Only a small fraction of data center opponents actually live near one, per new polling by a consulting firm that counsels leading AI labs and tech startups.

Why it matters: The findings by Milltown Partners highlight how data centers have become a stand-in for broader anger at an AI future many Americans don't want but fear they'll have to pay for.

By the numbers: Only 8% of the respondents who oppose data centers say they know of one or more data centers near their home, per the Milltown poll.

Driving the news: Texas lawmakers are grappling with how to regulate data centers.

• Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state energy officials to take up data center regulations aimed at protecting Texans from higher electricity bills.
• Abbott also called for water-efficient cooling systems and requiring noise protection for neighbors.

State of play: There are about 335 operating and 248 planned data centers across the state, according to a Texas Tribune analysis.

Zoom out: 56% of Texas voters surveyed said they opposed the construction of a data center in their community, per a separate poll by UT's Texas Politics Project released last week.

• Data center opposition was stronger (62%) in rural and suburban areas where current and planned data center construction is more common.
• 49% of Texas voters said they thought AI would negatively impact the economy — as opposed to 29% thinking it would bring a positive impact, per the poll.

The intrigue: The backlash is hitting just as tech companies look for new ways to staff their data centers, at least temporarily.

• "People are building massive scale data centers everywhere and they're facing a severe labor shortage. That's the gap we want to fill," Zhou Xian, co-founder and CEO of Genesis AI, tells Axios.

The bottom line: The massive windowless warehouses packed with computing infrastructure have become a physical symbol of wider AI anxiety.

The long-awaited Sítio El Tropicano is coming to life on the San Antonio River Walk.

Why it matters: The boutique hotel breathes new life into a long-vacant landmark.

Flashback: El Tropicano opened in 1962 as the River Walk's first hotel.

• The property closed in 2020, sat vacant through a stalled redevelopment effort and was acquired by a new ownership group, which includes Trestle Studio, in late 2023.

The latest: The hotel is now accepting reservations for stays beginning in mid-December, with rooms starting at a little over $230 per night.

• During a preview event Wednesday, it was announced that Austin-based Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group — the team behind Pullman Market and Ladino in San Antonio — will oversee the property's food and beverage program.

The vibe: Trestle Studio — which has offices in Chicago and New York City — is reimagining the 315-room hotel as an urban oasis inspired by Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, weaving lush greenery and natural elements throughout the property.

• The hotel will feature three dining options, a 5,000-square-foot spa, San Antonio's largest hotel pool deck and more than 400 feet of River Walk frontage.

Between the lines: Also announced Wednesday was Sítio Club, a membership program with perks including members-only spaces; access to the hotel's pool, spa and fitness center; priority reservations; and preferred room upgrades.

• Members will also get access to dedicated nights at Flamingo Bar, a lounge inspired by the original hotel's famed Flamingo Garden.

🛣️ The city of San Antonio estimates it would cost about $300,000 — up from an original $205,000 estimate — to rename César E. Chávez Boulevard back to Durango. (Spectrum News)

🦒 Gracie, a giraffe, was found in the Hill Country several days after a ranch reported her missing. (KENS)

🍎 Stat du jour

San Antonio ISD's four-year graduation rate reached a record 90% for the class of 2025, up from 87.3% the previous year.

• The district also reduced its four-year dropout rate from 8.9% to 7.6%. (SAISD)

Slate, a Jeff Bezos-backed company, is offering a stripped-down, bare-bones electric pickup truck, with a starting price tag of $24,950.

The latest: Pre-orders started last week, requiring a $300 deposit.

• It has a driving range of 205 miles, can tow up to 2,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,550 pounds.
• What it doesn't have is a radio or touchscreen — or about half the parts found in a typical truck.

How it works: Slate's goal is to provide an affordable EV that people can customize over time.

• More than 175 accessories will be available from the Slate Marketplace. Some cost less than $500 — including roof racks, stereos, zip-off seat covers and light covers.
• The truck isn't painted, but buyers can choose from more than 100 wrap colors for $500.

Reality check: Once people add all their preferences, Slate buyers are likely to pay a lot more.

📬 Tell us: Could this truck handle life in Texas? Why or why not?

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There's a growing trend in San Antonio with a simple premise: Leave a trinket, take a trinket.

Why it matters: The boxes are part of a broader wave of spreading "sidewalk joy," or creating connection through random, swappable items.

The big picture: There are at least a dozen in the San Antonio area, per a map that compiles similar spots worldwide.

Zoom in: The boxes are tucked along sidewalks — or inside businesses, like in the case of Sunlit Thrift on San Pedro Avenue — and stocked with trinkets like stickers, keychains and figurines.

• The items regularly change as people visit.
• The rules: Don't leave trash, food or anything not safe for work.

The bottom line: Sunlit Thrift owner Stephanie Huerta tells Axios they added the trinket box to create a free, low-pressure way to experience community.

• "It reflects what Sunlit Thrift is all about — making our space feel welcoming, sustainable, and community-driven, not just a place to shop," says Huerta.