Loretta had a quiet retirement until Elon Musk built a data centre next door

Loretta Thornton, a war veteran who had hoped for a quiet retirement, was shocked when Elon Musk's SpaceXAI built a massive data centre next door. The Tennessee resident named her house Serenity, but the constant drone of aircraft-like noise from the sprawling facility shattered her peace. Loretta described the noise as "back in Desert Storm," likening it to never-ending war sounds.

The SpaceXAI data centre, known as Colossus II, is the largest in the US and is located in an abandoned warehouse with minimal regulations. The noise pollution, along with the emissions from gas turbines, has caused respiratory issues for Loretta and others nearby. The data centre boom across the US has raised concerns about inadequate regulation, leading to a political battle for midterms.

While Donald Trump supports data centre development, his party's candidates are opposing them in their districts, fearing backlash from constituents. Critics argue that tech companies are taking advantage of outdated city codes, leaving residents in the dark. In Memphis, a growing number of jurisdictions are considering moratoriums on new data centres, but business leaders argue the developments are necessary to boost the economy.

The Greater Memphis Chamber opposes a moratorium, stating that the centres could bring long-term benefits if the city leverages its advantages. However, the promises of local investment, such as a $80 million water recycling facility, have not materialized, eroding community trust.