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Elliot Hughes

Reporter | Newsroom
Phone: Cell: 612.964.0105

Elliot Hughes is a general assignment reporter for the Star Tribune.


Elliot Hughes is a general assignment reporter for the Star Tribune. Before joining the newspaper in 2024, he covered public safety in Milwaukee. He has reported extensively on gun violence, reckless driving, law enforcement, community affairs and local government. Hughes is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied journalism and philosophy. He is a native of the Dairy State and lives in Minneapolis.
Recent content from Elliot Hughes
Minneapolis police Sgt. Gordon Blackey, center, stands next to activist Nicole Mason as she shouts at Mayor Jacob Frey in 2023. Blackey, who was Frey'

Minneapolis police sergeant accused of stalking and harassing co-worker

Sgt. Gordon Blackey, once a security guard to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, allegedly admitted to tracking the woman's movements in her vehicle, according to a criminal complaint.
Teen wounded Monday afternoon in downtown Minneapolis shooting

Teen wounded Monday afternoon in downtown Minneapolis shooting

An 18-year-old man was arrested and booked in connection with the shooting and unrelated warrants.
An aerial view of the forest fire, about 3 to 5 acres in size, discovered Tuesday on an island in Wood Lake northeast of Ely, Minn., in the 1-million-

Fire of up to 5 acres spotted in Minnesota's Boundary Waters

The fire northeast of Ely was smoldering and holding in place as of Wednesday morning. But Superior National Forest is experiencing drought conditions and above-average temperatures, and increased winds are expected later this week.
Police investigate in the parking lot of a strip mall at the corner of Maryland Avenue E. and Clarence Street after a man was shot and killed there Tu

Suspect held after man shot and killed outside St. Paul strip mall

Police had not determined what led up to the shooting by Tuesday evening.
Gov. Tim Walz’s temporary residence at Eastcliff mansion in St. Paul.

Residents of this St. Paul neighborhood are suddenly neighbors to a vice presidential candidate: 'It's neat'

Neighbors have mostly shrugged off Tim Walz's rise in the past couple of months. In fact, with added security, the neighborhood is quieter since his nomination, they said. Mostly, it has amounted to a funny little thrill.
Police stood near the Park Tavern patio after the car at rear drove through it, killing two and injuring nine on Sunday night in St. Louis Park.

What happens to the license of a Minnesota motorist with repeat drunken driving offenses?

After a driver with a lengthy DWI record crashed into a busy St. Louis Park patio last weekend, many have expressed frustration that he had a valid driver's license.

Fatal shooting reported in south Minneapolis on Tuesday evening

A man in his 20s was killed near the intersection of 1st Avenue S. and E. 19th Street in the Stevens Square neighborhood, police say.
Early morning fairgoers soaked up the sun on Monday, the last day of the Minnesota State Fair.




The last day of the 2024 State Fair in Falcon Heigh

2024 Minnesota State Fair attendance tops post-COVID years, but falls short of record

All told, the fair set five single-day attendance records this year — setting a high-water mark Sunday with 256,015 people and clearing out the supply of Deep-Fried Ranch.
FILE - A Social Security card is displayed on Oct. 12, 2021, in Tigard, Ore. About 71 million people including retirees, disabled people and children

Data breach at Minnesota Human Services Department may have compromised personal information for 4,000

The department said Friday they've had no evidence the personal information was downloaded or misused.
Thomas Fenner walks down 3rd Avenue in downtown Minneapolis on Thursday.

Storms cut off power, disrupt the State Fair again and threaten tornadoes

Isanti County saw a tornado touch down briefly, and a video shot in south Minneapolis shows what looks to be a waterspout forming over Bde Maka Ska.
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz take the stage in Milwaukee after receiving the Democratic nomination on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Walz pressed on past statements on military record, fertility treatments in CNN interview

While the focus was on Vice President Kamala Harris in their first media interview of the presidential campaign, Walz was asked if voters could take him at his word.
Fairgoers waited to enter the entrance gates on opening morning last week of the Minnesota State Fair.

State Fair: Visitors worried about COVID-19 can wear masks on the fairgrounds

Several social media posts this week said that law enforcement officers were telling attendees to remove masks.
A rainbow shone in an orange sky in south Minneapolis after high winds and heavy rain came with a storm that hit the metro Monday night.

