Waterway Protection: Brookhaven volunteers in the Pine Hills area marked storm drain inlets with “no dumping” signs to remind residents that litter and yard debris flow straight into local waterways. Drought Watch: Georgia EPD extended a statewide Drought Response Level 1, prompting Lowndes County Utilities to issue a public notice while outdoor watering remains allowed under existing guidelines. Wildlife & Health: A CDC update says the bacterium that causes melioidosis is naturally occurring in Gulf Coast soil and water, with researchers describing it as endemic in parts of the South, including likely Georgia. Local Water Infrastructure: Lowndes County Utilities posted notice tied to the drought declaration, urging residents to conserve as conditions are monitored. Community Science: UGA hosted its Turfgrass Field Day in Griffin, featuring sessions on beneficial insects, irrigation tech, and sustainable disease management. Pollinator Push: A Great Southeast Pollinator Census recap highlights how short, careful backyard counts are helping expand native plantings and habitat for pollinators across the region. Data Center Backlash (Rome): Atlas Development ended a $5.7 million Battey data center agreement in Rome, after residents organized against the proposal. AI & Public Skepticism: An OpenAI “luxury eco-retreat” sparked backlash over perceived greenwashing and water use concerns, fueling broader debate about AI’s environmental footprint.