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Audit: DNR misspent $300,000 (2008/08/29)
ST. PAUL (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources misspent $300,000 in state money when it helped host a wildlife enforcement officers conference last year, a state audit has found.

Man convicted in 1970 cop killing gets new trial (2008/08/29)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court reversed the conviction of a man charged in the ambush slaying of a St. Paul police officer in 1970 and ordered a new trial.

Board alleges wrongdoing by judge (2008/08/29)
ST. PAUL (AP) — The State Board on Judicial Standards alleged that a Goodhue County judge improperly received a $63,504 discount on his divorce for directing mediation business to the lawyer who handled his case.

Student group objects to U note about protests (2008/08/29)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A group of University of Minnesota students is denouncing an administration letter advising students to use good judgment if they engage in protests surrounding the Republican National Convention.

Franken narrowly outraises Coleman (2008/08/29)
WASHINGTON (AP) — DFL Senate candidate Al Franken narrowly outraised Republican Sen. Norm Coleman over a recent seven-week period, but Coleman held a cash advantage heading into the final months of the campaign.

Thieves strike at Minneapolis schools (2008/08/29)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Police are investigating whether a recent series of break-ins at Minneapolis public schools are related.

Former motivational speaker to appeal conviction (2008/08/29)
CAMBRIDGE, Minn. (AP) — The attorney for a former motivational speaker says he'll appeal his client's conviction on two counts of attempted murder and other charges.

Historic bell stolen near Isanti (2008/08/29)
ISANTI, Minn. (AP) — A historic one-room schoolhouse in Isanti County is missing its school bell.

Census: Minnesota’s income growth stagnant (2008/08/28)
ST. PAUL (AP) — The boom times of this decade apparently didn’t pay off for many Minnesotans, according to a couple of new Census Bureau reports.

Pawlenty back at Fair, again dodges veep questions (2008/08/28)
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Pawlenty shook hands with constituents, stopped for pictures, and even shared his deep-fried cheese curds as he meandered through the Minnesota State Fair on Wednesday. But he continued to deflect questions about his chances of being named running mate for John McCain.

Ramsey County employees convicted in fraud case (2008/08/28)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two members of the special investigations unit of the Ramsey County sheriff’s office were convicted Wednesday of stealing government money and conspiracy.

Official leaves post over Pitt hiring (2008/08/28)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An official at the Department of Homeland Security who missed key details in the background of Sonia Pitt has left that federal agency after on investigation began into the hiring of the disgraced former Minnesota DOT official.

GOP platform backs off pet issues to help McCain (2008/08/28)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Republicans are putting John McCain’s campaign priorities above some of their pet issues, including drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and denying citizenship to the U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants.

Incumbents outraise challengers in House races (2008/08/28)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Incumbents in Minnesota’s competitive House races outraised their opponents in the latest reporting period and enjoyed big cash-on-hand leads going into the final months of the campaign, according to figures released Wednesday and reports filed this week.

Muslim Rep. Ellison stresses foreign outreach (2008/08/28)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Freshman Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison has become a de facto American emissary, meeting with foreign policy makers both here and abroad to preach peace and democracy.

Minneapolis police return items to NYC group (2008/08/28)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Three videographers from New York City got their equipment back Wednesday after they were stopped and questioned by police while walking in northeast Minneapolis.

15-year-old charged in killing of another teen (2008/08/28)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Ramsey County prosecutors have charged a 15-year-old boy with second-degree murder in the shooting death of another 15-year-old who refused to shake his hand.

Man charged with killing girlfriend's ex (2008/08/28)
ANOKA, Minn. (AP) — A Columbia Heights man has been charged with killing his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend outside his home in Blaine.

Name released of man killed in drug operation (2008/08/28)
DODGE CENTER, Minn. (AP) — Authorities have released the name of a man killed during a drug task force operation in Dodge Center.

Child, 3, dies in Duluth area house fire (2008/08/28)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Authorities have released the name of a child who died in a house fire near Duluth.

Police shoot, wound suspect in Minneapolis (2008/08/28)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Police say an armed robbery suspect was shot and wounded in a confrontation with officers in south Minneapolis.

Former motivational speaker convicted in Minnesota (2008/08/28)
CAMBRIDGE, Minn. (AP) — A former motivational speaker from Cambridge who used a tough-guy approach to tell kids to stay off drugs has been convicted on two counts of attempted murder.

Montevideo man sentenced for face biting (2008/08/28)
WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) — A Montevideo man has been sentenced to more than two years in prison for biting off part of another man's face.

State lottery sales set record (2008/08/28)
ROSEVILLE, Minn. (AP) — Sales of Minnesota Lottery tickets set a record in fiscal 2008, with record scratch game sales leading the increase.

Romney, Pawlenty on attack in GOP veep tryouts (2008/08/27)
DENVER (AP) — Mitt Romney, a potential John McCain running mate playing Republican pit bull on the periphery of the Democratic National Convention, charged Tuesday that a Barack Obama presidency would “make America a weaker nation.”

Temporary holding area described for RNC arrestees (2008/08/27)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Demonstrators arrested on misdemeanor charges at the Republican National Convention could end up in a temporary holding area near the county jail, where they would get food and drink and likely be processed in just a few hours, officials said Tuesday.

Minnesota soldier killed in Afghanistan (2008/08/27)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A soldier from Minnesota was killed while trying to disarm an explosive device in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced Tuesday.

Woman stabbed in Beijing released from hospital (2008/08/27)
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota woman who was injured in an attack in Beijing that left her husband dead was released from the Mayo Clinic on Tuesday, the clinic said.

Poll: Many Minnesotans would support independents (2008/08/27)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A new poll finds many Minnesota voters would at least consider voting for a third-party or independent candidate for president or the U.S. Senate.

GOP takes a hard line on abortion for its platform (2008/08/27)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Republicans went on record Tuesday with a reaffirmation of their hard line on abortion and a more moderate stance toward climate change, reflecting the views of both John McCain and the conservative base.

Suspect killed, BCA agent hurt in drug operation (2008/08/27)
DODGE CENTER, Minn. (AP) — A suspect was fatally shot and a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension special agent was injured during a drug task force operation Tuesday, the Department of Public Safety said.

Pastor blasts IRS investigation (2008/08/27)
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — The pastor of one of Minnesota’s largest churches blasted an IRS investigation into his ministry’s finances as “politically motivated.”

Six more senators seek end to oil drilling impasse (2008/08/27)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Six more senators, including Minnesota’s Norm Coleman, on Tuesday joined a bipartisan group of 10 senators backing a bill they say will break the stalemate over offshore drilling in Congress.

Man dies in apartment fire in Little Falls (2008/08/27)
LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A 61-year-old man has died in an apartment fire in Little Falls.

Ely area bear hit by car in July survives (2008/08/27)
ELY, Minn. (AP) — A 250-pound black bear that totaled a Toyota Camry when it was hit near Ely last month appears to have recovered all on its own.

Duluth City Council approves Tiffany window sale (2008/08/27)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — The Duluth City Council has agreed to sell a Tiffany stained glass window that could bring in up to $3 million.

Waseca man could be oldest with Down syndrome (2008/08/27)
WASECA, Minn. (AP) — The caregivers for an 80-year-old man with Down syndrome think he could end up in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Guthrie adds 'Little House' seats (2008/08/27)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Fans will get an extra chance to see the sold-out "Little House on the Prairie" musical at the Guthrie Theater.

