Mississippi has reported its first whooping cough death in 13 years, an infant less than two months old who was ineligible for the pertussis vaccine. The state has seen a significant rise in cases this year, with 115 reported between January and late September, compared to 49 in the previous year, raising concerns about declining vaccination rates, especially among adults. Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, can be particularly dangerous for infants. Health officials recommend vaccination, booster shots every ten years for those aged seven and older, and the Tdap vaccine during the 27th to 36th week of pregnancy.
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The Trump administration’s restructuring of the CDC has forced Mississippi to halt data collection for the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a crucial national database used for maternal and infant health policy. This interruption stems from the dismantling of the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health, which oversaw PRAMS and lost much of its staff due to federal worker purges. The lack of comprehensive data from PRAMS will likely hinder efforts to improve maternal and infant health, particularly as Mississippi grapples with a surging infant mortality rate and seeks to address racial disparities in outcomes. Experts worry that this halt in data collection will lead to increased maternal and infant mortality rates.
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On Monday morning, Delta State University staff discovered the body of 21-year-old student Demartravion “Trey” Reed hanging from a tree on campus, prompting mourning and the cancellation of centennial events. University Police announced that no foul play is suspected, and no threat to campus exists. An investigation into Reed’s death is ongoing with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation assisting, and a full autopsy is pending. Counselors are available for students, and prayer services are being planned in response to the loss.
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Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, Biloxi, Mississippi, continues to grapple with rebuilding efforts, particularly regarding funding from FEMA. The city is locked in a dispute with FEMA over funding for critical infrastructure projects, with a significant gap between the city’s needs and the agency’s proposed allocations. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich says FEMA owes Biloxi $34 million to complete its sewage and stormwater upgrades, and the agency has denied the city’s request for additional funds, while also facing legal challenges over past funding. Despite these challenges, Biloxi remains hopeful that the remaining funds will be received within three years. FEMA officials have stated they are working on reviewing claims and improving their processes.
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Bluesky blocks access in Mississippi, citing free speech and privacy concerns over age verification law, and this is where we start, right at the heart of the matter. It seems Bluesky, a social media platform, has decided to shut off access to its services for users in Mississippi. Their reasoning? They’re taking a stand against a new state law mandating age verification for online platforms. The core of Bluesky’s argument revolves around two major concerns: the potential violation of free speech and the significant privacy implications of the age verification requirements. It’s a bold move, signaling a commitment to these principles, and it’s already sparking quite the conversation.… Continue reading
Mississippi has declared a public health emergency due to a sharp increase in infant mortality, with the rate reaching its highest level in over a decade, and a rate of 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024. Leading causes of infant deaths include congenital malformations, preterm birth, low birth weight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The health department plans to address the issue by expanding access to obstetric care, strengthening community health programs, and educating families. This rise comes after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which restricted access to healthcare in Mississippi and potentially contributed to the increase.
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A federal judge has mandated that Mississippi redraw its Supreme Court electoral map due to its detrimental impact on the voting power of Black residents. The court found the current map, in place since 1987, violated the Voting Rights Act by splitting the Delta region, a historically Black area, and diminishing its influence. This ruling, supported by the ACLU, highlights a historic injustice and will necessitate the Mississippi Legislature to create a new map before future elections. It may serve as a precedent for challenging similar maps nationwide, emphasizing the importance of fair representation and equal voting rights for all Mississippians.
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Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has approved the deployment of approximately 200 Mississippi National Guard soldiers to Washington, D.C. The purpose of the deployment is to support President Trump’s initiative to restore law and order in the nation’s capital. This action follows President Trump’s executive order to federalize local police forces and activate about 800 District of Columbia National Guard members. The governor believes the Mississippi National Guard will effectively enhance public safety and support law enforcement in the city.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood