Reporter | Metro

Mary Lynn Smith is a general assignment reporter for the Star Tribune. She previously covered St. Paul City Hall and Ramsey County. Before that, she worked in Duluth where she covered local and state government and business. She frequently has written about the outdoors.

After graduating with a master's degree in public affairs reporting, the Chicago native moved to Minnesota and fell in love with the outdoors despite being a Girl Scout dropout. Smith became an avid long-distance runner and cross-country skier, keeping her fit so she could backpack in the mountains and paddle the BWCA and Quetico wilderness areas with her husband and three children. Now that her daughters are adults, she gives them the heavier packs.


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.


Hennepin County initiatives to house more homeless are seeing some success


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.


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.