Recent content from Christopher Magan
Special counsel hired by Moriarty bills $578K for work in trooper Londregan case
Washington D.C.-based law firm spent 733 hours on the case.
Hennepin County Board candidate discusses being a 'sex worker' on podcast
Edina candidate Marisa Simonetti released a tarantula during a dispute with a tenant, faces misdemeanor assault charge.
HCMC wants a $1 billion patient tower, but first it needs a new parking ramp
County plans to demolish an older parking structure and build a new hospital tower.
Chief Hennepin judge reverses decision to give accused domestic abusers quick access to bail
Chief Judge Kerry W. Meyer rescinded June order after concerns from law enforcement.
Tarantula-tossing Hennepin County Board candidate appears in court, hires attorney
Marisa Simonetti, 30, of Edina, is accused of misdemeanor fifth-degree assault after dispute with a tenant.
When residents call 911, Hennepin County wants to make sure there are enough dispatchers to pick up
The County Board approved a staffing study in June as the number of emergency calls rise after a pandemic lull.
Met Council union authorizes strike; rejects 'discriminatory performance-based pay'
AFSCME Local 668 leaders say 94% backed strike vote as contract talks break down.
Property owners could pay for $1B in upgrades after HCMC fight stalled tax change
Proposed change to Hennepin County tax would also provide $9 million a year for Target Field and $4 million for youth activities and libraries.
Tarantula-tossing candidate for county board responds to questions about work as an escort
Marisa Simonetti is unapologetic, embracing her newfound notoriety after her arrest, and dismissive of past fraud allegations.
New Southdale Library will top $106 million, include Edina Arts Center
The current library will be demolished next year, with new facility expected to open in 2027.
Edina council backs plan for multi-use development on Macy's furniture site
The developer plans four buildings with housing, office and retail on the 8-acre site on France Avenue.
Hennepin County's $400 million health insurance operation has a new CEO
The County Board tapped Michael Herzing to be next CEO. He's been interim leader since December.
Rematch of two Edina residents set for District 6 Hennepin Board seat
The contest between Heather Edelson and Marisa Simonetti is one of four County Board seats on the ballot in November; an August primary will not be needed.
By 2032, almost anything you buy in Minnesota will come in recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging. Here's why.
Environmental groups and Twin Cities leaders say requiring packaging be recyclable is key to reducing the growing amount of waste.
How Hennepin County spends nearly $200 million a year on homelessness prevention
County officials focus on making homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring, while investing in affordable housing.
Hennepin County keeps housing homeless families despite costs
Emergency family shelters will cost the county $34 million this year, part of a nearly $200 million homelessness prevention and housing stability effort.
Proposal to use Target Field sales tax for Hennepin County health care facilities stalls at the Capitol
Another proposal to overhaul governance of Hennepin County medical facilities was also left out of the Legislature's final work.
Heather Edelson wins District 6 seat on Hennepin County Board in special election
Edelson, a state representative, won 54% of the vote to defeat businesswoman Marisa Simonetti.
Hennepin County Board OKs $30K for sweat lodges at Plymouth corrections facility
The lodges will be built at men's and women's facilities for bimonthly ceremonies.
Two Edina residents running in special election for open seat on Hennepin County Board
Heather Edelson and Marisa Simonetti are running in the special election next Tuesday, May 14, to decide who represents District 6 through the end of 2024.
Last-minute bill would make it harder for Hennepin County to take back control of HCMC
Hennepin County leaders have spent months probing HCMC finances and recent insurance changes.
Hennepin County commission primary narrows Edina-area seat to two
State Rep. Heather Edelson and businesswoman Marisa Simonetti will face off May 14 for a seat left vacant since September.
Hennepin Co. Board OKs Mary Moriarty's request to hire outside lawyers for trooper prosecution
The Hennepin County Board voted 5-1 to approve the request, which was criticized by the trooper's attorney and has an unknown cost.
Prosecutor shake-up in Moriarty's office in murder case against trooper Londregan
The lead prosecutor has stepped down as Hennepin County Attorney asks for authority for outside counsel.
