State
Pollution in DeSoto County linked to increased COVID-19 mortality rate, national study says
DeSoto Times-Tribune
The pollution that DeSoto County residents have been exposed to could contribute to their risk of being susceptible to COVID-19, according to new research from Harvard University.
Hurricane Zeta debris removal making progress across Harrison County
WLOX
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Weeks after Hurricane Zeta left behind a big mess in South Mississippi, debris removal trucks are still working hard to clean up the damage.
Cooper Tire plant catches fire, workers sent home
Daily Journal
TUPELO • A fire in the roof at Cooper Tire & Rubber disrupted the workday Tuesday morning, sending employees home by noon.
State Government
MS should receive first COVID-19 vaccine doses next week. Here’s who will get them.
Sun Herald
The first coronavirus vaccines should arrive next week in Mississippi and the state’s top two health officers say they will receive the first shots during a live news conference to show they believe the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective.
State returns over $400K in misused taxpayer money
WLBT
CANTON, Miss. (WLBT) - State Auditor Shad White announced over $400,000 that has been returned to taxpayers across Mississippi.
Regional
After several challenging years, two state plans may shake up Louisiana's oyster industry
NOLA.com
From Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 to the unprecedented use of the Bonnet Carre Spillway over the last decade, Louisiana's multi-million dollar oyster industry has faced constant challenges in recent years.
National
EPA guidance may exempt some water polluters from Supreme Court permit mandate
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday released a draft guidance that interprets a Supreme Court decision in a way that may exempt some facilities from needing permits to pollute groundwater.
Biden Plans To Bring Vilsack Back To USDA, Despite Criticism From Reformers
NPR
President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate Obama cabinet veteran and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as secretary of agriculture, a source familiar with transition discussions confirmed to NPR.
West Virginia area told to shelter-in-place after explosion at chemical plant
Fox News
Residents in a section of Belle, W. Va., were told to shelter in place late Tuesday after a “chemical incident” at a local chemical plant, Reuters reported.
