Staff Directory 6370521

David Chanen

Reporter | Hennepin County
Phone: 612-673-4465

David Chanen is a reporter covering Hennepin County government and Prince's estate dealings. He previously covered crime, courts and spent two sessions at the Legislature.


Chanen has spent his entire career at the Star Tribune A Minneapolis resident, he owns a pug and a rescue dog that looks like a gremlin.
Recent content from David Chanen
In the creation of the county’s document, Board Chair Marion Greene said she wanted the process to be guided by Indigenous people as much as possibl

Hennepin County Board acknowledges land and water taken from area Native Americans

The document, part of a three-year effort put together by a diverse workgroup including Native American county elders, was read to the full board and approved last month.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson

Hennepin County report details racist, sexist comments by Sheriff David Hutchinson

Sheriff vigorously denies the allegations, saying he was the target of detractors.
A view of on the Kenilworth corridor where the Southwest Light Rail is proposed to run in Minneapolis.

Hennepin County Board approves $100 million for Southwest light rail budget for next year

Commissioners also approve $2.61 billion budget for 2023
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson.

Hennepin County Board approves censure of Sheriff David Hutchinson

Hutchinson is in the final weeks of his tenure after opting not to seek re-election.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson presided over a Monday morning weekly planning meeting at the Sheriff's Department, Minneapolis City Hall. ] G

Hennepin County committee recommends censure of Sheriff David Hutchinson

The unanimous vote came after an investigation showed the outgoing Hennepin County sheriff violated county policies.
Minneapolis firefighters work a fire from an aerial ladder truck as a fire destroyed an empty apartment complex in the 2300 block of Lyndale Ave. S. I

Large fire in south Minneapolis is second at buildings owned by same landlord

The building was occupied by squatters, officials said. One person jumped from a second-floor window and was found to be in stable condition by HCMC paramedics.

Large fire in south Minneapolis is second at buildings owned by same landlord

The building was occupied by squatters, officials said. One person jumped from a second-floor window and was found to be in stable condition by HCMC paramedics.
Hennepin County plans to do inspections and remove lead paint from windows, doors and stairs in at least 125 homes and apartments every year

Hennepin County receives $6.7M to prevent lead poisoning in children

The grant, one of the largest in the country, will be used to remove lead paint in homes built before 1978.
Kelly Bridges and his partner Breeanna talked with their Hennepin County case manager Krissy Svensson in their new apartment Friday in St. Paul. The c

Hennepin County moves more than 300 people into permanent housing

County program, with high success rate, connects caseworkers with people struggling to find housing.
Hennepin County Sheriff's Major Dawanna Witt, the newly elected Sheriff of Hennepin County, held a press conference at Minneapolis City Hall to lay ou

Hennepin County sheriff-elect lays out vision for the future

Dawanna Witt wants closer ties with Minneapolis, to reduce violent crime and hear "good or bad."
Hennepin County Attorney-elect Mary Moriarty, right, spoke to supporters alongside her partner, Jen Westmoreland, after they arrived victorious at Mor

Newly elected Hennepin County attorney, sheriff poised for changes

A new top prosecutor and sheriff are two key players in a criminal justice system facing calls for reform and for dealing with violent crime.
The intersection of W. 50th Street and France Avenue in Edina had the most pedestrian traffic of the 32 roadways and intersections monitored recently

Hennepin County counts bikers and pedestrians to improve roads

Volunteers fan out to 32 roadways and intersections across the county to quantify traffic.
Dawanna Witt

Dawanna Witt will become Hennepin County's next sheriff

The win makes Witt the first Black person and first woman to lead the department.
Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson

Hennepin County sheriff will lose month's pay when license is suspended

The board's decision came 10 months after David Hutchinson pleaded guilty to a drunken-driving charge.

Amber Alert in Apple Valley for 2-year-old has been canceled

Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer creating a crisis in Hennepin County

With trees dying off at greater rates, Hennepin County recently granted nearly $400,000 to 20 cities, organizations and affordable housing properties to remove and replace more than 435.

Minneapolis will be battleground and crime strategy hot spot in Hennepin Co. sheriff race

Kevin Anderson

Hennepin County will fund grants for youth music and arts program

The county can provide more opportunities to foster creativity and self-expression and raise cultural awareness and appreciation, Commissioner Kevin Anderson said.
Irene Fernando

Hennepin County Board considering 4.5% maximum property tax levy for 2023

The overall budget is $2.57 billion
Anne Mavity, executive director of the Minnesota Housing Partnership, which advocates for affordable housing. Counties need investments to solve the h

Hennepin County recently helped fund its 10,000th affordable housing unit

County milestone is two decades in the making.
The Minneapolis Police Crime Lab Unit investigated a scene in north Minneapolis in 2020 in which multiple people were reported shot.

Hennepin County spending $10M to boost crime response

The county is giving money to community groups as well as hiring a "safe communities" director and gun-violence prevention coordinator in its first coordinated campaign to reduce violent crime.
Under new program, eligible households receive a discount on internet service and money for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer.

