Mississippi Edition

**This episode was produced during Fall Drive and is shorter to provide time on air for drive. Participate in our Fall Drive by visiting mpbonline.org** A federal ruling allows Mississippi voters to correct rejected absentee ballots. Then, at the urging of vendors, the commissioner of agriculture extends the state fair. Plus, since 1950 more strong tornados have occurred in November than any...

**This episode was produced during Fall Drive and is shorter to provide time on air for drive. Participate in our Fall Drive by visiting mpbonline.org** The Governor issues tightened restrictions on targeted countries as coronavirus cases increase. Then, the CARES Act-funded Mississippi Connects program delivers devices to school districts. Plus, MEMA helps prepare residents for severe fall w...

**This episode was produced during Fall Drive and is shorter to provide time on air for drive. Participate in our Fall Drive by visiting mpbonline.org** State health officials continue to signal the state is on the brink of another upward swing in coronavirus cases. Then, since 2016 the rate of uninsured children in Mississippi has increased by one of the largest rates in the country. We...

**This episode was produced during Fall Drive and is shorter to provide time on air for drive. Participate in our Fall Drive by visiting mpbonline.org** The state experiences its highest daily report of COVID-19 in nearly two months, realizing predictions by health officials earlier this week. Then, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we examine the progress of cancer research. Pl...

**This episode was produced during Fall Drive and is shorter to provide time on air for drive. Participate in our Fall Drive by visiting mpbonline.org** Surrogates for the two medical marijuana initiatives take center stage in a televised debate. Then, the Supreme Court decides to halt the 2020 Census. Plus, in today’s book club, an NPR podcast producer tackles what’s behind claims of legacy and h...

Mississippians prepare to vote on medical marijuana. Then, legislators hold a joint hearing of Medicaid committees to discuss technical amendments to the Medicaid bill. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation releases it’s State of Childhood Obesity Report. Segment 1: Mississippians are sharing their thoughts about legalizing medical marijuana at a town hall...

Health officials say rapid point of care tests will soon be available in Mississippi as the state experiences an upward swing in coronavirus transmission. Then, the Secretary of State’s office releases data on absentee voting.   Plus, Senate Judiciary hearings for Amy Coney Barrett continue today under a cloud of controversy. We examine the political stakes of her confirmation. Segment 1...

Hurricane Delta brought strong winds and heavy rains to parts of Mississippi. We assess the impact with MEMA. Then, the state’s top health officials express concerns over trends in coronavirus transmission data. Plus, a new report reveals how Mississippi compares to other states in voting accessibility. Segment 1: Hurricane Delta swept through parts of Mississippi over the weekend, bringing w...

As Hurricane Delta approaches the Louisiana coast, we look at how the weather event will affect parts of Mississippi. Then, how state leaders are preparing to respond to the storm. Plus, the two legislative education committee chairs address the concerns of Mississippi’s school communities. Segment 1: Hurricane Delta is expected to make landfall today before bringing wind and rain to western Missi...

The statewide mandate has expired, but some local leaders are still requiring residents to mask up.  And, UMMC conducts over 200 transplants per year. We examine how these life changing procedures have been affected by the pandemic. Then, the President called for supporters to watch the polls on Election Day, but how legal is the practice? Plus, in our Book Club, forty-seven poets associ...

As the CDC clarifies the airborne dangers of the coronavirus, a state leader in healthcare continues the push to mask-up. Then, a new investigative report reveals a disproportionate number of cases at for-profit long term care facilities. Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a look at the pandemic-era State Fair. Segment 1: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now acknowledgin...

As Mississippi surpasses two pandemic milestones, we examine the state’s response to the coronavirus. Then, the Lt. Governor reflects upon an unprecedented first session. Plus, a Civil Rights icon is celebrated on what would have been her 103rd birthday. Segment 1: Mississippi has surpassed two grim milestones in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Over the weekend, total COVID-19 cases rea...

The Secretary of State’s Office prepares for Election Day. And, a federal ruling extends the Census count until the end of the month. Then, members of the Till family receive a nomination for the Congressional Gold Medal. Plus, MPB Education kicks off a new classroom. Segment 1: Mississippians will be heading to the polls in less than five weeks to cast their ballots. And although the average numb...

Lawmakers return to the Capitol to finalize CARES Act spending. Then, health care and the pandemic continue to be core issues of the November election. We hear from one health official about how Medicaid expansion could help the state’s most vulnerable. Plus, a Jacksonian returns home to helm the Mississippi Arts Commission. Segment 1: Mississippi legislators are back at the capitol today to final...

Five weeks before the election, the Governor is allowing the statewide mask mandate to expire. Then, the President told them to “stand back and stand by”. We learn more about a militia the SPLC labels a hate group. Plus, in today’s book club … the true story of a woman who became a nun who became a doctor who became a godsend to a small town in Tallahatchie County. Segment 1: Mississippi is no lon...

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 Remed...

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...

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 M...

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 publ...

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...

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 v...

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 far...

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. Segm...

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.&n...

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 co...