Blue Economy & Research Partnerships: Gulf Blue Navigator added the U.S. Navy’s CNMOC (Naval Meteorology and Oceanography) as a new partner, connecting University of Southern Mississippi students to real-world forecasting and ocean science tied to naval operations. Public Safety Tech Debate: University of Mississippi students and UM College Democrats are pushing to “DeFlock Ox,” challenging Oxford’s Flock Safety AI license-plate reader network over privacy and mass-surveillance concerns, even as police say the cameras help solve cases. Drone/Counte​r-Drone Readiness: Camp Shelby’s Magnolia Crucible 2026 brought together the Mississippi National Guard, FBI, and Mississippi State University for live demonstrations and training focused on unmanned aircraft and counter-drone tactics. Housing Data Watch (Mississippi): HUD-assisted housing rankings show Hinds County leading Mississippi for Housing Choice Vouchers (4,841) and Project Based Section 8 (2,780), while Jackson County ranks high across multiple categories; Stone County’s HUD totals dipped slightly. Housing Market Signals: A Realtor.com analysis finds home listing prices are falling fastest in former COVID boom metros, with higher mortgage rates pushing sellers to cut prices. ICE Flight Scrutiny: Reports say ICE flights out of Seattle’s Boeing Field have surged, with detainees moved abruptly and families/legal access disrupted.