Plastics & Health: Dr. John Ahn brought a TEDxStLouis message to the Missouri History Museum, warning that micro- and nanoplastics act like “invisible pollution” that breaks down from everyday products and can persist in ecosystems and bodies. Public Health Tech: A proposed CDC budget cut would slash funding for the National Wastewater Surveillance System from about $125M to $25M, just as a new COVID “cicada” variant spreads. Pet Safety: Vets are urging cat owners to watch for “bobcat fever” (cytauxzoonosis), carried by Lone Star ticks, as the illness expands across the East Coast and Midwest. Agriculture Safety: University of Missouri Extension reminds growers to prevent pesticide poisoning with label-following PPE, careful mixing/loading, and reentry interval rules. Rural Power: USDA is backing Missouri electric co-ops with major guaranteed loans, including transmission upgrades and smart grid tech. Local Infrastructure: St. Louis Water Division is seeking a customer rate increase after breaks and deferred maintenance drained reserves. AI & Work: National coverage highlights how AI is changing hiring and tasks, with Missouri leaders also discussing the state’s AI direction. Education Funding: Missouri freezes new enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library after state funding drops. STEM in Missouri: Missouri S&T’s Mars Rover team won top honors at URC 2026 for a second straight year. College Sports Policy: Senators unveiled new NIL-related regulations for college athletes’ compensation.