Mississippi Edition

The Governor extends unemployment benefits for those impacted by COVID-19 while encouraging Mississippians to return to work.

And, agricultural supply lines are being disrupted. We examine how that affects what’s on the shelf.

Then, gyms are some of the latest businesses allowed to reopen. We look at how owners are handling the return.

Segment 1:

Governor Tate Reeves is extending the unemployment benefits provided to help Mississippi workers and their families hard-hit by COVID-19. In this latest executive order, Governor Reeves is waiving the one-week waiting period to receive unemployment benefits for all claims filed from March 8 To December 26 of this year. Under his initial Executive Order, the waiting period was waived until June 27.

The announcement comes as the state continues to lift restrictions on businesses. Yesterday, salons, barbershops and gyms were allowed to reopen while adhering to certain health safety measures. Reeves says his administration is monitoring long-term data trends as it considers steps toward economic recovery.

Segment 2:

As Mississippi residents walk the aisles of their local supermarkets, they may notice low supplies of their preferred agricultural products. According to Mike McCormick, President of the Mississippi Farm Bureau, the lack of variety is due to a disruption of agricultural supply chains. He tells our Kobee Vance where the breakdown is occurring and the steps the agricultural community is taking to better reach Mississippians. 

Segment 3:

Along with salons and barbershops, Mississippi gyms are open again. Under Governor Tate Reeves' revised order, gyms across the state reopened their doors - this after nearly two months of being forced closed. Gyms, like other recently opened businesses, have to follow certain health safety guidelines like limited capacity. For Laura Harris and her husband, the governor's restrictions fall in line with many of their gym's practices before it was forced to close. She speaks with our Alexandra Watts. In Gulfport, Joff Clarke’s gym Bayou View Fitness is also open. He says while patrons are eager to come back, questions remain regarding any potential financial assistance.