As weakened Tropical Depression Marco drifts west, attention turns to Hurricane Laura as it enters the Gulf of Mexico.
Then, the GOP kicked off its convention last night. We talk to local delegates on the message the party is sending as it re-nominates President Trump.
Plus, legislators near the end of the months-long DMR budget battle.
Segment 1:
Gulf coast cities are facing flash floods, storm surges, and and strong winds as Tropical Storm Marco moves west. But the looming threat of Hurricane Laura in the southern Gulf is adding another layer of concern and preparation for Mississippi residents. Laura strengthened to hurricane status earlier this morning, reaching maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. Forecasters predict Laura could become a Category 3 storm before it's anticipated landfall in southwest Louisiana later this week. Governor Tate Reeves wants all Mississippi residents to consider the threats Laura could bring the state.
Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock Counties have prepared shelters in case they are needed, but emergency officials are concerned about coroanvirus transmission. Earl Etheridge, Director of Emergency Services in Jackson County, says residents should prioritize evacuations over shelters if possible. He tells our Kobee Vance, the storm surge associated with hurricanes pose the most immediate threat.
Segment 2:
A small team of Mississippi Republican delegates is in Charlotte, North Carolina for the party's national convention. The four day event began yesterday and continues through Thursday. State party chair Lucien Smith is there and says most of the events are virtual because of the coronavirus pandemic. He tells our Desare Frazier shifting to a virtual convention is a challenge, but says the party still has a clear message for voters.
Segment 3:
Mississippi lawmakers are reaching a compromise on a budget for a state agency that's been without funding for nearly two months. The legislature failed to pass a budget for the Department of Marine Resources in June, and again earlier this month when they briefly returned to address the Governor's education veto. The delay is the product of a divide between the House and Senate over who should have authority to spend funds the state receives from oil and natural gas leases - known in legislative circles as GOMESA funds. House Republican Charles Busby and Senate Republican Brice Wiggins join us.
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