Recent content from Eva Herscowitz

Mall of America looks to Legislature for help subsidizing water park
State politicians are mulling a proposal that would let Bloomington sink a $160 million subsidy in the Mystery Cove water park.

Golden Valley police chief placed on paid leave
The decision comes as the city reviews a complaint lodged against Virgil Green.

Meet the U.K. native whose Memorial Day concerts have become a Twin Cities staple
Michelle Wessely, a St. Paul resident, sings patriotic tunes for hours every year at Roselawn Cemetery in Roseville.

Five years later, Minneapolis remembers George Floyd though some say racial justice progress has stalled
People gathered in what is known as George Floyd Square on Sunday to reflect on the police murder of George Floyd.

This Shakopee woman used to farm on her rural property. Then a city oversight made it illegal.
The city may restore agriculture as a permitted land use. But it's unclear if she will be allowed to raise enough bees to run a business.
Man who escaped St. Peter sex offender treatment facility found in Missouri
Steven Loren Edwards was taken into custody on Sunday, the St. Peter Police Department said.
Iowa man dies a day after he was shot in Minneapolis
An argument in a vehicle in the Phillips neighborhood ended in gunfire, critically injuring Michael Ray Adkins, who died a day later.

Rain and cool weather help crews battle Minnesota wildfires with the smallest blaze 75% contained
Still, the Jenkins Creek fire remains uncontained.

Pickleball on an old landfill? Burnsville man says project would clean the site. The state disagrees.
Michael McGowan wants to transform an inactive south metro dump into a sports complex, but the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has concerns.

Hearing more airplane noise? Blame it on construction at MSP.
The closure of a runway at the airport is routing more planes over some south metro suburbs and south Minneapolis.
Canoeist whose body was found in Boundary Waters ID'd as Twin Cities man
Robert Sydney James, 62, was believed to be on a solo canoe trip in northern Minnesota.

Arson blamed in fire that engulfed WWII buildings in Arden Hills, Fire Department says
Authorities will allow the blaze to "burn itself out" over the next few days.

Valleyfair opens this weekend. Who checks to make sure the rides are safe?
The Shakopee amusement park relies on ride mechanics and independent inspectors to scrutinize its attractions, including roller coasters and kiddie rides.
Some call Burnsville Center a 'dead mall.' Can it be brought back to life?
City leaders hope an Asian grocery store and food hall will revitalize the space, though delays have stalled the project.

No charges for South St. Paul council member accused of exposing child to meth at day care
Some residents have demanded Pam Bakken's resignation after a child attending her in-home day care reportedly consumed a drug he found in the bathroom.
Officials ID man stabbed to death in Twin Cities, release lone suspect without charges
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday that "law enforcement is not looking for additional suspects."
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Northfield's hockey rink is outdated. A $25 million replacement is likely on the way.
After years of debate over the cost, construction of the new ice arena could start in May, pending City Council approval.
Man stabbed near Target Center in downtown Minneapolis
Police say the Saturday night incident was not connected to the Charli XCX concert in progress at the time of the stabbing.
Minneapolis police investigate city's first homicide in two months
A man was found dead in a car outside a north Minneapolis apartment building Saturday night, officials said.

A Nashville scene in Shakopee? Entertainment district and amphitheater could reshape suburb.
Plans are underway for a sprawling going-out area south of the 19,000-seat concert venue coming to Shakopee this year.

A Japanese store opened in Crystal. The crowds came in droves.
Hundreds of shoppers stocked up on stationery, snacks and more at Daiso's grand opening in Minnesota.

Big name companies are coming to Eagan. Is the suburb's success a model for others?
Amazon and Solventum will soon open for business in Eagan, major wins for a city that faced bruising office closures after the pandemic.

Latest twist in Minnesota data center debate: How much water they will consume
Estimates for water use aren't nearly as high as the electricity needed for the data centers planned in Minnesota
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Residents in some south metro suburbs are still fed up with mail delays
The complaints continue from Eagan, Lakeville and Apple Valley as President Donald Trump flirts with privatizing the U.S. Postal Service.

CEO steps down from Second Harvest Heartland food bank
The leadership change comes a month after Minnesota GOP lawmakers called attention to the six-digit salary of CEO Allison O'Toole, who has led the nonprofit since 2019.

Deal with Sanimax could bring better smelling days to South St. Paul
A March settlement between the city and the animal processing plant forces the company to install equipment to minimize unpleasant odors.

