Recent content from Christopher Magan
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.
![Hennepin County security officers Elijah Hannah patrolled the third floor of Central Library Thursday January ,4, 2024 in, Minneapolis, Minn. ] JERRY](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ELXEWFX66JX5R7TRXCVDTH6QXI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
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.
People working on front lines of the housing crisis cannot afford rent either
Case managers at Simpson Housing Services say their pay leaves them struggling.
Hennepin County lobbyists cost more than $310K. What did they accomplish?
Funding for an anaerobic digester and Hennepin Avenue Bridge repairs were among 2023 successes.
Technology will cost Hennepin County more than $41 million over next three years
Microsoft will provide software, data storage and technical support through 2026.
Live in Hennepin County? Here's why your trash bill will probably be bigger in 2024.
A disposal charge increase for trash haulers recently approved by the County Board will likely trickle down to residents' collection bills.
After a heart attack at 45, Hennepin County commissioner is focused on Black and Indigenous women's heart health
At Conley's urging, Hennepin County will dedicate $1 million to improving heart health disparities among women.
It's Election Day: Who's running and what's on the ballot
Minneapolis and St. Paul will pick City Council members; schools have board members and tax requests before voters.
Hennepin, Ramsey medical examiners skip some autopsies amid spike in overdose deaths
The increased workload means people age 55 or older who die of natural causes typically do not get post-mortem exams.
How ranked-choice voting works in Minnesota and why some are skeptical
Five Minnesota cities will use ranked-choice voting in municipal elections.
Opponents get ranked-choice voting back on the ballot in Minnetonka
Three years after it was approved by voters, some residents are trying to repeal it.
Twin Cities evictions have spiked again. Can Minnesota solve its housing crisis?
Housing advocates in Hennepin and Ramsey counties are scrambling to help a growing number of tenants facing eviction.
The Lake Street Kmart's complicated — and controversial — history
Minneapolis leaders hoped the construction of the store would help revitalize a neighborhood, but the street closure it required came to be seen as one of the city's biggest planning blunders.
New 19,000-seat amphitheater coming to Canterbury Park in Shakopee
The concert venue is part of a $400 million development project near the racetrack.
Residents, environmental advocates disappointed in Hennepin County incinerator closure timeline
The Hennepin County Board voted unanimously Tuesday to work on a plan to close the Minneapolis facility between 2028 and 2040.
Hennepin County will move special election because of conflict with Eid al-Fitr
A special election for the open Sixth District County Board seat had been scheduled for April 9; it was moved to May 14 because the original date coincided with the Muslim holy day.
Minneapolis seeks community input on reconnecting Nicollet Avenue at old Kmart site
A "family friendly" open house on Oct. 10 will feature free tacos and a chance for residents to provide input; a survey is also open on the city's website.
Hennepin County special election falls on Eid al-Fitr, drawing criticism from a candidate
Three candidates have announced plans to run for the open Sixth District Hennepin County Board seat; the special election is scheduled for April 9.
Hennepin County Attorney's Office needs more time, funds for backlog of rape kits
The Hennepin County Board has extended a $2 million federal grant by another year as the office works to eliminate the backlog identified by police in 2019.
Metro sales taxes jumped Oct. 1. Here's where the money will go.
The increase will raise more than $750 million in new revenue for transit and housing initiatives.
Sales taxes will now cover Hennepin County's Metro Transit subsidies
New 0.75% sales tax hike will cover county's portion of operation and maintenance starting Oct. 1
School board chair, partner of Hennepin County Attorney, announces bid for vacant County Board seat
Jen Westmoreland, who is in her second term on the Hopkins school board, said she would recuse herself from any matters involving County Attorney Mary Moriarty.
Wait until 2040 to close trash incinerator? Hennepin County leaders, activists want shorter timeline
A new report outlines the challenges of closing the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center, but frustrates those who say the incinerator is harming people and the environment.
