YP – Governor Reeves limits attendance at school events, extends Safe Return order
Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the social distancing measures under the Safe Return order, including the statewide mask mandate, and issuing crowd-size limitations on K-12 extracurricular activities in the state’s ongoing fight to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Continuing to work closely with Dr. Thomas Dobbs and other state health experts on data-driven, measured strategies to limit transmission, the Governor has extend the social distancing measures an additional two weeks until Monday, August 31 at 8:00 AM. Governor Reeves is also amending the Safe Return order, placing an attendance cap on all K-12 extracurricular activities, such as football and band concerts, to no more than two spectators per participant. Each extracurricular event must have a dedicated Safety Officer to ensure all social distancing measures are followed as well.
MSDH: Over 72k COVID-19 cases in MS
Today MSDH is reporting 381 more cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi, 4 deaths, and 174 active outbreaks in long-term care facilities. The total of #covid19 cases for the year is now 72,136, with 2,084 deaths. Case details and prevention guidance at https://t.co/QP8mlJ41AN pic.twitter.com/PVv6aMIoNK
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) August 16, 2020
YP – Y’all Politics, Facebook talk launch of Voting Information Center
Facebook’s new Voting Information Center launched this week as part of the largest voting information campaign in American history, with the goal of helping 4 million voters register this year.
The release on the effort says the nonpartisan feature will be rolling out nation wide at the top of people’s Facebook and Instagram feeds and will serve as a one-stop shop for information about how to request mail-in ballots, upcoming Mississippi deadlines, and the ability to check if you’re registered to vote – and if you are not, easily register through a link to state or nonpartisan partners.
YP – Secretary Watson talks Election, ‘Tackle the Tape’ with YP
WLOX – ‘Let Mississippi Vote’ rally held at State Capitol to push for flag referendum
Saturday a “Let Mississippi Vote” rally was held to push for a referendum and to hopefully give Mississippians a voice in the process.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the State Capitol for the rally…
…Senator Chris McDaniel says the process is taking away the voice of the voters.
“I think we owe it to history to push back against a movement like that. And ultimately, in my mind, it is not about a flag at all, this is about the people having a voice. Ultimately we will be pleased with whatever the people decide, it’s just to take the issue away from them causes more harm in the long run then it should.”
Senator Joey Fillingane couldn’t agree more.
“This issue should go on the ballot for the State of Mississsippi to decide, and if they vote to change the flag at least people can buy into they will know it was there decision and they make it themselves, and it wasn’t something forced upon them by the politicians here in Jackson and by the outside interests of Washington and New York City.”
WLOX – Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann on the Legislature going back in session
The State Legislature went back into session this week. And while they did fund education, they left the Department of Marine Resources unfunded. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann joins us to explain.
HATTIESBURG AMERICAN – DELBERT HOSEMANN: Schools, businesses, health care: Mississippi lawmakers pass legislation to address needs
At the end of every session, our office takes an inventory of the legislative changes for which we successfully advocated and the items we need to put back on the to-do list.
COVID-19 disrupted some of our plans this year and provided the Legislature with additional appropriation and other responsibilities. Even amidst the pandemic, a number of positive pieces of legislation were passed.
In education, we eliminated a major barrier to teacher licensure which will clear the way for hundreds of students to enter teacher education programs in colleges and universities. Now, a student’s GPA in their first two years of courses determines whether they are permitted to begin the process of becoming a teacher, which experts say is the best predictor of success.
WTOK – Mike Espy makes a stop in Meridian
Democrat candidate Mike Espy, who is running for U.S. Senate this fall, made a stop in Meridian today to give safety supplies to the community.
Espy was at the Velma Young Center handing out free masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to the citizens of Meridian. He said he is running to make a change for the nation, with one of those changes being to make healthcare more affordable. Espy also asks residents of Meridian and Lauderdale County to follow recommended CDC guidelines as we’re still combating this ongoing pandemic.
WTVA – Federal funds to help Mississippi expand internet access
A Mississippi-based technology company plans to install more than 33 miles of underground fiber infrastructure that will help offer ultra-fast broadband internet access to rural areas by the end of the year.
C Spire announced the project last week for parts of Hinds, Madison, Amite and Pike counties, The Vicksburg Post reported.
The company says 20 miles of that project will include areas of Highway 27 between Utica and the Warren County line, and Highway 18 southwest of Raymond. The project will provide broadband internet access to 157 homes along the route.
C Spire was one of 19 recipients of a total of $75 million in federal grant funds under the Mississippi Broadband COVID-19 program
