Sofia Barnett
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ex texan @startribune. grad @brownuniversity, @nytimes corps. been @bostonglobe, @dallasnews, @projo. freelancer, historian, fast walker.
Articles by Sofia Barnett
Monticello man, 3-year-old son killed when detached trailer wheel strikes family’s van
Monticello man, 3-year-old son killed when detached trailer wheel strikes family’s van Stephen Clayton, 31, and his son David died in the South Dakota crash. Clayton’s wife was seriously injured, while their 11-month-old son suffered minor injuries. The roof of a police patrol car at night, with the blue and red lights flashing.
AI is changing what political campaigns say, and who gets to hear it
MINNEAPOLIS — For years, political campaigns have tried to learn everything they can about voters: What they drive. Where they shop. Whether they own a home, a boat or have a particular interest in equestrian sports. The data helps campaigns make educated guesses about people’s politics, then decide which voters are worth pursuing and what might persuade them. It is a practice that predates social media, let alone ChatGPT.
AI is changing what political campaigns say, and who gets to hear it
By Sofia Barnett, The Minnesota Star Tribune MINNEAPOLIS - For years, political campaigns have tried to learn everything they can about voters: What they drive. Where they shop. Whether they own a home, a boat or have a particular interest in equestrian sports. The data helps campaigns make educated guesses about people's politics, then decide which voters are worth pursuing and what might persuade them. It is a practice that predates social media, let alone ChatGPT.
AI is changing what political campaigns say, and who gets to hear it
MINNEAPOLIS — For years, political campaigns have tried to learn everything they can about voters: What they drive. Where they shop. Whether they own a home, a boat or have a particular interest in equestrian sports. The data helps campaigns make educated guesses about people’s politics, then decide which voters are worth pursuing and what might persuade them. It is a practice that predates social media, let alone ChatGPT.
AI is changing what political campaigns say, and who gets to hear it
MINNEAPOLIS — For years, political campaigns have tried to learn everything they can about voters: What they drive. Where they shop. Whether they own a home, a boat or have a particular interest in equestrian sports. The data helps campaigns make educated guesses about people’s politics, then decide which voters are worth pursuing and what might persuade them. It is a practice that predates social media, let alone ChatGPT.
AI is changing what political campaigns say, and who gets to hear it
AI is changing what political campaigns say, and who gets to hear it Artificial intelligence is reshaping familiar campaign practices in Minnesota and beyond. Whether it can sway more votes is less certain. Voter data collection isn't new. But AI tools to make the best use of that data give campaigns a massive lift in reaching the right voters.
Leftist influencer Hasan Piker to join Ilhan Omar, Omar Fateh at Minnesota event
Hasan Piker, the left-wing political commentator whose enormous online following has made him an increasingly prominent figure in Democratic politics, will join U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and state Sen. Omar Fateh for an election-themed event in Minnesota later this month. Piker's visit comes amid controversy over his past remarks that critics have called antisemitic. Fateh announced the event Thursday on social media. Billed as the inaugural edition of “I'm The Host Now,” it is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct.
Leftist influencer Hasan Piker to join Ilhan Omar, Omar Fateh at Minnesota event
Hasan Piker, the left-wing political commentator whose enormous online following has made him an increasingly prominent figure in Democratic politics, will join U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and state Sen. Omar Fateh for an election-themed event in Minnesota later this month. Piker's visit comes amid controversy over his past remarks that critics have called antisemitic. Fateh announced the event Thursday on social media. Billed as the inaugural edition of "I'm The Host Now," it is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct.
Leftist influencer Hasan Piker to join Ilhan Omar, Omar Fateh at Minnesota event
Leftist influencer Hasan Piker to join Ilhan Omar, Omar Fateh at Minnesota event The popular left-wing streamer has faced accusations of antisemitism over his remarks about Jewish Americans and Israel, drawing criticism from prominent Democrats. Leftist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker speaks at an event hosted by the University Democrats at The University of Texas in Austin on Sept. 30.
Leftist influencer Hasan Piker to join Ilhan Omar, Omar Fateh at Minnesota event
Hasan Piker, the left-wing political commentator whose enormous online following has made him an increasingly prominent figure in Democratic politics, will join U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and state Sen. Omar Fateh for an election-themed event in Minnesota later this month. Piker’s visit comes amid controversy over his past remarks that critics have called antisemitic. Fateh announced the event Thursday on social media. Billed as the inaugural edition of “I’m The Host Now,” it is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct.
Minnesota Poll: Trump’s unpopularity deepens as voters sour on economy, Iran war
MINNEAPOLIS — President Donald Trump is losing ground in Minnesota, where a new Star Tribune/KARE 11 Minnesota Poll finds mounting disapproval of his presidency amid frustration over the economy and the war in Iran. Nearly six in 10 likely voters — 58% — disapprove of Trump’s job performance, up from 56% in June and 54% a year ago.