Tip of women's finger bitten off in fight (2008/08/27)
WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) — A woman is recovering after the tip of her right ring finger was bitten off in a fight at a night club in Willmar.

Poll: Minnesotans give Pawlenty high marks (2008/08/26)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota voters give Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty high job-performance marks but are not as confident about the woman who could replace him, according to a new poll.

Coleman calls for drilling and alternative energy (2008/08/26)
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Sen. Norm Coleman said Monday that more oil drilling on the Outer Contintental Shelf off the country’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts would generate billions of dollars for the government which could be invested in expanding consumer access to alternative energy.

GOP candidates grapple with convention roles (2008/08/26)
ST. PAUL — With the biggest Republican show ever to come to Minnesota a week away, state Rep. Erik Paulsen finally decided on Monday to step into the spotlight.

Klobuchar talks about Obama’s ethics bill (2008/08/26)
WASHINGTON — Sen. Amy Klobuchar is touting Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s role in winning passage of ethics legislation at the Democratic National Convention this week.

Man sentenced to 30 days in fatal hunting accident (2008/08/26)
GAYLORD, Minn. (AP) — A Belle Plaine man was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail for fatally shooting his 8-year-old son in a hunting accident last April.

Victim of beating at Hastings veterans home dies (2008/08/26)
ST. PAUL (AP) — A veteran has died after prosecutors say he was beaten by a fellow resident at a veterans home in Hastings.

Man whose body pulled from Lake Minnetonka is IDed (2008/08/26)
DEEPHAVEN, Minn. (AP) — Authorities have identified a missing boater whose body was recovered from Lake Minnetonka.

Man charged in rape of teen after State Fair visit (2008/08/26)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A 22-year-old Newport man is charged in the rape of a 15-year-old girl after she left the Minnesota State Fair on Friday night.

Spring wheat harvest advances on dry weather (2008/08/26)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota farmers have harvested nearly a third of the state’s spring wheat crop, helped by warm dry weather all last week.

Light frost hits parts of Iron Range (2008/08/26)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A light frost hit parts of the Iron Range, but it wasn’t hard enough to kill many outdoor plants and flowers.

Feds hold up funds for National Child Protection Training Center (2008/08/25)
A federal bureaucratic hold up has forced the Winona State University-housed National Child Protection Training Center to again scramble for funding to stay open.

Minn. officer resigns after prank allegation (2008/08/25)
MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — A part-time police officer with the Amboy and Vernon Center departments has resigned following his alleged participation in a prank.

Minn. State president in running for Virginia post (2008/08/25)
MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — The president of Minnesota State University, Mankato is among the finalists for the president’s job at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

Funeral date set for Minn. man stabbed in Beijing (2008/08/25)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Funeral arrangements have been set for Todd L. Bachman, the Minnesota man killed in a Beijing attack this month that also left his wife seriously hurt.

Areas of northern Minn., Wis. could see frost (2008/08/25)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Here’s some news you probably hoped you wouldn’t hear for another four months.

Wis. boy, 2, killed in bike-related crash in Minn. (2008/08/25)
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota authorities say a 2-year-old Wisconsin boy has died after the bicycle trailer in which he was riding was struck by a car.

Klobuchar says Biden will make Obama better (2008/08/25)
Sen. Amy Klobuchar had just given a speech to an empty Senate chamber when her colleague, Joe Biden, gave her a call.

St. Cloud bridge set for demolition (2008/08/25)
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Demolition work begins Monday on the Highway 23 bridge over the Mississippi River in St. Cloud.

Protesters’ public space before GOP convention in court (2008/08/25)
ST. PAUL (AP) — The case over a public viewing area near the site of the upcoming Republican National Convention will be in Ramsey County District Court on Monday morning.

Man sentenced in murders of woman, unborn child (2008/08/25)
FOLEY, Minn. (AP) — Nathan Dale Hubert will spend the next 42 years in prison for killing a Sauk Rapids woman after being sentenced in a plea agreement.

Minn. man to face trial in Jan. for Wis. killing (2008/08/25)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Dane County judge has set a trial date for the Minnesota man accused of fatally stabbing a Madison man earlier this year.

Mine officials to Minnesota: hurry up (2008/08/25)
HOYT LAKES, Minn. (AP) — Officials with the company that wants to transform a shuttered taconite plant into a precious metals mine say they’re ready to go — and wish the state of Minnesota would move faster.

Roseville mother charged in stabbing of her girls (2008/08/23)
ROSEVILLE, Minn. (AP) — The 60-year-old woman, sitting cross-legged in front of her house in this St. Paul suburb, was bleeding profusely from her neck.

Poll: Franken, Coleman deadlocked in Senate race (2008/08/23)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — For more than a year, Minnesota’s U.S. Senate candidates have predicted their race would tighten even as Republican Sen. Norm Coleman built a healthy lead in numerous polls as Democrat Al Franken faced a series of setbacks.

Pawlenty gets encouragement, gives few clues on VP (2008/08/23)
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s No. 1 politician received plenty of encouragement Friday from his constituents about the possibility of being Republican John McCain’s No. 2, but Gov. Tim Pawlenty offered few clues about his prospects in return.

Officials told to look for fake emergency vehicles (2008/08/23)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government is telling emergency managers to be on the lookout for fake emergency and commercial vehicles, as security tightens in the two cities hosting this year’s presidential conventions.

College presidents spark debate on drinking age (2008/08/23)
The college presidents said they wanted a national debate on the 21-year-old drinking age. They got it.

Bachman watching volleyball team during recovery (2008/08/23)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. men's Olympic volleyball coach says his mother-in-law continues to improve and has been following his team's success as she recovers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

IRS goes to court over Brooklyn Park church's records (2008/08/23)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Internal Revenue Service is looking into financial dealings between a Twin Cities church and its pastor.

'Veterans Village' proposed for Sauk Centre campus (2008/08/23)
SAUK CENTRE, Minn. (AP) — Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans would have a place in central Minnesota to heal their emotional wounds under a woman's proposal.

News Council denies complaints by state rep (2008/08/23)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota News Council has denied two complaints against a Morrison County weekly newspaper that were filed by a state representative.

Motorsports complex proposed for Big Lake (2008/08/23)
BIG LAKE, Minn. (AP) — A developer wants to bring a NASCAR-ready motorsports complex to the Big Lake area.

Deaf activist sues over St. Paul traffic stop (2008/08/23)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A deaf activist is suing the city of St. Paul and the Ramsey County sheriff's office over his treatment after a 2006 traffic stop.

Police: Mother stabs two girls, then herself (2008/08/22)
ROSEVILLE, Minn. (AP) — A woman apparently stabbed her two 11-year-old daughters and herself at their Roseville townhome Thursday, police said, and a friend said there were warning signs in advance.

Poll: Obama leads McCain in Minnesota (2008/08/22)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has rebuilt his lead over Republican John McCain in Minnesota and now has a margin of 10 percentage points, according to a new poll released Thursday.

McCain hopes to turn the tide in Great Lakes area (2008/08/22)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democratic dominance in presidential elections has been the norm for decades throughout much of the country’s union-strong industrial Great Lakes region.

Obama to campaign in Eau Claire on Sunday (2008/08/22)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Sen. Barack Obama plans to stop Sunday in western Wisconsin, an area where he and his rival are competing hard for independent voters.

National Guard in state to receive more benefits (2008/08/22)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The government is making adjustments for nearly 400 soldiers of a Minnesota-based National Guard combat team to make them eligible for additional educational benefits.

