Deena Winter
Reporter
Deena Winter is Minneapolis City Hall reporter for the Star Tribune.
Latest from Deena Winter
‘How lonely the job is’: Trailblazer Andrea Jenkins looks back on her time at Minneapolis City Hall
The nation’s first Black trans person elected to public office, Jenkins reflects on her accomplishments and the current acrimony.
January 10, 2026
How fraud allegations shook up Minnesota politics
Minnesota regulators are investigating a handful of child care centers following allegations from a conservative influencer. Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to drop his third-term bid followed concern from fellow Democrats that the issue could drag the whole party down.
January 5, 2026
Meet ‘David,’ the man who spirited Nick Shirley around to Somali-run day cares
David Hoch had a long history of failed political ambitions. Then he paired up with a 23-year-old YouTuber to knock on doors at Minneapolis child care centers.
January 3, 2026
We went to the day cares Nick Shirley visited. Here’s what we found.
Some of the 10 day cares the YouTube content creator blasted for having “no children” invited reporters in to see for themselves.
January 1, 2026
Viral video prompts more scrutiny of alleged fraud in Minnesota
The claims of a right-wing influencer are prompting questions about whether fraud has proliferated in a program that was flagged for deficiencies a decade ago.
December 29, 2025
Key source says story that prompted Trump tirade against Somalis is erroneous
The writers of a City Journal story alleging a connection between Minnesota fraud and al-Shabab say they stand by their story.
December 29, 2025
Minneapolis Council Member Ellison asked city to pay for flights to and from Harvard fellowship
Jeremiah Ellison has been mostly absent since August while attending a fellowship in Massachusetts.
December 20, 2025
Man accused of stalking Minneapolis council member Koski has decade-long record of harassment
Emily Koski and her successor-elect, Jamison Whiting, have sought protection in court. Other officials have similar stories.
December 18, 2025
Minneapolis City Council amends budget to avoid Frey veto
Behind the scenes, Mayor Jacob Frey and the council have been negotiating for weeks over several sticking points.
December 17, 2025
Minneapolis council strengthens ordinance preventing immigration enforcement; bomb threats reported at Augsburg
Measure clarifies city resources and personnel, including vendors, cannot be used for federal immigration law enforcement.
December 11, 2025
Minneapolis City Council approves 2026 budget, spares mayor’s office major cuts
Mayor Frey has five days to decide whether to sign the spending plan, which will increase property taxes.
December 10, 2025
Amid criticism from council, Minneapolis police chief defends nearly $20 million in overspending
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said a hiring spree is a costly endeavor, while some council members decried a lack of oversight about a large overspend.
December 9, 2025
