The Governor extends his Executive Order requiring masks, and adds new counties to the list.

Then, a Mississippi Congressman remembers the life and service of the late John Lewis.

Plus, where have all the coins gone? We examine why retailers are limiting cash transactions.

Segment 1:

More Mississippians are now being required to wear masks when in public. In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tate Reeves announced the revised and extended Executive Order during a press briefing yesterday. Mississippi saw another new single-day record yesterday with 1,251 new cases reported. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the recent upward trend is putting unprecedented stress on the state's hospital system.

Segment 2:

Congressman Bennie Thompson was a teenager during the Freedom Summer of 1964 - a campaign led by Civil Rights icon John Lewis to register black voters in Mississippi ahead of the primary and general elections. Thirty years later, Thompson would be take the oath of office as Mississippi's Second District Representative, joining Lewis in the People's House. Thompson remembers Lewis, the man and the lawmaker, in a conversation with our Michael Guidry.

Segment 3:

"Exact Change Only" - It's a phrase being seen more than usual at retailers across the state, and it's due to a breakdown in coin circulation caused in part by the weeks-long shutdown earlier this spring. Gordon Fellows is President and CEO of the Mississippi Bankers Association. He explains where all the coins have gone.

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Educators and parents rally for a delayed school start while rising cases prompt the Governor to consider extending safety measures

Then, a Civil Rights icon John Lewis is remembered by one of Mississippi's own.

Plus, the commission leading the way to redesign Mississippi's state flag is being formed. We talk to one member about serving in this historic group.

Segment 1:

Teacher, parents and education advocates are calling for state leaders and the Mississippi Department of Education to delay the start of the school year, citing concerns over the rising cases of COVID-19. This comes as Governor Tate Reeves follows the messaging from the Trump Administration for students to return to school campuses when classes resume in the fall.

Some educators in the state say the scheduled start is too soon for a safe return. Gathered at the state capitol last week, members of Mississippi Teachers Unite proposed two solutions to the ongoing cornavirus pandemic: delay the resumption of on-campus learning and fully fund the MAEP.

Segment 2:

The nation is mourning the death of Civil Rights Era icon John Lewis who passed away late Friday night. Lewis was a leading figure in sit-in protests across the south, as well as the Freedom Rides. In 2018, he spoke with MPB's Desare Frazier at Mississippi's Civil Rights Museum, saying the images of Freedom Fighters past inspired him. And, Mississippi Civil Rights veteran Flonzie Brown Wright remembers Lewis fondly, and recalls some of the work she did with the late Civil Rights leader.

Segment 3:

When the legislature passed the historic flag bill last month, it also legally established a commission to lead in presenting a new flag design to be voted on by the people in November. The nine-person commission is comprised of appointees by Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House, as well as specified appointments made by the Governor from three agencies - the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Mississippi Economic Council, and the Department of Archives and History. Among those tapped by Lt. Governor Delbert Hoseman is Reuben Anderson, the first African American to serve on the state's Supreme Court. Anderson tells our Ashley Norwood, after a lifetime under the old flag, he's honored to usher in change.

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Mississippi's health care system reaches the brink as COVID cases and hospitalizations reach new highs in the state.

Then, a new report from the Trust for America's Health examines the impact of the pandemic on communities facing food insecurities.

Segment 1:

Hospital beds in Mississippi are filling up with coronavirus patients, and emergency rooms are giving up space to assist with the high demand for advanced medical care. Yesterday was a new record day for COVID-19 cases in the state as the Department of Health reported over twelve hundred new confirmed infections. Over the past eight days, COVID-related hospitalizations have continued to climb to a record 855. Dr. Andy Willhelm is Director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He tells MPB's Kobee Vance the novelty and severity of the disease presents a series of challenges.

Segment 2:

School closures, coupled with the economic pressures of the COVID-19 crisis, are causing children to experience food insecurity at unprecedented rates. A new report, released yesterday by Trust for America's Health, examines policies and recommendations that are being implemented by local, state, and federal officials, as well as school systems, to protect against child hunger during the ongoing pandemic. Adam Lustig is with Trust for America's Heath. He tells shares more about the report with us.