Survey: Rural economy still in slump (2008/08/22)
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The rural economy continues to falter with a significant pullback in new hiring, according to the August survey of bank CEOs in 11 Midwestern and Plains states.

Those seeking Ramstad’s seat take part in debate (2008/08/22)
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (AP) — In the race for retiring Rep. Jim Ramstad’s congressional seat, everyone’s trying to look as moderate as Ramstad did for nine terms.

Minnesota man wins $1 million for fantasy fishing (2008/08/22)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A stay-at-home dad from Minnesota has won $1 million in what promoters call the largest payday in fantasy sports.

Polish man indicted for immigrant smuggling (2008/08/22)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Polish citizen has been indicted for allegedly smuggling two illegal immigrants from Canada into the United States across the Pigeon River near Grand Portage

Coleman gets carpenter union support (2008/08/22)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Sen. Norm Coleman has picked up the endorsement of a labor union that endorsed his opponent six years ago.

School to send students to nearby district (2008/08/22)
BROWNTON, Minn. (AP) — The McLeod West School District will send its high school students to a neighboring district for most of the school day this year.

Bachman's promotes from within to replace CEO (2008/08/22)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Family-owned florist and garden center Bachman's Inc. has named Dale Bachman as its new CEO after the previous top executive was killed in Beijing during the Olympics.

Kandiyohi veterans officer pleas in theft case (2008/08/22)
WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) — A plea deal means a Kandiyohi County Veterans Service Officer won't get jail time for allegedly stealing about $200 of veterans' bus money.

Rochester cops to pass out souvenir coins (2008/08/22)
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — Helping a police officer in Rochester could earn you some coin.

Drowning man rescued, then arrested in St. Cloud (2008/08/22)
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — A drowning man in St. Cloud went from being saved to under arrest.

New Brighton councilman wants solicitation charges dropped (2008/08/22)
ST. PAUL (AP) — A New Brighton City Council member arrested in a prostitution sting wants the solicitation charges against him dropped.

Tips for saving money at State Fair (2008/08/21)
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — Times may be tight, but there are plenty of deals available for frugal fairgoers at this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together.

American stabbed in Beijing walking at Mayo Clinic (2008/08/21)
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — The wife of an American killed in Beijing is starting to talk and walk short distances while recovering at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

N.J. court hears suit over muscular dystrophy drug (2008/08/21)
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Attorneys for a Minnesota family suing to gain access to an experimental muscular dystrophy drug for their 16-year-old son argued Tuesday that a drug company led them to believe they could participate in a clinical trial but then went back on their word.

Franken: Give vets health care for life (2008/08/21)
HOPKINS, Minn. (AP) — The federal government should guarantee health care for life to every military veteran, U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken said Tuesday — a sweeping proposal that goes beyond what even leading veterans groups have requested.

Target’s second-quarter profit declines 7.6 percent (2008/08/21)
NEW YORK (AP) — Target Corp. posted a 7.6 percent drop in second-quarter profit Tuesday and offered a cautious outlook for the third quarter as its customers focused on necessities like milk and paper towels and had trouble making their monthly credit card payments.

Cargill reports profit of $1.05B (2008/08/21)
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Agriculture conglomerate Cargill Inc. on Tuesday reported fiscal fourth-quarter net profit of $1.05 billion, driven by its global grain transportation unit and the sale of a power plant in the United Kingdom.

Brandl, former state lawmaker and scholar, dies (2008/08/21)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — John Brandl, a highly respected former state legislator and public policy expert who also served as dean of the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute, died Monday.

Pawlenty to head east for more McCain stumping (2008/08/21)
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — Prospective vice presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty is gearing up for a weekend campaign swing in Ohio and Pennsylvania on behalf of Republican John McCain.

Man, 78, dies in Minneapolis pool (2008/08/21)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A 78-year-old man drowned Monday night in the swimming pool at his condominium in downtown Minneapolis, authorities said.

Hugo tornado survivor goes home from hospital (2008/08/21)
HUGO, Minn. (AP) — A girl who was injured by a tornado that killed her brother last May has gone home from the hospital.

Klobuchar to speak at Democratic convention (2008/08/21)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Amy Klobuchar will address the Democratic National Convention on Monday, the opening night of the nominating event.

Edwards not expected at Labor Day event (2008/08/21)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards is expected to skip a Labor Day picnic and concert in Minnesota where he would have been one of the headline speakers.

St. Paul businesses flex hours during Republican Convention (2008/08/21)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — For some workers in downtown St. Paul, the days of the Republican National Convention won't be business as usual — as several companies are giving employees the option to telecommute, to come in during off hours, or take vacation time.

Fergus Falls council nixes movie (2008/08/21)
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — The Fergus Falls City Council is turning thumbs down on allowing a movie to be filmed at a former state hospital.

Fosston man accused of arson pleads not guilty (2008/08/21)
CROOKSTON, Minn. (AP) — A Fosston man suspected of burning five buildings in northwestern Minnesota has pleaded not guilty to charges in Polk County.

Pawlenty derides Obama’s ‘minimalist’ energy plan (2008/08/19)
MADISON (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, often mentioned as a potential running mate for Sen. John McCain, promoted McCain’s energy policy and critiqued his rival’s as he campaigned across Wisconsin on Monday.

Clear Channel to take down airport ad at Northwest’s request (2008/08/19)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A unit of Clear Channel Communications Inc. will take down an anti-nuclear billboard at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport at the request of Northwest Airlines, the advertising company said Monday.

Minn. VA hospital participates in dementia study (2008/08/19)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The test sounds simple enough: Memorize three words, draw a clock and repeat the words a few minutes later.

Minnesota's potato harvest is under way (2008/08/19)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota's potato harvest is under way, with 7 percent of the crop harvested as of Sunday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday.

Some 'official venues' for RNC not fully booked (2008/08/19)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Just two weeks before the Republican National Convention opens, some of the "official venues" said they're surprised and disappointed they're not completely booked by now.

N.D. man dies in lake (2008/08/19)
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (AP) — Authorities in northwestern Minnesota are trying to determine if a North Dakota man drowned in a lake or died of a medical condition.

Lake Park man dies in ATV-truck crash (2008/08/19)
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (AP) — A rural Lake Park man is dead after his all-terrain vehicle collided with a truck.

Thieves steal property from 'Dancing' celebs (2008/08/19)
ROSEVILLE, Minn. (AP) — Roseville police are investigating the theft of electronics and other property belonging to celebrities from the TV show "Dancing With the Stars."

Filmmaker seeks OK for Fergus Falls location (2008/08/19)
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A Minneapolis filmmaker's request to make a movie at a former state hospital in Fergus Falls is causing some concern.

Minnesota astronaut presents flag to hometown (2008/08/19)
VINING, Minn. (AP) — Karen Nyberg came back from space with gifts for her hometown.

August is peak month for bat exposure (2008/08/18)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Watch out for bats. Minnesota health officials warn that August is the peak month for people to come across bats — and those bats could be carrying rabies.

Duluth zoo faces uncertain future (2008/08/18)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — The head of the Lake Superior Zoo says it’s a common question: What’s new at the zoo?

Man dies in East Grand Forks moped crash (2008/08/18)
EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. (AP) — Police say a man has died in a moped accident in East Grand Forks.

Driver hurt in NE Minn. by gunfire (2008/08/18)
VIRGINIA, Minn. (AP) — A newspaper reporter is recovering after his pickup window was shattered by gunfire as he was driving in northeastern Minnesota.