Trump's unpopularity deepens as voters sour on economy, Iran war
MINNEAPOLIS - President Donald Trump is losing ground in Minnesota, where a new Star Tribune/KARE 11 Minnesota Poll finds mounting disapproval of his presidency amid frustration over the economy and the war in Iran. Nearly six in 10 likely voters - 58% - disapprove of Trump's job performance, up from 56% in June and 54% a year ago.
Minnesota Poll: Trump’s unpopularity deepens as voters sour on economy, Iran war
Minnesota Poll: Trump’s unpopularity deepens as voters sour on economy, Iran war Nearly six in 10 Minnesota voters disapprove of the president’s performance, and even some of his supporters express frustration with the war. Donald Trump speaks at a rally in St. Cloud on July 27, 2024.
Minnesota Poll: A majority of voters worry AI will destroy humanity
Minnesota Poll: A majority of voters worry AI will destroy humanity The prospect of artificial intelligence escaping human control alarms Minnesotans across party lines, though what governments should do about it is less clear. Kassie Gibbons, of Duluth, chants as cars pass by during a protest organized by community members from the "Stop the Hermantown Data Center" group on Nov. 15, 2025 in Duluth.
In Senate race, the friendliest microphones can come with the biggest headaches
For a candidate running statewide in Minnesota, an hour on a friendly podcast can be a tempting proposition. There’s time to talk about health care and the cost of raising a family, an audience willing to listen and little risk of an unwelcome question. It’s the sort of exposure campaigns spend considerable money trying to buy. kAm%96? D@>6@?6 8@6D =@@<:?8 E9C@F89 E96 9@DED’ @=5 u2463@@< A@DED]k^Am kAm%92E H2D E96 F?6IA64E65 4@>A=:42E:@? 7@C {E] v@G] !688J u=2?282?
In Minnesota Senate race, the friendliest microphones can come with the biggest headaches
By Sofia Barnett, Star Tribune MINNEAPOLIS - For a candidate running statewide in Minnesota, an hour on a friendly podcast can be a tempting proposition. There's time to talk about healthcare and the cost of raising a family, an audience willing to listen and little risk of an unwelcome question. It's the sort of exposure campaigns spend considerable money trying to buy. Then someone goes looking through the hosts' old Facebook posts.
Minnesota Poll: Trump's unpopularity deepens as voters sour on economy, Iran war
MINNEAPOLIS — President Donald Trump is losing ground in Minnesota, where a new Star Tribune/KARE 11 Minnesota Poll finds mounting disapproval of his presidency amid frustration over the economy and the war in Iran. Nearly six in 10 likely voters — 58% — disapprove of Trump’s job performance, up from 56% in June and 54% a year ago.
Could AI spell doom for humans? Poll finds Minnesotans are worried
MINNEAPOLIS — More than two-thirds of Minnesota voters worry that artificial intelligence could someday destroy humanity, according to a new Star Tribune/KARE 11 Minnesota Poll, an extraordinary fear that joins more familiar anxieties about jobs, politics and the future of American life. The poll found that 68% of likely voters are very or somewhat concerned that advanced AI could bring about humanity’s destruction. Nearly a quarter are very concerned.
Minnesota Poll: Trump’s unpopularity deepens as voters sour on economy, Iran war
MINNEAPOLIS — President Donald Trump is losing ground in Minnesota, where a new Star Tribune/KARE 11 Minnesota Poll finds mounting disapproval of his presidency amid frustration over the economy and the war in Iran. Nearly six in 10 likely voters — 58% — disapprove of Trump’s job performance, up from 56% in June and 54% a year ago.
In Minnesota Senate race, the friendliest microphones can come with the biggest headaches
MINNEAPOLIS — For a candidate running statewide in Minnesota, an hour on a friendly podcast can be a tempting proposition. There’s time to talk about healthcare and the cost of raising a family, an audience willing to listen and little risk of an unwelcome question. It’s the sort of exposure campaigns spend considerable money trying to buy. Then someone goes looking through the hosts’ old Facebook posts. That was the unexpected complication for Lt. Gov.
The podcast tradeoff for candidates: Friendly audiences, lasting scrutiny Original
The podcast tradeoff for candidates: Friendly audiences, lasting scrutiny As Peggy Flanagan and Michele Tafoya navigate podcasts and partisan media, their experiences reveal the opportunities — and unexpected liabilities — of campaigning beyond traditional journalism. Michele Tafoya, left, and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
Walz said he considered leaving public office after Hortman assassination
Gov. Tim Walz considered leaving public office after the assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, according to a New York Times investigation into rising threats of political violence against elected officials nationwide.
