Staff Directory 8801001

Eder Campuzano

Reporter | General Assignment
Phone: 612-472-3526
Instagram: @ederc

Eder Campuzano is a general assignment reporter for the Minnesota Star Tribune and lead writer of the Essential Minnesota newsletter.


Eder is a general assignment reporter for the Minnesota Star Tribune and lead writer of the Essential Minnesota newsletter. He previously covered education for The Oregonian, where his work focused on marginalized students and systemic inequities. He attended the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication.
Recent content from Eder Campuzano
President-Elect Donald Trump has tapped Forest Lake Area High grad Pete Hegseth as his next secretary of defense.

5 things to know about Minnesotan Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick for defense secretary

The Forest Lake Area High grad is a prominent Fox News personality.
While several Minnesota families have opted to flee the state for MEA weekend, several homegrown activities make for a great staycation with the famil

MEA weekend: Last-minute staycation ideas in the Twin Cities

From a trip to an apple orchard to a visit with a pair of tiger cubs, some suggestions for the four-day break.
Sabrina Ionescu (20) of the New York Liberty makes a three pointer in the final minute of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Target Center in Minneapolis, M

5 things to know about Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty guard who sank the Lynx on Wednesday night

The Oregon alum was close with the late Kobe Bryant and sat out the 2019 WNBA draft in hopes of winning her alma mater its first NCAA title.
Minnesota Lynx fans watch the New York Liberty’s last possession against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals during a watch party at Bla

Lynx fans react after last-second loss to Liberty in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals

The Lynx had a big lead early, but New York rallied and won on Sabrina Ionescu's long three-pointer with one second left.
University of Minnesota student teachers visited the U’s booth at MEA, the statewide teachers union conference, in St. Paul on Thursday.

MEA weekend: Why Minnesota students get days off in October

The break from class is typically one of the busiest travel days of the year.
The Lynx's Courtney Williams involved the fans Tuesday, the same way she involves teammates as the team's point guard.

The Lynx are in the WNBA finals: How to join the bandwagon

From which athletes played in the Olympics to the team's post-victory celebration, we have you covered.
Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness in Marvel Television's "Agatha All Along."

The Halloween List 2024: 31 days' worth of spooky movies and TV shows for the season

A different scary movie or show for every day in October.
A paddle boarder and her dog are dwarfed by the Minneapolis skyline while enjoying Lake Nokomis Aug. 9, 2022, in Minneapolis.

Trump said Minneapolis burned down, so Minnesotans sarcastically posted about the 'ash and destruction'

Several people shared picturesque photos and videos on social media after the former president's comments.
Taylor Swift endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president Tuesday night, offering particular praise for her choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz a

Gov. Tim Walz reacts to 'fellow cat owner' Taylor Swift's endorsement

Tim Walz appears to learn of Taylor Swift endorsement on live TV
First-graders get situated during breakfast at Hidden Valley Elementary in Savage. This is the first year all students will eat for free after the Min

Minnesota's free school meals program featured on 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver'

Sunday's episode of the HBO show featured the legislation that created the program and its journey through the statehouse.
Regulars eat at Park Tavern restaurant in St. Louis Park after it reopened on Wednesday.

What we know about the victims of the Park Tavern crash

Kristina Folkerts and Gabriel Harvey, both 30, died of their injuries.
Gov. Tim Walz made his first and only Minnesota State Fair appearance Sunday, when the festival saw a big crowd of 256,015 in Falcon Heights.

Another record-breaking crowd at the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday, including Gov. Tim Walz

A total of 256,015 people attended the Great Minnesota Get-Together on its penultimate day.
Authorities responded to a early Monday morning incident in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis that left one man dead.

