Staff Directory 6370408

Zoë Jackson

Reporter | Race and Immigration

Zoë Jackson is a general assignment reporter for the Star Tribune. She previously covered race and equity, St. Paul neighborhoods and young voters on the politics team.

Recent content from Zoë Jackson
Winter solstice at the American Swedish Institute in 2017.

The winter solstice is coming. Here's how to celebrate the shortest day of the year in the Twin Cities.

The winter solstice is seen as a time of renewal in cultures around the world.
High winds and low temperatures were not enough to discourage Mike Walsh, St. Louis Park, from skating on the smooth ice at Lake of the Isles on Satur

Minneapolis outdoor skating rinks to open this weekend

Despite weather fluctuations, the Park Board expects rinks to open Saturday.
A made-in-Minnesota gift guide.

The made-in-Minnesota 2024 gift guide

Still shopping for loved ones? Here are 10 made-in-MN gifts beloved by Minnesota Star Tribune staffers.
Black Garnet Books founder Dionne Sims and new owner Terresa Moses at the bookstore's grand reopening last month.

Meet the new owner of St. Paul's Black Garnet Books

The bookstore, inspired by the local reckoning over race following the murder of George Floyd, sold this fall as founder Dionne Sims looks toward other dreams. The store will remain Black-owned.
This undated photo released by the New York Police Department shows a suspect in the fatal shooting Wednesday of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Who is Luigi Mangione, person of interest arrested in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing?

The suspect was carrying a manifesto that criticized health care companies for putting profits above care, police said.
Cynthia Erivo, left, as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda in “Wicked.”

'Wicked' singalong? This Minneapolis cinema says save the vocals for Mondays

The Main Cinema announced the singalong screenings shortly after a "Wicked" star encouraged fans to sing while watching.
Sara Van Norman works on her laptop at Queermunity MN in Uptown on Thursday.

New LGBTQ community center opens its doors in Uptown

The founders of Queermunity, open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, are investing in south Minneapolis. The space has capacity for events and co-working, and a coffee shop.
Skaters enjoy the climate control, dry conditions on the main concourse of U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis in January 2023.

Indoor skating, running return to U.S. Bank Stadium this winter

The Winter Warm-Up begins Tuesday. A dozen Tuesday and Thursday night indoor exercise opportunities will be offered through the months of December and January at the downtown Minneapolis stadium.
Hundreds braved the cold to get in line for an early chance to win prizes Friday morning for Black Friday at the Mall of America in Bloomington.

Black Friday might not have the power of the past, but Minnesotans still show up

Exclusive Taylor Swift deals draw shoppers to Target, but more flocked to Mall of America.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey along with several city leaders gather in an Uptown intersection Monday to celebrate the reopening of a part of Hennepin

Minneapolis leaders celebrate reopening of Hennepin Avenue in Uptown after reconstruction

A portion of Hennepin Avenue will reopen Tuesday. Metro Transit buses will return to their routes Wednesday.
Trainer Stacy Sheldon-Wilkinson works with a dog in training, Tucker, on retrieving dropped items and other skills needed to be a mobility assist dog

Minnesotans set record with $37 million in donations on Give to the Max Day

It's a record number of donations in the 16 years of the statewide giving event.
Volunteers packed produce boxes during the “Pack to the Max” event at the Food Group in New Hope, Minn., on last year's annual Give to the Max Day

Minnesota nonprofits are looking for donations this Give to the Max day. Here's how to help

State nonprofit organizations have put on the "Give to the Max" day every November for 16 years. This year, they say, election concerns, cost-of-living struggles could be factors in giving decisions.
A supermoon with a partial lunar eclipse rises over Lake Michigan in September.

Look up tonight to see the final supermoon of the year

There won't be another supermoon until fall 2025.
A brave pedestrian walks down the hill along John Ireland boulevard in St. Paul, with an umbrella to shield the wind and snow.

