Data center backlash in midterm elections and Iran launches attacks on U.S. targets: Morning Rundown

Key Points:

• Opposition to AI data centers is becoming a significant issue in U.S. midterm elections, with protests disrupting events and candidates addressing the topic due to concerns over environmental impact, job losses, and rising power bills.
• Iran resumed attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East, prompting retaliatory strikes by Saudi Arabia and the U.S. on Tehran-backed militias in Iraq, ending a brief period of calm and raising fears of wider conflict escalation.
• The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates steady at around 3.6% amid persistent inflation driven by tariffs and energy prices, though rate hikes later in the year remain likely.
• Pope Leo XIV continues the tradition of retreating to the historic Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo and its surrounding gardens near Rome for rest and reflection, hosting events like a "Concert for Peace" featuring renowned artists.
• The rising demand for whey protein in America is causing a surplus of cheese production, as whey is a byproduct of cheese-making, leading to increased exports of excess cheese to other countries.