Man dead after early-morning shooting in Minneapolis

Authorities said they encountered an "uncooperative and hostile crowd" at the scene.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz family members cry, including his son Gus Walz, as he speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday, Au

Here's what to know about Tim Walz's son, Gus Walz

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz formally accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination.
Benjamin C. Ingman, former student of Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, speaks during the Democratic National Convention

Watch Gov. Tim Walz's Mankato West High football team introduce him as vice president nominee

Walz accepted the Democratic nomination to run alongside Vice President Kamala Harris on the penultimate night of the party's national convention.
Waar Party performed during the Uptown Porchfest in Minneapolis on Saturday.

Uptown Porchfest rocks the south Minneapolis neighborhood, brings community together

The festival, in its second year, is the brainchild of co-founder Lisa Martelly.
Law enforcement agencies are still responding to more aggravated assaults than they did before 2020, despite reports that murders have flatlined and r

Violent crime dropped in Minnesota in 2023 but remained above pre-pandemic levels: 5 things to know

Law enforcement agencies also report a continued drop in property crime, according to the latest Uniform Crime Report from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Steve Martin has reportedly declined "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels' offer to play Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on the show.

Steve Martin reportedly declines offer to play Gov. Tim Walz on 'Saturday Night Live'

The comic legend turned down Lorne Michaels, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was greeted by students at Webster Elementary when he signed the free school meals bill in 2023. His educator bonafides would

Who should play Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on 'Saturday Night Live'? Here are 10 picks.

Of course, Maya Rudolph is coming back as Kamala Harris. Will Steve Martin be TV's Tim Walz?
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz got a Mauer T-shirt from Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, from her visit to Cooperstown in July.

Who is Tim Walz? Minnesota's governor and Kamala Harris' running mate, explained

The Army National Guard veteran's accomplishments include successful congressional runs and notable bill signings. Walz has a background in education.
Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota speaks to reporters after a Harris for President canvassing kickoff event in St. Paul on Saturday. He's reportedly being co

Who are Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's top competitors for vice president?

Besides Minnesota's governor, Vice President Kamala Harris is said to be considering Mark Kelly, Josh Shapiro and Andy Beshear, among others, as her running mate.
Twin Cities meteorologist Paul Douglas is retiring from WCCO after seven years on the radio. He started working for Minnesota news stations in 1983 an

Longtime broadcast meteorologist Paul Douglas is retiring from WCCO Radio

Paul Douglas, who arrived in the Twin Cities in 1983, will continue to run his weather company and prognosticate for the Star Tribune.
Gov. Tim Walz has become somewhat of a celebrity online lately as clips of him calling some Republicans "weird people" and taking aim at Sen. JD Vance

'These are weird people': Walz goes viral as he stumps for Kamala Harris

The second-term Democrat even took aim at Sen. JD Vance's previous comments about "childless cat ladies."
U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum

Rep. Betty McCollum calls on Biden to withdraw from presidential race

McCollum joins Rep. Angie Craig as other Democrats call on the president to step down.
President Joe Biden has faced mounting calls to withdraw from the election after his widely panned performance in a mid-June debate against former Pre

Should President Joe Biden drop his re-election bid? Here's where Minnesota Democrats stand

So far, three U.S. Senate Democrats and more than 20 in the House, including two members of the Minnesota delegation, have called on the president to withdraw from the race since the debate.
Lunch time is rush time at the Sea Salt Eatery in Minnehaha Park.

Sea Salt Eatery returns to full menu after storm closure, fire

The Minnehaha Park institution temporarily pulled several of its seafood offerings as it worked to fix damage.
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Was Ingrid Andress's rendition of the national anthem that bad? Here are 5 more standout flops

The country star was criticized for her take on the "Star-Spangled Banner" ahead of the MLB All-Star Game.
Eugene Petersen, 4, keeps cool by running through a sprinkler at the Round Lake Splash pad in Eden Prairie on Thursday. Temperatures are expected to h

How to stay safe as Minnesota braces for a weekend heat wave

The Weather Service says to brace for temperatures in the mid-90s paired with lots of humidity.
Audrey Young, Maydi Loftus and Rhue Williams cheer a dancer on stage Friday at Twin Cities Pride Youth Night at Loring Park in Minneapolis.