Winter arrives in Minnesota next week with rain and potential snow

Minnesota, winter is coming. Now is a good time to get prepared, the National Weather Service said.
More than 2,000 calls for service in neighbor-to-neighbor or tenant disputes have been made this year, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said at

Minneapolis police looks at new response to neighbor conflicts, as activists keep up call for chief's resignation

A mediation program in the planning stages, in collaboration with the NAACP, would aim address neighborhood disputes.
Mike Norton poses for a portrait with his bike at Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis on Oct. 29.

Lovely day: Minneapolis man looks to change narrative around Minneapolis with cheerful tweets, photos

Mike Norton, one of social media's most prolific defenders of Minneapolis, says it's up to the people who live here to push back at negative portrayals of the city.
Minnesota Star Tribune newsroom leaders meet Monday to talk Election Day plans.

Inside the 2024 election at the Minnesota Star Tribune

The newsroom's election planning began months ago and involves dozens of journalists. Here's a look at what goes into our coverage of the democratic process.
Minneapolis NAACP President Cynthia Wilson spoke Friday about the shooting last week of Davis Moturi in the front yard of his home. At left was activi

Minneapolis NAACP calls for accountability for the way police handled neighbor shooting

President Cynthia Wilson said city officials failed to protect a resident from months of harassment by a neighbor before he was shot.
Participants try to woo each other without seeing each other in "Love Is Blind."

It's official: Minneapolis version of 'Love Is Blind' is coming this Valentine's Day

Three of the incoming Minneapolis singles were introduced for the first time in a reunion episode.
A male cougar spotted Oct. 25 in Voyageurs National Park. Photo by Voyageurs Wolf Project.

Rare big cat caught on camera in Voyageurs National Park

There have been few sightings of cougars in Voyageurs, which are probably just passing through.
María Isa Pérez-Vega, DFL, 65B, St. Paul spoke in support of the Health and Human Services finance bill on the floor of the house Monday evening. Th

Minnesota Democratic lawmaker with ties to Puerto Rico slams Trump rally comedian's remarks

The state's only representative of Puerto Rican descent said the comments should serve as "a wake-up call" for Puerto Ricans, Latinos and all marginalized communities.
Suni the shark. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Zoo.

Minnesota Zoo reveals the Olympian-inspired name of new baby shark

The baby zebra shark was born days after the end of the summer Olympics in Paris.
Alexander "Xander" Steven Mick, who died earlier this month after he was run over by a wagon pulled by a tractor at a "haunted hayride" attraction in

Little oversight in Minnesota for haunted hayrides, other Halloween crowd-pleasers

Halloween or autumn-themed activities on farms, like the hayride in St. Augusta, Minn., where a 13-year-old boy was injured and died earlier this month, are subject to little oversight.
Funeral set for 13-year-old who died at haunted hayride

Funeral set for 13-year-old who died at haunted hayride

His mother called him an exceptionally unique child who loved Jesus.
A rowing crew skims across a placid Lake Nokomis with fall colors and the Minneapolis skyline.

JD Vance portrayed Minneapolis as a city in decline. Minnesotans — again — clapped back online.

Unsurprisingly, some residents of Minneapolis weren't happy with that characterization from the Republican candidate for vice president.
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) lost control of the ball when she ran into the defense of New York Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilto

WNBA Finals fan guide: What to eat, where to go when not at Target Center for Lynx vs. Liberty

Loyal New York Liberty fans, WNBA boosters and backers of all types are descending on Minneapolis for games 3 and 4 of the Finals between the Lynx and Liberty. Here are suggestions for visitors on what to do between games.
Leah Holmes, of Hastings, wears a temporary kiss tattoo, from Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n' Sweet” album cover, on her cheek while waiting in li

Sabrina Carpenter fans bring ribbons and sparkle to Minneapolis show

Before the concert at Target Center on Monday, fans lined up in their sweetest fits for photos and merch.
This photo shows Comet C/2023 A3 (ATLAS-Tsuchinshan) as seen from Eure-et-Loir, France, on June 6, 2024.

Rare comet likely to be visible to the human eye in Minnesota. Here's how to see it.

This weekend is the first that the comet emerges from behind the sun in the evening sky.
The northern lights.

