Heather Harrison
@heatherharrison.bsky.social
Mississippi journalist @mississippifreepress.org • TikTok @HeatherRHarrison • professionally nosy • msstate alumna • former Reflector editor • all opinions are my own
Pinned
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, who often wears a Ukrainian flag pin on his lapel, has gone silent on President Donald Trump’s decision to halt aid and intelligence sharing to the embattled country.
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker Silent After Trump Halts Ukraine Aid
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker has gone silent on President Donald Trump’s decision to halt aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine.
buff.ly
On Election Night Nov. 5, 2024, Sen. Wicker told me “call me any time” after I interviewed him about tariffs and other topics. I have contacted his office multiple times since then and only got a response today after I mentioned his comment in an email.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services is warning of an increasing potential of theft or fraud of SNAP benefits.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services can no longer replace stolen SNAP benefits after Congress allowed a program to expire that replaced SNAP benefits stolen by card skimming and other forms of fraud.
buff.ly/JAEWbqX
buff.ly/JAEWbqX
November 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
The Mississippi Department of Human Services is warning of an increasing potential of theft or fraud of SNAP benefits.
Mississippi SNAP update.
Mississippians who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to help with food costs will soon begin receiving partial payments after weeks of uncertainty, the Mississippi Department of Human Services announced Monday afternoon.
www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-...
www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-...
November 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Mississippi SNAP update.
Reposted by Heather Harrison
For the past week, my stomach dropped each time I saw a new story pop up with "Kim Davis," "Supreme Court," or "same-sex marriage."
I initially didn't think they would take the case... but as the decision got closer, my anxiety over it grew, too.
A sigh of relief. Temporary, but welcome.
I initially didn't think they would take the case... but as the decision got closer, my anxiety over it grew, too.
A sigh of relief. Temporary, but welcome.
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Kim Davis' call to overturn its 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
www.mississippifreepress.org/us-supreme-c...
www.mississippifreepress.org/us-supreme-c...
US Supreme Court Rejects Kim Davis' Call to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Rights
The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
www.mississippifreepress.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:03 PM
For the past week, my stomach dropped each time I saw a new story pop up with "Kim Davis," "Supreme Court," or "same-sex marriage."
I initially didn't think they would take the case... but as the decision got closer, my anxiety over it grew, too.
A sigh of relief. Temporary, but welcome.
I initially didn't think they would take the case... but as the decision got closer, my anxiety over it grew, too.
A sigh of relief. Temporary, but welcome.
I just realized today that these videos are also getting posted on @mississippifreepress.org’s BlueSky account! Yay! Follow along for more.
Mississippi Democrats Break Republican Senate Supermajority
buff.ly/xDZMEto
buff.ly/xDZMEto
November 6, 2025 at 11:41 PM
I just realized today that these videos are also getting posted on @mississippifreepress.org’s BlueSky account! Yay! Follow along for more.
To cheer myself up, I like to donate food/treats to the animal shelter when I shop at the pet store. It only takes a couple extra dollars and I feel happy to be making a difference.
Maybe you could brighten your day by donating to givebutter.com/mfpdonate or your local animal shelter!
Maybe you could brighten your day by donating to givebutter.com/mfpdonate or your local animal shelter!
Give Now to Grow MFP Journalism in 2025!
Help us grow our newsroom in Mississippi and our systemic reporting to make a difference for our home state and beyond.
givebutter.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:07 PM
To cheer myself up, I like to donate food/treats to the animal shelter when I shop at the pet store. It only takes a couple extra dollars and I feel happy to be making a difference.
Maybe you could brighten your day by donating to givebutter.com/mfpdonate or your local animal shelter!
Maybe you could brighten your day by donating to givebutter.com/mfpdonate or your local animal shelter!
Reposted by Heather Harrison
With just 10 legislative special elections on the ballot, Mississippi Democrats flipped two Republican-held Senate seats and one GOP-held House seat.
Here's the full election results from last night, courtesy @heatherharrison.bsky.social: www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-...
Here's the full election results from last night, courtesy @heatherharrison.bsky.social: www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-...
