Mississippi Edition

The state enters the last weekend of Governor Reeves’ Safer at Home Order. We look at what’s next.

Then, clinics and hospitals across Mississippi are seeing a reduction in elective procedures and care. We talk to the Medical Association about the impact of the pandemic on the state’s health professionals.

Plus, a closer look at the touted reformer tapped to clean up the department of corrections.

Segment 1:

Governor Tate Reeves' weeks-long Safer at Home Order expires Monday. The series of Executive Orders, which replaced a prior shelter in place order, have gradually allowed businesses to reopen under specific health guidelines throughout the month of May. A new order, which Reeves is calling the Safe Return Order, takes effect Monday and allows all Mississippi businesses to open. During his daily press briefing yesterday, Reeves thanked the people of Mississippi for their cooperation. Reeves also says that the Executive Orders, which provide specific health guidelines, are as enforceable as state laws. When asked about how these measures will be enforced, Reeves indicated it must be a balance between local law enforcement and personal responsibility.

Segment 2:

The Mississippi Hospital Association and Mississippi State Medical Association are encouraging patients to seek care in the state’s clinics and hospitals, especially Mississippians who have chronic illnesses or need emergency care. Clinics and hospitals throughout the state have experienced steep declines in outpatient visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many Mississippians delaying or avoiding medical treatment - a potentially dangerous choice according to Dr. Clay Hays, President of the Mississippi State Medical Association. He joins us to discuss the "Prepared to Care" campaign aimed at informing Mississippians about their range of safe options for seeking medical treatment.

Segment 3:

After a months-long national search, Governor Tate Reeves has tapped former Angola State Prison Warden Burl Cain to lead the reform efforts within the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Reeves says he chose Cain based on his record of reform at the Louisiana prison. Cain left his position at Angola prison in 2015 amid accusations of side business dealings, misspent funds and wrongful use of inmate labor. Cain says the allegations are baseless. Maya Lau and Gordon Russell were investigative reporters with The Advocate during Cain's later years at Angola. They share their insight on the curious duality of Burl Cain, and the narrative of Cain as a pioneer in prison reform.

The next official step in Cain's confirmation process is a hearing with the Senate's Corrections Committee. Democrat Juan Barnett of Heidelberg chairs that committee. He tells our Desare Frazier he is satisfied with the Governors' selection as the process moves forward.