Wednesday, April 21, 2021   
 
Mississippi officials react to guilty verdict for officer who killed George Floyd
The jury in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd in 2020, found him guilty Tuesday on all three charges he faced: second degree unintentional murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter. The murder of Floyd sparked racial justice protests across America last year and spurred a national reckoning on racism in government. Thousands of Mississippians took to the streets to protest racial injustices, including the June Black Lives Matter rally in Jackson. Here are reactions from Mississippi leaders on the verdict, including Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State University: "The death of George Floyd demanded justice. Police have a fundamental duty to protect and safeguard the rights of all citizens. As I said a year ago, racism is evil. It is a sin. We must replace this evil with good. Our task, I believe, is to ensure to the best of our abilities that we have far more good than evil in the hopes that good will drown out evil."
 
Colleges in Mississippi to encourage, not require vaccination for fall semester
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to any and everyone, and depending on how many people get it, college campuses will be able to have everyone back in class -- in person Millsaps College is already is planning for that. "Our classes will be exclusively in person starting in the fall semester," Marketing and Communications Vice President Annie Mitchell said. "We have a COVID response team at Millsaps that meets on a weekly basis. We're currently working on what will the fall semester look like." Mitchell said that although it's not a requirement, she hopes all students and staff will get the vaccine. Just a few hours drive up the road in Starkville, Mississippi State University is making similar plans. "We do anticipate to plan to strongly encourage students to get the vaccine as well as employees," Emergency Manger Brent Crocker said. Mississippi State utilizes the Humphrey Coliseum to distribute vaccines, but much like at Millsaps, the vaccine will not be mandatory. "We hope to continue to roll this out for as long as necessary," Crocker said.
 
Starkville looks to add mural on North Jackson Street
Art students hope a collaboration of color will brighten up a concrete wall in Starkville. The smell of paint filled the air on North Jackson Street in Starkville as students from a Mississippi State University art class brought rollers and primer to begin the works of a new city mural. The designer of the colorful mural is MSU student, Emily Harms. "A lot of the students, they aren't just on campus and they aren't just in Starkville," she explained. "It's a mixture of everything, so we wanted this mural to reflect that." Harms said the Hub Mural will depict buildings from downtown Starkville leading into buildings on campus, showing unity between both aspects of the town. She hopes, "for everybody, whether they go to Mississippi State or they're just Starkville residents, to find a piece of their home in the mural." On Tuesday, students painted the first coat of primer on the concrete wall. Harms said the group hopes to have the mural done by the end of June.
 
Mississippi farmers tell 2021 planting intentions
Mississippi row crop growers are planning to plant more soybeans and corn in 2021 than they did last year but not as much cotton, rice or hay. The National Agricultural Statistics Service, a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, publishes its planting intentions report each year at the end of March. This report provides a state-by-state estimation of how many acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton farmers will plant in the upcoming growing season. USDA estimates the state's total row crop acreage for 2021 will be around 4.18 billion acres. Last year, the state planted nearly 4.1 billion total acres. Will Maples, a row crop economist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said high commodity prices could push this projection even higher. "A key surprise was the small increase in total principal crop acres nationwide. Given the current high commodity prices, it was assumed that farmers would try to plant as many acres as possible this year," Maples said. "Both corn and soybean acres came in lower than expected and caused bullish reactions. After the intentions report was released, corn futures and soybean futures traded up at the daily limit. This very rarely happens in response to a USDA report."
 
Starkville ending mask mandate at midnight April 30
Starkville board of aldermen voted Tuesday to lift its citywide mask mandate beginning midnight April 30. The board voted 5-2 to rescind the mandate, with the two opposing votes being from Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver and Ward 3 Alderman David Little, the two aldermen who have previously been prominent advocates for lifting the mandate. Both voted no because they believed the board should lift the mandate immediately. The mandate has been in place for most of the past year for indoor public spaces and government buildings to curb the spread of COVID-19. After April 30, residents can still choose to wear masks in public, and private business owners can enforce mask regulations of their own. COVID-19 has killed more than 568,000 in the U.S. since the pandemic began in spring 2020. It has claimed more than 7,000 lives in Mississippi, including 98 in Oktibbeha County.
 
Local restaurants are looking for employees to join their staffs
If you need a job, local restaurants are hiring. Owners and managers are looking for workers who can start right away. For wait staff and kitchen staff, the pandemic cut restaurant jobs to a minimum forcing a lot of people to turn to unemployment. That has, now, turned out to be where some of those former workers are choosing to stay. With fewer co-workers, employees on the floor and in the kitchen are having to do what they can to help. Some restaurants have been forced to limit occupancy. Leaving customers questioning why? "Here and at other restaurants, you may see empty tables and they'll tell you we have a 30-45 minute wait well you're looking at empty tables it's kind of frustrating but we don't have anybody to serve you at that table," said Georgia Blue owner Cameron Parker. Parker said the pandemic slowed their business in the beginning, but with eased restrictions, they're now having a tough time keeping up. Parker along with his wife and daughter are stepping in and taking on shifts at Chicken Salad Chick each day. His wife Dianna knew they would face challenges because most of their employees are in school. Parker said they encourage those that are looking for a job to apply at either Georgia Blue or Chicken salad chick all positions are available.
 
