Amazon is investing more than $1 billion over the next five years into communities where it operates data centers for education, job training, water and energy preservation projects and other local priorities as it reacts to a growing backlash from politicians and consumers to the tech industry's rollout of the massive buildings.

Amazon on Friday announced it will pour billions into communities where it operates data centers nationwide, after President Donald Trump urged the technology industry to ensure local residents reap the benefits of development.

Amazon plans to invest $1 billion in communities where it builds data centers over the next five years, the company announced Friday. The e-commerce and cloud computing giant will put the funds toward free community college and workforce training for residents, as well as energy efficiency upgrades.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday a new Office of Religious Affairs during a speech to troops at Marine Corps Base Quantico, providing a channel for chaplains to directly communicate with top officials at the Department of War. Hegseth spoke about the new religious office as part of a broader reform project at the Pentagon, which includes a greater focus on integrating autonomous warfare and technology into the military...

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a new entity within the Pentagon: the Office of Religious Affairs. The office, Hegseth promised the assembled troops in Quantico, Virginia, would "report straight to the top. No staff filters, no bureaucratic dilution, a direct line to the secretary." Chaplains would "finally have an advocate at the highest levels." What's more, "policy and resources will serve the mission, not smother the mission." A hallmark of Hegseth's tenure at the Defense Department has been his muscular Christian religiosity. Earlier this year, he spearheaded an initiative to bring prayer services to the Pentagon...