Recent content from Josie Albertson-Grove
St. Paul City Council blocks developer's hopes for lower density at Ford plant site
Ryan Companies wanted the St. Paul City Council to let it build shorter buildings with fewer apartments at Cretin Avenue and Ford Parkway, but a tie vote from shorthanded council blocked the appeal.
Will development finally take off at the old Hamm's brewery in St. Paul?
Builders have long nurtured hope for the red brick buildings on the city's East Side.
The 'garbage wars' are over. But there's another trash fight in St. Paul.
Neighbors say a proposed garbage truck depot will derail hopes for more homes between W. 7th Street and the river.
St. Paul's new City Council president wants to see council flex its muscle
Rebecca Noecker hopes for more healthy disagreement between the seven council members and with Mayor Melvin Carter, and sees St. Paul turning a corner.
Former St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington named King Boreas for Winter Carnival
The former Public Safety commissioner and police chief sees his carnival role as an extension of his community-first policing philosophy.
St. Paul City Council President Mitra Jalali announces resignation
Jalali, a progressive from Ward 4, said she will step down next month after six years on the City Council and one year as council president.
State money will help clean up two sites for redevelopment in St. Paul
A bouldering gym on Harriet Island and a YMCA health center in Midway are planned.
St. Paul will experiment with alternate-side winter parking in two neighborhoods
Parking will be restricted until April on some blocks in the Highland Park and Payne-Phalen neighborhoods in a pilot program starting soon.
Little Canada woman dies in custody at Sherburne County jail
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of the woman, who was arrested Jan. 17.
Citing safety concerns, St. Paul officials to clear encampment sheltering dozens of homeless people
Officials say fires, assaults and other hazards are prompting the closure scheduled for Thursday.
I-94 land bridge and Robert Street reconstruction projects in St. Paul get federal funds
Money from a 2021 infrastructure law will pay for more planning on the Rondo I-94 project and to rebuild parts of Robert Street through St. Paul's West Side.
Privately funded repair pitched for stairway to St. Paul's Summit Avenue
Preservation group hopes to raise enough money to repair the Walnut Street Stairway.
Preservation lawsuit over Hamline-Midway library blamed for $2.3 million cost increase
The $10.4 million demolition of the historic building and construction of a new library is expected to start this year, as officials seek more funds.
St. Paul zoning board challenges developer to make former Ford plant complex denser
The city's Board of Zoning Appeals Monday denied variance requests from Ryan Companies to scale back development for Highland Bridge, saying they want the developer to do more.
Family IDs man fatally stabbed on New Year's Eve at Minnesota bar
Another man also was stabbed. The suspect, from San Diego, was arrested, police said.
Two Minnesota Lottery raffle players in Nowthen and Tracy win $1 million on New Year's Day
The raffle's 800,000 tickets sold out in just 15 days, a record according to lottery officials.
Former Lowry tenants booted from temporary accommodation
Those who lived in the condemned building have to find somewhere else to stay — again.
St. Paul City Council member violated policy, investigation finds
An outside investigator said an email Council Member Anika Bowie sent in October "rises to the level of prohibited offensive, bullying and harassing behavior."
St. Paul council votes to override budget vetoes, but Carter says it's too late
Mayor Melvin Carter and Council President Mitra Jalali disagree on the validity of Carter's line-item vetoes and the council's subsequent override.
'Mr. Positive,' a fixture of St. Paul's West 7th, dies
Carl Bentson, known for helping neighbors and riding a tricycle all over town, was 62.
St. Paul Port Authority looking to buy former Kmart site near I-35E
The authority hopes to develop the parcel for light industrial use.
Republican delegates decide Saturday who will lead the state party
Current GOP Chairman David Hann says this will likely be his last run for chair and that he's ready to pass the torch to a new generation of leadership.
St. Paul City Council bucks mayor in passing lower tax increase
Council members urged scrutiny of police spending as Mayor Melvin Carter criticized the council budget as 'accounting gimmicks.'
Why Minnesota is projected to face a future budget deficit, and what lawmakers might do about it
Minnesota had a record surplus two years ago. Now, it's projecting a deficit on the horizon. How did the state get here?
How some Minnesota schools are tackling chronic absenteeism
A dozen districts hire specialists, eye better data with $4.7 million in state funding.
Modest budget surplus overshadowed as Minnesota projects $5 billion deficit down the line
"We have time to address this structurally without negatively impacting the services that we're providing to people, but it's going to take some hard decisions," Gov. Tim Walz said.
How the committee structure in the Legislature will shape the 2025 session
Bipartisan support will be required for bills to advance, setting up fewer partisan floor battles.
