Mississippi Education & Literacy: Three South Mississippi schools—Pineville, Waveland, and North Bay Elementary—were named Emerging Science of Reading Schools for 2026-2027, with Pass Christian’s Pineville Elementary also celebrating the recognition. Local Schools in the Spotlight: The Clinton Public School District ranked at the top statewide and in the 91st percentile in math and 90th in reading nationally, according to a Stanford Education Data Archive study. Maternal Health in the Gulf South: Hospitals in Mississippi and across the country are rolling out “I Gave Birth” wristbands to flag postpartum risks and help reduce maternal deaths. Workforce & Economic Development: A new Mississippi Business Alliance is convening city and county leaders in Starkville through its Business Forward Tour to share what’s working and tackle workforce growth. Water Quality & Agriculture: Mississippi State researchers are testing an EPA-funded edge-of-field slag bioreactor system aimed at stopping fertilizer runoff and reducing Gulf algal blooms. Community & Culture: Volunteers planted trees along the Capitol Green Connector in Jackson as the Museum Trail expands downtown. Public Safety & Memory: Gulfport marked 57 years since Hurricane Camille with stories from survivors and a ceremony honoring “Faith, Hope and Charity.” Immigration & Accountability: A congressional “shadow hearing” in Maine focused on a fatal ICE shooting, with Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson among those pressing for answers. Immigration Policy Watch: A K-1 fiancé visa explainer highlights how processing delays ripple into families and local communities. Legal Milestone in Mississippi: Asmaa Ali was appointed municipal judge in Benoit, facing online backlash tied to religion—while legal experts say the Constitution bars disqualifying officials for faith. Health & Policy: CDC data shows U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates dipped again as exemptions rise. Teacher Support: Mississippi educators say defunding a teacher loan repayment program adds pressure amid ongoing staffing shortages. Arts & After-School: Meridian Museum of Art opened registration for fall after-school art classes. Sports & Community Pride: A vote is underway for the Ponce Law preseason girls soccer Player of the Year.