We take a moment to mourn the loss and remember the work of our former USA TODAY colleague David Jackson.

Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Start with these stories:

• The Senate shot down measures to lower gas and grocery prices.
• If elected, a Maine Democrat has big plans.
• Patriots coach Mike Vrabel will seek counseling.

Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on Thursday. We start with a conversation about data centers and then have the latest on the NFL Draft kicking off tonight.

Who pays for data centers?

Data centers – physical sites that house the technology needed to maintain digital infrastructure, including generative AI models – have popped up all over the country. From inflating energy costs for consumers to requiring gross amounts of water for cooling, data centers can strain communities.

Energy capacity and land availability play into how U.S. cities support AI data centers. Atlanta ranks fourth in the world in established data centers markets, behind Virginia as a whole, Phoenix, Arizona, and Dallas, Texas. Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff launched an investigation this week into impacts on power bills for Georgia residents.

Some say eliminate data centers. Others say adapt them. One solution? Tune AI models to improve sustainability.

More news to know now

• Will Virginia redistricting go forward? A Virginia state judge blocked officials from certifying the approval of new congressional maps in Old Dominion, a day after voters narrowly passed them.
• U.S. Navy chief out. President Donald Trump’s pick to run the Navy is exiting “effective immediately” as the U.S. naval blockade has become a key issue in the war and as Iran grows more aggressive on the waters, seizing two ships on Wednesday.
• DHS is still shutdown. Money that President Trump rerouted to pay DHS employees could run out soon. Meanwhile, Congress mulls $70 billion for ICE and Border Patrol.

2026 NFL Draft

‘Yinz headed to ‘Picks-burgh’

Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET Thursday and marks the first time the event has returned to Pittsburgh since the 1948 season. About 250,000 visitors are estimated per day, and it’s all eyes on Pittsburgh sports: The Steelers have a new coach, the Penguins are in the NHL playoffs while the Pirates have an early MLB season resurgence.

Health & Wellness

Tempted to take a midday nap?

A quick sleep may say something about health. For older adults, naps may be a warning sign of underlying conditions or declining health, according to a new study. Researchers found morning naps as well as longer and more frequent naps were associated with higher all-cause mortality rates in adults with an average age of 81.

Before you go

• Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins are headed to “Dancing With The Stars.”
• “The Devil Wears Prada 2” cast in London. That’s all.
• More “Mormon Wives” are coming to your TV.

Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.