When A.I. Comes to Town: The Backlash Over Data Centers

The Daily

02/16/26

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30m

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Tech companies are racing to build thousands of huge data centers to power the artificial intelligence revolution. To find the land they need, they are barreling into rural communities across the United States with the promise of good jobs. But not everyone is buying that pitch.

Karen Weise, a technology correspondent for The New York Times, tells the story of one county pushing back against Big Tech.

Guest: Karen Weise, a technology correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

What exactly are artificial intelligence companies trying to build? Here’s a guide.
How large tech companies are offloading the risks of the A.I. boom.
At this big Amazon data center in Indiana, everything is supersized for A.I.

Photo: AJ Mast for The New York Times

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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Previous Episode

Boos, Rivalries and Records: Inside the 2026 Olympics

February 15

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43m

In this episode of “The Sunday Daily,” the host Rachel Abrams is joined by her New York Times colleagues Motoko Rich, Shawna Richer and Juliet Macur, who are all covering this year’s Olympic Games. They discuss how the geopolitical climate may or may not be influencing the competition, and talk about some of the extraordinary athletes who are pushing the limits of physical achievements.

On Today’s Episode

Motoko Rich is the Rome bureau chief for The New York Times.

Juliet Macur is a national reporter covering sports for The New York Times.

Shawna Richer is an editor at The New York Times, working on coverage of sports in America.

Photo Illustration by The New York Times; Images: Sarah Stier/Getty Images

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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Next Episode

After Venezuela, Is Cuba Next?

February 17

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31m

For more than six decades, the United States has tried to topple the regime in Cuba. After ousting President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, who was one of Cuba’s closest allies, the Trump administration is closer than ever to forcing radical change on the island.

The New York Times reporters Frances Robles and Michael Crowley discuss how the latest escalation is pushing Cuba to the brink, and whether this time the United States will get what it wants.

Guest:

Frances Robles, an international correspondent covering Latin America and the Caribbean for The New York Times.
Michael Crowley, a reporter covering the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The New York Times.

Background reading: