Mississippi Education & Health: Childhood vaccination rates are slipping in 14 Mississippi counties, with several districts below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks like measles. Local Schools & Attendance: A new Mississippi attendance law is rolling out updated rules for student absences, aiming to curb chronic absenteeism while raising questions about flexibility for kids with chronic illnesses. STAR Program Transition: The Cook Foundation has taken over Mississippi’s STAR (Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition) program, keeping the long-running awards for top students and teachers going. College Costs: Mississippi State University’s published in-state tuition and required fees for Oktibbeha County were listed at $10,202 for 2024-25. Mississippi Delta Investment: Hitachi Energy is expanding its Copiah County transformer manufacturing site with a $528 million investment and 654 jobs, with production targeted for 2029. Arts & Culture on the Coast: Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience is coming to the Gulf Coast Oct. 17 at the iMPAC Center in Gulfport. Music & Community: The National Folk Festival returns to Jackson in November, spotlighting Mississippi’s role in America’s music and culture. Mississippi Journalism Access: JC and USM are teaming up to offer free journalism classes for community members. Outdoor Learning: Deer Creek Arboretum at Stoneville will be dedicated Sept. 24 as a certified Mississippi arboretum. Business & Dining: Smalls Sliders is opening its first college campus locations, including at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in October.