Recent content from Janet Moore
East metro bus rapid transit Gold Line clears critical hurdle with feds
Federal funds are expected to pay 45% of $532 million cost.
Biden plan could boost Amtrak potential to Chicago, Duluth
But GOP official says roads and bridges are a higher priority.
Wandering, 'whimsical' droid delivers food to travelers at MSP Airport
Pilot program promotes contactless ordering during the pandemic.
![Twins fans got of the train at Target Field during the third game of the ALDS playoffs at Target Field .] Jerry Holt • Jerry.holt@startribune.com Th](https://chorus.stimg.co/22428372/ows_26bc9eac_d25d_43db_8d51_6aa2db11ebde.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Metro Transit to Twins fans: Be patient boarding LRT on Thursday
Numbers allowed on each train remain limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
![Passengers arriving from Florida waited for their bags at MSP Airport Sunday night. ] JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com Though the ai](https://chorus.stimg.co/22422673/ows_3cfc8525_43c8_44ce_9d16_f9ba84ef1e42.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Spring break drew thousands of travelers to MSP Airport
Airport activity spurred by increasing vaccinations and pandemic fatigue.
Minnesota sees single-day high of more than 85K vaccinations
Health officials on Saturday also reported 2,075 new COVID-19 cases, as the seven-day trend in case counts continues to rise. A U.K. variant has become a dominant source of COVID-19 in Minnesota, driving the state's case and hospitalization rates to some of the highest in the country.
Metro Transit workers rally to protest lack of progress in contract talks
Talks began last summer, with no deal.
![DJ Yann assembled a new electric bike for a customer at Erik’s Bike Shop in Richfield, Minn., on Friday, March 26, 2021. ] RENEE JONES SCHNEIDER](https://chorus.stimg.co/22406654/ows_7b72bb13_8511_4baa_8c4e_810361cce816.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Bicycle sales this spring continue to surge amid pandemic
For the second year in a row, supply remains tight for new and used bikes.
Talks surface again about shuttering Northstar commuter rail
Ridership has plunged 96% in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Met Council to spend $122 million on biodiesel buses
Critics on council and in community hoped for move to electric buses.
Bills would put safety officers on buses and LRT, lower fare evasion fines
Bipartisan measure would also make fare evasion similar to parking ticket.
Reboot of Bottineau Blue Line LRT would better serve north Minneapolis
Original alignment abandoned after talks to share corridor with BNSF Railway failed.
Downtown bus, train service to continue 'whenever possible' during Chauvin trial
Service will continue 'whenever possible.'
Metro Transit, which vowed to go all-electric, seeks $122M for biodiesel
Metro Transit officials now say electric buses are not a good fit because the new lines cover too much territory, making establishing a network of charging stations challenging.
Spring break could make March MSP's busiest month since virus
But March departures are still projected to be 34% below a year ago, indicating the degree to which the coronavirus continues to suppress air travel.
What happens to the de-icing fluid sprayed on planes at MSP airport?
Due to our cold winters, MSP is one of the busiest airports in the country for de-icing operations. Delta uses more than 1 million gallons of fluid each season.
Met Council: Ridership on Metro Transit plunged in 2020, owing to pandemic
The biggest losses came on the Northstar commuter rail line, which links downtown Minneapolis with Big Lake.
Robert Jorvig, first Metropolitan Council head, dies at 99
Though Robert "Bob" Jorvig wanted very much to celebrate his 100th birthday, he died peacefully just a month short of that milestone.Even so, he lived…
Blaine police seek information about missing 18-year-old woman
Rose Sanchez was last seen Saturday near Northtown Mall in Blaine.
Blaine police seek information about missing 18-year-old woman
Rose Sanchez was last seen Saturday near Northtown Mall in Blaine.
Suspect in Blaine carjacking shot, killed after 40-mile police chase
A police officer was hospitalized with minor injuries. A K-9 police dog was also injured and taken to a local veterinarian for emergency surgery, police said.
891 more COVID-19 cases, nine more deaths in Minnesota
The number of Minnesotans who have now received at least one vaccine dose is 754,602.
