The AM/DM podcast: In Walls, the nation’s data center controversy hits home
View from Scenic Delta Bluff in Walls, Mississippi on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)
Walls, Mississippi, is a small, rural, majority Black town about 30 minutes southwest of Downtown Memphis.
It’s home to approximately 1,400 residents and, right now at least, one of the nation’s many battles over data centers.
There are no known plans for a data center in Walls, but there are 1,240 acres of farmland along U.S. 61 that could be rezoned for industrial use — and residents of the town worry that will open the door to a new data center there.
On the other hand, Walls’ leadership is looking for ways to grow the town’s revenue, whether that’s a data center or something else.
Today, we’re joined by North Mississippi reporter Aarron Fleming to talk about the community’s concerns and what we know about an investigation from Mississippi’s state auditor into the town.
Listen in.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Topics
AM/DMMary Cashiola
Mary Cashiola has been a Memphis journalist for nearly two decades, beginning her career covering city government and local neighborhoods at the Memphis Flyer before being hired by Memphis Mayor A C Wharton’s administration.
Before joining The Daily Memphian, she was the managing editor of the Memphis Business Journal, which was named one of the top 10 Best Designed Newspapers in the world by the Society of News Design while she was there.
She also has a background in advertising, with a focus on higher education and the hospitality industry.
Suburbs - North Mississippi on demand
Sign up to receive Suburbs - North Mississippi stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Comments
Want to comment on our stories? If you’re a subscriber, scroll down to the comments. If you’re not a subscriber, only paid subscribers can add their thoughts, so subscribe now. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.