Military & Education: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth rolled out sweeping Pentagon changes, including a new Autonomous Warfare Command and plans to cut top brass, while Mississippi State was named a “Distinguished Military College,” expanding the Corps of Cadets pipeline. Mississippi Guard Spotlight: The Mississippi Air National Guard hit a recruiting milestone, honoring a Jackson-based recruiter who brought in more than 100 new members. Rural Families & Early Learning: Mississippi LIFT is taking its resource-and-referral support on the road, bringing toys, books, and learning materials to rural libraries like Leakesville. Wildlife Rescue: Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary is caring for 22 surrendered monkeys, highlighting how the pet trade can go wrong for families and animals. River Life & Community: The Seamen’s Church Institute named a new chaplain for the Upper Mississippi River region, and a Nobel Conference is set to focus on the Mississippi River’s changing ecology and cultures. School Attendance: Mississippi’s chronic absenteeism rate dipped slightly, but more than 115,000 students still missed significant instruction time. Local Politics & Voting Rights: Mississippians spoke out at a Gulfport redistricting hearing, warning that proposed map changes could dilute minority voting power. Health & Safety Watch: Investigators continue looking into deaths of two Ole Miss students tied to kratom-related products, while Alabama officials warn consumers about illegal kratom disguised as drinks and supplements. Arts & Pride: Out On Film opened its 39th LGBTQ+ festival with screenings and community events, including “Before I Do.” Culture & Reading: A University of Mississippi common reading push continues to spotlight how books shape student life and learning.