Court takes up suit over muscular dystrophy drug (2008/08/18)
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal court in New Jersey is scheduled to take up a Minnesota family’s lawsuit Tuesday seeking access to an experimental drug for a fatal form of muscular dystrophy.

European energy company plans plant in Fairmont (2008/08/17)
FAIRMONT, Minn. (AP) — A leading European energy services company wants to make this southern Minnesota city a model for the Midwest by investing at least $120 million in a biomass energy plant.

Duluth to cut 169 jobs due to budget (2008/08/17)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Duluth Mayor Don Ness said 169 employees received layoff notices as part of a plan to balance a $6.5 million budget shortfall.

Host committee for RNC organizes mass clean-up (2008/08/17)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Scores of volunteers are expected to gather in the Twin Cities to spruce up public spaces ahead of the Republican National Convention.

Minnesota opens 10th behavioral health hospital (2008/08/17)
WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s tenth, and final, 16-bed Community Behavioral Health Hospital has officially opened in Willmar.

New program targets St. Paul gang violence (2008/08/17)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Police are keeping a close eye on 60 men considered responsible for most of the gang-related violence in the state’s capital city.

Wife of American killed in China returns to Minnesota (2008/08/16)
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — One week after Barbara Bachman’s husband was killed in a random knife attack in China that also hospitalized her with life-threatening injuries, she is back in her home state of Minnesota to continue her recovery.

Jury convicts suspect in Minn. state park killing (2008/08/16)
LUVERNE, Minn. (AP) — Randy Swaney will spend the rest of his life in prison without a chance for parole in the death of a state park worker in 2001.

Court rules against teen writer (2008/08/16)
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a Minnesota teen who was briefly held after writing a bloody essay in which a student shoots a teacher.

Wisconsin girl pulled from pool on Sunday dies (2008/08/16)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A girl from Milwaukee who was pulled from an outdoor pool at an apartment complex Sunday has died.

Critics skeptical about U's chest pain hotline (2008/08/16)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A new hotline for patients with chest pain is facing criticism.

Man sentenced to 14 years in girlfriend's death (2008/08/16)
ST. JOSEPH, Minn. (AP) — A former St. Joseph man has been sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison in the death of his girlfriend.

Three charged with providing alcohol that led to crash (2008/08/16)
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) — Three young adults have been charged with felonies in connection with a fatal car accident that happened after a night of drinking in Grand Rapids.

DNR investigating diseased birds at two lakes (2008/08/16)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Department of Natural Resources is studying a strain of Newcastle disease that has been found in birds in two Minnesota lakes.

St. Paul police looking for more officers for RNC (2008/08/16)
ST. PAUL (AP) — The St. Paul Police Department is reaching out as far as Boston to recruit officers to help out with the Republican National Convention.

Cass Lake votes to close police department (2008/08/16)
CASS LAKE, Minn. (AP) — The Cass Lake City Council has accepted the resignation of its police chief, putting it a step closer to disbanding its police department.

School district scrambling for space (2008/08/16)
BROWNTON, Minn. (AP) — Officials in the Mcleod West School District are scrambling to find space to hold classes after finding dangerous deterioration in an aging school.

'Little House' musical opens at the Guthrie (2008/08/16)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The musical "Little House on the Prairie" opens Friday at the Guthrie Theater.

State court weighs in on UnitedHealth options case (2008/08/15)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota’s highest court said Thursday that state law requires a mostly hands-off approach to a $420 million stock options settlement between UnitedHealth Group Inc. and its former CEO.

Ethics rules create convention confusion (2008/08/15)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Is a quesadilla a meal or a snack?

Minnesota's unemployment climbs to 5.8 percent (2008/08/15)
ST. PAUL (AP) — The state says the Minnesota economy lost 8,600 jobs in July.

Suspect takes stand in state park killing (2008/08/15)
LUVERNE, Minn. (AP) — The defense rested after the man charged in the beating death of a state park worker in southwestern Minnesota testified that he didn't do it.

Sizable swine sought for Minn. State Fair (2008/08/15)
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota State Fair is coming up short on entries in its “big boar” competition.

Two women arrested in theft of SUV with baby inside (2008/08/15)
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — Authorities have arrested two women suspected of stealing a mother's SUV with a 9-month-old baby inside.

Minneapolis teen charged as adult in fatal crash (2008/08/15)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult in a crash that killed a Minneapolis woman who was driving to Sunday school at a mosque.

New sesquicentennial license plates unveiled (2008/08/15)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A license plate commemorating Minnesota's 150th birthday this year will be available for the next three years.

St. Paul bar owners want RNC license fee dropped (2008/08/15)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Bar owners and the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce want the City Council to repeal a $2,500 license fee for bars that want to stay open until 4 a.m. during the Republican National Convention.

Iraq's Talabani had heart surgery in U.S. (2008/08/15)
BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi President Jalal Talabani was discharged Thursday from the Mayo Clinic after undergoing successful surgery on a heart valve.

Attorney general sues mortgage broker (2008/08/15)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Attorney General Lori Swanson is going after a Plymouth, Minn.-based mortgage lender she blames for contributing to the housing crisis.

Senate GOP doesn't want shunned lawmaker (2008/08/15)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota Senate Republicans say they don't want a lawmaker shunned by House Republicans over a domestic assault conviction.

As NWA merger nears, other airlines eye MSP (2008/08/15)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Other airlines are showing newfound interest in the Twin Cities now that Delta Airlines is moving forward with its acquisition of Northwest Airlines.

Duluth to lay off more than 200 city workers (2008/08/14)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Duluth Mayor Don Ness said his city’s budget deficit has swelled to $6.5 million, forcing it to cut up to 217 workers by Sept. 1.

Mortgage giants to skip RNC (2008/08/14)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Troubled mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will skip the Republican National Convention.

Nader plans rally during Republican convention (2008/08/14)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader plans a rally in Minneapolis on the final day of the Republican National Convention.

Fuel costs don’t stop demolition derby tradition (2008/08/14)
BAGLEY, Minn. (AP) — There’s no question higher fuel prices have affected some of the quirky traditions at county fairs, but people are trying their best to keep events like the demolition derby alive in rural Minnesota.

Man dies same day wife released from jail (2008/08/14)
BLAINE, Minn. (AP) — A man who forgave his wife for trying to kill him last December died a few hours after she returned home from jail.

CNN adds reporters in 10 cities to expand coverage (2008/08/14)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — CNN said Tuesday it’s adding journalists in 10 cities from Philadelphia to Seattle to provide broader, more nimble TV and online coverage of news nationwide.

Prosecution rests in park worker killing case (2008/08/14)
LUVERNE, Minn. (AP) — Prosecutors have rested their case against a man accused of a killing a state park worker in southwest Minnesota more than seven years ago.

Former judge pleads guilty to threatening teen (2008/08/14)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former Hennepin County District Judge agreed to a plea deal that will give him two years probation for threatening a teenager with a baseball bat.

'Puke and Snot' actor dies (2008/08/14)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is announcing the death of Minneapolis actor Joe Kudla, who was half of the "Puke and Snot" comedy team for more than 30 years.

Pair charged in NW Minnesota arsons (2008/08/14)
CROOKSTON, Minn. (AP) — Two Fosston men are charged with first-degree arson in a string of fires that burned buildings in northwestern Minnesota.

St. Paul police reassure residents after attacks (2008/08/14)
ST. PAUL (AP) — St. Paul police are reassuring neighbors after two baseball bat attacks around the Lake Phalen area.

