Mississippi Edition

Months after an overwhelming vote, the new Mississippi state flag is finalized by Governor Reeves and raised above the state capitol.

Then, vaccination roll-out in Mississippi is lagging behind - especially in long term care settings. Health officials and representatives from major pharmacies explain the delays during a hearing with lawmakers.

Plus, the state's Emergency Management Director shares his battle with and recovery from COVID-19.

Segment 1:

It's official - Mississippi has a new state banner. Government leaders gathered yesterday to witness Governor Tate Reeves sign final certification of the November vote that made the new design featuring a white magnolia official.

Last summer, as protests over racial injustice amplified the call for change, lawmakers took the first steps toward change by retiring the 1894 flag emblazoned with the confederate battle emblem. Speaker of the House Phillip Gunn, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Gov. Tate Reeves, Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove and Rep. Zakiya Summers comment.

Segment 2:

The coronavirus vaccine rollout in the Magnolia State is lagging. Mississippi currently trails neighboring states for vaccinations in long term care settings, and lawmakers are searching for ways to speed up this process to protect vulnerable Mississippians. During a hearing with legislators yesterday, Dr. Thomas Dobbs explained some of the reasons for delays with the initial allocations of the vaccine.

Segment 3:

As the man on the right flank of Governor Tate Reeves during dozens of press conferences throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Colonel Greg Michel was immersed the state's mitigation efforts. The Director of the state's Emergency Management Agency, Michel coordinated the delivery of PPE to hospitals facilities and county health leaders, and managed preparations for emergency overflow hospitals in places like Camp Shelby. But during the pandemic's largest surge, not even Michel was spared from the virus. Now, he shares his personal COVID-19 story.