Interactive Data Journalist | Metro

A Minneapolis native, Hargarten graduated in 2014 from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a professional journalism degree. As a student reporter at the Star Tribune, he previously covered public health. His past experience includes work for MinnPost, Pioneer Press, News21 and Minnesota Daily.


Minneapolis police staff levels hit historic lows amid struggle for recruitment, retention

With 585 sworn officers, the city holds one of the lowest ratios of officers to citizens among many major American cities.


After three violent years, crime is dropping in Minneapolis

Violent crime — murder, aggravated assault, rape and robbery — is down 12% overall from last year to its lowest point of the 2020s so far, the data show. Only a record-breaking surge in auto thefts bucks the pattern.


As St. Paul reins in car thefts, Minneapolis faces record surge

About 4,700 vehicles were reported stolen across Minneapolis so far this year, averaging 24 a day — a 70% increase from this time last year.


How popular is your name in Minnesota?

Track the popularity of any first name in Minnesota over the past century.


How the COVID-19 pandemic has changed Minnesotans' lives

The pandemic caused abrupt and unusual shifts at home, at work, shopping, traveling and more. Life isn't completely back to pre-pandemic normal — and maybe it never will be.


Does Minnesota have more forests than its neighbors?

The state's immense forests once made it a lumber milling giant.


Violent crime declined in Mpls. last year, but rates still well above norm

Analysts say it's too early to say why it fell, though some credit a return to normalcy in the Twin Cities and around the nation.


Internet speed disparities in Minneapolis depend on address

Formerly redlined neighborhoods have the lowest percentages of broadband internet.


Map: How Minnesota voted for governor, precinct by precinct

DFL Gov. Tim Walz won re-election in part by winning strong support in areas of the Twin Cities and its suburbs — further cementing Minnesota's urban-rural political divide.


As Twin Cities opioid overdoses surge, officials lean into drug prevention, education

Minneapolis calls the surge a public health and safety concern, and St. Paul is grappling with a sevenfold increase in fentanyl overdoses.