Family struggles in aftermath of Olympic slaying (2008/08/12)
BEIJING (AP) — In the days since a knifing attack at a Beijing tourist attraction, the coach of the U.S. men’s volleyball team said his family has been consumed with the shock of his father-in-law’s death and with arranging care for his severely wounded mother-in-law.

Protesters sue to get closer to GOP convention (2008/08/12)
ST. PAUL (AP) — People planning protests during the Republican National Convention are suing in state court in an attempt to overturn restrictions on where they can assemble.

Man pleads guilty in killing of Howard Porter (2008/08/12)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A second defendant pleaded guilty Monday in the beating death of former Villanova basketball star Howard Porter, taking a plea agreement that calls for him to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Two sentenced to prison in BWCA shooting incident (2008/08/12)
TWO HARBORS, Minn. (AP) — Two Ely men each were sentenced to three years in prison for their roles in a shooting spree that terrorized campers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Franken: Draw back more U.S. Iraqi funds (2008/08/12)
ST. PAUL (AP) — U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken on Monday one-upped a call from his opponent, Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, for the United States to rescind money it’s sending to Iraq for reconstruction of that country.

Minnesota tax collectors take in a little extra (2008/08/12)
ST. PAUL (AP) — The state of Minnesota's bank accounts were flusher than expected in July.

Lawmaker who cast key road bill vote feels duped (2008/08/12)
ST. PAUL (AP) — A state House member who was part of the so-called “Override Six” on a landmark road finance bill fears a promised highway upgrade in his southwestern Minnesota district won’t materialize.

Slaughterhouse case fuels kosher justice movement (2008/08/12)
NEW YORK (AP) — Very little goes unexamined in the kosher world.

Woman found dead at foot of railroad bridge (2008/08/12)
STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) — Washington County authorities are identifying the 20-year-old woman found dead under a railroad bridge over the St. Croix River valley.

Teen killed in ATV rollover in Hubbard County (2008/08/12)
PARK RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) — Hubbard County authorities are investigating after a 13-year-old boy died in an ATV accident just before midnight Saturday.

Day care provide enters plea (2008/08/12)
GAYLORD, Minn. (AP) — A Sibley County day care provider admits as part of a plea deal that there's enough evidence to convict her on charges she injured an infant in her care.

Corn, soybean development advance in Minnesota (2008/08/12)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Corn and soybean development continued to advance across Minnesota while small grains neared maturity during the past week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Monday.

Fringe Festival attendance rebounds (2008/08/12)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Fringe Festival said its attendance rebounded this year after taking a hit in 2007.

Man fined $1,500 for possessing stuffed lynx (2008/08/12)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A Chisholm man has been fined $1,500 and put on two years of probation for illegally possessing a mounted Canada lynx.

Abbot Northwestern patient burned in surgery (2008/08/12)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health has faulted Abbott Northwestern Hospital for a fire that burned a patient while she was getting a heart pacemaker.

Man shot by deputies charged with attempted murder (2008/08/12)
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — A 49-year-old St. Joseph man who was shot by deputies now is charged with attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping and other charges.

New managing editor starts at Austin Daily Herald (2008/08/12)
AUSTIN, Minn. (AP) — David Richards, who spent his first two years of college at St. Mary's University in Winona, started work Monday as the new managing editor at the Austin Daily Herald.

Homeland Security changes practices after hiring disgraced MnDOT official (2008/08/11)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says it will now check potential employees’ backgrounds on the Internet after the department hired and then fired a disgraced Minnesota transportation official.

Pawlenty travels out of state frequently in 2008 (2008/08/11)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s elevated role in Republican Party politics has taken him away from the state more than a dozen times this year.

Levies, nutrition on menu as school leaders gather this week (2008/08/11)
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — School leaders from around Minnesota are gathering this week to talk about how to fatten their bank accounts and slim down student waists.

Utilities commission to consider power plant (2008/08/11)
HIBBING, Minn. (AP) — A proposed coal gasification power plant on Minnesota’s Iron Range has a chance to move forward this week as the state’s Public Utilities Commission considers some key questions about the project.

Bachman’s stores display posters, flowers for CEO (2008/08/11)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Commemorative displays in memory of Bachman’s CEO Todd Bachman have been placed at all of the company’s floral and garden stores in Minnesota.

Cleanup under way after Owatonna plane crash (2008/08/11)
OWATONNA, Minn. (AP) — The cornfield where eight people were killed in a plane crash here is now an environmental clean-up site.

Kline returning for second week of GOP protest (2008/08/11)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Minnesota Congressman John Kline is returning Tuesday for a second week of GOP protests demanding that Speaker Nancy Pelosi bring back lawmakers to vote on an energy package.

Man lying in road fatally hit by car in St. Cloud (2008/08/11)
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — A 23-year-old Waite Park man was killed when he was hit by a car in St. Cloud.

Man drowns on Scott Lake in Sawyer County (2008/08/11)
HAYWARD, Wis. (AP) — Authorities in Sawyer County say a 53-year-old man has died after struggling in the water.

Developer wants to bring light rail to Rochester (2008/08/10)
The Associated Press ROCHESTER, Minn. — A developer here hopes community leaders will catch on to a proposal to bring a light-rail line to Rochester.

4 arrested in elementary school vandalism (2008/08/10)
MURDOCK, Minn. — Swift County authorities say four people have been arrested in connection with extensive vandalism at a Murdock school.

Pollution agency fines alfalfa producers for dust (2008/08/10)
PRIAM, Minn. — State pollution officials say Minnesota Valley Alfalfa Producers will pay more than $70,000 to settle alleged emissions violations.

U of M to offer advance degree in bioethics (2008/08/10)
MINNEAPOLIS — Next year the University of Minnesota’s Center for Bioethics will become one of the few institutions in the nation offering a master’s degree in bioethics.

Body of missing man found in Rouchleau Pit (2008/08/10)
VIRGINIA, Minn. — The body of a missing Mountain Iron man has been found in Rouchleau Pit in Virginia.

Panel seeks answers on groundwater pollution (2008/08/10)
ST. PAUL — Drinking water contaminated with chemicals formerly made by 3M Company will be the focus of a public hearing on Thursday.

PSA to help consumers with digital TV (2008/08/10)
MINNEAPOLIS — A new public service announcement aims to help consumers understand the switch to digital television.

2 to run marathon in honor of slain Austin teacher (2008/08/10)
AUSTIN, Minn. — Friends and relatives of an aspiring teacher who was killed in Philadelphia in June are sending two people to run the Marine Corps Marathon in his honor.

Cheney to speak at GOP convention on opening night (2008/08/09)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Dick Cheney, a conservative favorite but a divisive national figure, will join President Bush in addressing delegates on the opening night of the Republican National Convention, the White House said Friday.

Pawlenty misspeaks on CNN, puts RNC in Minneapolis (2008/08/09)
ST. PAUL (AP) — You can add Gov. Tim Pawlenty to the list of notable people who have wrongly put the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis.

Coleman: Rescind Iraqi reconstruction money (2008/08/09)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Norm Coleman said Friday he’ll push to rescind $1 billion in U.S. funding for Iraqi reconstruction, responding to a report that Iraq could finish the year with as much as a $79 billion cumulative budget surplus.

PUC puts St. Cloud gas rebilling on hold (2008/08/09)
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — The nearly 9,000 St. Cloud customers who just got a bill-due notice from Xcel Energy can relax for now.

