MINNEAPOLIS — Another candidate has joined the race to be Minneapolis’s next mayor.

On Wednesday morning Minneapolis city council member Emily Koski officially announced her candidacy for mayor.

“It’s time for a mayor who isn’t afraid to make tough decisions and take a closer look at what’s working and what isn’t,” Koski said.

Earlier in the week Minnesota state senator Omar Fateh also announced plans to run for Minneapolis mayor.

“I’m running for Mayor with you to make Minneapolis a prosperous and welcoming city,” Fateh said during a press conference announcing his candidacy.

Minneapolis minister DeWayne Davis also announced plans to run for Mayor back in October.

All three candidates will likely face incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey.

A spokesperson for Mayor Frey says, “Mayor Frey has yet to officially launch his campaign or announce his reelection bid. But as of now, he is still preparing to do so.”

Larry Jacobs, a political science professor at the University of Minnesota, says the mayoral race will feature a wide spectrum of democratic viewpoints, from extremely left leaning, to more moderate candidates like Mayor Frey.

“We are going to see a significant display of differences among democratic candidates,” Professor Jacobs says.

“I think Jacob Frey may face a candidate or two who are moderate, who have business roots, I think Emily Koski is that kind of candidate.”

Professor Jacobs says it’s unlikely Frey will face a strong republican candidate, because looking into the history books, Minneapolis hasn’t had a republican mayor since 1973.

According to city records, former Minneapolis city council president Richard Erdall held the position of Minneapolis mayor for one day due to a formality after the previous mayor resigned.

To find the last elected republican mayor in Minneapolis, you must go back to Paul Kenneth Pearson, who was elected in 1957.

Before 1957 the city of Minneapolis saw several republican mayors.
 
“70 years ago, the Twin Cities was a moderate, even a republican leaning area. What we’ve seen is the urban areas in Minnesota and also in other states have become quite liberal or even left.”

Professor Jacobs  says mayoral candidates will face an uphill battle as they attempt to differentiate themselves among other democrats, especially if Minneapolis sees another race like we had in 2021, when 19 candidates received votes in the election.

“I would expect more candidates to jump into the race. I think it will be pretty crowded and I think that plays to Mayor Frey’s advantage because the left will fragment.”

Jacobs says the biggest challenges for Frey will be the economy, if the Minneapolis economy takes a hit in the coming months, a challenger could use that to their advantage.

Jacobs says Frey could also be challenged by a progressive who rallies the right people, or a business-focused moderate who offers an alternative.

“We’ve got a year of debate ahead. We have plenty of issues,” Jacobs says.

“We do have a lot of time so grab your popcorn, strap in, and enjoy the political theater.”

MINNEAPOLIS — As winter tightens its grip on the Twin Cities, local organizations are grappling with an increasing demand for homeless services amid a backdrop of rising homelessness rates.

At Catholic Charities’ Twin Cities Opportunity Center in Minneapolis, Chef Mis Bev serves warm meals to those in need. 

The kitchen bustles with activity as plates of spaghetti and oranges are prepared, offering sustenance and comfort on cold days

“Our numbers have been going up every winter,” said Bev. 

Tatyana Finklea, division director for adult emergency services with Catholic Charities, says every winter it sees an increased need for services. 

The organization, which provides a range of services including mail, food, shelter, and housing assistance, reports being exceptionally busy this season.

The surge in demand comes as Minnesota faces a growing homelessness crisis.

A recent study by the Wilder Institute reveals a troubling trend. 

Homelessness in the state has increased over the past decade. The 2023 survey of 1,300 people found that 23% of homeless individuals had spent at least half of the previous month outside, a significant jump from 13% a decade ago.

John Tribbett, service area director for Avivo, which provides shelter and wrap-around services, said the study reflect what him and his team already knows. 

 “Life has gotten harder in a lot of ways for many of us in our community,” he said.

The study also highlights the critical shortage of shelter space. “We’re seeing more people in need of shelter and less shelter availability,” Finklea notes. 

This scarcity becomes particularly concerning as frigid conditions threaten those living outside.

Tribbett points to broader economic pressures as a contributing factor. 

“People that are at the margins, more people are going to fall into harder spots as it gets harder for us to keep afloat,” he said.

To learn more about about Catholic Charities Twin Cities and to donate, click here.

To learn more more Avivo and to donate, click here. 

MINNESOTA, USA — Strong winds in Minnesota Wednesday left more than a hundred drivers in crashes, off the road, or spun out. 

A snow squall warning was issued Wednesday. With wind gusts over 50 mph, any snow shower can cause visibility to suddenly drop for a short time.

“A snow squall is a rare occurrence that can be issued for a brief, but heavy snow band usually behind a cold front during the wintertime,” said KARE 11 Meteorologist John Zeigler. 

There was one fatal crash in the state. According to State Patrol, a 43-year-old died after his car rolled into a ditch in Jackson County. Officials said the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. 

Winds were significant enough that in Fillmore County, a semi traveling south on Highway 52 was knocked on its side, KTTC reports. 

State Patrol gave the following tips for drivers to keep in mind when driving Wednesday night: 

• Turn on your headlights.

• Slow down to give yourself more time to react to shifting wind conditions and blowing snow.

• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, including semi-trucks.

• Keep both hands on the steering wheel.

• Put distractions away.