Grammy Award-winning American country music singer and songwriter Brad Paisley is urging people to speak against a proposed data center that would be constructed near the Nashville Zoo. In an Instagram reel, Paisley called the project an “absolute nightmare scenario.” “First of all, they don’t have the power to build this. They don’t have the water. It doesn’t belong there. It would be an enormous monstrosity, an absolute eyesore, and detract in every way from not only that zoo, but that area,” Paisley said in his video. Watch below: Should a data center right be built right next to the Nashville Zoo? Brad Paisley has entered the chat and joins thousands who have already signed a petition against the building proposal. In a statement to NewsChannel 5 today, the Nashville Zoo said it has every intention of… pic.twitter.com/tXtax7k7so — NewsChannel 5 (@NC5) June 8, 2026 NBC News shared further: The video comes days after the zoo created a petition and promoted it on social media, which brought national attention to the dispute and had amassed 331,824 signatures and over 126,599 shares Monday afternoon. The zoo’s president and CEO, Rick Schwartz, said in an interview Friday he was particularly concerned about its impact on rare and vulnerable species at the facility, such as the clouded leopard, whose population the zoo is working to conserve. Paisley, a Nashville resident, is so far the most widely recognized figure to push back against the project. “No one has shared studies or environmental impact assessments. Just their word. That’s why the Nashville Zoo is asking the community to join in vehemently opposing the proposed data center being built adjacent to the Zoo,” the petition says. The proposed data center is from DC BLOX, an Atlanta-based company that specializes in building and operating data centers as a service to “hyperscalers, enterprises, communications providers, and technology companies,” according to its website. With 23 data centers in operation and development, DC BLOX aims to expand the number of data centers across the country. “More data centers are required outside the major cities nearer to edge markets to house the necessary technology to run services closer to data producers and consumers,” its website says. “As we move forward, we have taken the next step in our fight against the proposed data center,” the zoo told NBC News. “Our Land Use Attorney and former Metro Codes Director Bill Herbert has filed a zoning appeal with the city. The goal of this appeal is to overturn the permits that DC BLOX has filed and that have been approved,” it added. A DC BLOX spokesperson told the outlet that the data center would “not be an AI factory placing a burden on local resources and is proposed on a site that had previously operated a data center.” Brad Paisley urges his followers to sign a petition to stop the construction of a 69,000-square-foot data center that would be 50 yards from the Nashville Zoo, which he called “an absolute nightmare scenario” in an Instagram Reel. https://t.co/EmxKUw5oav — NBC News (@NBCNews) June 9, 2026 WSMV noted: According to the permit application by Jeremy Dreiling, the data center would be a single-story building that would span 69,220 square feet. The facility known as the DC Blox Data Center, would be located at 648 Grassmere Park in South Nashville, which lies just feet away from the Nashville Zoo. Dreiling has also filed for a permit to demolish two existing buildings at the location.

After months of Congress squabbling over ICE and Border Patrol funding, we are finally seeing real progress being made. In a narrow 213-211 vote, the House has advanced a $70 billion reconciliation package that would fund these two agencies until the end of President Trump’s term. Check it out: NOW: US House just ADVANCED $70 BILLION to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the END of Donald Trump’s term, 213-211 SEND IT TO TRUMP! We need to block Democrats from EVER defunding the border AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/yI52amzXf8 — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 9, 2026 The bill moved forward after two Republicans — Reps. Chip Roy and Tim Burchett — flipped their initial “no” vote to “yes.” The Hill reported: The House on Tuesday advanced a nearly $70 billion budget reconciliation package that would fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. The lower chamber approved a rule 213-211 that tees up debate and a final vote on the GOP measure. The rule briefly appeared in trouble as Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas), policy chair of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, and Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) voted “no.” A number of other hardliners, including members of the House Freedom Caucus also had not voted. They huddled with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), with Roy appearing visibly frustrated as he spoke to other members of the Freedom Caucus. Many members in the huddle were withholding votes as they sought commitments on codifying more of Trump’s border policies, according to a source familiar. Ultimately, Roy and Burchett flipped their votes and other hardliners voted “yes.” A final vote in the House still has to happen before the bill can be sent to President Trump’s desk for final approval. It was approved by the Senate last week after facing major hurdles related to funding for the White House ballroom and an “anti-weaponization” fund for patriots who were politically persecuted. CBS News explained further: House Republicans have been waiting for weeks for their Senate counterparts to send over the legislation. Both chambers had hoped to have the bill on Mr. Trump’s desk by Memorial Day in order to meet his June 1 deadline, but those plans were impeded by the president’s request for $1 billion related to construction of a massive ballroom at the White House and the announcement of a nearly $1.8 billion Justice Department fund to pay people who claim they were politically persecuted. Rare GOP pushback against the president’s priorities forced Senate Republicans to delay votes until after their Memorial Day recess. Language for ballroom security funding was ultimately stripped from the legislation and the Justice Department said it would no longer pursue the “anti-weaponization” fund. Though the administration’s assertion about no longer pursuing the fund failed to convince some who were skeptical, a number of amendments to formally bar such payouts were defeated during a marathon session of votes in the Senate that stretched from Thursday morning into the early hours of Friday. Get it done, Congress! Border Czar Tom Homan appeared on Fox News to explain how the reconciliation package would help immigration authorities ramp up deportations. Watch what he had to say here: Tom Homan says that when the US reconciliation bill is passed it will allow ICE to fund itself until 2028 and will allow them to massively expand deportations. Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/DVuu3XLtLP — AF Post (@AFpost) June 8, 2026 What are your thoughts? TAP HERE TO ADD YOUR VOTE This is a Guest Post from our friends over at WLTReport. View the original article here.