Residents robbed at gunpoint inside their bedroom during multiple break-ins at Starkville residential neighborhood
An investigation is underway after two break-ins overnight in a Starkville residential neighborhood, including one that went from burglary to armed robbery. "They held a gun to her head," said neighbor Jamie Methvin. "She was held at gunpoint." Methvin says she was shocked when she first heard that one of her neighbors was robbed at gunpoint inside their home early Monday morning. Starkville Police say they were called to the scene at 4:53 a.m. to the Park Towne Village neighborhood in the 200 block of Louisville Street. Police Chief Mark Ballard says the suspects broke into the bedroom without warning and had their weapons drawn. "At one stage of the game, the suspect actually placed the gun into the chest of one of the homeowners and made his demands," he said. The police chief says the residents handed over a purse and a wallet but were otherwise unhurt. However, plenty of their neighbors are understandably shaken. "It was very scary because I feel very comfortable here and come out at night to take my trash out and I've never felt scared or worried about anything in the neighborhood before," Methvin said.
 
Five charged with Tuesday drive-by shooting
Five males from Lowndes County have been charged with a drive-by shooting Tuesday night at a Starkville city park. The Starkville Police Department responded to McKee Park at 9:11 p.m. Tuesday April 20 to a call of shots fired. According to spokesman Sgt. Brandon Lovelady, it appears that shots were fired related to an argument about a basketball game and no one was injured. The responding officers located the weapon used in the shooting as well as other weapons in the car. Police arrested Jaylen Harrison,18; Karon Hawk, 19; Jamarkus Hood, 19; Antonio Roland, 17; and Levaris Williams, 19; and charged them each with drive-by shooting and gambling. All five are from Columbus. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to call the Starkville Police Department at 662-323-4131 or the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 800-530-7151.
 
Police Chief Mark Ballard: Starkville experiencing 'rough patch' of violent crime
Starkville is experiencing a "rough patch" of violent crime, Police Chief Mark Ballard told reporters at a press conference at his department's headquarters on Tuesday. Since March 3, the Starkville area has seen two fatal shootings within a block from one another that claimed three lives and a house fire being investigated as arson. The list grew with two other violent incidents over the weekend -- a shooting that injured a 13-year-old at Brookville Garden Apartments on Saturday and an armed burglary early Monday morning of a game-day home at the 200 block of Louisville Street. "Obviously, it's frustrating," Ballard said during the press conference meant to address the recent string of crime. "... We're a strong community. We're going to be fine. But we're definitely in a rough throw right now, and it weighs heavily on every man and woman in the Starkville Police Department." At one point during the burglary, a suspect pressed a gun into the chest of the male homeowner and made demands, Ballard said. The homeowners, who live elsewhere but were in town for Super Bulldog weekend events at Mississippi State University, were not physically injured in the ordeal.
 
Public safety commissioner draws on coaching experience in new role
Sean Tindell has held a lot of titles during his adult life --- prosecutor, businessman, legislator, judge and, most recently, commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. But of all the titles, the one Tindell, 48, has enjoyed most is coach. It's a position he says had a direct influence on his current position and one he believes is a critical aspect of today's law enforcement officers, Tindell said Tuesday at the Columbus Rotary luncheon at Lion Hills Center. Tindell grew up in Gulfport and played basketball for legendary coaches Bert Jenkins and Gerald Austin. Although he described himself strictly as a role player, being a part of the Gulfport High basketball program taught him the importance of teamwork, something he has applied to his current job. His love for sports led him to coaching youth sports, a role he has maintained largely uninterrupted even as his career changed over the years. The former state senator and court of appeals judge said he has drawn on his background in sports as he considered how to best manage a department with such wide-ranging responsibilities. "Fortunately, I was able to build a good leadership team," Tindell said.
 
Milwaukee Tool set to expand its operations in Mississippi
A tool manufacturing company will invest $60 million to expand in Mississippi and is pledging to create 1,200 new jobs, Republican Gov. Tate Reeves said Tuesday. Milwaukee Tool new will build a facility to manufacture power tool accessories in the I-55 Business and Technology Park in Grenada County. A news release from the state said 800 of the jobs are planned for the Grenada County plant, which should open by late 2022. The company plans to hire machine operators, technicians, engineers, managers and people to work in warehousing/inventory and shipping/receiving. The company plans to create the other 400 new jobs at its existing locations in Mississippi. Mississippi Development Authority, the state agency that pursues job creation, is providing $26 million to the company for construction of the 500,000-square-foot building. The news release said Grenada County and the Tennessee Valley Authority also are assisting with the project. Milwaukee Tool had 526 employees in Mississippi in 2010 and more than 2,300 in 2020. The company's most recent expansion in Mississippi happened in February 2020 when it added a distribution center in Olive Branch.
 