Amid hostility to LGBTQ rights in some schools, youth say Pride is essential in 2024

Loring Park was packed with families Friday for Twin Cities Pride's inaugural Youth Night.
The Rapidan Dam continues to overflow in Mankato on Tuesday.

What we know about the Rapidan Dam on the Blue Earth River

Heavy rain has sent debris flowing into the 114-year-old structure, which state officials earlier feared was in danger of collapsing.
Among the possible names Star Tribune readers suggested for the championship-winning pro women's hockey team: Minnesota Ice, Mystic, Marauders and Ske

Readers suggest 10 more names for Minnesota's championship-winning hockey team

PWHL officials say an official moniker will likely come later this summer.
Minnesota cities, from St. Paul to Grand Marais, are gearing up for Pride Month. In this 2023 file photo, contortionist Leo Bruslavtsev of the Queer C

Your guide — with maps! — to 22 of Minnesota's biggest Pride Month celebrations

From Red Wing to Duluth, we've got you covered.
PWHL Minnesota won the inaugural Walter Cup with a 3-0 win over Boston Wednesday night. The league's teams played without officials names and mascots

Now league champions, PWHL Minnesota needs a permanent name. Here are 10 suggestions.

Some of these monikers may sound familiar. Feel free to play name-the-team at home.
Minnesota captain Kendall Coyne Schofield (26) takes the trophy to her team after defeating Boston to win the PWHL Walter Cup on Wednesday in Lowell,

PWHL Minnesota will celebrate Walter Cup title Friday in St. Paul

The team won the league's inaugural trophy with a 3-0 victory over Boston in a best-of-five series and have moved the festivities to Xcel Energy Center because of a rainy forecast.
Anthony Edwards invited NBA legend and TNT commentator Charles Barkley to Minnesota with a three-word, two-syllable slogan that's lit the internet on

Minnesotans of all stripes are cashing in on Anthony Edwards' cheeky tourism slogan

Have we reached peak "bring ya ass?"
The Timberwolves announced fan events in downtown Minneapolis for the Western Conference finals. Wolves fans, shown here at a watch party on May 19, w

Timberwolves are throwing a parking lot party in downtown Mpls. on Friday

Nur-D and DJ Cav will perform before the team takes on the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2.
Robert Downey Jr. draws fans at Target in downtown Minneapolis on Tuesday.

Robert Downey Jr. spotted at downtown Minneapolis Target

The "Iron Man" actor was promoting his Happy coffee brand.
A giant mural of the Timberwolves hangs in the parking lot on the Gluek's building in downtown Minneapolis on Tuesday.

Timberwolves are planning something big in downtown Minneapolis. But what?

The team previously partnered with bars and restaurants for watch parties during the series against the Denver Nuggets.
Timberwolves standout Anthony Edwards told NBA legend Charles Barkley to, well, get himself to Minneapolis, after eliminating Denver from the playoffs

Bring what? Did Edwards give state tourism new catchphrase?

Wolves star Anthony Edwards invited invited NBA legend and TV analyst Charles Barkley — in a colorful way — to Minneapolis in a postgame interview after Game 7. The phrase caught fire in places you wouldn't expect.
Anthony Edwards (5) of the Timberwolves celebrates at the end of Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at Ball Arena in Denver. Tickets for

How to buy Timberwolves tickets as Western Conference finals come to Minneapolis

The Wolves start a best-of-seven series against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.
Karl-Anthony Towns (32) of the Timberwolves reacts after a play in the third quarter of Game 6 of the NBA Western Conference Semi-finals at Target Cen

Minnesota fans delight in Timberwolves' 45-point blowout of the Denver Nuggets in Game 6

Chants of "Wolves in 7″ rang out through Target Center and social media.
A detached hand reaches for a book on a shelf full of literature

Minnesota Legislature approves bill prohibiting book bans in public schools, libraries

