Nashville Zoo Defenders Protest Proposed Data Center
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The Washington Post: Southern Poverty Law Center pleads not guilty in federal fraud case
By Associated Press
What?
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) pleaded not guilty to federal charges alleging it defrauded donors by not disclosing that some money would be used to pay informants in extremist organizations. The Justice Department accuses the SPLC of funding extremist groups while publicly claiming to dismantle them.
So What?
This case targets a prominent organization known for monitoring hate groups, potentially impacting the ability of civil society groups to fund intelligence-gathering operations and discrediting their work against extremism. The SPLC's counter-accusation of vindictive prosecution by the Justice Department adds a layer of political conflict to the legal battle.
WTF?
Prosecutors allege that some of the $4.1 million used to pay informants was spent on purchasing Ku Klux Klan robes and materials for cross-burning ceremonies.
Now What?
The case is scheduled to go to trial in October.
By Catherine Sostowski Herbes
What?
On June 11, FBI agents raided the Cleveland offices of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC), a pro-democracy organization, seizing documents, computer files, and questioning staff. This action has raised alarms among voting rights advocates about potential voter intimidation and a chilling effect on civic participation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
So What?
This event matters for progressive movements as it represents a direct challenge to grassroots organizing efforts aimed at expanding the electorate and promoting civic engagement, particularly in marginalized communities. It could serve as a precedent for government action against similar organizations, potentially suppressing voter turnout and undermining democratic processes.
WTF?
Despite agents reportedly carrying subpoenas and asking questions related to voter fraud, officials "have not publicly explained the specific focus of the investigation."
Now What?
People should watch for any public explanation of the investigation's specific focus by officials, and the impact of the #HandsOffOhio campaign and similar legal training efforts for nonprofit organizations. The effects of this raid on voter registration and participation in Ohio ahead of the 2026 midterm elections will also be important to observe.
Techdirt: Four Years After Dobbs, Anti-Abortion Lawmakers Keep Coming For Online Speech
By Lisa Femia
What?
Four years after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, anti-abortion lawmakers and government officials are increasingly targeting online speech related to abortion through proposed laws, cease-and-desist letters, lawsuits, and government investigations. These efforts aim to restrict access to information about reproductive healthcare, affecting websites that provide educational resources and not just direct abortion providers.
So What?
This ongoing offensive represents a significant threat to digital rights and free speech online, as it seeks to manipulate the information ecosystem and suppress disfavored viewpoints using tactics that could be applied beyond reproductive rights to other progressive issues. For civil society, it makes sharing and accessing potentially life-saving information riskier and harder to find.
WTF?
Florida went "even further" than other states, invoking its RICO law—a law typically used for organized crime—against Planned Parenthood over a webpage that states abortion pills are safe.
Now What?
People should watch for the continued use of threatening letters, lawsuits, and investigations by anti-abortion officials, as well as the outcomes of legal challenges and legislative attempts to restrict online speech and information. The article suggests these tactics could expand beyond abortion speech to other areas.
By Fire Ant Movement Defense
What?
Fire Ant Movement Defense issued a statement addressing alleged instances of betrayal and solidarity within the "Prairieland Trials" following the purported collaboration of an individual named Kestrel with state authorities. This collaboration reportedly led to the arrests of other activists and disrupted movement efforts.
So What?
This situation highlights the extreme vulnerability of progressive movements to internal betrayal and state infiltration, which can severely undermine trust and operational capacity. It underscores the critical need for activists to develop robust security cultures and strategies to mitigate the damage caused by informants and state manipulation.
WTF?
The statement reveals that the alleged informant, Kestrel, was reportedly turned by authorities "while being held in solitary confinement in a small-town jail."
Now What?
People should watch for further developments in the "Prairieland Trials" and how the broader activist community responds to this alleged instance of betrayal. Additionally, they should monitor discussions and initiatives focused on reinforcing security culture and trust within movements to prevent similar occurrences.
Axios: Data center electricity use has skyrocketed in Tennessee and beyond
By Adam Tamburin
What?
A new report from ThinkTennessee finds that data center electricity demand in the Tennessee Valley region has skyrocketed, consuming enough power for over 661,000 homes, with usage increasing from 1.27 million megawatt-hours in 2020 to 9.16 million MWh in 2025. This growth has coincided with residential electricity bills rising by 3.2% from 2023 to 2024 in areas with data centers, while commercial bills in those same areas decreased by 0.2%.