Bonnet Carre Spillway disaster relief could be on the way soon
It's been two years since the Bonnet Carre Spillway opened, dumping trillions of gallons of fresh water into the Mississippi Sound, resulting in an environmental and economic disaster on the Gulf Coast. Many who make their livelihoods on the water are still feeling the impacts, but relief could soon be on the way. Those tough times are expected with tropical storms and hurricanes, and the 2019 opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway threw businesses dependent on the water another curveball. Executive Director of the Department of Marine Resources Joe Spraggins hasn't forgotten about their struggles, saying relief is still needed. "We know that they're suffering, we know that they need the funds, and we want to keep them in business because we don't want to lose that fishery," Spraggins said. The Commission on Marine Resources met on Tuesday to finalize requests to the federal government for $21 million in Bonnet Carre disaster relief. The money will go toward improving conditions for oyster harvesting, exploring Bonnet Carre mitigation procedures as well as money directly into the pockets of fishermen and businesses affected by the spillway opening.
 
USDA extends universal free lunch through next school year, bringing relief to millions of food-insecure families
The United States Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday it would extend universal free lunch through the 2021-2022 school year, in an effort to reach more of the estimated 12 million youths experiencing food insecurity. In March, the USDA said these waivers, which made school meals more flexible to administer, would be extended only to Sept. 30, leaving schools and families uncertain about what next school year might look like. Child nutrition program waivers, which aimed to cut through red tape to allow kids to eat free even outside normal meal times, were implemented at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, at a time when millions of families faced financial strain, hunger and hardship. The waivers allowed schools and community organizations to adapt programs to better meet the needs of children and families. "States and districts wanted waivers extended to plan for safe reopening in the fall. USDA answered the call to help America's schools and childcare institutions serve high quality meals while being responsive to their local needs as children safely return to their regular routines," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. "This action also increases the reimbursement rate to school meal operators so they can serve healthy foods to our kids. It's a win-win for kids, parents and schools."
 
President Biden nominates new members to Tennessee Valley Authority board
President Joe Biden named four new members of the Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors Tuesday, nominations that could reshape the governing body of the federally owned power company. The White House announced the nominees Tuesday afternoon. Biden's nominees would replace two outgoing members of the TVA board, whose terms expire on May 18, and fill two open positions on the nine-member board. The federal power provider's board members are appointed by the president and then confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The new nominees have environmental and labor-friendly backgrounds and could signal that the company's board could focus further on reducing TVA's carbon emissions. Biden is nominating Beth Geer, the chief of staff for former Vice President Al Gore. Robert Klein of Chattanooga, a longtime electricity professional and union member is also among Biden's appointees. Biden also nominated Michelle Moore, an entrepreneur who worked in the administration of former President Barack Obama. The president also nominated Kimberly Lewis, an Alabama businesswoman. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, which has pushed TVA and other Southern utilities to decarbonize their power fleets, applauded Biden's nominations.
 
States have a new Covid problem: Too much vaccine
The supply of Covid vaccines is now exceeding demand in rural areas and big cities, even as states lift remaining eligibility restrictions, open walk-in clinics and even offer shots to out-of-state residents. It's a jarring twist after months during which vaccine-seekers crashed appointment websites seeking shots and stalked pharmacy counters hoping to snag leftover doses. And it's a problem that state and federal officials are rushing to address with only limited success. New Orleans partnered with a bar in a "shots for shots" promotion. And states like Georgia, Mississippi and Montana are weighing what to do about surplus vaccine that could go to waste as they face more open slots than ever before. The challenge comes at a crucial point in the pandemic with more contagious variants surging across the country and crisis fatigue combining with misinformation to harden resistance among the holdouts. Governors say they need more help from the Biden administration to reach the vaccine hesitant. But in most cases, state officials aren't waiting.
 
Drivers Won't Stop Speeding, and Cities Are Trying New Tactics to Get Them to Slow Down
More drivers are speeding, prompting cities and states across the country to toughen enforcement and warn of potential crashes during the busy summer travel season. Drivers floored it early in the coronavirus pandemic and haven't let up, officials say. Increased speeding was a key factor in a recent rise in crash fatalities, law-enforcement officials say. About 42,000 people died in car crashes in the U.S. last year, up 8% from 2019, the nonprofit National Safety Council estimates, citing preliminary figures. Law-enforcement officials in several cities and states said an uptick in excessive speeding -- such as driving over 100 mph on highways -- is particularly worrisome, especially as many Americans gear up for road trips. Colorado State Trooper Jonathan Strickland said the highway he patrols near Denver is getting busier, but not slower. Whereas before the pandemic he would catch a speeder topping 100 mph once a month or so, that now sometimes happens a few times a week, he said. "They're just not backing down the way you'd expect them to," he said of drivers, adding that he senses a nonchalance among those he pulls over for speeding. "There just does not seem to be any remorse."
 
Derek Chauvin found guilty on all counts of murder and manslaughter in George Floyd's death
Former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts in the death of George Floyd on April 20. This verdict comes 11 months after a video showing Chauvin kneeling on the neck of Floyd for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, while Floyd repeatedly said that he could not breathe. "The death of George Floyd served as a new inflection point in our nation's pursuit of justice and equal treatment under the law," Chancellor Glenn Boyce wrote in a statement to students. "As a community, we stand in support of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all people working to create a more equitable, inclusive and safe world." Many students at the university feel that this verdict is a stepping stone towards justice in the country, but some students also believe that the country has a long way to go. "The system that caused George Floyd to get killed in the first place is still operating with limited reform since his murder," Sydney Rehm, a freshman international studies major, said. "This is a happy occasion, and should be celebrated as such, but it is overshadowed by the mountain of work left to do to actively combat racist and violent practices in law enforcement."
 