6 Edina residents explain why they're running for the Hennepin County Board
A special primary April 30 will narrow the field from six to two before a special election May 14; they'll represent a district that includes Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Wayzata and other west metro communities.
Ex-Hennepin sheriff paid for drunk-driving damages with workers' comp
The Hennepin County Board approved a $240,000 settlement with former Sheriff Dave Hutchinson.
Should Hennepin County consider the race and gender of contractors it hires?
Disparity study will examine if extra measures are still needed to level the playing field for businesses owned by women and people of color.
Deputies accuse former Hennepin County sheriff of workplace filled with bigotry
A lawsuit filed by seven plaintiffs, including current Sheriff Dawanna Witt, alleges Hennepin County leaders didn't do enough to address demeaning and volatile behavior.
Push to convert stadium tax to pay for hospital improvements advances with bipartisan backing
Senate supports the change, but the bill has yet to have a hearing in the House
Nurses want Hennepin County to take back control of HCMC
The demand comes after months of criticism of Hennepin Healthcare System leaders and HCMC working conditions by staff.
Grow lights and 1,000 kegs. Target Field gets ready for home opener
For weeks, dozens of workers have at the ballpark doing all the necessary to get ready for Thursday's Twins home opener. Here are some of the challenges they face.
Three injured in head-on crash near Taylors Falls
Two were taken by medical helicopter to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, and one went to a hospital in St. Croix Falls.
Why all Hennepin County residents' trash bills went up
State law says trash haulers cannot charge customers who recycle more, so everyone ends up paying.
Hennepin County approves $16 million for updates to Public Safety Facility, Sheriff's Office
The planned upgrades to the facilities include elevator repairs and installations, a new roof, plumbing fixes and a new fence around the Public Safety Facility.
Hennepin County Board approves 20% pay raise for the county administrator
Administrator David Hough's contract expired at the end of 2023, his raise makes him the county's top paid employee.
Downtown Minneapolis parking alert: Hennepin County Government Center garage to close for months
Facility will be closed starting in May for work to fix drainage and structural issues.
Hennepin County to computerize absentee ballot distribution
Five-year, $1.6 million contract with BlueCrest approved by County Board for ballot software system.
Hennepin leaders want ballpark tax to fund health care improvements
The 0.15% sales tax that helped pay for Target Field would otherwise sunset after construction debt is repaid.
Transgender weightlifter's bias case heads back to Minnesota court
Trial should determine if barring JayCee Cooper from competition was discriminatory, Appeals Court rules.
Refusing emergency contraception is sex discrimination, Minnesota appeals court rules
Aitkin County woman sued after pharmacist refused to fill her prescription because of his personal beliefs.
Scott Gillespie, the Star Tribune's editorial page editor, announces upcoming retirement
Gillespie, who joined the Star Tribune in 1991, has led the editorial and opinion pages since 2007 and previously held leadership roles in the newsroom.
Six candidates, all from Edina, file for open Hennepin County Board seat
A special primary will be needed to narrow the field for the May 14 special election.
How Hennepin County leaders removed barriers and built a more diverse workforce
Pathways workforce training program has helped 400 workers get county jobs over the last decade
Ash tree removal is expensive. Hennepin County, Minneapolis have $18 million to help low-income homeowners
Federal grants will help replace trees infested by the emerald ash borer and improve the tree canopy.
Hennepin County leaders plan crime prevention summit in May
Three-day event would bring together leaders from county's 45 cities to find new solutions.
Hennepin County workhouse will get solar panels as county expands renewable energy installations
Governments across the metro have ambitious clean energy projects as they try to reduce their carbon footprints.
Reducing juvenile crime in Minnesota will take more counselors, treatment options, panel tells lawmakers
The Legislative Working Group on Youth Interventions, made up of local leaders and law enforcement officials from across the state, recommends broad reforms to combat rising crime.
Candidate filing for Hennepin County Board special election opens Tuesday
The open District 6 seat represents cities including Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie and Wayzata.
Minnesota brewers say there's room for everyone, but some taprooms face uncertainty
National beer consumption is down as more beverage options, from hard seltzers to THC drinks, come on the market.
