june 2023 |
ALL TEXT BY ZOREK RICHARDS
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 Bloomberg Law 6.28.23
Over 160 Black farm workers have received $505,540 in back wages after an investigation by the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division identified multiple violations by 44 employers in the Mississippi Delta, according to the agency Wednesday.
The Labor Department found the employers showed preferential treatment towards individuals in the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program, and failed to pay the required rate to US workers in corresponding employment. The DOL alleges employers made illegal pay deductions, did not provide accurate anticipated hours of work and bonus opportunities, and failed to reimburse travel-related expenses as required.  The Center Square 6.28.23
When a company fails spectacularly — Bud Light, for instance — it’s difficult not to notice. When a company fails spectacularly in a way that hurts people — Southwest Airlines — policymakers should notice. And when a company is a public utility with a government-granted monopoly — Entergy, for example — policymakers should not only take notice but do something about it. Mistakes and bad weather happen, but the loss of power for tens of thousands of people in Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and other states — not once, but twice within almost a week — suggests something is wrong.
--Jameson Taylor ; director of legislative affairs for American Family Association Action and president of the Center for Political Renewal
 Bryan Bailey Files
“Due to recent developments, including findings during our internal investigation, those deputies that were still employed by this department have all been terminated. We understand that the alleged actions of these deputies has eroded the public’s trust department. Rest assured that we will work diligently to restore that trust.”
---Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey after deputies were accused of beating and sexually assaulting two Black men before shooting one of them in the mouth. 6.27.28
June 23, 2023: Independent: Mississippi senator wants old Confederate state flag back because ‘our people fought and died under that flag’
New Albany senator Kathy Chism was filmed at a June political rally telling audience members the state should reinstate its old banner, which was designed in 1894 and incorporated a Confederate cross, because “a lot of our people fought and died under that flag,” according to video obtained by the Mississippi Free Press.  Kathy Chism Files
“That flag, a lot of our people fought and died under that flag (The Confederate Flag)................The Senate leadership, Delbert Hosemann, refused to pass the House bill because he honestly doesn’t want the people to be successful using the ballot initiative which was what we tried to use to save our flag. Only a Democrat at heart would entertain the thought of pulling such a stunt that Delbert Hosemann had control of.......Let’s not forget the fact that Delbert Hosemann worked really hard and succeeded in taking away your right to vote on the 1894 state flag. He never gave you the opportunity to vote as he promised. His very words to me, ‘Senator, they will forget that flag vote in four years.’ I beg to differ. … I’m appalled at the audacity and arrogance of Delbert Hosemann to disregard your vote in 2001 overwhelmingly to keep the 1894 state flag. It is not just about the flag. It is about the fact that leadership took away your voice, your vote.” --Kathy Chism; Belmont Political Rally in Tishomingo County; 6.3.23
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| June 13, 2023 |
June 13, 2023: Mississippi Today: Poll: Mississippi Republican voters cool on abortion ban
Mississippi politicians have long viewed being anti-abortion as a key to winning elections, working diligently for years to stretch the limits of the law and pass some of the nation’s most restrictive bans.
But based on a new Mississippi Today/Siena College poll, being anti-abortion may not be the key electoral issue that politicians – especially Republican politicians – have believed it to be.
Mississippi politicians have long viewed being anti-abortion as a key to winning elections, working diligently for years to stretch the limits of the law and pass some of the nation’s most restrictive bans.
But based on a new Mississippi Today/Siena College poll, being anti-abortion may not be the key electoral issue that politicians – especially Republican politicians – have believed it to be.
| June 12, 2023 |
June 12, 2023: Magnolia Live: Mississippi state senator charged with DUI in Alabama
Fox 10 News in Mobile reports that Sen. Michael McLendon (R-DeSoto) was arrested on June 5 by deputies with the Baldwin Sheriff’s Office and charged with DUI – combined substance.
Fox 10 News in Mobile reports that Sen. Michael McLendon (R-DeSoto) was arrested on June 5 by deputies with the Baldwin Sheriff’s Office and charged with DUI – combined substance.
| June 7, 2023 |
June 7, 2023: WTOK: Mississippi House District 81 Candidate Ben Shirely
I am running for House District 81.
List previous related work experience/political offices held:
I have never held an office. I have been a small business owner and job creator for over 20 years
I am running for House District 81.
List previous related work experience/political offices held:
I have never held an office. I have been a small business owner and job creator for over 20 years
| June 6, 2023 |
June 6, 2023: WTOK: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians tribal election results
Elections were held Tuesday in six communities of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. All results are unofficial until certified. Absentee ballots will still need to be counted. Absentee Ballots will be opened Wednesday starting at 1 PM. There are a total of 215 ballots to be opened.
Elections were held Tuesday in six communities of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. All results are unofficial until certified. Absentee ballots will still need to be counted. Absentee Ballots will be opened Wednesday starting at 1 PM. There are a total of 215 ballots to be opened.
| June 3, 2023 |
June 3, 2023: Fox13: Mississippi congressman asks VA leaders to remove rainbow Pride flag
A Mississippi lawmaker on Friday called on veterans leaders to remove a rainbow flag flying at the entrance to the Biloxi VA Medical Center.
On Friday, U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell sent a letter about the flag to Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and Dr. Stephanie Repasky, who serves as interim director of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, WLOX-TV reported.
A Mississippi lawmaker on Friday called on veterans leaders to remove a rainbow flag flying at the entrance to the Biloxi VA Medical Center.
On Friday, U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell sent a letter about the flag to Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and Dr. Stephanie Repasky, who serves as interim director of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, WLOX-TV reported.