Recent content from James Walsh
Meet the leader helping connect St. Paul to its Indigenous roots
Kate Beane is executive director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art and board chair of the Lower Phalen Creek Project.
St. Paul to pay to disassemble, store Justus Ramsey House
The city will pay $84K to preserve the stone cottage.
Meet the St. Paul man who still believes the Vikings will win a Super Bowl in his lifetime
A fan since 1998, Mark Solis has stuck with his team through decades of ups and downs.
Demolition blocked for now, preservationists seek long-term fix for Justus Ramsey House
City Council member said she'll seek HRA funds to move the stone cottage.
Preservationists scramble after word of Justus Ramsey House's impending demise
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter signed an executive order, sparking a push for a temporary restraining order.
After 3 years away, St. Paul's Grand Old Day plans a 2023 comeback
The St. Paul Chamber of Commerce is providing behind-the-scenes help.
St. Thomas announces record gift for new sports arena
The $75 million donation comes at a time when the Catholic university is trying to build its reputation outside the Twin Cities and is relying, in part, on athletics to do that.
Meet the coffee shop owner helping remake a once blighted corner of St. Paul
Flava Cafe and Coffee continues University and Dale's transformation.
Volunteers needed to shape public art at former Hillcrest Golf Course in St. Paul
Up to a dozen volunteers will help pick the stories the course site tells.
Meet the man who hopes to bike every block in St. Paul
Wolfie Browender has covered less than half of the city in 10 years — but is confident he'll finish.
Stolen trailer contained more than artist's teacups; it stored hundreds of shared memories
Stolen art project was years in the making, focusing on people's experiences with water.
St. Paul libraries face question of purpose, time of reckoning
Libraries are expanding their role, from social workers to helping homeless patrons. But some say staff are stretched too thin.
St. Paul mayor's plan to raise sales tax by 1% is no slam dunk
The city must persuade state lawmakers, then voters, that it's the best way to fund roads and parks.
Carter pitches 1% St. Paul sales tax to fix, replace parks and streets
The increase would raise estimated $984 million in revenue over 20 years.
Meet Butch Inks: Hockey player, lifelong St. Paulite — and fire chief
The chief oozes Old St. Paul. But before he agreed to become chief, he insisted on a new culture.
After 40 years in St. Paul, the SweatShop is rolling up the workout mats and closing for good
The studio at the corner of Snelling and Selby avenues has empowered and strengthened women for decades.
A St. Paul physician explains why guys steer clear of the doctor
In the new book "Man Overboard!" Dr. Craig Bowron takes a light-hearted look at a serious topic.
3M 'Christmas tree' marks 60 years of holiday glow off I-94 in Maplewood
Company tradition began in 1962 with "Noel" in front and trees on building sides.
Meet the priest who loves history — but doesn't want to treat the Cathedral of St. Paul like a museum
The Rev. John Ubel insists the cathedral's doors stay open daily to keep it welcoming to all.
St. Paul panel says no to Burger Moe's demolition of pioneer-era Justus Ramsey House
Historic stone house still in danger, preservationists fear.
St. Paul Winter Carnival selects first artist of color to design its signature buttons
Nigerian-born Geno Okok says he used St. Paul Winter Carnival history to understand its icy legend.
Meet the athletic director guiding University of St. Thomas' unprecedented leap to Division I
Phil Esten brings D-1 experience to his alma mater.
Family honors woman's wish, gives 50-foot tree to Union Depot for holidays
The 50-foot-tree spent decades growing in a Maplewood yard.
A cop, social worker and private investigator walk into a coffeehouse ... meet St. Paul's 'Wild' Bill
Bill Johnson calls himself a coffeehouse "Sayer of Sooth."
Some worry Minneapolis' street lighting program will further dim stars
It's dark in the mornings when Lanise Hunter heads to classes at Minneapolis' Patrick Henry High School. Dark, and scary too, when she returns home…
Black Hart patio plans seek to add energy to St. Paul's University Avenue
After four years of trying to buy the lot next door, owner Wes Burdine has big plans for the outdoor space.
