Biofuels & Crops: Canola acreage is set to hit a new U.S. record in 2026, with growth spreading into the Delta and other southern states as renewable diesel demand rises. Public Health: Mississippi is among places warning about Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria that can turn deadly after exposure through open wounds, with officials pointing to climate-driven pathogen spread and federal prevention cuts. Water & Environment: Friends of the Mississippi River will start a feasibility study on the future of St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam sites, as navigation declines and invasive-species concerns shape decisions. Workforce & Education: Georgia Pacific is expanding a Jones College scholarship endowment to support training in welding, electrical and other technical fields. Local Tech & Policy: Biloxi’s municipal conference spotlights AI use for city problem-solving and data-driven collaboration. Mississippi Research: MSU graduate student Nate McGregor is using drone surveys to build better baseline counts of migratory waterfowl along the Mississippi Flyway. AI in Courts: A new study says AI-related filing mistakes in U.S. courts are accelerating fast, with fabricated legal citations showing up more often. Higher Ed Pathways: USM and the Army/Air Force ROTC are creating a reserved-seat pathway for nursing degrees for qualified cadets. Ports & Shipping: The Port of Gulfport cleared a key step toward a $548M ship channel deepening project to boost access for larger cargo vessels. SpaceX & Connectivity: SpaceX is offering Memphis-area residents half-price Starlink, tied to its expanding AI infrastructure in the region.