'World of Wonders' Chosen for UM's 2021 Common Reading Experience
The University of Mississippi's 2021 Common Reading Experience will focus on "World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments," a celebrated new collection of essays by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, UM professor of English and creative writing. After reviewing many community submissions and other finalists, a committee of faculty, staff and students made the pick. All incoming Ole Miss freshmen and transfer students will get the book with instructions to read it before the fall semester begins. Instructors will utilize the book in their classes, and faculty and staff are also encouraged to read the works. Nezhukumatathil said her book being chosen is special in part because some local sites are featured in "World of Wonders." "This is especially meaningful because this book starts and ends with love -- recollections of the outdoors and the various animals and trees that have captivated me," Nezhukumatathil said. "But it ends right here in Oxford, Mississippi, a place where my family and I now call home. The university's own incredible Tree Trail and champion catalpa tree get a mention here too."
 
UMMC uses grant to address Mississippi's nurse educator shortage
A multimillion dollar grant from the Bower Foundation to the University of Mississippi Medical Center is funding graduate-level education of 64 registered nurses around the state. The project, Building a Strong Future for Nursing in Mississippi, is fueled by the $3.8 million, four-year grant and aims to increase the number of nurse educators in Mississippi. It covers full tuition and a stipend to registered nurses with associate degrees who will enter UMMC's master of science in nursing program through a virtual platform. The 64 scholarships will be split among two master's degree programs. Half will go to people in the MSN nursing education track, and the other 32 will be awarded to incoming students on the MSN nursing and health care administrator path. "This grant to UMMC for the benefit of community college nursing faculty and students statewide will build nurse educator and nurse manager capacity in Mississippi," said Anne Travis, the Bower Foundation's chief executive officer. Like the rest of the nation, Mississippi in dire need of nurse educators and health care administrators.
 
President Felecia M. Nave launches Inaugural President Lecture Series at Natchez campus
Alcorn State University celebrated the historical inauguration of its first female president Felecia M. Nave by launching a lecture series at their Natchez campus. Nave accepted the charge to lead Alcorn during the Investiture of the 20th President ceremony Friday, April 16, in the Oakland Memorial Chapel. Nave's inauguration was initially scheduled for 2020 but was rescheduled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Nave delivered the first of many educational speeches on Thursday, April 15, at the Carol S. Balmat School of Nursing in the MBA Building Auditorium on Alcorn's Natchez campus as part of a future series of lectures at the University. In her lecture, Nave outlined three points that will lead the University into an even more prominent future, with the first one focusing on innovation, exceeding expectations, and being a leader amongst the best schools. Nave then shifted to the enhancement of women in their professional endeavors. She said that the University would provide even more opportunities for women to succeed. Nave then shifted to the enhancement of women in their professional endeavors. She said that the University would provide even more opportunities for women to succeed.
 
Angie Thomas Scholarship is awarded to aspiring writer
Bestselling author Angie Thomas has surprised an incoming freshman with news that the young woman is receiving a full scholarship to the private university where Thomas earned her bachelor's degree. Thomas popped into an online meeting Monday to tell Andrea Foreman of Wilmington, Delaware, about the award that will cover tuition, room and board for four years at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. This is the second year for Belhaven to award the Angie Thomas Writers Scholarship to a student who will major in creative writing. Belhaven established the scholarship to honor Thomas, a 2011 graduate who has written the young adult bestselling novels "The Hate U Give" and "On the Come Up." Her new novel, "Concrete Rose," was published in January. The Belhaven creative writing chairman, Randall Smith, said in a university news release Tuesday that Foreman has shown "passion for writing, a distinct voice, the ability to realize complex and nuanced characters on the page and gutsy determination to pursue creative transparency."
 
Mississippi taps adviser to oversee funds in poor school district
The state of Mississippi is stepping in to oversee finances in a school district in one of the nation's poorest counties, which has been adjusting in recent years to consolidation. The Holmes County Consolidated School District's spending will be managed by Mississippi Department of Education Chief Operations Officer Felicia Gavin until another state-appointed adviser takes over, Mississippi Department of Education spokeswoman Patrice Guilfoyle said. The decision was made after an audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019, found the district was unable to provide receipts for some expenditures and did not have a clear system for documenting spending and payments. "The accounting mechanisms and procedures were so out of array that there's just absolutely no way for an auditor to say 'what is what,' frankly," state auditor's spokesman Logan Reeves said. "It is unauditable." Holmes County School District interim Superintendent Benjamin Torrey did not reply to requests for comment on the audit. State Auditor Shad White has expressed concern about the district's bookkeeping at least once before recently. A report released in December described what White called "widespread problems" with district spending.
 