So What?
This matters because policymakers are actively trying to regulate data center operations in Tennessee, and the report warns that unmanaged growth could strain grid reliability and impose higher costs on residential households. The unequal impact on electricity bills, with residents paying more while commercial customers pay less, highlights a potential shift in economic burden onto ordinary citizens.
WTF?
In parts of Tennessee that host data centers, residential electric bills rose 3.2% from 2023 to 2024, while commercial customers in those areas saw bills decrease by 0.2%.
Now What?
People should watch for specific decisions by policymakers regarding planning, pricing, and infrastructure for data centers, as these choices will determine who bears the costs of this growth.
WABE: Data center power plant accused of building generators without permit
By Molly Samuel
What?
A power plant serving a Google data center in South Fulton is accused of installing generators without required permits from Fulton County and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Residents and environmental advocates have raised concerns about potential air pollution and the lack of community notification regarding the facility.
So What?
This incident highlights potential gaps in environmental regulation and oversight, alongside the lack of community input in industrial development decisions affecting local residents. It underscores the importance of transparent permitting processes and corporate accountability in ensuring environmental health and justice for impacted communities.
WTF?
A Georgia EPD official stated, "We didn’t even know this plant existed until somebody told us about it."
Now What?
People should watch for the outcome of the EPD’s investigation into the alleged permit violations and whether any enforcement actions will be taken against the power plant. The future permitting process for the plant's operations will also be a key area to monitor, particularly regarding opportunities for public input.
THE TENNESSEAN: Residents voice concerns at council meeting over planned data center next to zoo
By Mark Zaleski
What?
Residents attended a Metro Nashville Council public hearing to voice concerns and protest a planned DC BLOX data center on 23 acres next to the Nashville Zoo. In response, the council is considering a 180-day moratorium on data centers, and the mayor is considering using eminent domain to acquire the land instead of the tech company.
So What?
This demonstrates how organized community advocacy can influence local governance to halt or redirect private development that impacts public spaces or environmental concerns. The mayor's consideration of eminent domain for public, rather than private, benefit could set a precedent for protecting community assets from corporate land acquisition.
WTF?
The entire article consists of multiple photographs, each with the exact same, lengthy descriptive text repeated word-for-word.
Now What?
People should watch for the Metro Nashville Council's decision on the proposed 180-day moratorium on data centers and whether the mayor initiates eminent domain proceedings for the land next to the zoo.
The Wall Street Journal: Nokia’s New Act: Supplying the AI Data Center Boom
By Patience Haggin
What?
Nokia has pivoted from its legacy mobile phone business to become a supplier of crucial infrastructure for AI data centers, including switches, routers, and optical networking technology. This strategic shift has led to its stock price rising roughly 90% this year as investors embrace its new identity.
So What?
This highlights the rapid expansion and infrastructure demands of the AI industry, indicating significant capital investment and resource allocation towards data center development. For progressive movements, this underscores the growing material footprint and economic power concentrated within companies supporting the AI ecosystem.
WTF?
Nokia, known for mobile handsets, was originally founded as a "ground wood pulp mill on the banks of Finland’s Nokianvirta River in 1865," before evolving through rubber and cables.
Now What?
Based on the article, people should watch for whether Nokia can overcome challenges like long lead times for components, secure its supply chain, and demonstrate the expected profit margins to validate its current valuation as an AI company.
Georgia Recorder: Georgia utility regulators greenlight probe into data center costs
By Stanley Dunlap
What?
Georgia’s Public Service Commission (PSC) voted 4-1 to open an investigation into how the rapid growth of data centers is impacting electricity rates for Georgia Power customers. The probe will examine whether the energy needs of data centers should be borne by all ratepayers or if the data center companies should cover more of the infrastructure costs.
So What?
This matters for progressive movements as it addresses consumer protection and the equitable distribution of economic burdens, aiming to prevent residential customers from facing higher utility bills due to the energy demands of corporate data centers. It highlights concerns from advocates that data center profits should not come at the expense of average Georgians.
WTF?
Georgia Power estimates that data centers alone could account for over 13% of the utility’s total retail sales by 2030, a dramatic increase from current levels.
Now What?
The PSC will conduct the investigation, which is expected to involve expert testimony and public hearings, to determine appropriate rate adjustments or cost allocation methods. The commission will ultimately decide how data center-related electricity costs will be managed.
