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The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) will hold three Virtual Alternate Route Fairs in July to help aspiring teachers identify the alternate route teacher preparation program that is right for them. Completing an alternate route program is a required step for people who would like to transition into teaching but lack the certification or license. Each fair will be held via Zoom. Participants will get an overview of Mississippi’s alternate route options and “travel” to breakout rooms to hear presentations from three different colleges or universities in Mississippi. Presenters will provide information about each program’s cost, length, specialization and whether the program is virtual, in-person or a hybrid of both. Following the presentations, participants will complete a survey indicating whether they would like follow-up information. Testing requirements for entry into educator preparation programs, which include the ACT and Praxis subject-area tests, are suspended through the end of 2021 because of closures due to COVID-19. “We are excited to partner with Mississippi’s alternate route providers across the state to offer these virtual events,” said Krystal Cormack, MDE director of talent acquisition. “This is an opportune time for transitioning professionals to consider a career in teaching. This program will provide timely, important information about the different options available right here in our state.” Register for one or more of the Virtual Alternate Route Fairs at the links below. Participants will receive a confirmation email after registering with information about joining the meeting. Each fair is limited to 275 participants. Virtual Alternate Route Fairs will be held at 6 p.m. on the following dates: July 15, 6 p.m.: Registration Link Teach Mississippi Institute at the University of Mississippi Tougaloo College William Carey University July 22, 6 p.m.: Registration Link Jackson State University University of Southern Mississippi Belhaven University July 29 p.m.: Registration Link Mississippi College Delta State University Mississippi State University For questions about the Virtual Alternate Route Fairs, contact Krystal Cormack at kcormack@mdek12.org. For information about Mississippi’s Alternate Route Programs, visit: https://www.mdek12.org/OTL/OEL/Alternate.

Recently, many Mississippi entrepreneurs waited in queues to apply for Back to Business Mississippi small business grants, which will help them to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic, but other types of grants are also available, which are designed to promote long-term community development, livability, and prosperity. The Development Infrastructure Grant Program (DIP), available through the Mississippi Development Authority in Jackson, is a fine example. In uncertain times, it's important to know that help is out there and where to find that help. With this mind, it's time to discuss the Development Infrastructure Grant Program and what it has to offer to Clinton industries and people. What is the Development Infrastructure Grant Program? This grant is for counties and municipalities, for the purpose of financing projects to improve publicly-owned infrastructure. Public infrastructure is public assets that should promote economic growth. The overarching purpose of this grant, with its $150,000 maximum, is to spark fiscal opportunity within Mississippi. People who apply for the DIP must do so on behalf of expanded or brand-new industries with public infrastructure needs. This grant will cover many facets of infrastructure improvements, including land improvements. However, facilitating land improvements, such as clearing brush or leveling land, is just the beginning. Drainage, sewer, water, marine structure, energy facility, and transportation improvements are also covered under the conditions of the grant. In addition, the grant may be utilized to buy, construct, or rehabilitate buildings. One important fact to be aware of is that everything built or improved by the grant must be publicly-owned infrastructure. Which industries qualify? Local government officials apply on behalf of a variety of industries, including corporate headquarters/operation centers, manufacturers/processors, and distribution facilities. Municipal governments may also apply for telecommunications/data processing companies. While many industries currently focus on survival, rather than expansion, these grants are still very important. They give industries the support that they need to become integral parts of Mississippi communities over the long-term. These grants keep the state's cities strong for the future, with the right infrastructure for companies who want to hire locals. Without this grant program, bouncing back after the pandemic finally eases will be harder. Infrastructure spending creates jobs According to the Economic Policy Institute, spending on public infrastructure is a solid investment in future prosperity. With public infrastructure projects, a variety of direct jobs are generally created, as well as a range of indirect jobs that facilitate construction work or other improvements. When grants cover some or all of the cost of public infrastructure projects, the community benefits, during the projects, and afterward. Completed infrastructure enhancements keep companies in the community and attract new ones. One benefit of jobs created in this niche is that they are typically available to a diverse range of people, many of whom don't need a high level of education to qualify. It's nice to know that the Mississippi Development Authority is doing all it can to help state cities and counties with their public infrastructure needs. During such hard times, this government entity is looking ahead to brighter days. These days will eventually come.

