Mississippi Edition

The Governor extends mask mandates to nineteen more counties. Then, retailers prepare for peak holiday shopping. We look at how COVID-19 is changing consumer’s purchasing habits ahead of Black Friday. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, Mississippi’s Christmas tree farmers offer a reprieve from the crowded stores. Segment 1: Half of Mississippi's 82 counties are now under a mask mandate,...

As the state’s only Level I trauma center reaches capacity and its staff grows fatigued, administrators call for another statewide mask mandate. Then, the state health officer meets with members of the Senate to discuss vaccine distribution. Plus, college students return home after an unorthodox semester. We talk to one senior about her experience. Segment 1: Health care leaders at the University...

As coronavirus transmission continues to surge, Mississippi's health leaders ask residents to practice caution during the Thanksgiving holiday. Then, child hunger is on the rise in Mississippi. We examine how the pandemic is making food insecurity worse in the nation's most insecure state. Plus, the Salvation Army's red kettles return. But the charitable non-profit is looking for other w...

Rural hospitals reach capacity as the state’s coronavirus cases continue to rise. Then, Mississippi’s largest historically black university names its next president. Plus, we examine the factors of poverty during the pandemic. Segment 1: Rural hospitals in Mississippi are operating at maximum capacity as coronavirus hospitalizations rise across the state. The Department of Health reports COVID-19...

More school-aged cases of COVID-19 are forcing districts to shift to virtual instruction. And the Governor’s proposed budget comes up short on a campaign promise to teachers. Then, the legalization of medical marijuana could serve as a gateway for some Mississippians to return home. Plus, in today's Book Club - it's not about reading but listening ... to a new podcast that tackles questions o...

As hospitals are filling and more schools are switching to virtual learning, the state’s top health officers urge residents to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. Then, the Governor’s budget proposes an end of the individual income tax. We hear response from lawmakers. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, we examine the Governor’s Patriotic Education Program. Segment 1: Several major...

The Governor extends mask requirements and social gathering restrictions to seven new counties while administrators at the state's only Tier I trauma facility express concern over resources.  Then, the Trump administration is stonewalling the Biden transition team's ability to receive vital intelligence briefings. We hear from the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.  ...

As the holiday season nears, state health leaders evaluate the rising trends in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.  Then, with the election in the rear view mirror, we hear from the state chairmen from both major parties on the lessons learned and next steps forward.  Plus, heightened community COVID-19 transmission is compelling more schools to switch to distance learning. We...

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise nationally, state officials sound the alarm over the growing rates of coronavirus transmission. Then, a Senate Committee hears from housing advocates about the need for affordable housing as they prepare to draft legislation. Plus, how the Mississippi Arts Commission is aiding artists and organizations during the pandemic. Segment 1: Cases of coronavirus are reac...

As the seven-day rolling average of coronavirus cases hit a three month high, hospitals prepare for a second wave. Then, the Supreme Court heard arguments on the Affordable Care Act this week. We examine the legal case for the health insurance program. Plus, in today's Book Club...Kentucky Bourbon, southern culture and family in Wright Thompson’s new book, “PappyLand.” Segment 1: Coronavirus cases...

Mississippi leaders recognize and honor the state's Veterans. Then, Mississippi Supreme Court justices are deliberate a case involving the Governor and Speaker of the House. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, Vice President Elect Kamala Harris is a trailblazer for women of color. We hear from a regional leader of her sorority - Alpha Kappa Alpha. Segment 1: Today is Veterans Day, a...

UMMC begins a stage of clinical trials for a coronavirus vaccine. Then, the open enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act has begun. But the healthcare program’s constitutionality is being questioned at the highest level by the Trump Administration.  Plus, lawmakers hold a hearing to consider options for year-round school. Segment 1: Pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer says an early pee...

As the nation's COVID-19 cases soar, we hear from the state's medical officer about how Mississippians can continue in the fight against widespread transmission. Then, for some lawmakers, the coronavirus pandemic id highlighting the need for expanded access to the ballot. We examine what steps the Magnolia State could take. Plus, a Jim Crow era provision was eliminated during last week's elec...