Water officials lift boil advisory for affected areas of Maplewood, St. Paul
Safety tests show no contamination to drinking water after tank lost pressure this past weekend.
Putting the green into St. Paul's Frogtown neighborhood
Frogtown Green started in 2009 to help transform a former Wilder campus into a park and garden. The work now is to green the whole neighborhood.
St. Paul pig back home after going on the lam
Rue, a 50-plus-pound pig, caused quite a stir Thursday after escaping and roaming Grand Avenue.
Meet Mai Vang, St. Paul's 'Eggroll Queen'
Mai Vang abruptly lost her hearing, and started selling egg rolls to cover medical expenses.
Why is St. Paul located where it is? Hint: It involves liquor
Religion and rebels feature prominently in the tale, which begins at Fort Snelling.
River Balcony aims to connect downtown St. Paul with Mississippi River
Officials released details of the 1.5-mile promenade that will weave in new scenic overlooks from downtown.
Meet the architect who combines creativity with deep local ties to sketch St. Paul's future
Architect James Garrett Jr.'s award-winning firm has taken on projects from light rail stations to the River Learning Center.
St. Paul library officials unveil library designs, including Hamline Midway replacement
Preservationists want to save the existing Hamline Midway building, but officials say a new facility is needed.
Residents take sides over Summit Avenue bike trail in St. Paul
Proponents say a separated trail is needed for safety; opponents worry it would ruin the character of the historic mansion-lined avenue.
Endangered 1852 stone cottage is a key piece of Black history in St. Paul
Preservationists hope new discoveries about the building's history can save it.
Meet Bill Lindeke. He knows dive bars, promotes cycling and, oh yeah — believes St. Paul is the better Twin
St. Paul writer and lecturer focuses on life in the Twin Cities.
Youth football hits a wall in St. Paul: 'There just aren't enough teams'
As the number of players declines because of COVID and concussion fears, the few city recreation centers still fielding a team must play in suburban leagues.
How one of Minnesota's oldest barber shops continues to make the cut
Co-owners keep the chairs full at Minnesota's oldest continuous barber shop.
Owner of Burger Moe's wants to tear down St. Paul's historic Justus Ramsey house
The owner says it's damaged; critics say he wants room on his patio for more tables.
Highland Park residents fear apartment project will evict neighborhood eagles
Developer says planned 50-foot building meets St. Paul zoning requirements.
Choreographer uses University Avenue dance studio to plant seeds of social change
Ananya Chatterjea strives to promote social justice through the power of dance.
Mississippi River Learning Center plans unveiled
The St. Paul project aims to connect visitors to the riverfront.
Property at former St. Paul golf site is now for sale
Hillcrest, the former St. Paul golf course, has been rezoned for housing and light industrial manufacturing.
Meet the former pastor who helps homeless people in St. Paul find better lives
Andrea Hinderaker leads St. Paul's Homeless Assistance Response Team.
For M&M collectors, sweet treats are serious business
Enthusiasts from across the globe gathered in Bloomington this week.
Affordable housing is hard to find. These St. Paul community organizers are taking matters into their own hands
In one of the city's poorest neighborhoods, activists are forming a collective to spur affordable housing development.
Former Ford site's stormwater stream drawing rave reviews
The blocks-long stormwater collection stream running through the site looks recreational. But it actually has an engineering purpose.
Meet the one-time caddy who now has a hand in the future of Hillcrest Golf Course
As the St. Paul Port Authority's new president and CEO, Todd Hurley is now at the center of some of the capital city's highest-profile developments.
New Department of Safety and Inspections director has old St. Paul pedigree
Angie Wiese heads department tackling everything from building inspections to animal control to administration of new rent control measures.
Meet the woman who smashed a St. Paul Fire Department physical test record
Jodie Carroll joined the department at age 44 and said helping people in times of distress is "a blessing."