This evening, Governor Tate Reeves will hold a ceremony to signHouse Bill 1796, which removes the current Mississippi state flag and creates a commission to design a new one that will be voted on in November. Delivering brief remarks, Governor Reeves will address all of Mississippi on this momentous occasion about the importance of unity and moving forward together as a state. Governor Reeves will be joined by legislative officials key to the passage of the bill and leaders within the African American community to celebrate and mark this historic occasion. WHO: Governor Tate Reeves WHAT: Signing Ceremony for Mississippi Flag Bill WHEN: Tuesday, June 30 at 5:00 PM

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages firework safety this Independence Day. “There may be more personal use of fireworks at homes and in neighborhoods than usual, as many public fireworks displays are cancelled because of the coronavirus,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “I hope that Mississippians will use caution if they handle fireworks and follow the safety tips laid out below.” On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. The risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages 0-4, followed by children 10-14. Sparklers, often a favorite with children, can reach up to 1200 º Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns. For those choosing to use fireworks, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal suggests you follow these safety tips: • Observe local laws. o Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks should first check with their fire protection officials to make sure that local laws are being followed. o Some municipalities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits. • Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework. • Never point or throw fireworks at another person. • Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place. • Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks. • Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready. • Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees. • Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance. • Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks. • Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. • Never give fireworks to small children. • Never carry fireworks in your pocket. • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

The Mississippi Access to Justice Commission and the Mississippi Bar have been honored by the American Bar Association for their efforts to provide free civil legal assistance to poor people. The Access to Justice Commission and the Mississippi Bar received the E. Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award for their efforts to provide free family law clinics statewide. The award includes a $3,500 prize which will be used to improve access to the courts by the poor. Presentation of the Gambrell Professionalism Award  is the second time that the ABA has recognized the efforts in Mississippi  to expand civil legal services to people living in poverty. The ABA presented the Mississippi Bar with the 2019 Harrison Tweed Award for its role in expanding the free legal clinics statewide. The award recognizes efforts to improve civil legal services to people living in poverty. At the urging of former Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr., free family law clinics were held in every Chancery Court district in the state in 2018 and again in 2019.  The Mississippi Legislature in 2018 declared June Access to Justice Month, with many of the free clinics held in June. Other free clinics were spread out across the year. The free legal clinics were offered for poor people who could not afford to hire a lawyer. Local lawyers volunteered their time to help with issues including uncontested divorce, child custody, guardianships, adoptions, legal name change and emancipation. Some also assisted with expungements, opening the way for people to seek better employment opportunities. In 2018, more than 450 Mississippi lawyers provided more than 1,300 hours of free legal services to 850 people in need. In 2019, more than 1,075 people received assistance, according to Nicole McLaughlin, executive director of the Access to Justice Commission and director of the Mississippi Bar’s Access to Justice Initiative. Legal clinic events were organized and supported by the  Access to Justice Commission, chancellors and their staffs, the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, Legal Services offices, local bar associations and volunteer lawyers. Mike Randolph, Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, said, “It is my sincere hope that we can continue to expand voluntary, free legal assistance to our citizens. I’ve attended multiple clinics and have spoken to and encouraged the recipients, as well as the courts, clerks, staffs, and attorneys who sacrifice their time and skills to benefit others. There is nothing like witnessing the joy of families when adoption orders are signed.” Amanda Tollison, President of the Mississippi Bar, said, “The free legal clinics helped show lawyers and law students across the state the importance of providing pro bono legal services. While giving lawyers the chance to serve as mentors to law students, these clinics also provided an opportunity for the local bar to volunteer together, rather than as adversaries, to reach a common goal: serving the public. In turn, the clinics helped build a positive perception of the legal profession to the local communities and enhanced and improved the professionalism of existing and aspiring lawyers.” Chancellor Jacqueline Mask of Tupelo, co-chair of the Access to Justice Commission, said, “I’m thankful for the award because it recognizes the hard  work of the lawyers in the entire state. The attorneys who are volunteering should be acknowledged and commended for their sacrifice and their giving hearts. This prestigious honor encourages all of us to continue giving to people in need.” McLaughlin said, “We are proud that Mississippi has been recognized again for the statewide legal clinic project.  