Recent content from Tim Harlow

Intruder with gun arrested outside UnitedHealthcare campus in Minnetonka
Authorities say there is no evidence to suggest the person had a grievance against the company.

Despite improvement, distracted driving is still a 'big problem,' Minnesota officials say
In other news, survey opens to collect feedback on plans to convert the Northstar rail line to bus service.

Drivers feel the pinch as I-94 construction rattles commutes and spills traffic onto city streets
Gridlock has been common on Franklin Avenue, Lake Street, University Avenue and Marshall Avenue as drivers try to take detours.

Reptiles, birds, a capybara and more animals from shuttered Seaquest Roseville have found new homes
Facilities in the Twin Cities and Duluth took in hundreds of mammals, reptiles and birds.

Man accused of stealing 27 guns from a Minneapolis UPS facility is arrested
The suspect was booked into the Hennepin County jail and released.

St. Paul condemns, shuts down troubled downtown parking ramp
The Capital City Plaza ramp was owned by Madison Equities, the same company that walked away from the Alliance Bank Center in March.

Minnesota's blackout license plates have been a huge hit. Here's who is buying them.
People between 45 and 54, who drive luxury cars or live in fast-growing cities in northwestern Hennepin County were the top buyers.

Shared e-bikes and scooters return to Minneapolis and could be on the streets all year
With more electric scooters and bikes available this season, the city could see record ridership this year.

Bridge and trail work will bring summer-long detours for bicyclists, pedestrians in Minneapolis
The Plymouth Avenue and Stone Arch bridges and Bridge No. 9 will be closed as the spring riding season begins.
Major traffic disruptions are coming as I-94 bridge work begins in Minneapolis
The work beginning with a weekend closure of eastbound I-94 near the Mississippi River and University of Minnesota is one of 180 projects MnDOT will carry out this season.
Reward offered for return of life-size bull statue stolen in Edina
Eduardo was taken last weekend from outside the District Edina.
Man stabbed to death on St. Paul's East Side is identified
The victim of the city's second homicide of the year was found outside a residence near Harding High School, police said.

Mosquitoes may reach five-year high this summer in Twin Cities area
A Metropolitan Mosquito Control District model predicts a midsummer surge after a slow start.

April Fools' Day storm to bring half foot of snow or more to parts of Minnesota
Winter storm warnings are in effect in an area from Wheaton in western Minnesota to the Arrowhead region up north.

Investigation into Brooklyn Park plane crash continues. Here's what we know so far.
U.S. Bank executive and pilot Terry Dolan is believed to have died in the Saturday crash.
It's likely too late to get a REAL ID by May 7, but it's not too late to apply
About 40% of Minnesotans have a Real ID, the Department of Vehicle Services says.

Police turning to AI cameras to crack down on distracted driving in west metro
Law enforcement will begin a monthlong enforcement campaign during April's Distracted Driving Awareness month.
'Challenging' road construction kicks off in north metro. Here's what you need to know.
MnDOT on Monday will begin building an additional travel lane between Hanson and Round Lake boulevards in Coon Rapids, eliminating a notorious choke point.

Falcon Heights floats plan to charge for street parking during State Fair
Residents would not have to pay. Officials say the plan could bring in $100,000 to $200,000.

Man who died in Anoka County jail identified
The cause and manner of his death are pending, authorities said.

Amtrak restores Borealis rail service between St. Paul and Chicago
The railroad will use bi-level cars on the route in place of single-level cars pulled from the line Wednesday.
Amtrak Borealis service disrupted after corrosion discovered on train cars
The problem also popped up on four other Amtrak lines where Horizon railcars were pulled from service.

Northern Minnesota fourth-graders take charge after school bus driver suffers medical emergency on route
Two Crow Wing County students noticed the driver was not following the normal route, then used the radio to call help, helped lead officials to them and had their fellow students lined up on the side of the road.

Minneapolis, University of Minnesota say string of armed robberies in Dinkytown likely coordinated
Multiple holdups occurred Sunday and Monday. Police are searching for suspects.