What's behind the accusations of 'discrepancies' in Minnesota's election?
Later processing of absentee ballots, and a handful of counties that were slow to post results, added up to election night confusion for candidates in tight races.
Scott County to hold recount for state House seat, audit ballots in one Shakopee precinct
The county canvassing board has certified results from the Nov. 5 election and will hold a recount for the ultra-close House District 54A seat, but election officials are investigating a discrepancy in absentee ballots from one Shakopee precinct.
How would a divided Minnesota House work in a budget year?
Leaders hope the urgency of a state budget will inspire more bipartisanship than policy votes of last spring.
Legislative leaders puzzling out split House rules before likely recounts
Recounts in as many as two races could determine if Republicans take control of the House or the parties have to work with a 67-67 split, but the DFL trifecta is over.
Minnesota House could be evenly split, but close races will go to recounts
Results show a 67-67 split in the lower chamber Wednesday morning, but in two races, DFLers lead by just a few votes.
Former state Sen. Kelly Morrison defeats Tad Jude for Minnesota's only open congressional seat
Dean Phillips' short-lived run for president created a vacancy in the suburban Third Congressional District.
DFL leaders join final push to keep Minnesota government trifecta
Minnesota Democrats sent a bus full of elected officials out to help volunteers knock doors and make phone calls ahead of Tuesday's election.
How Minnesota colleges are trying to drive student voter turnout
They're using tables, personal connections and a growing group of volunteers.
Pro-Palestinian voters remain frustrated with Harris-Walz ticket
The elevation of Vice President Kamala Harris to the top of the ticket produced a surge of volunteering, but some progressives feel left behind and are disengaging.
Can the DFL keep the Third District without Dean Phillips?
Republicans and Democrats pin hopes on moderate candidates for the west metro suburban district.
Edina absentee ballots show no evidence of tampering after being left unattended in open trunk
A courier driver was fired, and the city has released surveillance footage showing the ballots weren't disturbed.
GOP petition claims Hennepin County incorrectly appointed election judges
The state Republican Party and a conservative legal group allege the county did not use a list of names provided by the GOP in choosing a bipartisan slate of election judges.
Down but not discouraged: Fans cheer for the Lynx at St. Louis Park gym
With the series tied, local fans are looking ahead to Wednesday's game in Minneapolis.
Walz campaigns on new benefits passed in Minnesota's 2023 legislative session
Free school meals, an expanded child tax credit and paid leave have become talking points for the Democratic governor as he campaigns to become vice president.
St. Paul's Lowertown rocked by senseless shooting, but locals confident it's safe
At a neighborhood gathering, the message was clear: The area may be struggling in some ways, but it remains a safe and vibrant place.
In Twin Cities suburbs, voters' focus is on local issues
While national politicians are centering their campaigns around immigration and abortion rights, local candidates say voters are more concerned about less-abstract issues.
Minnesota Poll: Voters sharply divided on Walz's tenure as governor
Almost all Republicans disapprove of Gov. Tim Walz's work, and nearly all Democrats approve, though his response to 2020 protests remains a weakness.
Republicans hoping to win in Minnesota focus on state Legislature
After a flurry of GOP optimism about flipping the state for former President Donald Trump, Minnesota Republicans and outside groups are focusing on legislative races — not on the top of the ticket.
Minnesota election law changes since 2020 aim to boost turnout
Expanded early voting hours, automatic registration and preregistration for teenagers could make it easier for the state's eligible voters to cast ballots this year compared to past presidential elections.
Minnesota 2024 voter guide: Who's running, where they stand on the issues
Early voting begins today in Minnesota. We ask major party candidates for U.S. Senate and Congress about issues ranging from the economy to immigration.
Minnesota SWAT officer shoots, wounds man during standoff
The Yellow Medicine County Sheriff's Office had been called for a welfare check Saturday at a house near Clarkfield, south of Montevideo.
Here's what six Minnesotans had to say about the Harris-Trump debate
From pets to Putin, these voters thought the debate showed the candidates' personalities more than their policies.
Ahead of Trump-Harris debate, Minnesota Democrats focus on former president
Donald Trump, abortion rights and the "Project 2025″ conservative policy framework are the focus for the DFL headed into the debate.
U.S. House Republicans subpoena Walz administration amid probe into Feeding our Future oversight
The investigation by a GOP-led congressional committee into federal pandemic funds began in 2022, long before Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was a vice presidential candidate.
After a weekend in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz hits the campaign trail again
Before jetting off to Milwaukee, Walz said he is still involved in governing the state.
The races that could determine control of the Legislature
Here's what you should know about 15 key races in Minnesota's swing districts.