In Mississippi, approximately 20 percent of our residents live below the poverty level.  This project helps prevent people from having to sacrifice necessities for legal services and expands access to the courts.  We are fortunate to have the support of the legal community and hope the project continues to grow and help people across the State. Former Arkansas Bar Association President Brian Rosenthal nominated the Access to Justice Commission and the Mississippi Bar for the Gambrell Professionalism Award. Rosenthal said in the nomination, “The Mississippi model of leadership from the top judicial officer and the bar at all levels can serve as a model for all states.” “Sometimes you see where dentists gather to assist those who cannot afford services and serve hundreds of people in a day or two.  Even though the Mississippi program cannot address all issues like a single dentist visit might be able to do, it can relieve the pain of uncertainty on how and whether to proceed and marshal resources available for assistance,” Rosenthal wrote in the nomination. The Gambrell Professionalism Awards, administered by the ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism and supported by the E. Smythe Gambrell Fund for Professionalism, recognize  the nation’s exemplary, innovative, and ongoing professionalism programs in law schools, bar associations, courts and other legal organizations that help ensure the maintenance of the highest principles of integrity and dedication to the legal profession and the public. The Gambrell Awards were established in 1991 and are named for E. Smythe Gambrell, who founded the Legal Aid Society in Atlanta, where he practiced law from 1922 until his death in 1986. Gambrell served as American Bar Association  and American Bar Foundation president from 1955 to 1956.

Brookhaven man cherishes ability to talk and eat after overcoming voice/swallowing disorders at Methodist Rehab By Susan Christensen Health and Research News Service Alone, paralyzed and unable to utter a word. Dezron Wesley of Brookhaven awoke to that reality after a third stroke sent him to a Jackson hospital on April 8. Because of COVID-19, his wife, LaTonya Wesley, couldn’t be by his side during the hospitalization. And the 48-year-old said it was frightening to be isolated and incommunicado. “I was at someone’s mercy,” he said. “He told me how scary it was to wake up and not be able to talk or say what he needed,” said Taylor Miller, his speech therapist while at Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson. “People don’t think about how important speech is,” Wesley said. “I’d rather lose both arms and legs than not be able to talk. It’s more important to me than mobility.” Wesley arrived at Methodist Rehab on April 24, and it was his second time to undergo stroke therapy there. He’s more susceptible to multiple strokes due to Moyamoya Disease, a rare, cerebrovascular disorder caused by blocked arteries at the base of the brain. Wesley could talk after his first stroke, so he admits he didn’t fully value speech therapy during his first admission. And it seemed he might still be in that mindset during his initial sessions with Miller. “The first thing I understood him say was: ‘I hate speech therapy,’” Miller said. In the rehab medicine setting, speech therapy addresses everything from swallowing issues to problems thinking, remembering and focusing. And Wesley thought tasks to address his cognitive issues were particularly tedious. This time, though, he proved to be an enthusiastic patient. He knew how much he needed the help. “When he first came, he was extremely weak, completely unintelligible, and could not produce any voice,” Miller said. “He also had the worst swallow I’ve ever seen.” Wesley had dysphagia, a swallowing disorder that’s a frequent companion to stroke or brain injury. Unlike people with a normal swallow, he could no longer sense when food was going into his airway. Without the cue to cough, he was at risk of aspirating food or liquids into his lungs and developing an infection. He had to rely on a feeding tube for nourishment. Using VitalStim—a device that employs neuromuscular electrical stimulation—Miller was able to re-educate and strengthen Wesley’s throat muscles. That therapy coupled with exercise and swallow maneuvers freed Wesley from the feeding tube. “In three weeks, he went from pureed food to chopped meat, then to a regular diet,” Miller said. Soon, he was filling up on favorites like fried chicken and Chinese food. “My wife was like: Where are you putting all that?’” he said. As happy as he was to eat again—he’d lost over 20 pounds post-stroke—Wesley was more invested in regaining his voice. Miller said he had significant damage to a few of his