Matt McKinney

Reporter

Washington County

McKinney graduated from St. John's University in Collegeville and spent years chasing stories through Wisconsin, Rhode Island, and Cambodia. A Minnesota childhood taught McKinney to love winter, skiing, the first warm day of spring, good books and time spent outdoors. He benefited from great teachers at Stillwater High School, and again in Collegeville and at the University of Minnesota. He's a fan of several local breweries, Prince, Jessie Diggins, the Loons, and newspaper reporters near and far who taught him the craft. McKinney bikes to work year-round from his home in the Twin Cities, which he shares with his wife and two sons.

Latest from Matt McKinney

Twin Cities Suburbs

Stillwater disciplines four teachers over literacy training shortcuts

Four Stillwater school teachers are suspended and three others leave the district after questions arose over state-mandated literacy training.

April 4, 2025

Politics

As yacht remains beached on St. Croix, bills aim to punish ‘derelict boat owners’

With Sweet Destiny still stuck on Beer Can Island, legislators in Wisconsin and Minnesota seek to address the problem of abandoned watercraft.

April 1, 2025

Politics

Minnesota mobile home park residents organize in search of rent relief and ‘bill of rights’

Residents of several parks have started a petition, gone door-knocking and testified at the Legislature as rents rise.

March 26, 2025

Twin Cities Suburbs

Melody Beattie, former addict who wrote bestsellers on rising beyond codependency, dies at 76

The Minnesota native wrote “Codependent No More” in 1986, one of the top self-help books of all time.

March 16, 2025

Twin Cities Suburbs

Stillwater prepares for summer riverfront renovations

The city envisions new parks and docks and fishing spots along the St. Croix River, with plans to start renovations on the Aiple House this summer.

March 11, 2025

Twin Cities Suburbs

New east metro Gold Line bus spurs development: ‘We’re pleasantly surprised'

Golf, parks and a thousand places to live have been built or are in planning stages as the Gold Line prepares to make its debut between St. Paul and Woodbury.

March 8, 2025

Contact

mckinney@startribune.com

612-673-7329

Business

FBI: Kids’ hoax prompted diversion of a Sun Country flight headed to Mexico from the Twin Cities

The flight landed instead in El Paso due to security concerns raised by a note passed by two children, authorities said.

March 7, 2025

Twin Cities Suburbs

White Bear Lake asks whether dogs really need a beach

The City Council is weighing whether to close the dog park at Matoska Park after years of debate between lakefront homeowners and dog owners.

February 27, 2025

Twin Cities Suburbs

These are the most crash-prone intersections in Woodbury

The hot spots highlight the factors that can cause crashes across the suburbs, including road design, speeds and driver behavior.

February 23, 2025

Twin Cities Suburbs

Bayport has a new plan for land once eyed by failed developer

A longtime local builder who helped develop industry standards steps in on parcel with troubled history.

February 10, 2025

Twin Cities Suburbs

A cattle ranch in Washington County closed to become a park. Now the DNR seeks input on plans.

The 1,820-acre tract of woods, wetlands, prairie and lakes known as Keystone Woods could host hunting, hiking, and even dog training.

January 24, 2025

Twin Cities Suburbs

Pool closures ripple across South Washington County school district

The growing east metro district plans to close 2 pools, including Woodbury High’s, as it weighs budget constraints, swim team needs and crowded buildings.

January 22, 2025

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