I’m finally getting around to sharing this column I wrote last week. It was hard to write and it’s daunting to share. But I hope it can help someone. Thank you for taking the time to read. I urge you all to take care of yourselves and each other - today, this week and always.

Back on Bluesky because @rlyrealmattblake.bsky.social joined. Give Matt a follow to keep up with state government news!

After finding a “kernel” of information as news breaks, "people are going to take it and then spin the yarn they want out of it,” said Larry Jacobs, a public opinion, elections and public policy researcher. Check out this clarifying story by me and @shadib.bsky.social for @minnpost.bsky.social.

The trash saga continues. Shout out to @pmajerle.bsky.social for the photo on this one 🫡

Only slight clarification is that the job being bizarre, specific, and difficult (and short term) is part of what drew me to it! AND I also know there are others better fit to fill it long-term. Really appreciate @winterkeefer.bsky.social's coverage! www.minnpost.com/metro/2025/0...

The word “shame” echoed through the 24-story atrium of the Hennepin County Government Center Tuesday afternoon as up to over 100 sit-in protestors gathered to decry ICE presence in county buildings, including courthouses and jails. buff.ly/0opvcEP

Soup for my family

Viewers have flagged at least three ad mixups involving candidates or organizations in the state in recent years — a goofy phenomenon that experts say has minimal impact outside of being, frankly, embarrassing. buff.ly/4biV1Un

@deannapistono.bsky.social has such a great voice for radio. 🙌 Check out her story

New article up on @minnpost.bsky.social today - many thanks to all who spoke with me and shared their insights, especially in these, to put it as diplomatically as I can, uncertain times.

Want to learn more about how the Trump administration is impacting Minnesotans? Sign up for our next MinnPost Social to hear D.C. corespondent Ana Radelat and I talk about it. It’s free! You just need to register.

Thanks, @lindsayinmpls.bsky.social for your insight on this topic. Federal funding to cities impacts every aspect of our daily lives. Read more about the potential impact of cuts in this story.

A policy protecting immigrants in “sensitive zones,” including schools, was rescinded under the new Trump administration. Here’s a look at the policies and practices Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools have in place. buff.ly/4gerMmw

Four months after the City Council council approved a $1.5 million grant that was contested by the mayor and staff, Agate Housing has confirmed it will no longer move forward with renovations. buff.ly/4he9Mdn

Fact Brief: Did Minneapolis end 2024 with more police than it started with for the first time in five years? buff.ly/4gkdFw1

In this week’s D.C. Memo: • Trump Justice Department threatens to prosecute ‘sanctuary’ jurisdiction officials in Minnesota • Hegseth clears key vote on his way to confirmation • Your questions and comments; and more buff.ly/42tjWSW

Fact Brief: Was one of the creators of Dungeons & Dragons a Minnesotan? buff.ly/42sTuJ1

St. Paul City Council President Mitra Jalali will take a leave of office on Feb. 5, and then resign. Ward 4 needs a temporary fill-in, and then a special election. Interested? www.twincities.com/2025/01/24/s...

Last week, a judge dismissed a lawsuit that had temporarily blocked projects allowable under the city’s comprehensive plan. Now that roadblock is gone. buff.ly/3ElZCZm

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pushed back Thursday on Trump administration plans to review a newly negotiated police-reform agreement with the city: “Regardless of the Trump administration’s announcement, we will be moving forward with the terms outlined in the consent decree.” buff.ly/3Eb8PE8

It’s entirely possible to improve transit performance through downtown, while also making Nicollet more attractive and vital. But without more specific plans in place, it’s hard to say whether the change would be an improvement. buff.ly/4aIk5UJ

Lost in a holiday haze, St. Paul left citizens hanging on which version of the budget ultimately made it into the new year — one that included the mayor’s line-item vetoes or the City Council’s version with a veto override. buff.ly/4j64TnU

Happy New Year, Bluesky! This year I swear I’m going to try to post on here more. Lots to look back at in Minneapolis going into the new year, including all of the vetoes by Mayor Jacob Frey: www.minnpost.com/metro/2025/0...

There's still time to support MinnPost this Give to the Max Day! Support MinnPost's independent, paywall-free journalism with a gift today➡️ minnpost.fundjournalism.org/support/?cam...

New story up on @minnpost.bsky.social about a panel from the Minnesota Justice Research Center's Re-Imagining Justice Conference called 'It's Time to End Slavery in Minnesota.'

Big things happening at council this morning. Today, the Minneapolis City Council will vote on a proposed Labor Standards Board resolution. Here’s everything you need to know about the board and why it has been both hotly contested and advocated for. www.minnpost.com/metro/2024/1...

Hi, Bluesky! Thank you for giving me a follow. Quick intro, I’m @minnpost.bsky.social's metro reporter. Before jumping over to nonprofit news in March of this year, I was an associate editor at Twin Cities Business. Before that I worked in Michigan newsrooms including for MLive's The Flint Journal.

The banger starter packs just keep coming