cranial nerves which severely impacted his speech (as well as swallowing). One was damage to his tenth cranial nerve, known as the Vagus nerve. Symptoms include difficulty speaking, a voice that is hoarse or wheezy, and trouble swallowing. He also suffered from dysarthria, a motor speech disorder related to the nerve damage caused by his stroke. “He had a difficult time forming words,” Miller said. “Everything sounded muffled, mumbled and strung together.” Muscles in the face, lips, tongue and throat are all involved in talking, and Miller used a variety of strategies to strengthen and improve their coordination during Wesley’s therapy sessions. For instance, using a device called the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, Wesley did sets of what amounted to tongue pushups. “Taylor has done her part and given me the tools I need,” he said. “I don’t know what I would have done without the techniques she has shown me. I am doing a lot better.” It helped that Wesley made good on his goal to be “a willing participant.” “He has been an absolute delight and made significant improvements,” Miller said. “He has come a long way.” As he left MRC on June 9, Wesley had plans to continue therapy on an outpatient basis. The third stroke also left him paralyzed on his right side, and he hopes to recover enough to resume walking. He also is determined to avoid another stroke, which he realizes will be a challenge because of Moyamoya. Wesley said he felt defeated after his first stroke. “I was a wreck. I thought it was the end of the world.” But his strategy now is to take every opportunity he can to get better. “I’m alive … so I have to make the best of it.”

This story was originally published by Mississippi Today on MississippiToday.org Lawmakers voted on Sunday to remove the Mississippi state flag, the last in the nation featuring the Confederate battle emblem, more than 126 years after it was adopted. The House and Senate passed a bill on Sunday that will immediately remove the state flag, and Gov. Tate Reeves said he would sign the bill into law. A nine-person commission will be appointed to develop a single new design by September, and Mississippi voters will approve or reject that design on the November 2020 ballot. In the meantime, Mississippi will have no official state flag. The historic vote brought tears to the eyes of many lawmakers. Cheers echoed in the halls of the Mississippi State Capitol shortly after the final votes were cast, and many Mississippians who visited the building to witness the moment openly wept. “We are better today than we were yesterday,” said Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, who authored the bill that passed on Sunday. “Today, the future has taken root in the present. Today, we and the rest of the nation can look on our state with new eyes, with pride and hope. “We are not betraying our heritage,” Gunn continued. “We are fulfilling it.” The flag, long a point of political contention in Mississippi, was seen by many as a symbol of hate. In 2001, Mississippi voters decided nearly 2-to-1 to keep the divisive emblem on the state flag, solidifying its place on the official state banner for nearly two decades. For years, supporters of changing the flag have not been able to garner the simple majority needed to change the controversial banner through the normal legislative process. But the violent death of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests that reached Mississippi and shined new light on the state flag. And in recent weeks, immense pressure mounted from religious, business, civic, university, sports and other leaders to remove the Confederate emblem from the flag. A growing list of businesses, cities, counties and other groups either stopped flying the flag or asked leaders to change it. Religious leaders spoken out, saying changing the flag was a “moral issue.”  The NCAA, SEC, and Conference USA this month took action to ban postseason play in Mississippi until the flag was changed. “As an African American man born in 1958, I grew up as a child of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez and House Democratic leader. “All the things I heard from those men at the podium – that none of us went up to speak about because we’ve been saying it for years – but all those things they talked about, we’ve been feeling for years.” Johnson began crying and paused for a moment before continuing: “What it means to me is it isn’t just words. They began to understand and feel the same thing I’ve been feeling for 61 years of my life.” Johnson said Mississippi needs help with many problems, such as poverty and poor health care, but the nation and world “have been reluctant” to work with Mississippi and that removing the flag with a Confederate emblem will help. “Now that this is gone, they will begin to look and see who the real Mississippi is, and see that we are more than what that flag represents,” Johnson said. The Senate debate on Sunday lasted about two hours, with several senators arguing that the issue should go to voters instead of being made by lawmakers. Several senators rebutted that argument before passing the bill. “I think the Mississippi Senate and me personally, we want Mississippi to have a heart and a soul,” said Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann after the vote. “Today she had one.” The House approved the bill by a vote of 92-23 on Sunday, with eight more House members