Cotton Origins Breakthrough: Scientists say upland cotton (the dominant global species) was first domesticated in northwestern Mexico’s Yucatán, with the change happening at least 4,000 years ago and possibly up to 7,000—based on genome comparisons with wild cotton from the Yucatán, Florida and Caribbean islands including Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe. Regional Sports Spotlight: At the St. Barths Mini Bucket Clinic and Regatta, St. Kitts and Nevis Optimist sailor Greyson Burrell finished 9th overall in his first appearance, including a 6th-place race and an 8th-place showing in the tough final three-hour marathon. Mental Health via Nature: A French divemaster in Guadeloupe credits scuba diving with stopping his panic attacks for nearly 20 years, saying underwater focus and slow breathing helped calm anxiety. Culture & Community: Dominica’s Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company marks 55 years with “Rhythms of Our Roots,” bringing together decades of performers and live drumming for a celebration of Creole dance heritage.