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Josie Albertson-Grove

Reporter | Politics and government reporter
Phone: 612-673-4391

Josie Albertson-Grove covers politics and government for the Star Tribune.


Josie Albertson-Grove has covered state and local government for the Star Tribune since 2022. She has covered state government and the western suburbs. Albertson-Grove spent several years as a reporter in New England, most recently covering education and politics at the New Hampshire Union Leader. Albertson-Grove received a master's from the Columbia Journalism School with a focus in investigative reporting, and has a bachelor's in political science from Beloit College. She is a graduate of St. Paul Central High School and lives in Minneapolis.
Recent content from Josie Albertson-Grove

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.
Clockwise from top left: Elizabeth Psihos, Donna Schiff, AK Kamara, Sue Keator, Logan Keith and Omar Adams gave their impressions of the Harris-Trump

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.
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet for the first time in a televised debate on ABC on Tuesday.

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.
The legislative auditor delivered a special report on the Minnesota Department of Education's oversight of Feeding Our Future in June, concluding that

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.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and his wife, Gwen, visited with Minnesota union leaders at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Labor Day before hea

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

The races that could determine control of the Legislature

Here's what you should know about 15 key races in Minnesota's swing districts.
Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Josie Albertson-Grove talks with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan about whether Flanagan might run for governor.

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

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.
Tim and Gwen Walz stop by the Minnesota delegation breakfast on Thursday in Chicago to thank delegates and encourage them to work hard for the campaig

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.
Pro-Palestinian protesters ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Sunday.

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.
Campaign workers prepare the new Duluth DFL headquarters for its grand opening on Thursday.

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.
Clockwise from top left, Elizabeth Psihos, Lea Assenmacher, Omar Adams, Jean Doolittle, Logan Keith and Adrita Rahman  gathered at the Star Tribune to

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.
Olympic gymnast Suni Lee is hugged by a friend in the crowd that was awaiting her arrival upon her return from Paris on Sunday at Minneapolis-St. Paul

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.
The three candidates running in Tuesday's DFL primary for House District 61A are, from left, Katie Jones, Isabel Rolfes and Will Stancil.

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"?
GOP Rep. Brad Finstad chats with attendees at Farmfest in Morgan, Minn., on Tuesday.

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

Racist graffiti found on Rochester legislator's home, Kamala Harris signs

State Rep. Kim Hicks also found black spray-painted swastikas on her home.
Swimmers and paddle boarders were out in big numbers on Lake Nokomis as heat index numbers soared into the 100s in the Twin Cities on Friday.

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

Carolyn Parnell, 'trailblazer' who served as Minnesota's first IT commissioner, dies

Parnell spent decades in information technology, opening the field to other women.
Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to supporters during a campaign rally this week in West Allis, Wis.

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.
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig speaks at the Minnesota State Capitol in 2022.

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.
Dean Phillips takes the stage at his election night party after a stronger showing than expected in the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 23 in Manchester

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.
DFL Chair Ken Martin speaks during a news conference at the party's headquarters on Sunday, following President Joe Biden's announcement that he was d

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.
Republican Tad Jude and Democrat Kelly Morrison are running for the open Third Congressional District seat.

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 wide receiver Jordan Addison takes questions from reporters during a news conference the day after he was drafted

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.
Former Lt. Governor Michelle Fischbach is running in the Seventh Congressional District GOP primary to challenge DFL incumbent Collin Peterson.

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.
Patrick Preston, left, waves to a new neighbor as his son Phillip Ward watches the media file onto the yard of their new home in St. Paul on Monday.

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.
Mayor Keith Swenson points out how Hwy. 19 east of downtown is flooded in Henderson on Thursday.

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.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren during her her Town Hall at Macalester College Monday evening.

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren to rally Biden supporters in Minneapolis

The one-time rival to President Joe Biden is visiting Minnesota to rally his supporters as the 2024 presidential campaign accelerates.
Protesters against the war in Gaza gathered outside the Duluth Convention Center during the DFL State Convention on June 1.

Protesters want Minnesota to divest from Israel. How has divestment happened in the past?

