Minneapolis’s proposed drone contract with Skydio failed in a 6-6 City Council vote, after residents packed protests citing surveillance concerns and the company’s ties to ICE and the Israeli military. Contributing writer Izzy Canizares has the full story.
LaTrisha Vetaw
Posted inLocal & State
Community pushes back on Minneapolis drone pilot program
Forty community members spoke out against a proposed MPD drone pilot at a July 8 committee meeting, none in favor. Contributing writer Ella Stern breaks down the surveillance, data and Skydio-Israel concerns headed to a full council vote July 16.
Posted inLocal & State
Minneapolis Considers Drone Pilot Program for North Minneapolis, Activists Push Back
Minneapolis is considering a 75-day Skydio drone pilot program in North Minneapolis, and activists, privacy experts and community members are pushing back, raising concerns about surveillance, corporate ties to Israeli military operations and a police department they say cannot be trusted with the technology.
Posted inCommunity Voices
The simple solution parents need to keep up with new apps
City Councilor LaTrisha Vetaw says the App Store Accountability Act would make it easier for parents to stay involved in their children’s digital lives by requiring approval before teens download new apps.
Posted inLocal & State
Conflicting priorities hamstring Mpls violence prevention
The Minneapolis City Council has approved funding for five organizations to provide violence prevention services in different neighborhoods, but concerns remain about staffing cuts and contract transparency.
Posted inNews
Minneapolis’ cigarette cost to be among the nation’s highest
Minneapolis City Council passed an ordinance that imposes a $15 minimum price for a pack of cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products.
Posted inPodcasts
‘Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real’ feat. Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw
Host Tracey Williams-Dillard interviews Councilmember LaTrisha Vetaw, Minneapolis Ward 4.
Posted inNews
Vetaw speaks out on disrespect, homelessness, light rail
Councilwoman LaTrisha Vetaw discussed the Minneapolis City Council’s commotion with other members, the need for more funding for housing and homelessness, and the importance of identifying individual needs in the encampments.
Posted inNews
North Minneapolis City Council incumbents win re-election
In North Minneapolis, both LaTrisha Vetaw (Ward 4) and Jeremiah Ellison (Ward 5) easily won their re-election races.
Posted inNews
The city council race in Ward 4
‘There was an opportunity for affordable housing. There was an opportunity to get homeless people out of encampments and into a space where they can be safe.’
Posted inFeatured, Local & State, News
Serving the community: an interview with LaTrisha Vetaw, freshman Ward 4 councilmember
‘I’m super passionate about the North Side I love community. That’s what makes me tick the most…’