Though access remains low, Mississippi pre-K earns high quality marks
Mississippi's state-funded pre-kindergarten program has again received high marks in a national report that measures the quality of state-funded education for 3- and 4-year-olds nationally. The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) identified Mississippi as one of only six states in the nation whose pre-K program meets all 10 quality standards for early childhood education. But despite the program's high quality, access remains an issue: It currently only serves 8% of 4-year-olds in the state. Mississippi's state-funded pre-K is also referred to as Early Learning Collaborative programs, which are partnerships among school districts, Head Start agencies, childcare centers and nonprofit groups. There are currently 18 collaboratives serving more than 3,000 children across the state. The Mississippi Legislature recently doubled the state's funding for the program from about $8 million to $16 million, but according to NIEER, more funding is still needed. Sen. Brice Wiggins, a supporter of the law since its creation in 2013, said he is thrilled the state continues to be a leader in early education. "Thinking back to 2013, there were those, some from my own party, who did not believe in what we were doing," said Wiggins, a Republican. "But, in bi-partisan fashion, the legislature came together and passed it; the nation has been looking up at us ever since. We cannot rest on our laurels and I for one will continue to fight for our children's success."
 
LSU Presidential Search Committee to meet; Mark Emmert's name resurfaces
The LSU Presidential Search Committee will meet Wednesday afternoon to begin discussing the pool of applicants for the university's top job. That pool shrunk by one earlier today, when Thomas Galligan, who has been serving as interim president since January 2020, issued a statement saying he has removed his name from consideration so he can spend more time with his family. Galligan, who at the time of his appointment said he was not interested in applying for the permanent position, changed his mind in mid-2020 and indicated he would throw his hat in the ring after all. With Galligan out of the picture, it is unclear how many candidates have applied for a position that appears to get more challenging by the day. Applications were due Monday, a deadline that was extended by more than a month after the university failed to attract as many competitive applicants as it had hoped, according to sources familiar with the situation, who blame the ongoing Title IX scandal for having a chilling effect on the search. Regardless of the official slate of applicants, multiple sources familiar with the situation say back channel but legitimate efforts are under way to try to recruit former LSU Chancellor and current NCAA President and CEO Mark Emmert for the position.
 
As more universities require COVID vaccinations, new resolution asks LSU to do the same
Two professors are asking LSU's Faculty Senate to call on the university to require its 34,000 students in Baton Rouge to receive COVID-19 vaccinations before returning to campus for in-person classes next fall. The Faculty Senate will discuss the resolution on Thursday afternoon. It calls on LSU to add the COVID-19 vaccine to a list of mandatory immunizations for students that includes vaccinations for measles, mumps and other diseases or to implement a COVID vaccine requirement through other means. In the resolution, the professors, Inessa Bazayev and Tara Houston, who teach in the College of Music and Dramatic Arts, cited the growing number of universities around the country -- now at 52 -- that are requiring vaccines, and they assert that numerous LSU faculty members have expressed support for the requirement. A copy of the resolution was released Tuesday, a day after Interim LSU President Tom Galligan announced that the school could not require vaccinations given that federal regulators approved the COVID vaccines for emergency use without completing full safety investigations. Jim Henderson, president of the University of Louisiana System, cited the same reason in saying that he did not plan to require vaccinations before students return in the fall.
 
50th anniversary of 'Black Thursday' at U. of Florida recognized
The University of Florida celebrated and discussed the historical, cultural and institutional impact of a protest that shaped the Black community on campus. This year marks the 50th anniversary of "Black Thursday" -- which happened on April 15, 1971 when 70 students marched into President Stephen C. O'Connell's office with a list of demands, including having the university address the shortage of Black faculty and students at UF. "What I admired most about the students who protested 50 years ago was their courage of conviction.," said David A. Canton, Ph.D., director of African American studies at UF. "Many of the students paid the ultimate sacrifice when they withdrew from UF. The students protesting at UF were part of an international movement for freedom and equality. UF's African American Studies Department hosted the webinar last Thursday with students from UF's chapters of the NAACP and SISTUHS, and a keynote speaker sharing her thoughts on the legacy and contemporary strategies of attaining the goals of Black Thursday.
 
Limited tours and online Preview present challenges for incoming UF students
With campus tours at reduced capacity and new student Preview, which helps students transition to the University of Florida with tours and advising, held online, UF class of 2025 students are worried about how well they can get to know their new college. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, campus tours are limited and in high demand, and Preview, UF's new student orientation, is online this year. As a result, students may have to make their college decisions without visiting UF in person, director of freshman and international admissions Charles Murphy said. While that could make decisions more difficult for some, Murphy said it's good that the Office of Admissions is offering some in-person tours. Other universities, such as the University of Central Florida and University of Miami, are only offering virtual tours. "The families that are able to go on them are really appreciative, because not every campus is able to offer tours," Murphy said. "They really appreciate the opportunity to see campus in person, talk to a person in person with their Cicerone tour guide." Besides Florida Cicerones, the Office of Admissions has worked with Screen, Test & Protect and UF to create COVID-19 safety guidelines for tours, Murphy said.
 
Higher education leaders react to Derek Chauvin guilty verdict
The conclusion of the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty on murder and manslaughter charges for the killing of George Floyd, produced a sense of hope and relief among students, faculty members and college leaders across the country. After a year of anger and outrage, accusations and recrimination, bridge building and bridge burning, calls for accountability and promises of change -- played out mostly remotely and on social media as Americans hunkered down while in the throes of the pandemic -- the verdict Tuesday was largely viewed as a welcome development and a symbol of possibilities for positive change for the country -- and perhaps on American college campuses. But while many people celebrated what they considered a just outcome, others were more philosophical, noting that the trial represented an important moment and not an all-encompassing milestone. Justice may have prevailed, they said, but much work remains to eradicate entrenched racial inequality in every aspect of American life, including in higher ed.
 