Gnarly Twin Cities storm gives way to double rainbow. People soaked in the vibes.

A powerful storm rolled through quickly, but residents emerged from their shelter and pointed their phones to the sky to revel in the scenery.
A cyclist negotiated the flooded intersection of E 42nd St. and Bloomington Ave. S. after high winds and heavy rain came with a storm that hit the met

Storm cuts power to 80,000 in metro, largely shuts down State Fair

The fair's grandstand concert and other attractions were canceled Monday night.
Fairgoers waited to enter the fairgrounds in Falcon Heights on Thursday morning, the opening day of this year's Minnesota State Fair.

State Fair's opening day draws nearly 139,000, shattering first-day record set in 2019

The 2019 fair set the overall attendance record, drawing more than 2.1 million people.
Presidential candidate U.S. Sen. John Kerry presses the flesh at the Minnesota State Fair in August 2004.

Tim Walz would be latest in long line of politicians vying for national office to visit the State Fair

The governor's office said there were no formal plans for a visit yet, but Walz indicated Tuesday that it's a possibility.
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Possible contaminants spill in Mississippi River near Coon Rapids, Fridley

It is not yet confirmed what substance was making a sheen on the water or how much spilled, officials said. The substance was prevented from entering Twin Cities drinking water sources, they said.

One shot dead near south Minneapolis encampment

The incident was reported on the 3300 block of 3rd Avenue S.
In St. Paul, the police department along with nine other agencies served 150 warrants. The task force entered this apartment looking for a suspect acc

Here's how crime in Minneapolis and St. Paul compares with national trends in 2024

Crime appears to be falling across the board nationally. In the Twin Cities, homicides are at or below last year's pace but still above pre-pandemic levels. Car theft and carjackings have taken big dives.

One dead, one arrested after Coon Rapids crash

The crash was reported at 9:28 p.m. at the intersection of Coon Rapids Boulevard NW. and Springbrook Drive NW., according to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office.
JIM GEHRZ � jgehrz@startribune.com Minneapolis/June 23, 2009/1:30PM As temperatures rose into the 90�s, the number of people seeking to cool off a

Minneapolis' Lake Nokomis beaches closed after sewer backup

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board said the Main Beach and 50th Street Beach are closed until further notice.

Man killed in shooting in south Minneapolis is identified

No arrests were announced in the fatal shooting Thursday afternoon in the Phillips neighborhood.
Suspect arrested after pedestrian killed in Maplewood hit-and-run crash

Suspect arrested after pedestrian killed in Maplewood hit-and-run crash

Police said the crash was the result of an escalating feud between two groups of people.
Rep. Ilhan Omar celebrates with supporters her primary win during an election party at Nighthawks In Minneapolis on Tuesday.

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar defeats Don Samuels by wide margin in DFL primary election rematch

Omar narrowly defeated Samuels two years ago. She beat him by a much larger margin Tuesday night.

2 men dead after shooting in Blaine residential area

A statement from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office said the two men were found dead blocks apart from each other, one of them from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Michael Whatley, chair of the Republican National Committee, has toured the U.S. as part of the Protect the Vote Tour, which organizes supporters of f

Despite Gov. Walz's ascent to presidential ticket, Republicans still optimistic they can win Minnesota

Michael Whatley, the chair of the Republican National Committee, and other GOP officials touted the party's prospects at an event in Chaska on Thursday.
Jack Farrell, CEO of Haskell's Wine and Spirits, at the downtown Minneapolis location in 2014.

Jack Farrell, Haskell's ahead-of-his-time wine connoisseur and media personality, dies at 82

Farrell, who owned the Haskell's chain, traveled to six continents for wine and made a name for himself during frequent radio and TV appearances in a career spanning five decades.
Warroad head coach David Marvin (Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune)

Parents admit harassment accusations against longtime Warroad girls hockey coach were untrue

In settlement of a defamation suit filed by coach David Marvin, the parents paid him $17,000 and donated to a mental health nonprofit for young athletes.
Storm damage at a home one mile south of Wells in Faribault County, Minn. (Courtesy of Egan Young)

Teams surveying tornado damage in several southern Minnesota communities

South-central Minnesota was hardest hit by the Monday evening storms.
Gov. Tim Walz appeared at a fundraiser in Minnesota on Monday as Kamala Harris deliberates on her pick for vice president.

