U.S. Definitely Does NOT Have an AI Kill-Switch, Says Rubio, Plus Data Center Energy Use Forecast is Bad
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TechCrunch: Data centers expected to use 4x more electricity by 2035
By Tim De Chant
What?
A new BloombergNEF report forecasts that U.S. data centers will consume one-fifth of the nation's electricity by 2035, a fourfold increase from current levels, primarily driven by a surge in AI compute. This demand will push data center capacity to nearly 200 gigawatts, with roughly half dedicated to AI and largely concentrated in the U.S.
So What?
This projected surge in electricity demand from data centers will place significant stress on already strained electrical grids, potentially leading to higher energy prices and infrastructure challenges. It highlights critical issues for progressive movements related to energy policy, grid resilience, and the environmental impact of technology growth.
WTF?
One utility, American Electric Power, has threatened to pull out of the PJM Interconnection due to the severe supply-demand imbalance.
Now What?
People should watch for how major electrical grids, particularly PJM and ERCOT, manage the escalating data center demand and connection requests, as well as the resulting impact on electricity prices and utility stability. Additionally, monitor if updated electricity demand forecasts continue to rise and how regulatory bodies respond.
By Yvette Fernandez
What?
Boulder City officials in southern Nevada plan to appeal a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) decision that approved the construction of the Townsite Data Center on 81 acres of federal land adjacent to the city. This approval occurred without consultation from the city after it had rejected the developer's amended plan for a data center on a city site, with city officials citing a circumvention of typical processes and environmental reviews.
So What?
This case is described as a national test against federal overstepping that could impact local communities, particularly in the context of President Donald Trump's executive order to accelerate data center permitting. It highlights a tension between federal directives and local governance regarding land use, environmental concerns, and water consumption in drought-stricken regions.
WTF?
City officials stated that the Bureau of Land Management simply claimed the use of a solar and battery storage facility was "similar" to a data center, thereby not conducting typical environmental studies for the data center.
Now What?
Boulder City is planning to submit an appeal and a "stay" by July 27 to prevent the project from moving forward. People should watch for the outcome of this appeal and any further legal or administrative challenges against the BLM's approval.
WFAE: A Data Center Heist Is At The Center Of The New Novel By Nathaniel Rich
By Jeremy Markovich
What?
The article is an interview with author Nathaniel Rich about his new novel, "The King of California," which centers on a data center heist set in 2004. The novel explores themes of corporate power, the accumulation of wealth, and the societal implications of digital information.
So What?
This novel's exploration of a data center heist and its themes—corporate control of information, wealth disparity, and the societal impact of technology—is relevant to progressive movements. It provides a cultural lens to examine long-standing concerns about data privacy and the distribution of power in a digital age, issues that continue to be central to civil society advocacy.
WTF?
Rich notes that in 2004, the year his novel is set, the very idea of a "data center" was still largely unfamiliar to the public.
Now What?
People should watch for how discussions around this novel might illuminate the historical roots of contemporary debates on data privacy, corporate power, and wealth distribution. It could also spark conversations on how these issues have evolved since 2004 and what future challenges they present.
What?
The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced seven energy bills aimed at addressing data center energy costs, modernizing the electric grid, and enhancing pipeline safety. The Ratepayer Protection Act and the Advancing Modern Grid Act both cleared the committee with a unanimous 52-0 vote.
So What?
The advancement of these bills, particularly those addressing data center energy use, grid modernization, and ratepayer protection, signals potential shifts in energy policy affecting consumer costs and infrastructure reliability. The bipartisan committee support for measures like the Ratepayer Protection Act suggests possible avenues for progressive advocacy on consumer safeguards and efficient energy governance.
WTF?
The "Ratepayer Protection Act" and the "Advancing Modern Grid Act" each cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee with a unanimous 52-0 vote.
Now What?
These seven energy bills will now proceed to the House floor for consideration, indicating the next legislative step for these proposals.
PBS NewsHour: Janesville, once a symbol of the Great Recession, becomes AI data center battleground
What?
Janesville, Wisconsin, a city previously known as a symbol of the Great Recession, has now become a site of contention over the development of AI data centers.
So What?
This development signifies a potential conflict between new economic development from the tech sector and local community or environmental concerns, which are common battlegrounds for progressive movements and civil society.
Now What?
People should watch for the specific issues and stakeholders involved in the "battleground" surrounding the AI data centers in Janesville and the outcomes of these conflicts.
