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Quick Verdict: AI's Infrastructure Hit by Reality Checks Independent analysis, backed by satellite imagery and on-the-ground reports, suggests that nearly half of crucial AI data center projects in the U.S. are facing
Aetherflux, founded by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, is reportedly raising a Series B round of $250M-$350M at a $2 billion valuation, with Index Ventures leading. The startup has strategically pivoted from space solar power to developing space data centers for AI, aiming to launch its first orbital data center by 2027. This move places Aetherflux in a competitive emerging market alongside other major space companies.
Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince predicts that AI bot traffic will surpass human internet usage by 2027, driven by the insatiable data needs of generative AI. This significant platform shift demands new infrastructure, like adaptable "sandboxes," and places immense strain on existing data centers globally.
"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" developers are seeking a "fair solution" in a new controversy involving a French graphic novel, "L'Académie Clair-Obscur." The dispute centers on title similarity, despite the comic's contract predating the game's reveal, following an earlier issue with AI assets.
Target Hospitality, a company known for operating an ICE detention facility, is rapidly expanding into the burgeoning market of "man camps" to house workers building massive AI data centers. The firm has secured over $132 million in contracts to construct and manage temporary villages, including one for a 1.6-gigawatt data center in Texas, signaling a significant pivot to capitalize on the AI infrastructure boom. This move highlights a new lucrative opportunity for companies with expertise in large-scale, remote housing solutions.
Washington state's House Bill 2515, aimed at regulating data centers for environmental and ratepayer protection, has failed to pass. The bill's demise followed significant lobbying efforts and public opposition from major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon, despite support from environmental groups and consumer advocates.
The Nordic region is experiencing an unprecedented boom in data center construction, driven by the insatiable energy demands of artificial intelligence. Tech giants and specialized 'neocloud' providers are flocking to countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland, drawn by abundant, cheap, and renewable energy, naturally cool climates, and available land. This shift marks a strategic move away from traditional European tech hubs, positioning the Arctic edge as a vital new frontier for AI infrastructure.
GeekWire's top stories for the week of Feb. 15, 2026, highlight Microsoft's new RTO policy and leadership changes at Xbox and Remitly. Washington state is setting new terms for data centers, while Seattle-area startups Temporal and Duckbill secured significant funding rounds. The tech community also paid tribute to desktop publishing pioneer Paul Brainerd.
The Trump administration has repealed Biden-era Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), reverting power plant pollution controls to 2012 levels. This rollback coincides with soaring electricity demand from AI data centers, domestic manufacturing, and electric vehicles. Critics argue the move sacrifices health protections for industry savings, while aging coal plants are kept online to meet the growing energy needs.