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As cases continue to rise, the Governor pushes back on a statewide mask mandate, and introduces a PPE program for schools, churches and small businesses.

Then, we examine the constitutionality of the Trump Administration withholding education funding, and legal protections for teachers as they potentially return to campus.

Plus, Civil Rights Era foot soldiers relive a painful history as recent events re-energize protests over systemic racism.

And, in today's Book Club, an author's debut novel takes a deep dive into Mississippi's past while bringing a civil rights era murder to the forefront.

Segment 1:

Mississippi is experiencing a higher rate of coronavirus transmission in the first half of July than the state did in the first two months of the pandemic. Since the July 1st, the Mississippi Department of Health has reported 10,664 cases of COVID-19. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the widespread transmission is putting tremendous strain on the hospital system.

The stress on the system has resulted in calls for a statewide mask mandate - most notably from State Medical Association. In neighboring Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey has announced a statewide measure. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves is instead taking a more targeted approach, ordering residents in 13 counties to wear masks in public spaces. He says a broader order won't be effective if residents are reluctant to comply.

Segment 2:

President Donald Trump is threatening to withhold federal funding from schools that do not return to traditional instruction in the fall, despite rising cases of COVID-19 in many parts of the country. Matt Steffey is a Professor at the Mississippi College School of Law. We asked him if the federal government has the inherent authority to take such action.

Segment 3:

The police killings of Black people in recent months prompted weeks of civil unrest. In many ways, protests across the U.S. look a lot like those held in the 60s, when Black Americans fought for equality. For many civil rights foot soldiers, it’s been difficult to relive that painful history. But as WBHM’s Janae Pierre in Birmingham reports, they say this moment seems different.

Segment 4:

In today's Book Club, an antebellum manor serves as a symbol for a small Mississippi town trying to leave the past behind but not without some hanging onto those vestiges. A man accused of a civil rights era murder is being tried, again, 44 years later, magnifying the tensions of class and race. In his debut novel,"Some Go Home," writer Odie Lindsey sets the story in a fictional town called Pitch-lynn. 

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The State Medical Association calls for a statewide mask mandate as Mississippi’s hospital system remains strained.

Then, the Governor says his veto of the education budget bill is over the School Recognition Program. A member of the Senate Education Committee claims there’s more to it.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a look at child car safety in the Mississippi heat.

Segment 1:

Mississippi has the largest number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus since March, and many of the state's hospitals have no space in their intensive care units. This is prompting a group representing nearly five thousand physicians and medical students across Mississippi to call for a statewide mask mandate. The Mississippi State Medical Association says the daily number of COVID-19 cases has been rising at alarming rates, and it's crippling major hospitals and their ability to provide emergency care. Dr. Clay Hays, President of the State Medical Association, says the virus does not stop at the county line.

Governor Tate Reeves is aware of the association's recommendation and acknowledges they have similar goals. But Reeves says he believes a targeted approach, like the current executive order that places tighter restrictions on 13 Mississippi counties, is the best way to maximize adherence. 

Segment 2:

Schools in Mississippi are scheduled to resume in a matter of weeks, but state leaders still haven't finalized an education budget. Governor Tate Reeves vetoed parts of the education budget bill last week, and the legislature is in hiatus due to a coronavirus outbreak. The day he vetoed the bill, Governor Tate Reeves said it was to protect the School Recognition Program. But Senate Democrat Hob Bryan, a member of the Education Committee, says the Governor's veto goes deeper than that. In a conversation with our Michael Guidry, Bryan details the bill and the parts vetoed by the Governor.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Heat stroke is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle-related deaths in children across the US - that's according to Safe Kids Mississippi. These deaths are often caused when children are left in hot cars during the sweltering heat of summer. Elizabeth Foster is with Safe Kids Mississippi. She share more with MPB's Ashley Norwood.

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The Governor calls for diligence as tighter restrictions in 13 counties go into effect.

Then, outbreaks in long term care facilities are on the rise again. We look at how the current wave of transmission is reaching this vulnerable population.

Plus, as the beginning of the school year approaches, we look at how teachers are preparing to return.