Scholars Respond to Chauvin Conviction
From coast to coast, scholars reacted with a sense of relief over the conviction of Derek Chauvin -- the former police officer who murdered George Floyd in Minneapolis last May -- but cautioned that the fight for racial justice continues. "[I feel] relief that Chauvin was found guilty. [It's] far from a sure outcome despite the obvious mountain of evidence, despite what we all saw. But this is just one case -- police who killed Breonna Taylor and Tamir Rice and Michael Brown and Eric Garner haven't been held accountable said Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, an associate professor of history at The Ohio State University and an expert on the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement. "And as the prosecution said, the police were not on trial – one officer was. But hopefully, the police were put on notice. Hopefully, they'll stop killing people. If history is any indication, they won't. But the future isn't written. Time will tell." Floyd's murder, which resulted in Chauvin placing his knee on his neck for nearly 10 minutes, ignited worldwide protests and forced college and university leaders to address racial justice issues on their own campuses.
 
APLU Statement on Conviction of Derek Chauvin for the Murder of George Floyd
Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today released the following statement regarding the conviction of Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd. "Nearly 11 months ago, Derek Chauvin senselessly and callously murdered George Floyd in broad daylight. We are pleased that the justice system delivered guilty verdicts on all three charges against Derek Chauvin -- something that was obviously warranted to anyone who watched the video recording of the horrific murder. However, we know that no jury decision can bring George Floyd back nor erase the pain and loss his family, friends, and community must grapple with forever. And today's conviction doesn't lift the fear of Black Americans that they or a loved one might be harmed or killed simply because of the color of their skin. ... Our nation's public universities have a critical role to play in helping to create a more just and equitable society through providing a high-quality education in welcoming and inclusive environments to diverse student bodies. And they continue to serve as forums for the important discussions and debates that help advance and realize change. All of us have much work to do to build a better nation. As the association and convening body of public research universities, APLU is committed to this work through continuing to engage with member institutions on supporting and providing more opportunities for Black students, faculty, and staff."
 
Purdue University Adds Civics Literacy Requirement
The Purdue University Board of Trustees is adding a civics literacy graduation requirement for undergraduates, beginning with incoming students this fall. The university says the board will vote on the requirement at its public meeting in June. Eventually, Purdue says the civics literacy program will be a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students. The program will be available and optional for all other students and will lead to a notation of Civics Literacy Proficiency on the student transcript. "There is plenty of evidence that many in our society are sadly lacking in civics knowledge and unprepared to actively and effectively engage in our democratic processes," said JoAnn Brouillette, chair of the trustees Academic and Student Affairs Committee. "Many of our faculty have agreed that this is a vital need, and we are grateful for their diligent efforts over the past months to create this program that will serve our students as they enter an ever-changing world." Purdue says the program was developed and recommended by a team of its faculty following study and discussion over the past two years among the University Senate, Purdue administrators and members of Purdue's Board of Trustees Academic and Student Affairs Committee.
 
Lawmakers hear praise for community college apprenticeship programs
As lawmakers consider additional funding for community colleges, higher education leaders are asking them to look at making targeted investments in apprenticeship programs. At hearings Tuesday, Democrats and Republicans seemed united in wanting to see that happen. The programs were a topic of discussion during two congressional hearings held Tuesday in the House Appropriations and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committees about community college investment and the institutions' roles in developing a postcoronavirus workforce. President Biden is proposing $12 billion in funding for community colleges as part of his infrastructure plan, and the House committee will soon develop its appropriations bills for fiscal year 2022. Witnesses testified that at least part of that funding could be used to aid in the creation of more apprenticeship programs that support workforce development and better accommodate adult learners. In some states, apprenticeship programs are growing rapidly. Senator Richard Burr, a Republican from North Carolina, said he was particularly proud of the work his home state's community colleges have done so far with respect to apprenticeship programs.
 
Sen. Bernie Sanders And Top Progressives Push To Make College Free For Most Americans
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., are introducing legislation Wednesday that would make higher education free for most Americans by imposing new taxes on many Wall Street transactions. The legislation would eliminate tuition and fees at public, four-year institutions for those from families earning up to $125,000 per year and make community college free for everyone. The push comes amid mounting pressure from progressives on President Biden to forgive some existing student loan debt and make higher education more accessible. "While President Biden can and should immediately cancel student debt for millions of borrowers, Congress must ensure that working families never have to take out these crushing loans to receive a higher education in the first place," Jayapal said in a statement. There is widespread interest among Democrats in making college more affordable, but there has so far been little agreement on the best path for achieving that goal.
 