U.S. Bancorp executive believed to be aboard plane that crashed into Brooklyn Park home
The pilot perished in the crash, authorities said. Terry Dolan, a U.S. Bancorp executive, is believed to have been on board, a company spokesperson said.

As 3M settlement money dwindles, east metro cities still have millions in water treatment costs
Settlement funds could run out by 2027, leaving taxpayers with the cleanup bill. 3M questions whether some projects are "reasonable and necessary."

Dakota County had plans for its own homeless shelter. More than a year later, what happened?
Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins said officials are exploring other options to shelter people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota's third most populous county.
Two teens injured in Saturday night shooting in Minneapolis
Police haven't arrested anyone in connection with the shooting, which left a 16-year-old boy with life-threatening injuries.
Republican state senators in Minnesota introduce bill that defines 'Trump derangement syndrome' as a mental illness
The invented term, which describes those who criticize the president, is en vogue again after making the rounds during his first term.

Hastings school board weighs ending district equity and diversity policy
Proponents of the move say they can address inclusivity in the district's strategic plan. Opponents say it sends the wrong message in a heated political moment.

Lakeville steps in over concerns of 'severe lack of investment' at expanding mobile home park
The company that owns North Creek mobile home park promised to improve the existing neighborhood as part of a planned expansion.

Lunds & Byerlys store to close in downtown St. Paul leaving a grocery void
The grocer, which opened the location in 2014, said staffing and financial challenges contributed to the decision.
Officials ID pedestrian hit, killed by suspected drunken driver in Richfield
The Twin Cities motorist approached officers while appearing inebriated after the weekend crash, police said.

Emails show Farmington leaders tried to 'offset the opposition' to controversial data center project
A development official said the city never attempted to clamp down on criticism: "We didn't limit any discussion on this."

What is that black smoke in St. Paul? Fire collapses roof of flooring store
Crews were working to extinguish the blaze at Fulton Flooring on Sunday afternoon.

Sen. Tina Smith tells Elon Musk he's a bad boss and uses some bad words to say it
Minnesota senator didn't mince words about her displeasure with the billionaire attempting to upend the federal workforce.

Death doula plans alternative hospice in Inver Grove Heights house. The city has questions.
Christin Ament hopes to provide people a peaceful end-of-life experience at a serene house in the south metro. Elected officials have questions about oversight.

South St. Paul residents call for council member to resign amid investigation into day care she owns
While some questioned Pam Bakken's fitness to hold office at a Tuesday meeting, others praised her contributions to the community.

In somber ceremony, Burnsville marks anniversary of killing of three first responders
Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge and Adam Finseth were shot and killed in February 2024 while responding to a domestic violence call.
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Former Metro Transit chief accused in lawsuit of unfairly demoting officers to further his career
Brooke Blakey and Sidney Jones claim in a lawsuit that Eddie Frizell discriminated against them to secure a coveted U.S. marshal job.

These Minnesotans tried to pay late rent on storage units. A company had already sold their stuff.
Public Storage facilities dot the Twin Cities metro. A flurry of renters have accused the company in lawsuits of selling family members' ashes, TVs and medical devices ahead of schedule.
Police arrest group of juveniles, ages 11 to 15, who allegedly carjacked woman in northeast Minneapolis
All of the minors have active investigations pending with the Minneapolis Police Department, according to a news release.
Barn fire kills 4,000 pigs in southern Minnesota
The cause of the blaze in Brownsdale remains under investigation.

Shakopee bans camping on city property. What does it mean for the area's homeless population?
The Scott County city joins other municipalities that adopted similar prohibitions to address encampments, including Rochester, Brainerd and Duluth.

Man used nonprofits to 'defraud' Minnesotans, AG Ellison alleges in lawsuit
David Singleton used donations to his groups for personal purchases at liquor stores, drug stores and restaurants, the complaint states.

Woman, cat rescued from Minneapolis apartment fire
The cause of the blaze at 25 East 25th Street is still under investigation.

Minnesota has a psychiatric bed shortage. A new West St. Paul crisis center will help fill the gap.
The 16-bed space is a partnership between Dakota County and Guild, a local nonprofit.
Spend money to get money? A newer Minnesota city considers hiring a lobbyist.
Credit River, population 5,500, faces growing infrastructure needs. It may follow other Minnesota cities in paying for a local advocate at the Capitol.

'The breaking point': Twin Cities Pride ousts Target from annual parade, festival
The group's decision is a response to the retailer's plans to roll back diversity and inclusion initiatives, Executive Director Andi Otto said Sunday.