voting to approve the final bill than they did on a procedural vote on Saturday. The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 37-14, with one more Senate member voting to approve than on Saturday. “For 100 plus years, we have been living under this flag,” said Sen. David Jordan, D-Greenwood. “We watered this land with our tears and made it rich with our bones, so it’s only fair that we have a symbol that represents us and (does) not remind us of what has happened to us.” The debate over the state flag captured the close attention of Mississippians for weeks. By the final vote in the Senate on Sunday, the news reverberated across the state. Many prominent Mississippians expressed their appreciation. “Removal of the Confederate battle flag from our state flag is long overdue,” former Gov. William Winter said in a statement. “I congratulate the Mississippi Legislature on their decisive action today removing this divisive symbol. Along with many committed Mississippians, I have fought for decades to change the flag, most notably during the flag referendum 20 years ago. “I’m delighted by this positive move,” Winter continued. “I’m especially grateful at age 97 to witness this step forward by the state I love.” Now attention will turn to the next steps in the process of developing a new state flag. The new design “will not include the Confederate battle flag but shall include the words ‘In God We Trust’,” the bill passed on Sunday reads. Should voters reject that design in November, the commission would present a new option during the 2021 legislative session, according to the resolution. Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Speaker Philip Gunn will appoint three people each to the commission. The governor’s three appointees must be representatives from the Mississippi Economic Council, the Mississippi Arts Commission, and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Hosemann and Gunn face no specific commission appointment requirements. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History will have up to 15 days after Reeves signs the bill into law to officially retire the current state flag. “All eyes are on Mississippi, and today, we have made an historic decision,” said Sen. Angela Turner Ford, chairwoman of the Legislative Black Caucus. “… Today we mark a transition for Mississippi, a day where we can be proud to move forward to adopt a symbol that is inclusive, a symbol that all of us can rally behind … We’ve made a decision to move forward, and I hope Mississippians are proud of that decision.”

JACKSON, Miss. – (June 26, 2020) Registration for the 2020 Farm Bureau Classic remains open through July 4th for participants to support the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and the annual fundraiser taking place virtually this year. Participants are able to choose a 5k Run or a 5k Walk and complete the race in their own time at any location they choose. Results may be submitted through RunSignUp.com beginning Sunday, June 28, 2020. “We are incredibly proud of and grateful for the support we have received so far for this event through the changes we’ve had to make for 2020. With the continued support of Farm Bureau, Raymond James, Fleet Feet, C Spire and over 400 participants already committed to running with us virtually, we know the spirit of the Watermelon Classic will be strong across our city and state this next week even as we can’t spend the holiday together this year.” said Andrea Patterson, Race Director and Director of Community Relations and Marketing for the Museum. Registration is open on www.msfame.com/2020watermelon and the RunSignUp platform. Registration is $25 and includes an official 2020 t-shirt, a finisher’s award and a virtual event bag with coupons and promotions from supporting businesses. After registering, participants will receive more detailed information regarding the event. They will have the opportunity to complete the 5k Run or 5k Walk at any time in any place and submit their results by July 5th. Registration closes on July 4th, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame has partnered with the Parks and Recreations Departments of the City of Madison, City of Ridgeland and City of Flowood as well as the District at Eastover to provide participants with route options to run or walk their 5k during the next week. Runners and walkers can find signage and routes available at Strawberry Patch Park in Madison, the Ridgeland Multi-Use Trail at Rice Road, the Flowood Trail in front of the YMCA, and the loop around the District at Eastover. We are asking participants to please consider using these options or running in your own parks or neighborhoods and not using the traditional race course around the Museum. Participants are also encouraged to join other runners and walkers on social media using the hashtag #2020WatermelonClassic to post pictures and videos of their trainings, runs, walks, and watermelon celebrations. There is an option to print your own race bib to wear, use a virtual finish line graphic, submit pictures for a costume contest, and many more ways to stay connected to other participants. For more questions about the event or to support the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, please visit msfame.com or call our offices at 601-982-8264. About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi’s rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.

