Last week we asked you, our readers, for your thoughts — good, bad or otherwise — on generative AI.

Why it matters: As AI spreads across daily life, public opinion is fractured — shaping how quickly and widely the technology is adopted.

• We got so many passionate responses that we couldn't include them all, but here are a few that represented the spectrum of opinion.

What they're saying: Revel L. steers clear of generative AI for moral reasons.

• "Thanks to the ethical issues with stolen content, the detriment to the planet, the costs to everyone in energy, the toll it takes on the brain, and the amount of time that it's absolutely dangerously wrong, I do not and will not use generative AI," they wrote. "I'm honestly boggled that anyone uses it."

Thom P. has concerns with the amount of water needed by data centers.

• "There are no economic long-term benefits that will replace a glass of fresh water for a parched farm worker or their livestock in the middle of a summer of drought and fire," he said.

The other side: Matt C., who runs a digital marketing agency, said he uses "Claude Code, ChatGPT, and Gemini for everything from creative, copy and coding to translations, contracts, and proofreading."

• "Integrating AI into our workflow has allowed us to reduce our production timelines by seven days," he wrote.

Tina L. finds the technology to be an invaluable travel tool, recently using it to plan a trip to Yosemite.

• "It gave me step by step instructions of what to see, how much time it will take to hike or bike and drive. Also, if I need a permit or not and on and on. I love it!"

What you're watching: Gerald D. said the use of AI comes down to a few important questions.

• Does the technology "make the labor of all workers easier and more productive for the benefit of all in society?" he wrote.
• "Or do we use the increases to make owners wealthier?"

"3% of us are owners and the remaining 97% work for the benefit of the owners," he continued. "Come to your own conclusion."

Read more responses

Oregon has 142 data centers currently in operation or planned, ranking us No. 9 in the U.S. among the states with the most, according to recent Pew Research analysis.

• There are currently 115 operating in the state, with another 27 in the works. The majority are located in Multnomah, Washington, Umatilla and Morrow counties.

The latest: A group of Hillsboro residents, led by City Councilor Kipperlyn Sinclair, is calling for a moratorium on all new development of data centers in the city — where tech giant Intel and others are headquartered — in order to study the facilities' economic, energy and environmental affects.

• Meanwhile, some residents in The Dalles are asking the FAA to investigate whether steam from Google's data center cooling towers are interfering with local aviation.

Zoom out: While the South leads the country in the number of data centers, the West is expected to see a 34% increase from its current total, per Pew.

• More than a third of Americans live within 5 miles of an operating data center.

✂️ Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson unveiled a proposed $3.9 billion budget last week, which includes staff reductions and multi-million dollar cuts to homeless services and the district attorney's office. (KGW)

✍️ After pushback from media and ethics groups, Gov. Kotek vetoed a bill that would've altered the state's public meetings law that some critics said could open the door for corruption. (Oregon Capital Chronicle)

🚮 Mayor Keith Wilson often spends his days off picking up trash across the city, reporting derelict RVs, checking in on homeless encampments and talking with business owners. (The Oregonian)

🚚 Preschool for All could be driving some wealthier households out of Multnomah County, according to a new study co-authored by a Reed College professor — findings the county has disputed. (Portland Business Journal)

Spring is the time when baby birds sometimes make their way out of the nest before they're ready — either from a moment of overconfidence or wind from a storm.

• Here's what to do when a fallen creature tugs at your heartstrings, according to state wildlife officials.

Check for feathers: If the baby's still bald, you can pick it up and place it in its nest — or, if you can't find the nest, on a branch that's high enough to escape the interest of cats and dogs.

• Most birds can't smell very well, so don't worry about stinking them up with your hands.

If it has feathers: Leave it alone unless it's in immediate danger from, say, another animal.

• In that case, move it somewhere safer — but only if it's not too agile a hopper for you to catch.

Threat level: Here are things to avoid.

• Don't take a bird home. It's illegal in Oregon.
• Don't feed a baby bird. The wrong grub could kill it.
• Don't move nests that have birds or eggs in them.

Tell a neighbor

Mayor Keith Wilson hinted at what his budget priorities will be in a State of the City speech at Portland State on Friday.

Wilson promised to keep every fire station open, preserve emergency response times, fund existing parks, community centers and pools, as well as stave off any staff cuts at the Portland Police Bureau.

• "I refuse to put the brakes on our recovery," he told a friendly crowd of roughly 250 supporters. "I refuse to delay our renaissance."

What we're watching: Wilson is expected to release his preliminary budget proposal today as the city seeks to climb out of a roughly $160 million deficit.