AI Index Trust Gap, Orbital Compute Cluster, Computing Power Crunch, and Data Center Backlash

News and Updates:

• Stanford AI Trust Gap: The 2026 AI Index reveals a widening divide: while 56% of experts feel positive about AI, only 10% of the public agrees.
• Orbital Compute Launch: Canada’s Kepler Communications successfully launched an orbital cluster of 10 satellites using Nvidia processors, proving software can operate effectively in space.
• Compute Power Shortage: Soaring demand for autonomous "agentic" AI is causing severe compute rationing, forcing companies like OpenAI to scrap products to prioritize enterprise tools.
• Wisconsin Data Center Referendum: Port Washington voters passed a landmark referendum requiring community approval for large-scale data projects receiving more than $10 million in tax benefits.
• Texas Tax Break Scrutiny: Texas data center tax breaks are ballooning toward $1.8 billion annually, prompting state lawmakers to consider repeal or stricter oversight for 2027.