Rochester's DMC rises, even as pandemic reshapes the future
The $5.6 billion Destination Medical Center project, now in its sixth year, is forging ahead, even as the pandemic and its economic fallout have changed the way people work, recreate and receive medical care.
Metro Transit to get millions in federal COVID-19 bailout
Money will help offset steep decline in ridership.
Travel firm to pay thousands in refunds to Minnesota students
Trip to Europe was canceled due to COVID-19 outbreak.
'You've got this!' Moorhead mom wrote letter a day to son battling COVID-19
Family's tragic journey included memories, updates and poems.
Opening of Southwest light rail delayed due to problems including Kenilworth tunnel
It was unclear how the delay will affect the cost of $2 billion project.
Gold Line BRT cost going up by $70 million for more park-and-ride spots
A park-and-ride facility and Washington County service center will be added at a Woodbury station.
MSP Airport survey of travelers: 40% willing to fly tomorrow
CDC advises travelers to stay home, if they can, to stem virus spread.
Judge orders Lakeville restaurant closed after it defies COVID-19 order
The Alibi Drinkery reopened Thursday morning to a packed crowd.
Minnesota reports 61 more COVID-19 deaths, 2,204 new cases
More than 5,200 Minnesotans have died from the coronavirus.
Minnesota reports 66 more COVID-19 deaths, 2,019 new cases
At least 38,000 Minnesotans have been vaccinated so far.
Sai Shoua Yang, Hmong community leader, died of COVID-19 at 88
He traveled from Laos and refugee camps in Thailand to the fields of Minnesota.
![Holiday travelers cram into terminal 1 in MSP while traveling out of town Wednesday in Minneapolis. ]DAVID JOLES • david.joles@startribune.comWedn](https://chorus.stimg.co/22193417/ows_5f96de30_09c0_45ca_a650_136843c9dc54.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Despite warnings, travelers still take to the skies at MSP
The CDC has urged travelers to delay trips this holiday season because of the COVID risk.
Bottineau Blue Line light-rail reboot takes shape
After original plan fell through, transit planners are expected to decide on a new route by late next year.
Last to see pandemic's pain, funeral directors carry burden
The pandemic is taking a mental and physical toll on the nation's funeral directors, who are stretched to capacity in many areas even as they help families make sense of a new way of mourning.
Tom Keegel, U.S. Teamsters leader, dies at 79
As word spread that Tom Keegel died last month, his family was deluged with cards, flowers and donations from grateful friends and colleagues — a…
Thanksgiving fliers continue to flock to MSP despite warnings
Traffic at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was occasionally brisk Wednesday morning as travelers hurried to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family.
Minnesota's deadliest week in pandemic leaves 248 dead
Gov. Tim Walz and top health officials predicted the pandemic will get much worse in coming weeks, especially as the holiday season draws near.
Minnesota reports record 1,424 COVID-19 hospitalizations
There were 5,552 new cases and 46 deaths from COVID-19 in Minnesota reported on Friday. New restrictions on bars, restaurants and private gatherings begin tonight.
MSP airport COVID-19 testing site one of many opening in Minnesota
Health Department also announces free mail-in saliva tests for the public.
Metro Transit police give riders 'encouragement' on wearing masks
As COVID-19 spreads rapidly through Minnesota, Metro Transit began deploying its police force Wednesday to encourage passengers to wear masks as a way of stemming the pandemic's deadly reach.
Minnesota funding for second train to Chicago thwarted
But supporters remain determined to add daily service between St. Paul and the Windy City.
Minnesota voters stream to the polls despite the coronavirus threat
Voters wearing masks streamed into the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in the midst of the pandemic — unlike a record number of Minnesotans…
Two Twin Cities rapid bus lines win state funding
The Metropolitan Council hopes to build out a network of up to 16 lines.
