Maternal Health Disparities: A new Mississippi study found Black mothers had more than twice the sepsis rate during delivery-related hospital stays than white mothers, with Medicaid-covered births also seeing higher rates—highlighting ongoing gaps in maternal care. Kratom Crackdown in Oxford: Federal prosecutors charged a store clerk and his son in connection with illegal kratom-like pills found in two University of Mississippi student death investigations, as authorities warn about synthetic products sold under kratom names. Breast Cancer Access: Meridian-area reporting spotlights the importance of early breast cancer detection and mammograms, with local experts urging regular self-checks and provider conversations. School Attendance & Health: Mississippi’s chronic absenteeism rate fell slightly to 26.5%, but leaders say more work is needed to keep kids in class—an issue that can affect health and wellbeing. Heat Death in Chickasaw County: A coroner ruled an agricultural worker died from extreme environmental heat exposure while harvesting sweet potatoes, with OSHA and the state continuing the investigation. Nutrition Support: Mississippi announced a new Child and Adult Care Food Program to reimburse eligible institutions serving healthy meals to children and adults over 60. MSU Fitness Research: Mississippi State’s Kinesiology department is recruiting adults (with and without intellectual or developmental disabilities) for a cardiovascular and fitness study, offering participants a detailed health report.