Data center development turns some landowners into millionaires
Most Americans say they're opposed to data centers. But a lucky few have gotten rich selling their land to data center developers.
Watch CBS News
Maya Blackstone is a consumer, business and technology reporter and producer for CBS News. She covers economic trends, social media, corporate news and artificial intelligence, with a focus on how they affect everyday Americans. Her work appears across "CBS Mornings," "CBS Evening News," CBS News 24/7, CBS News social media platforms and Newspath.
Before joining CBS News, Blackstone was a video reporter and field producer at CNN. There, she covered politics and the 2024 presidential election, business trends and personal finance. Blackstone has also worked on the video desk at The New York Times, covering breaking news. She is a Chicago native and a graduate of Tufts University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Most Americans say they're opposed to data centers. But a lucky few have gotten rich selling their land to data center developers.
"It really opens up your mind," said one 23-year-old who ditched smartphones to wean herself off social media.
SpaceX's arrival in the region has been good for business, some Brownsville, Texas, residents say, while others rue its impact on the local community.
Juan Hernandez, a former SpaceX employee, owns 6,500 company shares. On the first day of public trading, his wealth ballooned by $1,046,175.
Nearly 20% of Americans of retirement age are employed or seeking employment. "You have to eat," said one 69-year-old of her reasons for continuing to work.
Experts warn that surging energy costs are likely to ripple through U.S. supply chains, resulting in higher prices online and in stores.
Love is biting consumers this year amid the rising cost of flowers, chocolates and other Valentine's Day staples.