YP – Will Mississippi K-12 schools reopen in the Fall? MDE report provides options
The Mississippi Department of Education partnered with a workgroup of nine superintendents from a diverse range of school districts to outline the key issues districts need to address for the eventual reopening of schools.
“Considerations for Reopening Mississippi Schools” was released today. It outlines a three-month timeline of strategies to consider as district leaders plan for the start of the 2020-21 school year
WLOX – Gov. Reeves says Mississippians should decide to change flag, not him
This comes as many governors around the country are ordering Confederate symbols to come down amid protests surrounding the death of George Floyd. A petition to replace the Mississippi flag has also garnered thousands of signatures online.
“There’s been a lot of people that have been very vocal about this for a long time,” Reeves said. “My position has not changed.”
Reeves has repeatedly cited the 2001 Mississippi Flag Referendum in which 65% of participants voted to keep the current flag.
The governor said there may come a time when the people of Mississippi will want to change the flag, saying, “it should be the people who make that decision, not a backroom deal by a bunch of politicians in Jackson.”
State Sen. Wiggins posts MS Flag poll on Facebook – 76% support Stennis flag
MSDH reports new daily reporting high of coronavirus cases
Today MSDH is reporting 498 new cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, with 20 new deaths. The total of #coronavirus cases since March 11 is now 17,768, with 837 deaths. See more case details and important preventive steps at https://t.co/QP8mlJ41AN pic.twitter.com/y24FnCOiLk
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) June 8, 2020
#MSSen: Espy continues call to expand early voting
Mississippi is still seeing record number highs in COVID-19 cases. It is extremely important that our state legislators expand early voting and make it easier for people to vote. No one should have to choose between their health or our democracy.
— Mike Espy (@MikeEspyMS) June 8, 2020
DAILY JOURNAL – Mississippi gov says mask-shaming during virus is ‘wrong’
“It’s wrong,” Reeves said. “If people want to wear a mask into a Walmart or into a restaurant or into any other business — not only should they be allowed to do so; in many instances, they ought to be credited for doing so. … Everyone out there that is choosing to wear a mask is actually doing something good for their fellow Mississippians.”
YP – Mississippi 30-Day Fund to help small business launches
Lifelong Mississippians Marie and Brian Sanderson kicked off efforts today to provide immediate financial assistance to Mississippi-based, small businesses as they face the dire economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis. These forgivable loans can be critical to help small businesses avoid closing their doors in these uncertain times. The non-profit Mississippi 30 Day Fund is designed to be quick, easy, and free of red tape, as small business owners work to keep employees on board and operations running in the near term. Marie, who grew up in Jackson, and Brian, who is a native of Pascagoula, live in Ocean Springs with their three children. They were inspired by the profound success of 30 Day Funds started by colleagues in other states and knew such a project would be incredibly beneficial in Mississippi.
WJTV – Advocates call for defunding police; Mississippi leaders respond
Congressman Thompson promotes Justice in Policing Act
Now is not the time to be timid in our response to racial injustice. Police officers must be accountable to the communities they serve. pic.twitter.com/HFIvXweNMn
— Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) June 8, 2020
THE HILL – Lobbying firm cuts ties to Trent Lott amid national anti-racism protests
Lobbying firm Squire Patton Boggs announced Monday evening it is severing ties with former Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) following days of anti-racism protests across the country.
Mark Ruehlmann, chair and global CEO of Squire Patton Boggs, said in a statement that the firm “decided that it is the right time to make a change in the leadership of our industry leading Public Policy practice.”
Lott served as co-chair of the firm’s public policy practice. He stepped down as Senate Majority Leader in 2002 after receiving backlash over remarks praising former Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.), who was famously pro-segregation, for winning Mississippi in the 1948 presidential election.
WLOX – Driver license stations reopen in Miss. with long lines and longer wait times
Driver license stations are reopening for the first time in months. But the new system is adding to the frustrations. The temporary alphabetical system kicked off Monday across the state.
Those waiting were glad their last names landed them a first day spot…
…Inside, the department attempted to maintain social distancing with markers to keep people six feet apart once inside.
Those taking tests are also being spread out with only half of the computers being used in the testing room. Teens needing a permit or those wanting to graduate from a permit to license made up much of the line.
YP – Ag and Forestry Museum Reopens
The Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum Reopens Today Following Closure Due to COVID-19 READ MORE>>https://t.co/aDu4ndmJKy pic.twitter.com/9IyJjch9Rc
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) June 8, 2020
Magnolia Tribune
