Infant Formula Settlement: Mississippi is set to receive more than $770,000 after Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced a multistate Abbott Laboratories settlement tied to alleged infant formula safety failures, with Abbott paying $348.7 million to the U.S. and $35.5 million to states. Heart Health Watch: New CDC data show heart disease is the top killer nationwide, with higher age-adjusted death rates in both Tennessee and Mississippi than the national average—highlighting risks tied to cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and diet. Kratom-Like Drug Alarm: Lafayette County officials are urging Mississippi lawmakers to act on “synthetic kratom-related” products after two Ole Miss student deaths; investigators say similar tablets were found at both scenes, while kratom advocates dispute what was actually involved. ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration has begun mailing $500 Affordable Care Act rebate checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, tied to claims of overcharged federal exchange “user fees,” while people in state-run marketplaces like California won’t receive them. Local Public Health Push: Vancleave High School held a large community blood drive that also supports senior scholarships, aiming to keep hospital blood supplies steady. Military & Tech Shift: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced major Pentagon changes, including a new autonomous drone warfare command—an update with potential downstream effects on health and safety planning for service members.