Can the South handle the strain of the data center boom?
Atlanta's data center market is experiencing unprecedented growth, quickly emerging as a leading hub for server farms in the U.S. Driven by soaring demand for data storage and processing power—largely fueled by the rise of AI technologies—the city is becoming a magnet for major tech giants. Yet, this rapid expansion comes with significant challenges. These sprawling facilities, essential for powering everything from cloud services to AI applications, consume vast amounts of energy and water. As the demand for data centers continues to climb, so too do concerns about their impact on vital resources. Credits: Getty Images | Jasper Chatbox | Tesla | Pexels | Microsoft | Google | ChatGPT | Dice | Georgia Power | WSJ | The Times | Politico | Reuters | Edged | Switch | Goldman Sachs | University of Tulsa | Washington Post | CBRE
Ask Atlanta: Are Georgia's data centers worth the cost?
Are the data center jobs, investment and technology worth the added strain on power grids, water supplies and local communities? Credits: AJC | Getty Images
Let Me Put U On: How swimming became my mental reset
For AJC reporter DeAsia Paige, swimming is more than exercise. Credits: Keith Lovely Jr./AJC | Natrice Miller/AJC | DeAsia Paige/AJC
Should cities tell you where their surveillance cameras are?
Atlanta has more surveillance cameras per person than any U.S. city, but officials won't reveal where they are. Should they? Credits: AJC | Getty Images
Police keep misusing license plate readers. Flock Safety is using AI to catch it.
Flock Safety says its AI-powered Audit Assistance Tool can help police departments identify unusual searches. Credits: AJC|Flock Safety|WSB|NYU School of Law