McCollum endorses Franken for Senate (2008/08/09)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum, breaking a long icy delay, endorsed DFL Senate candidate Al Franken for Senate Friday.

Eight is enough for Fergus Falls newborn (2008/08/09)
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — Hailey Jo Hauer was born on on the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008. At 8:08 a.m. And you're not going to believe what she weighed.

Juror: Not easy verdict in Cottonwood trial (2008/08/09)
COTTONWOOD, Minn. (AP) — The jurors who convicted a woman in the Cottonwood bus crash that killed four children last February say it wasn’t an easy verdict.

Central Minnesota man dies after being pinned on farm (2008/08/09)
CLARISSA, Minn. (AP) — A 65-year-old central Minnesota man has died in a farm accident.

Minnetonka police nab man who had eluded officers (2008/08/09)
MINNETONKA, Minn. (AP) — A fugitive burglary suspect who once famously told pursuing officers that he didn't have time to talk, has been caught in Brooklyn Center.

Judge says marrying days on wane (2008/08/09)
MARINE ON ST. CROIX, Minn. (AP) — The judge known as the “marrying man” says he’s coming to the end.

Candidates in 3rd District focus on energy (2008/08/09)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Candidates running for an open congressional seat in the Minneapolis suburbs are stepping up their focus on energy issues.

Shunned lawmaker Mark Olson gets GOP endorsement (2008/08/09)
PRINCETON, Minn. (AP) — State Rep. Mark Olson has the endorsement of the Republican Party in his bid to replace GOP state Senator Betsy Wergin.

Scott County deputy charged with stalking (2008/08/09)
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — A Scott County deputy is in jail on charges that he stalked his ex-girlfriend for the last year.

Riders in Bemidji mark progress on bike trail (2008/08/09)
BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) — Bicycle enthusiasts and local officials are celebrating the progress that's been made on a paved trail between Bemidji and Brainerd.

Obama chats with voters at St. Paul pancake house (2008/08/08)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Fresh off a big-buck fundraiser in Minneapolis, Democrat Barack Obama dropped in on a humble St. Paul pancake house Thursday to chat with diners about their concerns.

Pilot project rates child care providers (2008/08/08)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Parents can now use a new rating system to help them choose the best preschool or day care for their children.

Rescuers pull five from burning bus in New Brighton (2008/08/08)
NEW BRIGHTON, Minn. (AP) — A bus driver and several bystanders helped save the lives of five disabled adults after their bus burst into flames.

Lawmakers question use of welfare outside state (2008/08/08)
ST. PAUL (AP) — House Republicans want to investigate more than $10 million worth of out-of-state transactions using Minnesota electronic welfare cards.

Thune thinks feds will approve rail merger (2008/08/08)
HURON, S.D. (AP) — Sen. John Thune says he thinks the federal Surface Transportation Board will approve the Canadian Pacific Railway’s proposed merger with the Sioux Falls-based Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad.

Man found stabbed in Twin Cities home dies (2008/08/08)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis police have arrested a 15-year-old male in connection with a fatal stabbing.

Medical examiner IDs boy killed by sister (2008/08/08)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has released the name of a Rice County boy whose 6-year-old sister accidentally shot and killed him as she played with a gun.

Trail of Cheetohs leads to snack thieves (2008/08/08)
ST. PAUL (AP) — St. Paul police followed a trail of Cheetos in order to nab three teenagers suspected of burglarizing a vending machine.

Worker on new I-35W bridge injured (2008/08/08)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A worker has suffered a minor injury on the new Interstate 35-W bridge project in Minneapolis.

Star Wars exhibit extended in St. Paul (2008/08/08)
ST. PAUL (AP) — The Force will be with Star Wars fans for a few more days.

937 Minn. schools land on list of underachievers (2008/08/07)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota’s schools neared a tipping point Tuesday as nearly half wound up on a state list for failing to meet student performance goals dictated by the federal No Child Left Behind law.

Woman charged in fatal bus crash speaks at trial (2008/08/07)
WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) — The woman accused in a fatal school bus crash in western Minnesota testified at her trial Tuesday that she wasn’t the one driving the van that hit the bus.

Senate candidates debate energy, farm policy (2008/08/07)
REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. (AP) — U.S. Senate candidates Norm Coleman and Al Franken gave similar views on key issues for rural voters on Tuesday, but offered different arguments for why they’d be better for the job.

Pawlenty: GOP must lure ’Sam’s Club Republicans’ (2008/08/07)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Republican Party is “too cynical.” Its ideas are “fatigued.” In short, the GOP has “a problem as a party” in the political marketplace.

Grant will help pay for security at RNC (2008/08/07)
ST. PAUL (AP) — The federal government is giving St. Paul police $50 million to help pay for everything from new bikes to powerful radios to extra staff and training time ahead of the Republican National Convention.

Cheney’s role at GOP convention a question (2008/08/07)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Will he or won’t he? Vice President Dick Cheney is one of the nation’s most prominent Republicans, but there are doubts about whether he will attend the GOP convention.

Judge mulls new trial in music downloading case (2008/08/07)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A decision isn’t expected until next month on whether a Brainerd woman convicted of pirating music files will get a new trial, but the federal judge who handled the case said he might have made a mistake at her original trial.

Kidnapping charges dropped against St. Paul man (2008/08/07)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Prosecutors have dropped attempted kidnapping charges against a St. Paul man, saying there was problems with the story of the 14-year-old girl who said she was almost abducted.

Young Nerstrand boy shot and killed (2008/08/07)
FARIBAULT, Minn. (AP) — A 3-year-old boy from Nerstrand died after being shot in the head by his sister as she played with a gun.

Ash borer survey to begin this week in Wisconsin (2008/08/07)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State workers plan to begin surveys of southeastern Wisconsin trees late this week to determine how far the emerald ash borer may have spread.

Lake George woman dies after ATV crash (2008/08/07)
LAKE GEORGE, Minn. (AP) — A Lake George woman has died after an ATV accident in northern Minnesota.

Report: DWI suspect was texting while driving (2008/08/07)
WALKER, Minn. (AP) — A man arrested early Sunday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in northern Minnesota was texting while driving, authorities said.

Blaine man sentenced to life for killing wife (2008/08/07)
ANOKA, Minn. (AP) — A Blaine man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing his wife in what officials said was a plot for insurance money.

Stearns Co. slaps new regulations on rental houses (2008/08/07)
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Stearns County is the first county in the state to pass an ordinance regulating the use of private homes as vacation rentals.

Witnesses say person ran from bus crash scene (2008/08/05)
WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) — Three witnesses in the trial of the woman charged in the fatal minivan-bus crash in southwestern Minnesota said Monday they saw a person running from the scene while the woman remained trapped inside the van.

Groups predict prostitution spike at RNC (2008/08/05)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Advocacy groups that fight prostitution in the Twin Cities are gearing up for what they believe will be a surge in activity during the Republican National Convention — even though police say they aren’t expecting it to be a problem.

Man charged in attempted slayings in western Minnesota (2008/08/05)
WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) — A 28-year-old Clinton man is charged with attempted murder after allegedly cutting the throats of a woman and young girl.

Invasive species discovered in Wisconsin (2008/08/05)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Officials confirmed the first appearance of the emerald ash borer in Wisconsin, a finding that could put about 740 million trees in the state in jeopardy.

Minnesota Zoo exhibits designed for safety (2008/08/05)
APPLE VALLEY, Minn. (AP) — “Get closer than nature intended.” That’s the Minnesota Zoo’s playful come-on this summer, drawing swarms of people to a new exhibit designed to bring your nose to within inches of a massive grizzly with horror-movie claws.

