Microsoft data center brings "a kind of boom" amid AI pushback

What happened: Microsoft has run its Columbia Data Center in Quincy, Washington for 20 years, and Mayor Paul Worley told CBS News it created "a kind of boom" for the area, even as opposition to data centers helped Democratic candidates who oppose new construction win last week's midterms. Key numbers: More than half of voters said AI and Why it matters: Microsoft president Brad Smith said the industry must better inform opponents about the essential services data centers enable, and that the company pledges not to raise neighbors' electricity rates and to replenish more water than it uses. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

Microsoft has run its Columbia Data Center in Quincy, Washington for 20 years, and Mayor Paul Worley told CBS News it created "a kind of boom" for the area, even as opposition to data centers helped Democratic candidates who oppose new construction win last week's midterms.

Microsoft president Brad Smith said the industry must better inform opponents about the essential services data centers enable, and that the company pledges not to raise neighbors' electricity rates and to replenish more water than it uses.