Recent content from Mary Lynn Smith
Hennepin County efforts to house homeless see some success
For the first time since 2005, the county tallied the fewest number of people experiencing homelessness during this year's annual one-day census.
Abortion ban looms large in Wisconsin and the Dakotas
North and South Dakota are among more than a dozen where trigger laws were set to make abortion illegal once Roe v. Wade was overturned. Wisconsin has a law that bans abortion on the books dating back to 1849.
Rising gas prices may be a boon for Minnesota resorts
High prices may push families to scrub long-distance travel this summer, keeping vacations closer to home.
More than 300 Twin Cities high school students awarded Wallin scholarships
The scholarships is crucial aid for students from low-income families.
8,000-year-old skull found in Minnesota River goes home to its Native American descendants
The remains have been turned over to the Upper Sioux Community to be cared for.
Pent-up travel demand for this summer runs into higher costs
It will probably cost more to fly and drive this summer, but those wanting to hit the road are undeterred.
Summer travel is roaring back. Are higher prices and demand impacting your plans?
Airfares are rising, as is demand for hotel and car rentals. Understaffed airlines and bad weather have canceled or delayed numerous flights. And gas prices continue to inch upward.
Finally! Minnesota snaps out of persistent cold spell
Record high temperatures are possible by Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.
Minnesota parents should watch for hepatitis symptoms in children
Three Minnesota children who had liver inflammation may be part of a national cluster of hepatitis.
Minnesota Republicans question investigation into car crash involving two DFL leaders
State Auditor Julie Blaha was cited for failing to yield in the August 4 rollover crash.
Most Minnesota moms use unpaid leave after having a baby
The Minnesota Department of Health report was released Thursday at a time when Minnesota lawmakers are debating competing proposals for paid family leave.
Former Alexandria police chief charged with theft of city funds
An investigation found that Richard Wyffels used a city-issued credit card to buy $65,700 worth of goods that don't appear to be in the Police Department.
Rep. Angie Craig tests positive for COVID
The Minnesota congresswoman tested positive after a White House gathering that included House Speaker Pelosi, who also tested positive.
Maplewood police on the lookout for missing monkey
The owner reported that the capuchin went missing while in a car at Cub Foods in Maplewood.
Study calls for racial equity improvement in Minnesota Medicaid program
Report recommends changes to improve racial equity and health outcomes for Black Minnesotans
Omicron's speed drives shift in Minnesota's COVID-19 mindset
Infections might seem inevitable, but health officials stress that prevention still works — and is crucial in the near term.
Minnesotans face off with omicron in their own way
The highly transmissible variant hasn't changed lots of minds
Sheriff Hutchinson pleads guilty to misdemeanor drunken-driving offense
Dave Hutchinson crashed his SUV near Alexandria last week while attending a state sheriffs conference.
'Minnesota Minstrel' Jerry Rau, who brought folk music to street corners, coffeehouses, clubs, dies at 83
Rau found bliss as a troubadour, passion as a peace activist.
COVID-19 cases continue to stay high in Minnesota hospitals
Minnesota hospitalizations for COVID-19 cases remain at the highest level for the year. More federal medical reinforcements are set to arrive in Minnesota next week.
COVID pandemic takes a toll on Minnesota veterinary clinics
The COVID-19 pandemic, which has created shortages in everything from toilet paper to restaurant staff, also has taken a toll on Minnesota veterinary clinics, making it tough for many pet owners to find animal care.
How to make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for kids in Minnesota
Minnesota sites gear up to administer vaccines to children ages 5 to 11.
Salmonella outbreak likely caused by contaminated onions sickens Minnesotans
CDC advises people to throw out fresh whole red, white and yellow onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico.
![Health care workers have to decide whether to continue the legal fight against COVID-19 vaccination mandates. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLÉ • anthony.souffle@](https://chorus.stimg.co/22925322/ows_2cf1c1f4_6897_4c1d_9bb4_bef3ea6fdd1e.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Many Minnesota health care workers fighting vaccine mandate have received exemptions
Those health care workers will have to decide whether to continue the legal fight to stop the mandate.
