data centers

Small-business owners, nonprofit leaders, school board members and a radio host are vying for four positions on the Jackson County Legislature. Here's what to know about their priorities.

A St. Louis scientist has spent her career studying sound and is now speaking out about the noise pollution that data centers could bring to the region.

Communities are killing data center proposals faster than ever. But in a struggling small town, the idea of investment measured in billions of dollars can dwarf anything city leaders had ever hoped to attract previously. Hear the appeal data centers may have to places the information age has so far left behind.

City officials are tempted by what a massive data center could mean for the eroding tax base of Osawatomie, Kansas, even as some residents revolt against the proposal.

The Missouri legislature has yet to act on data centers, with one bill on the topic only getting a House hearing last year. Gov. Mike Kehoe has repeatedly touted the benefits of building data centers in the state.

Data centers that power AI are exploding across the Midwest — and so is opposition to them. Now, people across the political spectrum want to see stricter regulation and more transparency.

First District voters recalled a City Council member for the first time in Independence's history after he voted to approve a multibillion-dollar data center. A special election to fill the vacancy will need to be scheduled.

Big tech companies are facing formidable opposition from a coalition of people across the political spectrum. Meanwhile, local elected officials find themselves scrambling to draft regulations and defend themselves against accusations of secrecy.

Data center distrust is so strong that Kansans are putting forward petitions to stop local governments from developing the facilities. In return, at least three Kansas cities are suing constituents over those petitions.

As technology companies build AI data centers across Missouri, consumer advocates worry the cost for the vast infrastructure upgrades needed will fall to the average energy consumers unless new laws are passed.

Around 100 people opposed to the proposed data center filled the Leavenworth County planning meeting room, pushing for more scrutiny on regulations. A countywide moratorium on data center development expired this week.

The Missouri House Future Caucus created a new checklist to help local communities consider data center proposals as they move to the state. Among the questions are how resources like water will be protected, and how the local community will benefit after tax incentives and infrastructure costs.