St. Paul residents rallied outside City Hall demanding the city release its police department’s contract with drone maker Skydio, end it, and stop expanding AI surveillance. The contract has not been made public. Contributing writer Izzy Canizares reports.
Skydio
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St. Paul council to vote on $200,000 federal grant for drone program
The St. Paul City Council prepares to vote on a $200,000 federal grant to expand its police drone program, spurring intense debate over civil rights, library cuts, and surveillance.
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Skydio ‘first responder’ drone contract fails in Minneapolis City Council after weeks of resident opposition
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.
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Minneapolis residents, leaders to protest Skydio drone program at Federal Courthouse Plaza
Minneapolis residents plan to rally against the proposed Skydio drone trial July 15 at the Federal Courthouse Plaza, a day ahead of the City Council’s final vote. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry has the details.
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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.
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Minneapolis community members speak out against proposed trial on “first responder” drones
Minneapolis City Council heard testimony on a proposed 75-day Skydio drone trial for MPD in the 4th precinct, with over 30 residents pushing back on surveillance concerns and Skydio’s ties to Israel and DHS. Izzy Canizares reports.