How to Build a Data Center Without Making Enemies

How to Build a Data Center Without Making Enemies

Author: The Wall Street Journal September 8, 2026 Duration: 12:25

Data centers can be built to add more water to a community than they draw, be powered in greener ways, avoid disturbing people with noise, and not increase local utility rates. But that’s not happening right now. WSJ tech columnist Christopher Mims discusses how data centers can be built with people in mind. Plus, new smartglasses from Snap are weeks away. Journal deputy media editor Jessica Toonkel explains why the social-media company is making such a big gamble on the tech. Belle Lin, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute, hosts.


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Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

WSJ Tech News Briefing
Podcast Episodes
How Big Tech Hopes to Win Over Data Center Skeptics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:42
Tech companies are deploying a variety of tactics—from holding listening sessions to offering guaranteed jobs to writing big checks—to win public support for the data centers they need to power AI. WSJ reporter Isabella…
TNB Tech Minute: Alibaba Earnings Slump Amid Heavy AI Investments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:08
Plus: California sees record venture capital funding this year. And OpenAI has paused new AI model training for two weeks. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information…
TNB Tech Minute: OpenAI Promises Not to Keep Business Customer Data [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:15
Plus: FTC warns companies on using private consumer data to set prices. And a Chinese humanoid robot-maker soared 460% in its trading debut. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.co…
TNB Tech Minute: Pennsylvania to Restrict Data-Center Construction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:32
Plus: A massive federal child safety trial against Meta begins opening arguments. And Apple plans to change its terms for app developers to appease EU’s antitrust officials. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ad…
TNB Tech Minute: OpenAI Launches ChatGPT for Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:15
Plus: Baidu’s profit and revenue continue to fall as the Chinese internet titan pivots to AI. And younger workers are nabbing AI jobs. Julie Chang hosts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for…
How AI Is Cracking the Case on Medical Mysteries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:37
Patients, doctors and nurses are turning to AI for help identifying rare and undiagnosed diseases. WSJ reporter Alex Janin explains what makes AI good at playing medical detective, and how some people have used it effect…