Walz said he considered leaving public office after Hortman assassination Original
Walz said he considered leaving public office after Hortman assassination The governor told the New York Times about threats against his family and concerns for Minnesota lawmakers amid a nationwide rise in political violence. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz acts as one of the pallbearers for Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman’s casket during funeral services for her and her husband Mark Hortman at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, Minn., on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Republicans see an opening for Tafoya, but their money is elsewhere
LE SUEUR, MINN. — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune swung through Minnesota farm country on Monday, arguing Michele Tafoya is one of a precious few Republican candidates who can flip a Senate seat and buck the expected blue wave in the midterm elections. “It seems to me that Minnesota is a perfect, perfectly good place to be on offense,” said Thune, a South Dakota Republican, while railing against fraud in Minnesota's social services programs.
Republicans see an opening for Tafoya, but their money is elsewhere
LE SUEUR, MINN. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune swung through Minnesota farm country on Monday, arguing Michele Tafoya is one of a precious few Republican candidates who can flip a Senate seat and buck the expected blue wave in the midterm elections. "It seems to me that Minnesota is a perfect, perfectly good place to be on offense," said Thune, a South Dakota Republican, while railing against fraud in Minnesota's social services programs.
Ad check: What Democratic attacks on Minnesota Republicans leave out
A Democratic congressional candidate says U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad is helping Chinese companies buy up American farmland. Another ad says the war in Iran is costing taxpayers $2 billion every day. Attorney General Keith Ellison says his Republican opponent would “take orders” from President Donald Trump. kAm%96 F?56C=J:?8 C64@C5D E6== 2 >@C6 4@>A=:42E65 DE@CJ]k^Am kAmw6C6’D H92E J@F ?665 E@ <?@H 23@FE D6G6C2= C646?E 25D 7C@> s6>@4C2E:4 42?5:52E6D 2?5 2=:8?65 8C@FAD 2:C:?8 :?
Ad check: What Democratic attacks on Minnesota Republicans leave out
Ad check: What Democratic attacks on Minnesota Republicans leave out A closer look at the claims shows a mix of documented facts, missing context and political interpretation. FILE-U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad chats to attendees at Minnesota Farmfest in Morgan. (Shari L. Gross/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share A Democratic congressional candidate says U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad is helping Chinese companies buy up American farmland.
Ad check: What Republican fraud attacks on Klobuchar leave out Original
Ad check: What Republican fraud attacks on Klobuchar leave out Generation Hope drew questions from Republican lawmakers, but it has not been charged with fraud or found to have committed wrongdoing. Sen. Amy Klobuchar requested $1 million for a nonprofit, but the money was never sent. (Leila Navidi/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share The ads begin with something that is true: Sen. Amy Klobuchar backed a congressional request for more than $1 million for a Minneapolis nonprofit.
Pair of St. Paul council members call for full release of investigation into Mayor Kaohly Her
Pair of St. Paul council members call for full release of investigation into Mayor Kaohly Her Molly Coleman and Saura Jost say the city’s two-page summary left unanswered questions about the mayor’s conduct and leadership. Comment Gift Share Council Members Molly Coleman and Saura Jost called for greater transparency after St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry sued Her and the city, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, among other claims.
As Minnesota colleges compete for fewer students, it’s ‘winner takes most’
Higher education is getting harder to sell.
Minnesota attorney general candidates clash over fraud, Trump and federal enforcement
Attorney General Keith Ellison and Republican challenger Ron Schutz took turns sharing their visions for how aggressively the state's top prosecutor should pursue fraud, when to take on the Trump administration and what role the attorney general should play when federal officers use deadly force in the state. The candidates appeared separately at the Minnesota Star Tribune's North Star Summit on Tuesday in interviews with politics reporter Briana Bierschbach.
As Minnesota colleges compete for fewer students, it’s ‘winner takes most’
As Minnesota colleges compete for fewer students, it’s ‘winner takes most’ Shrinking enrollment, AI and questions about the value of a degree are forcing universities to rethink what they offer. Rebecca Cunningham, president of the University of Minnesota, speaks at the Minnesota Star Tribune’s North Star Summit in Minneapolis on Wednesday. (Jerry Holt/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share Higher education is getting harder to sell. College-age populations are shrinking.
Minnesota attorney general candidates clash over fraud, Trump and federal enforcement
Attorney General Keith Ellison and Republican challenger Ron Schutz took turns sharing their visions for how aggressively the state’s top prosecutor should pursue fraud, when to take on the Trump administration and what role the attorney general should play when federal officers use deadly force in the state. kAm%96 42?5:52E6D 2AA62C65 D6A2C2E6=J 2E E96 |:??6D@E2 $E2C %C:3F?6’D }@CE9 $E2C $F>>:E @? %F6D52J :?
