Recent content from Greta Kaul
Is your city asking you to vote on a sales tax hike this election? These Twin Cities suburbs are.
Cities pitch sales tax increases as a way to shift the burden of funding projects from residents and business owners who pay property taxes to anyone who makes a purchase that includes a sales tax.
Inline skater dies after Duluth marathon
Mike Lufholm, 36, of Minneapolis was remembered as an ambassador for inline skating in Minnesota.
Wood Lake wildfire in Minnesota's Boundary Waters partly contained
The fire began last week and has grown to 27 acres. It is under investigation and believed to have been caused by human activity.
Man found unresponsive in Faribault manhole dies
Tests found the manhole had high levels of hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, as well as low oxygen levels.
Where are the kids? Research shows numbers are down in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
The decline in kids under age 5 mirrors larger population trends and has long-term implications for everything from schools to kid-friendly amenities.
Blaine's Northtown Mall locked down after shooting incident
In a Facebook post, police in Blaine confirmed the lockdown and said there no longer was a threat to the public.
Neighbors describe scene as Minneapolis police shoot man armed with AK-47, flak jacket
Police said the man is suspected of firing multiple shots inside an apartment building. He's in critical but stable condition.
Man fleeing West St. Paul Police hits power pole and dies
Man crashes vehicle into pole and parked cars. The incident is under investigation.
Pedestrian struck, killed by SUV in Plymouth
A 70-year-old Minneapolis man who was crossing Hwy. 55 in Plymouth on foot died after being struck by a vehicle driving east with a green light. The man was not in a crosswalk.
Arden Hills sees rise in door-to-door solicitors without permits
The city is asking residents to report encounters with unlicensed solicitors. The city permit process includes a background check.
Review of North St. Paul city finances finds $15,500 in improperly documented credit card purchases
Purchases, including a Paramount+ subscription and a possible donation to a political committee, lacked evidence of being a proper use of public money. The city attorney said Tuesday there is no evidence of fraud or theft.
Robbinsdale arson house fire suspect arrested
As the suspect was put in a squad car, officers heard popping and saw flames in a second-story window of the home. Officers evacuated people and animals, and no one was injured.
In Maplewood, opportunity to develop former Battle Creek golf course met with many opinions
Feedback on endangered species, density and noise from Maplewood community members prompts developer D.R. Horton to promise revised plans for housing at the site.
Man dies after crashing motorcycle into I-94 noise barrier in Minneapolis
William Wade Lyons, 33, of Lakeville died after the motorcycle he was driving struck a noise barrier at the Riverside exit of Interstate 94.
One dead, one injured in shooting in Minneapolis' Whittier neighborhood
A man in his 20s died after gunshots were fired Saturday night. Another man in his 20s was injured.
What it's like to live in the Minnesota State Fair's backyard
Residents of Falcon Heights and St. Paul's Como neighborhood are subject to parking, noise and traffic headaches during the Minnesota State Fair. Some leave town, but others say they love it.
T-bone crash in Isanti County leaves four with serious injuries, including two children
Four people were flown to the Twin Cities for medical care after the collision Saturday in Spencer Brook Township.
Man fatally shot in Becker County
Arlan Ray Bergstrom Jr., 31, of Detroit Lakes, was fatally shot in Frazee, according to the Becker County Sheriff's Office.
St. Louis County reports two off-road vehicle crashes, one fatal
St. Louis County deputies responded to a fatal UTV crash near Buhl and an alcohol-involved crash near Hibbing.
Ramsey County names new county manager
Ling Becker, who has been the county's director of workforce solutions, will step into the leadership post.
University of Minnesota paid $329,000 for presidential search before landing on Rebecca Cunningham
The cost is an increase over the $260,000 the U paid for the search that culminated in hiring previous president Joan Gabel.
Ramsey County will review fees it charges residents for crisis mental health services
Unlike some Minnesota counties, Ramsey County bills clients for mental health crisis services when insurance doesn't cover them — something advocates criticize. The county is reviewing the fees.
Tornado damages homes, businesses in central Minnesota town
The EF1 tornado began Saturday outside of Melrose in Stearns County and damaged homes and businesses as it approached the city.
Woman dies, man arrested in head-on Minneapolis crash
German Adriano Llangari Inga, 34, was booked in the Hennepin County jail on suspicion of DUI and criminal vehicular homicide after the collision that killed a 31-year-old woman.
Crisscrossing White Bear Lake, archaeologists search for wrecks — and history
Some of White Bear Lake's history is at the bottom of the lake. Two underwater archaeologists are working to document it.
