Data Centers & Power Costs: The Senate blocked a House-passed bill meant to protect households and small businesses from electricity costs tied to large data centers, setting up a fresh fight over who pays for grid upgrades as AI demand surges. Local Environmental Governance: In Duluth, House District 8A candidates debated oversight, housing, and environmental impacts, including transparency concerns around a proposed Google data center in Hermantown. Cybersecurity for Water: A report highlights coordinated cyberattacks on Minnesota community water systems, showing how operational technology risks can disrupt real-world services. Invasive Species Watch: Volunteers used environmental DNA kits to search for zebra mussels in Minnesota lakes, aiming for faster, cheaper early detection. Climate Outlook: A “super El Niño” could reshape Minnesota’s fall and winter weather patterns, with tropical moisture and warmer Pacific conditions in the mix. Public Lands & Water: St. Olaf’s Nobel Conference will focus on the Mississippi River, linking ecology, Indigenous stewardship, and climate and runoff pressures. Health & Infrastructure: Maple Grove Hospital’s major expansion is moving through an environmental review with a public comment period.