Food Security: FAO warns another food-price surge is coming as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, plus El Niño and climate shocks, squeeze yields and lift costs—especially with Strait of Hormuz disruption hitting fuel-linked farming inputs and diesel/natural gas supply. Middle East Energy Risk: Iran tells Gulf states that any new U.S. attack on Iranian energy infrastructure would trigger retaliation against critical Gulf energy facilities, escalating pressure after Trump’s threats. Data Centers & Grid Costs (Virginia): Virginia’s SCC ordered data centers to pay for transmission infrastructure built exclusively for them, aiming to stop ratepayers from footing hundreds of millions in new costs. Data Centers & Grid Costs (Policy Push): Virginia lawmakers are also weighing tougher limits, including removing a major sales tax exemption, as residents complain about noise and higher bills. Energy Infrastructure (Duke Energy): Duke says its data-center pipeline grew by 2.7GW since late 2025, with major load expected to start taking power in 2027–28 and ramp through the early 2030s. Renewables & Storage (India): Ola Electric and Axis Energy plan to evaluate up to 20GWh of battery storage deployment by 2032 to help scale renewable integration. Permitting Modernization (North Carolina): NC DEQ moved mining permit applications onto its AccessDEQ online portal to speed processing and improve transparency. Shipping (LNG): CNOOC-linked partners christened the “GREENERGY RIVER” LNG carrier, the first China-built LNG ship on a long-term charter for Chinese customers. Corporate/Industrial: Siemens Energy profit more than tripled on record orders, pointing to continued demand tied to rising electricity needs.