Man dies while in custody at Anoka County jail
Authorities are investigating after the inmate collapsed and died Monday morning.

Scam E-ZPass texts and emails seeking payment are still spreading
The agency, which saw a similar ploy last summer, says it doesn't reach out that way.
Five arrested on suspicion of soliciting sex from minors in Washington County
The suspects were arrested during an operation carried out March 20 in Newport.
Prosecutors ask court to keep former Minnesota Sen. Justin Eichorn jailed on solicitation charge
Eichorn resigned from the Senate after he was arrested last week in a sting operation.

Minnesota highway map is turning 100. Now's your chance to shape its future.
The maps produced by MnDOT turn 100 this year. The agency is seeking feedback on what to include.

'There will be a learning curve': What drivers need to know about new Gold Line bus route
The new rapid bus line from St. Paul to Woodbury begins Saturday and will operate in dedicated lanes.

Tests show Minnesotans are driving while high. Authorities want devices to stop them.
Drug recognition experts tested two devices during 2024 pilot and found them to be accurate, the Department of Public Safety said.

Weather Service: Strong spring storm will likely miss metro but set to hammer southeastern Minnesota
The I-90 corridor still in bull's-eye as storm track shifts south.
Driver dies after vehicle goes airborne and strikes a tree in north-central Minnesota crash
The driver died at the scene of the crash on Hwy. 18 in Aitkin County.
Metro Transit riders have access to trip planning app Transit, for free
Metro Transit, MVTA offers free rides for St. Patrick's Day
State Patrol arrests driver allegedly on meth after 30-mile, 80-minute pursuit from Twin Cities to St. Michael
The 23-year-old with a history of fleeing police damaged yards, cars, trees and fences Wednesday night.
USDA cutting millions of dollars that Minnesota schools, child care centers and food banks used to buy local food
The state will lose about $18 million in federal funding as the Trump administration terminates two pandemic-era programs.

Late week weather serves up everything from hot to cold to stormy in Minnesota
Strong storms are possible Friday night and could lead to snow on Saturday, the National Weather Service said.

Bus drivers learning 'tricky' new Twin Cities route debuting soon
The new line running from downtown St. Paul to Woodbury is "tricky" but it will be great, said one driver.
Metro Transit saw overall ridership growth in 2024, as transit patterns shift from rush hour to other times of day
Ridership was up in 2024 during midday, evening and Sundays and on bus rapid transit lines.
21 Days of Peace worker injured by gunfire in north Minneapolis
The shooting happened as the group was cleaning up from a barbecue it held Monday night.

Warm weather on Monday almost reached record high temperatures in Twin Cities
There was a red flag warning for wildfires Monday afternoon across western Minnesota.

Need a career change? State Patrol program seeks candidates without law enforcement experience
From now through March 30, the agency is accepting applications for its next round of LETO starting in August.
Man found lying in Bloomington street dies; suspect arrested
The victim appeared to have been hit by a car, police said.

Spring break rush begins at MSP Airport
More than 49,000 passengers a day will pass through security this weekend.

Schools closed, Metro Transit resumes bus service as winter storm wallops southern Minnesota
A few more inches of heavy wet snow will fall Wednesday in the metro area before a winter storm warning ends at 3 p.m., the National Weather Service said.

Duluth zoo will take in some animals from closed SeaQuest aquarium
The indoor attraction at Rosedale Center closed Feb. 18.

'Tournament Snowstorm'? Minnesota blizzard hitting as state hockey tournament begins
Legend has it that March tournaments are ripe for big snowstorms. And it's true — sort of.

Twin Cities in line for 4-7 inches of snow, blizzard conditions to the south
Whiteout conditions are expected Tuesday and Wednesday across southern Minnesota, the National Weather Service said.

Turning right on red is legal in Minnesota. That doesn't mean you always should.
Yes, but just because it is legal doesn't mean it is safe to do.

