Divergent COVID Policies Across Schools + Panhandling Handled

Happy Saturday, people of Jackson! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Clear throughout the day. High: 81 Low: 56.

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Here are the top stories today in Jackson:

1. As Jackson Public Schools become one of the first in the state to mandate COVID-19 vaccines or weekly testing for employees, students in the nearby suburban Rankin County School District will no longer be required to wear masks. The new Jackson district policy grants paid leave to fully vaccinated employees who contract COVID-19, but unvaccinated employees are not eligible unless they have a legal exemption for medical or religious reasons. The divergent paths of the two districts are emblematic of the patchwork of different policies that has often characterized Mississippi's pandemic response since the beginning: after mandating masks in schools statewide, Gov. Tate Reeves said decisions on masking would be up to individual school districts this year. (Jackson Free Press)
2. Hinds County authorities and the Jackson Police Department are teaming us to address panhandling among the homeless. The joint Operation Safe Corners Task Force has launched to help homeless individuals find permanent housing, as well as counseling and rehabilitation for those with substance use disorder and/or mental illness. Additionally, a fence is being erected beneath the overpass at I-55 Frontage Rd. and Canton Mart Rd. where the homeless seek shelter and ask for money. (WLBT)
   
3. Jackson Police Department has announced the start of new recruit class, the 65th of the year. (WJTV)
4. Two victims have been identified in deadly overnight shootings in Jackson. (WLBT)
5. A former Hinds County detention officer has been charged with assault and impersonating a deputy. (WAPT Jackson)

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Today in Jackson:

• Celebrate National Daughters Day With 15 Percent Off Flowers - FTD Flowers (9:00 PM)
• MS Valley & Southern Luncheon - Jackson Convention Complex (All Day)
• Symphony and Cicadas - Music Under the Oaks - Mississippi Symphony Association (7:30 PM)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Saturday. I'll see you soon! If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Kayla Harrison

About me: Kayla Harrison is a Writing Arts professor, as well as a freelance writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She holds a Master's Degree in Writing Arts and is grateful to incorporate writing into everything she does. In her free time, you can find her listening to podcasts, writing poetry, and visiting local coffee shops.