Mississippi Special Election Results: Democrats Flip 3 Seats
Mississippi Democrats made significant gains in the legislative special elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4, flipping two Senate seats and one House seat.
www.mississippifreepress.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:03 PM
With just 10 legislative special elections on the ballot, Mississippi Democrats flipped two Republican-held Senate seats and one GOP-held House seat.
Here's the full election results from last night, courtesy @heatherharrison.bsky.social: www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-...
Here's the full election results from last night, courtesy @heatherharrison.bsky.social: www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-...
Reposted by Heather Harrison
NEW: 12 Mississippi polling places have moved and 4 have been closed ahead of the Nov. 4 legislative special elections, an MFP investigation finds.
Counties also have incorrect addresses in the state system for 11 polling places, risking sending some voters to the wrong location.
Counties also have incorrect addresses in the state system for 11 polling places, risking sending some voters to the wrong location.
12 Polling Places Move Before Mississippi Special Elections, 4 Close
County election officials in Mississippi have moved 12 polling places and closed four since 2024, an MFP investigation finds.
www.mississippifreepress.org
November 2, 2025 at 8:27 PM
NEW: 12 Mississippi polling places have moved and 4 have been closed ahead of the Nov. 4 legislative special elections, an MFP investigation finds.
Counties also have incorrect addresses in the state system for 11 polling places, risking sending some voters to the wrong location.
Counties also have incorrect addresses in the state system for 11 polling places, risking sending some voters to the wrong location.
Some of my photos from the Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi with JD Vance and Erika Kirk on Oct. 29, 2025.
November 1, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Some of my photos from the Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi with JD Vance and Erika Kirk on Oct. 29, 2025.
Some of my photos from the Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi with JD Vance and Erika Kirk on Oct. 29, 2025.
November 1, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Some of my photos from the Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi with JD Vance and Erika Kirk on Oct. 29, 2025.
Reposted by Heather Harrison
In Mississippi, where 13% of the population relies on SNAP food assistance, all SNAP benefits will be halted on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services announced the pause today.
@heatherharrison.bsky.social reports:
The Mississippi Department of Human Services announced the pause today.
@heatherharrison.bsky.social reports:
Mississippi to Halt SNAP Food Assistance on Nov. 1 Amid Shutdown
Mississippi residents who rely on food stamps will not be able to access SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown.
www.mississippifreepress.org
October 24, 2025 at 10:56 PM
In Mississippi, where 13% of the population relies on SNAP food assistance, all SNAP benefits will be halted on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services announced the pause today.
@heatherharrison.bsky.social reports:
The Mississippi Department of Human Services announced the pause today.
@heatherharrison.bsky.social reports:
Reposted by Heather Harrison
NEW: Lauren Stokes, the University of Mississippi employee who lost her job for resharing a social media post criticizing Charlie Kirk, is suing Chancellor Glen Boyce.
After her firing, she says she and her husband had to close their restaurant and flee Oxford for weeks due to threats.
After her firing, she says she and her husband had to close their restaurant and flee Oxford for weeks due to threats.
UM Employee Sues After Losing Her Job for Criticizing Kirk
Former University of Mississippi employee Lauren Stokes is suing Chancellor Glenn Boyce for firing her after she criticized Charlie Kirk.
www.mississippifreepress.org
October 22, 2025 at 10:52 PM
NEW: Lauren Stokes, the University of Mississippi employee who lost her job for resharing a social media post criticizing Charlie Kirk, is suing Chancellor Glen Boyce.
After her firing, she says she and her husband had to close their restaurant and flee Oxford for weeks due to threats.
After her firing, she says she and her husband had to close their restaurant and flee Oxford for weeks due to threats.
Reposted by Heather Harrison
Lauren Stokes' lawsuit says that losing her job for sharing a post criticizing Kirk violated her 1st Amendment rights.
“By terminating Lauren for reposting the speech in question, the University says its employees must conform to a point of view,” it says.
@heatherharrison.bsky.social reports:
“By terminating Lauren for reposting the speech in question, the University says its employees must conform to a point of view,” it says.
