Healthcare & AI Tech: Aledade, based in Bethesda, named Daren Thayne chief technology officer and Dr. Josh Mandel chief scientist to accelerate AI in primary care and value-based platforms. Data Privacy & Consumer Relief: Maryland is among states in a multistate settlement with 23andMe over the 2023 genetic data breach, with the bankruptcy recovery capped at $18M for states. Local Energy & Grid Pressure: Prince George’s County approved a two-year pause on new data centers as AI demand strains power and raises bills, joining other Maryland counties weighing similar limits. Real Estate & Construction Risk: Glen Burnie’s Empire Towers remains under a 150-foot safety perimeter after structural problems in the parking garage, with officials saying assessments are still constrained by access hazards. Water Infrastructure Fight: Crownsville residents sued Anne Arundel County to stop a planned 200-foot, 1-million-gallon water tower, arguing the site choice didn’t follow the county’s water plan process. Housing Development Funding: Maryland awarded more than $18M in affordable rental housing construction funding for The Village at Mitchell Pond in Salisbury. Business Expansion: SYNERGY HomeCare opened a new South Frederick, Maryland location to expand nonmedical homecare services. Energy Markets & Shipping: Iran said the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until the U.S. ends “acts of aggression,” adding uncertainty for oil and gas routes. Policy Watch: The Senate EPW Committee is set to mark up WRDA 2026, which would authorize water, flood, and drinking-water infrastructure projects.