Minneapolis, MN
St. Paul and Minneapolis mayoral inaugurations hint at challenges ahead – MinnPost
November’s surprising elections that lifted Kaohly Her to leadership in St. Paul and saw Jacob Frey’s return to Minneapolis culminated this week in inauguration ceremonies offering hints at how the leaders may approach their roles over the next four years.
But while Her’s ceremony felt almost like an introduction to a relative newcomer, Frey, voted in for a third term, hammered well-worn themes.
“First” was the word of the day at St. Paul’s St. Catherine University, hosting Her’s inauguration — not only the first female mayor of the city, but the first to be a woman of color, an Asian-American, an immigrant and of Hmong ancestry.
The St. Kate’s location offered a symbolic touch as one of the only women’s colleges in the nation and an establishment with strong outreach to the Hmong community.
Following accolades from friends and fellow officials, Her laid down what she said were foundational aspects of her mayorship, like concerns over rising property taxes and deferred maintenance of city resources, like arenas.
“I will never come to you without numbers, data points or a plan,” Her said.
Compare that to Mayor Frey’s inauguration, held at the Pantages Theater in downtown Minneapolis as part of the swearing in of public officials including the Minneapolis City Council.
Frey needs no introduction to most of the city’s residents — certainly not to the protesters who interrupted the beginning of his speech by yelling the names of domestic violence victims and holding up flags emblazoned with “FTP,” a phrase often used to disparage law enforcement.
The mayor drew on previous terms, saying his administration would continue leaning into their work to support more affordable housing throughout the city, build more diverse public safety departments and revitalize areas like the former Kmart site along Lake Street.
Frey’s speech neatly compared what he said were national crises, like ICE raids, to Minneapolis’ harsh winters, saying the best way to weather both was together. And in a nod that seemed aimed at the City Council’s recent dysfunction, he repeated some councilors’ calls “not for chaos or blame, but for partnership.”
Her commented on recent federal attention as well, saying the Trump administration was “determined to make life more difficult.” She shared a goal of removing federal officers’ ability to stage in public parks and wear masks.
From Anoka to the Iron Range, a preview of Minnesota legislative battlegrounds in 2026
“I am determined not to allow this federal administration to turn us against each other,” Her said.
Both mayors bemoaned the current state of politics, with Frey alluding to the “frayed and even dangerous discourse” faced not only by candidates but by campaign teams and families. Her became emotional speaking about her friendship with late House speaker Melissa Hortman, assassinated in June.
Asked by MinnPost about their colleagues across the river, Her said, “the bond between St. Paul and Minneapolis is one of the most unique and special connections in the whole country. It’s what makes our region so great.” Her mentioned her hope to share meals and advice with Frey, “like we did last month.”
Frey called the Twin Cities’ partnership “the strongest force in Minnesota.” In Her, he said he has “a partner who believes that cities should be relentlessly focused on delivering for our residents and improving lives. I can’t wait to work with her to lift up both of our cities.”
Both mayors clearly shared at least one goal: an interest in their audience leaving the inaugurations energized.
In Minneapolis, Frey and others onstage broke out dance moves to Kennadi Watkins’ rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Rock Steady.”
In St. Paul, as people made their way to the doors, “Golden,” from the hit film “KPop Demon Hunters” — a song about claiming the many contrasting identities within one person — blasted over the speakers.
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Minneapolis, MN
Marilyn Savage, St. Cloud State Educator And Media Pioneer, Remembered July 18 In Cokato
June 24, 1938 – June 19, 2026
Marilyn Ardis Savage, 87 died from Parkinson’s disease on June 19, 2026 at Ave Maria. She was born June 24, 1938 in Minneapolis, MN to Elmer S. and Mabel A. (Salmela) Sako.
