r/stpaul

Hello,

I am an incoming college freshman and my school requires students to have health insurance. My parents cut me off financially and I have to move out end of August to live on campus. From August I will be living at college and eventually find my own apartment. Unfortunately I do not have a stable income, but currently support myself financially. One of my family members told me because I am a college student that I would qualify for MN Sure. I tried applying but every time I submit the personal information section this shows up. I tried calling Hennepin County Human Services number but it goes to voicemail saying there is too many callers on the line. Could anyone please give me some advice? Should I go there in person and if I did would I have to schedule an appointment before? What type of documents should I bring? Thank you!

I bought an older home in St. Paul a few years back and just had an inspector look at my basement because of some water issues. Turns out one of the foundation walls is bowing pretty severely and needs major structural repair.

I got a couple of quotes and they are astronomical. Plus, I would rather step on legos every single day than deal with the stress of hiring contractors, tearing up my yard, and living in a construction zone for months. I am just totally checked out.

Can I just dump this house as-is and walk away? I was looking at local cash home buying sites to see if investors even take on properties with structural issues like this.

Will companies like that buy a house with a damaged foundation, or are they only looking for easy cosmetic flips? I just want to know if a quick cash exit is even realistic here.

I’m really going through something right now and I feel like I need Christianity in my life. I want to give my life to God and find somewhere that would be a good fit this Sunday. Does anyone have any recommendations.

I'm getting help moving on Saturday the 4th and want to take my 2 helpers to sit and eat breakfast, or to grab something to eat on the way with coffee. Going East, from South Minneapolis to North St Paul.

Would very much prefer not fast food, closest would be Bruegger's but they might be closed the 4th as well? Thank you!!

I’m here to contribute my student perspective on the Bauer v. SPA case. Although the school is currently facing several issues regarding sexual assault and censorship, I want the public to understand how wildly inaccurate Bauer’s original letter of no confidence was. It is so inaccurate and under researched that it is effectively an act of racial bias against Ottley, who stands as the first and only black head of school in SPA’s history.

I find Bauer’s use of the Star Tribune to be frankly gross. Because of my disagreement with the narrative that is being pushed, this reddit post is the only way I could have my voice heard. I wrote a complete Letter to The Editor and was not featured. By contrast, the articles against the school just keep coming and there has also been a pro-Bauer Letter to The Editor that was featured.

The Star Tribune has been putting words in the mouths of the students and parents of SPA, and any discontent is silenced. If you really disagree with media censorship, you should most certainly consider the actions of the Star Tribune itself.

Attached below is my Letter where I explain in further detail:

As a student who recently graduated from St. Paul Academy (SPA), I feel compelled to speak about the ongoing case, Bauer v. Saint Paul Academy. 

There is a distinct racist overtone in how the situation unfolded. This situation was precipitated by a letter of no confidence, written by SPA parent Matt Bauer that targeted Dr. Luis Ottley. When Ottley asked to meet with Bauer to discuss his concerns, Bauer refused. It’s important to note that Dr. Ottley is the first Black Head of School in SPA’s 125-year history. His rejection by these parents, led by Bauer, reflects a deep-seated systemic issue within the SPA community. If Bauer wanted these concerns to be addressed, the appropriate course of action would have been to meet with Ottley and the Board of Trustees to discuss how the school is run rather than targeting the head of school so overtly.

In the drafted letter, there are multiple claims that even a high schooler can tell are inaccurate, exaggerated, and uninformed. This includes an unsubstantiated claim that the school has not been meeting financial goals, even going so far as to speculate, “If twenty students were to leave, drastic cost cutting measures would be required; if fifty students were to leave, the school’s viability would be seriously threatened.” In a later response from the school, this statement proves entirely false. Additionally, Bauer falsely claimed that the Faculty Council, a touch-point between teachers and parents, was shut down under Ottley, even though it had been disbanded in 2018, long before Dr. Ottley came to SPA.

Ottley has made significant efforts to integrate into the SPA community. Just this year, he began hosting advisory dinner events in order to connect with graduating seniors. Over the course of several weeks, every student was invited to one of these events, and if you were busy during the time of your original invite, you could always come to the next one. He also has held events to directly connect with parents such as “Lattes with Luis.”  Ottley has tried in numerous ways to interact directly with the community, even though some may say otherwise. It has always been a priority for him to hear about the student experience as directly as possible.

Personally, I feel that this entire situation has become concerningly overblown. I fear that this attention being drawn to our school may drive vitriol from those uninvolved in the situation. Under instagram posts about the issue, I read many unsettling comments “SPA needs to be closed.” ( al\_ghurab6) or a different user referring to SPA as a "Fascist Factory.” (mcde\_rigueur) 

I find these statements offensive as someone who has enjoyed my time at SPA. My education has helped learn how to think critically about issues such as this one in an encouraging and safe environment. When issues have arisen for me in the past, I’ve always felt supported both by faculty and admin. 

It’s important to solve the concerns raised by Bauer, but the only way to do that is to have respect for the staff that makes what we have possible. 

I would like to hear other perspectives in the comments as well, please feel free to discuss in the comments below.

Hi folks, moving to the area and thinking about accepting a position close to Rochester. The commute could be 2-3 times a week bc it has a hybrid schedule. What do you think? Is that realistic. I know winters can be rough... need your insight!

Just like the title says! I got a new job in the area and would like to buy a house. Our price range is up to $350k. We want something that is walkable to food and a grocery store but that’s not the most important. We mainly just want a place that’s safe and good for kids when the time comes. If anybody has recommendations, please let me know!

Hi all,

I will likely be moving to the twin cities in the next month or two for a new job, so I’ve been looking at apartments online to prepare! I have come up with a list that all seem to check my must haves (parking options and in unit laundry being the big ones). If anyone has experience (good or bad!!) they’re willing to share with any of these places, or if there are any other recommendations, I’d appreciate it!! I know Google reviews, especially for apartments, can be heavily skewed in both directions. I’m especially interested in feedback I may not necessarily observe in a tour (eg, very noisy traffic nearby). TIA!!

Twin Pines Apts
Wakpada Apts
Overland Apts
West Side Flats
The Scenic
Cosmopolitan Apts
Grand and Syndicate Apts
West River Commons
Esox House

Any good bars or restaurants in or around St. Paul to root for Mexico together tonight??

St. Paul Public Schools is facing a $14.3 million budget shortfall for the 2026-27 school year. The school board will vote Tuesday night on a preliminary budget, which includes some significant budget cuts. 

Will be in St. Paul later this week and looking for unique parks that’ll entertain elementary school-aged kids. Maybe a waterpark.

Familiar w Battle Creek but have never been - fun? Worthwhile? Reasonably priced?

Open to other ideas and suggestions too.

Thanks!