Gov. Tim Walz appears at Minneapolis fundraiser for Kamala Harris ahead of her vice president announcement

The governor reportedly flew to Washington over the weekend for final interviews for vice president candidates.
Music fans at the 2024 Basilica Block Party, held for the first time at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis, watched Red Clay Strays perform Friday aftern

Boom Island Park proves to be a hit with fans of the Basilica Block Party, back after a two-year hiatus

Long held outside the Basilica of St. Mary, the music festival debuted Friday at Boom Island. Organizers say it may stay there for the foreseeable future.

Man driving on I-94 dies of injuries after being assaulted inside car, St. Paul police say

A passenger in the car was arrested in the incident, which a police spokesman called "very unusual."
Laborers' International Union of North America Local 363 members and supporters march on Central Avenue after a Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Park workers 'overwhelmingly' approve labor contract with Minneapolis Park Board

The agreement marks the end of the park system's three-week strike, the first in its 141-year history.

St. Paul police investigating fatal shooting Wednesday night

Police say an unidentified man was killed in the Frogtown neighborhood.
A lost semi-truck driver had the top taken off their rig Tuesday in Cottage Grove as the driver attempted to pass under a low bridge.

Semi's top scraped off by low bridge in Cottage Grove

Police in Cottage Grove posted to Facebook photos of the crash showing the trailer wedged underneath the bridge and the cab's roof scraped off.
Local 363 members and supporters marched after a rally on July 4.

Striking workers reach tentative agreement with Minneapolis Park Board

After a three-week strike, workers will return to their duties Monday. A union vote to ratify the agreement is planned for next week.
A pedestrian was hit by a Green Line light-rail train Tuesday afternoon in St. Paul, Metro Transit police said. The incident is under investigation.

Woman killed in light-rail crash identified as St. Paul mother of five

Her sister remembered Taquita Baker, 32, as a comedian who was active with her extended family.
Concept art shows the design of a potential trail bridge crossing the Mississippi River that would connect Minneapolis' North Side to the northeast si

Plan to link north, northeast Mpls. with new pedestrian bridge draws excitement

Up to 100 people from across the city turned out Tuesday for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's latest open house for the project.

Pedestrian struck and killed by Metro Transit light-rail train in St. Paul

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. near University Avenue and Syndicate Street N.
The metro area has received more than 11 inches of precipitation since June 1, nearly 4 inches above average, according to the National Weather Servic

Storm knocks out power in Twin Cities for more than 3,500 customers

The storm included wind gusts as high as 68 mph in Woodbury, according to the National Weather Service.

Two ID'd in apparent Minnetonka murder-suicide

Police have not yet released any statements about the July 18 shooting.
Laborers' International Union of North America Local 363 members and supporters marched July 4 on Central Avenue after a rally at United Labor Centre

Striking workers reject latest contract offer from Minneapolis Park Board

Just under half of eligible voters turned out for the vote Friday at Minnehaha Falls.
A group of students and instructors at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Mechanical Engineering sent American, Minnesotan and school flags

U researchers launch new Minnesota flag into space

Photos of the state flag high above the Earth, along with a University of Minnesota flag, inspire pride in Minnesotans.
Striking park workers tried to convince a Coca-Cola truck driver to leave without making a delivery to Sea Salt Eatery at Minnehaha Regional Park in M

Minneapolis Park Board charges employees' union with disruptions at Sea Salt, Bread and Pickle

The board filed an unfair labor practice charge for picketing activity outside the two park restaurants.
This property in northeast Minneapolis is one of the longest to stay on the city's registry of vacant properties. It was condemned in 1998 and placed

Vacant since the '90s? Minneapolis pushes to reduce number of long-empty buildings

City officials and residents say owners of vacant buildings aren't under enough pressure to restore their properties to occupancy amid a housing shortage. The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a measure Thursday meant to up enforcement.
Rue rocks her paw-festooned cast as she gets caught up on sleep.

$2,500 reward offered after cat thrown from Minneapolis 12th-floor balcony

With local authorities saying they are not searching for any suspects, international animal protection group steps in.

White Bear Lake father charged with murder after newborn's fatal injury

The 39-year-old father told police he blacked out from heavy drinking and marijuana use and couldn't be sure he didn't harm the child.
People strolled past the Fiserv Forum last week, ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Curious about the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee? Here's some background on the event.