Backers say the bill, which the governor is expected to sign, would curb politicized campaigns against titles that focus on LGBTQ and multiracial experiences.
Photo of a woman riding a bicycle in front of a lake

It's Bike to Work Week. Here are 5 tips for newbies

A few lessons in safety and preparation for that first commute.
The Minnesota Timberwolves lead the Denver Nuggets 2-0 in the second round of the NBA playoffs. The team has announced 11 downtown Minneapolis bars as

Here are 17 places to watch the Timberwolves playoff games in Minneapolis

The team tips off against the Denver Nuggets at 8:30 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Sunday.
Minnesota Timberwolves fans on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Target Center in Minneapolis.

How to hop on the Timberwolves bandwagon

A guide for newbies as the team prepares to take on the Denver Nuggets at Target Center.
Taylor Swift performed Friday, June 23, 2023, at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. ] AARON LAVINSKY • aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com

Ticket-selling enters regulation era as Walz signs fee transparency into law

One state representative's ordeal purchasing Taylor Swift tickets served as the "genesis" of the legislation.
The sun set in front of the bow of a Wenonah Minnesota II canoe in The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on Eddy Lake in the Fall Lake Township. ]

Essential Minnesota: Your guide to what everyone is talking about

The news you need, right in your inbox every morning.

Planters recalls honey-roasted peanuts, mixed nuts packages over possible listeria contamination

The recall affects Publix distribution sites in four states and Dollar Tree warehouses in two.

Forest Lake High track athletes who were struck by car during a run expected to make full recovery

Samuel Farinella and Jase Blanchard were training with the team when they were hit.
A message to Comcast customers regarding a dispute with Bally Sports.

Twins go dark on Comcast in dispute between company and Bally Sports

Twins games will not be available on Bally Sports after negotiations broke down between the company's owner and Comcast.
Demonstrators stood along Kenwood Trail during a rally before a school board meeting at the Lakeville District Office on Tuesday in Lakeville.

Lakeville teachers file intent to strike, picket outside school board meeting

The district has more than 12,000 students enrolled.
Twin Cities teachers including MFT, Minneapolis Federation of Teachers Local 59, and ESP, Education Support Professionals, rallied at the Minnesota St

Lakeville teachers vote to authorize strike

Educators previously rejected a tentative agreement the district reached with its teachers union in February.
Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL) listens to a response to one of her questions from Rebecca Wilcox, Child Safety and Prevention Manager

What we know about the Sen. Nicole Mitchell burglary allegations so far

The incident complicates the final weeks of the 2024 legislative session.
Melissa Wind, left, is the media organization's first head of philanthropic partnerships. Kavita Kumar has been promoted as the Star Tribune's communi

Star Tribune adds Kavita Kumar, Melissa Wind to news organization's leadership

Kumar is the news organization's new community engagement director. Wind is its first head of philanthropic partnerships.
Greg Ketchum put a fresh crate of cherries out for sale at the Patnode's stand, which workers say is the oldest at the farmers market. ] ANTHONY SOUFF

Minneapolis Farmers Market pares back hours for 2024 season

The market, which ran daily from May to October last year, will be open Wednesday through Sunday.
Friends and family of Sammy McDowell, including sister Shaawn-Dai McDowell, in the green hat, celebrated his life during a picnic and balloon release

'He was about community': Scores memorialize north Minneapolis entrepreneur Sammy McDowell

Sammy McDowell, whose namesake eatery served as a hub for racial justice activists, died Sunday.
A Black man wearing a black t-shirt and gray jeans sits in front of a deli counter

Sammy McDowell, celebrated owner of Sammy's Avenue Eatery on the North Side, dies

Long a fixture of the north Minneapolis community, McDowell opened the sandwich and coffee shop in 2012.
An American flag flies above a brutalist architecture-style building beneath a cloudy sky.

