Police are investigating a crash that occurred Friday on US‑61 near Highland Boulevard. According to officers, 31‑year‑old Segal Cross was driving a truck on Sergeant Prentice Drive when he turned onto Highland Boulevard and collided with a car driven by 41‑year‑old Jermaine Parker. Emergency workers extricated Parker from his vehicle. Both drivers were taken to the hospital. No information has been released regarding their conditions.
Approximately 350 National Guard troops are set to deploy to New Orleans through the end of February to assist with security during major events, including New Year’s Eve, the Sugar Bowl, and Mardi Gras. State officials say the deployment is intended to support cities experiencing high crime. New Orleans Mayor‑elect Helena Moreno, who previously criticized the deployment, now says she appreciates the support after being assured it is focused solely on public safety and comes at no cost to the city.
Hundreds of thousands of Mississippians may see increased health insurance costs after federal lawmakers failed to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. These subsidies are set to expire on New Year’s Eve. About 335,000 Mississippians enrolled in ACA plans last year. The Congressional Budget Office reports that gross benchmark premiums could rise an average of 7.9 percent next year through 2034 if the credits expire.
Researchers at Tulane University are advancing development of a vaccine targeting melioidosis, a potentially deadly bacterium found in tropical regions, including the U.S. Gulf Coast. After a decade of work, the research team has completed discovery, preclinical testing, and GMP manufacturing of the drug substance. The next step will be human clinical trials. The bacterium is known as “the great mimicker” because its symptoms resemble various other illnesses, and it can infect multiple parts of the body. Without proper diagnosis, the disease can be fatal.
The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is at 15.26 feet and rising.
