YP – Deal Done: Mississippi delegation expected to support coronavirus relief
A deal between Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Senate and House was reached after midnight to provide a nearly $2 trillion coronavirus relief package that will include both individual and business assistance to Americans while also providing funding for hospitals and emergency responders, among other things.
Specifics of the agreement have not been made available at the time of this article.
In addition, the White House has signaled $4 trillion in liquidity from the Federal Reserve, bringing the entire relief effort to $6 trillion.
YP – Reeves orders restaurants to suspend dine in services
In this latest executive order, the Governor lays out new guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19, including:
- Mississippians must avoid non-essential gatherings of 10 people or more.
- Suspending dine-in services at restaurants and bars across the state, instructing them to use drive-thru, take-out, or delivery services to get people food.
- Mississippians must not to visit hospitals, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities.
- Directing businesses to allow every employee possible to work from home.
- Defining essential businesses to give clear guidance to partners at the local level and ensure no essential services are closed.
MSDH: 320 coronavirus cases in state – up 71 in a day
This morning MSDH is reporting 71 new cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, with first #coronavirus cases in three counties. The state total now stands at 320, with one death. Details of Mississippi cases and preventive steps to take are online at https://t.co/QP8mlIMqcd . pic.twitter.com/b8kdmmlAPB
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) March 24, 2020
WDAM – More coronavirus testing means number of Miss. cases will rise. Doctor says don’t be alarmed.
More testing sites means you’ll likely see the statewide COVID-19 case count rise. UMMC Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Jonathan Wilson says not to be alarmed by that.
“The same number of people have COVID-19 as they did before we started testing,” said Wilson. “It’s just now we have visibility on what those numbers actually are. We can manage those numbers to know what’s working well, where do we need to focus our efforts.”
YP – Reeves: Mississippi abortion clinic subject to same MSDH “elective” procedure guidelines
Reeves said he is prepared to take whatever action is necessary to make sure Mississippi’s only abortion clinic is complying with state recommendations.
“We’re doing everything in our power, and have for many years, to make Mississippi the safest place in America for unborn children,” Gov. Reeves said. “It is without question that the lone clinic in Jackson does, in fact, operate doing procedures that are elective and not required, and therefore they should be following the guidelines as offered by the state Department of Health. If they are not, I would be prepared to take additional action to make sure that they do so.”
State Rep. Jarvis Dortch unhappy with Gov. Reeves’ actions
It’s disheartening to hear our Governor basically say there is nothing our state can do to help families, individuals and small businesses make it through this emergency. Congress has a big role to play but damn, there are programs we can put in place to directly help our people
— Jarvis Dortch (@jarvisdortch) March 23, 2020
Speaker Gunn provides an update
https://www.facebook.com/PhilipGunn/videos/208936610170926/
YP – HHS Awards $100 Million to Health Centers for COVID-19 Response
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $100 Million to Health Centers for COVID-19 Response #coronavirusupdate READ MORE>> https://t.co/UOWVFWo9ec
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) March 24, 2020
WTOK – COVID-19 causes spike in Mississippi unemployment claims
The coronavirus has not only taken a serious toll on people’s health, but is also taking a hit on American’s source of income.
Unemployment rates across the country have skyrocketed since the outbreak.
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security tells WLBT that they are working as hard as possible to get claims processed, but it has been overwhelming.
They also reveal that they have seen a dramatic spike in unemployment claims from Mississippians.
WJTV – MS Public Service Commission urges public to stay away from utility workers
The Mississippi Public Service Commission is urging the public to stay away from utility crews working in the field.
“These employees are working hard to ensure the public has essential services, like electricity and gas,” said Chairman Dane Maxwell. “When someone approaches these field workers, it can create a dangerous situation for the employees and the person who approaches them. It’s imperative that people stay safely away.”
WTVA – Mississippi collects more than $27M from lottery in 3 months
Revenue from the Mississippi Lottery continues to increase.
The state has collected more than $27 million from the lottery that started operating in November.
The Mississippi Lottery Corporation said Friday that it deposited $11.6 million into the state treasury.
YP – Former Philadelphia Court Clerk is Guilty of Embezzlement
Today State Auditor Shad White announced former Philadelphia municipal court clerk Karen Refre has been convicted of embezzlement in Neshoba County Circuit Court. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Stephen S. Kilgore in Judge Mark Duncan’s court chambers. The sentencing was recorded last week on Friday.
Refre was arrested by Special Agents from the State Auditor’s office in August 2019 after being indicted. She used her position to manipulate accounting software and embezzle over $11,000 from the city during a two-year period.
Frank Corder
