Jacob Frey
Coverage of Jacob Frey in the Nexus archive.
- Should 11.3% appear too small, be thankful I don’t take it all
Mayor Jacob Frey proposed a $2.3 million budget that includes an 11.3% property tax increase, while several Minnesota cities are canceling contracts with Flock Safety. Concerns arose regarding ICE's shock gloves after a lawsuit alleged a death in Richmond, Kentucky. Furthermore, Keith Ellison and John Choi filed lawsuits against two Somali gangs concerning the State Fair.
- Todd Barnette stepping down as Minneapolis community safety commissioner at end of year
Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette will step down at the end of the year, remaining interim commissioner until a permanent replacement is found. Barnette will assist in the search for the next police chief, oversee the opening of the South Minneapolis Community Safety Center, and manage community safety reforms. His reappointment was denied by the city council but reinstated after Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the rejection.
- Whenever you hear about an encampment ‘sweep,’ first ask: Where will the people go?
The article discusses the ongoing issue of unsheltered encampments in U.S. cities, focusing on Minneapolis and St. Paul, where local governments have cleared encampments under public safety concerns. It highlights the lack of viable alternatives for displaced individuals and criticizes the absence of a comprehensive solution to poverty, addiction, and housing crises.
- Council confirms Frey’s pick as next Minneapolis Fire chief
The Minneapolis City Council confirmed Reginald Freeman as the next chief of the Minneapolis Fire Department. Freeman, currently the fire and emergency medical services director in Saudi Arabia, will replace Bryan Tyner, who is retiring at the end of 2025. Freeman has previously led fire departments in Oakland, Hartford, and Iraq.
- Minneapolis council member warns of 13% property tax increase
Minneapolis City Council member Michael Rainville warns of a potential 13% property tax increase if the city maintains current services and staffing amid a $30 million budget shortfall. Mayor Jacob Frey is set to present his 2027 budget plan on August 12, with no final decisions confirmed yet.
- At Issue: July 26 — Boelter sentenced, latest primary polling, 1-on-1 with Jacob Frey
Vance Boelter was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted killing of John Hoffman and his family. The Democratic Senate primary is closely contested between Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig, while Michele Tafoya leads the GOP Senate race and Mike Lindell is the Republican governor frontrunner. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey discusses public safety after recent shootings.
- Fired '60 Minutes' correspondent accuses CBS News leadership of meddling in reporting
Cecilia Vega, a former '60 Minutes' correspondent, accused CBS News leadership of interfering in her reporting on topics including anti-ICE protests in Minnesota and the U.S.-Iran conflict. Vega claimed she was directed to include misleading content but omitted it from her reports, and she stated she was never given a reason for her May firing.
- Mayor Frey seeks answers, new tools to prevent crime in Minneapolis
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addresses two mass shootings in the city, calling for increased arrests and new tools like cameras, Shot Spotters, and drones to combat crime. The Minneapolis Police Department is short nearly 100 officers, and a court has ordered the city to hire more police, which Frey supports.
- Former Obama spox charged with financial felony in city engulfed by fraud scandals
Adam Fetcher, a former Obama administration press aide, is charged with financial transaction fraud after allegedly stealing a coworker's debit card to purchase kratom in Minneapolis. The case adds to ongoing fraud scrutiny in the city, where Fetcher previously served as Chief Communications Officer before being fired in July.
- Former Obama spox charged with financial felony in city engulfed by fraud scandals
Adam Fetcher, a former Obama administration press aide, faces a felony charge of financial transaction fraud after allegedly stealing a coworker's debit card to purchase kratom in Minneapolis. He was fired from his role as Minneapolis's Chief Communications Officer in July amid an investigation into stealing cash and bank cards from three coworkers. The case adds to scrutiny of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over fraud issues tied to the city's Somali community.
- Minneapolis bathhouse ordinance opens a door to sexual exploitation
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed an ordinance repealing the adult bathhouse ban, legalizing public sex venues including prostitution. Advocates frame the policy as supporting LGBTQ+ rights and public health, while critics argue it facilitates sexual exploitation and trafficking risks, particularly for queer youth.
- In Minneapolis’ search for crime deterrents, drones fly into a wall
Minneapolis City Council voted 6-6 to reject a 'Drones as First Responders' pilot program, citing concerns over Skydio drones' use by Israel in the Israel-Hamas war. Council member LaTrisha Vetaw argued the program could enhance public safety, while activists emphasized privacy risks. The debate highlights tensions between technological solutions for crime and ethical concerns.