Gov. Tate Reeves buries critical COVID-19 message while pandering
Adam Ganucheau writes for Mississippi Today: As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are again beginning to trend upward in Mississippi, health experts are doing everything they can to spread a message: get the vaccine. Some politicians, meanwhile, continue to craft their own expedient messaging, trying to instill the obvious importance of the vaccine while hedging to appease their more right-wing supporters. Put more directly, they're trying to score cheap political points at the expense of sharing critical public health warnings. In a single tweet on Monday, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves showed he is among the chief subscribers of this strategy. ... The last sentence of the tweet is perhaps the exact tone health officials wish politicians with tens of thousands of ardent followers would take: "Take the vaccine and this will all be behind us." That advice couldn't be more important in Mississippi, which ranks last in the nation in residents receiving at least one vaccine dose and in the bottom five states in residents completely inoculated. But the message was overshadowed by some careful political framing from Reeves. In the tweet, the Republican governor managed to pander to several different camps on several different issues -- and even a couple issues that put him at odds with health experts.
 
Mississippi Supreme Court ruling will impact Medicaid expansion, voting change efforts
Syndicated columnist Sid Salter writes: The Mississippi Supreme Court has heard arguments in a case that not only decides the fate of a voter initiative authorizing a medical marijuana program in Mississippi but may well decide the future of the state's entire voter initiative process. In the 2020 elections, Mississippi voters overwhelmingly approved a voter initiative authorizing a medical marijuana voter initiative as outlined in Initiative 65 over the express objections of the majority of legislative leaders. The voters gave Initiative 65 a 73.7% approval while giving the legislative alternative Initiative 65A only 26.3% of the vote. The pro-marijuana initiative outpolled Republican incumbent President Donald Trump by some 20 percentage points with state voters -- even outpolling the state's 72.98% decision to change the state flag. So now, a group of judges on the state's highest court – all of whom will face those same voters in future elections -- must now decide the fate of a lawsuit challenging not to the marijuana plan approved by voters, but the voter initiative process they used to get it on the ballot.


SPORTS
 
Mississippi State baseball throttles UAB to set up Vanderbilt series
Time for another top 5 series. Mississippi State throttled UAB 19-7 at Dudy Noble Field on Tuesday night to set up this weekend's series at No. 2 Vanderbilt. The No. 4 Bulldogs (28-8, 10-5 SEC) scored at least one run in each of the first five innings. They capped the scoring outburst with five runs in the fifth. MSU finished the night with 17 hits. UAB (12-24, 5-11 Conference USA) had two three-run frames, but it wasn't nearly enough to hang with the Bulldogs. Mississippi State has won 11 of its last 12 games. Some key Bulldog bats got hot Tuesday. Junior catcher Luke Hancock was 0 for his last 15 going into the game but went 2 for 4 with three RBIs. Sophomore catcher Logan Tanner went 2 for 11 against Ole Miss but went 3 for 4 with five RBIs against UAB. Senior right fielder Tanner Allen went 2 for 3 with three runs scored. Senior second baseman Scotty Dubrule went 3 for 4 with two runs driven. Mississippi State had it working from the top of the batting order to the bottom.
 
No. 4 Mississippi State baseball piles up runs on UAB in midweek contest
Drew McGowan kept running. Making the most of his time on the field in No. 4 Mississippi State's home game Tuesday against UAB, the freshman figured he might as well chance things on the base paths. Stationed on second in the bottom of the eighth inning, McGowan raced for third when fellow freshman Davis Meche grounded a ball past second base for a sure infield hit. As Blazers shortstop John Marc Mullins stooped and fielded the ball well behind the bag, McGowan took the turn and sped home without a throw as Mullins stood and stared in at the plate. It was a fitting allegory for the prior three-plus hours of baseball as the Bulldogs (28-8) pounded 17 hits, used 10 pitchers and ran right past the Blazers (12-24) in a 19-7 marathon Tuesday at Dudy Noble Field ahead of this weekend's series at No. 2 Vanderbilt. "These midweek games, they can get long, but getting everybody in, getting all the pitchers work, it definitely helped us going into this weekend," catcher Luke Hancock said.
 
Mississippi State's Preston Johnson embracing bullpen role
Preston Johnson has always been a starting pitcher, but the Mississippi State junior has blossomed into one of the Bulldogs' top bullpen arms this season. Johnson came to Mississippi State this season out of Hinds Community College, where he started 15 games on the mound and was tied for third in the nation in strikeouts his sophomore year. Now in his first year in Starkville, Johnson missed time early in the season due to COVID-19 contact tracing, but has since made eight appearances out of the bullpen. He has pitched 11.2 innings and allowed three earned runs while striking out 21 batters. He has a 1-0 record and a 2.31 ERA. "I kind of got set back a little bit by (missing the first weekend), but the last couple of weeks I've been blessed with a few opportunities to come in the game," Johnson said. "Some of those were big spots and the Lord's blessed me with a little bit of success and I've turned into one of the first out of the bullpen guys."
 
Mississippi State softball sweeps doubleheader with Jackson State
Mississippi State softball scored 18 runs total in a doubleheader sweep of Jackson State Tuesday, winning by scores of 8-0 and 10-3. "I think the biggest thing we take from these two games is to just play our game and relax a little bit, not press so much and remember that we can put it all together at any moment," head coach Samantha Ricketts said in a news release. "We're continuing to play pitch by pitch and seeing how that works out for us at the end of the game and not worrying about it throughout the game." Carter Spexarth put on a mini home run derby Tuesday, muscling out three home runs and driving in six runs. She had a multi-homer game in Game 2 of the doubleheader. "I never tell myself to hit a home run, but that last at-bat I was like let's try to hit a home run," Spexarth said. "I just did that and had fun. It was fun. I was just swinging." MSU's pitching dominated, striking out 22 batters across two games with no walks issued in Game 1. Mia Davidson hit a milestone home run Tuesday night, her 65th of her career that puts her fourth in SEC history for career home runs.
 
Deion Sanders' first season at Jackson State ends; Prairie View A&M game canceled due to COVID-19
The Jackson State football season has ended. The Tigers' final scheduled game of the spring against Prairie View A&M was canceled Tuesday due to COVID-19 within the JSU program. One player tested positive and a couple of other players didn't feel well after the positive test came back, according to coach Deion Sanders. Although the Tigers tested already this week, Sanders said the team was going to test again for the players who weren't feeling well. "We did not want to come to an abrupt ending like it did," Sanders said. "It happened, and the guys are not happy by any means, coaches as well, but it is what it is. We've got to do what's best for the kids and protect them at all costs." This was the second time that this game was scheduled after March 28's contest was postponed due to COVID-19 related issues within the Panthers' program. With the Alcorn State forfeit this past weekend, Jackson State ends the season 4-3 overall and 3-2 in SWAC play. It was Sanders' first season at the helm.
 
Baum-Walker Stadium to remain under full capacity for remainder of '21 season, Arkansas AD says
Arkansas does not plan to expand attendance at Baum-Walker Stadium to full capacity this year, Razorbacks athletics director Hunter Yurachek said Tuesday. Speaking on the "Halftime" radio show on ESPN Arkansas, Yurachek said capacity is likely to be expanded again for the Razorbacks' home games during the month of May, but did not provide an updated figure. Arkansas is scheduled to play Georgia and Florida in three-game weekend series, and Arkansas State for one game during the midweek in May. "I think you'll see some capacity increases, but we'll never look like Ole Miss or Mississippi State did," Yurachek said, referencing the Razorbacks' series at Mississippi State on March 26-28 and Ole Miss on April 10-11. "I know that's what our fans compare us to, but we're not going to do that this year at Baum-Walker Stadium. But we will continue to increase our capacity." Ole Miss announced a weekend crowd of 33,423 for its series against the Razorbacks, which was the largest three-game attendance ever at Swayze Field. Mississippi State reported a three-game attendance of 34,151 when it hosted Ole Miss last weekend. The state of Mississippi has effectively fully reopened from all covid-19 restrictions. The state of Arkansas has lifted most covid-19 restrictions -- a statewide mask mandate is still in effect -- but the Razorbacks have been more restrained in their capacity increases.
 
Gov. Kay Ivey signs bill allowing college athletes to be paid for use of name, image, likeness
Gov. Kay Ivey has signed into law a bill that says college athletes in Alabama can receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness, a move intended to align state law with expected rules changes from the NCAA. Lawmakers had passed the bill last week. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Kyle South, a Republican from Fayette, has said the main purpose was to make sure Alabama universities are not at a recruiting disadvantage because the state does not have such a law in place. South's bill has an effective date of July 1, the same date as a law approved by the Florida Legislature. For practical purposes, South said the compensation rules won't apply until the NCAA adopts bylaws allowing payments. South's bill says Alabama colleges cannot unreasonably restrict athletes from receiving compensation for use of their name, image or likeness from a third party. Athletes could also hire an agent or lawyer to help them with contracts. But the legislation does allow some restrictions.
 
Some South Carolina lawmakers want college athletes to profit off their names. Here's why
Athletic directors from three of South Carolina's largest colleges are backing a legislative push to allow athletes to profit from their name and image -- a perk that would help in recruitment and retention of players. "It's the fair and right thing to do to have our young men and young women profit from opportunities they may have, which are no different than any other opportunity for students on our campus," University of South Carolina athletic director Ray Tanner told an S.C. House Education subcommittee on April 20. He was joined by Clemson assistant athletic director Graham Neff and Coastal Carolina athletic director Matt Hogue, all of whom testified in support of the proposal, which was sent to the full committee on a 5-0 vote. "Even though we battle on the field, we're unified in this particular endeavor," Hogue said. "We believe it is a well-devised piece of legislation." A dozen states have already approved similar laws, including Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, which could make it difficult for Palmetto State programs to attract athletes who can easily make money elsewhere, proponents say.
 
Rep. Anthony Gonzalez resumes push to let college athletes make money from their names and images
After falling short of his goal last year, U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez is reintroducing a bipartisan bill that would let college athletes across the country be compensated for their names, images and likenesses without being banned from competition. The former Ohio State Buckeyes and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver says his bill would level the playing field between states like Florida and Mississippi that passed laws allowing college athletes to make endorsement deals and states that didn't by setting a single federal standard. Without that national standard, Gonzalez believes recruited athletes would flock to universities in states that let them make money. Gonzalez and the bipartisan legislators on his team argue that college sports are a big business, and everyone but the players make money. The bill would keep colleges from banning student athletes from play because they've signed endorsement contracts, unless those contracts tout products like tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, gambling or adult entertainment. Schools could also block students from wearing branded clothing or gear during athletic competitions or university sponsored events. Violations would be policed by the Federal Trade Commission.



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