Minnesota's pension fund has divested from other countries in response to legislation, worries about returns and state leaders' "moral outrage."
Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill toughening penalties for “straw” purchases of guns, along with a ban on binary triggers, on June, 3, 2024.

Minnesota's bump stock ban not affected by Supreme Court ruling

A new ban on binary triggers also stands, because the decision was not focused on whether such devices are constitutionally protected.
A rig with Nashwauk’s ambulance service used for transports, shown last year in Nashwauk, Minn.

One-time EMS funding for rural Minnesota not a fix for ongoing costs

Too-low reimbursement and rising demand have rural EMS agencies hoping for more than the $24 million approved last session.
Protesters against the war in Gaza gathered outside the DFL State Convention. A new Minnesota Poll found the war is not a top issue in the presidentia

Minnesota Poll: The war in Gaza divides voters along party lines

Opinions are split, with most Republicans approving of Israel's actions in Gaza, but even most Democrats do not see the war as the most important issue influencing their vote for president.
Minneapolis Assistant Chief Christopher Gaiters, second from left, joins Pastors Jerry McAfee, center right, and Faith Allen, at right with microphone

Minneapolis officer Jamal Mitchell remembered at vigil Sunday

Police and community leaders said Jamal Mitchell was respectful — and earned respect over his short career.
Law enforcement members stand at attention as the casket carrying the remains of a Minneapolis police officer fatally shot is brought to a medical exa

Condolences and tributes pour in for police officer killed in south Minneapolis, flags ordered half-staff

Police departments and public officials offered sympathy for all of the shooting victims.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump returns to court as the jury reaches a verdict in his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday in N

How will Trump's hush money guilty verdict affect Minnesota politics?

Political activists, candidates and observers wonder if Minnesotans' opinions of Trump will change given deep, yearslong polarization.
Gov. Tim Walz gave a pen to Rep. Hodan Hassan, DFL-Minneapolis, after a ceremonial signing event for the pay minimums for ride-hail drivers at the Sta

Pay rates for Uber and Lyft drivers now law after two-year fight

Pay minimums take effect Dec. 1, and the apps say they will stay in the Twin Cities.
High water in the Cannon River is hiding tree branches. The same spot in the river is shown in March 2024, left, and in May 2024, right.

After river rescues, Cannon River paddlers advised to use caution

Downed trees in the river are hidden by high water.
Amid a housing shortage, DFL lawmakers see progress toward affordable and stable housing but Republicans worry more rules will drive up construction c

Major Minnesota zoning bill failed, but legislators see other small gains on housing

New tenant protections and more funding for housing are part of the 1,400-page bill that ended the session.
The bulk of the Legislature's work this session will be crafting a package of construction projects in a bonding bill.

What passed — and didn't — at the 2024 Minnesota Legislature

From cannabis to sports betting, what happened with the major bills at the State Capitol in 2024.
Earlier this month, pro-Palestinian protesters called for divestment from Israel at the University of Minnesota.

Minnesota Investment Board passes climate resolution, but pro-Palestinian protesters want more

Protesters said the logic of the board's resolution to consider longer-term risks like climate change could also be applied to the risks posed by war.
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, exchange heated words over the pace of

Minnesota Legislature's 2024 session ends in anger and acrimony

Republicans complained of being shut out of negotiations and shouting matches erupted on the floors as Democrats passed their final bills.
Members of MULDA, the Minnesota Uber/Lyft Drivers Association, meet on the Capitol steps to talk about the deal on a bill setting minimum pay for them

Minnesota Legislature approves minimum pay for Uber and Lyft drivers

DFL leaders say the deal reached on eve of the Legislature's denouement will prevent the companies from leaving Minneapolis on July 1.
Uber/Lyft drivers rally at the Minnesota State Capitol on Friday, ahead of an expected vote.

House bill setting pay for Uber, Lyft drivers could be amended to remove rates

House leaders say negotiations over the the hotly debated bill are ongoing and Gov. Tim Walz's office is still signaling hesitation.

St. Paul 18-year-old killed in Inver Grove Heights crash

The young man died at the scene, officials say.
The future of Uber and Lyft in Minneapolis has been a source of concern and debate in recent weeks.

