Energy & Grid Reliability: MISO filed with FERC to tighten reliability rules for “large loads,” including data centers and other IT-heavy users over 50 MW, aiming to improve grid visibility and planning. Public Safety Tech: Virginia’s new “chip-and-tap” EBT cards roll out to curb SNAP skimming and fraud, with initial focus on localities reporting high theft. Health & Biotech Deals: GE HealthCare is reportedly in talks to buy Dulles-based Sofie Biosciences in a potential ~$1B radiopharma deal that would expand PET cancer-scan diagnostics. Environment Watch: ODU researchers tracked a massive Chesapeake Bay algae bloom (including “Marge,” Margalefidinium polykrikoides) moving through the region, with satellite monitoring as it dissipates. STEM Research & Innovation: NEXT Oncology’s Alexander Spira discussed phase 1 dose-optimization results for iza-bren in EGFR-mutant lung cancer, targeting resistance pathways. AI & Infrastructure: A report highlights China’s new commercial underwater data center near Shanghai, using seawater cooling and offshore wind to run ~2,000 servers. Data Centers & Politics: WDBJ’s “At Issue” roundtable spotlights why data centers are becoming a midterm flashpoint, including safety and privacy questions around Flock license-plate cameras.