Hyperscale, hypersensitive: US teacher cuffed for applauding datacenter critics
Public meeting over proposed AI bit barn ended with zoning approval, a physics teacher arrested, and fresh questions over whether clapping now counts as disorderly conduct
A Kansas physics teacher discovered that in at least one corner of America's AI buildout, applause can apparently earn you a trip to jail.
According to local news reports, Lux Claridge, a 37-year-old physics teacher from Emporia, was arrested after applauding a speaker opposing zoning changes for a proposed hyperscale datacenter, turning what should have been an ordinary planning meeting into national news.
The meeting was called to consider zoning changes for the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, a "gigawatt-scale" datacenter development. More than 30 residents signed up to speak, with critics warning the project would strain local power and water resources while reshaping the community. Supporters argued it would bring jobs and investment to Emporia.
Commissioners had repeatedly warned attendees not to...
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