Fired Mpls. teacher accuses management of 'cancerous rot'

Becka Thompson was hired to teach students learning English as a second language.
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, left, told CNN he could beat both Donald Trump and Joe Biden if he ran for the White House this year.

Former Gov. Jesse Ventura boasts he could beat unpopular Trump or Biden if he ran for president

The pro wrestler-turned-politico defended Robert F. Kennedy's Jr.'s decision to run as third-party candidate.
Police are investigating a racist slur displayed over East Circle Drive near Century High School in Rochester over the weekend.

Racist slur on pedestrian bridge in Rochester prompts investigation

The slur appeared over East Circle Drive near Century High School.
There are only two dispensaries in the state that sell marijuana flower. The Red Lake and White Earth nations opened shop shortly after Gov. Tim Walz

This is the first 4/20 that weed is legal in Minnesota. How can you celebrate legally?

There are only two dispensaries in the state that sell marijuana flower. But THC-infused drinks and other edibles offer alternatives.
Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith eulogizes Walter Mondale during a memorial service for the former Vice President.

Sen. Tina Smith says American women 'won't be conned' by Trump on abortion

The former president says states should decide their own abortion laws as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a case that would curb the availability of some drugs.
Tourism dipped slightly in the seven-county metro area between 2022 and 2023 but grew overall statewide, according to projections released by Explore

Minnesota tourism rebounds: Here's where people visited

Top destinations include the Grand Casino in Mille Lacs County, the Mall of America and downtown Duluth.
Courtesy Minnesota DNR. The female eagle from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources popular eagle cam laid her first egg yesterday! Traditiona

The EagleCam pair is thriving a year after heartbreaking nest collapse

DNR officials say they're still looking for a new nest to feature in a livestream.
KYNDELL HARKNESS � kharkness@startribune.com 10/09/09Randy Salas gets to be a zombie[A gargoyle decorated the front entrance for Valleyfair's "Valle

Valleyfair resurrects its popular ValleyScare event

The attraction will require a separate ticket this time around.
An orange tabby cat sits in front of a door. It has a leash and harness on it

Waconia now requires cat owners to keep their pets on a leash

Owners must also clean up after their kitties if they use a neighbor's yard as a litter box.
Black Keys recreated a vintage photo shot at Bryant Lake Bowl for the cover art of their 12th studio album, "Ohio Players."

Is that Bryant-Lake Bowl on the cover of the Black Keys' new album? Yes, it is.

"Ohio Players" is the band's 12th studio album.
Even a partial solar eclipse requires either special glasses or the use of a pinhole projector, seen here, to observe safely. Museums and some state p

Here's how to watch the partial solar eclipse in the Twin Cities

The moon will obscure about 75% of the sun in much of the metro area April 8.
A small white and red building with vehicles in the much larger parking lot next to it

One of Minnesota's oldest Dairy Queens is up for sale

The outpost in Rochester's Lowertown neighborhood opened in June of 1947.
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Snow forces St. Paul Saints to cancel Friday's game

Home opener will now be Saturday after team officials said the wet field is currently unplayable.
a man holds a baby pig

St. Paul Saints come under fire for naming 2024 season's pig mascot 'Ozempig'

Commenters have accused the team of body-shaming on social media.
A portion of the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed during the evening rush hour in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Wednesday, August 1, 2007.

Baltimore bridge collapse reminds Minnesotans of 2007′s deadly I-35W disaster

Minnesota officials offer support and resources to Maryland city after ship crashes into Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise visit to a Central High softball practice when she stopped in Minnesota earlier this month. She's since i

Central High softball players needed to raise $15K to visit Vice President Kamala Harris. It took a day.

The vice president extended the invitation after surprising the girls at practice.
Taxis in Minneapolis in 2009.

How would we get around if Uber, Lyft leave Minneapolis? It's complicated.

Taking a taxi from MSP to Uptown is fairly straightforward. A night out for drinks is another story.

Drake Webb announces departure from Dave Ryan Show and KDWB 101.3

Host did not give a reason for the split.