Staff Directory 6370615

Tim Harlow

Reporter | Traffic and transportation
Phone: 612-673-7768

Tim Harlow covers traffic and transportation issues in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and likes to get out of the office, even during rush hour. He also covers the suburbs in northern Hennepin and all of Anoka counties, plus breaking news and weather.


Harlow previously spent four years covering Washington County news and writing about family events and festivals. He is a resident of Robbinsdale and earned a communications degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and a masters degree in communications from Bethel University.
Recent content from Tim Harlow
UnitedHealthcare headquarters in Minnetonka, shown in December after the killing of CEO Brian Thompson.

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.
The Heads Up cameras used by South Lake Minnetonka Police Department recently caught a driver using his phone while behind the wheel.

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.
Traffic has slowed on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis as the Minnesota Department of Transportation's work on five bridges reduces the freeway to two lan

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.
An iguana peered from behind some leaves at its new home at SeaQuest, a hands-on aquarium and small-animal exhibit at Rosedale Center.

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.
Minneapolis police recovered eight of 27 handguns stolen from a UPS shipping center. A suspect was arrested.

Man accused of stealing 27 guns from a Minneapolis UPS facility is arrested

The suspect was booked into the Hennepin County jail and released.
John Thomas says St. Paul has "nothing to do" with all that stuff that happened in Riverdale, Illinois.

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.
Gov. Tim Walz holds a blackout plate at the DVS office in White Bear Lake on Jan. 9, 2024. Walz received a sample plate and temporary registration car

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.
Andy Emerson rode a Lime scooter he collected from downtown Minneapolis on Thursday, Aug. 1, to bring home and charge up for continued use. New signs

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.
Work on historic Bridge No. 9 over the Mississippi River will close the bridge to cyclists until December.

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.
Road work coming to a 2.5-mile stretch of I-94 in Minneapolis will squeeze drivers into just two lanes in each direction from I-35W to Franklin Avenue

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.
Eduardo was stolen from outside the District Edina last weekend.

Reward offered for return of life-size bull statue stolen in Edina

Eduardo was taken last weekend from outside the District Edina.
St. Paul police investigate a homicide in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood.

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.
There are a few things you can do to ease the itch of a mosquito bite. (Dreamstime) ORG XMIT: 1233922

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.
Wind blows snow in Fort Snelling National Cemetery after a spring storm dumped heavy snow in Minneapolis on April 1, 2023.

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.
Members of the Hennepin Sheriff department and the Hennepin County medical examiner’s office  searched in the front of the home that was destroyed w

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.
A sample of a Real ID driver's license

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.
The Heads-Up cameras used by South Lake Minnetonka Police Department recently caught a driver using his phone while behind the wheel.

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.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation will add a third travel lane along a 3-mile segment of Hwy. 10 in Coon Rapids this summer.

'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.
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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.
The name of the inmate who died Monday in the Anoka County jail has been released.

Man who died in Anoka County jail identified

The cause and manner of his death are pending, authorities said.
Conductor Robert Vogds welcomes passengers as Amtrak’s Borealis daily service to Chicago begins from St. Paul’s Union Depot in May 2024.

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.
Trains were pulled from Amtrak’s Borealis daily service to Chicago after an inspection found corrosion on several railcars.

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.
A bus driver had a medical emergency Tuesday while transporting students in Crow Wing County home.

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.
A series of armed robberies have taken place in Dinkytown Sunday and Monday, University of Minnesota police say.

Minneapolis, University of Minnesota say string of armed robberies in Dinkytown likely coordinated

Multiple holdups occurred Sunday and Monday. Police are searching for suspects.
The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the death at the Anoka County jail.

Man dies while in custody at Anoka County jail

Authorities are investigating after the inmate collapsed and died Monday morning.
This segment of MnPass lanes on I-35W in Burnsville open in 2011.

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.
Justin Eichorn

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.
Motorists have been turning to the Minnesota state highway map for directions for 100 years

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.
The view from inside a Gold Line bus as it waits for a signal on Bielenberg Drive in Woodbury, while drivers in regular traffic lanes have a green lig

'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.
A state trooper makes a DWI arrest.

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.
A woman walks in the snow on Minneapolis' Harriet Avenue during the afternoon’s snowfall on March 24, 2024.

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.
Transit app's welcome screen tells Metro Transit riders they have been upgraded to royale service.

Metro Transit riders have access to trip planning app Transit, for free

Metro Transit, MVTA offers free rides for St. Patrick's Day
Annie Haffner snapped a photo from her deck as a suspect was arrested in a backyard in St. Michael after an 80-minute pursuit Wednesday night.

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.
A student holds a tray at the Owatonna High School cafeteria.

