St Paul Daily Brief: Fatal Pursuit Crash, Eviction Notice Debate, Drive-Thru Rules

1) Fatal crash during stolen-vehicle pursuit

A driver died Tuesday after a collision at East 12th Street and Robert Street as law enforcement pursued a reported stolen vehicle. Officials said a Ramsey County deputy, responding in the area, collided with another vehicle; investigators are sorting out the sequence of the pursuit, emergency response, and crash dynamics.

Traffic impacts lingered around the intersection near downtown medical and government buildings, and the case is expected to run through a standard crash reconstruction and review process.

2) Possible change to eviction notice timeline

City leaders are weighing an ordinance that would lengthen the notice period before certain eviction filings, moving from the state minimum to a longer local standard. Supporters framed it as added breathing room for renters to catch up or find help; opponents warned it could slow legitimate removals and raise costs for small landlords.

The proposal was discussed as part of a broader housing-stability push that includes expanding access to emergency assistance and clearer pathways to mediation.

3) New limits for future drive-thru projects

The City Council voted to tighten where and how new drive-thru lanes can be built. The rules focus on reducing backups onto streets and improving pedestrian access, including requirements for vehicle stacking space and placement of lanes away from nearby homes and transit stops.

Existing drive-thrus are generally unaffected, but future proposals will face more detailed site design standards during permitting.

4) Pothole season ramps up

Public Works crews began more permanent hot-mix repairs as temperatures allow, after an active freeze-thaw winter that city staff say produced an above-average number of potholes. Residents are encouraged to report problem spots so crews can prioritize busier corridors and safety hazards first.

Also worth a quick note

The City Council announced 2026 committee leadership assignments, setting the lineup for how major policy work will move through hearings and votes this year.

Sources

https://www.startribune.com/one-dead-in-st-paul-crash-during-pursuit-of-stolen-vehicle/601592638/
https://www.fox9.com/news/ramsey-co-deputy-fatal-crash-march-4-2026.amp
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/st-paul-city-council-weighs-234200476.html
https://www.fox9.com/news/st-paul-drive-thru-vote-passes-march-4
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/st-paul-potholes-march-2026/
https://www.stpaul.gov/news/saint-paul-city-council-announces-committee-leadership-appointments-2026