University of St. Thomas' neighborhood peacemaker steps down
Amy Gage has served as a liaison between students and the community surrounding the St. Paul campus.
History buff nabs State Fair honors for collection of Watergate signatures
Tom Barrett has gotten signatures from Richard Nixon, Charles Schulz, Apollo 11 astronauts and many more.
'This is not your old St. Paul': Meet the development director who wants to change who gets to build
Nicolle Goodman said she wants to remove obstacles to development in underserved communities.
St. Paul Mayor Carter proposes $21 million library budget
Libraries are no longer just repositories of books, the mayor said. They are community hubs for learning and services.
Busy journalist Jane McClure still finds time to give at the Minnesota State Fair
Longtime St. Paul reporter has devoted years to honoring newspaper history — and the Hamline Church Dining Hall — at the fair.
Neighbors push back on plans for St. Thomas athletic complex
The university dropped plans for a hockey arena at Highland Bridge, but still wants baseball and softball fields.
St. Paul's Oakland Cemetery renewed by traditions of more recent residents
St. Paul's oldest cemetery holds the remains of early Minnesota. But superintendent Bobby Schoenrock said the city's newer arrivals — Hmong families — have breathed new life into the old grounds.
All-Stars bring buzz to Allianz. What do the neighbors think?
When Allianz Field opened in 2019, it created quite the buzz in St. Paul and in its surrounding neighborhood, too. And, as it turned out, plenty of angst. It was no different just before kickoff for the Major League Soccer All-Star Game.
Minnesota voters decide who will advance in today's primary
Top races on the ballot include congressional seats, statewide offices and legislative primaries. There's also a special election in the First Congressional District in southern Minnesota.
St. Paul Animal Control director: 'Minnesota is just a wonderful rescue community'
Molly Lunaris said the city has built strong relationships with pet foster groups.
Residents, officials seek to reboot St. Paul Rondo's Central Village Park
Neighbors are hoping to transform the tired 50-year-old park into a newly bustling space, relevant to the neighborhood's increasingly diverse population.
Suspects sought after Mall of America gunfire creates chaotic scene
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said the shooting was an "isolated incident" involving a dispute between two groups of people. He said police believe only one person fired the shots and there were no indications anyone was injured.
Body of man found after Brooklyn Park apartment fire
The cause of the fire and the circumstances of the man's death are being investigated.
National Night Out, Night to Unite block parties return
Nearly 200 Minnesota communities were expected to participate.
Meet the vegan chef who wants to make St. Paul healthier, one meal at a time
Colin Anderson's passion is building community through shared meals and a vegan food shelf.
Meet the St. Paul resident who fought City Hall and won
Simon Taghioff challenged street assessments and won. Now, he's working to make his adopted city more vibrant.
First Responder Camp seeks to inspire St. Paul teens
The weeklong camp will introduce students to jobs from water rescue to firefighting to air ambulance.
Mary deLaittre's work to improve St. Paul's river connection keeps rolling along
Head of the Great River Passage Conservancy seeks to get city to embrace the river that spawned it.
St. Paul's last clock repair shop is still ticking
After half a century, House of Clocks on the far East Side is still trying to hold back time.
Capital city turns to St. Paul guy to lead Parks and Rec
Andy Rodriguez was first hired by parks and rec as a 15-year-old in 2000. Now, he leads the department.
Ramsey County Board bans smoking on county property
The ban extends to parks, offices, corrections facilities and parking lots.
Downtown St. Paul finds a way forward as pandemic drags on
In a way, Mickey's Diner mirrors the rest of downtown St. Paul: recovering, but slowly and in some cases pivoting in a new direction.
This St. Paul Bush Fellow is determined to abolish the wealth gap
Once incarcerated, Prince Corbett's work fighting bias and promoting equity just got a boost from the Bush Foundation.
After two years of COVID cancellations, Minnesotans eager to resume 'normal' July 4th fun this weekend
Most of the usual holiday festivities are back on this year.
