A.I. data center project

An Alabama animal shelter is suing to block a $2 billion AI data center project in Birmingham, alleging the city and developers bypassed zoning rules and fast-tracked approval. The lawsuit claims the project's rapid permitting process contrasted with an 18-month review for the shelter's planned $67 million veterinary hospital campus.

Empery Digital's shares increased following the sale of its Bitcoin treasury to fund an AI data center project. The move follows a previous demand by a major shareholder to abandon the Bitcoin strategy and replace the CEO and board.

Oakland University has advanced its AI data center project to the next phase after a board vote, despite opposition from some faculty, students, and the Native American community. The proposed 15-acre facility, using 2% of the power of hyperscale data centers, will be relocated to Parking Lot 37 to distance it from sensitive areas, including a Native American heritage site. University officials argue it will enhance student training in AI and technology, while opponents cite environmental and cultural concerns.

Maine nearly passed a statewide moratorium on new data centers this year, but residents of Jay successfully opposed the ban to allow an A.I. data center project. The town's support highlights local interest in the development despite broader state concerns.