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Decoder · October 1, 2026 · 44m

How Utah locals fought Kevin O'Leary's AI data center

Verge reporter Josh Dzieza discusses his investigation into the troubled Stratos data center project in Utah, backed by Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary. The project, which hasn't broken ground, has already triggered a political earthquake in the state, including the ouster of a county commissioner. Dzieza explains how the AI industry's infrastructure boom is colliding with local communities across the political spectrum, creating bipartisan backlash that tech companies can't simply spend their way out of. The conversation highlights the emerging frontline where data center ambitions meet the democratic processes of small-town America.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Preview

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Stratos data center: a project that reshaped Utah politics before breaking ground
The Stratos data center in Utah, backed by Kevin O'Leary, has become a political flashpoint even though it hasn't been built.
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Bipartisan backlash to data centers
The AI data center boom is facing growing opposition from both the left and the right.

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