MSP Airport adopts $15-an-hour minimum wage by 2022
Even though the pandemic has savaged air travel, thousands of workers at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport will get a raise come 2021.The Metropolitan Airports…
Transit officials consider future of Minnesota's Northstar rail line
Ridership has plunged by 95% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TSA agent at MSP Airport dies of COVID-19
Gerald Girard, 67, is one of eight agents nationwide to succumb to the virus.
Choua Lee Yang, founder of Hmong charter school, dies of COVID at 53
Nearly two decades ago, lifelong educator Choua Lee Yang had the ambitious idea to start a new school. In 2004, Yang and her husband, Cha…
North metro transit reboot: Planners look to recraft Bottineau Blue Line LRT
Gov. Tim Walz expresses support for light-rail project to northern suburbs.
Trump's call not to fear COVID hurts those ill and in mourning
Trump's tweet — "Don't be afraid of Covid" — strikes some as reckless and disrespectful, seemingly downplaying the severity of a pandemic that continues to spread.
Second daily round-trip train between Twin Cities, Chicago edges closer to reality
Amtrak route would be popular with college students in Minnesota.
MSP Airport road gets a face-lift thanks to reduced air travel
State agencies are taking advantage of a lull in air travel and availability of pandemic funds
As workers wait for more federal aid, Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport's long-term fate rests with Delta
Few industries have been more devastated by the global health crisis than aviation.
Metro Transit bus drivers, light-rail operators reject contract
Union authorizes strike if talks continue to stall.
Ruth Benson, pioneering leader of state's Education Department, dies at 91
Benson broke new ground as Minnesota's first female commissioner of education from 1983 to 1990.
Southwest LRT wins final approval for nearly $1 billion grant
Met Council says federal support shows strength of light-rail projects.
Minnesota reports 13 more deaths from COVID-19
More than 480 new cases were reported Friday by state health officials.
Study recommends improving Dakota County public transit
County's big employers say better transportation access is a priority.
MSP Airport could waive millions in fees to airlines
Move intended to preserve air service here, but some disagree.
Minnesota airports get $28 million in federal grants
Projects range from runway improvements to the purchase of firefighting equipment.
Man injured in White Bear Lake home invasion shooting
The person who was injured in the shooting was taken to M Health Fairview St. John's Hospital in Maplewood.
Teen found injured outside residence after Burnsville shooting
The victim was taken to HCMS in Minneapolis, and his condition was unknown.
12-year-old girl seriously injured in ATV crash in Freeborn County
She was riding with two other youths when the vehicle rolled Friday.
Metro Transit to step up service in September
Restoring some bus, train schedules will give riders more options and space.
COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota back in single digits; 7 new deaths, 698 new cases
Seven more people have died of the coronavirus, bringing the total to 1,745.
Can shortage threatens Minnesota's craft brewers
Cans were in short supply across the country even before the COVID-19 outbreak last spring, but as bars, restaurants and taprooms shuttered and Minnesotans hunkered down to sip some suds, a mad scramble for aluminum has resulted.
Move to again engage BNSF Railway on Bottineau LRT project fails
Suburban mayors, some community groups wanted to fight for abandoned route.
Study offers ways to connect Northstar rail to St. Cloud
A new feasibility study says adding Northstar service from Target Field to St. Cloud would cost between $36 million and $257 million to build.
Southwest light-rail federal funding proposal advances to Congress
A critical $929 million federal grant to help pay for construction of the Southwest light-rail line has advanced to Congress, a critical step in the funding pipeline for the $2 billion project.
Analysis finds MnDOT 'inconsistent' in oversight of party buses, limos
The Minnesota review comes after a deadly crash in New York.
Hennepin, Met Council abandon route for Bottineau Blue Line
The news comes after years of futile negotiations with BNSF Railway, which owns eight miles of Bottineau's 13-mile route. The freight rail giant has said repeatedly it's not interested in sharing its right of way with light rail.
Supporters press for extension of Metro Transit's Blue Line light rail
The proposed Blue Line extension is delayed amid stalled talks with BNSF.
Metro Transit ambassadors, other safety measures languish at Capitol
Crime on light rail, buses was increasing before ridership dropped during pandemic.