A luxury apartment opened in South St. Paul last year. Payment disputes over the project persist.
City officials call the Yards and Backyards, the first market-rate residential development in the city in over 20 years, a success despite ongoing lawsuits and liens.
Minnesota tribe to donate $6 million for physical health programs for Native children
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community on Thursday announced IndigeFit Kids, a three-year philanthropic campaign.
DFLer Brad Tabke's victory stands in Shakopee-area race, judge rules
The ruling deals a blow to a Republican candidate who contested Tabke's victory in court. But Aaron Paul can appeal the decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Security guard injured in shooting during confrontation at Aldi store in south Minneapolis
No arrests had been announced as of Sunday morning, police said.

MSP baggage handler assaulted on light rail while riding between terminals to work
Attack reignites union call for closer airline employee parking at the airport.

Burnsville neighbors say they support more pickleball courts — just not near their beloved lake
Some residents contend a plan to build eight courts at Alimagnet Park will worsen runoff into the fragile lake below. The city says mitigation efforts will mark the project.

West St. Paul sought to attract apartments and businesses. Is the city accomplishing that goal?
The first-ring suburb has seen a slew of housing projects in recent years. Attracting retail and other amenities has been more complicated.

Jimmy Carter earned 'a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans,' politicians and advocates say
With the selection of Walter Mondale as his vice presidential running mate and the signing of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act, Minnesota was part of Carter's life legacy, politicians and local advocacy groups say.

How to ward off porch pirates during the last-minute holiday package blitz
Here are some tips to keep your deliveries safe during the last few days of the rush.

A Hastings couple can't get a mortgage. Is the Supreme Court to blame?
The Twin Cities couple says a fight over a Biden administration student loan repayment plan is preventing them from buying their first home.

Brad Tabke voters, statistician testify on final day of election contest hearing in Shakopee
The DFL representative said the proceedings prove there's 'no doubt' he won the House district 54A election, which Republican Aaron Paul is contesting.

Farmington residents sue city over proposed data center campus
Concerned residents are asking a judge to issue an order temporarily suspending negotiations between city officials and Tract, the developer of the data center.

NYPD releases new photos of man suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
As the manhunt for the shooter stretches into its fifth day, UnitedHealthcare has opted to place some fencing around its headquarters in Minnetonka.
Teen in critical condition, another wounded following shooting in Robbinsdale apartment's parking lot
Officers located a "person of interest" but haven't arrested anyone following the overnight shooting, according to a police news release.

What's that smell? Twin Cities suburbs adopt odor ordinances before cannabis retail market launches
Officials say the smell regulations in Hastings, Stillwater and Cottage Grove apply to all businesses, not just those in the marijuana industry.

Republican candidate contests House District 54A race results in Scott County
After a recount, DFL Rep. Brad Tabke finished ahead of Republican Aaron Paul, but the county attorney has said 20 uncounted ballots were likely thrown away.

Car crashes abound at this Rosemount intersection. What could make it safer?
A traffic light is coming to the collision-prone corner. But some residents say the intersection of Biscayne Avenue and County Road 42 needs a makeover — now.
Police investigating after man shot and killed in Rochester
Officers arrested one person following the incident, which happened at a house on the city's northwestern edge.

Missing 54A absentee ballots likely thrown out, Scott County attorney says
DFL Rep. Brad Tabke currently leads Republican Aaron Paul by 14 votes. Minnesota House Republicans plan to file an election contest lawsuit in the closely watched race.

With DFLer Tabke in the lead, Scott County canvassing board certifies House 54A race
DFLer Brad Tabke has a 14-vote lead over Republican Aaron Paul. But the fight for the Shakopee-area seat might not be over.

Property taxes are rising across Twin Cities area — here's where they're increasing the most
Every county across the Twin Cities is raising its property tax levy next year, even as home values level off.

DFL Rep. Tabke picks up one vote over Republican Paul after 54A recount
At the recount's conclusion on Thursday, Brad Tabke had 10,980 votes to Aaron Paul's 10,965. The outcome of the closely watched Minnesota House race could determine the balance of power in the chamber.

'Everybody's in a hurry.' What could make S. Robert Street safer for pedestrians?
MnDOT is studying ways to improve walkability on part of West St. Paul's main road running from Annapolis Street to Mendota Road.

Sherburne County will pay for legislative recount, while state will cover the cost in Scott County contest
The results of the two tight legislative battles could determine which party leads the House for the next two years.