A string of stories shows AI is now central to defense and infrastructure: the Pentagon acknowledged using Elon Musk’s Grok with Project Maven in strike planning, while ChatGPT is being added to the Pentagon’s GenAI.mil platform, marking a major operational shift. [P]At home, the AI data‑center buildout is straining power systems — fast‑tracked gas and nuclear projects and warnings from Sen. Warren about household bills — and financiers warn of an AI investment bubble as borrowing and debt swell. On the governance front, G7 summits, export controls, and a looming political fight over state vs federal rules show the tug‑of‑war over who controls the technology and its risks.

Public‑health alarm after a New World screwworm infected a U.S. dog, raising fears about spread amid cuts to cross‑border pest control. [P]Animal welfare saw wins — Ridglan Farms agreed to release roughly 1,500 research beagles for rehoming — but tragedies persist: an LAPD shooting killed a family pet during championship chaos and Alaskan bear attacks left dogs badly injured, underscoring unpredictable risks for pets and owners alike.

Urban agriculture continues to do real social work: a Fort Worth Master Gardener who overcame homelessness now runs a free community garden feeding neighbors with tomatoes and Brussels sprouts (story). [P]Meanwhile, a Lancaster event turned unwanted firearms into usable garden tools and art, a literal re‑tooling of civic harm into compostable hope (Raw Tools).