Community mourns 'heartbreaking' death of 11-year-old girl after crash in Independence
Lilyana Loycano was a fifth-grade student at Grandview Middle School in Mound.
Girl on her way to school with her family killed in crash after teen driver allegedly runs stop sign in Independence
Five members of the girl's family were hospitalized after the crash Wednesday.

'Economic blackout' campaign encourages Americans to boycott shopping on Friday
The man behind the campaign says, "We are the economy." Future initiatives are planned.
Northeast Minneapolis bar raises alarm over road revamp that could claim building
MnDOT has not made any decisions, but has four options for redoing the intersection of Lowry and University avenues in northeast Minneapolis.
![The parakeet area at SeaQuest Roseville. ] LEILA NAVIDI • leila.navidi@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7WLARINAGA2L2VDU5T6LLOPGFY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Shuttered SeaQuest aquarium's animals to get new homes, perhaps at Como and Minnesota zoos
Court filings show the trustee overseeing the aquarium's estate ordered the Rosedale location closed and the exotic animals be rehomed.
Minneapolis wants drivers to slow down, and hopes traffic cameras will help
Cameras to help catch speeders could be operating in five locations when a pilot begins in August.
Northland College is closing at the end of the school year
The liberal arts college with an environmental focus had operated in Ashland, Wis., since 1892.

'It's really about adapting': Transit agencies finding ridership gains via special events
SouthWest Transit and MVTA are adapting to meet customers' needs.

New food and drink options coming to MSP Airport's Terminal 2
The first major upgrade of concessions and retail options in more than a decade includes a full-service bar and restaurant.

SeaQuest appears to close its Rosedale Center location
The company, whose locations feature an indoor aquarium and hands-on activities with mammals has filed for bankruptcy.

Worried about an upcoming flight? Aviation expert stresses flying is still 'very safe'
It's too early to say what led Delta Air Lines Flight 4819 to flip upside down while landing in Toronto.
How cold does it have to be for Minnesota schools to close?
There is no statewide law, but many districts use windchills of minus 35 degrees as the threshold to call off classes.
For real this time, Real ID requirement will take effect this spring
A state-issued driver's license or identification card will be necessary to board flights and enter most federal facilities.
Who decides what's allowed on a vanity plate in Minnesota?
The state's Driver and Vehicle Service's Special Plates Unit carefully considers combinations of letters and numbers.
'I don't want to drive for a while,' says motorist hit on I-94 by suspects in a stolen vehicle
At least eight drivers were hit as suspects weaved in and out of rush-hour traffic Wednesday in Minneapolis. They have not been caught.

Water main bursts in south Minneapolis, causing a big mess
The break Thursday morning was near the Terzo restaurant and other businesses.

Joann Fabrics closing a dozen Minnesota stores as part of Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Nationwide, the arts and crafts retailer will shutter 500 of its more than 800 stores.
F. Scott Fitzgerald statue stolen from outside former St. Paul Academy
The statue, which weighs a couple hundred pounds, was swiped sometime last week, police said. Thieves, likely using a torch, left part of statue's right hand behind.

Hastings school board member, beloved coach dies unexpectedly at age 44
Services for Jenny Wiederholt-Pine will be held Feb. 18 in Miesville.
Lowry Avenue light-rail station stirs up complex issues for Met Council
But the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board has a big say in which, if either, moves forward.

What happens to Seaquest's animals after bankruptcy sale withdrawn?
A federal judge appointed a Chapter 11 trustee to handle the company's affairs.

Twin Cities, central Minnesota still slated for snow but less than originally predicted
A weekend snowstorm is predicted to bring 4 to 7 inches of snow to the metro and central Minnesota Friday night and Saturday morning.

Trump's call for U.S. control of Gaza draws rebuke from Minnesota activists and academics
They vehemently object to the president's plan to take over Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere.
Daily travel ticks up in Twin Cities, but remains below pre-pandemic levels
The average person makes 3.5 local trips a day, according to the Met Council's latest Travel Behavior Inventory.
Crime on Metro Transit fell last year as agency cracks down on smoking
A larger "official presence" is credited with driving down crime. Ridership also increased for a third straight year.