Mississippi Edition

The state’s coronavirus response team introduces more aggressive testing measures.

Then, a conversation with Congressman Michael Guest about the CARES Act and government’s response to the pandemic.

Plus, business closures leave thousands of Mississippi residents out of work and in need of help.

Segment 1:

Deaths from the Coronavirus continue to rise in the state with the Mississippi department of health reporting a total of six deaths and 485 cases.  In response to the growing number of cases, Governor Tate Reeves, along with leadership of the state's coronavirus response team, hosted a press conference Thursday where they laid out a plan to take offense against the spread.  State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says the team looked at the effective models of South Korea and Singapore, and how elements of those responses could be implemented in Mississippi.

Segment 2:

A $2-trillion coronavirus response bill, intended to accelerate economic relief in America, is now waiting on a vote in the House of Representatives. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARE Act, which passed the Senate Wednesday evening, has provisions to inject an estimated $300 billion into the hands of Americans and another $10 billion for small business loans. The House is expected to take action on the bill as early as today. Third District Representative Michael Guest, a Republican from Brandon, discusses the bill and the government's continued response to the pandemic with our Michael Guidry.

Segment 3:

Mississippi is expected to lose more than 100,000 jobs in the next few months due to concerns over the coronavirus, according to an economic policy group. Restaurants and other businesses have closed their doors or limited services. As MPB’s Ashley Norwood reports, the closures now leave thousands of residents out of work and in need of financial assistance.