US Edition
Minnesota Star TribuneSunday, 19 April 2026
Click image to view full size
State data center battles escalate
In cities such as Monticello, residents worried about water and energy use want councils to set limits.
The paper approaches the expansion of tech infrastructure through a local governance lens, highlighting the friction between community resource concerns and commercial development.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence has spurred national demand for large data centers, prompting regional municipalities in Minnesota to debate how to regulate their significant electricity and water requirements.
“battles escalate”
“Regionally focused and culturally rooted”
Vote on mining splinters region
Neighbors of BWCAW react with distress and hope as Senate lifts ban.
Examines the complex regional divisions over potential economic benefits versus environmental risks of lifting a mining ban near the Boundary Waters.
A Royal Enigma Still
Many Prince admirers wonder just who is helping to preserve his legacy.
A major retrospective feature exploring the ongoing management and preservation of local icon Prince's musical legacy a decade after his death.
Weeding out ‘ghost students’ is goal of bill
Reports on state legislative efforts to implement software that combats financial aid fraud perpetrated by individuals enrolling under false identities.
More from Minnesota Star Tribune
Front page image reproduced for the purpose of critical review and commentary — about our editorial use.