@heatherharrison.bsky.social reports:
UM Employee Sues After Losing Her Job for Criticizing Kirk
Former University of Mississippi employee Lauren Stokes is suing Chancellor Glenn Boyce for firing her after she criticized Charlie Kirk.
www.mississippifreepress.org
October 22, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Lauren Stokes' lawsuit says that losing her job for sharing a post criticizing Kirk violated her 1st Amendment rights.
“By terminating Lauren for reposting the speech in question, the University says its employees must conform to a point of view,” it says.
@heatherharrison.bsky.social reports:
“By terminating Lauren for reposting the speech in question, the University says its employees must conform to a point of view,” it says.
@heatherharrison.bsky.social reports:
My eulogy to Becky Henderson, a Mississippi medical cannabis patient and advocate.
Person of the Day | Becky Henderson: Patient Inspires Others
Becky Henderson fought for Mississippi to have a medical-cannabis program by meeting with lawmakers to advocate for patients.
www.mississippifreepress.org
October 20, 2025 at 2:29 PM
My eulogy to Becky Henderson, a Mississippi medical cannabis patient and advocate.
If I've randomly followed you this week, I'm writing a story about the Bluesky ban in Mississippi. My editor @ashtonpittman.bsky.social gave me people's Bluesky handles who reached out & wanted to help with this story. I'm unable to DM many of you so please email me if you're still interested!
October 15, 2025 at 7:17 PM
If I've randomly followed you this week, I'm writing a story about the Bluesky ban in Mississippi. My editor @ashtonpittman.bsky.social gave me people's Bluesky handles who reached out & wanted to help with this story. I'm unable to DM many of you so please email me if you're still interested!
The Mississippi WIC program is only accepting applications from pregnant women, breastfeeding women and high-risk infants during the federal government shutdown, the Mississippi State Department of Health announced on Oct. 2.
WIC Stops Accepting Some Applicants Amid Government Shutdown
The WIC program will only accept applications from pregnant women, breastfeeding women and high-risk infants during the federal government shutdown.
www.mississippifreepress.org
October 8, 2025 at 9:04 PM
The Mississippi WIC program is only accepting applications from pregnant women, breastfeeding women and high-risk infants during the federal government shutdown, the Mississippi State Department of Health announced on Oct. 2.
Reposted by Heather Harrison
#Mississippi #baby #dies of whooping cough ...
| #whoopingcough | #infection | #pertussis | #bacteria | #pathogen | By @heatherharrison.bsky.social via @mississippifreepress.org
| #whoopingcough | #infection | #pertussis | #bacteria | #pathogen | By @heatherharrison.bsky.social via @mississippifreepress.org
Mississippi Baby Dies of Whooping Cough Amid Rising Cases
A baby in Mississippi has died of whooping cough for the first time since 2012. The baby was less than two months old—too young for vaccination.
www.mississippifreepress.org
October 1, 2025 at 9:01 AM
#Mississippi #baby #dies of whooping cough ...
| #whoopingcough | #infection | #pertussis | #bacteria | #pathogen | By @heatherharrison.bsky.social via @mississippifreepress.org
| #whoopingcough | #infection | #pertussis | #bacteria | #pathogen | By @heatherharrison.bsky.social via @mississippifreepress.org
Democrat Cliff Johnson says he will stand up for “vulnerable” Mississippians and bring “Mississippi values” to Washington, D.C., if voters elect him to serve Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District, he said in an announcement today.
Johnson Vows to Fight for Vulnerable Mississippians in Run for Congress
Civil-rights attorney Cliff Johnson is running as a Democrat against incumbent Republican U.S. House Rep. Treny Kelly in Mississippi.
www.mississippifreepress.org
October 2, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Democrat Cliff Johnson says he will stand up for “vulnerable” Mississippians and bring “Mississippi values” to Washington, D.C., if voters elect him to serve Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District, he said in an announcement today.
A baby in Mississippi has died of whooping cough, the Mississippi State Department of Health announced on Sept. 29, marking the state’s first whooping cough death in 13 years.
