Data Centers & Energy Costs: New reporting and studies are challenging the idea that data centers automatically drive up electricity prices, with multiple analyses finding little or even a slight downward link between data-center concentration and local power rates—fueling a fresh round of debate in Virginia as the industry expands. Local Water Stress: In drought-hit Virginia, Gov. Spanberger and the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority are urging voluntary conservation even as some reservoirs remain near capacity, while other areas face tighter restrictions. Microplastics Push: Virginia AGs joined a coalition urging the EPA to add microplastics to drinking-water research priorities and to keep monitoring them more aggressively. Storm Memory & Risk: A look back at Hurricane Agnes’ devastation in Maryland underscores how extreme rainfall can reshape regional ecosystems and flood risk across the Mid-Atlantic. Wildlife Enforcement: Maryland Natural Resources Police highlighted spring actions against illegal hunting and fishing, including cases involving gillnetting and other violations. Policy & Public Power: Sen. Bernie Sanders unveiled a plan for public ownership of major AI firms via a sovereign wealth fund—an idea that could reshape how Americans share the benefits of the AI boom.