BY: Dee Brown | Feb 21, 2025
Clarksdale, Mississippi – In a text message obtained by The Clarksdale Advocate, Wyatt Emmerich outlined proposed terms to the city attorney to avoid litigation. This morning, Mayor Chuck Espy confirmed he is willing to accept those terms. After careful consideration, Espy intends to present the matter for a vote at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Espy explained to The Clarksdale Advocate that the city has consistently extended professional courtesies to the Clarksdale Press Register by notifying them of all board meeting dates and times. He also clarified that the article at the center of the pending lawsuit incorrectly suggests that state law mandates notification of special meetings be sent to the media, which is not the case, according to Mississippi Code Ann. § 21-3-21. Espy emphasized that the article erroneously accused him and fellow commissioners of engaging in illegal activities. In his text message, Emmerich attempts to address the city’s concerns.
This lawsuit has sparked significant discussions about free speech and the First Amendment. There is no doubt about the need for a robust media landscape that critiques government actions and presents diverse perspectives and political opinions. Hopefully, this development will close a chapter in a saga that ultimately will produce no winners.
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