The New York Times: Trump Casts Doubt on Future of Cease-Fire After Latest Strikes
By Leo Sands, Eric Schmitt and Hari Raj
What?
The U.S.-Iran truce, which has been in place for over three weeks, is nearing collapse after President Trump stated he considered it "over" and both sides engaged in new attacks. The U.S. renewed airstrikes in Iran, stating it was retaliation for attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran targeted U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait and claimed to have shot down an American drone.
So What?
This development signifies a serious escalation of a "monthslong war" and the failure of diplomatic efforts to maintain a cease-fire, threatening regional and global stability. The renewed hostilities and the rise in oil prices underscore the potential for broader economic disruption and increased conflict, impacting advocates for peace and de-escalation.
WTF?
Negotiations between Iran and the United States had been paused until after the funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader who was killed on the first day of the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran.
Now What?
People should watch for further military actions and potential retaliations from both sides, whether negotiations can somehow resume despite President Trump's declaration, and the impact on oil prices and shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz.
Wired: Meta Now Lets Anyone Use Your Instagram Photos in AI Images—Unless You Opt Out
By David Pierce
What?
Meta is updating its privacy policy to use publicly shared user content from Facebook and Instagram, including photos and captions, to train its artificial intelligence models. This change, which takes effect on June 26 in Europe and the UK, means user data will be incorporated into AI-generated images and responses unless users actively opt out through a specific process.
So What?
This policy change represents a significant shift in default data usage, placing the burden on individuals to protect their privacy rather than requiring explicit consent for their content to be used for AI training. It underscores the ongoing challenges for civil society advocates striving to establish and enforce stronger user rights and data governance against corporate data aggregation.
WTF?
To opt out, users must complete a form "explaining how this processing of your information impacts your rights and freedoms," and Meta reserves the right to deny the request.
Now What?
People should watch for the accessibility and effectiveness of the opt-out process, the response from users and privacy advocates, and whether this policy is expanded to other regions outside of Europe and the UK.
Anthropic: Our Research on Global Workspace
By Jonas Schneider, Daniel M. Ziegler, Matthew Rahtz, Ben Mann, Jack W. Rae, David L. D. Kasenberg, Zachary C. Lipton, Robert C. Y. So, Thomas R. I. Evans, Catherine Olsson, Tamera Lanham, Thomas Henighan, Sam McCandlish, Michael Sellitto, Chris Olah, Danny Hernandez, Nick Cammarata, Amanda Askell, Collin Burns, Brian Chen, Nicholas Joseph, Shauna N. Brown, Christopher Conlon, Nicholas Schiefer, Noah Shinn, Brooke Sherrod, Nelson F. Liu, Ben Trevett, Tristan Hume, Paul F. Christiano, Steven Basart, Jared Kaplan, Eli Kinelski, Evan Hubinger
What?
Anthropic describes its research on applying Global Workspace Theory (GWT) to AI models, proposing a cognitive architecture where a central "global workspace" facilitates communication between specialized "modules." They found that models trained with this architecture demonstrated improved modularity, interpretability, and the ability to compose learned skills, which they hope will contribute to safer anditable AI systems.
So What?
The development of more modular and interpretable AI systems, as described, could be crucial for progressive movements by contributing to safer and more accountable AI. Enhanced interpretability can enable better understanding and auditing of powerful AI technologies, fostering transparency which is vital for civil society oversight and preventing opaque decision-making.
Now What?
Based on this research, people should watch for further developments in AI architectures that prioritize modularity and interpretability, as Anthropic indicates they will continue exploring these questions and building on this work. Future research might focus on scaling these architectures to more complex tasks and evaluating their impact on real-world applications and safety concerns.
By Josh Christenson
What?
Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, 84, is making phone calls from his hospital bed to Republican allies, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Sen. John Barrasso, to counter internet rumors that he is "brain dead" after being found unconscious last month. His office and colleagues state he is improving and engaged, despite right-wing firebrand Laura Loomer's claims of a "cover up" and his "failing health."
So What?
The article highlights the spread of unverified information and conspiracy theories by right-wing figures regarding the health of a significant political leader, which could destabilize public discourse and trust in official communications. It also points to potential succession scenarios in the Senate, though the article states the Republican majority would not be imperiled.
WTF?
Right-wing firebrand Laura Loomer posted on X, "Mitch McConnell is brain dead and hooked up to machines!!! He is 84 years old and was found unconscious and needed to be resuscitated," while questioning how he could be having elaborate conversations.