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan open to running for governor in 2026
If Gov. Tim Walz does not run for another term — depending on whether he's elected vice president — Flanagan said she is ready to serve.
![Matthew and Devan Horton, 9, fly through the air on a ride at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights, Minn., on Sunday. “[Going] backward](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NJCPSP7ZMFH2FAQ5JH5QZ57IHQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Punishing heat (and storms) Monday, and then perfect State Fair weather
After 90 degrees Monday, Tuesday brings highs in the 80s and Labor Day weekend will see highs in the 70s — crucial for Minnesota State Fair lovers.
At the end of the DNC, Minnesotan delegates thrilled with the ticket
Excitement about the Harris-Walz ticket abounds even after four long convention days, but some "uncommitted" delegates are disappointed the convention ignored their calls to address Palestinian issues.
Protesters are inside this year's DNC, with Minnesotans playing big roles
Minnesota has 11 "uncommitted" delegates, more than any other state. During President Biden's speech, they placed their hands over their mouth, with the words "arms embargo now" on the backs of their hands.
Minnesota Democrats come together around Harris-Walz ticket — some happily, some uneasily
One delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago calls it an "electric transformation" of the base. But some Democrats concerned about the war in Gaza aren't entirely on board.
How 6 Minnesota Democrats feel about the presidential race ahead of the DNC
Democrats who participated in a Star Tribune voter panel are "rejuvenated" and "cautiously hopeful" about the presidential ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Their top issues range from the fate of democracy to reproductive rights, gun safety and Gaza.
At Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, a warm welcome home for Olympic gymnast Suni Lee
Local gymnasts, dignitaries, fans and travelers greeted Lee, who is from St. Paul, on her return from the Olympics on Sunday.
Internet celebrity colors one state House primary in Minneapolis
Are the residents of House District 61A chronically online, or is this another case of "Twitter is not real life"?
What's going on in Walz's former Minnesota congressional district?
Gov. Tim Walz flipped the Republican district in 2006, but DFLers have fallen short since Walz left Congress.
Racist graffiti found on Rochester legislator's home, Kamala Harris signs
State Rep. Kim Hicks also found black spray-painted swastikas on her home.
Storms could mean more water for already drenched Twin Cities
The Minneapolis-St. Paul area could get stormy weather and possibly heavy rain Sunday night and into Monday — and still no break from the heat.
Carolyn Parnell, 'trailblazer' who served as Minnesota's first IT commissioner, dies
Parnell spent decades in information technology, opening the field to other women.
In Kamala Harris, Minnesota Democrats see chance to jolt grassroots support
The Harris campaign's first events in Minnesota focused on Asian American voters in St. Paul, and Democrats want to harness excitement from voters who want to help elect as president the first Black woman and first South Asian woman.
Rep. Angie Craig, who had called on Biden to drop out, endorses Kamala Harris for president
Craig represents southeastern Minnesota's Second District, a suburban and exurban district that's been the state's most competitive congressional turf in recent election cycles.
With Biden out, Dean Phillips still wants more presidential competition for Democrats
The Minnesota congressman and brief Biden challenger says Kamala Harris could be a capable candidate and president. But he wants the 4,000 Democratic National Committee delegates, himself included, to have a real say in picking the nominee.
With Biden out of race, big-name Minnesota Democrats move to Kamala Harris
Biden's stunning decision not to run for president saw Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Rep. Ilhan Omar, quickly line up behind Biden's favored successor, Vice President Kamala Harris. Gov. Tim Walz, who joined party leaders in lauding Biden, could get swept up in VP chatter.
Money flowing to Democrat Kelly Morrison in open Third Congressional race to replace Dean Phillips
In the race to replace outgoing Rep. Dean Phillips in the western Twin Cities area, Morrison has a stark fundraising advantage over Republican Tad Jude.
Vikings star receiver Addison arrested in Calif. on possible DUI
Vikings second-year receiver Jordan Addison was found asleep at the wheel, only days after a teammate's death in a car crash and nearly a year after Addison was arrested for driving 140 miles per hour in St. Paul.
Minnesota nursing homes under stress, for reasons politicians aren't talking about
Republicans blame regulations for the coming closure of a nursing home in Sibley County. But the leader of a nursing home trade group in Minnesota says it's more complicated.
New down payment assistance program for first-generation homebuyers aims to aid thousands
The 2023 Legislature approved the $150 million fund, which provides up to 10% of the home's purchase price to eligible homebuyers across the state,
State Patrol searching for driver who fled fatal crash in Eagan
One of the drivers is missing — but not the one who ran the red light.
With no bonding bill in 3 of last 4 years, flood funding unreliable
With growing costs and growing needs, cities across Minnesota are waiting for state funds.
