There’s growing concern across the country about potential impacts of data centers amid announcements of new ones being built. Conservative estimates put the expected capital expenditures around $3 trillion through 2030. In Mississippi: Katherine Lin Southaven residents showed up to oppose an environmental permit for Elon Musk’s xAI to operate 41 natural gas turbines in Southaven to power its data center complex in the greater Memphis area. Mississippi Today reporters attended the meeting and spoke with residents about the noise and pollution from the company’s power plant. The Southern Environmental Law Center and Earthjustice are threatening to sue xAI on behalf of the NAACP, claiming the company’s power generation in Southaven violates the federal Clean Air Act. Beyond tax dollars, some Mississippi companies are benefitting from the data center build out, especially those supplying and building the centers. Mississippi has five data center projects and potentially more in the works. The artificial intelligence boom across the country is helping drive demand for construction workers, especially high-skill positions such as electricians and HVAC technicians. A bill that passed the state House last week would provide some funding for Mississippi construction training programs and could help meet the demand. A dry spell for some Mississippi liquor stores These are turbulent times for Mississippi’s alcohol industry as the Alcoholic Beverage Control warehouse, the state-run distribution center, is running weeks behind on deliveries of wine and liquor with no immediate remedy.  Some businesses are worried about staying open and losing customers due to shortages.  1.5% of the tax revenue collected by the Department of Revenue in 2025 came from ABC. Lawmakers discussed potential solutions this week but it is expected to be another month before the warehouse is halfway through its backlog. $65 million in investment coming to Mississippi Spartan Composites, a Florida company that manufactures composite materials, is setting up some operations in Lee County. It’s expected to bring in $49 million in investment and create 45 jobs.  Texas-based Firehawk Aerospace is coming to Lowndes County. The defense technology company will invest $16.5 million and create 100 jobs. Share your thoughts with me on data center, manufacturing or wine. Also, if you’ve tried vibe coding, let’s chat. [email protected]. ...read more read less