AI in healthcare: Oku Digital Health launched a connected-care platform from Topcon Healthcare, using AI-supported retinal exams to flag early systemic disease signals and route patients across primary care, optometry, and ophthalmology—plus link ocular data to faster drug development. Wildfire tech in Louisiana: LSU researchers and partners received XPRIZE Wildfire recognition for DeepFire, an AI system aimed at predicting ignition risk, spotting early signs, and modeling spread. Local connectivity for sports: Uniti Fiber announced a fiber partnership with the New Orleans Saints to support high-performance, connected gameday and business operations at Saints facilities and the Superdome. STEM workforce & media training: Southeastern Louisiana University hosted an Industry Connect lecture on building a technical career in the intelligence age, and SLU student journalists ran a hands-on AI session for journalism educators. Public health guidance: The American Academy of Pediatrics renewed its warning against raw milk and raw dairy, citing infection risks and emerging bird flu concerns. Education funding: The U.S. Department of Education added $39M in TRIO grants, bringing total 2026 awards for two programs to $225M. Energy policy watch: U.S. officials say Alaska LNG will likely move forward, but South Korea’s investment scale and terms are still under negotiation.