It was such a departure from the usual rhetoric among the gang on ABC’s “The View” that some viewers might’ve felt the need for a double take. But Whoopi Goldberg, known to be battling a serious case of TDS, nevertheless was able to separate her disdain for President Donald Trump from his decision to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals this week. The move sparked backlash from many of Trump’s most ardent critics, but Breitbart shared Goldberg’s surprisingly nuanced take on the matter: “I think anybody who’s a Knicks fan should be there,” Goldberg said. “You earned the right as a Knicks fan. I don’t have to like you.” After the show played clips of fans objecting to Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attending the game, Goldberg noted that they have always been Knicks fans. “I’m sorry. Trump and Mayor Mamdani are Knicks fans and have been, they’re New Yorkers,” Goldberg said. “And … there’s nothing either one of them can do to change what’s happening in this city for this team.” The president said he attended the Knicks game after the team owner, James Dolan, invited him. “I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time and also a Jim Dolan fan,” Trump said. “He’s a nice guy. The answer is, yes, he’s invited me, and I’m going.” And while Trump did receive a mixed reception from the New York City crowd, social media users were quick to point out it wasn’t the universal round of jeers that some in the mainstream media described: Chants of ‘USA’ in Madison Square Garden! pic.twitter.com/0TTZ4l1Tt8 — Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) June 9, 2026 "USA! USA! USA!" Chants erupted throughout Madison Square Garden during Game 3 of the NBA Finals with President Trump in attendance. pic.twitter.com/F612ZB3rYK — Fox News (@FoxNews) June 9, 2026 President Trump arrives in Madison Square Garden and the Crowd Roars in Excitement! pic.twitter.com/768Sw7kBvO — Johnny Midnight ⚡️ (@its_The_Dr) June 9, 2026 Here’s what the New York Post added about Goldberg’s “rare defense” of the president: Co-host Sunny Hostin jumped in: “Can they jinx us?” “You know what,” Goldberg responded. “I don’t think anything can jinx anything. I think these guys are on a mission!” “They’re like the Blues Brothers: They’re on a mission from God! And they have been winning and doing everything, and you know, you could be buck naked up in the box, and ain’t nobody paying attention!” she added. And here’s a clip of the segment: Knicks fan Whoopi Goldberg defends Trump and Mamdani attending the game 3 of the NBA finals to see the Knicks play (she even uses Trump's real name): "Trump and Mayor Mamdani are Knicks fans and have been, they're New Yorkers." pic.twitter.com/2DUkiDi5ay — Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) June 8, 2026 What are your thoughts? TAP HERE TO ADD YOUR VOTE This is a Guest Post from our friends over at WLTReport. View the original article here.

A male civilian employee with the Naval Support Activity in Panama City, Florida, was hospitalized after a shark attack on Monday. NSA Panama City Fire and Emergency Services responded after the attack occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. The man was swimming near the marina with a colleague during his lunch break when the attack happened. The terrifying attack was caught on camera. Watch below [ WARNING – EXTREMELY GRAPHIC ] Panama City Florida shark Attack caught on camera today 6/8/26. An employee of the navy base was swimming near the bases marina when the attack happened. Updated reports are that he lost one arm and they are currently trying to save the hand on the other. pic.twitter.com/mIwJm8fg99 — Facts matter (@1800factsmatter) June 9, 2026 NBC News shared further: He suffered injuries on both of his arms, Oliveria said. The employee was not identified but WJHG reported that he was in his late 20s. The man was rushed into surgery after the incident and was in critical condition, according to WJHG. A short video of the incident was shared online showing a man in the water screaming for help near the marina. It appeared in the video that the shark was right next to the man as a dorsal fin could be seen above the water just before he went under the surface. MAULED BY SHARK | A Navy base employee is in critical condition after a shark attacked him during a lunchtime swim near a military marina in the Florida Panhandle.WATCH: https://t.co/syt5uNUGqq pic.twitter.com/gbt6IyyKTx — WPEC CBS12 News (@CBS12) June 9, 2026 CBS12 has more: Officials with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital said the man is now out of surgery and may be transferred to a trauma center for additional treatment. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are investigating the incident. While shark sightings are common in the Florida Panhandle during the summer, attacks are rare, according to NOAA research biologist Dr. John Carlson. “This is the time of year sharks move into coastal waters, often to give birth,” Carlson told WJHG. He said waters near Tyndall Air Force Base, St. Joe Bay, and Apalachicola Bay serve as nursery areas for several shark species. Despite their presence, Carlson said the risk of an attack remains extremely low: You’re more likely to be injured by your lawnmower, bitten by a dog, or hit by a television set than attacked by a shark. Watch additional coverage below:

