Reporter | Minneapolis City Hall

Miguel Otárola is a reporter covering Minneapolis City Hall for the Star Tribune. He previously covered Minneapolis' western suburbs and breaking news. He also writes about immigration and music on occasion.

Otárola moved to Minneapolis in 2016. Born in Chile and raised in Arizona, he graduated with a master's in communication from Arizona State University. He is obsessed with music, listening to and reading about music from across the spectrum, digging at local record stores and writing a music newsletter. He is the proud caretaker of a black cat named James Blake.


Once homeless, this man strives to live in place he helped build

Homelessness in Minneapolis was perhaps never as visible as it was this year. For Allen Touche, an apartment represents something he hasn't had most of his adult life: stability.


Once homeless, a Minneapolis man now strives to live in the place he helped build

Homelessness in Minneapolis was perhaps never as visible as it was this year. For Allen Touche, an apartment represents something he hasn't had most of his adult life: stability.


Despite cold and pleas, homeless camps persist in 3 Mpls. parks

Encampments remained in at least three parks in Minneapolis last week, despite the Park Board's repeated intentions to disband them. Offers of shelter have been refused, and Park Board officials worry about hazards as winter sets in.


Young and social North Loop sees rapid rise in COVID cases

The Minneapolis neighborhood has the city's third highest growth rate in new coronavirus cases, which tracks with the large number of young adults who live there and were more likely to socialize and dine out.


Minneapolis residents still split on police as council considers budget for next year

At public hearing on budget, some call for funding cut, others want more officers.


Clearing of Minneapolis homeless camps may continue, judge rules

In response to a lawsuit by 7 homeless people, the ruling notes that camps are cleared only if shelter is available and if camps pose risks.


Concert venue on Minneapolis' North Side riverfront gets $12.5M boost from state


Jamal Osman, Minneapolis' newest council member, seeks to move past turbulent start

Osman won a special election in August that was quickly dragged into national politics.


Lawsuit seeks end to clearing of homeless encampments in Minneapolis

Plaintiffs say Minneapolis, county violated rights.


Twin Cities voters flock to early voting centers in huge numbers

The votes accepted to date have surpassed the total number of early voters in the 2016 presidential election by more than 234,600, according to the secretary of state.