Minnesota attorney general candidates clash over fraud, Trump and federal enforcement
Minnesota attorney general candidates clash over fraud, Trump and federal enforcement Attorney General Keith Ellison and Republican challenger Ron Schutz made separate appearances at the Minnesota Star Tribune’s North Star Summit. Left to right, Ron Schutz, the Republican nominee for attorney general, and DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Person killed by Blue Line train in Minneapolis, second light-rail death in two days
Person killed by Blue Line train in Minneapolis, second light-rail death in two days The fatal collision Saturday morning followed another involving a Green Line train in St. Paul on Friday night. A Blue Line makes its way into the U.S.Bank Stadium lightrail station Minneapolis, MN on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025.
Twin Cities suburbs are more diverse than ever. See how your city has changed.
Twin Cities suburbs are more diverse than ever. See how your city has changed. The growing diversity across the suburbs has been shaped by immigration and housing policy, and shows up in schools, businesses and social life. People walk through the Asian Street Food Night Market at Maplewood Mall on Aug. 8. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/The Minnesota Star Tribune) Comment Gift Share The Twin Cities suburbs have a reputation for being white. For a long time, they were.
Missing hiker found alive at Isle Royale after 8-day search
Missing hiker found alive at Isle Royale after 8-day search Backpackers found Craig Berg, who had been missing since Sept. 5, alive and alert in the remote national park. Comment Gift Share Craig Berg, a hiker who had been missing for more than a week at Isle Royale National Park, was found alive and alert, park officials announced Sunday. Berg had been missing since Sept. 5 and was located by backpackers in the remote Lake Superior park.
Congressional watchdog clears Ilhan Omar over financial disclosure errors
By Sofia Barnett, The Minnesota Star Tribune A congressional ethics watchdog has cleared U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of wrongdoing over errors in a financial disclosure that initially listed millions of dollars in assets tied to her husband's businesses. The Office of Congressional Conduct investigated whether Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, reported false or incomplete information in violation of federal law or House rules. Its board voted 5-1 to recommend the House Ethics Committee dismiss the allegations.
Congressional watchdog clears Ilhan Omar over financial disclosure errors
A congressional ethics watchdog has cleared U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of wrongdoing over errors in a financial disclosure that initially listed millions of dollars in assets tied to her husband's businesses. The Office of Congressional Conduct investigated whether Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, reported false or incomplete information in violation of federal law or House rules. Its board voted 5-1 to recommend the House Ethics Committee dismiss the allegations.
Report: Congressional watchdog clears Ilhan Omar over financial disclosure errors
Report: Congressional watchdog clears Ilhan Omar over financial disclosure errors The Office of Congressional Conduct recommended dismissing allegations that Omar filed false or incomplete information, the Wall Street Journal reported. Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks during a House Budget Committee meeting on Capitol Hill on May 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Tribune News Service) Comment Gift Share A congressional ethics watchdog has cleared U.S. Rep.
Congressional watchdog clears Ilhan Omar over financial disclosure errors
A congressional ethics watchdog has cleared U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of wrongdoing over errors in a financial disclosure that initially listed millions of dollars in assets tied to her husband’s businesses. The Office of Congressional Conduct investigated whether Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, reported false or incomplete information in violation of federal law or House rules. Its board voted 5-1 to recommend the House Ethics Committee dismiss the allegations.
Dispute over dog in Savage escalates into shooting, charges say
Dispute over dog in Savage escalates into shooting, charges say A neighborhood disagreement that began after a dog knocked a woman down ended with a man seriously wounded. Both men involved are now facing charges. Two men have been charged in a shooting in Savage. (City of Savage) An argument between Savage residents escalated into gunfire this week, leaving one man seriously injured and both men facing charges, according to court records.
Metro governments across the Twin Cities mull sizeable property tax hikes
Metro governments across the Twin Cities mull sizeable property tax hikes Rising costs and state and federal cost shifts are pushing some local governments toward steep levy increases — and service cuts. Homes line the streets of the Brookshire development in Lakeville, which is part of Dakota County in the southern metro. Dakota County is considering double-digit percentage increases on property taxes.
Minnesota elections chief condemns hidden-camera polling place videos
By Sofia Barnett, The Minnesota Star Tribune Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon has condemned a Florida-based political group after its members secretly recorded interactions with poll workers at several Minneapolis polling places during Tuesday's primary election. Poll workers immediately reported the encounters to local election officials, according to Simon. Law enforcement is reviewing the incidents.
Minnesota elections chief condemns hidden-camera polling place videos Original
Minnesota elections chief condemns hidden-camera polling place videos Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon denounced the conduct of a group who impersonated voters at Minneapolis polling places during Tuesday’s primary. The group defended the videos as an effort to test Minnesota’s election laws. Conservative activist James O'Keefe is shown at a Minneapolis polling location in a hidden-camera video he posted to social media.
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