In several Twin Cities communities, big fears about the future of AI are driving backlash to data center projects — even relatively small ones.

Why it matters: Data centers are becoming a stand-in for broader anger at an AI future many Americans don't want, but fear they'll have to pay for.

• New statewide and national polling suggests many voters are wary of the pace and terms of the buildout — and anxious about higher utility bills, home prices or environmental damage.

Case in point: Inver Grove Heights enacted a data center moratorium on June 26 amid public backlash against a proposed 5-megawatt facility. (The largest data centers consume hundreds of megawatts.)

• More than 20 people spoke at a June 26 City Council meeting, with most expressing concerns about noise and electricity use, but broader concerns were also voiced.

"In data centers … profits are privatized, and the problems are publicized," one Inver Grove Heights commenter told the council.

• "These data centers are for AI," another speaker said. "It's not going to be a good thing for us in the end."
• "When this bubble bursts — which many smart people say it will — we're going to be left holding the bag," said another commenter, Geoff Dittberner of the Minnesota Environmental Justice Table.

By the numbers: In Minnesota, more than three-quarters of likely voters are concerned about the use of AI in daily life, according to the June Star Tribune/KARE11/University of Minnesota poll.

• Two in three Minnesotans would oppose a data center near their homes.

State of play: Eagan recently enacted a moratorium similar to Inver Grove Heights' (and was sued for it); as did Minneapolis, though its temporary ban exempted downtown.

• Elk River's council also recently rejected a 33-megawatt facility.

Between the lines: Most opposition to data centers isn't coming from neighbors.

• In a poll of 6,800 Americans, the consulting firm Milltown Partners found that only 8% of data center opponents said they live near an actual center.

The other side: Nvidia says one of the biggest complaints about data centers — water use — could become much less of a problem, Axios' Amy Harder writes.

• The company unveiled a new cooling system that it says can dramatically reduce the water and energy needed to run AI data centers.

The bottom line: Temporary bans — even those sparked by relatively small projects — could force companies and policymakers to answer questions about costs, water use and who benefits.

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The Twins have climbed back to nearly .500 and would be right in the mix for a playoff spot if the season ended today.

Between the lines: They can thank themselves for performing better than expected, but moreover, the baseball gods for their good luck.

Catch up quick: Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan are again having great seasons, plus the Twins have gotten surprisingly strong production from first baseman Kody Clemens, outfielder Trevor Larnach and starting pitcher Taj Bradley.

• They lead the American League in runs scored and their starting pitchers ranked 15th of 30 teams before yesterday's games.

Yes, but: The Twins have also been blessed with MLB's best batting average with runners in scoring position — a mark significantly higher than their normal batting average.

• Plus: As beat writer Aaron Gleeman has noted on his podcast, no other team's opponents have committed more fielding errors. For some reason, whoever is playing the Twins forgets how to catch and throw.

Reality check: The bullpen has been every bit of a disaster as many feared, ranking 28th in baseball.

💭 Nick's thought bubble: If the Pohlads, who have cut payroll the last two offseasons, had spent another $10 million to $15 million for a couple of good relievers, this team could have had several more wins.

What we're watching: The trade deadline is Aug. 3 and the Twins' hot streak means they may have turned from sellers to buyers.

🔎 An outside investigative firm concluded that the former chief accountant for Minneapolis Public Schools "had an intent to deceive" when she made a series of unnecessary or improper transactions, according to a newly unredacted report. (Minnesota Reformer)

🇸🇴 A suspect arrested in Somalia on suspicion of fraud in Minnesota remains in custody overseas. Somalia has no extradition treaty with the U.S., and some members of the suspect's clan have demanded he face justice there. (New York Times)

🥂 Richfield city leaders are considering loosening the city's alcohol rules to allow for more service at the rebuilt Wood Lake Nature Center and other park facilities. (Sun Current)

🍔 MSP Airport announced two new vending machines that sell White Castle sliders and Asian bao buns. (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal)

🖐 CNBC ranked Minnesota No. 5 on its top states for business list.

Kyle here. The Minnesota State Fair's list of new foods is out.

🤷 Have I tasted any of them? No.

• Will I withhold my take? Also no.

Let's be real: We're all attempting to judge these dishes by their press photos.

• Plus: After trying many of the new foods the last two years, I've got some sense of what hits and what misses.

Here's what I'm excited to try and what I'd rather skip:

🌭 Saving room: Pork belly bao buns and a Hmong pork sausage corndog both sound like perfect, time-tested street foods.

• Filipino sausage and cheese curds deep-fried in a lumpia spring roll — where's the flaw?
• The vegan Cubano sounds yummy, too.

🧐 Intrigued: A new vendor's savory waffle cones stuffed with barbecue mac and cheese seem amazing — but a whole coneful of chicken salad sounds daunting.

• The theory of strawberry mini donuts is excellent, but the risk of excessive sweetness looms.

🥒 Suspicious: The pickle pie may be photogenic — most coverage of the list led with its picture — but I don't have high hopes that pickle dip with hot sauce on pie crust can move me.

Map of the new foods

Good morning from Axios' (temporary) Brainerd Lakes bureau.

• Kyle is spending the week up north with family — and on the water.

It'll be hot this weekend! Here's hoping you can find a lake to dip into.