Activists detail shorter timeline for Hennepin County trash incinerator closure
There is a big difference in how quickly environmentalists and county officials say the HERC can be closed.
St. Paul company to run Hennepin County's heating and cooling system
The County Board approved a 10-year management agreement worth $40 million.
Hennepin County, Minneapolis leaders back Minnesota sanctuary state proposal
The North Star Act is expected to be a priority at the Legislature; it would not affect criminal proceedings.
Officials: Changes needed to close Hennepin County trash incinerator
County staff outlines funding and policy challenges of a zero waste future without the HERC.
Hennepin County Board OKs another $100 million for SWLRT
The county is committed to covering more than half of a projected $340 million budget shortfall for the Green Line extension to Eden Prairie.
Local governments struggle to afford benefits that draw workers to public jobs
Insurance costs vary, with some workers saying they can no longer afford jobs they love.
Hennepin County won't build anaerobic digester for compostable trash
Decision comes as county staff prepare plans to close the trash incinerator on the edge of downtown Minneapolis.
Twins, ballpark authority to split cost of assessing Target Field's future needs
Stadium will host 15th Opening Day in April and is about halfway through the initial 30-year lease.
Hennepin County Board abandons deal to help North Memorial Hospital pay to care for the poor
County and hospital officials hold out hope a new deal can be found.
Two Hennepin Healthcare leaders quit after County Board implements new budget oversight
The new limits on the board overseeing HCMC came after a budget deficit prompted insurance changes.
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Facing more safety concerns, Hennepin County libraries ban hundreds
Library leaders say temporary bans are necessary to keep patrons safe, but some activists suggest that security disproportionately targets people of color and visitors who are struggling.
Minnesota advocates of open government question curbs on public comments
Some local leaders say it is better to interact with constituents without giving them a broad audience.
Under your feet: The massive, centralized systems that keep the Twin Cities comfy
District energy systems have been in the Minneapolis and St. Paul for decades. Here's how they work.
MSP to pay $6.2 million to settle dispute with ramp contractor
The agreement reverses the firm's firing and notes that any problems were not due to the company's work.
Airports commission: No, you can't smoke pot at MSP
The Metropolitan Airports Commission approved an ordinance Monday that makes it a petty misdemeanor to smoke or vaporize cannabis and hemp on airport property, even in areas designated for tobacco use.
Annual count reveals that more Minnesota families with children were homeless in 2023
Households with children experiencing homelessness grew by 27% from January 2022 and 2023.
Third Minnesotan dies from salmonella linked to cantaloupe
More than 300 have contracted salmonella in 42 states in outbreak tied to cantaloupe.
Rock County sheriff seeks help finding pickup in hit-and-run death of Luverne man
Officials are looking for a newer maroon Chevrolet Z71 pickup, likely with front-end damage.
Two New Ulm men killed in head-on crash in southern Minnesota
Both men were killed in the crash early Saturday on Hwy. 15 in Brown County.
Hennepin County hires consultant to help workers with student loan forgiveness
County Board approves $500K deal with consultant to help navigate federal rules for the many county employees who have student debt.
Hennepin County Board split on hospital system budget, some frustrated over 'lack of transparency'
The board also approves $2.6 billion county budget, including a 6.5% property tax increase for 2024.
Lawmakers urged to let voters pick Met Council members
The legislative task force examining council's governance held its first listening session Friday in St. Paul.
Hennepin County is set to approve $2.6 billion budget. Here's what it pays for.
The County Board plans 6.5% levy increase largely for worker pay and benefits.
With juveniles committing more serious crimes, these local leaders are seeking solutions
A group of local leaders and law enforcement officials will make recommendations to the Legislature in February.
Insurance changes could prompt caregiver exodus, Hennepin health care workers say
The Hennepin County Board on Tuesday agreed to delay a planned budget vote to get more information on proposed health care changes.
Westonka Library in Mound to be replaced with larger, more environmentally friendly building
Construction will begin in late 2024, and the west metro library will be closed for 15 months.
