IHL Cybersecurity: Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning is investigating a network security incident that affected the Office of Student Financial Aid, with no reported impact to individual schools; students can still apply through the MAAPP portal while outside experts assess whether any sensitive data was accessed. Clean Water Fight: A federal appeals court ruled Jackson residents don’t have a constitutional right to truthful information from officials or lead-free municipal water, a decision that has public health advocates worried about kids’ exposure. Gulf Research Boost: NOAA selected Mississippi State University to host a new Northern Gulf research institute (CINGA), with up to $100 million over five years to expand coastal resilience and environmental forecasting. Choctaw Education Milestone: Choctaw Central’s new middle and high school campus opened with a ribbon cutting and cultural ceremony featuring drumming and blessing traditions. Community Support: Grace Baptist Church in Mendenhall is hosting a benefit for Benny Blair on Sept. 12 with a chicken plate fundraiser and rummage sale to help his family as he battles cancer. Arts & Learning: Mississippi State’s Institute for the Humanities announced a fall lineup of public events blending music, poetry, and Southern culture, starting Sept. 24. Health Watch: A new discussion highlights the rise of early-onset colorectal cancer and what adults under 50 should know.