See stunning photos of the northern lights across Minnesota

For those who missed out, you may have a second chance to see the show on Friday night.
Left to right, Kyle Larson, Jake Hannes and Trenton Waters hand-paint a logo on the grass beneath the batter's eye as the Twins grounds crew prepares

Minnesotans react to impending Twins sale

Fans flooded social media to bid the Pohlad family farewell following the announcement of their intent to sell the team.
A sign outside of a forthcoming Le Labo store in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis.

An upscale fragrance store is set to open in Minneapolis' North Loop

Le Labo is known for its customizable, luxury perfumery experience and the cult-favorite scent Santal 33.
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen show off their hunting licenses Monday.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is a first-time gun owner

Flanagan purchased a 20-gauge Benelli shotgun ahead of the annual Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener.
An hour north of the Twin Cities at around 1:30 a.m. on May 11, 2024.

The northern lights may be visible in Minnesota on Thursday and Friday night. Here's how to chase them.

Here are tips for getting a glimpse of the elusive aurora borealis during the next solar storm, with sky-watchers saying celestial conditions are ripe for an unusually active season.
FILE - In this March 4, 2018, file photo, then-MacKenzie Bezos arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Calif. Galvanized by the racia

Billionaire MacKenzie Scott gives $1.5M to Minnesota Native wealth-building nonprofit

The gift came as a surprise to the Minnesota nonprofit that provides assistance to aspiring Native homebuyers and entrepreneurs.
Landlords must “supply or furnish heat at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit” between Oct. 1 and April 30 for units where the renter d

Feeling chilly? Minnesota law requiring landlords to heat apartments now in effect

The new law standardizes heat minimums already in place in many Minnesota cities, requiring heating starting Oct. 1.
Gov. Tim Walz takes the stage at a rally on the Erie waterfront in front of around 2000 supporters Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024  Erie, Pa.

Tim Walz's media blitz continues with late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel's show

The Democratic ticket is turning up the heat with several TV and podcast appearances this week.
Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film "Joker: Folie a Deux" on Sept. 25, 2024, in London.

Lady Gaga partied in Minnesota with new fiancé Michael Polansky

The pop star also made time for a visit to Culver's.
Commuters climbed out of busses and into the snow at the Apple Valley Transit station Monday afternoon. A winter storm was late in coming but hit the

The National Weather Service is changing its cold weather alerts. Here's what you need to know.

Windchill watches, warnings and advisories are no more. The goal is simplifying the process by which the public is advised of dangerous cold.
Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News, with Republican vice preside

The 5 biggest moments from the Vance-Walz vice presidential debate

The midwestern men made their case to America just weeks ahead of Election Day.
A student rides a Gopher Bike at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis on Friday.

Bikes fly off the racks at new University of Minnesota lending program

A new bicycle library program at the University of Minnesota is taking old Nice Ride bikes and turning them into free rentals for students on a daily or term basis.
Workers remove debris in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Cedar Key, Fla., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

How you can help those affected by Hurricane Helene

Minnesotans are volunteering their time to help hurricane victims.
Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift performs onstage on the first night of her Eras Tour at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 31, 2023.

Voter registration spikes in Minnesota following Taylor Swift's endorsement

Swift's post encouraging her fans to vote was liked 11 millon times. Her fans believe it could make a difference in November.
The 19 Bar, seen in 2012, is closed after an accident outside sparked a fire.

19 Bar sues trash company over fire that closed storied gay bar

The owner was set to sell the LGBTQ-friendly Minneapolis establishment before the fire, according to the lawsuit.
Xcel Energy crews worked to restore power in the Twin Cities.

How Xcel Energy ends power outages in the Twin Cities

About 3.800 customers in the Twin Cities were still without power as of Thursday morning.
Mika the Golden Doodle waits patiently in her seat on the Hola Arepa dog-friendly patio in Minneapolis May 9, 2015. (Courtney Perry)

Celebrate National Dog Day on these Twin Cities patios

Give your pup some extra attention at these Minneapolis-St. Paul restaurants, breweries and coffee shops.
Reporters Louis Krauss, Eder Campuzano, Zoë Jackson and Jennifer Brooks outside the Minnesota Star Tribune office before racing via various forms of

What's the fastest way to the Minnesota State Fair? We tried four methods.