Marilyn graduated from North High class of 1956. She went on to get a Bachelor’s of Science at the U of M. In 1960 she started teaching at John Hay Elementary. In 1975 she married Carl Savage and they went on a leadership conference for media specialists for their honeymoon. In 1982 Marilyn completed her Masters of Science in Information Media at SCSU. Marilyn and Carl were active in the MN Educational Media Organization and published the Minnesota Media magazine. They worked in a group to create Information Media guidelines for the state of MN and Marilyn spoke at events and invited other teachers to observe the curriculum in her media center.
Marilyn touched a lot of lives as a teacher. She was well liked and respected by her students. She commented that it was important to have good relationships with students because you never know when one is going to become your anesthesiologist!
Marilyn and Carl loved to travel and spent many summers in TN visiting his family and in FL where they bought property where they planned on retiring. Their trips were full of adventures like when they unknowingly traveled with a couple of identity thieves.
Marilyn became a widow in 1991 and retired from Zachary Lane Elementary in 1997. Retirement gave her the opportunity to pursue her love of travel. She and her best friend, Jan Sorell, traveled to China and Hawaii together as well as many other smaller trips. Marilyn also visited her nephew in Alaska and even volunteered at a summer camp in Finland. She remained active in her community, helping plan YMCA fundraising events. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her close friends in the “Lunch Bunch,” who gathered each week at their favorite restaurant.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Carl, sister Evon and fur babies Sase, Sadie and Chloe.
She is survived by nieces Lauren Sako (Scott Krein) Jamestown, ND; Elaine (Keith) Pyle Crystal Lake, IL; stepson Clay (Anita) Savage Hernando, MS; nephew Dave (Lisa) Hendrick Anchorage, AK; niece Theresa Brown Counce, TN; grandnephew Benjamin Salomonsen Hubert, NC; grandniece Natalie (Nik) Eccless Duelm, MN; two great grandnieces and many cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at Benson Funeral Home on July 18th. Visitation at 10am and service at 11am. Lunch after the service. Following the luncheon, Marilyn will be laid to rest at the Cokato Finnish Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Carl & Marilyn Savage Scholarship in Information Media at St. Cloud State University. https://scsu.mn/give
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis chief communications officer Adam Fetcher out amid possible criminal charges
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis’ chief communications officer, Adam Fetcher, is out of his job and now faces possible legal trouble.
Adam Fetcher’s departure from city hall
What we know:
City officials say Adam Fetcher’s last day as chief communications officer was Monday, July 1.
Fetcher, who previously worked in the Obama administration, started his role with the City of Minneapolis last year. The city has not shared any further details about the circumstances surrounding Fetcher’s departure.
Legal questions for the former official
What they’re saying:
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says it has received a case involving Fetcher and added that charges are possible. Fetcher’s attorney had no comment.
The nature of the case has not been made clear by officials.
What we don’t know:
It is not clear what the case involving Fetcher is about or what specific charges, if any, might be filed.
The Source: Information from the City of Minneapolis and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, Hamel women accused of stealing millions in federal funds due in court Thursday
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS continues to track the latest fraud developments.
Two of the 15 defendants accused of stealing federal program money back in May are due in court on Thursday morning, and a deal with prosecutors could be taking shape.
Fahima Egeh Mahamud, 50, of Minneapolis, and Jillaine Mertens, 42, of Hamel have plea agreement hearings at the Minneapolis federal courthouse.
Prosecutors say Mertens collected more than $400,000 in fraudulent claims across three childcare centers in Ramsey, Rochester and Kasson.
Mahumud is accused of taking $5.5 million in taxpayer money through her daycare, Future Leaders.
Both cases are set for plea agreement hearings Thursday morning in federal court.
Top federal officials came to Minnesota in May to announce the charges against the 15 defendants.
PREVIOUS: DOJ charges 15 defendants accused of collectively defrauding $90 million
They are alleging that fraudsters exploited programs meant to help vulnerable populations — including the now-defunct Housing Stabilization Services program, which was designed to connect homeless Minnesotans with housing, and the Early Intensive Behavioral Development Intervention (EIDBI) program for children with autism.
This is a developing story. Download the KSTP app below to get the latest updates.
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