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**

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 weather.

Segment 1:

Governor Tate Reeves is taking additional measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 following a weeks-long trend of growing cases and hospitalizations. A new executive order, issued today, introduces targeted measures in nine Mississippi counties. Reeves says the role of government interaction should be as limited as possible.

Hospitalization rates are growing according to State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs. He also says there has been a shift in communities most recently affected by COVID-19. Dobbs says the testing and tracing elements are in place to fight continued mitigation, but indicates Mississippians are missing a vital piece.

Segment 2:

Computer devices by the thousands continue to make their way to Mississippi school districts for students and teachers across the state studying virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic. The devices are being distributed as a part of the CARES Act-funded Mississippi Connects program. We hear from John Kramen of the Mississippi Department, and our Desare Frazier speaks with Okolona Superintendent Chad Spence.

Segment 3:

This week is Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week, and the Mississippi Management Agency wants residents to understand the various threats fall weather can bring to the state. Malary White is the External Affairs Director for MEMA. She tells our Michael Guidry, while Mississippians commonly associate tornadoes with the spring months of April and May, the fall months can bring their fair share of storms as well.