Governor Reeves announces guidelines for churches to resume in-person services, while the Health Department is pressured to release more information regarding the outbreaks at long term care facilities.

Then, one Mississippi county has no reported cases of COVID-19. We look at how Issaquena has stayed case-free.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a new preventative HIV medication.

Segment 1:

For nearly two months, churches across the state have held services in parking lots; or virtually through streaming video or conference calls. Now, Governor Tate Reeves is issuing eight pages of guidelines for churches to resume in-person gatherings. Reeves announced the move during his daily press briefing yesterday. Reeves recommends churches deep clean their spaces before welcoming members back. He also suggests they close coffee stations and suspend collection and offering plates. He emphasizes that these are guidelines, and he is leaving it to Mississippi's pastors to determine when to resume in-person gatherings.

The guidelines come as the state eclipses 11,700 cases of COVID-19, and while seven Mississippi counties are under enhanced scrutiny due to concerns over public transmission. Hospitalizations, as well as ICU and ventilator utilization, have remained steady since the beginning of May, with no trends of reduction in the data released by the department of health. Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says cases may not decrease if Mississippians do not accept a new normal.

Segment 2:

Out of 82 Mississippi counties, only one has no confirmed cases of COVD-19 - south Mississippi Delta's Issaquena County. With a population estimate of 1,327 from the U.S. Census Bureau, it is the least populated county east of the Mississippi River.  The county has only recently started testing - at the health clinic in the county seat of Mayserville. So far, no positive cases have been reported. Delta Health Center’s Chief Program Planning and Development Officer Robin Boyles explains some of the reasons why with our Alexandra Watts.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

The HIV Prevention Trials Network or HPTN is announcing the results of a global randomized, controlled, double-blind study of an injectable HIV prevention drug. The study shows that CAB LA lowers the HIV incidence in certain tested population groups. Dr. Ben Brock is an Assistant Professor of Infectious Disease at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He tells us more about HPTN and what this study means in the long fight against HIV. 

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A look how the legislature is managing a budget deficit, and what’s next with the CARES Act funds.

Then, tattoo parlors are open again. We check in with owners to see how they’re adapting.

Plus, open enrollment for the MPACT college savings account is extended. We hear from State Treasurer David McRae.

Segment 1:

The Mississippi Legislature is set to resume on May 26th, and when they do, appropriation of the remaining CARES Act funds will be a top priority. The $1.25 billion pot of federal aid is designated to help states recover from the financial challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, lawmakers passed a $300 million small business program. That bill is awaiting signature from Governor Tate Reeves. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann says the next step for the available CARES Act funds is making sure counties municipalities, and hospitals are solvent. He joins us to discuss those priorities and how the legislature plans on managing a potential budget deficit.

Segment 2:

Tattoo parlors in Mississippi are reopening after being closed for nearly two months. The shops were closed as part of Governor Tate Reeves’s executive order to slow the public transmission of the coronavirus. Christian Cornin, owner of Carnivale Tattoo in Biloxi, says he is excited to reopen, but worries about customers' anxiety over cleanliness. He tells our Kobee Vance, even though he has always practiced strong shop hygiene, he knows people are apprehensive. Dani Shives is with Oxford Social Club. She says she's eager for the shop to return to its busy ways.

Segment 3:

State Treasurer David McRae is extending the open enrollment period for the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Plan or MPACT program to July 15. This College Savings Plan allows families to lock-in tuition rates and pre-pay their child's tuition. McRae, who began his first term in January, tells our Michael Guidry his first few months in office have been challenging, but he's excited about providing this opportunity to Mississippi families.

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Tattoo parlors and casinos get the green light to reopen.

And, we talk to the Lt. Governor about the Small Business grant programs.

Then, the Mississippi Center for Justice files suit against two state prisons.

Plus, we look at how the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority is keeping travelers safe

Segment 1:

More Mississippi businesses are expected to reopen this week. After a number of phases allowing retail stores, salons and barber shops to resume business, tattoo parlors and casinos are now getting the green light to open their doors. During his daily press briefing Friday, Governor Tate Reeves announced the new Executive Order. The order allows tattoo parlors to open once health restrictions are put in place. Casinos are set to reopen May 21st. Reeves says he is allowing businesses to reopen because he believes personal responsibility is better than government order. He also calls efforts to delay until a vaccine or more reliable treatments are available, counterproductive.

The announcement allowing tattoo parlors and casinos to open capped a busy week of relief for Mississippi's small businesses. Last week the legislature passed a $300 million package for those businesses with federal funds provided through the CARES Act. This followed a heated battle between Governor Reeves and leaders in the legislature over who would control the appropriation of the $1.25 billion of relief money. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann joins our Karen Brown to share his thoughts on clash, and what the legislature has planned for the rest of the CARES Act funds.

