each of those four convictions - the most recent by the U.S. Supreme Court - were reversed due to prosecutorial misconduct by District Attorney Doug Evans. Soon after, Evans withdrew from the case and the office of Attorney General Fitch was appointed in his place.

Now, Flowers' future is a little clearer. Last week Fitch's office announced it is dropping the case, meaning for the first time in 23 years Curtis Flowers won't be subject to charges he has long-denied. Robert McDuff of the Mississippi Center for Justice joined the Flowers defense team after Supreme Court reversed the conviction and death sentence in Flowers’ sixth trial. He shares more about the long history of the case in part one of a conversation with MPB's Desare Frazier.

Segment 2:

Mississippians who can't afford to pay rent because of coronavirus-related job loss are protected from evictions under a new moratorium by the CDC. A federal moratorium previously offered extensive protections for renters, but that expired at the start of this month. To qualify for the new moratorium, renters must prove in court that they are out of work because of the coronavirus, and are pursuing government assistance. Jarvis Dortch, Executive Director of the ACLU of Mississippi, tells our Kobee Vance the move by the CDC helps, but it doesn't erase all barriers for poor residents. 

Segment 3:

The coronavirus pandemic is presenting unprecedented challenges to public schools. Between socially distanced classrooms and virtual learning, school districts are making changes to accommodated the variety of ways children are learning in the world of COVID-19. For Columbus City Schools, some changes have resulted in a clash between administration and the district's bus drivers. In a story first reported by the Commercial Dispatch, drivers for Columbus City Schools walked out last week over a dispute regarding hours and wages. Renarda Dent is one of those drivers. 

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

A ruling in a Hinds County Chancery Court grants voters with pre-existing conditions eligibility to vote absentee. But an attorney with the Mississippi Center for Justice says the decision falls short.

Then, the retired 1894 flag has long been seen as a hindrance for economic growth. We hear from the Economic Council about how Mississippi's new flag can open doors.

Plus, the coast celebrates post-Katrina revitalization with the grand opening of a new aquarium.

Segment 1:

An attorney with the Mississippi Center for Justice says his clients won a partial victory in a lawsuit seeking to expand absentee voting during the coronavirus pandemic. In a decision on Wednesday, Hinds Country Chancery Court Judge Denise Owens ruled voters with pre-existing conditions are eligible to vote absentee. Attorney Robert McDuff, who represented six plaintiffs in the suit, says the decision still falls short. He tells our Desare Frazier those with concerns over crowded polling places should be protected too.

Mary Harwell is one of the six plaintiffs in the lawsuit and agrees with McDuff. The 45-year-old, who has Type 1 Diabetes and has self-quarantined since March, says she is thankful she can vote absentee. But the decision could still put her family at risk.

Segment 2:

When the Mississippi legislature retired the 1894 flag in late June, the nation was at a fever pitch over issues like police brutality and systemic racism. The decision to permanently lower the flag was seen by some as a move toward social healing and reconciliation. For Scott Waller of the Mississippi Economic Council, it also signified an opportunity for the state to advance economically. He tells our Kobee Vance the state failed to attract development, in part because the old flag contained symbols many deem racist.

Segment 3:

Fifteen years after Hurricane Katrina decimated the Mississippi Gulf Coast, local leaders are celebrating the opening of what they say is a symbol of the area's revitalization. The Mississippi Aquarium officially opened its doors on August 29th, giving the state and region a world-class facility designed to inspire and educate. Aquarium CEO Kurt Allen says the day seemed like a fitting tribute to the coast's efforts to rebuild.

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

With the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases trending down, the Governor calls the coming days critical.

Then, the Magnolia State is one step closer to having a flag featuring the celebrated flower.

Plus, in today’s Book Club: we re-visit a conversation with Mississippi delta native and renowned writer, Julia Reed, who died last week.

Segment 1:

State officials are warning Mississippians to continue to wear masks and avoid large gatherings ahead of the Labor Day Holiday. The summer holidays of Memorial Day and Independence Day led to spikes in COVID-19 cases. Governor Tate Reeves says the state is seeing a reduction in the number of coronavirus cases - citing the state's current seven day average as a slight improvement over last week. He is urging Mississippians to stay diligent ahead of the Labor Day holiday.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says maintaining good mitigation practices is even more critical as more schools are scheduled to open in the coming week. Dobbs says there are more than 500 teachers and 3,700 students quarantined statewide. He also wants residents to understand the role quarantining plays in slowing the spread of the virus. 

Segment 2:

A final state flag design has been chosen and Mississippians will soon vote on its adoption. After weeks of debate, the commission to design the new flag voted 8 to 1 for a design featuring a magnolia. It was one of over three thousand designs the commission considered, and beat out The Great River Flag for the chance to go on the ballot in November. Lawmakers voted in June to retire the 1894 flag with the Confederate battle emblem - a symbol condemned by many as racist. We hear from commission chairman Judge Reuben Anderson and commission member Mayor Robin Tannehill.

Segment 3:

She was born and raised in the Mississippi delta and grew up to be a writer. She wrote about the food and culture of the south; about entertaining and her observations of the people around her. Julia Reed was 59 when she passed away last week. In today’s Book Club: a conversation from 2018 with the spirited writer on her final book, “South Toward Home.”

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

Mississippi’s Department of Employment Security receives supplemental funds from President Trump’s executive order.

Then, September is Suicide Prevention Month. As residents and families face the challenges of the pandemic, we examine the warning signs associated with suicide.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a new state flag design will be selected today. We talk to an artist behind one of the two finalists.

Segment 1:

Mississippians without jobs can soon expect to receive an additional 300 dollars per week. The state, through action by Governor Tate reeves, has been approved for a FEMA grant under the Lost Wages Assistance Program. The program was created by President Trump through executive order last month, and requires the state to match part of the federal funding.  

Residents who received unemployment benefits of more than 100 dollars during the first three weeks of August will soon be receiving an additional assistance. Jackie Turner is Executive Director for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. She tells our Kobee Vance the supplemental funding will help stimulate Mississippi's economy where CARES act funds ended in late July.

Segment 2:

The number of calls about suicide prevention has increased during the coronavirus pandemic according to the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. Joblessness, feelings of isolation, and deaths of loved ones can be overwhelming for some. Jaquila Newsome is with MDMH. She shares how the department is helping those who feel hopeless with our Desare Frazier.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

The commission tasked with selecting a new flag design will meet today to determine which of two finalists will be presented to the legislature. One finalist, the Great River Flag, features an escutcheon inspired by the Territorial Seal of 1798. The other finalist includes a Magnolia encircled by stars on a blue field with red and gold sidebars. The public has been weighing in on the two designs in a non-binding poll on the Department of Archives and History website. So far, the Magnolia flag is leading with 59 percent of the vote. Kara Giles helped design the flag using the Magnolia artwork of Sue Anna Joe.

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