Supporting small businesses
Welcome back to The American South!
If you're new here, welcome! Thank you for joining our digital community.
This week, states across the country are making headlines for a spike in COVID-19 numbers and unfortunately, the South is not the exception. We spoke to officials in seven Southern states about case numbers, mandates and plans for the vaccine.
Speaking of vaccines, did you hear that Dolly Parton's million-dollar donation has helped fund the production of a promising new coronavirus vaccine? Dolly is a treasure. Also, New Orleans officials made it clear: no Mardi Gras parades. However, we do have something celebratory to share— successful business pivots from shop owners.
In environmental news, a federal permit was suspended for a controversial plastics plant heading to a part of Louisiana, known as "Cancer Alley." You can explore the full story in-depth through our archives and find the latest update here.
I would like to close this week with a story about a dancing doctor who is committed to patient care, as well as, joy and positivity.
Small businesses adapt to find success
Waiting to launch a new store until after the pandemic might have been the better decision. But who could say when life would return to normal during “unprecedented times”? So in early October, even though COVID-19 was keeping many people at home, Meghan Paige and Keneisha Malone opened Terra Cotta in Memphis’ Binghampton neighborhood. Read more here about phenomenal shop owners in the South!
- Sanni Baumgaertner of Community in Athens, Georgia said : “Because we were such a small business, we were able to pivot so quickly to produce something that people really needed in the moment....I think without the masks, I don’t know if we would actually be around anymore."
Federal permit suspended for Formosa
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers suspended the federal permit that allowed Taiwan-based Formosa Plastics to begin construction on a plant in St. James Parish, Louisiana — one of several Mississippi River parishes between Baton Rouge and New Orleans that house more than 150 petrochemical plants.
MORE: 5 things to know about Formosa.
What's the South talking about?
Don't miss our top reads. Every Thursday we share stories from our coverage area, which includes: Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. Click here!
We promise, this will warm your heart
Dr. Jason Campbell might be a resident in anesthesiology, but he is also encouraging teens to follow their passion through popular TikTok dances.
Thank you for reading!
Also, an early Happy Thanksgiving to you! I understand it may look different this year. I hope you have a wonderful one and stay safe.
Have a thought? I would love to hear from you at: theamericansouth@gannett.com
Ashley Hopkinson
Editor, The American South