Coronavirus cases are surging nationwide. We check in with the Medical Association on the status of the pandemic in the Magnolia State. Then, Mississippians overwhelmingly voted to approve a medical marijuana program. But the federally controlled substance will create banking hurdles for all involved. Plus, we speak to the Commissioner of Insurance about Medicare enrollment. Segment 1: While many...

The Secretary of State reflects on a monumental Election Day in Mississippi. Then, with a voter-approved design, we examine the next steps for the new state flag. Plus, in our Book Club, an award winning, highly praised Mississippi writer addresses growing up in Jackson in the book, "How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America.\ Segment 1: Election commissioners across the state are continui...

In our special election recap, we examine the Senate race between incumbent Republican Cindy-Hyde Smith and challenger Mike Espy. And, Mississippians overwhelmingly chose to move forward on number of ballot measures while staying solidly red in the elections for federal office. Segment 1: Cindy Hyde-Smith wins rematch versus challenger Mike Espy. What does this race tell us about the role of polic...

Mississippians head to the polls today to elect federal leaders and determine the fate of three ballot measures. The Secretary of State breakdown what voters need to know on this Election Day. Then, this year's rematch for the Senate is expected be tighter than the 2018 special election. We talk to a Mississippi based pollster on how this race is different. Plus, in a string of campaign...

Thousands of Mississippians are still navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Zeta. We hear one story of from the owner of Bay St. Louis institution steeped in Black history, and how the arts will help pave the road to recovery.   Then, on the eve of the election, we take at a final look at the leading candidates in Mississippi's Senate Race. Plus, in 2016, Donald Trump was able...

State officials begin the process of assessing the damage on the coast after Hurricane Zeta raced through southern Mississippi. And, days away from the election, the two leading Senate candidates make their final appeals to voters. Then, those casing ballots will decide the fate of a Jim Crow era constitutional provision. We examine the law historians say was designed to keep Black Mississipp...

The Election Day experience will be different this year. We look at what voters can expect as they head to the polls next week. Then, a summer of protest and national discourse over systemic racism brought forth the end of the controversial 1894 flag. We re-visit the historic decision ahead of the vote for a new state banner.  Plus, in today’s Book Club, a best-selling author tells...

A busy hurricane season brings another threat the Magnolia State. We check in with the National Weather Service for the latest on Zeta. Then, MEMA warns residents not to be complacent as Mississippi braces for another severe weather event. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, the Secretary of State provides an update ahead of Election Day. Segment 1: Hurricane Zeta is moving swif...

The Governor expands his localized mitigation efforts to seven more counties, but one week out from Election Day, exempts polling sites from mask mandates. Then, the vote for medical marijuana is one week away. We examine the two proposals on the ballot. Plus, we look at how organizations are engaging voters ahead of this year's highly anticipated election. Segment 1: Governor Tate Reeves is...

As cases of COVID-19 grow nationally, we look at what local health officials are saying about the status of the pandemic in the Magnolia State. Then, a program established by lawmakers looks to curb evictions and relieve renters’ debt. Plus, the Mississippi Theatre Association prepares for a slate virtual festivals. Segment 1: Nationwide, the coronavirus pandemic is worsening - with a cases on the...

As coronavirus transmission intensifies, health care professionals prepare for a rising trend in hospitalizations. Then, a Gulf States Newsroom special report examines how families are preparing for a different Halloween. Plus, absentee voting has been a central focus this election. We check in at the local level to see how officials are handling the final days of election season. Segment 1:...

Voter advocacy groups respond to a federal ruling opening a door to curbside voting and the opportunity to "cure" rejected ballots. Then, as the election draws nearer, the arguments for and against Initiative 65 are being amplified. Plus, in today’s Book Club … “Stories from 125 years of Ole Miss Football.” Segment 1: Voting rights advocates say they’re chipping away at Mississippi laws that restr...