Some communities opt out of National Night Out (2008/08/05)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Some Minnesota cities are holding alternative events to this year’s National Night Out activities.

Suspect arrested in homeless camp homicide (2008/08/05)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis police have arrested a suspect in a homicide at a homeless camp.

Kline joins fellow Republicans on drilling protest (2008/08/05)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Minnesota Congressman John Kline is joining about 20 other Republicans on the House floor demanding that Speaker Nancy Pelosi bring back lawmakers to vote on an energy package that includes more domestic drilling.

No slowdown in sight for WE Fest in Minn. (2008/08/05)
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (AP) — Despite the struggling economy, WE Fest is proving to be an expense country music fans aren't willing to shed.

'Unusual event' over at Prairie Island plant (2008/08/05)
RED WING, Minn. (AP) — Xcel Energy said operators at its Prairie Island nuclear plant near Red Wing have successfully reduced levels of an ammonia-like chemical in the non-nuclear side of the plant.

Arson suspected in northern fires (2008/08/05)
CLEARBROOK, Minn. (AP) — Arson is suspected in weekend fires that destroyed one town hall in northern Minnesota and damaged another.

Minnesota governor attends ceremony (2008/08/05)
LAWTON, Okla. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty braved triple-digit temperatures Monday to say farewell to departing National Guard troops from 10 states in what was Fort Sill's biggest deployment ceremony since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Almost as many messages as protesters for RNC (2008/08/04)
ST. PAUL (AP) — A 73-year-old retired surgeon plans to march in silence, carrying a tombstone picturing a soldier killed in Iraq. A philosophy professor will call for a new investigation into the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. A long-haul trucker from Texas will protest the price of oil.

State Fair officials warn of bogus tickets (2008/08/04)
WEST ALLIS, Wis. (AP) — After a spate of useless tickets were presented, Wisconsin State Fair officials are warning people to only buy tickets from authorized sources.

Lawmakers aim to raise land revenue for schools (2008/08/04)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers want to know how to get more money out of the 2.5 million acres of land set aside 150 years ago to support the state’s schools.

Ellison bill on lead standards passes House (2008/08/04)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved legislation by U.S. Representative Keith Ellison to tighten standards for lead exposure in public housing.

Wright gas station in Cloquet gets a facelift (2008/08/04)
CLOQUET, Minn. (AP) — The most famous gas station in Cloquet is getting a $150,000 face lift.

Tall ships Duluth’s largest-ever tourist draw (2008/08/04)
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Duluth tourism officials say the visit of three vintage sailing ships to the city harbor is the city’s largest-ever tourist event.

Gray wolf range, population similar in Minnesota (2008/08/04)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota’s gray wolf population remains constant in size and range, according to a new study by the Department of Natural Resources.

Target Center to get $1 million acoustic upgrade (2008/08/04)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — One of Minnesota’s largest music venues is about to get a $1 million acoustic upgrade.

Authorities identify 6-year-old drowning victim (2008/08/04)
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) — Authorities are identifying the 6-year-old girl who accidentially drowned in an indoor swimming pool at a Brooklyn Center apartment complex.

Amid the crash debris, signs of life (2008/08/03)
OWATONNA, Minn. — Amid the twisted wires and bits of shredded metal — signs of life.

BCA expert: Airbag DNA does not match Franco (2008/08/03)
WILLMAR, Minn. — A forensic scientist for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has testified that DNA samples taken from the airbags of the minivan that crashed into a school bus do not match the genetic profile of the woman accused of driving the van.

Jury convicts Forest Lake minister in fraud case (2008/08/03)
MINNEAPOLIS — Judgment day for a Forest Lake minister accused of swindle, and the verdict is guilty.

Klobuchar wants answers on fired MnDOT official (2008/08/03)
WASHINGTON — Sen. Amy Klobuchar is asking the Department of Homeland Security why it hired former Minnesota Department of Transportation emergency response director Sonia Pitt.

Cass Lake decides to save money by cutting police (2008/08/03)
CASS LAKE, Minn. — The city leaders of Cass Lake in northern Minnesota have decided to disband their police force in an effort to save money.

Woman dies after driving into road grader (2008/08/03)
ST. CLOUD, Minn. — An 89-year-old woman is dead after sheriff’s deputies say she drove her car into a road grader in Oak Township in Stearns County.

PUC OKs Minnesota Power interim rate hike (2008/08/03)
DULUTH, Minn. — Retail customers of Minnesota Power will see higher electric bills, starting this month.

700+ troops from Minn. unit to leave for Iraq (2008/08/03)
MINNEAPOLIS — More than 700 soldiers from a St. Paul-based unit of the Minnesota National Guard are scheduled to deploy to Iraq this month.

Police looking for robber in wolf mask (2008/08/03)
CROOKSTON, Minn. — Police in Crookston are on the lookout for a man in wolf mask who robbed a gas station.

Train kills teen near Mahnomen (2008/08/03)
MAHNOMEN, Minn. — Officials in Mahnomen County have identified a teenager hit and killed by a train.

For bridge survivors, it’s been a tough year (2008/08/01)
MINNEAPOLIS — It was just past 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007, in the heart of rush hour, when the Interstate 35W bridge buckled and fell into the Mississippi River. Thirteen people died.

Fired MnDOT official fired from Homeland Security (2008/08/01)
MINNEAPOLIS — The MnDOT emergency response director who was fired after the Interstate 35W bridge collapse has been fired again, this time from her new job with the federal Department of Homeland Security.

Frazee officers threatened after killing bear (2008/08/01)
FRAZEE, Minn. — The police chief in Frazee says his department has been fielding threats for killing a bear that had wandered into town with a jar on its head.

Oral arguments set in Sen. Craig appeal (2008/08/01)
MINNEAPOLIS — Idaho Senator Larry Craig will get his next day in Minnesota’s courts on Sept. 10.

Area near Republican convention zoned for speech (2008/08/01)
ST. PAUL — We’ll bring the stage, you bring the show.

Duluth holds off on police-fire combo (2008/08/01)
DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is putting off an idea that would have had police officers and firefighters sharing some duties.

NTSB notes break along corrosion in I-35W gussets (2008/07/31)
WASHINGTON — A newly released report by the National Transportation Safety Board shows that a pair of gusset plates on the Interstate 35W bridge broke at least partially along lines of corrosion.

Minnesota moves quickly on busiest deficient bridges (2008/07/31)
Minnesota is moving quickly to fix its busiest structurally deficient bridges, an Associated Press review found.

House discusses Delta-Northwest merger impact (2008/07/31)
ATLANTA — Officials of unions that represent Northwest Airlines Corp. flight attendants, ramp workers and reservation agents told lawmakers Wednesday they are worried Delta Air Lines Inc.’s plan to combine the two carriers could lead to lost pension benefits for employees.

Officers shoot bear with jar over head (2008/07/31)
A bear with a plastic jar over its head led police on a six-day chase through the forests of Hubbard and Becker counties before it was shot and killed, state wildlife officials said.

Police involved in botched raid honored (2008/07/31)
MINNEAPOLIS — Eight Minneapolis police officers who raided the wrong house last year have been honored for their valor — and that’s outraged a family that was shot at multiple times by the officers.

Driving less means less gas tax revenue for state (2008/07/31)
ST. PAUL — High gas prices have Americans driving less, and that could mean less money for road and bridge projects around Minnesota next year.