- New video captures chaos as gunfire rings out in Uptown; city outlines safety steps
A surveillance video captured chaos during a mass shooting in Uptown Minneapolis, where nine people were shot outside Reign Nightclub. The incident, part of two shootings on Sunday, left 14 people injured across the city. Officials emphasized increased police presence and technology to address rising violence.
- Federal lawsuit raises questions about culture at prior job of Minneapolis mayor’s nominee for fire chief
A federal lawsuit raises concerns about a prior job of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s nominee for fire chief, Reginald Freeman. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, alleges harassment and discrimination in a Connecticut fire department during Freeman’s leadership but does not directly accuse him. The city and mayor’s office declined to comment, while a former city council leader called the allegations troubling and questioned whether Freeman was aware of the issues.
- Minneapolis leaders target open-air drug markets following gang bust
Minneapolis leaders announced a new plan to target open-air drug markets following 25 charges in a fentanyl and cocaine trafficking case involving two gangs. The initiative involves partnerships with Hennepin County, transit agencies, and Indigenous organizations.
- Minneapolis’ mayor, Council president and some comedians walk onto a stage…
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and City Council president Elliott Payne participated in an improv comedy show called Theater of Public Policy, discussing issues like affordable housing and the city's next police chief while engaging in humorous skits. The event, held at the Granada Theater, featured moderated conversations and audience laughter, highlighting collaborative and contentious aspects of their policy views.
- Jacob Frey praises Somali community as Minnesota faces renewed scrutiny over fraud investigations
Jacob Frey praises the Somali community in Minnesota as the state faces renewed scrutiny over fraud investigations. A House Oversight Committee report alleges that Tim Walz's administration ignored repeated warnings about Feeding Our Future fraud.
- Jacob Frey praises Somali community as Minnesota faces renewed scrutiny over fraud investigations
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the city's Somali community during a Somali Independence Day event, emphasizing solidarity amid scrutiny of Minnesota's social services fraud investigations. A Republican-led House Oversight Committee report alleged the Walz administration failed to address warnings about fraud, including cases involving the Somali immigrant community, while officials disputed the findings.
- Jacob Frey praises Somali community as Minnesota faces renewed scrutiny over fraud investigations
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the city's Somali community during Somali Independence Day celebrations, emphasizing solidarity and their contributions to Minneapolis. The remarks occurred amid ongoing scrutiny of Minnesota's social services fraud investigations, including a House Oversight Committee report alleging the Walz administration failed to act on fraud warnings, and references to Operation Metro Surge, an immigration enforcement initiative.
- A federal judge refuses to bend the knee
A federal judge ruled that U.S. Department of Justice subpoenas targeting Minnesota state and local officials during Operation Metro Surge were issued to harass political opponents and overstep federal authority. The judge, Patrick Schiltz, criticized the subpoenas as an unlawful use of the grand-jury process and noted the DOJ failed to provide a valid justification for the requests.
- Judge orders Minneapolis mayor to meet city’s police staffing minimum or face trial
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey faces a court order requiring the city to meet a minimum of 731 sworn officers in the police department by January 4 or risk a contempt trial. The requirement stems from a 2022 Minnesota Supreme Court ruling and a petition by the Upper Midwest Law Center, as staffing levels have declined since 2019 due to officer departures.
- Minneapolis police chief search: Frey outlines 16-week process to replace O’Hara
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey outlined a 16-week process to select a new police chief by mid-fall, replacing Brian O’Hara, who resigned after interfering with an investigation into his conduct. The process includes stakeholder engagement, recruitment, and multiple interview rounds before submitting a nomination to the city council in October or November.
- Mayor Frey outlines timeline for selecting next Minneapolis police chief
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has released a timeline for selecting the city's next police chief. This follows the resignation of former chief Brian O'Hara last month.
- Frey talks $30M budget gap: ‘Everything on the table’ to avoid property tax spike
Minneapolis faces a $30M budget gap, prompting Mayor Jacob Frey to consider cuts to programs, services, and potential job losses to avoid a property tax spike. Frey emphasizes efficiency and prioritizes public safety, housing, and economic development as he prepares to present his budget to the city council in August.
- Federal judge quashes subpoenas against Walz, Frey in DOJ criminal investigation
A federal judge nullified six subpoenas issued by the U.S. Department of Justice against Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and other officials as part of a criminal investigation into alleged obstruction of federal immigration enforcement. The judge ruled the subpoenas were issued for 'harass, coerce and retaliate' rather than legitimate investigation, citing a lack of plausible justification.
