The Center Square
Mississippi lawmakers pass bill to allow schools to arm workers
(The Center Square) — The Mississippi Legislature approved a compromise this week on a bill that would allow trained school employees who possess enhanced concealed carry permits to carry firearms at their school.
The conference report for Senate Bill 2079 was approved on Monday by both chambers and the modified bill is now headed to Gov. Tate Reeves.
The changes made to the bill are minor, with a minimum of a $100 monthly stipend being paid by school districts for those participating in the program. Those stipends – which can be no more than $500 – cannot be funded by federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act grants to school districts.
SB2079 is known as the Mississippi School Protection Act and was authored by state Sen. Angela Hill, R-Picayune. It would allow school employees to carry their weapons at school and be known as school guardians. Each school district, charter school, community college or public university (which would require approval of the trustees for institutes of higher learning) would have an option for armed employees, who’d have to receive firearms, communications, deescalation and first aid training. Participants in the program would have to be recertified annually.
They’d also have to pass a background check and they’d be given immunity while they’re involved in the program.
If signed into law, the Department of Public Safety would be required to mandate rules for the training of these public school safety workers. The identities of the school of those participating in the School Guardian Program would be kept secret from the public.
The bill would go into effect on July 1, the first day of the new fiscal year, if Reeves signs it into law.
News from the South - North Carolina News Feed
Helene: About $9B of resolution’s $110B relief headed to North Carolina | North Carolina
SUMMARY: Relief efforts for Hurricane Helene in North Carolina received a boost with the passage of the American Relief Act 2025, which allocates $110 billion for various disasters, including Hurricane Helene. While bipartisan support was shown, Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop opposed the resolution. President Biden signed the bill, directing about $9 billion specifically to North Carolina for disaster recovery, including support for infrastructure and agriculture. The aid aims to address devastation from Helene, which caused significant loss of life and property damage. Key officials emphasized the importance of this funding for the recovery of communities in western North Carolina.
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SUMMARY: AAA forecasts a record 108,677 more travelers this year in Georgia, with 3.7 million expected to journey over 50 miles, primarily by car. Factors influencing travel include colder weather reducing gas demand and a shift to online holiday shopping. Current gas prices in Georgia are stable at $2.92 per gallon, slightly lower than last year’s $3. Nearby states generally offer cheaper gas, with Tennessee at around $2.72. Lane closures on major highways will be suspended from Monday until January 5. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport anticipates a busy Christmas Day, expecting 327,724 travelers.
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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed
Fuel prices better than national average for 3.3M forecast to travel | North Carolina
SUMMARY: As North Carolinians prepare for holiday travel, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $2.83, below the national average of $3.05. AAA anticipates 3.5 million residents traveling at least 50 miles from home in the state between December 23 and January 1. While North Carolina’s gasoline prices are better than a month ago, diesel averages $3.41. Among 14 major metro areas, Jacksonville has the lowest unleaded price at $2.72, while Durham-Chapel Hill has the highest at $2.97. North Carolina’s gas taxes, currently 40.4 cents per gallon, fund transportation projects statewide.
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