Pew Research Center

Yonder Radio’s special report examines how various forms of power—including computing, economic, political, and physical resources—are shaping data center development in rural America. According to Pew Research Center, two-thirds of new data centers are slated for rural areas, creating a conflict between the need for AI infrastructure and local concerns over land, water, and energy resources. The report features analysis from Michael J. Hicks on economic expectations and grassroots opposition from Saul Levin.

The United States faces a global security environment characterized by weakened alliances, economic exhaustion, and simultaneous multiple conflicts involving Iran, Russia's war against Ukraine, North Korea, and China. Confidence in the U.S. is declining, demonstrated by low favorable views in surveys and unpredictability in transatlantic relations. These geopolitical pressures strain foundational global systems that the United States spent generations building.

Despite a rapid influx of AI-generated assets into marketplaces like CGTrader, consumers are reportedly favoring human-made products due to perceived superior quality. Data from CGTrader revealed that even with one in six models being AI-generated, these assets accounted for only 2.6% of sales revenue. Experts noted this consumer preference suggests buyers value the high standard historically offered by human creators.

A Pew Research Center survey found that young adults are now more concerned about AI than excited by it, marking a decline in sentiment since 2021. The findings indicate widespread concern regarding job security, as 71% of Americans believe AI will lead to fewer jobs. Despite arguments from CEOs and studies finding no widespread displacement, some companies like Oracle, Cisco, IBM, and Uber are citing AI as a factor in layoff decisions.

According to an analysis of State Department data by the Pew Research Center, refugee admissions in the United States are on pace to hit a record low for the first 10 months of the fiscal year. The U.S. admitted 10,258 refugees during the initial period and has capped admissions at 17,500 for fiscal 2026. In comparison, the country admitted 100,034 refugees during a previous full year when Biden was president.

A new analysis indicates that refugee admissions to the United States are on pace to hit their lowest record level during the first 10 months of the fiscal year. This steep decline has been noted since President Donald Trump began his second term, and the administration has capped refugee admissions for fiscal 2026 at 17,500. Historically, the U.S. admitted significantly higher numbers of refugees in previous years.

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky advised that Silicon Valley must prioritize developing AI products for regular people instead of focusing only on enterprise solutions to improve public perception. He noted that American sentiment toward AI is currently low, referencing a Pew Research Center report stating 40% of US adults believed the impact would be negative. Therefore, he suggests consumer applications are necessary to shift general acceptance and belief in AI's benefits.

Lawmakers face a dilemma as Americans push back against Big Tech's development of AI data centers, citing concerns over strained power grids, water use, and rising utility costs. This issue has become increasingly bipartisan, leading some politicians to restrict developments despite previously courting the projects for their towns and states.

A Pew Research Center report reveals 59% of Mexican adults hold a favorable view of China compared to 40% for the United States. Mexico's government has imposed tariffs on Chinese imports as part of its Plan México strategy, despite public preference for Chinese products like BYD vehicles and Temu/Shein goods.

Max Miller, a Republican, refuses to withdraw from the Ohio House race despite facing domestic abuse allegations from his ex-wife and two other women. He cites President Trump's 2016 resilience as a reason to stay in the race, which could endanger a Republican-held seat in the midterms.

YouTube star Hank Green apologized for overusing ChatGPT in video scripts after fans accused him of accidentally including an AI-generated prompt. He plans to reduce content production and rely less on AI for research, acknowledging it may have hindered his creative process.

Evan Newton, a 25-year-old Gen Z journalist, purchased the Monticello News in Georgia, becoming one of the state's youngest newspaper owners. He acquired the outlet from previous owner Katherine Mudd to keep it local, avoiding a corporate takeover. The sale has drawn national attention as a rare example of optimism in local journalism amid widespread newsroom closures.

Sportswriter Howard Bryant accused WNBA player Sophie Cunningham of being 'anti-trans' and 'anti-black' in a Guardian op-ed, comparing her to Colin Kaepernick. Cunningham's stance on protecting girls' sports from biological males aligns with 79% of Americans, per a Pew survey. The article critiques Bryant's claims as unfounded and racially charged.

A 2026 Pew Research Center report reveals China is now viewed more favorably than the United States in most countries, reversing a two-decade trend. The findings are based on 42,151 interviews conducted in 36 countries between February and May 2026.

The article presents a weekly news quiz highlighting key developments in Mexico, including economic policies, international relations, sports achievements, corporate investments, and cultural events. Topics range from tariffs on iconic products to endangered species and historical CIA activities in a literary magazine.

Mexico captured a CJNG leader linked to the 2025 assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, a Pew survey revealed Mexicans now favor China over the US, and Kia announced a $649M investment in electric vehicles.

The article highlights the higher COVID-19 death rates in pro-Trump counties compared to pro-Biden counties, criticizes right-wing resistance to public health measures, and argues against focusing blame on Anthony Fauci. It suggests that political and media leaders' actions contributed to preventable deaths and calls for investigations into anti-vaccine disinformation and other factors.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer faces four primary opponents in Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, reflecting Democratic voters’ disagreements on party direction despite shared goals of defeating Republicans and addressing affordability. Challengers criticize Beyer’s perceived passivity and wealth, advocating for a more progressive, grassroots-focused approach to represent Northern Virginia.

Mexicans view China and Chinese President Xi Jinping more favorably than the United States and U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a Pew Research Center survey. The survey found 59% of Mexican respondents had a favorable view of China, compared to 40% for the U.S., with similar trends observed in Canada.

A Pew Research Center survey found 77% of U.S. adults support in-class cellphone bans for middle school and high school students, with 48% backing all-day bans—a significant increase from 36% in 2024. Over 20 states have implemented all-day bans, and 38 have other restrictions on student phone use.