Segment 2:

Concerns over transmission of COVID-19 in long-term care and high density facilities are growing. This includes prisons, where Governor Tate Reeves and other officials say the spread of the coronavirus is relatively contained. But Mississippi Center for Justice and partners think the state can do more, and have filed a class action lawsuit against the department of corrections. Paloma Wu, an attorney with the Center for Justice says they want the state's two largest prisons, which are in Rankin and Green Counties, to follow CDC guidelines for correctional facilities to prevent Covid 19 infections.

Segment 3:

The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority is working with its air service providers to share new safety policies at the state's busiest airport. The new policies are issued by Delta, American, and United Airlines – all of which provide legacy air service at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. LSherie Dean is the Public Information Officer with JMAA. She shares what the airlines and the authority are doing to keep travelers safe.

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Mississippi businesses react to the grant program passed by the legislature.

And, what nursing homes are doing to fight high transmission rates.

Then, we hear from a survivor of the 1970 Green-Gibbs murders at Jackson State.

Plus a Gulf States Newsroom round table on hurricane preparedness.

Segment 1:

A $300 million dollar relief package for Mississippi small businesses is one step away from becoming a reality. The two-part program passed through the legislature Wednesday night and is awaiting the signature of Governor Tate Reeves. After a week-long clash with lawmakers over the power to appropriate CARES Act funds, state leaders settled down to address the growing concern of small business owners. During his daily press briefing yesterday Reeves addressed the bill and the relief that comes with it.

A Mississippi business organization says the grant program just passed by the legislature is needed to help small businesses recover from the pandemic. Dawn Starns is with the National Federation of Independent Businesses. She says some small businesses don’t have large cash reserves and operate on thin profit margins. Starnes tells our Desare Frazier, as owners work to reopen, the funds available through the program will help meet expenses.

Segment 2:

Mississippi’s long term care facilities are home to nearly half of the state’s COVID-19 related deaths. MPB’s Kobee Vance reports on what nursing homes are doing to slow the spread of disease and keep family members informed during the crisis.

Segment 3:

In May of 1970, Gailya Porter was a sophomore majoring in Sociology at what was then called Jackson State College. The campus was home to mounting racial tension. At the time, Lynch Street was a main thoroughfare that went through the campus, and Porter says students were routinely harassed by white motorists passing through. Some students started fires on campus in protest, after a false rumor spread of the death of civil rights activist Charles Evers. The National Guard was placed on standby and Jackson Police closed off entrances to the campus. It was just before midnight when highway patrol officers and Jackson police marched up Lynch Street, and at some point opened fire near Alexander Hall - where Gailya Porter lived. When the gunshots ended, two African-American men were dead at least a dozen others injured - including Porter. She shares part of her experience with our Ashley Norwood.

Segment 4:

Hurricane season starts June first. That’s nothing new for those who live along the Gulf Coast. What is new this year is the fact hurricane season is happening during the coronavirus pandemic. We hear about how emergency officials are preparing from reporters in the region. MPB's Evelina Burnett and Tegan Wendland of W-W-N-O in New Orleans join the discussion. Andrew Yeager of W-B-H-M in Birmingham kicks things off.

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The state legislature continues its work to appropriate CARES Act Funds.

Then, as the November general election looms, we look at the safeguards some voting rights advocates are fighting for.

Then, in our Book Club, a new book that recounts the fatal shootings by law enforcement on the Jackson state campus fifty years ago.

Segment 1:

Small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic may now be eligible for federal relief money based on grant programs created by the Mississippi Legislature. One program would use $60 million for grants of $2,000 to those forced to close by government order. The other would use $240 million, and businesses could apply for grants of $1,500 to $25,000. Representative Robert Johnson, a Democrat from Natchez, explains the program with our Desare Frazier.

The Senate is considering plans from leaders in the education community over how to address distance learning shortfalls. During a Senate Education Committee meeting yesterday, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright presented the plan for K12 education as an opportunity to address the disparity in educational technology across the state; College Board Commissioner Alfred Rankins echoes many of those concerns. 

Segment 2:

With six months left until Election Day, civil rights groups are pursuing legal measures they believe will prove critical to Americans’ efforts to access the ballot in 2020. Lawyers from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund say they are using litigation methods at the state and federal levels to address concerns over voter protection and ballot access during the November election. Ezra Rosenberg is the co-director of the Voting Rights Project, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. He tells our Karen Brown the litigation is providing a critical tool to expanding voting access amid the pandemic. 

