# Data Centers Halted and Voting Rights Expanded

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy-6982465/data-centers-halted-and-voting-rights-expanded.md
Podcast: [Good News for Lefties | Daily News for Democracy](https://stenobird.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy-6982465)
Published: 2026-09-04T09:01:31+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/data-centers-halted-and-voting-rights-expanded--74874491
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74874491/gnfl_090426_mixdown_1.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy-6982465/episodes/data-centers-halted-and-voting-rights-expanded
Duration seconds: 752

## Resource

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights the positive changes emerging in our society despite the overwhelming negativity often portrayed in the news. We begin by celebrating a significant victory for environmental groups as a federal panel halts the construction of the first artificial intelligence data center on U.S. public lands, siding with advocates who raised concerns about its environmental impact. Next, California takes a bold step forward with the GTFO Act, which would prevent former federal immigration officers from holding public sector jobs, promoting a more equitable hiring process. This move is a testament to the state's commitment to progressive values. In a notable trend, municipalities across the country are cutting ties with Flock Safety, a surveillance camera company, in response to growing public outcry over privacy concerns. This shift reflects a broader movement towards protecting civil liberties. In Alaska, voters have defied their Republican governor by approving new donation limits for political candidates, signaling a pushback against the influence of wealthy donors in elections. This citizen initiative demonstrates the power of grassroots activism in shaping democracy. Maine is also making strides in voting rights as the NAACP prison branch works to expand access for incarcerated individuals, ensuring that every voice is heard in the electoral process. Finally, we discuss the surge in battery storage capacity in the U.S. power sector, marking a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions. The growth of grid batteries is crucial for enhancing energy resilience and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Today's Stories: Federal Panel Halts What Would Be First Data Center on Public Lands | Common Dreams Cali…

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