News & Politics
Which Minnesota schools have the most lead in their drinking water? The state will soon find out.
A new state requirement calls on schools to test all their faucets within five years and fix any lead levels above what is allowed in bottled water.
September 16, 2024
Elections
Bloomington uses ranked-choice voting for city races. Now voters will decide whether to keep it.
Some residents want to ditch ranked-choice voting, arguing the system is confusing. Others want to keep it, saying it gives voters more choices.
September 16, 2024
News & Politics
Kim Potter was set to help lead use-of-force training in Washington state. Then it was canceled.
A board changed its mind after learning the training would have been co-led by Potter, the former police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright in 2021.
September 15, 2024
St. Paul
Lake Phalen Rowing is training winners in the East Metro
The small but mighty program, now training on Lake Gervais, is turning teenage rowers into champions.
September 15, 2024
High Schools
Minnetonka’s surge to victory, Hopkins’ first win since 2020, Hancock’s return home spice high school football weekend
Minnetonka, trailing by 21, roared past No. 1 Edina; Hopkins ended a 29-game skid with an overtime two-point conversion; Hancock played on its own field after a year away.
September 15, 2024
Twin Cities Suburbs
New painting depicts Cottage Grove city history
The jigsaw puzzle of the artwork by Eric Dowdle will be available for sale at City Hall starting Monday.
September 14, 2024
Twin Cities
Where are the kids? Research shows numbers are down in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
The decline in kids under age 5 mirrors larger population trends and has long-term implications for everything from schools to kid-friendly amenities.
September 14, 2024
News & Politics![Operators of the Hennepin County Energy Recovery (HERC) garbage incinerator at work in Minneapolis, Minn., on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. The county board is expected to finalize a timeline for closing the facility later in January after activists and state lawmakers pushed for its closure. HERC workers and cities that use it want it to stay open, saying it’s better than a landfill. ] Elizabeth Flores • liz.flores@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CZVBNSRGTRGEBNM4XUCKQF3CY4.JPG?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Talking trash in Minnesota: Is it better to burn or bury garbage that can’t be recycled?
Waste experts and activists want a zero-waste future, but until then, the debate over how to deal with trash involves immediate harms vs. longer-term risks.
September 14, 2024
Culture
Medcalf: Lino Lakes community must stand up against anti-Muslim rhetoric
Amid calls to censure a city council member who praised an Islamophobic rant, the people of this town will be remembered for their response. 
AuthoredMyron Medcalf
AuthoredMyron MedcalfSeptember 14, 2024
Business
Ramstad: ‘X-factor’ in unraveling Minnesota Paradox is building friendships across racial lines
Economists call it “social capital” and it plays a big role in overall well-being.
AuthoredEvan Ramstad
AuthoredEvan RamstadSeptember 14, 2024
Minneapolis
Hennepin Healthcare Chair Babette Apland steps down after comments about Somali immigrants criticized as racist
HCMC officials said Board Member Mohamed Omar will be the interim chair.
September 14, 2024
High Schools
Maple Grove overcomes defending Class 6A high school football champion Centennial
Maple Grove and Centennial were tied until Chuck Langama scored the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
September 14, 2024