Segment 3:

Fifty years ago today, Jackson police and highway patrol officers marched onto the Jackson State College campus and opened fire on unarmed students. Two were killed. Countless others were injured. Historian, Nancy K. Bristow, recounts the tragedy in her new book: “Steeped in the Blood of Racism.” She talks with MPB’s Karen Brown.

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State officials introduce targeted mitigation strategies in counties experiencing high transmission rates.

And, lawmakers begin the process of appropriating CARES Act funds.

Then, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, how a Mississippi restaurant owner is coping with changes while reopening.

Segment 1:

Seven counties in Mississippi are now under more restrictions to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his daily press briefing yesterday, Governor Tate Reeves announced he is expanding social distancing guidelines in Attala, Jasper, Lauderdale, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, and Scott Counties - areas health officials say are experiencing higher rates of transmission. Reeves outlined the extended restrictions in what he calls a surgical approach to combating the coronavirus. The seven targeted counties are in a clustered in the east-central region of the state. Health Officer Thomas Dobbs says these areas, while more rural, are experiencing a high burden than the Jackson metro area.

Segment 2:

As Mississippi lawmakers work to divvy up $1.25 billion in coronavirus federal relief funds, hospitals and healthcare providers are seeking help. Members of the Senate Public Health Committee met yesterday to hear requests from health officials as they consider how to appropriate the CARES Act relief funds. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs appealed for more personal protective equipment for health care workers and nursing home staff, and took questions from Senators.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Mississippi dining rooms are back in business after restaurants spent weeks being relegated to drive-through or carry-out services. Restaurants are having to adjust dining rooms and protocol to account for the new social distancing measures limiting capacity and spacing between tables. For Shaggy's founder and co-owner Ron Ladner, rebuilding consumer confidence is the key to welcoming back patrons. He shares more with our MPB's Kobee Vance.

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The Governor extends unemployment benefits for those impacted by COVID-19 while encouraging Mississippians to return to work.

And, agricultural supply lines are being disrupted. We examine how that affects what’s on the shelf.

Then, gyms are some of the latest businesses allowed to reopen. We look at how owners are handling the return.

Segment 1:

Governor Tate Reeves is extending the unemployment benefits provided to help Mississippi workers and their families hard-hit by COVID-19. In this latest executive order, Governor Reeves is waiving the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment benefits for all claims filed from March 8 To December 26 of this year. Under his initial Executive Order, the waiting period was waived until June 27.

The announcement comes as the state continues to lift restrictions on businesses. Yesterday, salons, barbershops and gyms were allowed to reopen while adhering to certain health safety measures. Reeves says his administration is monitoring long-term data trends as it considers steps toward economic recovery.

Segment 2:

As Mississippi residents walk the aisles of their local supermarkets, they may notice low supplies of their preferred agricultural products. According to Mike McCormick, President of the Mississippi Farm Bureau, the lack of variety is due to a disruption of agricultural supply chains. He tells our Kobee Vance where the breakdown is occurring and the steps the agricultural community is taking to better reach Mississippians. 

Segment 3:

Along with salons and barbershops, Mississippi gyms are open again. Under Governor Tate Reeves' revised order, gyms across the state reopened their doors - this after nearly two months of being forced closed. Gyms, like other recently opened businesses, have to follow certain health safety guidelines like limited capacity. For Laura Harris and her husband, the governor's restrictions fall in line with many of their gym's practices before it was forced to close. She speaks with our Alexandra Watts. In Gulfport, Joff Clarke’s gym Bayou View Fitness is also open. He says while patrons are eager to come back, questions remain regarding any potential financial assistance.

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Governor Tate Reeves continues to plead with Mississippians to take the coronavirus seriously as more businesses are set to reopen today..

And the coronavirus has upended the travel industry. Hotels are vacant, festivals and events are cancelled. We hear from tourism experts in the state about steps being taken to lure visitors back.

Then, we hear how medical students are using their knowledge to volunteer to help health care workers during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Segment 1:

Starting today, barbershops, salons and gyms across the state can reopen. This is the latest executive order signed by Governor Tate Reeves-- to gradually remove restrictions he has set in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. While some businesses are reopening, the Governor says Mississippians must continue taking precautions against this highly contagious virus. Governor Reeves says after consulting with state health officials he is laying out strict social distancing guidelines and sanitation protocols for the businesses to reopen. For salons and barbershops--those guidelines include --face coverings for all employees who come in direct contact with customers. All waiting areas are to remain closed and customers must wait in their vehicles until their appointment time. For gyms ---all high touch areas must be sanitized at least once every two hours and no more than 30 percent of the gym’s maximum capacity is to be utilized. With more than 200 thousand Mississippians unemployed, Governor Reeves says he’s trying to avoid another Great Depression.