Now What?
People should watch for further updates on Senator McConnell's recovery and his eventual return to the Senate, as well as how the Republican party and his office continue to address the internet rumors and calls for transparency about his health.
Georgia Recorder: Judge quashes subpoena seeking personal info of Georgia election workers
By Maya Homan
What?
A federal judge has quashed a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice seeking personal information from nearly 3,000 Georgians who served as Fulton County election workers and volunteers during the 2020 election, stating the statute of limitations for related crimes has expired and cautioning against divulging sensitive information without a legitimate law enforcement purpose. This ruling deals a blow to the Trump administration’s effort to uncover alleged voter fraud in Georgia.
So What?
This ruling protects election workers from politically motivated data collection, reinforcing the idea that private information should not be disclosed without a legitimate legal basis and pushing back against ongoing attempts to challenge past election integrity. It helps safeguard civil society members and democratic processes from unwarranted scrutiny.
WTF?
The ruling comes in the wake of the Federal Bureau of Investigation reassigning hundreds of analysts to an ongoing investigation into Fulton County’s 2020 election records, with each analyst expected to check 708 records by July 17 with authorized weekend and holiday overtime pay.
Now What?
People should watch for any further attempts by the Department of Justice or other government entities to pursue investigations into the 2020 Fulton County election, especially regarding election workers, and observe how the ongoing FBI investigation proceeds despite the judge's ruling.
By Scott Nover
What?
A federal judge in Tampa ruled in favor of The Washington Post, dismissing a $3.8 billion defamation lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump’s social media company, Trump Media and Technology Group. The judge found that Trump Media "failed to present evidence that would allow a jury to find by clear and convincing evidence" that The Post "published the allegedly defamatory statements with actual malice."
So What?
This ruling reinforces the high legal standard of "actual malice" required for public figures to win defamation suits in the U.S., potentially safeguarding press freedom against attempts by powerful entities to suppress critical reporting. It signals a continued challenge for companies associated with public figures seeking to use defamation law against media outlets.
WTF?
Three years after the original article was published and "After discovery concluded in the case," The Post published a correction stating that "discovery in the ongoing litigation has established that Trump Media didn’t pay a loan referral fee of $240,000."
Now What?
People should watch for whether Trump Media decides to appeal the ruling, as they stated they are considering, and for the release of the judge's full opinion which is forthcoming.
Capital Research Center: The Charitable Back Door
By Parker Thayer
What?
The article claims that federal law contains a loophole allowing foreign nationals to fund election-related activities, such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote operations, through 501(c)(3) charities. It alleges that Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has used this loophole to fund "left-wing political advocacy groups" engaged in such activities, despite a foundation representative denying funding for these purposes.
So What?
This matters for progressive movements and civil society because the article frames charitable funding of voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts by non-citizens as a "gaping loophole" that threatens election integrity and national security, particularly targeting "left-wing political advocacy groups." It also highlights proposed legislation that could restrict a wide range of election-related activities by non-profits.
WTF?
A representative of the Wyss Foundation claimed in 2023 that its grants are prohibited from being used for get-out-the-vote or voter registration activities, but the article states the foundation's own tax filings and leaked emails contradict this answer.
Now What?
People should watch for the progression of the "Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act," introduced by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), which aims to prohibit foreign nationals from funding various election-related activities, including voter registration, even through non-PAC entities.
By Fred Lucas
What?
A national security think tank, State Armor, released a report alleging the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) had an overly close association with China through its China Program, raising concerns about foreign influence in environmental cases and prompting a call for a congressional investigation. House Chairman John Moolenaar voiced concern about the reported ties, though ELI stated its China program concluded in 2024 and never overlapped with its judicial education project.
So What?
This report and call for investigation could lead to increased scrutiny and potential congressional action against civil society organizations involved in environmental advocacy and judicial education, particularly those with international ties. It reinforces a narrative that links environmental efforts to foreign influence, potentially undermining progressive climate action and creating a chilling effect on future cross-border collaborations.
WTF?
The State Armor report contends that the Environmental Law Institute's engagement with China "has caused harm to American energy" despite its stated environmental protection mission.
Now What?
People should watch for whether the various House and Senate committees addressed by State Armor's letter commit to launching congressional investigations into the Environmental Law Institute's past ties to China and the implications for foreign influence statutes.
