data centers

Kansas and Missouri elections are less than two weeks away, and KCUR’s series “What’s the Deal, KC?” is answering common questions from voters about the candidates on their ballots. Text your questions to 816-601-4777.

State Sen. Cindy Holscher, the Democratic nominee for Kansas governor, says she would work to fully fund special education, place a moratorium on data centers and legalize recreational marijuana if elected. She joined KCUR’s Up To Date two weeks before the 2026 midterm elections to discuss her policy platform.

A group marched to Ameren Missouri's headquarters Saturday to call for lower bills and cleaner sources of energy. The utility released a new long-range plan that would significantly increase the amount of power plants to meet growing demand for electricity, mostly driven by data centers.

Midwestern ratepayers have seen utility bills rise in recent years, as growing demand puts pressure on an aging electric grid. Also, as large data centers pop up around the country, a Missouri scientist is raising concerns about an often-overlooked form of pollution: noise.

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.