Hi, I’m Keya Vakil, the Vice President of State Political Content at COURIER.
Everywhere you look, people are talking about data centers.
“How Data Centers Broke American Politics,” read a WIRED headline from early August.
“The Great Bipartisan Data Center Smackdown Has Begun,” read another from the Wall Street Journal.
There is now virtually unanimous consensus among political insiders that championing data centers is a toxic stance that can cost a candidate a race. But before data centers became a national political story, they were a local one. And at COURIER, we’ve been covering the data center fights unfolding in communities across the country well before the issue went mainstream.
We saw early on what everyone sees now: people of all political stripes oppose data centers. Since October 2025, we have published over 1,700 stories, videos, and graphics on this debate across our 19 local newsrooms. That coverage has broken through, driving an enormous amount of online engagement and even drawing national attention.
How did we know we were onto something before many other media companies?
P.S. If you haven't already, follow us on social (like and subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, Threads, and X/Twitter) to make sure you don't miss anything.
Arizona AG calls for halt on new data centers
Arizona’s data center boom could come at a steep cost for residents. Attorney General Kris Mayes is calling for a pause on new projects, warning they could strain the state’s water supply, stress the electric grid, and drive up utility bills. Copper Courier has the story.
Colorado Rep. Gabe Evans promised striking workers support. He took corporate cash instead.
Colorado Rep. Gabe Evans promised to stand with 3,800 striking meatpackers in his district. Instead, he stayed silent while they walked the picket line—and his campaign collected thousands from their employer and its lobbyists. Courier Colorado has the story.
Joe Mitchell’s companies cashed in on a tax credit he helped expand
Iowa Republican Joe Mitchell has called a federal housing tax credit “a disaster.” But as a state lawmaker, he voted to expand a similar Iowa program—and companies he later became part-owner of went on to receive more than $2.5 million from it. Iowa Starting Line has the story.
Keisha Lance Bottoms takes her campaign to rural Georgia
With less than 70 days until Georgians elect their next governor, Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms is taking her campaign to rural communities across the state. Courier Georgia is on the ground as the race enters its final stretch.
Kentucky Republican scrubs Trump from campaign site as race tightens
Republican Ralph Alvarado spent the primary promising to be an “America First Fighter” for Trump and celebrated his endorsement. Now, as he faces a competitive race for Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District, Trump has quietly disappeared from his campaign website—replaced by promises of “independent leadership.” Hellbender Newsroom has the story.
Michigan Republicans have a data center problem
Republicans in Michigan spent years backing data centers. Now, with growing concerns about their impact on utility bills and local communities, some are changing their tune just in time for Election Day. The ‘Gander Newsroom breaks down the sudden shift—and the records they’re hoping voters forget.
Grieving father says GOP used his story to attack a candidate he supports
A Republican-aligned group is using a North Carolina father’s testimony about his son’s murder in an ad attacking Democratic Senate candidate Roy Cooper. But the father says he never knew his story would be used for political purposes—and he plans to vote for Cooper anyway. Cardinal & Pine reports.
Pennsylvania congressman promised to stop stock trading. He’s made 644 trades instead.
Pennsylvania Rep. Rob Bresnahan promised voters he’d fight congressional stock trading. Then he made 644 trades worth $8.47 million after taking office. Now, tens of thousands of his constituents are taking matters into their own hands. The Keystone has the story.
Trump’s Iran war takes center stage in competitive Virginia House race
Two Navy veterans are facing off in one of Virginia’s most competitive House races—and Trump’s Iran war is becoming a dividing line. Democrat Elaine Luria says Rep. Jen Kiggans has failed to stand up for service members as the war drags on and cuts at the VA make it harder for veterans to get care. Dogwood has the story.
Trump’s stance on data centers at odds with most Texans
Trump is going all-in on data centers, claiming communities that oppose them risk becoming “backwards and poor.” But in Texas, voters across the political spectrum are increasingly pushing back—and Republicans like Gov. Greg Abbott and Senate nominee Ken Paxton are now scrambling to distance themselves from the industry. Courier Texas has the story.
That’s it for ROUNDUP this week. This email was sent to 51,606 readers. If you enjoy reading this newsletter each week, would you mind sharing it on X/Twitter, Threads, or Bluesky? Have a tip, idea, or feedback? Reply directly to this email.
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