A proposed White House deal would give tech firms a three-year federal preemption of state AI rules in exchange for child-safety and deepfake measures, setting up a high-stakes fight over who governs AI (report). [P]At the same time, OpenAI says China-linked operations used ChatGPT to seed divisive posts about U.S. data centers, spotlighting how AI is already a tool for influence (disruption). The policy fight collides with infrastructure reality — New York grid operators warn AI data-center demand is pushing reserves to the brink, forcing politicians and utilities to factor compute into energy planning (NYISO warning).

Gardeners can relax: peonies swarming with ants usually means healthy buds — the insects eat nectar and may help flowers open rather than attack them (explainer). [P]Old-fashioned heirloom vegetables are also enjoying a comeback for flavor-seekers, while cautionary notes land for the toxic firestick plant — wear gloves and keep it away from curious hands and eyes (heirlooms, firestick warning).

A viral video of a dog named Jack crying after losing his sibling underscores how pet grief shows up and why vets say extra patience helps (video). [P]In lighter casting news, Netflix’s Scooby-Doo: Origins will use a real dog for the title role — practical puppetry beats CGI for once (casting). Also: a stranger-than-fiction incident where a neighbor’s dog accidentally discharged a firearm is a reminder to secure dangerous items around pets and people.