Portobello’s Grill in Baton Rouge closed after years of operation, with owner Peter Sclafani thanking patrons and redirecting gift cards to sister restaurant SoLou. Cracker Barrel appointed David Deno as new CEO following backlash against Julie Masino’s rebranding efforts. A Pew Research Center survey found Canadians and Mexicans now view China more favorably than the U.S., with higher confidence in President Xi Jinping over Donald Trump.

Nearly 40% of Americans aged 55-65 lack retirement accounts, with similar rates among younger age groups. Financial pressures lead many to withdraw funds early, and a significant portion of retirees are struggling financially.

AI chatbots are being used for emotional support in relationships, potentially weakening human communication and empathy. A Texas writer reported feeling like she was in a relationship with her boyfriend and an AI robot after discovering his ChatGPT conversations. Surveys indicate 1 in 5 young adults use AI for relationship advice, raising concerns about over-reliance on AI for emotional validation.

Meta's AI ad promotes an optimistic vision with rainbows and children, contrasting with recent layoffs of 8,000 workers. Public skepticism grows, with 40% of Americans fearing AI's negative impact and protests against data centers. AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI are shifting to positive messaging amid concerns about the U.S.-China AI competition.

A Pew Research Center survey reveals economic issues, particularly prices and affordability, are top concerns for voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. Americans are split on which party aligns with their economic views, with 37% favoring Democrats and 36% Republicans. Negative economic sentiment persists, with only 24% rating current conditions as excellent or good, and six-in-ten Americans believe Trump’s policies worsened economic conditions.

Katerine Lacourciere, a rising senior at Essex High School, argues for increased investment in student journalism programs in Vermont. She highlights the success of the Hive, her school's online publication, and a collaborative journalism program in New England, emphasizing the need for more schools to offer such opportunities to develop students' skills and engage them in civic life.

Israel's $730m public diplomacy budget and influencer campaign, including the 'Esther Project' with agencies like Havas Media Group, failed to improve Western support amid Gaza conflict, as surveys show declining public favorability. The campaign involved paying influencers up to $7,000 per post and leveraging TikTok's US operations acquired by Larry Ellison.

The U.S. federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 for 17 years, making it the lowest in 70 years and officially a poverty wage, according to a report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR). A full-time job at this wage falls below the Department of Health and Human Services' poverty threshold, with 62% of Americans supporting a $15 minimum wage.

A Pew Research Center poll reveals China and Xi Jinping are viewed more favorably than the US and its president in most of 36 major countries surveyed. The US's favorable rating dropped from 58% to 36%, while China's rose from 32% to 46% in 20 countries. Positive perceptions of China are stronger in Latin America, Africa, and parts of South and Southeast Asia compared to wealthier European and East Asian nations.

Republicans acknowledge their midterm prospects are poor and are relying on voters' dislike of Democrats to win. GOP strategists argue that public anger toward Democrats outweighs anger toward Republicans, but internal frustrations persist over Trump's focus on non-economic issues. Polls suggest Democrats may gain a House majority, and Trump's approval ratings remain negative.

Power companies are using eminent domain to acquire land for data centers amid growing public opposition, with 70% of Americans objecting due to concerns like utility costs, pollution, and environmental impact. Data centers, which require significant electricity and water, are expanding rapidly, straining electrical grids and prompting legal debates over whether private infrastructure projects qualify for public use under eminent domain laws.

The Pew Research Center survey found that more people in 25 out of 36 countries favor China over the US, driven by tensions between the Trump administration and US allies. The poll, conducted from February to May during the US-Israel war against Iran, shows a shift in global favorability towards China and Xi Jinping compared to the US and Trump.

A Pew Research Center poll shows more people in 25 out of 36 surveyed countries and territories view China more favorably than the US, driven by tensions between the Trump administration and US allies. The survey period coincided with a US-Israel war against Iran.

A Pew Research Center poll reveals China is viewed more favorably than the US in 25 out of 36 surveyed countries, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping also more positively assessed than US President Donald Trump in 22 countries. The shift is attributed to global tensions under the Trump administration and fading pandemic concerns, marking the first time in 20 years China surpasses the US in positive global perceptions.

A Pew Research Center survey found that in 25 of 36 countries, China is viewed more favorably than the U.S., with Chinese leader Xi Jinping also rated more positively than U.S. President Donald Trump in 22 countries. The shift is attributed to U.S. actions like military interventions and Trump's policies, which have damaged global perceptions of the U.S.

A Pew Research Center poll found more people view China more favorably than the United States in 25 of 36 countries surveyed, including Canada and Mexico. Chinese leader Xi Jinping was viewed more favorably than US President Donald Trump in 22 of these countries.

A Pew Research Center survey reveals that more people in 25 of 36 countries view China and its leader Xi Jinping more favorably than the U.S. and Donald Trump. The shift is linked to U.S. foreign policy actions, including the war with Iran, Trump's demands over Greenland, and handling of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, alongside China's perceived reliability in global stability.

A Pew Research Center survey found that more people in 25 out of 36 countries and territories view China and its leader Xi Jinping more favorably than the U.S. and Donald Trump. This shift is attributed to U.S. actions like the war against Iran, Trump's policies, and comparisons with China's perceived reliability in contributing to global peace.

Pennsylvania is advancing a statewide 'bell-to-bell' cellphone ban in public schools through companion Senate and House bills, with Governor Josh Shapiro seeking its enactment. The policy aims to reduce digital distractions, enhance classroom engagement, and address conflicts fueled by social media. However, experts warn students with problematic smartphone use may face short-term academic and behavioral challenges adapting to the restrictions.

A Pew Research Center survey found that 44% of Muslim Americans have a favorable view of Hamas, compared to 17% of Black Protestants, 4% of white evangelical Protestants, and 8% of Catholics.