Counter-Drone Push: The U.S. National Guard received an Anduril mobile counter-drone system to better detect, identify, and coordinate responses to unauthorized drones, boosting homeland defense. AI & Energy Permits: SpaceX says it will remove xAI’s unpermitted gas turbines near Memphis by July 2027 as it shifts to a permanent power plant, while lawsuits challenge the current setup. Homeland Tech in the Pacific: Shield AI and Thunder Tiger demonstrated Hivemind autonomous maritime teaming in Taiwan, using shared radar/imagery/AIS to coordinate unmanned escorts and surveillance. Local Recovery Funding: Maui County will launch two competitive recovery grant programs for 2023 wildfire-impacted communities, with info sessions and deadlines set for August and September. Healthcare Leadership: Bayada Home Health Care named Bryony Winn CEO, aiming to expand higher-intensity home care as hospitals stay full. Defense Contract: American Rheinmetall won an 18-month U.S. Army sustainment contract for hybrid autonomous UGVs to move supplies and reduce risk to troops. Environment & Public Meetings: EPA’s Eighteenmile Creek Superfund “public availability” sessions left residents confused because there were no formal presentations—just posters and conversations. Tourism Spotlight: West Virginia’s New River Gorge earned fresh national recognition from Architectural Digest, adding to a run of travel accolades. Data Center Politics: Michigan candidates warn data center opposition could sway the November election, citing voter distrust and backlash to proposed projects. Business & Markets: Amazon raised this year’s AI-focused tech spending by 10% after strong AWS growth, while Wall Street watches whether the investment is paying off.