By bus, by car, by park-and-ride and by bike: four reporters race from downtown Minneapolis to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds to test a range of transportation options.
Democrats turn their roll call into a dance party at the DNC

The DNC roll call featured a song for each state. Here's what Minnesota chose.

States chose songs to represent them as Democrats pledged their support for VP Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz.
Chris Arneson laughs as he enjoys the patio at Tii Cup while construction vehicles sit in the middle of Hennepin Ave. in Uptown Minneapolis, MN., on F

These Uptown business owners are hoping for a comeback

Years after riots, the once-vibrant Minneapolis destination is still losing businesses amid safety fears and construction headaches. But supporters say Uptown is the "comeback queen" of neighborhoods, and some businesses aren't going anywhere
Police looked in a tent to see if there were any occupants before demolishing it and trashing it at the east side homeless encampment at Powderhorn Pa

Agate Housing to close Minneapolis homeless shelter, low-income lodging and food shelf

At least 80 people will be affected by the shelter's closure. More than 20 employees will be laid off.
Twin Cities Skaters Studio is a boutique roller skating rink that opened this summer in Uptown.

We spent eight hours in Uptown: Is there anything to do?

Many say Uptown is dead. We hit the construction-clogged streets of this one-time hot spot hoping to find the truth.
Playschool Child Care teacher Emily Lawson, center, plays with toddlers and preschoolers in her care, April 4, 2023, in Maplewood.

Why the alphabet song might have changed in some classrooms

Are your kids headed back to school? They may come home singing a new alphabet song.
A French Fries stand employee loaded up a cup a fries Thursday, August 25, 2022, at The Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn.  ] CARLOS GONZAL

Chef Reactions and other content creators are getting ready to descend on the Minnesota State Fair

Social media is driving foodie experiences at the fair, from must-try lists to vendors hoping their offerings go viral.
Gov. Tim Walz signs a bill on ride-hail drivers into law in May.

Where Kamala Harris VP pick Gov. Tim Walz stands on key issues

The Minnesota governor has pushed for free school lunch, expanded background checks on gun purchases and sanctuary for those seeking abortions.
Young gymnasts cheer as they watch St. Paul native Suni Lee on television compete in the individual all-around competition at the Paris 2024 Summer Ol

Minnesotans come together to cheer on Olympian Suni Lee in women's gymnastics final

Both the young gymnasts who practice alongside Suni Lee at Midwest Gymnastics and family members gathered to watch Lee take home a bronze medal.
Swimmers enjoyed the water at Lake Nokomis Beach in 2017. The south Minneapolis lake's two beaches are closed until further notice.

Some city beaches remain closed in Minneapolis as hot weather continues

A few beaches are closed due to water quality concerns, with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board saying several city beaches are at bacteria levels unsafe for humans.
Laborers' International Union of North America Local 363 members and supporters march on Central Avenue after a Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Union organizing, actions on the rise in different kinds of Minnesota workplaces

Efforts to unionize and accompanying job actions have been on the rise in a growing variety of Minnesota workplaces rise since the pandemic. Here's a sample of the activity.
Local 363 members and supporters marched after a rally on July 4.

Striking workers reach tentative agreement with Minneapolis Park Board

After a three-week strike, workers will return to their duties Monday. A union vote to ratify the agreement is planned for next week.
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COVID is on the rise in Minnesota. Here's how to stay safe amid a spike.

Need a safety refresher? Here's what to know as COVID levels increase in Minnesota.
The marquee of the Egyptian Theatre appears during the Sundance Film Festival, Jan. 28, 2020, in Park City, Utah.

Minneapolis loses bid to host Sundance Film Festival

The country's largest independent film festival is looking for a new host after decades in Park City, Utah, but Minneapolis fell short of the final round of consideration.
Stonewall Sports players at the 2023 tournament in Philadelphia.

