We take a moment to mourn his loss and remember the legacy of former USA TODAY colleague David Jackson.
Welcome to the daily briefing. Start with the following story.
nicole farato Here’s the news you need to know on Thursday. We start with a conversation about data centers and then get the latest on the NFL Draft, which begins tonight.
Who pays for the data center?
Data centers—physical locations that house the technology needed to maintain digital infrastructure, such as generative AI models—are popping up across the country. From rising energy costs for consumers to the need for large amounts of water for cooling, data centers can place a strain on communities.
Energy capacity and land availability will influence how U.S. cities support AI data centers. Atlanta ranks fourth in the world for established data center markets, behind all of Virginia, Phoenix, Arizona, and Dallas, Texas. Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff this week launched an investigation into the impact on Georgia residents’ electricity bills.
There is also an opinion that data centers should be abolished. Some say adapt. Is there one solution? Tune your AI models to improve sustainability.
More news you need to know right now
- Will Virginia’s redistricting proceed? A Virginia judge has blocked officials from certifying approval of a new congressional map in the Old Dominion, a day after voters narrowly passed it.
- US Navy Secretary Absent. With the U.S. naval blockade a key issue in the war and Iran increasing its aggressiveness in the seas, including the seizure of two warships on Wednesday, President Donald Trump’s Navy leadership appointments will be lifted “with immediate effect.”
- DHS is still closed. Funds that President Trump directed to pay DHS workers could soon run out. Meanwhile, Congress is considering spending $70 billion on ICE and the Border Patrol.
2026 NFL Draft
Intz headed to “Picksburg”
Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, bringing the event back to Pittsburgh for the first time since the 1948 season. With an estimated 250,000 visitors per day, Pittsburgh sports are in the spotlight. The Steelers have a new coach, the Penguins are in the NHL playoffs, and the Pirates are looking to make an early MLB season comeback.
health and wellness
Don’t you feel like taking a nap?
A quick sleep may say something about your health. For older adults, napping may be a warning sign of underlying health conditions or deteriorating health conditions, according to a new study. Researchers found that morning naps and longer and more frequent naps were associated with increased all-cause mortality in adults with an average age of 81 years.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