Minneapolis rideshare controversy shows growing power of progressive Democrats

Gov. Walz's administration signals it is not comfortable with a compromise bill as Uber and Lyft threaten to leave.
Uber lobbyist Joel Carlson speaks at a committee hearing on the Uber and Lyft bill Tuesday in St. Paul.

Driver pay bill advances as Uber and Lyft pitch much-lower rates

A compromise between leaders in the Legislature and the Minneapolis City Council is moving through committees, as the companies continue threats to leave the state.
Sen. Omar Fateh, center, discusses his Uber bill during a Senate commerce committee hearing on April 16. To his left is Uber lobbyist Joel Carlson.

Legislators say they have a deal on Uber and Lyft driver pay, but companies object

Pay rates in the compromise are below the Minneapolis council ordinance and below what drivers' advocacy groups wanted, but driver group calls it a show of good faith.
Tracy Byrd, an English language arts teacher at Minneapolis' Washburn High School, was named the 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Sunday at RiverCen

Minneapolis English teacher named Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2024

Washburn High School's Tracy Byrd, who helps kids who lost so much during the pandemic, is Education Minnesota's 60th Teacher of the Year.
Sen. Jason Rarick, R-Pine City, and other Republicans raised concerns about how long it could take to train teachers on the new literacy curriculum.

Education funding bill would pay for training on literacy programs

State money could fund overtime, subs while teachers learn how to use new phonics-centric reading curriculum.
Tad Jude speaks on public safety in Minneapolis in August 2022. Republicans endorsed the longtime politician this weekend, hoping he wins the suburban

GOP endorses Tad Jude for congressional seat Dean Phillips is leaving

Longtime Republican legislator, county commissioner and judge won after three rounds of voting.
Frustration with the two-tier system has been growing and reached a boiling point when legislators did not use last year’s budget surplus to fund th

Frustrated Minnesota teachers seek probe of pension fund

A two-tier pension system has been a growing concern for teachers, some of whom hope scrutiny of management fees will turn up extra money.
Ben Wozniak watches the Twins game Sunday against Detroit at Target Field. The Twins blocked off the top two levels of seats as an experiment this mon

With upper level closed, Twins fans say early-season games feel more fun

Sparse April games led the Twins to close the upper levels to keep the lower areas full.
A duplicate of this statue of Hubert H. Humphrey on the Minnesota Capitol mall in St. Paul could be going to the nation's Capitol.

Hubert H. Humphrey statue could be going to U.S. Capitol

The statue of the late vice president and senator would replace one of Henry Mower Rice, a key figure in Minnesota statehood who was also involved in relocating Indigenous people to reservations.
Braemar Arena in Edina. The Legislature gave Edina permission to ask voters for a half-cent sales tax to fund nearly $40 million in improvements at Fr

After a bumper crop of new sales taxes approved in 2023, legislators look at limits

Legislators could rein in what kinds of projects can be paid for with sales taxes in the future.
Construction near the 50th and France intersection in Edina in 2018. The city is considering updating its zoning code for the first time since the 197

Edina could see its first zoning update in 50 years

The city is working with a consultant to review city zoning codes and better incorporate modern development, such as mixed-use apartment buildings.
Sen. Omar Fateh, center, speaks about his bill during the Senate Commerce Committee on Tuesday.

Minnesota lawmakers aim to protect rideshare drivers hurt on the job — but pay remains unresolved

DFL legislators remain optimistic about the possibility of a law this year to prevent Uber and Lyft from leaving on July 1.
Sen. Scott Dibble got a high-five from Sen. Zaynab Mohamed on the Senate floor before Dibble advocated for his renter-protection bill Thursday. Mohame

New protections for Minnesota renters moving forward in Legislature

Though the most ambitious affordable-housing construction policies fell short this session, legislators are looking to create new rights for tenants and new rules for landlords.

Robbinsdale Area school board can't agree on a new superintendent, will restart search

Board members were unable to agree on which candidates should move forward after interviews.
Hundreds of people walk past vendors during an October 2023 Open Streets event on Lyndale Avenue S. in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis' Open Streets could be scaled back even more, with few bidders to plan the festivals

The city is hoping for five events, but only three have committed organizers, and planning time will be short.
Travelers navigate the Uber/Lyft rideshare area in Terminal 1 at the MSP airport on March 22.

