Tuesday morning across Mississippi: a new report finds midwife-led birth centers improve maternal outcomes while Mississippi remains one of 10 states with none, Southaven police are changing how they hire uncertified officers, and a crashed-section of Highway 30 in Lafayette County is back open.
Top Stories
Report: Mississippi one of 10 states with no birth centers despite better outcomes
Despite growing evidence that midwife-led birth centers improve outcomes for mothers and infants, Mississippi remains one of 10 states with no centers — and among the states with the fewest midwives per birth in the nation, according to a new report by the Commonwealth Fund. The report says freestanding birth centers built in the communities they serve can lower unnecessary interventions, increase maternal satisfaction, and help reduce pregnancy and delivery disparities for Black and Indigenous communities. Read the full report summary on DeSoto County News.
Southaven police change uncertified officer hiring process
Beginning Nov. 5, 2026, Southaven police will offer written and physical fitness testing twice monthly and raise the minimum fitness requirement from 60% to 70% for uncertified officers. Read the full story on DeSoto County News.
Highway 30 reopens in Lafayette County
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office announced early Tuesday that Highway 30 has reopened following Monday night’s wreck in the Cobblestone Ways area, thanking motorists for their patience. Read the update on Oxford MS News.
Community
Meet Lafayette County’s SRO Sgt. Michael Bevill
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office featured SRO Sgt. Michael Bevill in its Meet Us Monday series, highlighting his work with students and his nearly 17 years with the agency. Read the profile on Oxford MS News.
Ghouls Night Out planned Thursday on Hernando Square
The Hernando Main Street Chamber’s Ghouls Night Out is set for Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., with shopping bags and pink witch hats for the first 50 ladies, a raffle and a costume contest. Read the details on DeSoto County News.
Sports
Jackson State’s MacKenzie Conway named SWAC Bowler of the Week
MacKenzie Conway earned SWAC Bowler of the Week honors after her performance at the Colonial Lanes Classic, the conference announced Monday evening. Read the full story on Sports Mississippi.
Jackson State tennis players advance at SWAC Fall Championships
Jackson State’s men’s and women’s tennis teams opened the SWAC Fall Tournament in Jackson with a strong start — five Tigers advancing in singles and doubles matches. Read the full story on Sports Mississippi.
This report covers Mississippi news published since Monday evening, October 19, 2026.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
