Festus residents opposed a data center. Their effort became national news

In Festus, Missouri, a controversial large-scale data center project has ignited significant local opposition, leading to a dramatic reshuffling of the city's government. The Festus City Council approved the 360-acre development on March 30, despite strong public outcry from hundreds of residents. Following the approval, local elections saw four city council members who had voted for the project lose their reelection bids, with a fifth council member later resigning. This electoral message, described by Politico as "the latest example of growing public backlash against cities agreeing to host hyperscale data centers," reflects the community's clear rejection of the project. Despite the electoral outcome, the data center project is still moving forward. In response, a local opposition group named Wake Up JeffCo has filed a lawsuit. The suit alleges violations of open meeting laws by the city council and seeks to overturn key decisions that advanced the project, citing evidence such as text message exchanges between city officials discussing the plan before public disclosure. The attorney representing Wake Up JeffCo, Steve Jeffrey, highlighted that "angry people make angry voters," emphasizing the public's resolve to challenge the project.