Faith in COVID-19 vaccinations remains despite breakthrough infections
Of more than 3 million fully vaccinated Minnesotans, fewer than 1% have experienced a breakthrough COVID-19 infection. Hospitalizations and deaths among the vaccinated are even less frequent.
Twin Cities Marathon and 10-mile race are back, with COVID protocols
After the global pandemic shut down last year's race, COVID-19 precautions taken this year will help keep runners, volunteers and spectators safe.
Damon Thibodeaux escaped death row for a crime he didn't commit, but died of COVID-19
Soon after his first dose of vaccine, he became ill with COVID and died.
80 years after Pearl Harbor, a young sailor comes home to Minnesota
The remains of a 19-year-old killed aboard the USS Oklahoma were recently identified.
Olympics star Suni Lee makes a triumphant return to Twin Cities
The gold medalist and St. Paul native returned home after a triumphant turn at the Tokyo Olympics, greeted at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport by about 100 fans.
COVID variants driving many Minnesotans to go get vaccinated
Every day, a slow stream of Minnesotans finally is getting vaccinated after months of hesitancy.
Canada opening could put resorts back in business
Word that the border may reopen has buoyed businesses hit by the yearlong closure and those eager to return to Ontario's remote northern waters. But they're also wary.
Low-vaccine Minn. counties make high-risk gamble
Quick spread of delta variant in rural areas alarms health workers.
Upheaval in Uptown now a priority of Minneapolis officials
Social media posts have highlighted lawlessness; city leaders are pledging to take action with stepped-up police patrols.
Two people arrested in Montana in slaying near Northfield, Minn.
A man and a woman were arrested near Laurel, Mont., about 20 miles southwest of Billings.
Invasive algae found in Pimushe Lake near Bemidji
Starry stonewort can form dense mats and compete with native plants. It has never been eradicated from any U.S. lake.
Minnesota mourners find solace after long-delayed funerals
Family and friends are finally coming together to share stories, laugh, cry and linger.
Normandale music teacher David Docter dies at 85
He was among the first instructors hired when the Bloomington college was established in 1968.
Minnesota State Fair preview offers taste of return to normalcy
A bone-chilling day couldn't dampen enthusiasm at fairgrounds.
No face mask? It's about time for some Minnesotans; too soon for others
A day after the governor announced the statewide mask mandate was lifted, Minnesotans were feeling conflicted.
Younger teens start receiving virus vaccine in Minnesota
Expansion of immunization drive comes as the state reports 1,011 new cases and 19 virus deaths.
Minnesotans rejoice that daily routines are about to return
An indoor mask-wearing mandate will end no later than July 1 and COVID-19 restrictions on business and social gatherings will end May 28 under a plan that Gov. Tim Walz hailed Thursday as a path to a "great summer" for Minnesota.
Minnesota state senator wants moratorium on 'egg oiling' that keeps goslings from hatching
Senjem says Rochester's oiling of eggs to cut off oxygen 'offensive'
Minnesotans answer call to fight COVID-19 surge in India
The number of Minnesota residents with Asian Indian ancestry has increased from 30,500 in 2010 to 40,500 in 2019. For many, what's playing out in India is taking a personal toll.
Rochester's bid to control its goose population sparks controversy
Reducing the number of goslings that hatch ruffles feathers on Facebook.
Who is the oldest living person in Minnesota?
The oldest Minnesotan, a supercentenarian, is also one of the oldest living people in the United States.
A shot in the arm gives Minnesotans needed relief, joy
Dwanda Waltower's face mask couldn't hide the joy in her eyes.For too many months, the 62-year-old grandmother sat in self-imposed exile from her family, friends…
Vaccine quest for some ends in small Minnesota towns
Many scour the internet for the first available appointment wherever it may be.
It's the end of the road for Northwest Angle ice lifeline
The folks who built the road across frozen Big Traverse Bay from Warroad to the Angle's south shore announced Friday on Facebook that it's closed for the season.
