Recent content from Josie Albertson-Grove
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.
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 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."
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.
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.
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 officer Jamal Mitchell remembered at vigil Sunday
Police and community leaders said Jamal Mitchell was respectful — and earned respect over his short career.
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.
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.
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.
After river rescues, Cannon River paddlers advised to use caution
Downed trees in the river are hidden by high water.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GOP endorses Tad Jude for congressional seat Dean Phillips is leaving
Longtime Republican legislator, county commissioner and judge won after three rounds of voting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
