EPA took the position that generation serving data centers can avoid certain Clean Air Act requirements, a large-load question landing as PJM real-time load registered 95,065 MW and RTO LMP $18.51/MWh at 8:09 a.m. ET Thursday.

DOE to redevelop retired Kentucky uranium enrichment site as data center campus

The Energy Department said Wednesday it would redevelop a retired Cold War-era uranium enrichment facility in Kentucky to host a new data center campus, part of the administration's move to repurpose federal land for AI computing.

ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas told state lawmakers July 29 they want expanded authority over large data center loads, an early test of grid-operator control over interconnection that PJM states are tracking.

Asked Wednesday if Thune is the right person to lead Senate Republicans amid the SAVE America Act standoff, Trump said "We're going to find out, and I'll let you know" -- the sharpest distance between them since Thune became leader, 96 days from the midterms.

Senate Judiciary pulls Blanche confirmation vote as Cornyn and Tillis hold out

The committee called off a 9 a.m. vote to advance Todd Blanche for attorney general after Sens. Cornyn and Tillis dug in over his refusal to put in writing his promise to kill parts of Trump's IRS lawsuit settlement.

Fed holds rates steady as long-term borrowing costs hit two-decade high

The Federal Reserve left rates unchanged Wednesday while acknowledging internal pressure to raise them to fight inflation; long-term government borrowing costs then hit a two-decade high, with Q2 GDP and June PCE due at 8:30 a.m.

U.S. launches new strikes on Iran, first since Trump's pause for negotiations

The U.S. military bombarded sites in Iran overnight, the first American strikes since Trump paused to allow negotiating room, as Saudi Arabia publicly joined attacks on Iranian proxies; WTI crude settled at $83.37/bbl.

Sabato moves five House seats to toss-up, including Pennsylvania's 8th

Sabato's Crystal Ball shifted FL-14, NC-1, NC-11, NY-17 and PA-8 from Leans Republican to toss-up, putting Rep. Rob Bresnahan's seat among 20 total toss-ups, while Sen. Jon Ossoff moved to Likely Democrat.

⚡Trump taps former PA Farm Bureau president to lead USDA Rural Development in Pennsylvania

USDA said Wednesday that Chris Hoffman, former president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, will be the new USDA Rural Development state director for Pennsylvania, the agency that administers federal rural utility and infrastructure programs.

PA lawmakers show up for data center tour and can't get inside

State lawmakers tied to a taxpayer-funded agency gathering information on data centers arrived Tuesday for a prearranged visit to a high-profile site and were not allowed in, The Center Square reported.

Pennsylvania's Green Party is warning that candidates are petitioning onto the ballot in the races against Reps. Ryan Mackenzie and Rob Bresnahan without its endorsement, with paid circulators from out of state and an Aug. 3 filing deadline.

Cognetti took money from committees funded by corporate PACs despite pledge

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, challenging Rep. Rob Bresnahan, has pledged to refuse corporate PAC money, but FEC filings show donations from political committees awash in corporate PAC cash including Boeing, JPMorgan Chase and UnitedHealthcare.

House · Bill On Concurrence (keywords: data center, data centers)

Senate · Third Consideration (keywords: data center, data centers)

Diamondbacks blank Pirates 3-0 to clinch series

Eduardo Rodriguez threw eight shutout innings and Gabriel Moreno hit a two-run homer as Arizona beat Pittsburgh 3-0 Wednesday to take the three-game series; the Pirates fell to 55-54, 2.0 games back of a wild card, and open at Cincinnati Thursday.

Pittsburgh held its first 2026 camp practice Wednesday under new head coach Mike McCarthy, starting at 11:30 a.m. rather than Tomlin's 2 p.m.; Brandin Echols intercepted Aaron Rodgers in the end zone and CBs Joey Porter Jr., Donte Kent and DB Jalen Ramsey opened on the PUP list.