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PBS News Hour

Janesville becomes battleground in AI data center debate

Season 2026 Episode 149 | 8m 45s

Artificial intelligence is fueling stock market highs, economic growth and a construction boom across the country. But it is also igniting fierce local debates about the benefits, the costs and whether the data centers that power AI should be built at all. Economics correspondent Paul Solman looks at how one of those battles is playing out in the Midwest.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
July 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E149 | 57:46
Watch • 5:20
PBS News Hour
Hegseth says Iran war has cost $37.5B so far
Hegseth says Iran war has cost $37.5B so far and Pentagon needs $67B to restock arms
Clip: S2026 E149 | 5:20
Watch • 9:20
PBS News Hour
Lebanese skeptical of Israel agreement as violence continues
Southern Lebanese skeptical of Israel agreement as violence continues
Clip: S2026 E149 | 9:20
Watch • 6:48
PBS News Hour
Trump raises tensions with Canada by announcing new tariffs
Trump raises tensions with Canada by announcing new 50% tariffs
Clip: S2026 E149 | 6:48
Watch • 7:14
PBS News Hour
Epstein survivor calls Blanche meeting 'a performative move'
Epstein survivor criticizes Blanche, calls meeting 'a performative move'
Clip: S2026 E149 | 7:14
Watch • 7:22
PBS News Hour
Anna Deavere Smith brings her family's history to the stage
Anna Deavere Smith brings her family's history to the stage in 'Basil Biggs'
Clip: S2026 E149 | 7:22
Watch • 6:20
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Gulf Coast prepares for Tropical Storm Bertha
News Wrap: Gulf Coast prepares for Tropical Storm Bertha
Clip: S2026 E149 | 6:20
Watch • 4:08
PBS News Hour
U.S. strikes Iran after deaths of service members
U.S. launches more strikes on Iran after deaths of service members
Clip: S2026 E148 | 4:08
Watch • 0:47
PBS News Hour
Remembering PBS programming executive Sylvia Bugg
Remembering PBS programming executive Sylvia Bugg
Clip: S2026 E148 | 0:47
Watch • 6:25
PBS News Hour
Netanyahu government defies top court as election nears
Netanyahu government defies court, raising constitutional crisis fears as election nears
Clip: S2026 E148 | 6:25