Inside the Port Washington data center complex under construction on October 22, 2026. Henry Larson/NPR hide caption
The backlash in Wisconsin to data center construction has the candidates for governor from both parties quickly adjusting their midterms campaign messaging. NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer visits one data center in Port Washington, Wis., which the mayor says will bring much needed funding to the community - but the neighbors hate it. This episode was produced by Henry Larson and Michelle Aslam, with engineering from Damian Herring. Our director is Alejandra Marquez Janse. It was edited by Sarah Robbins and Brett Neely. Our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org .
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