Segment 2:

The COVID-19 pandemic has halted Mississippi’s growing tourism industry — but communities across the state are coming up with new ways to attract visitors until travel is possible again. MPB’s Alexandra Watts reports.

Segment 3:

The COVID-19 pandemic has moved the education of medical students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center online. Since mid-March, clinical rotations for medical students have been suspended. The goal was to protect the safety of students and patients, and to reduce community spread. To help during the crisis, more than 350 of them are now volunteering throughout Mississippi. Ashley Brown is a fourth year medical student, who will start her residency next year at the Blair E. Batson Children’s hospital. Ezekiel Gonzalez is a MD---PH-D candidate at the University of Mississippi Medical Center---where he is working on his medical degree and PH-D simultaneously.  Gonzalez, who's in his fifth year of medical school is chair of the Covid 19 student volunteer response team. He’s assigned to the Medical Center’s drive through testing site at the Fairgrounds in Jackson. They both talk with our Desare Frazier.

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The Governor and the Legislature end their feud over spending power.

And, as the state economy reopens, we hear from the state's health officer about what residents can do to continue fighting the pandemic.

Then, a closer look at how businesses are coping with the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic.

Segment 1:

The clash between Governor Tate Reeves and legislative leaders is on hold. During his daily press briefing yesterday, Reeves was flanked by Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann and House Speaker Philip Gunn as he announced the leaders had met and found common ground. Reeves says he doesn't think prolonging the feud would expedite the appropriation of needed relief funds. The lawmakers say they will table Senate Bill 2772, the legislation at the heart of the dispute. Lt. Governor Hosemann says the Senate will continue to work on the needs of the people. House Speaker Philip Gunn thanked Governor Reeves for the cooperation needed to reach a resolution. Gunn says the legislature will appropriate funds with input from the Governor's office that Reeves will then have the power to administer.

Segment 2:

Mississippi restaurants and businesses are reopening, and Governor Reeves is easing restrictions on outdoor gathers. This comes as cases of COVID-19 in the state remain steady. During this week alone, the state health department has reported over 1,000 new cases. Dr. Thomas Dobbs is the state health officer. In a conversation with our Michael Guidry, he explains the increased cases and the data behind them.

Segment 3:

Financial worries, uncertainty about COVID-19 recurrence, employee resources and consumer confidence top the list of concerns reported by more than 1,000 business decision-makers surveyed across the state - that's according to a joint survey conducted by the Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Manufacturers Association and Mississippi Economic Development Council to gain insight from business leaders and owners. John McKay is the President and CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association. He shares some results of the survey with us.

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State officials continue to urge caution as more business open.

And, we examine the power struggle between the Governor and Legislature.

Then, without traditional commencement ceremonies, some college graduates are left feeling empty.

Plus, in today’s book club … A Mississippi bluesman who captures the artists through a camera lens.

Segment 1:

Restaurants and bars across the state are preparing to reopen today. Governor Tate Reeves' revised Stay at Home Order allows restaurants to resume dine-in service provided they limit capacity and follow safety guidelines like requiring servers to wear masks and gloves. This comes as the state health department has reported nearly 900 new cases this week. Reeves says it's time to remove government control over people's choices, but stresses individuals must still practice responsibility.

Restaurant staff aren't the only ones returning to work today. Lawmakers in the house and Senate are set to resume their suspended session later today. A top priority - considering plans to help businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. The legislature briefly reconvened last week to pass a Senate transfer bill that gave them spending authority over the $1.25 billion in CARES Act relief funds. That bill has since become the center of a clash between lawmakers and Governor Reeves.  

Bobby Harrison of Mississippi Today has been covering the Mississippi legislature since 1996. He joins our Michael Guidry to examine the roots of the tension between the governor and legislative leaders, and how this power struggle came to be.

Segment 2:

Traditional commencement ceremonies in Mississippi have been cancelled or postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Although graduates are beginning to receive their degrees through virtual celebrations, not being able to walk across the stage is disappointing for some and their families. MPB’s Ashley Norwood reports.

Segment 3:

Journalist, magazine editor, blues promoter, blues artists agent, and photographer are some of the hats worn by Dick Waterman. While Mississippi may claim him as their own, he was actually born in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Perhaps most notable about this 84 year old icon are his photographs, revealing the private moments of the artists he championed. Tammy Turner is the author of “Dick Waterman: A Life in Blues.”

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