Segment 1:

Hospitalizations from the coronavirus are climbing in Mississippi, and officials are trying to slow the spread of the virus to prevent the state's healthcare system from being overwhelmed. Thirteen counties in Mississippi are under a mandatory mask order as coronavirus cases continue surge across the state. Governor Tate Reeves says such measures are needed because there has been resistance to personal mitigation efforts.

Coronavirus hospitalizations in Mississippi have almost doubled in the past month, and State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says some hospitals have added more beds, but many of the state's largest hospitals are operating at maximum capacity. Dobbs also addresses speculation regarding inflated case numbers.

Segment 2:

Nearly fifty percent of COVID-19 related deaths in Mississippi are occurring in long term care facilities. There are more than 100 coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes and long term care settings across the state. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the rise, based on the recent widespread community transmission, is not a surprise.

The Mississippi Department of Health is reporting a total of 3,000 cases among residents and a little over 600 total deaths. Tony Hamrick is President of the Mississippi Healthcare Association, and is also administrator of Columbia Rehab and Healthcare. He tells MPB's Ashley Norwood it's going to take a community effort to slow the spread among the state's most vulnerable.

Segment 3:

The Trump Administration is continuing its effort to pressure schools across the country to resume traditional education in the fall. During a round-table event at the White House yesterday, the President made is position clear. In Mississippi, Governor Reeves says he would also like to see schools open, and will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with school districts.

Talk of schools reopening has often been focused on what parents and students need. But a resumption of traditional instruction would also require thousands of teachers, administrators and staff to navigate the dangers that come with gathering in school buildings during the height of a pandemic. Cagney Weaver is an Academic Strategist at Biloxi Upper Elementary. She shares a teacher's perspective as schools across the state prepare to return.

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The Governor announces upcoming restrictions on a number of targeted counties, and defends his legislative vetoes.

Then, leaders at UMMC urge residents to take personal responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe from COVID-19.

Plus, how the National Endowment for the Humanities is helping Mississippi institutions during the pandemic.

Segment 1:

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves is tightening restrictions in 13 counties with significant spikes in coronavirus cases. Reeves made the announcement yesterday during a press briefing after hinting tighter restrictions could come as cases and hospitalizations continue to rise. The restrictions are a response, in part, to a health care system under stress due to widespread community transmission.

Reeves also defended his decision to veto certain legislation, including two prison reform bills and the education budget. Reeves took exception to a part of the education budget that redirects money from the School Recognition Program into the MAEP. Reeves stood by his characterization of the program cut as a pay cut for teachers. Kelly Riley is Executive Director of Mississippi Professional Educators. She says the education budget bill cuts funding of the MAEP.

Segment 2:

Medical professionals in Mississippi are warning that the state is in 'the eye of a hurricane' for COVID-19 hospitalizations. This comes as the state experiences a two-week period of record case numbers. Dr. LouAnn Woodward is Vice Chancellor of the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She says the state went from shelter-in-place to wide-open, and now is the time for residents to find a healthy middle ground.

Segment 3:

The National Endowment for the Humanities is receiving $40.3 million in new CARES Act economic stabilization grants to support essential operations at more than 300 cultural institutions across the country. In Mississippi that includes the B.B. King Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Art. NEH Chairman Jon Parrish Peede is a native of Brandon, Mississippi, with a master's in Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi. He shares what the CARES Act funds means for the humanities in Mississippi. 

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The Governor cautions residents, vetoes legislation and defends monuments.

Then, the Mayor of Jackson describes the measures the capital city is taking to fight the trend of rising COVID cases.

Plus, in today’s book club, the history of an iconic blues lounge chronicled through photos in the book, “Po’ Monkeys.”

Segment 1:

Mississippi's current hospitalization rate is now the third highest in the country - trailing only Arizona and Texas. The state has seen cases of COVID spike in the last two weeks, causing hospitalizations to reach their highest levels since the first case was reported March 11th. Governor Tate Reeves says the strain on the hospital system is no longer a hypothetical.

Reeves began easing restrictions in May with hopes to reopen the state fully on July 1st. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the high levels of transmission are not unexpected.

Reeves also discusses legislation and efforts to remove confederate statues.