According to multiple reports, 87 acres of land that a Texas farmer gifted for $10 in 1999 so neighborhood children would have a safe place to play and run around was sold to a data center developer for $10 million. The land was reportedly deeded to the City of Taylor, Texas, on the condition that it be used for a public park. However, reports state the land “changed hands several times” and was sold to data center developer Blueprint in 2025. The land is now reportedly being cleared for a 135,000-square-foot data center. In 1999, descendants of a farmer in Taylor, Texas, donated nearly 88 acres of land to the Texas Parks and Recreation Foundation for a nominal $10. The deed clearly specified that the property was to be held in trust for future use as parkland by Williamson County. The donation… pic.twitter.com/CBCe4PiWZX — Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) June 9, 2026 More from The Economic Times: According to an investigation by 404 Media from the original deed from July 7, 1999, it was clear that the 87.97 acres in Taylor, Texas, were “held in trust for future use as parkland.” That deed is still on record. But in a series of transfers that eventually spanned nearly three decades, the land was eventually sold by the Taylor Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) to data center developer Blueprint for $10 million in 2025. The story of how parkland becomes a data center is really the story of how legal language is quietly worked around, one transaction at a time. In 1999, Bland and his family sold the land to the Texas Parks and Recreation Foundation for $10, with the understanding that it would be used as a park. That foundation transferred the land to the Williamson County Park Foundation in 2003, which then transferred it to the City of Taylor in the same year. In 2008, the city sold it to the TEDC for $15,000. Then, in 2025, the TEDC sold it to Blueprint for $10 million, a stunning jump from what was supposed to be a permanent gift to the community. For longtime resident Pamela Griffin, who grew up playing on that land and saw her own children do the same, the news of the data center plan in 2025 was a gut punch. At first she didn’t know what a data center was. She looked it up with her family and was immediately alarmed and the fact that it would sit just 500 feet from her front door made it personal in an impossible-to-ignore way. Griffin told 404 Media that her family has lived on the land since her grandmother. “My dad and mom weren’t invited in the city limits. So they had to make their own community. So when they make their own community, now you want to come in and you want to snatch it from us again?” Griffin told the outlet. “I think he (Bland) wanted to make something right for this community, so he gave his land. I never thought in a million years that a judge wouldn’t go our way because I always thought deeds in Texas stand. When people give something, it stands,” Griffin continued. “It’s a cycle of doing us wrong. You want to take our community that we built because you want to make money? 500 feet behind everybody’s back door. Imagine our water bill going up, electric bill going up, when they know this stuff harms people. They know it. But they don’t care,” she added. Watch below: Gizmodo shared further: When news of the sale broke, locals were initially concerned for the usual reasons one might have when learning that a 135,000-square-foot facility—the sort now known to wreak havoc on small towns—is being built next door without their approval or input. But thanks to the sharp memory of Pamela Griffin, a City of Taylor resident who grew up playing in a lot next to the contested land, data center opponents were clued in to the deed’s park clause and the legal leverage that might afford their fight. Griffin recounted a childhood memory of a conversation between her father and Mr. Bland to 404. “I’m thinking about giving this land for parkland because these kids need somewhere to play,” she recalled Bland saying. When activists knocked on Griffin’s door last year and alerted her to Blueprint’s plans to erect the data center in her town with a population of just 16,267, she brought the park stipulation to their attention. Following that lead and sifting through public records, the center’s opposition found documents that corroborated Griffin’s memory and revealed the land’s curious ownership history. The City of Taylor offers only a few sentences of vague assurances on its website to “address concerns” of those worried about the air, noise, light, and other potentially harmful emissions the proposed center might put out. They also say it’s pretty much a done deal and, even if they wanted to, there’s no reversing course on this project. “Can the City just say no to data centers?” asks one FAQ question. “In short, no.” The city’s executive director of community services, Daniel Seguin, told 404 that Blueprint can just use the property for the center without city approval “because the property’s existing Employment Center zoning already allowed such a use.” He also claimed that the center would bring $30 million in tax revenue to the city over the next decade. Griffin doesn’t buy this argument. She feels that, regardless of the changing of hands that occurred, the deed is pretty clear about what can be built on that land. “I keep trying to tell everybody,” Griffin explained, “if they start messing with deeds in Texas? Allowing deeds to be not upheld? What’s going to happen to all of us?” “The proposed Blueprint Projects Data Center is 135,000 square foot data center which will house servers (computers) used for a variety of purposes including data storage, website hosting, Artificial Intelligence processing, and more. The project is planned in three phases with a total investment of $1 billion,” the City of Taylor stated. “The proposed location for the project is on the south east side of town, just inside Carlos G Parker Boulevard between Martin Luther King Boulevard and the railroad tracks. The facility is expected to feature three buildings, an electricity substation to power it, backup power generators, and a closed-loop cooling system,” it continued. “Blueprint projects recently purchased the land from the Taylor EDC for $10 million. They have also received economic development incentives detailed below,” it added. Read more on the city’s website. Watch additional coverage on the data center development below: