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Mississippians: What should we be writing about (aside from the obvious)? What do you want to read?

Although the numbers fluctuate daily, Mississippi currently has one of the nation’s highest coronavirus infection rates based on population. Gov. Tate Reeves has so far declined to issue a statewide lockdown order. mississippitoday.org/2020/03/24/mis…

74% of Mississippi students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and with schools here closed, thousands of kids need a way to eat. Aallyah Wright, Kelsey Betz and I created a map of sites offering free meals for children 18 and under: bit.ly/3ak2DFR #msedu

"NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT. We need significant public investments in all corners of the economy, and journalism is no exception. We can’t get through this pandemic—or the next one—without a resilient and community-centered media system." Craig Aaron for Columbia Journalism Review bit.ly/3aqvjgE

NEW today: Unemployment claims in Mississippi rose 586% from the week ending Mar. 14 to the week ending Mar. 21, when most closures due to #COVID19 began. The state recorded 6,723 claims, up from 1,147. The week before was 879. Mississippi Today

NEW from MSDH: 108 new cases today, 485 total and 5 deaths (4 yesterday). 2776 tests run by state lab. More stats run-down coming soon Mississippi Today

Congratulations to Erica Hensley, Mississippi Today’s public health reporter, for being named a finalist in the National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation’s Research & Journalism Awards. Learn more here: mississippitoday.org/2020/03/26/sta…

New podcast (and full transcript) with Gov. Tate Reeves. We talked decisions he’s made, how prepared state is for worst case, how he believes politics has played into criticism he’s received, and whether this has changed his view on Medicaid expansion. mississippitoday.org/2020/03/30/gov…

More than half of Mississippi students attend rural schools, where equity & access to resources like computers or internet were already an issue. With schools closed, districts are getting creative to find ways to keep educating & feeding kids. #msedu bit.ly/2X5knBh

After a weeks-long resistance to issue shelter-in-place measures, Gov. Tate Reeves issued his first order today requiring Mississippi residents to stay at home. But the new order, unlike orders in 32 other states, does not have statewide ramifications. mississippitoday.org/2020/03/31/ree…

very appreciative of Eric J. Shelton 🐟 and all photojournalists right now who have to be outside to do their jobs

A little hint -- do not be fooled when March revenue report for Mississippi looks normal. Sales tax revenue in the March revenue report reflects retails sales made in February before the COVID-19 shutdown began. April and May reports will tell the tale on state tax collections.

BREAKING: for the first time, we have MSDH-published numbers for all tests statewide! 20,370 tests run. With 1738 cases total, that’s a 9% case rate. Running some more stats and I’ll report back! Mississippi Today

What do a nun, blues musician, retired teacher, business mogul & best selling author have in common? They all support the mission driven journalism at Mississippi Today You can, too! Nonprofit news that’s free & accessible to all has never been more important. bit.ly/2UNNOpS

You've seen those posts sentimentalizing retail workers for risking their health so we can keep buying stuff? Here's another perspective: "It’s not because I want to be here. You have to come to work if you want to get paid and feed your kids." “We didn’t sign up to be heroes."

Over here on E Street, we are crushed by the loss of John Prine. John and I were "New Dylans" together in the early 70s and he was never anything but the lovliest guy in the world. A true national treasure and a songwriter for the ages. We send our love and prayers to his family.

Breaking: House begins process to remove the Mississippi state flag, create commission to develop new design. This marks the first successful legislative action to change the flag since it was adopted by lawmakers in 1894. mississippitoday.org/2020/06/27/hou… #msleg

BREAKING: Both the House and Senate clear the most difficult hurdle to removing and changing the state flag, which features the Confederate battle emblem. They're expected to move quickly now to make it official and remove the flag. mississippitoday.org/2020/06/27/his… #msleg

The bill passes 91-23, a bigger majority than yesterday. Wow.

Mississippi no longer has a state flag with a Confederate battle emblem in its canton. Senate votes 37-14. Goes to Gov. Reeves who said he'd sign #msleg #msflag