Segment 2:

Hinds County, home of the capital city, has been the hardest hit county in the state during the coronavirus pandemic. This has prompted the Mayor of Jackson to take strong action that is often more restrictive than state-wide orders. Chokwe Antar Lumumba joins us to discuss the ordinances and safety measures he has enacted to keep residents of the state's largest metro-area safe.

Segment 3:

Along a dirt road surrounded by farmland in the Mississippi delta is a place that was a mecca for blues fans. This little shack-like lounge welcomed music lovers for more than 50 years before closing in 2016. In the book, “Po’ Monkeys: Portrait of a Juke Joint,” photographer, Will Jacks, shares more than 70 black and white photos that illustrate why Po’ Monkeys was a mandatory stop on a blues pilgrim

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Public Health officials report record hospitalizations and describe a system strained of resources.

Then, how new Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain plans to repair Parchman and rehabilitate inmates.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a University of Southern Mississippi student from Oxford is using an online platform to encourage Conversations for Change.

Segment 1:

Mississippi's hospitals are caring for more COVID-19 patients than at any prior point during the coronavirus pandemic - this is according to the latest data from the Mississippi Department of Health. During a briefing yesterday, State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs said the strain the virus is having on hospitals means certain counties will have to suspend elective procedures because beds are in short supply.

The stress to the system is a result of a two week period of record case numbers. Previously, Dobbs indicated the rise was caused by widespread community transmission - mainly among 18-29 year olds. He says now those cases are making their way up the age ladder.  

Segment 2:

Parchman State Penitentiary has long been a target of admonishment for those seeking comprehensive prison reform in Mississippi. The facility has buildings with reportedly inadequate water supplies and no electricity prompting reform advocates to call for its closing. But new Department of Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain wants to keep Parchman open. In part two of his conversation with our Desare Frazier, Cain lays out his plans for Parchman and rehabilitation.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

In the wake of the May 25th death of George Floyd, a freshman psychology major and Honors College student at the University of Southern Mississippi felt compelled, like many of her peers, to seek solutions to better her community. So Klaria Holmes, at home in Oxford, organized an online platform with panelists to facilitate a discussion, with input from local residents, on the issues of racial injustice and its intersection with policing. Holmes joins us to share how the events in Minneapolis inspired her to start Conversations for Change.

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As health officials manage a potential outbreak at the Capitol, the Governor assigns blame for the rising cases to protests in early June.

Then, he’s been selected to lead the reform in Mississippi’s prison system. A conversation with the new Commissioner of Corrections.

Plus, meet Jenn White, the new voice of 1A.

Segment 1:

Coronavirus cases in Mississippi are rising at an unprecedented pace for the state, cueing more words of caution and concern from state officials. This comes as multiple members of the Mississippi House of Representatives have tested positive for the disease, including House Speaker Philip Gunn. Gunn, who attended a signing ceremony for the flab bill at the Governor's mansion last week, says he is now isolating for the recommended 14 days. This visit to the mansion has also prompted Governor Tate Reeves to quarantine while he and his family await test results. In a Facebook Live video yesterday, Reeves says the scare at the capitol is a reminder of how contagious the virus can be. 

Reeves also used part of the nearly 15 minute video to reiterate his message that protests in early June are, at least, partly to blame for the recent rise in cases. Reeves initially made the suggestion in a Twitter post Sunday. Yesterday he continued to push the narrative. Reeves' position on the matter runs contrary to that of the State's Health Officer. During their last joint press conference last week, Dr. Thomas Dobbs responded to questions about a potential link between high cases and protests by saying the data doesn't support it.

Segment 2:

In late May, Tate Reeves nominated former Angola State Prison Warden Burl Cain for the position of Commissioner of Corrections. Cain, who has fought against past allegations of impropriety, was confirmed by the Senate last month. In part one of our two part conversation, the new MDOC Commissioner joins our Desare Frazier to discuss those allegations and his vision for reform.

Segment 3:

If you listen to MPB Think Radio in the evenings, you might have noticed a new voice on the WAMU produced 1A yesterday. That voice belongs to Jenn White and she is taking over full-time hosting duties following Joshua Johnson's move to cable news. So, who is Jenn White? We learn more about the new host in a conversation with our Michael Guidry.

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