Governor Tate Reeves’s request for federal public assistance for FEMA disaster 4538 has been approved. Marion, Issaquena and Sharkey counties are now eligible for  public assistance following the February 10-18, 2020 Pearl River flood event and severe weather. The following counties are a part of the disaster declaration: Attala, Carroll, Claiborne, Clay, Copiah, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, Leflore, Warren, Wilkinson and Yazoo. The purpose of the Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program is to support communities’ recovery from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure. Local governments, states, tribes, territories and certain private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

Bitcoin is a digital currency in a decentralized network. All balances and transactions are safe in the network because of cryptography. In this modern-day and age, there are already certain merchants who have accepted this form of virtual currency as payment for their products and services. Characteristics of bitcoin Apart from being decentralized without a single institution controlling it, bitcoin also has a limited supply. The reason behind this is that this cryptocurrency is tightly controlled by an underlying complex algorithm that creates it until it reaches about 21 million. Bitcoin transactions are also immutable, inhibiting the possibility that it can be reversed. How does bitcoin work? In order to send and receive bitcoin, individuals and businesses first need to create an electronic wallet. Every bitcoin transaction gets recorded in a public ledger which is referred to as the blockchain. Through this digital ledger, the history of the transactions can be reviewed. Bitcoin Mining In bitcoin mining, the miners need to need to solve complex puzzles in order for them to add a block on the blockchain. Once they do, the miners are able to create bitcoins. This is the same process that is performed to verify transactions in the blockchain. However, you need to set up powerful computers to mine bitcoins because the puzzles you need to solve get more and more complex. This provides a safety net from having too many bitcoins from being generated. Bitcoin Trading For non-miners, they can get their hands on bitcoin through trading. To be able to trade, you need to create an account and deposit money to an online exchange that connects buyers and sellers of the cryptocurrency. In the article “Bitcoin Profit Review” found in https://cryptoevent.io/review/bitcoin-profit/, the experts behind Crypto Event provide a good insight into one of the trading software that you can use to buy and sell bitcoin. Once you have funds in your account, you can already proceed with trading much like you would in the stock market. Advantages of using bitcoin One of the primary advantages of using bitcoin is user autonomy wherein you tend to have more control over how you want to spend your money. With bitcoin, you no longer need to deal with any intermediary authority. The transactions using bitcoin are also discreet and are much less likely to be linked to any personal identity. It is also convenient to pay with bitcoins because your electronic wallet can be made available on your smartphones. This eliminates the need for you to travel to a bank or a store to buy a product or subscribe to a service. Unlike other online transactions, your personal information is unnecessary to complete bitcoin transactions. To wrap things up, you can expect to see more and more people and businesses using bitcoin in the future because it is one of the safest ways to transact online. You can also try and mine your own bitcoin, or explore trading it in an attempt to generate a positive revenue in the end. The important thing is to keep on researching and exploring this cryptocurrency that is very much promising.

Jackson, Miss. — The below is attributable to Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann: “I rise before you today to discuss the flag of our State. This discussion is not prompted by fear of loss of economic development, although virtually every economic developer in our State has indicated opportunities and employment of our citizens will be adversely affected.  Further, it is not prompted by the impending loss of student athletes’ ability to compete for championships, although that has occurred.  Further, I recognize many of our citizens are proud of their individual ancestors, some of whom fought in battle 150 years ago.  I am one of those citizens. While important, these issues are not controlling. What is compelling to me is the future of our children and grandchildren.  They will learn together, they will work together, and they will worship together.  Those who wish to fly our flag should not be typecast in any fashion.  Similarly, those who are offended by our flag are sincere in their beliefs.  The physical acknowledgements of our history are our guideposts and buoys which helps us to avoid reefs in the future.  Destruction of history fails to change it and, over time, opens us to repeat it. However, now we must look to a flag for our collective future to be flown over our collective assets.  I, like the majority of Mississippians, am open to changing our current flag. In my mind, our flag should bear the Seal of the Great State of Mississippi and state “In God We Trust.”  I am open to bringing all citizens together to determine a banner for our future. Some distrust the will of the citizens and fear the public dialogue which comes with a ballot.  I am not one of those people.  Changes in our hearts and minds arise from conversation, and in our Republic by the finality of the ballot box. However, the Legislature in 1894 selected the current flag and the Legislature should address it today.  Failing to do so only harms us and postpones the inevitable.”