Mississippi Baby Dies of Whooping Cough Amid Rising Cases
A baby in Mississippi has died of whooping cough for the first time since 2012. The baby was less than two months old—too young for vaccination.
www.mississippifreepress.org
September 30, 2025 at 9:01 PM
A baby in Mississippi has died of whooping cough, the Mississippi State Department of Health announced on Sept. 29, marking the state’s first whooping cough death in 13 years.
I miss Starkville BAAAADDDDD. Let’s petition for the Legislature to relocate there🤪
September 29, 2025 at 11:52 PM
I miss Starkville BAAAADDDDD. Let’s petition for the Legislature to relocate there🤪
What’s the deal with German flags in central Mississippi? I’ve seen some flying at Renaissance in Ridgeland and outside the ice cream shop in downtown Brandon. Are we honoring ancestors/history or do we have Germans visiting town?
September 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM
What’s the deal with German flags in central Mississippi? I’ve seen some flying at Renaissance in Ridgeland and outside the ice cream shop in downtown Brandon. Are we honoring ancestors/history or do we have Germans visiting town?
Using acetaminophen medication like Tylenol during pregnancy does not cause autism despite “dangerous disinformation” that the White House is spreading on the topic, says Dr. Anita Henderson, a pediatrician at the Hattiesburg Clinic in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Doctor Rebukes ‘Dangerous Disinformation’ on Autism, Tylenol
The White House is spreading “dangerous disinformation” about Tylenol and autism, says Dr. Anita Henderson, a Hattiesburg pediatrician.
www.mississippifreepress.org
September 27, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Using acetaminophen medication like Tylenol during pregnancy does not cause autism despite “dangerous disinformation” that the White House is spreading on the topic, says Dr. Anita Henderson, a pediatrician at the Hattiesburg Clinic in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
The 911 emergency line is down in Mississippi. “Attention: 911 and administration lines are currently down statewide. This has impacted calls and emergency responses. Officials are working with AT&T to identify and correct the problem,” Hinds County Sheriff/Jackson Police Chief Tyree Jones said.
911 lines down across Mississippi; Here’s who to call if you have an emergency
Agencies posting alternate numbers on social media.
www.wlbt.com
September 25, 2025 at 7:34 PM
The 911 emergency line is down in Mississippi. “Attention: 911 and administration lines are currently down statewide. This has impacted calls and emergency responses. Officials are working with AT&T to identify and correct the problem,” Hinds County Sheriff/Jackson Police Chief Tyree Jones said.
Reposted by Heather Harrison
Always read @heatherharrison.bsky.social … her latest just up:
Lindsey Burke, author of the Project 2025 plan to overhaul the American education system, is pushing Mississippi leaders to adopt the Trump administration’s education plans to use public funds to support “school choice” initiatives like vouchers for attending private schools.
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buff.ly/JiJ4XJP
Project 2025 Author Pushes Private School Vouchers in Mississippi
Lindsey Burke, a Project 2025 author, promoted a federal school voucher program to pay for students to attend private schools while speaking to Mississippi lawmakers.
www.mississippifreepress.org
September 25, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Always read @heatherharrison.bsky.social … her latest just up:
A Project 2025 author visited the Mississippi House Education Freedom Select Committee last month to promote the new federal private-school voucher program and encourage Mississippi to participate.
Project 2025 Author Pushes Federal Private-School Vouchers in Mississippi
Lindsey Burke, a Project 2025 author, promoted a federal school voucher program to pay for students to attend private schools while speaking to Mississippi lawmakers.
www.mississippifreepress.org
September 25, 2025 at 7:20 PM
A Project 2025 author visited the Mississippi House Education Freedom Select Committee last month to promote the new federal private-school voucher program and encourage Mississippi to participate.
I will never understand why the Aquaphor and body lotion at Walmart are not in the skincare aisle. Is the skin on your body not considered part of skincare the way that the skin on your face is?
September 12, 2025 at 7:25 PM
I will never understand why the Aquaphor and body lotion at Walmart are not in the skincare aisle. Is the skin on your body not considered part of skincare the way that the skin on your face is?