Data center backlash in midterm elections and Iran launches attacks on U.S. targets: Morning Rundown

Listen to this article with a free profile 00:00 00:00 Share Add NBC News to Google July 29, 2026, 7:05 AM EDT By Elizabeth Robinson , Daniela Suarez and Delia Sara Rangel The backlash against AI data centers is becoming a key issue in midterm races. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike sites in Iraq. And the whey protein craze is creating a cheese surplus.

Opposition to data centers is spilling into midterm primary and general election contests, with the fight intensifying quickly. President Donald Trump’s economic speech in Michigan on Monday was interrupted by protesters opposed to the developments, while state and federal candidates are releasing ads highlighting their positions on data centers.

Polling shows Americans broadly oppose data centers being built near their homes, while research suggests groups fighting the developments are gaining momentum.

The swelling opposition has even crossed partisan lines.

For Democrats, concerns over the environmental impact of data centers, potential job losses and broader skepticism of AI and corporate America have created an opening for progressive messaging. But a divide is emerging within the party between those who want to slow development and those who support allowing growth with conditions.

Republicans, too, have shifted their stance, with more now seeking to ensure data centers don’t drive up voters’ power bills. Trump is among them.

How data center and AI industry leaders are pushing back.

Add NBC News to Google Iran launches surprise attack on U.S. Middle East bases 01:05 Iran attacked U.S. forces in the Middle East overnight, prompting Saudi Arabia and the United States to strike a Tehran-backed militia in Iraq and ending several days of relative calm. The exchange has raised fears of a wider escalation in the conflict.

Iran had paused its attacks amid renewed efforts to reach a deal with the U.S., but warned earlier this week that it would not allow Washington to dictate the “timing of war and peace” while insisting the Strait of Hormuz remained “closed.”

The renewed hostilities ended a brief period of calm after the U.S. suspended daily strikes on Iran to allow space for diplomatic talks.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said it targeted a U.S. air base and military command center in Jordan, state-run Nour News reported early Wednesday local time. Iran’s navy also struck three oil tankers it said were “in violation” of its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to state-run news agency IRNA.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at about 3.6% when it concludes its Federal Open Market Committee meeting today. The decision will be announced this afternoon.

The move comes as inflation continues to fuel an affordability crunch, driven by the Trump administration’s tariffs and higher energy prices linked to the war with Iran. With inflation remaining above the Fed’s 2% target for more than five years, traders expect policymakers to raise rates before the end of the year. But Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh has given little indication of the central bank’s next move.

The factors keeping interest rates from budging.

Add NBC News to Google A rare look at the Pope’s Garden in his summer house 02:00 About an hour outside Rome lies 135 acres of gardens dotted with vineyards, olive groves, ancient ruins and even an observatory. Together with the nearby Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the estate has served as the popes’ summer retreat for centuries — a tradition Pope Leo XIV is continuing.

“This has been in the history of the popes a place where they have chosen over time to be able to come and rest, to get away from all the busyness of Rome and to recharge,” Rev. Manuel “Manny” Dorantes told “NBC Nightly News” anchor Tom Llamas during a tour of the historic Borgo Laudato Si’ gardens. Pope Leo will lead a “Concert for Peace” there today, featuring an international choir joined by Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli.

“Little Miss Muffet, she sat on her tuffet, eating her curds and whey.” It’s a classic nursery rhyme, but it’s surprisingly timely. You can’t make whey without making cheese.

America’s protein obsession is driving demand for whey, prompting dairy processors to produce record amounts of cheese. But Americans aren’t eating much more cheddar — so where does all the extra go? I spoke with dairy experts to find out. The answer lies with our neighbors abroad. — Grace Thomas , business and economy intern

PSA: The Le Creuset Factory to Table Sale is back so now is the best time to save on the brand’s top-rated Dutch ovens, skillets and more. Plus, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still underway with up to 40% off brands like Dyson, Kiehl’s, Adidas and more.

Elizabeth Robinson is a newsletter editor for NBC News, based in Los Angeles.

Delia Rangel is a platforms intern based in Los Angeles.

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