My town’s Facebook group is delightful, in a chaotic sort of way. Sure, there are people asking for realtor recommendations, but what really gets folks going is a good debate. Are our property taxes too high? Who has the best biscuits and gravy? And a topic I’ve seen pop up many times: data centers.
I confess, for a long time I was blissfully uninformed on the issue. I knew data centers were a big part of generative AI and were broadly unpopular but… that’s pretty much it. I couldn’t even tell you what one looked like. (Turns out, blocky and nondescript.)
But now? Look out, because I’ve learned a thing or two and I’m bringing peer-reviewed research — and importantly, fun facts — to the conversation. That’s thanks to WABE’s Health Wanted and their recent deep dive.
Spotted in my neighborhood. Julia Carney/NPR
People have a range of concerns about data centers, but a big one is electricity consumption. One forecast predicts that U.S. data centers will account for 20% of the nation's electricity consumption in 2035 (up from 5.9% today) which likely means higher energy prices for everyone. My state, Virginia, is the data center capital of the world, and our electric bills have been going up for years. Our energy utility says data centers aren’t to blame, but energy policy researchers point to data center-driven grid expansion as the primary factor for rate hikes.
This Health Wanted episode covers so much more, like air and water pollution, heat waste and why some local governments are considering bans. In fact, my town's Planning Commission just voted unanimously to prohibit data centers. So much for my grand debut as an expert in my local Facebook group. Back to lurking I go!
Have a great weekend Pod Club,
Julia
The week’s best episodes
…to share with your neighborhood Facebook group
⛵ In Kentucky “Versailles” is pronounced “Versailles”
…If you know you know. In this episode of You’re Saying It Wrong (KMUW), my three favorite word nerds go on a pronunciation tour of the American south. Spelling is more of a suggestion, it turns out. Bless their hearts!
⚽ Can U.S. soccer build off World Cup mania?
Currently, U.S. sports fans don’t even rank soccer in their top three most watched sports, but Major League Soccer is trying to change that, using the hype of the 2026 World Cup. Planet Money brings in NPR’s iconic sports correspondent Becky Sullivan to break down what strategies teams are using and if they actually stand a chance.
👽 Our faces don’t tell stories anymore
This Fresh Air conversation had me scrambling to write down quotes from writer Jia Tolentino. She and host Tanya Mosely cover how AI is codifying what is considered “beautiful”, what we lose when our faces don’t communicate like they used to, and how Tolentino approaches parenting two daughters in this environment.
➕ “A tornado flew around my room”
It’s been 14 years since the release of Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange”, but this album has a magical staying power. NPR Music is continuing their series where they break down historic and iconic songs, including “Thinkin’ Bout You”. This song brought Frank Ocean to mainstream audiences and honestly… still hits. Get access to this episode (and sponsor-free listening) by signing up for NPR+.
One to Watch
After losing his son to an overdose, Jim Faust founded a nonprofit to share fly fishing with people in recovery, WGBH reports.
@gbhnews/Instagram
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