News from the Twin Cities west metro, including Bloomington, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Plymouth and Maple Grove I StarTribune.com

Jenna Cruz and her daughter Esme, 6, of Chaska looked through the book “Esme the Emerald Fairy,” whose main character is a youngster of color.

Eastern Carver County schools working to diversify library books

East Carver County schools striving for better diversity in library offerings.

Business

13 minutes ago

Ethan Moore and Carolina Trevino stood for a portrait with their 10-month old son, Matthew, outside their Edina home Wednesday ] AARON LAVINSKY • aa

In effort to preserve affordable houses, Edina program takes aim at 'teardowns'

Ethan Moore and Carolina Trevino Guajardo are accustomed to unsolicited mail offers to buy their 1950s rambler in Edina, where hundreds of houses have been…

East Metro

2:09pm

Twin Cities metro police blotter, April 18

ANDOVERMARCH 19Theft. Golf clubs were stolen from an unlocked shed in the 15900 block of NW. Eagle Street.MARCH 25Animal complaint. An officer responded to a…

Local

April 15

Woman killed in four-vehicle crash on Hwy. 62

One person was killed Thursday morning in a four-vehicle crash on Hwy. 62 on the border between Minneapolis and Richfield, according to the Minnesota State…

Local

April 13

Workers build a new home in Woodbury in March 2020. A legal challenge by a trade group representing builders has targeted two small cities in Hennepin

Legal challenge by Minnesota group questions city building permit fees

The state doesn't have specific guidelines for fee costs and usage.

Local

April 12

Twin Cities business owners jolted, prepare again for unrest

Twin Cities business owners hurt during last summer's riots prepare again for unrest

Local

April 12

Joan Floren, skilled gardener and volunteer for west metro nonprofits, dies at 67

Joan Floren's awe-inspiring flower gardens were a must-see that were routinely featured on tours. But she displayed her best work as a tireless volunteer who…

East Metro

April 10

Twin Cities metro police blotter, April 11

ANDOVERMARCH 17Theft. A 2015 Ford F250 was stolen from a driveway in the 14300 block of NW. Quince Street. The keys were left inside the…

Local

April 9

Men arrived for Friday prayer at Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomington in 2019.

Man fleeing police arrested after climbing atop Bloomington mosque

Incident frightened worshipers, but wasn't an attack, police say.

High Schools

April 8

Chaska players and coaches celebrated in the final seconds of the team’s victory over Hopkins.

Chaska stuns Hopkins in 4A semi, keeps Royals from winning-streak record

The winners used a 16-2 run midway through the first half to build a lead that survived several close calls.

Coronavirus

April 7

Hennepin County will receive $240 million in federal funding for future COVID-19 expenditures,

Hennepin County receives additional $240M for COVID-19 expenses

One-fourth of last year's federal funding was spent on thousands of small-business grants.

Local

April 2

Dog waste getting picked up from a Twin Cities yard.

Plymouth urges residents to call 911 for dog violations

If the animal's owner fails to use a leash or a plastic bag, a call to 911 dispatcher will alert patrol officers.

Chauvin Trial

March 31

Mike Freeman sold home, added security in wake of Floyd killing, protests

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office received millions of e-mails and thousands of phone calls about the George Floyd case.

Local

March 30

Boaters passed the Arcola Bridge on Lake Minnetonka. The coast is clear for boats to navigate Lake Minnetonka after an earlier than usual ice-out was

Lake Minnetonka celebrates ice-out earlier than usual

The announcement marks the start of boating season on Lake Minnetonka.

Local

March 30

Police asking for public's help finding 10-year-old girl possibly driving SUV

The Fridley Police Department is asking the public to help find a 10-year-old girl who may be driving a black 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.Ava Whitfield was…

Local

March 30

Metro Transit driver Judith Jackson, left, retired driver Theresa Collins, center, and driver Deona Henderson, right, along with fellow members of the

Metro Transit workers rally to protest lack of progress in contract talks

Talks began last summer, with no deal.

Local

March 27

Lawsuit: Hennepin County, social workers failed to stop murder of infant in foster care

Foster father convicted of killing 18-month-old girl.

East Metro

March 27

Twin Cities metro police blotter, March 28

COLUMBUSMARCH 8Warrant. An officer went to a home in the 8600 block of 181st Avenue NE. to serve a 26-year-old woman a felony warrant from…

Local

March 25

Jackie Rahm Little was last heard from by family members via phone on Friday, March 19. Subsequent efforts to reach him by family members and Edina po

Edina police seek help in finding missing man

Edina police are asking for the public's help in finding a missing 34-year-old man.Jackie Rahm Little was last heard from by family members via phone…

Local

March 23

Hennepin County employees will see minimum wage rise to $20 an hour

The county's base wage will be higher than any local government in the Midwest.

Local

March 23

SWLRT is considered an extension of the Green Line, which links Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Cost of crash wall on Southwest LRT route surges

Mile-long barrier will cost nearly $93 million