- Judge blocks Trump subpoenas targeting Minnesota Democrats
A federal judge blocked Trump administration subpoenas targeting Minnesota officials over immigration records, ruling they were meant to coerce officials into aiding federal immigration enforcement. The judge found the subpoenas were issued to harass political opponents and violate the grand jury process.
- Judge dismisses DoJ subpoenas against Walz and other Minnesota officials
A federal judge dismissed subpoenas issued by the US Department of Justice to Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, ruling they were linked to an immigration crackdown and issued for unlawful reasons.
- Judge blocks DOJ subpoenas targeting Walz over immigration enforcement
A federal judge blocked subpoenas from the Trump administration targeting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials over immigration enforcement, ruling the subpoenas were an attempt to harass and retaliate. The judge found no credible link between the requested information and potential criminal violations, emphasizing Minnesota's right to refuse federal immigration enforcement assistance.
- Federal judge halts Trump administration effort to subpoena Walz in immigration enforcement probe
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's subpoenas of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials, ruling the effort aimed to 'harass and retaliate' against them for refusing to assist federal immigration enforcement. The judge found no credible link between the requested records and potential criminal violations, emphasizing Minnesota's right to decline aiding federal immigration law enforcement.
- Judge quashes federal subpoenas targeting Walz, Ellison, other MN leaders
A federal judge has dismissed grand jury subpoenas targeting Minnesota officials including Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. The judge ruled the Department of Justice was attempting to 'harass' the leaders into enforcing immigration policy.
- Plans forming to address Minneapolis’ ‘substantial’ $30M budget gap
Minneapolis faces a $30 million budget gap for next year, prompting discussions about property tax hikes and cost-cutting measures. Council member Elizabeth Shaffer emphasizes the need for city efficiency and shared financial responsibility, while Mayor Jacob Frey is reviewing department budgets to address the shortfall.
- Minneapolis city council hear arguments in favor of legalizing adult bathhouses for LGBTQ community
The Minneapolis City Council is considering repealing a 1988 ban on adult bathhouses, with over 30 residents, including LGBTQ activists, advocating for the change. Supporters argue the ban disproportionately targets LGBTQ individuals and people with HIV/AIDS, while Mayor Jacob Frey has indicated he would sign the repeal if passed. Council members are also addressing the legacy of Brian Coyle, who helped pass the original ban.
- Operation Metro Surge cost Minneapolis $700M, city estimates
Minneapolis officials estimate Operation Metro Surge cost the city $700 million from December through April, a significant increase from an initial $203 million estimate. The city's small-business resiliency fund provided license fee refunds to 1,200 businesses. Additional unrelated news includes a court ruling on a tribe's solar power system, a barn quilt tour in Douglas County, and the Minnesota State Fair's new cookbook.
- Minneapolis police chief resigns after scandal over sexual misconduct investigation
Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara resigned after a report found he likely interfered with a sexual misconduct investigation, which Mayor Jacob Frey described as a 'breach of trust.' O’Hara had been nominated for a second term in May but stepped down following a meeting with the mayor.
- Minneapolis police chief resigns after scandal over sexual misconduct investigation
Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara resigned after a report found he likely interfered with an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. Mayor Jacob Frey described the incident as a 'breach of trust,' leading to O’Hara's departure following his appointment to a second term.
- Minneapolis police chief resigns after interfering with investigation, mayor says
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigned after an investigation found he interfered with a probe into allegations of inappropriate relationships with city employees. Mayor Jacob Frey stated O’Hara deleted a contact from his city-issued phone and discussed the investigation, breaching trust. Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell will now lead the department.
- Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey creates firestorm with George Floyd tribute on the sixth anniversary of his death
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sparked controversy with a tribute to George Floyd on the sixth anniversary of his death, leading to public backlash. The event highlighted tensions surrounding Floyd's legacy and police reform in the city.
- Jacob Frey criticized for remembering George Floyd on Memorial Day, six years after death sparked riots
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey faced criticism for a social media post commemorating George Floyd six years after his death, which sparked nationwide protests and calls to defund police. Critics argued the post overshadowed Memorial Day, which honors fallen U.S. service members, while others highlighted the economic and social damage from riots following Floyd's murder. Frey also acknowledged veterans in a separate post.
- Minneapolis mayor reflects on 6-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death: ‘We’ve changed’
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey commemorated the sixth anniversary of George Floyd's death, asserting the city has undergone significant transformation since the incident. His remarks reignited discussions about whether Floyd was murdered.