Minnesota cities opposed a bill allowing accessory dwelling units -- but many are permitting them
Cities often see ADUs as a form of "gentle density," increasing housing units without changing an area's character. As more cities permit them, the number of ADUs has risen.
3 killed overnight in Minneapolis, police seek other agencies' help
A fight at a party is believed to have led to the stabbing in the Folwell neighborhood, two hours after a man was shot and killed nearby. A man was also shot and killed in the Whittier neighborhood last weekend. Overwhelmed, Minneapolis police sought help from other agencies.
Hibbing man killed in St. Louis County ATV crash; driver injured
Authorities suspect alcohol, speed contributed to the apparent rollover crash.
When to watch Minnesota gymnast Suni Lee at the Olympics
Suni Lee, 21, who grew up on the East Side of St. Paul and graduated from South St. Paul High School, will compete in the finals for four Paris Olympic events.
Webber pool in north Minneapolis temporarily closed after witnesses say substance put in water
The pool is closed while the water is assessed. Minneapolis residents are encouraged to use other facilities to cool off in the meantime.
Live in Ramsey County? Union Depot might want your problem tree for its holiday celebrations
The tree will be lit up with more than 15,000 lights, and its family will be invited to participate in the tree lighting celebration at St. Paul's Union Depot.
Ramsey County settles lawsuit with man using walker who was allegedly pushed by deputies in Falcon Heights
Michael Torrey-White was 67 at the time of the incident and used a walker to get around. He alleged Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies mistook him for a younger crime suspect who was also Black.
Duluth sightseeing boat hits breakwater; several people hurt
There were 84 people aboard when the boat struck the Wisconsin Entry breakwater. One person was taken to the hospital.
I-35 open after incident with police on scene caused temporary detour near Faribault
Motorists were detoured off of Interstate 35 in both directions at Medford near Faribault late Sunday afternoon. A police presence was visible on MnDOT traffic cameras.
16-year-old girl injured in south Minneapolis shooting
The girl was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident is under investigation.
3-year-old critically injured in Brooklyn Park dog attack
The toddler was being mauled by two pit bulls when officers arrived. One dog was killed and the other injured. The child was taken to the hospital.
What to know about the invasive purple flower that's taking over Minnesota yards
With bell-shaped purple blooms, creeping bellflower is pretty, but it chokes out wanted plants — and it's all over the place in Minnesota.
St. Anthony to hold special election for City Council seat
Nadia Elnagdy and Randy Stille are vying for the seat, which opened when Wendy Webster became mayor this year.
Xcel works to restore power in Twin Cities metro after storms
The outages are in many parts of the metro area but heavily concentrated to the west. More storms are possible Sunday night.
St. Paul's Kellogg-Third Street I-94 crossing to close for three years as bridge is removed, replaced
Traffic delays are expected and vehicles will be detoured to East Seventh Street.
Ramsey County sets February special election for vacant County Board seat
If more than two candidates file, a Nov. 5 primary will be held for the seat, which will soon be vacated by County Board Chair Trista Martinson.
Mounds View moves to discharge racist deed language before home sales
There are more than 500 racially restrictive covenants, which banned nonwhite people from owning and sometimes occupying homes in the city.
Golden Valley seeks input as it eyes downtown enhancements
The city is hoping to revamp the character and accessibility of what it considers its downtown at Winnetka Avenue North and Golden Valley Road.
Man believed to have been stabbed, struck by car, Meeker County sheriff says
Suspects have been identified and a car believed to be involved in the Litchfield Township case has been found.
Jail nurse complaint: Man who died after time in Ramsey County jail did not receive proper medical care
Dillon Bakke's mother filed a wrongful-death lawsuit alleging his treatment in the Ramsey County jail led to his death.
Rising waters a threat to summer fun in Twin Cities metro
Swollen rivers in the area are likely to crest in the coming days, and rising waters have put the kibosh on some summer recreational opportunities.
Ramsey County commissioners vote to give themselves a raise
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, commissioners will get a 3% raise, a move some said is needed to attract good candidates to run for office.
Mississippi River reaches major flood stage in St. Paul
The Mississippi River is forecast to keep rising in St. Paul until it crests over the weekend.
As effects of flooding continue, Gov. Walz authorizes Guard to support communities
Communities across southern and northern Minnesota are dealing with the fallout of heavy rains. In St. Paul, the Mississippi is forecast to reach minor flood stage Sunday night.