White House, Hennepin County promote internet discount program

Federal government partners with cities, counties to expand access to internet for low-income residents.
The offices of the Indigenous Peoples Task Force, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in Minneapolis. Hennepin County will fund $10 million for projects for affo

Hennepin County invests $10M to boost minority businesses, nonprofits

The county-backed projects will create more than 400,000 square feet of commercial and nonprofit space, support more than 550 local business owners and employ more than 1,000 people.
Mike Freeman

Task force urges Minneapolis to be more aggressive against violent crime

The city has solved just 38% of homicides and 12% of carjackings, according to a new report
A health care worker prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

Hennepin County will no longer require COVID-19 vaccines for its employees

Aug. 24 was the last day of the requirement. The vaccine mandates have been a polarizing political issue.

Man, two young children dead after head-on crash in Ham Lake

A storm cell near Kimball, Minn., on Sunday, Aug. 28. The area was under a tornado warning Sunday night until 10 p.m.

Tornado reported for second night as severe weather sweeps state

A weather spotter reported a touchdown in south-central Minnesota.
Organic items dropped off by homeowners and collection services are collected before transport at the Hennepin County Recycling Center,

Hennepin County plans to build Brooklyn Park facility to convert food waste into fuel

The project is part of the county goal of being waste-free by 2050.
From homeless and addicted to advocating for the unsheltered in Hennepin County

From homeless and addicted to advocating for the unsheltered in Hennepin County

Former drug abuser and career criminal changed his life around thanks to a devoted probation officer.
The Main room of the Nokomis Community Library, serving the Nokomis East area, 5100 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417, After a 20 month renovation pro

Minneapolis giving up to $2 million in partnership with Hennepin County to ease the digital divide

The county has contributed $10 million to the program

From homeless and addicted to advocating for the unsheltered in Hennepin County

Three Rivers Park District outdoor educator Taylor Moore drained the water from the "log" used in the log rolling workshop before pulling it out of th

Hennepin County enlists lake lovers to help curb invasive species spread

The county developed the "Lake Pledge" website and app.
Dutch rabbit, from istockphoto.com

Deadly disease hits rabbits in Hennepin County

The highly contagious virus poses no risk to humans, health officials say.
Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene

Hennepin County Board chair wants to stop streaming public comments at meetings

Supporters seek to prevent spread of hate speech and misinformation. Opponents argue board needs to have complete transparency.
FILE - In this Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, file photo, a new home is for sale in Madison, Ga. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday, July 14, 2022

Hennepin, Ramsey counties brace for uptick in mortgage foreclosures after low rates during pandemic

Federal moratorium on foreclosures and strong housing market kept rates low.
Foreman Mike Lundgren filled up his truck with gas Tuesday at the Hennepin County Public Works maintenance facility in Osseo.

Minnesota cities, counties burn through fuel budgets amid rising gas prices

From looking at hybrids to pushing carpooling, Minnesota communities are trying to find ways to handle skyrocketing costs.
A dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

Hennepin County is no longer requiring volunteers to be vaccinated for COVID-19

Officials recently reversed course because of lower case numbers.
Hennepin County on verge of electing first sheriff of color

Hennepin County on verge of electing first sheriff of color

The three candidates say they understand the significance of the achievement

Hennepin County on verge of electing first sheriff of color

Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene

Hennepin County approves largest financial commitment to affordable housing

The $27 million funding initiative will provide and rehab more than 1,900 housing units.
Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Amy Sweasy Tamburino, shown in 2021 reading a victim impact statement during former officer Mohamed Noor’s re-sen

Veteran Hennepin County prosecutor receives $190K discrimination and retaliation settlement

Attorney Amy Sweasy Tamburino will no longer report to County Attorney Michael Freeman.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson.

Hennepin Sheriff Hutchinson out on paid leave for health reasons

He will continue to get pay and benefits.
Apprentice carpenter Breanna Dornsbach, who works for Knutson Construction, at a construction project at the University of Minnesota on Monday.

Hennepin County job training program pays people on probation to learn construction skills

Hennepin County's program is only in the state that pays for job training.

Hennepin County gun violence rising, despite extra resources

Enhanced prevention measures have been developed in past several months.
Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene’s district saw some of the biggest changes in redistricting.

Steady population growth means only slight changes in Hennepin County district lines

State demographer says such stability in an urban area over a decade is unusual.
FILE Ă‘ A public charging station for electric vehicles in New York, March 7, 2022. Hennepin County will focus on a long-term plan to get electric car

Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Duluth selected for first-of-its-kind climate change grant

They were three of 22 cities and counties that will receive technical assistance to reduce gas emissions in disadvantaged areas
A disciplinary process will start Monday for staffers who fail to prove they are vaccinated. That could range from everything up to termination, said

Hennepin County says 22 staffers have not met vaccine deadline

A disciplinary process will start Monday for staffers who fail to prove they are vaccinated. That could range from everything up to termination.
David Hough

Hennepin County could suspend or fire more than 100 employees not vaccinated for COVID

The County Board mandated the vaccine in November. The deadline for compliance is Monday, and the workers have exhausted their latest legal challenge.
Iverson Otterson, 6, climbed across monkey bars with the help of her mother, Ericka, at Powderhorn Park in June 2020.

