How the data-center backlash became a midterms flash point
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Hey there, one quick request before we start the show. The midterms are less than six weeks away, and our interview show Apple News in Conversation wants your big questions about this year's elections. Is there a campaign promise, a talking point, or a political buzzword that you keep hearing that you want unpacked or fact-checked? We'll bring a few experts on In Conversation to give you some answers. Just use your iPhone's Voice Memos app to record yourself. Tell us your name, where you're from, and your question, and please try to keep it to about 30 seconds. You can send it to us at inconversation at apple.com, and we might include your question on the show. Thank you. Good morning. It was another dramatic day at the UN as Israel's prime minister delivered an uncompromising address in New York City.
What NPR discovered when it traveled the country to see how data centers were impacting politics.
In my estimation, I think it is definitely the biggest local issue going right now.
And how the NBA's first ever MVP got to the top with barely any traditional basketball training. It's Friday, September 25th. I'm Gideon Resnick. This is Apple News Today.
Yesterday, it was Benjamin Netanyahu's turn at the UN General Assembly podium. But before he could even start, dozens of delegates began exiting their chairs in a mass walkout. As people left the room, a supportive group was chanting Am Yisrael Chai, a popular refrain meaning the nation of Israel lives. Eventually, Netanyahu addressed what remained of his audience.
Mr. President. Before I begin, just a quick announcement. If there are any other moral cowards who haven't yet left this hall, please do so now. Thank you very much.
What followed was a combative speech and a defense of Israeli military action in Iran.
Devastating Iran's nuclear facilities was hard. It was very hard to do. But for me, it was one of the easiest decisions I've ever had to make as prime minister. Because if we hadn't done it, we'd all
be dead. And he addressed the accusations against his country's actions in Gaza. Last year, a UN commission investigating the war concluded that Israel was committing genocide. That's a position shared by New York City's Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who had suggested that he would like to see Netanyahu arrested for war crimes upon entering the city. Netanyahu targeted Mamdani directly in his remarks.
Mr. Mamdani, you try to stop me from coming here. You try to silence me. Well, you can't silence me. You can't silence the truth. And here's the simple truth. Here's the simple truth. Israel didn't commit genocide.
What’s the significance of the UN walkout during Netanyahu’s speech?
Israel prevented genocide.
In response, Mamdani accused Netanyahu of using his platform to repeat, quote, baseless lies. And protesters gathered in Manhattan at Netanyahu's appearance, leading to about 100 arrests. As Reuters notes, it was an unusually brief visit for the Israeli prime minister, who cut an isolated figure. According to the Wall Street Journal, he failed to secure a meeting with President Trump, who did find time to meet with Mamdani earlier in the week. And several leaders have used their speaking time at the assembly to sharply criticize Israel, like France's leader, Emmanuel Macron.
Earlier this week,
he asked his audience what would be left of the U.N.' 's credibility if it remained inactive in Gaza. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, delivered his remarks in a pre-recorded video via a translator, having been denied a visa by the U.S.
Our people are being subjected at the hands of the Israeli occupation
forces to killing,
destruction, starvation,
and attempts
at displacement, as
well as a
genocidal war that
has created
an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
But Netanyahu might not have been looking to persuade international observers. Instead, he has bigger priorities at home with elections next month that could put him out of power. One recent poll by the Israeli television network Channel 13 showed an opposition bloc narrowly ahead. Opponents accuse him of failing to prevent Hamas's attacks on October 7th and for subsequently weakening important allegiances abroad.
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Chapters
5 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–2:52
2
What’s the significance of the UN walkout during Netanyahu’s speech?
2:52–7:56
3
Why are data centers becoming the biggest local issue ahead of the midterms?
7:56–12:49
4
How did NPR’s Scott Neuman uncover the nationwide data‑center backlash?
12:49–19:02
5
What are the main NIMBY concerns residents have about nearby data centers?
19:02–19:19
Speakers
2 identifiedMore from Apple News Today
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