Explore

USA Today USA Today
DiCaprio, Bezos launch $200M species initiative amid data center criticism

DiCaprio, Bezos launch $200M species initiative amid data center criticism

DiCaprio and Bezos launched a $200 million endangered species recovery initiative amid continued criticism of Amazon's environmental impact.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Country Music Stars Oppose Data Centers in Rural America, Citing Environmental Concerns

Country Music Stars Oppose Data Centers in Rural America, Citing Environmental Concerns

Country music stars, including Willie Nelson and Gavin Adcock, have voiced opposition to the development of data centers in rural areas across the United States. These artists argue that such projects threaten rural identity and local resources. Nelson, in particular, has expressed concerns about the environmental impact of data centers, which require significant water and electricity for cooling systems. The debate has gained traction in states like Texas, where numerous data centers are planned. The artists' concerns also extend to the broader implications of technology, including the impact of artificial intelligence on the music industry.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
North Carolina Faces Local Opposition to Data Centers Amid Economic Growth

North Carolina Faces Local Opposition to Data Centers Amid Economic Growth

North Carolina is experiencing significant local opposition to the development of data centers, despite the state's strong economic growth. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley is navigating this challenge as part of Governor Josh Stein's 'First in Opportunity' economic plan, which aims to boost rural communities. The state is home to 96 data centers, with major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft operating facilities. However, residents in over 20 communities have opposed new data centers due to concerns about power and water consumption, as well as noise. This opposition has led to the cancellation of several multibillion-dollar projects. Despite this, North Carolina continues to attract business investments, with a record number of jobs and investments reported this year.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
WeDriveU Begins Operations for Concord Kannapolis Area Transit

WeDriveU Begins Operations for Concord Kannapolis Area Transit

WeDriveU has launched its operations for the Concord Kannapolis Area Transit, known as Rider Transit, in North Carolina. This marks WeDriveU's seventh contract in the state, expanding its presence in the region. The service will manage fixed-route and paratransit connections across Concord and Kannapolis, with express services to key locations such as Charlotte and the Charlotte Motor Speedway. WeDriveU will handle operations, staffing, and maintenance for a fleet of hybrid buses and transit vans. The partnership aims to enhance service reliability and customer satisfaction for the approximately 400,000 annual riders.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Data Centers in Colorado Face Criticism for Excessive Water Usage

Data Centers in Colorado Face Criticism for Excessive Water Usage

Data centers in Colorado are under scrutiny for their significant water consumption, which is raising concerns amid water scarcity issues. These facilities, which house vast amounts of computer equipment, use various cooling systems that require substantial water resources to prevent overheating. A proposed data center in Denver is estimated to use approximately 805,000 gallons of water daily, a figure that highlights the scale of water usage compared to typical household consumption. Critics argue that while agricultural water use is higher, the necessity of such extensive water use for data centers is questionable, especially when compared to essential needs like food production.
Trendline Trendline
Charlotte Program Uses Arts to Address Loneliness and Social Isolation

Charlotte Program Uses Arts to Address Loneliness and Social Isolation

Charlotte Program Uses Arts to Address Loneliness and Social Isolation
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Alabama Rivers Alliance Advocates for Regulations on Water-Intensive Data Centers

Alabama Rivers Alliance Advocates for Regulations on Water-Intensive Data Centers

The Alabama Rivers Alliance is calling for statewide regulations on data centers due to concerns about their environmental impact. A meeting held in Huntsville attracted residents interested in learning about how data centers, which use large amounts of water to cool servers, affect the environment and local wildlife. Charles Miller from the Alabama Rivers Alliance emphasized the need for strong statewide regulations to prevent local governments from competing for business by offering lenient policies. Some towns, like Fort Payne and Cullman, have temporarily halted data center construction to assess environmental impacts.
Arizona Republic Arizona Republic
Gilbert to crack down on, deny drinking water to data centers

Gilbert to crack down on, deny drinking water to data centers

New Gilbert rules would bar potable water for data center cooling and require noise studies.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Rising Arrests in U.S. Protests Against Data Centers Highlight Public Dissent

Rising Arrests in U.S. Protests Against Data Centers Highlight Public Dissent

In 2026, there has been a notable increase in arrests related to protests against data centers across the United States. At least 37 individuals have been arrested for participating in demonstrations, with additional cases of police intervention to prevent confrontations with civic leaders. These protests are characterized by a diverse group of participants, including farmers, teachers, and suburban parents, who feel that elected officials are prioritizing tech corporations over community interests. The protests have remained largely peaceful, with arrests often resulting from minor infractions during public meetings. This movement reflects a growing public concern over the environmental and social impacts of data centers.
Trendline Trendline
Children's Museum of Wilmington Expands Access with Free Membership Program

Children's Museum of Wilmington Expands Access with Free Membership Program

Children's Museum of Wilmington Expands Access with Free Membership Program
Trendline Trendline
Energy Storage Solutions Cancels $19.2 Billion Data Center in North Carolina

Energy Storage Solutions Cancels $19.2 Billion Data Center in North Carolina

Energy Storage Solutions Cancels $19.2 Billion Data Center in North Carolina
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Hopkinsville Debates New Zoning Rules Amid Bitcoin Mining Expansion Concerns

Hopkinsville Debates New Zoning Rules Amid Bitcoin Mining Expansion Concerns

In Hopkinsville, Kentucky, a 15-megawatt bitcoin mining facility operated by North Campbell Land Co. (NCLC) at the Hopkinsville Electric System's Holland Substation has sparked a debate over new zoning regulations for data centers. The facility, which has been operational for three years, has prompted local officials to consider implementing zoning rules specifically for data centers, as the current code does not address them. NCLC is proposing a larger 50-megawatt data center and a new 65-megawatt substation, which they plan to fund themselves. The community is divided, with some residents expressing concerns over environmental and quality-of-life impacts, while others, including Hopkinsville Electric System's general manager Jeff Hurd, highlight the financial benefits of such operations.