Hennepin County hands out $1.1 million in another round of youth sports grants

County has awarded more than $29 million for such grants since 2009.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson.

Hennepin sheriff's peace officer license under review after drunken driving crash

Investigation stems from guilty plea in case.
Army National Guard veteran JayDoo Vang, 30, gives a tour of the home he shares with three other vets, a north Minneapolis property developed for home

Homeless veterans' group plans to build affordable housing for vets in north Minneapolis

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) wants to expand options for minority vets.
The Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis.

Minnesota courts, Hennepin County lift mask mandate for employees, visitors

The Duluth school district is lifting its mask mandate for students and staff.
Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene

Hennepin County expected to commit $10 million to gun violence prevention

The initiative includes a coordinator and a focus on youthful offenders.
Target Field Plaza on the day before the Twins home opener in April 2021.

Hennepin County to spend $860K on security improvements at Target Field Station ramp

County and Metro Transit officials have discussed making changes for several years.
Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson.

Hennepin County Sheriff Hutchinson won't run for re-election after crash

David Hutchinson heard numerous calls to resign following allegations of drunken driving in a high-speed December crash.
Patricia Avery, 69, was Hennepin County’s senior department administrator in the Department of Health and Human Services. She died Jan. 3 of natural

Patricia Avery, a top human services official in Hennepin County, dies

She also was an innovator in community programs and racial equality in Iowa
Nautica Argue, left, and Kashwan Wertman

2 teens charged in alleged metrowide carjacking wave

The defendants reported linked to nearly two dozen incidents across three metro counties.
State Patrol: Hennepin sheriff driving over 120 mph while drunk in crash

State Patrol: Hennepin sheriff driving over 120 mph while drunk in crash

The State Patrol said Hennepin County sheriff had a loaded gun, didn't have his seat belt on and initially claimed to "absolutely not" be the driver. Gov. Walz said Dave Hutchinson should step down.
Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo shown in June 2020. Saturday was his last day on the job.

Minneapolis police chief serves his last day

Medaria Arradondo announced he was stepping down last month
Snow removal equipment operates on a runway at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis, MN.]

MSP Airport Teamsters who plow snow reach tentative agreement

The union had filed a notice to go on strike.
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says critics have a simplistic view that a get-tough approach will halt the wave of carjackings and other violen

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman defends work of his office

He also discusses 4 major initiatives he wants to implement in his last year.
Vanessa Drews made cheesecakes for her business Cheesecake Funk from kitchen space she rents from the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka.

Hennepin County reaches out to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic

More than 700 businesses have taken advantage of free consulting services.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson.

Majority of Hennepin County Board calls for Hutchinson to resign

Sheriff says he plans to stay on after pleading guilty to drunken driving charge in December.
St. Louis Park police released this photo recently of an attempted carjacking in the Lunds & Byerlys parking lot.

Carjackings sweep through Twin Cities communities

Police struggle to keep with the latest crime trend.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson

Hutchinson says he has no plans to step down after DUI

Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson was charged with four misdemeanor drunk driving charges, but pleaded guilty to fourth-degree driving under the influence of alcohol. He received two years of probation and a fine after guilty plea.
Roger Cersine

Roger Cersine, popular teacher and Minnesota Hall of Fame swimming official, dies at 86

Washburn High teacher was known for challenging students with dramatic classroom scenarios.
A Hennepin County sheriff’s deputy disposed of prescription drugs.

Hennepin County signs onto national opioid settlement

Three juveniles charged in carjackings in Edina and St. Louis Park that injured five

Several victims were violently attacked.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson presided over a Monday morning weekly planning meeting at the Sheriff's Department, Minneapolis City Hall. ] G

Hennepin County sheriff sentenced to two years probation on DUI charges

He also was fined $610 after he crashed his SUV.

Suspicious package found at Ramsey County Courthouse

Item was made to look like an explosive device.
Gov. Tim Walz, top, reads a book to children at People Helping People, a shelter for families experiencing homelessness amid extreme cold weather cond

Hennepin County will no longer charge to stay at family homeless shelters

Cost is often a barrier for the homeless to gain permanent housing.
Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson

Hennepin County sheriff charged with drunken-driving offenses

He crashed his vehicle at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday on I-94 near Alexandria after attending a state sheriffs convention. His blood alcohol level was 0.13%, which is over the legal limit.
St. Paul police

Gun found on student at St. Paul school

The student was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of a firearm by a juvenile.
Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson

Sheriff David Hutchinson 'lucky to be alive' after alcohol-related crash

His attorney said test results from Wednesday's wreck are pending, but he expects they will show he was too intoxicated to drive.