This is the third segment in my data center collection of public commentaries, including letters to the editors and opinion pieces.
It’s meant as a quick scan of what topics are rising to the top for others. I try to be balanced, but this is more illustrative of what crosses my path in the course of a month.
Ramstad: Readers wonder if an AI chatbot took my job as a columnist
Sep 24, 2026, Minnesota Star Tribune
Ramstad’s views on AI regulation and a new demographic study produced a lot of reader reaction.
Minnesota forum tackles growing anxiety over AI
Sep 24, St Cloud Times
A recent Minnesota forum highlighted public anxiety and policy questions surrounding artificial intelligence.
Jepson talks funding pressures, wakeboats and data centers at candidate forum
Sep 24, 2026, DL-Online
“We’d have to think long and hard about what that data center would bring to Becker County,” Jepson said.
Data centers: Can Democrats regulate and still build?
Sep 25, 2026 MinnPost
It’s not a choice between being pro-environment or pro-growth. With the right safeguards in place, data centers can be both.
Letter: Data center puts profits over human well-being – Post Bulletin
Sep 26, 2026 Post Bulletin
“Supporting building a hyperscale Google data center this close to homes means putting economic interests ahead of the health, safety, and quality of life of the residents.”
One Moment, Please… The Data Center Bait
Sep 28, 2026, Fillmore County Journal
“When we look at the demand for data centers, we need to look in the mirror.”
Candidate’s View: Hermantown data-center proposal a Duluth problem, too
Sep 28, 2026, Duluth News Tribune
From the column: “Even with tech giants scaling back plans and pledging mitigations, the sheer footprint of this industrial campus will alter your local landscape forever.”
Opinion | Small towns can’t wait. We need Walz’s help now.
Oct 2, 2026 MN Star Tribune
“We’re calling on the governor to enact a moratorium on data centers until we have time to build stronger, more centralized state oversight.”
Letter to the Editor: Contributing thoughts on data centers
Oct 3, 2026, Bemidji Pioneer
“The key point for Bemidji to consider would be the power generation package any data center would bring to the table. The right package would add to the local network’s capacity and resiliency, without increasing rates.”
Pro/Con: Let’s not make the cure of AI regulation worse than the disease
Oct 2, 2026, Duluth News Tribune
From the column: “Regulation (sometimes) serves nobody. AI regulation is a minefield that could lead to unintended consequences.”
Letters to the editor: Thankful for freeze on data centers
Oct 5, 2026 Moose Lake Star Tribune
“We want to thank the Carlton County Commissioners for voting in favor of Ordinance no. 42, the Carlton County Data Center Interim Use Study.”
Kathryn Hoffman: MCEA lawsuit seeks full picture on data center
Oct 6, 2026, Post Bulletin
Google didn’t respect our state’s democratic laws and processes. Instead, it published an environmental study that didn’t disclose even basic facts about their proposed project.
Counterpoint: Transparency matters in data center development
Oct 6, 2026, MinnPost
A recent MinnPost Voices piece suggested a proposed Minnesota project met that standard. It did not.
Data Centers Need Minnesotans. NDAs Won’t Win Their Trust.
Oct 6, 2026 Minnesota Times
Developers have legitimate business interests to protect. Minnesotans deserve a meaningful say in projects that could reshape their communities.
Kathryn Hoffman: MCEA lawsuit seeks full picture on data center
Oct 6, 2026 Post Bulletin
Google didn’t respect our state’s democratic laws and processes. Instead, it published an environmental study that didn’t disclose even basic facts about their proposed project.
Despite the controversy, data centers could be attractive to struggling rural towns
Oct 9, 2026, KAXE
All right, if there is one thing liberal Democrats, MAGA Republicans and most Americans in between might agree on, it’s data centers.
Reader’s View: Duluth already home to data centers
Oct 11, 2026, Duluth News Tribune
“Those upset about data centers might check it out.”
Letter: Full disclosure needed on data center proposals
Oct 13, 2026, Post Bulletin
“These tactics appear designed to deliberately bypass community input and shield corporate interests from public scrutiny.”
Brown: What are Minnesota’s human designers to do in this wave of AI slop?
Oct 15, 2026, MN Star Tribune
AI posters and advertisements are everywhere, with a distinctive look that’s hard to describe. So, I talked to some professionals.
Letter: Voters should weigh potential costs of Monticello’s proposed data center
Oct 15, 2026, Monticello Times
Monticello’s proposed data center has become a focal point in this year’s local election. Data centers are also focal points in elections across the country.
Perry: Will the AI backlash leave low-income students behind?
Oct 16, 2026, MN Star Tribune
Wealthier schools are at the forefront of focusing on a more human-centered education that in some cases is cutting out AI altogether.
Letter: Voters should weigh potential costs of Monticello’s proposed data center
Oct 15, 2026, Monticello Times
Monticello’s proposed data center has become a focal point in this year’s local election. Data centers are also focal points in elections across the country.
Data Center Rug Pull & Council Subpoena Power: A Message from Council Member Shaffer
Oct 17, 2026, Minneapolis Times
“That optimism evaporated at the Planning Commission on Tuesday evening.”
Some Projects Are Laying The groundwork for Data Centers
Oct 20, 2026 Stevens County Times
“Where does David and Goliath draw the line?”
Native News Online Survey: Readers Oppose Data Centers Near Tribal Communities, Demand Tribal Say
Oct 22, 2026, Native News Online
Survey finds environmental concerns and tribal sovereignty are central to readers’ views on data centers and artificial intelligence