How did we get here? A history of rideshare apps in Minneapolis

For transplants and those too young to really remember a time before Lyft and Uber, here's how it started.
Many city leaders said they worried about how more duplexes would impact their communities.

Bill to allow duplexes across Minnesota is likely doomed this session

Affordable housing advocates hope to find other roads to make it easier to build small apartment buildings across Minnesota.
Joel Carlson, a lobbyist for Uber, spoke before the Minnesota Senate Labor Committee on March 12.

Here's how Uber, Lyft are trying to get their way in Minnesota

The multibillion-dollar rideshare companies have mobilized go-to allies to make their case to policymakers, but their lobbying spending is relatively modest.
Lyft lobbyist John Reich and Uber lobbyist Joel Carlson joined bill sponsor Sen. Omar Fateh, DFL-Minneapolis, at the table before the Senate Labor Com

Can Minnesota find a path forward for Uber and Lyft drivers?

As the Minneapolis City Council grapples with the apps' threats to leave, state lawmakers are negotiating a statewide solution to drivers' problems.
Snow clings to the trees along a walking path at Como Lake in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, March 22, 2024.

Snow could turn to rain overnight, melting some of what might still be year's biggest snowfall

In some cases, the rain may melt all of the snow that falls in southern Minnesota.
The 19 Bar, seen in 2012, is closed after an accident outside sparked a fire.

Gay bar in Minneapolis' Loring Park closed after fire

A collision on the street outside apparently sparked the blaze.
Two police officers and a fire department medic were shot and killed in Burnsville on Feb. 18, adding urgency to the legislative debate over gun purch

Democrats and Republicans line up to support making straw gun purchase a state felony

Lawmakers see urgency around the issue after the killings of Burnsville police and paramedic.
Uber driver Mohamed Egal checks the app on his phone to accept a rider on Feb. 16 in Minneapolis.

Uber, Lyft pay causes Capitol conundrum after Minneapolis vote

Walz seeks statewide solution, asks City Hall to reconsider minimum pay levels.

Gunfire at Bloomington mosque after a fight

No one was hurt, and no one suspected of shooting was in the parking lot when officers arrived.
From left, Tad Jude, Brad Kohler, Jamie Page and Quentin Wittrock are the four Republican candidates seeking the Third Congressional District seat.

Four Republicans vying for open suburban congressional seat

Tad Jude, Brad Kohler, Jamie Page and Quentin Wittrock talked about how they could win the Third Congressional District for the GOP, in a part of the metro that has been trending more blue.
The nearly 46,000 “uncommitted” ballots cast on March 5 means Minnesota will send 11 delegates who are not committed to a candidate to the DNC in

'Uncommitted' won delegates to the DNC. What happens next?

The road to the national convention runs through Minnesota's spring DFL conventions.
Lunchtime at the Math and Science Academy in Woodbury, where kids bring their own lunches. The school doesn't have a kitchen that can make lunch for a

Some Minnesota schools shut out of free meals

Nearly a dozen charter schools, often located in buildings without full kitchens, can't serve breakfast and lunch.
Nikki Haley was the only presidential candidate to campaign in Minnesota ahead of Super Tuesday, with a Feb. 26 rally in Bloomington.

Haley's strength in metro leaves questions for Trump, Minnesota GOP

Republican presidential primary voters showed a split between greater Minnesota and the metro with their Super Tuesday votes.
Semira Ibrahim of Apple Valley held a sign urging voters to vote uncommitted, at a news conference outside the federal courthouse in Minneapolis on Fe

'Uncommitted' vote against Biden blows past goal in Minnesota's Democratic primary

The campaign will earn 11 delegates to the DNC's convention in Chicago.
A haze settled in over the Minneapolis skyline one day in early July as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted across Minnesota, leading to air quality

Wildfire burns near Waseca during the earliest 70-degree day on record for March

Thirteen counties placed under red-flag fire warnings amid Sunday's high winds.