WJCL: Georgia Power releases statement on plans for OpenAI data center in Effingham County
By Graham Cawthon
What?
Georgia Power announced it will serve a major new OpenAI data center project in Effingham County, Georgia, which local officials describe as a $20 billion investment creating 400 permanent jobs. OpenAI will cover all infrastructure and electric service costs, meet long-term energy contract requirements, and provide financial assurances. The facility is expected to need about 3,200 megawatts of electricity, with OpenAI committing up to 1,000 megawatts of flexible demand response over a 25-year agreement.
So What?
This article showcases the massive capital investment and energy demands of leading tech companies, highlighting how public utilities are structuring agreements under specific regulatory rules to manage such growth. The focus on cost allocation, grid stabilization through demand response, and the promise of benefits for all customers will be critical points for progressive movements examining corporate responsibility and equitable energy policies.
WTF?
Local leaders describe the development as a "$20 billion data center campus expected to create 400 permanent jobs," implying an investment of $50 million per job.
Now What?
People should watch for the clarification of job creation figures, as the article presents both "thousands of jobs" from Georgia Power/OpenAI and "400 permanent jobs" from local leaders. It will also be important to monitor if the utility's claimed benefits of "higher reliability and lower prices" for other customers actually materialize as the project progresses.
By Jillian Magtoto
What?
Artificial intelligence company OpenAI plans to build a $20 billion data center campus on 1,400 acres in Effingham County, Georgia, which is expected to be Georgia's largest data center. The county's Industrial Development Authority approved a 50% property tax abatement for 15 years for the project, named "Project Camellia."
So What?
This matters for progressive movements due to the significant environmental concerns raised, including the conversion of 1,400 acres of wetlands to concrete and the massive water and energy demands on the Savannah River and regional power grid. The substantial property tax abatement also highlights concerns about public resources subsidizing large corporations.
WTF?
Georgia Power’s Plant McIntosh is preparing for a new combined-cycle unit, one that energy expert Lucy Metz stated last year is the costliest she has ever seen.
Now What?
People should watch for the community meeting this Thursday regarding OpenAI's proposal and the ongoing development of massive water and energy infrastructure projects to support this and other large facilities. The environmental impacts on the Savannah River and wetlands will also be an area to monitor.
The Conversation: The antifa terrorism threat the Trump administration describes does not exist
By Jason M. Blazakis
What?
The State Department hosted a ministerial on July 16, 2026, on the resurgence of left-wing political terrorism, asserting that a transnational far-left movement called antifa threatens the democratic world, despite allies not finding evidence of such a group. The article explains that the Trump administration manufactured this threat by designating "antifa" as a domestic terrorist organization via executive order in September 2025 and later designated four European groups as Specially Designated Global Terrorists to create a foreign nexus, which the author argues launders the fabricated narrative.
So What?
This matters for progressive movements as the administration's actions risk chilling freedom of speech and assembly, justifying renewed surveillance of lawful political activity, and potentially leading to Americans having bank accounts frozen for "material support to a movement" defined by political positions. It also reveals a partisan bending of counterterrorism policy and risks undermining transatlantic counterterrorism cooperation by diverting resources from genuine threats.
WTF?
Trump's executive order asserts an antifa enterprise into existence and then declares war on it.
Now What?
People should watch for the State Department potentially using pliable allies from the ministerial to claim a global conspiracy of the far left, which could lead to foreign terrorist designations for antifa and the freezing of American bank accounts. Additionally, observe if the U.S. government uses this as cover to shut down protests or revive surveillance of lawful political activity.
By Robpos
What?
The article reports that National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7) is active and being used by the Justice Department and FBI to target left-wing movements, including through task forces and investigations into nonprofit groups. It states that this framework has already led to the conviction and imprisonment of activists, and notes an international dimension with an "Antifa summit" led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aiming for a "global offensive" against "radical left terrorism."
So What?
This matters for progressive movements because the article describes a national security apparatus reorienting towards policing beliefs and political dissent, with severe penalties already imposed on activists. The reported international dimension suggests a coordinated global effort that could further legitimize and expand the targeting of progressive ideologies and organizations domestically.
WTF?
A 94-page indictment against a group called Direct Action Minnesota cited behavior such as including a devil emoji in a Signal message.
Now What?
People should watch for further legal actions and prosecutions of activists under NSPM-7, how "extremist views" are defined and applied to political dissent, and the domestic implications of the "unprecedented global offensive" against "radical left terrorism" described in the article.
