Media

Event Details Event Type: Public Forum / Panel Date: June 11, 2026 Location: Bay City, TX Host / Organizer: Matagorda Against Data Centers Speaker(s): Michael Rice — Principal Systems Engineer & Infrastructure Automation Expert Summary As data center development accelerates across Texas, many communities are asking important questions about water use, power demand, infrastructure, agriculture, and local oversight. On June 11, 2026, Michael Rice joined fellow speakers at “The Cost of Data Centers,” a public forum hosted by Matagorda Against Data Centers in Bay City, Texas. The event brought together technical experts, elected officials, and community advocates to discuss how large-scale data center development may impact Texas communities and natural resources. Drawing on years of work with data center infrastructure, automation, and large-scale computing environments, Michael provided a technical perspective on how these facilities operate and the challenges communities should understand before major projects are approved. ...

Event Details Event Type: Panel / Roundtable Date: June 10, 2026 Location: Houston Republican Convention — Houston, TX Host / Organizer: Humans First Data Center Roundtable Speaker(s): Michael Rice — Principal Systems Engineer & Infrastructure Automation Expert Summary The rapid expansion of data centers across Texas is raising important questions about infrastructure, energy, water resources, local governance, and the future of rural communities. On June 10, 2026, Michael Rice participated in the Humans First Data Center Roundtable at the Houston Republican Convention, alongside state lawmakers, local elected officials, and community leaders, to discuss the opportunities and challenges surrounding large-scale data center development. Drawing on years of work in data center infrastructure and automation, Michael brought a technical perspective to the conversation. ...

In this episode, Michael and Daniel sit down with water expert Dr. Charles Porter to discuss water rights, land ownership, and the impacts large-scale industrial projects can have on rural communities. The conversation covers how water rights work in Texas, what many landowners don’t realize about the water tied to their property, how water rights differ from mineral rights, and what can happen when high-demand industrial users enter rural areas. ...

We sit down with Scott MacLeod, candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas’s 10th Congressional District, to discuss why he is running and the issues facing the district. Topics include federal policy, representation for rural communities, infrastructure, energy development, and the role of Congress in addressing local concerns. This interview is part of the Know Leon County Podcast, focused on helping residents hear directly from candidates and better understand the choices on the ballot. ...

We sit down with Jeremy Story, candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas’s 10th Congressional District, to discuss why he is running and the issues facing the district. Topics include federal policy, representation for rural communities, infrastructure, energy development, and the role of Congress in addressing local concerns. This interview is part of the Know Leon County Podcast, focused on helping residents hear directly from candidates and better understand the choices on the ballot. ...

We sit down with Rob Altman, candidate for U.S. Congress in Texas’s 10th Congressional District, to discuss why he is running and the issues facing the district. Topics include federal policy, representation for rural communities, infrastructure, energy development, and the role of Congress in addressing local concerns. This interview is part of the Know Leon County Podcast, focused on helping residents hear directly from candidates and better understand the choices on the ballot. ...

In this interview, Michael and Daniel are joined by Krisha Tracy, a hyperscaler expert, to discuss how large-scale data centers secure power and what that process can mean for local communities. The conversation focuses on the role hyperscalers play in regional infrastructure, how power sourcing strategies are developed, and how these projects can affect grid reliability. We also discuss transparency with communities, considerations around siting facilities in rural areas, and potential impacts on ranchers and agricultural operations. ...

In this week’s Know Leon County Weekly Wrap-Up, we recap the latest Commissioners Court meeting developments and discuss what residents should be paying attention to moving forward. Watch Topics Covered Commissioners Court rescheduled from Monday to Thursday Resolution dealing with the proposed data center in Marquez Resolution related to the 391 Regional Planning Committee Discussion on requiring industrial projects to follow the National Fire Code (including examples from other counties) Commissioner TJ reading a letter he drafted and is sending to the Governor and other elected representatives Judge Ryder sharing an email he sent to state officials and plans to travel to Washington, DC to discuss data center concerns Low turnout at the meeting and why community participation matters Upcoming interviews with subject matter experts and candidates Links YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JaWlpG1cNQ Website: https://www.knowleoncounty.org Contact: knowleoncounty@gmail.com

TL;DR: Interview with Jessica Karlsruher, candidate for U.S. Congress (TX-10) Discussion on rural communities, infrastructure, energy, and federal priorities Candidate shares background, values, and campaign focus Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evel8spofiY Watch Notes Who Jessica Karlsruher is and why she is running for Congress Key issues facing rural Texas and District 10 Thoughts on energy development, infrastructure, and economic growth Role of federal government in protecting rural communities Link YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evel8spofiY

Episode Description Weekly Wrap-Up – January 22, 2026 | Know Leon County Podcast In this weekly wrap-up episode of the Know Leon County podcast, we cover the latest developments related to data center proposals, county actions, public records requests, and upcoming meetings — along with a timely discussion about winter storm risk in Texas. Topics Covered in This Episode 501(c)(4) Update All paperwork for our 501(c)(4) organization has been completed and submitted. We are currently waiting on the IRS for next steps. Once finalized, we’ll be able to open a bank account and provide clear, transparent ways for people to donate. We’ll share details as soon as that process is complete. ...

Episode 3 of the Know Leon County podcast features a weekly wrap-up of the Commissioners Court meeting and the Jewett town hall, with Ann and Daniel joining the discussion.