Star Tribune honored with prestigious George Polk Award for Floyd coverage
The newspaper's work in the 'local reporting' category spanned seven months.
Ice road becomes a lifeline to Minnesota's Northwest Angle
Canada's COVID closures left the Northwest Angle inaccessible. Residents engineered a solution.
Minneapolis lifts bar service restrictions as COVID-19 cases fall
The move brings Minneapolis establishments in line with state restrictions.
Goodhue County wants extra 'eyes' to crack crime
Folks asked to register security cameras to accelerate investigations.
Minnesota sanctuary tiger tested positive for COVID-19
The tiger, which has since recovered, is the second confirmed case in a Minnesota animal.
Minnesota pastor says on video to be ready to 'arm up' as a citizen militia force
Alexandria's Darryl Knappen is drawing praise and condemnation.
'Nothing like a real hug.' Minnesota mom, son reunited after months apart in quarantine
A captured hug between a mother and her son resonates with all those who can't.
![An angler fished inside a portable ice fishing shelter on Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. ] JEFF WHEELER • jeff.wheeler@startribune.com](https://chorus.stimg.co/22232807/ows_9cc7495c_9573_4b95_8f1e_766cbb63411a.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Ice fishing contests melting away because of Minnesota's pandemic restrictions
Some events have been canceled and others have gone virtual, where participants can fish numerous lakes. Still others are hoping to host modified events that meet social distancing guidelines
Together in life and death: Couples battle coronavirus
As COVID-19 has ravaged the elderly, couples who have spent nearly a lifetime together are dying together — days, sometimes hours apart. For some families, the losses are even more painful because a vaccine was almost within reach.
Survey: Nearly half of Minnesota youth drink a sugary beverage daily, especially students of color
Health officials warn that sugar consumption increases the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Minn. officials approve cannabis use for sickle cell disease, tic disorders
However, they again rejected use of medical marijuana for those with anxiety.
Minnesota school custodian gets the gift of life from teacher
Erin Durga's gift amid the global health threat brought hope.
Earlier last call, but new COVID rules mostly on honor system
While some states are toughening their rhetoric and enforcement in response to a pandemic surge, Minnesota leaders said they are optimistic that a heavy-handed approach won't be necessary.
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…
With surge in cases, Wisconsin has become a cautionary tale
Mayo Clinic last week suspended nonessential procedures at its hospitals in and around Eau Claire and brought in nurses from Rochester to cover shifts.
David Trompeter, avid outdoorsman and former Ranier mayor, dies of COVID-19 at 88
In the small northern border town of Ranier, Minn., David Trompeter was among the last of the old-timers. The former high school English and industrial…
'Hail Mary' surgery gives girl with rare cancer a second chance at life
After two months in the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, the 11-year-old got the OK to return to home in Baltimore.
Minn. reports highest one-day COVID-19 death count since June
Twenty-nine COVID-19 deaths were reported by the Minnesota Department of Health on Wednesday along with a new category of probable infections based on antigen diagnostic testing.
Wisconsin struggles with new surge in COVID-19 cases
New restrictions are enacted after the state becomes a hot spot.
Minnesotans across the state overwhelmingly are voting absentee
A heated presidential election and COVID-19 are driving people to vote from home.
White House now aims to slash refugee numbers to an all-time low
The Trump administration wants to further slash admissions; Minnesota advocates for refugees say plan betrays U.S. values.
Star Tribune names first editor for diversity and community
The new position reflects a push to diversify newsrooms.
COVID-19 cases spike at two federal prisons in Minnesota
The outbreaks raise concerns that virus will spread beyond prison walls.
High numbers of new COVID cases concern Minn. health officials
They suspect that social gatherings over Labor Day and the start of school may have contributed to those numbers.
Family, rescuers praise Minnesota man pinned under tree for 4 days
"He was prepared for both but resolved to live," a daughter said after listening to him recount his ordeal.
Hundreds turn out for free tests as state reaches more diverse groups
The free screening was one of dozens that have been held this summer as health officials partner with churches and community groups to make tests more accessible to racially diverse communities.