The Conversation: The antifa terrorism threat the Trump administration describes does not exist
By Jason M. Blazakis
What?
The State Department hosted a ministerial on July 16, 2026, on the resurgence of left-wing political terrorism, asserting that a transnational far-left movement called antifa threatens the democratic world, despite allies not finding evidence of such a group. The article explains that the Trump administration manufactured this threat by designating "antifa" as a domestic terrorist organization via executive order in September 2025 and later designated four European groups as Specially Designated Global Terrorists to create a foreign nexus, which the author argues launders the fabricated narrative.
So What?
This matters for progressive movements as the administration's actions risk chilling freedom of speech and assembly, justifying renewed surveillance of lawful political activity, and potentially leading to Americans having bank accounts frozen for "material support to a movement" defined by political positions. It also reveals a partisan bending of counterterrorism policy and risks undermining transatlantic counterterrorism cooperation by diverting resources from genuine threats.
WTF?
Trump's executive order asserts an antifa enterprise into existence and then declares war on it.
Now What?
People should watch for the State Department potentially using pliable allies from the ministerial to claim a global conspiracy of the far left, which could lead to foreign terrorist designations for antifa and the freezing of American bank accounts. Additionally, observe if the U.S. government uses this as cover to shut down protests or revive surveillance of lawful political activity.
WGNTV: Mexican man killed after ICE encounter in Florida was on vacation, officials say
By GISELA SALOMON and FABIOLA SÁNCHEZ
What?
A Mexican man named Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán, who was vacationing in the U.S. on a tourist visa, was struck and killed by a tractor trailer in Florida after running from federal immigration officers. His death was the third in about a week involving encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
So What?
This incident highlights the potential for tragic outcomes when federal immigration enforcement encounters individuals, even those reportedly in the U.S. legally as tourists, raising questions about accountability and the scope of ICE operations. It also underscores concerns about migrant safety and the need for support services for families affected by such events.
WTF?
The article notes that Coronilla Durán’s death was "at least the 10th involving encounters with immigration agents since President Donald Trump launched his mass deportation campaign last year," despite the current date in the article being July 21, 2026.
Now What?
People should watch for further details from the ongoing investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol and Department of Homeland Security, and whether DHS will comment on Coronilla Durán's visa status. It's also important to observe the Mexican government's requested review of migrant deaths for possible criminal prosecution.
Common Dreams: Report Exposes Decades of Climate Polluters Pushing the ‘Fraud of Clean Natural Gas’
By Stephen Prager
What?
A new report by the Center for Climate Integrity (CCI) reveals that gas companies knew about the significant climate harms of natural gas, particularly methane emissions, as early as 1968 but deliberately manufactured the myth of "clean natural gas" to protect and expand their business. The industry used public relations firms, created its own research institute, and influenced government studies, like a 1990s EPA report, to perpetuate this deception despite internal findings showing methane's potent climate impact.
So What?
This revelation of long-term, deliberate corporate deception by the gas industry significantly impacts progressive movements by exposing how powerful interests actively undermine climate action and public health for profit. It provides crucial context for advocating for stronger climate policies, demanding corporate accountability, and combating fossil fuel industry narratives.
WTF?
In the 1990s, the industry funded and provided much of the underlying data for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study that concluded the amount of methane produced by natural gas was low enough that it could be considered a “bridge fuel.”
Now What?
Based on the article's conclusion, people should watch for increasing calls for fossil fuel companies to compensate the public for decades of deception and for officials to cease using the "manipulated science" to justify expanding natural gas reliance. The focus will be on achieving accountability for these "profoundly dangerous lies."
By Blanca Begert
What?
California and 19 other attorneys general are suing the Environmental Protection Agency for reversing action on high-polluting refrigerants known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). President Trump announced that grocery stores and air conditioning companies would get several more years to phase out these chemicals, a decision California's Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta states is "arbitrary and capricious" and violates existing law.
So What?
This lawsuit matters for progressive movements as it represents a legal challenge by multiple states against a federal policy rollback that delays climate action on potent greenhouse gases. It underscores ongoing efforts by progressive state governments to uphold environmental regulations against federal deregulation, potentially impacting the timeline for reducing climate-damaging chemicals and industry transitions.
WTF?
The rules for phasing out hydrofluorocarbons were part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020, which President Trump signed during his first presidency, and are now being reversed by his current administration.
Now What?
