Education Equity: Mississippi lawmakers and educators are targeting a widening gap as fourth graders surge while eighth graders and high schoolers lag, with ACT performance a key concern and new screening options aimed at keeping students on track. STEM & Research: Mississippi State physics professor Jaspreet Singh Randhawa won an NSF CAREER award to study nuclear reactions behind stellar explosions, using rare radioactive beams to refine models of how elements form. Workforce Pipeline: The Mississippi Business Alliance Foundation partnered with AccelerateMS to support the new Mississippi Postsecondary Attainment Council, focusing on employer engagement and career pathways. Student Science Showcase: A Brookhaven MSU student presented biological research at Mississippi State’s spring undergraduate symposium, highlighting how undergrads are getting hands-on experience. Environmental Learning: The New Ulm Area Foundation funded a student river sampling program for water-quality testing, underscoring the role of local, school-linked monitoring. Climate & Coasts: New research from Tulane reports mangrove forests are rebounding globally, shifting from long-term net loss toward overall growth. Public Tech in Practice: Jackson/Hinds Library System’s new bookmobile is rolling out with mobile printing and internet services, expanding access for residents. Mississippi in the Region: ARC’s Appalachia Builds conference brought federal and state leaders to Mississippi State University to discuss economic growth and workforce development.