DNA, fingerprints cited in murder trial (2008/07/31)
LUVERNE, Minn. — Seven years after a state park worker was killed, the man accused in her death is on trial in southwestern Minnesota.

Man held in Duluth slaying (2008/07/31)
DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man is being held in the St. Louis County jail in connection with a shooting death.

New carbon monoxide alarm rules apply in Minn. (2008/07/30)
ST. PAUL — State law requires that single-family homes in Minnesota have at least one carbon monoxide detector starting Friday.

Jury selected in SW Minn. murder trial (2008/07/30)
LUVERNE, Minn. — Opening statements are set in the murder trial of a man accused of killing a state park worker in southwestern Minnesota in May 2001.

Officials: Arco girl dead in accidental shooting (2008/07/30)
ARCO, Minn. — A 12-year-old Arco girl is dead after what authorities say is an accidental shooting.

Minneapolis woman pleads guilty in errant $2.5M check (2008/07/30)
MINNEAPOLIS — A woman who wound up with $2.5 million of the state’s money due to a clerical error has pleaded guilty to failure to turn over state funds.

Duluth finds compromise for Great Lakes cruising (2008/07/30)
DULUTH, Minn. — Concerns that security issues could sink plans to offer a cruise service between Duluth and Toronto appeared to have been answered.

Community service for teen who put vote for sale (2008/07/30)
MINNEAPOLIS — A University of Minnesota student who offered his presidential vote on eBay is now trading a felony charge for 50 hours of community service.

Pawlenty aims to put Minn. medical records online (2008/07/30)
ST. PAUL — Gov. Tim Pawlenty outlined proposals on Tuesday to let state employees access their health care records online and pay out-of-pocket medical expenses with the swipe of a debit card.

Minn. reports first West Nile cases of 2008 (2008/07/29)
ST. PAUL — Minnesota has recorded its first human West Nile cases of 2008.

Trial begins in Cottonwood bus crash (2008/07/29)
WILLMAR, Minn. — Jury selection has begun in the trial of the woman accused of causing the fatal Cottonwood school bus crash last February.

1 dead in 2-vehicle crash near Balaton (2008/07/29)
BALATON, Minn. — One person is dead and eight others injured after a two-vehicle crash in southwestern Minnesota.

Franken outlines plan to cut energy costs (2008/07/29)
ST. PAUL — Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken called Monday for the release of 50 million barrels of oil from the nation’s strategic stockpile within 100 days, a move already under debate in Washington.

State issues air pollution advisory (2008/07/29)
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air pollution health advisory for the southern two-thirds of the state.

Trumpeter Mayfield joins Minnesota Orchestra (2008/07/29)
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Orchestra has announced the appointment of jazz trumpeter Irvin Mayfield as its first Artistic Director of Jazz at Orchestra Hall.

Warm, dry weather helps Minnesota crops (2008/07/29)
MINNEAPOLIS — The oat and barley harvests are under way after a week of warm and dry weather in Minnesota.

Old sailing ships headed for Twin Ports (2008/07/28)
DULUTH, Minn. — Three sailing ships, two replicas from the War of 1812 and the other representing the schooners that once sailed on Lake Superior, will sail into the Twin Ports this week as part of the Duluth Maritime Festival.

B-99 biodiesel scarce in Twin Cities (2008/07/28)
NORTHFIELD, Minn. — Locating the purest of biodiesel fuels has gotten a lot tougher for drivers of diesel vehicles in the Twin Cities.

Senate to hold hearing on Great Lakes compact (2008/07/28)
WASHINGTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee this week takes up a compact to prevent the diversion of water from the Great Lakes, one of the world’s largest sources of fresh water.

Lange’s Stillwater home up for sale again (2008/07/28)
STILLWATER, Minn. — A home in Stillwater owned by actress and Minnesota native Jessica Lange can be yours for just under $2 million.

Concrete falls to freeway in St. Paul (2008/07/27)
ST. PAUL — A chunk of concrete fell from a bridge onto Interstate 35E in St. Paul, causing both freeway lanes at that spot to be closed Saturday afternoon.

Man dies after house explodes near Deerwood (2008/07/27)
DEERWOOD, Minn. - A Northfield man is dead after an explosion at his Hamlet Lake cabin near Deerwood.

For candidates, Minn. law demands words behind ads (2008/07/27)
ST. PAUL — Minnesota candidates using radio, television or Web videos to get their messages out will have to back up their ads with text.

UM-Duluth awards law degree to Finnish president (2008/07/27)
DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota-Duluth has awarded an honorary doctor of law degree to Finnish President Tarja Halonen.

High-tech Minn. health lab focused on new risks (2008/07/27)
ST. PAUL — It’s one of the most secure places in Minnesota: A lab chamber built to grow cultures of highly contagious bird flu. Only six people have both the FBI clearance and the keycards to enter.

Aid for returning veterans in housing rescue bill (2008/07/27)
MINNEAPOLIS — The housing rescue bill Congress passed Saturday includes a provision by Sen. Norm Coleman that would give returning veterans more time to work out mortgage problems upon their return.

Como Zoo has first successful flamingo hatch (2008/07/27)
ST. PAUL — A Chilean flamingo at the Como Zoo in St. Paul is the first flamingo in the zoo’s history to have a baby chick.

Minneapolis names first black fire chief (2008/07/27)
MINNEAPOLIS — The city of Minneapolis is getting its first black fire chief.

Teen charged in shooting released from jail (2008/07/27)
MINNEAPOLIS — An 18-year-old charged with shooting a then-12-year-old in Minneapolis last year has been released from jail.

Two tornadoes hit southeastern Minn. (2008/07/25)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A midsummer storm pushed through central and southeastern Minnesota on Thursday, knocking down power lines and ripping up farm buildings. The National Weather Service confirmed that two tornadoes touched down in the southeastern part of the state.

Convictions of Racing Services officials reversed (2008/07/25)
BISMARCK, N.D. — A federal judge has reversed the illegal gambling convictions of two former officials of a Fargo-based simulcast horse betting company.

Stillwater bridge to close during repairs (2008/07/25)
STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) — The Stillwater Lift Bridge will be closed next week for repairs.

Driver charged with hitting bicyclist in Shakopee (2008/07/25)
SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) — A pickup truck driver has been accused of critically injuring an 11-year-old bicyclist in a hit-and-run in Shakopee.

McCain stops in St. Paul to rally volunteers (2008/07/25)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — John McCain dropped in on a phone bank Thursday to tell campaign volunteers they can make or break him in Minnesota.

Twin Cities and inner suburbs show growth (2008/07/25)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. Census Bureau is set to announce that Minnesota's two largest cities are showing population growth for the first time this decade.

UMinn announces plans for biomedical research (2008/07/25)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Money from the state Legislature is giving biomedical research at the University of Minnesota a big boost.

Fire destroys Kenyon grain elevator (2008/07/25)
KENYON, Minn. (AP) — Another Minnesota grain elevator has gone up in flames.

Target says slightly higher June sales (2008/07/25)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Target is reporting a slight increase in same-store sales for June.

State seeking volunteers for PFC blood tests (2008/07/25)
ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota health officials are looking for 200 volunteers in the eastern Twin Cities who are willing to give up some blood.

Northern Minn. camp counselor charged (2008/07/25)
WALKER, Minn. (AP) — A 19-year-old camp counselor from Oregon has been charged with five counts of criminal sexual conduct that authorities say involved a female c