State
SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDERS LIKELY HAVE IMPROVED AIR QUALITY
Northside Sun
Jackson's air quality has improved slightly during the COVID-19 outbreak, based on data provided by the federal government's AirNow website.
Sewer line break on Bell Street creates big obstacle for Jackson residents
WLBT
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - The cones and caution tape were put in place around the hole Thursday morning. However, neighbors said the hole has been growing for over a year.
It’s taking over a large part of Bell Street in Jackson.
JACKSON ALERTS CUSTOMERS TO VIOLATION OF DRINKING WATER STANDARD
Northside Sun
Jackson’s water customers recently received this notice about federal guidelines regarding quality drinking water.
Canton utility worker found dead
WLBT
CANTON, Miss. (WLBT) - The body of a Canton Municipal utilities worker was found Thursday.
MDEQ LIFTS BEACH WATER CONTACT ADVISORY IN OCEAN SPRINGS
WXXV
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), through its Beach Monitoring Program, lifted a water contact advisory Thursday for Station 15 (Shearwater Beach).
State Government
Mississippi Gov Says Health Officer Is Top Adviser on Virus
AP
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Thursday that he will listen to the state's top public health official more than all other advisers as he considers how to gradually reopen the state's economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Reeves is expected to ease coronavirus restrictions. What will it look like in MS?
Sun Herald
Gov. Tate Reeves likes to compare easing new coronavirus restrictions to a light switch.
As in, he won’t be flipping on a light switch Friday, when he is expected to announce easing of an April 1 executive order that requires Mississippians to shelter in place and closed most businesses.
Governor Tate Reeves signs Executive Order closing schools for academic year
WJTV
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – On Wednesday, Governor Tate Reeves signed a new executive order implementing school closures for the rest of the academic year to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Summer graduations, events are ‘extremely unlikely to be safe,’ MS health officer says
Sun Herald
Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs appeared to throw cold water Thursday on hopes for some South Mississippi high schools to hold large, traditional graduation ceremonies in June.
Regional
LSU research team receives $10.8 million grant to develop pollution reporting tools
NOLA.com
An LSU pollution research team has received a $10.8 million federal grant to improve reporting on air quality and human health issues in areas of Louisiana with hazardous waste sites.
National
Supreme Court rejects EPA’s narrow view of Clean Water Act
AP
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that sewage plants and other industries cannot avoid environmental requirements under landmark clean-water protections when they send dirty water on an indirect route to rivers, oceans and other navigable waterways.
Press Releases
EPA provides critical information to the American public about safe disinfectant use
04/23/2020
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing its efforts to provide critical information on surface disinfectant products that can be used to protect the health of all Americans throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency.
EPA Awards $11.5 Million to Replace 580 School Buses in 43 States
04/23/2020
WASHINGTON (April 23, 2020) — In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $11.5 million to replace 580 older diesel school buses. The funds are going to 157 school bus fleets in 43 states and Puerto Rico, each of which will receive rebates through EPA's Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding.
St. Louis Cardinals Earn Regional Award for Making Significant Progress in Reducing Food Waste in America
04/23/2020
(Lenexa, Kan., April 23, 2020) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the St. Louis Cardinals with a 2019 Food Recovery Challenge Regional Award. As part of EPA's Food Recovery Challenge, organizations pledge to improve their sustainable food management practices and report their results.