LGBTQ sports tournament will bring 2,500 people to Minneapolis this weekend

The recreational sports organization provides opportunities for connection over the game and beyond.
HeadFlyer Brewing's Maui Wowie Punch.

THC seltzer can now be served on draft in Minnesota taprooms, and one brewery has already jumped on it.

The change broadens options for consumers and could help smaller brewers get in the hemp-derived THC game.
Picnic tables were full at Minnehaha Falls Park on Memorial Day 2020.

Power failure temporarily closes Minnehaha Park facilities, Sea Salt restaurant

Outages from storm continue to affect some customers.
Ben Schave from A Touch of Magic walks on stilts during a Warehouse District Live event June 29 in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis is spending $750K on this event series. Few are going.

The weekend-night event creates a pedestrian zone for safety — but with food, restrooms and games on 1st Avenue N. downtown.
Fireworks go off during the Kwik Trip Fireworks Spectacular at Canterbury Park in Shakopee on Wednesday.

Cities cancel fireworks, citing weather; others wait to decide

Stormy forecast has other metro cities canceling or postponing displays.
Parking lot sign E-Bike E Bike Ebike park electric bike electro bicycle eco friendly transport

Minnesota e-bike rebate program fills up in minutes after shaky initial rollout

More than 10,000 Minnesotans rushed to apply for the new state program. High interest led to a crashed website when the program initially tried to launch in June.
Elizabeth "Betty" Norris, a clerk at the downtown Minneapolis post office for three decades, died in June at age 93. She was one of the first Black ho

Elizabeth 'Betty' Norris, career postal clerk and trailblazing Black homeowner in Minneapolis, dies at 93

Betty Norris built a career at the Minneapolis post office at a time when it was one of the best opportunities for Black Americans. She raised three daughters and helped integrate the south Minneapolis neighborhood where she owned a home.
Mall of America using facial recognition in effort to boost security

Mall of America using facial recognition in effort to boost security

The technology will be used to track persons of interest, the mall said. Nearby jurisdictions like Minneapolis have banned the controversial practice for use by law enforcement.
A man cycles on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis named best big city for biking. St. Paul not far behind.

Minneapolis takes home the top spot in a ranking of most bike-friendly U.S. cities.
Former President Donald Trump speaks at the state Republican Party's annual Lincoln Reagan fundraising dinner May 17, 2024 in St. Paul.

Trump campaign to open new field offices in Minnesota

The campaign for the presumptive GOP nominee is investing in Virginia as well.
Post employee volunteers assemble meal packets in April during Consumer Brands Ingredients for Good Initiative in Northfield.

Benefits are important, 'meaningful work' even more so for Gen Z workers in Twin Cities

Workplace expectations have changed, and so must employers.
Attorneys for Linda Tirado said this is the last photo she took before the officers in the image shot her with a foam bullet.

Photojournalist blinded by MPD projectile during 2020 unrest enters hospice care

Linda Tirado was wearing her press credential when injured outside the police Third Precinct in Minneapolis
A couple walks across the Stone Arch Bridge with other pedestrians on the final day before the bridge is closed for construction on Sunday, April 14,

Minneapolis named best city for new college grads

City earned the title of valedictorian in ranking of best places for recent graduates.
Sabrina Carpenter performs at Coachella on April 12.

How to get tickets to Sabrina Carpenter in Minneapolis

The 25-year-old singer and songwriter became the first solo act in history to land two simultaneous top-three Billboard chart hits.
Monica Smith, president of LIUNA Local 363 and a Public Works employee of more than 20 years, speaks in support of a strike demanding fair wages and w

Minneapolis park employees vote overwhelmingly to authorize a strike

The labor union represents 200+ Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board employees.
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Tensions, confusion inside HCMC over postponed event with Palestinian focus

An Asian and Pacific Heritage Month event at the county hospital in Minneapolis, intended to focus on Palestinian culture, was approved but then postponed by administrators over concern it would tap into tension around the war in Gaza.