Skip to Main Content
The voice of and for USM students

SM2

The voice of and for USM students

SM2

The voice of and for USM students

SM2

According to the MSDH, there are 9.7 deaths for every 1,000 babies being born.

Infant Mortality Declared Public Health Emergency

Gabrielle Cox | October 15, 2025

In response to the infant mortality rate being the highest it has been in over a decade, the Mississippi Department of Health declared it a public health emergency. In Mississippi 3,527 babies have...

Hattiesburg Sets Standard for Opioid Fund Spending

Sophia Vitrano | October 8, 2025

As the opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across the nation, Mississippi stands out for an unfortunate reason: it remains years behind other states in using its opioid settlement funds to...

The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus.

Federal Research Cuts Strain University Programs

Rosainys Almonte | October 8, 2025

Federal agencies reduced research funding by hundreds of millions nationwide in early 2025, straining resources across disciplines and creating uncertainty for universities. Agencies such as the National...

Efforts Continue to Restore Mississippi City Cemetery

Rosainys Almonte | September 24, 2025

Volunteers will continue cleaning Mississippi City Cemetery on Sept. 26, restoring the burial ground to preserve its history and serve the Gulfport community. Unmarked headstones and overgrown grass have...

In September 2021, Mississippi eliminated the driving portion of the license test.

Mississippi Driving Test Requirements Raises Concerns

Gabrielle Cox | September 24, 2025

The state of Mississippi doesn’t require applicants to take a road test to receive their license, leaving some people fearful of the drivers they share the road with. In September 2021, Mississippi...

Mississippi Struggles With Growing Brain Drain

Gabrielle Cox | September 17, 2025

Mississippi’s economy is being impacted by a significant amount of “brain drain,” with college graduates leaving the state to pursue better opportunities. Brain drain is the immigration of college-educated...

Mississippi Limits Sale of Unauthorized Vapes

Gabrielle Cox | September 10, 2025

Mississippi has restricted the sale of disposable vapes, e-liquids and refillable vapes that aren’t authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a move that could affect availability for both...

Florida Vaccine Move Sparks Debate in Mississippi

Zaria Gordon | September 10, 2025

Florida became the first state in the nation to remove school vaccination mandates on Sept. 4, a decision that has raised concern and questions from parents and educators nationwide. Dr. Joseph Ladapo,...

Mississippi Teacher Shortage Worries USM Education Majors

Charmarion Daniels | September 10, 2025

Students enrolled in education programs at the University of Southern Mississippi are raising concerns about the state’s ongoing teacher shortage as they enter classrooms this semester. Dr. Thomas Lipscomb,...

Mississippi Law Could Impact LGBTQ+ on College Campuses

Rosainys Almonte | September 10, 2025

Mississippi lawmakers this year banned diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across state institutions, calling them “divisive” and “progressive.” The law prohibits certain resources and...

Mississippi Ranks High in Adult Obesity

Gabrielle Cox | August 27, 2025

Mississippi’s adult obesity rate ranks among the highest in the nation, with more than 40 percent of adults classified as obese, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health. The state is...

Mississippi State Capitol

Amended Bill Provides Legal Immunity for Reporting Sexual Abuse

Kaelyn Fox-Thomas, Multimedia Journalist | March 12, 2025

An amended Mississippi bill aims to provide legal protection for individuals who report sexual abuse on behalf of others, even in cases where they may be seeking medical assistance for themselves or someone...

Load More Stories
Donate to SM2