Donald Trump, the prospective presidential nominee, reportedly called the city "horrible" last month.

Dad who died rescuing his children in the Mississippi found, ID'd

The man was identified as Cody Jay Pope, 41. Many agencies assisted in searching for him.
The Twin Cities Pride Parade on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis on June 30.

'It feels pre-pandemic': Flurry of downtown activity spurs record hotel revenue in Minneapolis

Pride celebrations, U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials and the Taste of Minnesota were big hits for downtown.

Authorities investigating after man and woman found dead in Savage apartment

The bodies were discovered during a welfare check Wednesday morning.
Paul Holevas, a park keeper for more than 10 years, speaks Wednesday outside the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board headquarters.

Minneapolis park workers' strike will continue indefinitely, union says

The union representing park workers initially set a one-week timeline for a strike, but negotiations have stalled.
A squad car sat outside a home where police found an unresponsive adult male Friday morning. Police have opened a homicide investigation.

Man dead in homicide at St. Paul home that has seen frequent police contacts

Officers had been called to the home 25 times in 2024 alone, often for domestic disturbances.
First responders at the mill ruins where a man fell 30 feet.

Man in critical condition after falling 30 feet from ruins near Stone Arch Bridge

Emergency responders were unsure Friday evening what led to the fall.
Swimmers enjoyed the water at Lake Nokomis Beach in 2017.

Drownings have increased in Minnesota. Here's how to swim safely.

Keep an eye on the kids, wear life jackets and swim with a buddy.
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What to know about the park strike's potential impact on Minneapolis green spaces this July 4th holiday

For now, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board does not anticipate any beaches, playgrounds, pools, bathrooms or buildings to close as a result of the strike.
The union representing more than 300 Minneapolis parks workers announced Tuesday that they will strike for one week beginning July 4, after seven mont

Minneapolis parks workers will start weeklong strike on July 4

After seven months of negotiations, workers might walk off the job at the busiest time of year unless an 11th-hour deal is reached.

Suspicious death reported near St. Cloud high school after grass fire

Police and state investigators release few details after a body was found at the scene of a grass fire Monday near St. Cloud's Tech High School.
An adult and four children were in an Eden Prairie home that was set ablaze May 31. The father of a 9-month-old who was injured in the fire is charged

Man charged with arson after Eden Prairie house fire injured his infant son

The 23-year-old man was apparently targeting the child's mother, according to federal charges.
The Hruska family home this week before it collapsed into the Blue Earth River near the Rapidan Dam southwest of Mankato. The Rapidan Dam Store, on th

Blue Earth County buys, demolishes Rapidan Dam Store as a safety response to area flooding

The family that owned the store since 1972 said it will be back in some form.

Body of adult female pulled from Mississippi River in St. Paul

The flooded river required assistance from several agencies to recover the body.
This satellite image shows flooding of the Minnesota River in Mankato on Wednesday.

Satellite photos show dramatic flooding in Mankato, southern Minnesota

Minnesota River water levels approach record levels, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

BCA: Father, distraught over his baby's death, was armed when Brooklyn Park police shot him

Investigators say the Brooklyn Park father made self-harm statements after learning of his 7-month-old son's death.
Then-President Donald Trump, left, and then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, right, participate in a presidential debate in 2020 in Clevelan

How to watch Thursday's presidential debate

Options abound on TV and the internet, as both political parties organize watch parties
Parking lot sign E-Bike E Bike Ebike park electric bike electro bicycle eco friendly transport

Minnesota's e-bike rebate application reopening July 2

After the online system crashed in early June, the state believes the limited spots for applicants will fill up quickly.
FILE - This Aug. 2, 2018 file photo shows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration building behind FDA logos at a bus stop on the agency's campus in Silv

Warning issued after psychedelic mushroom product causes illness

Consumers in Minnesota and 15 other states have needed emergency medical care.
The North House Folk Schoo's buildings perch on the harbor in Grand Marais, Minn. Provided photo

A Pride event in Grand Marais was disrupted by a bomb threat — from Russia

Federal authorities warned in May of such disruptions targeting Pride celebrations.

No foul play suspected after 3-year-old drowns in Cottage Grove pool

The toddler was found unresponsive by family and neighbors, according to the Cottage Grove Police Department.