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.
A bare-chested runner enjoyed the last of the spring-like weather while running around Lake Nokomis Wednesday, Feb. 2017, in Minneapolis, MN. Up to a

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.
“It’s a new bus and I have to get to know the bus," said Xang Xiong as he trains for the new Gold Line. The route runs from St. Paul to Woodbury a

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.
Riders exit the D Line rapid transit bus in downtown Minneapolis.

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.
The Rev. Jerry McAfee speaks to the media surrounded by Violence Interrupters and other violence prevention worker after a Minneapolis City Council me

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.
Ky Klassen, from left, Izzy George and Allison Rabani take advantage of the warmer weather to run together around Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis on Monda

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.
Trooper Yahya Abdi watched for speeders on I-35E in Eagan on Monday.

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.
Bloomington squad car

Man found lying in Bloomington street dies; suspect arrested

The victim appeared to have been hit by a car, police said.
Travelers at Terminal 1 of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Spring break rush begins at MSP Airport

More than 49,000 passengers a day will pass through security this weekend.
Dylan Haasken, 12, (left) and Zander Schmidt, 11, (right) make their way down the sledding hill at Staring Lake Park in Eden Prairie, Minn., on Wednes

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.
An iguana peered from behind some leaves at its new home at SeaQuest, a hands-on aquarium and small-animal exhibit at Rosedale Center.

Duluth zoo will take in some animals from closed SeaQuest aquarium

The indoor attraction at Rosedale Center closed Feb. 18.
A school bus moves slowly through the side streets in St. Paul on Dec. 19.

'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.
A wintry mix of snow, rain and freezing rain is likely in a swath of Minnesota from Morris to Fergus Falls to Detroit Lakes to Bemidji.

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.
A double right turn lane at I-94 and Elm Creek Boulevard in  Maple Grove. Drivers can turn right on a red light from either lane.

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.
The Loycano family, with Lilyana (second from left).

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.
FILE - Consumers shop at a Walmart store in Vernon Hills, Ill., Sunday, May 23, 2021. U.S. consumer confidence fell in August to the lowest level sinc

'Economic blackout' campaign encourages Americans to boycott shopping on Friday

The man behind the campaign says, "We are the economy." Future initiatives are planned.
Stanley's Northeast Bar Room

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

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 will begin a four-year pilot to catch speeders on camera as soon as August.

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.
The liberal arts college with an environmental focus had operated in Ashland, Wis., since 1892.

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.
A SouthWest Transit bus prepares to depart for a Minnesota Wild hockey game.

'It's really about adapting': Transit agencies finding ridership gains via special events

SouthWest Transit and MVTA are adapting to meet customers' needs.
A rendering of the Hometown Market, one of several new venues coming to MSP Airport's Terminal 2.

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.
The SeaQuest aquarium in the Rosedale Center photographed in Roseville, Minn., in December 2024.



Seaquest Holdings is asking a bankruptcy judge to

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.
A Delta Air Lines jet traveling from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport crash-landed and came to a stop upside down at Toronto Pearson Interna

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.
A student ran to her bus in the bitter cold after school at Sanford Middle School on in January 2018 in Minneapolis.

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.
A sample of a Real ID driver's license

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.
Meteorologist Wren Clair, at left, with anchors Kevin Doran and Lindsey Brown.

Meteorologist Wren Clair has left KSTP-TV

She delivered her last forecast on Sunday.
The license plate on an avid angler's truck.

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.
Javonte Lynn, a water distribution trainee with the city of Minneapolis, and Josh Menne, a water distribution foreman, left to right, carry flower bou

Water main bursts in south Minneapolis, causing a big mess

The break Thursday morning was near the Terzo restaurant and other businesses.
Joann Fabrics is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

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.
A bronze and copper statue of writer F. Scott Fitzgerald at his former school building on Dale Street in St. Paul has been stolen, according to police

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.
Jenny Wiederholt-Pine rides a horse at Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum in St. Paul.

Hastings school board member, beloved coach dies unexpectedly at age 44

Services for Jenny Wiederholt-Pine will be held Feb. 18 in Miesville.
A rendering of a plan that would reroute Theodore Wirth Parkway under Lowry Avenue and eliminate at-grade light-rail crossings.

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.
The SeaQuest aquarium in the Rosedale Center in Roseville in December 2024.

What happens to Seaquest's animals after bankruptcy sale withdrawn?

A federal judge appointed a Chapter 11 trustee to handle the company's affairs.
A snowplow clears the streets in Bemidji, Minn., on Jan. 15, 2025.

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.
Protesters hold up signs and Palestinian flags during a Not Another Bomb Minnesota march and rally for Palestine at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden i

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.
Roads are busier than they used to be during the midday hours and stay humming longer into the evening, according to the Minnesota Department of Trans

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.
Riders exit the Metro D Line rapid bus headed toward Mall of America at 8th St. and Nicollet Ave. in downtown Minneapolis, Minn. on Friday, June 2, 20

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.