AI & Power Demand: Analysis says U.S. tech firms are racing to build “behind-the-meter” gas power plants to feed AI data centers, with major climate and air-quality stakes. Local Environmental Fight: In Memphis, residents in Boxtown say SpaceXAI-linked data centers and gas turbines are worsening pollution and cancer risk, fueling a broader pushback against new AI infrastructure. Data Centers Meet Politics: Roanoke officials are weighing a potential data-center moratorium after a proposal for a $45 million facility raised concerns about impacts and transparency. Kids, Tech, and Regulation: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds strong bipartisan support for tighter social media rules for minors, including age-verification laws—while critics warn verification can misidentify teens and create risky personal-data targets. STEM in Tennessee: Tennessee Tech’s Samantha Allen earns a Fulbright to study carbon cycling in Scotland, and an Appalachian STEM Academy bridge program brings East Tennessee students to hands-on research at UT. Health & Materials Research: ORNL and UT researchers use fungal chitin to make stronger, tougher hydrogels for safer medical and engineering uses. Science in Memphis: St. Jude researchers publish a single-cell atlas of spinal neurons that helps explain how rhythmic movement like walking is coordinated. Education Tech Rules: A nonprofit guide highlights new state and local screen-time and technology-use policies, including Tennessee’s minutes-based requirements and AI-use expectations. Community & Workforce: Nashville State Community College offers free class auditing for seniors, and the National Business League names remoting.work as a global hiring platform for small businesses. Local Business Growth: Greenheck Group is ramping up manufacturing at Knox County’s Midway Business Park, adding hundreds of jobs by 2029.