BCA investigating Brooklyn Park Police use of force in shooting
The man involved, who police said carried a gun, was expected to survive.
One dead, one arrested in Prior Lake assault
The incident occurred on Saturday on the 16000 block of Brunswick Avenue in Prior Lake.
Ramsey County Board chair will step down to helm multi-county Recycling and Energy program
Martinson's departure means there will be three new faces on the Ramsey County Board in 2025, in addition to a new county manager. A special election to fill her seat will be held at a to-be-determined date.
'Century Homes' program recognizes some of Edina's oldest houses
Homes that are at least 100 years old are eligible to participate; those in the program are marked with a bronze plaque.
Mounds View's mayor targets racial covenants on homes
Mayor Zach Lindstrom will announce a draft ordinance Saturday at Mounds View's Juneteenth celebration. There are more than 500 properties in Mounds View with such covenants on their titles.
Maplewood 12-year-old recognized for saving her family's home from fire
Bella George was recognized this week by the Maplewood Fire Department for her quick thinking when a pizza box on a cooktop caught fire.
MPD officer Jamal Mitchell memorialized as 'very best of our city'
Thousands attended the Maple Grove service and viewed the 30-mile processional for the police officer killed in the line of duty.
Live: MPD's Jamal Mitchell posthumously given medal of honor, Purple Heart during 85-minute service
'Jamal was the epitome of a guardian of our community,' Chief Brian O'Hara said.
Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center worker hit youth, investigation finds
It was the second time in a year that a staff member at the detention center physically abused a young person staying there.
Hopkins police issue emergency alert in search of missing nonverbal 4-year-old boy
The boy was last seen around 7:30 a.m. Sunday in Hopkins.
Fourth man dead after shootings that led to Minneapolis Officer Jamal Mitchell's death
Mohamed Bashir Aden, 36, of Columbia Heights, was shot and critically wounded inside an apartment and died of complications from multiple gunshot wounds more than a week later.
Albert Lea man killed in crash with semi on I-90
Oscar Antonio Ramirez, 24, died early Saturday in Freeborn County.
Loons-themed playground to open at St. Paul's Allianz Field this month
Crews have also begun work on the park at University and Snelling avenues, which will include a 33-foot loon statue slated to land late-summer.
Why did Minnesota erase much of its German culture?
Despite its "uff da" reputation, the state has more German than Scandinavian ancestry.
After swan deaths in Vadnais Heights, Ramsey County won't ban fishing — for now
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation will focus on educating anglers about how lead-containing fishing tackle can kill birds in Sucker Lake Channel.
New Ramsey County Library director Pang Yang was once a 'library kid'
Yang spent 17 years with the St. Paul Public Library before joining the Ramsey County library system; she was named Ramsey County Library director earlier this month.
At least six wounded in two separate St. Paul shootings
The incidents occurred at Crosby Farm Park in St. Paul's West 7th neighborhood and at a residence on the Greater East Side.
With scattered storms, forecasters urge southern half of Minnesota to watch the sky Memorial Day afternoon
Scattered thunderstorms moving into the metro and southern part of the state could wreak havoc on outdoor plans.
Stillwater prison on lockdown after 2 corrections officers injured in assault
The officers were treated at a hospital and released.
Police looking for information about North St. Paul park shooting that injured four
A group gathered at Casey Lake Park in North St. Paul on Saturday night and shots were fired, injuring four.
Driver not wearing seatbelt dies in St. Paul rollover
The 38-year-old Minneapolis woman was killed in the crash on Interstate 94 early Sunday.
Morrison County Sheriff's Office asks BCA to investigate use of force in DUI stop
A struggle began after a deputy told the driver he was under arrest on suspicion of DUI.
Man who robbed woman at gunpoint in Arden Hills found guilty of kidnapping, bank fraud, theft
Raphael Raymond Nunn held up two women and stole from another, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Does Como Conservatory's blooming corpse flower really smell like a corpse? The experts weigh in.
"Horace," the St. Paul conservatory's corpse flower, has finally bloomed after keeping spectators guessing for days.
Korean immersion school plans move from St. Paul to Maplewood
Sejong Academy charter school, currently located in St. Paul's Hamline-Midway neighborhood, must first be approved for a conditional use permit from the city of Maplewood.
Como Park's corpse flower is starting to stink — here's how to watch it bloom
A livestream trained on the foul-smelling flower at Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul has attracted hundreds of people waiting for signs it will bloom. As of Wednesday afternoon, it still hadn't.