People should watch for the Environmental Protection Agency's response to the lawsuit and the subsequent legal proceedings in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
Reuters: Marco Rubio tells diplomats to play down talk of American tech 'kill switch'
By Raphael Satter
What?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed diplomats to push back against the narrative of an American tech "kill switch" in American technology products, following international backlash to the Trump administration's brief ban on foreigners accessing advanced AI models. Diplomats are being provided with talking points to counter arguments about U.S. control over essential technologies and to promote American AI products as reliable.
So What?
This highlights a significant tension in global technology governance, where the U.S. government's actions to control advanced AI models raise concerns among allies about digital independence and the potential weaponization of technology. It underscores the challenges progressive movements face in advocating for open, equitable, and secure technological development without undue nationalistic control.
WTF?
The State Department cable provided to diplomats states, "There is no government 'magic button.'"
Now What?
People should watch for how U.S. diplomats attempt to counter "digital sovereignty" and "AI sovereignty" initiatives in foreign markets, and how international partners, particularly European lawmakers, respond to the American sales pitch for AI products amidst their concerns about reliability.
FAIR: Prairieland Was a Test, and Corporate Media Failed
By Dorothee Benz
What?
The article criticizes corporate media for underreporting and mischaracterizing the sentencing of anti-ICE protesters in the Prairieland case, where eight individuals received decades-long prison terms based on "terrorism" charges linked to "antifa." It argues that national news outlets failed to critically examine the government's claims, which utilized new executive orders to define "antifa" as a terrorist organization and apply material support for terrorism charges to protest activities and political views.
So What?
This matters for progressive movements because the media's failure to critically report on these sentences legitimizes the government's legal fictions and its efforts to criminalize dissent, potentially chilling free speech and setting a dangerous precedent for prosecuting left-wing activism. The uncritical adoption of government framing contributes to the delegitimization of "antifa" and other movements, facilitating the criminalization of previously protected political views.
WTF?
One defendant, Daniel Sanchez Estrada, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for moving a box of zines, despite not even being present at the protest.
Now What?
People should watch for further application of executive orders and memos that declare "antifa" a "terrorist organization" and criminalize First Amendment-protected views as "terrorism." Continued scrutiny of how corporate media covers similar cases of political dissent and government prosecutions will be crucial.
Capital Research: Just who are the Democratic Socialists of America?
By Robert Stilson
What?
The article describes the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as a "deeply radical organization" that has undergone "steady political radicalization" since 2016, leading it to call for the "wholesale abolition of capitalism" and other far-left policies. It highlights the revolutionary communist affiliations of several members of the DSA's National Political Committee and the group's "virulent" hostility towards Israel.
So What?
This analysis portrays a prominent progressive organization as having become deeply radicalized, which could influence public and political perceptions of democratic socialism and its role within the broader progressive movement. It suggests that the DSA's internal ideological shifts and "revolutionary communism" may determine its future effectiveness and impact on the political landscape.
WTF?
A resolution approved at the DSA’s 2025 national convention went so far as to make opposition to “the Palestinian cause” — including by uttering the phrase “Israel has a right to defend itself” — an expellable offense.
Now What?
People should watch whether the DSA's "boom-and-bust cycle" continues and if its described "political radicalism" ultimately leads to "factional infighting, self-marginalization, and organizational implosion" as has characterized the American radical left. It will also be important to observe how its influence on Democratic Party politics evolves amidst these internal dynamics.
By Maggie Little
What?
A new report from the watchdog group Defending Education found that colleges of education nationwide are incorporating social justice standards from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) into K-12 teacher training programs. The report claims SPLC content is embedded in coursework, activities, and program evaluations across 38 states and Washington, D.C., with examples at Sacramento State University and Portland State University.
So What?
This report indicates a conservative watchdog group is actively identifying and publicizing the presence of social justice standards, particularly those from the SPLC, in teacher training, labeling them as "politically charged ideologies" and a "socialist experiment." For progressive movements, this signals an ongoing effort by conservative organizations to challenge and potentially roll back social justice and DEI initiatives within the education system.
WTF?
Defending Education founder Nicki Neily stated on X that the “Southern Poverty Law Center is turning education materials into a socialist experiment.”
Now What?
People should watch for responses from the SPLC, Sacramento State University, Portland State University, and other named institutions, as Heartlander News reached out to them for comment. Further, watch for potential legislative or policy actions by state education departments or colleges of education in response to this scrutiny of SPLC materials.
