StarTribune.com: News, weather, sports from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Minnesota

Missing American in Iran was on unapproved mission

In March 2007, retired FBI agent Robert Levinson flew to Kish Island, an Iranian resort awash with tourists, smugglers and organized crime figures. Days later, after an arranged meeting with an admitted killer, he checked out of his hotel, slipped into a taxi and vanished. For years, the U.S. has publicly described him as a private citizen who traveled to the tiny Persian Gulf island on private business. Updated 1 minute ago
- Nov. 26: U.S. pleads for release of ex-FBI agent held in Iran

MNsure director

MNsure director's tropical vacation amid website woes draws fire

April Todd-Malmlov left the country for a vacation to Costa Rica, with less than a month to go before the Jan. 1 launch date for the troubled insurance marketplace. Updated 3:39 PM

Minnesota Orchestra

Locked-out Minnesota Orchestra musicians set 10-concert season

Star soloists Itzhak Perlman and Joshua Bell will each perform one concert with the musicians, and former Minnesota Orchestra music director Osmo Vänskä will return as guest conductor for two concerts. Updated 25 minutes ago

Grab a tissue: Canadian airline gives back to customers with help from Santa

WestJet Airlines spreads Holiday cheer by surprising their customers with gifts from Santa. Updated 3:31 PM

Vikings concerned about Philadelphia's McCoy

Philadelphia quarterback Nick Foles has become one of the NFL’s most surprising stories this season, but the Vikings say their primary focus lies with the Eagles running game. Full storyFull story Updated 3:01 PM

Lawsuit could unravel Ryan's Downtown East deal, city warns

A Hennepin County judge heard arguments Thursday morning regarding a last-minute legal challenge to the $400 million proposal to reshape land adjacent to the new Vikings stadium. Full storyFull story Updated 43 minutes ago

State regulators approve another Xcel electric rate hike: 4.5%

It's the sixth increase in eight years for Xcel's electric customers in Minnesota. Some consumer advocates say it's just too many. Full storyFull story Updated 57 minutes ago

Keeping an eye on the foxes in St. Paul's Como Park

Watching a litter of red fox kits grow up in St. Paul’s Como Park proves to be a lesson in the brutal and beautiful ways of nature. Full storyFull story Updated 24 minutes ago