Recent content from Brandon Stahl
Parents of U student who froze ask if more could have been done
They have filed a federal lawsuit against the Minneapolis, Hennepin County and Hennepin Healthcare.The city of Minneapolis and HCMC say their first responders followed best practices and their protocols that morning.
Minneapolis serial rapist gets 27 years in prison
The victim endured 12 hours of kidnapping, torture.
U.S. Supreme Court to hear suit over U.S. Bank pension funding
U.S. Bank employees and retirees argue that the fund previously was mismanaged, so they should have the right to decide who manages the fund in the future.
Scammers dupe victims using U.S. marshals' phone numbers
Con artists are spoofing phone numbers from U.S. marshals to scam people out of money, the Marshals Service warned Friday."This tactic is known as neighbor…
Emotions strong, debate intense as Pardons Board weighs fates
Pardon for woman who killed her husband in 2013 appears unlikely.
Court filing: Bloomington mosque bombing suspect tried to escape from custody
Michael Hari made escape attempt while in transit from Illinois to Minnesota
Twin Cities app founder suing Facebook over alleged copyright violation
Facebook released its own app called "Lasso"
Minnesota hemp farmer faces felony charges over products' THC content
Luis Hummel had previously sued the Department of Agriculture after his license was suspended.
Judge rules Muslim woman's lawsuit against Ramsey Co. jail over hijab may proceed
Muslim woman, Ramsey County jail can go trial.
Pardon hearing set for rape survivor who served time after killing husband
She needs her name cleared to stay in the U.S.
Immigrant detentions, requests for relief rise in Minnesota
Cabduqaadir Mayow fled Somalia in 2014 and asked the United States for asylum, saying the terrorist group al-Shabab was threatening to kill him. A judge,…
Minnesota hemp grower fights state to keep his crop
Luis Hummel of Lanesboro is suing the state Department of Agriculture after it said his crop had too much THC.
Federal judges dismiss two misconduct lawsuits against Minneapolis, St. Paul police
One was a suit brought by a man who had been detained and tased at a Vikings game and another arrested protesting the death of Philando Castile.
Woman who sued CTC calls for boycott after request for court reimbursement
Children's Theatre's response to sex abuse suit led to confrontation.
Meth sales, abuse are reaching a 'crisis' stage in Minnesota
Once a backwoods issue, seizures, treatment and deaths still break records.
Lawsuit accuses ex-officer Mohamed Noor of needlessly pointing gun during traffic stop
It's the third lawsuit filed against the former Minneapolis officer.
Jury convicts Champlin man for string of armed robberies
The crime spree began in March 2018.
Sex assault lawsuit against former probation officer faces immunity obstacle
Law prof wants federal worker exemption to go
Minnesota man, Marine vet born in U.S. sues over passport denial
Mark Esqueda wants a judge to declare once and for all that he was born in America.
FBI: Material in Dinkytown apartment presumed to be ricin
The University of Minnesota student had come into contact with the material, but "not in a random fashion; meaning she may have been intentionally handling the material," according to the FBI statement.
Lawsuit says Burnsville police fatally shot unarmed man in the back
Dakota County Attorney's Office called the shooting justified.
Before latest arrest, serial rape suspect had long criminal history
Kenyatta Buckles was charged in March with committing multiple sexual assaults over the last four months. He is accused of targeting sex workers he had contacted online and raping them at knife point.
Mining firm to pay $500,000 for air pollution on Minnesota's Iron Range
Environmental group calls the federal court penalty inadequate.
As reform looms, sex assault survivors share stories with Mpls. Council
Minneapolis police presented a comprehensive plan to better handle the cases
Her time served, a rape survivor asks for a reprieve
She killed abusive husband, now fights to stay in U.S.
Downtown gets ready to adjust for Final Four crowds, changes
Downtown business owners and workers will make adjustments with an anticipated arrival of nearly 100,000 visitors from out of town.
Minneapolis leaders unveil new plan to handle sex assault cases
The mayor and police chief promised to improve police response and place a new emphasis on victims' needs.
Minnesota rivers continue to creep up, but flooding remains moderate
A slow melt and lots of preparation have minimized the damage.
Her time served for manslaughter, a rape survivor in Willmar asks for a reprieve
WILLMAR – Amreya Shefa hasn’t known freedom since setting foot in the United States. After her husband brought her from Ethiopia in 2012, Shefa…
Ex-Hiawatha Academies educator charged with sexually exploiting kids online
U.S. attorney says she wants to crack down on child exploitation cases
In class-action settlement, Minnesota prisoners win access to pricey hepatitis C drugs
Class-action suit accused state of withholding the cure for hepatitis C.
Minneapolis School District sued over building projects
A group of nonunion contractors from Minnesota and North Dakota says hiring practices discriminate.
Court grants Minnesota boys' request to compete on dance teams
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals cited the 14th Amendment requirement that no state can "deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
Ex-Minnesota federal probation agent pleads guilty to lying in extortion case
The women who say they were victimized by Dennis Edward Bresnahan, 55, expressed disappointment that he didn't face a harsher punishment.
Minnesota sex offender accused of sextorting minors pleads not guilty
Fairmont 19-year-old is charged in federal court.
Federal judge throws out lawsuit by suspended St. Thomas student amid sex assault allegations
There was no evidence of bias by the university, the judge ruled.
Launched after Minn. court cases, first U.S. deradicalization program shows promise
Program was launched after dozens of ISIS cases hit Minnesota courts.
Burnsville man pleads guilty to violent kidnapping
Victim abducted from downtown Minneapolis in August 2017.
Citing attorney missteps, judge reduces child pornographer's sentence
In unusual move, judge says convicted man's attorney failed him.
Orono man gets 7 years in prison for hiding millions from the IRS
After getting out of federal prison for fraud in 2000, Scott Phillip Flynn didn’t wait long to start his next criminal venture. From 2005 to…
Rescue of schnauzer lost in below-freezing temps has surprise twist
Dave had been groomed the day before. His fur was so short. It was 15 degrees outside, and he had been gone an hour.
Two of three convicted in ISIS trial ask U.S. Supreme Court to hear appeal
Both are challenging their 30-year sentences.
Police undertrained and overwhelmed by rape cases in Minnesota
Inadequate training for police who investigate sexual assaults, along with poor staffing and high turnover, plagues many police departments across the state – resulting in fewer charges against suspected offenders.
How alcohol foils rape investigations
Police are less likely to interview witnesses, assign cases to a detective or forward them to a prosecutor if the victim was drinking, according to a Star Tribune analysis. When cases involving alcohol do reach prosecutors, suspects are much less likely to be charged with a crime or convicted.
When rape is reported in Minnesota and nothing happens
A Star Tribune examination of more than 1,000 recent sexual assault cases shows pervasive failings by law enforcement — neglecting to interview witnesses, collect crucial evidence, or conduct criminal background checks on suspects. Many cases were never even assigned to an investigator.
Legislators see gap in key players as they reform rape laws
Bills part of launch of "Gender-Based Violence Prevention Week"
State lawmaker calls for bipartisan rape reform legislation
Sen. Warren Limmer sees promise in Swanson's 25 recommendations .
James Mahlon Rupp, TV pioneer at WCCO, dies at 83
The TV veteran and visionary put his creativity to work at WCCO.
Two plead guilty to militia activities leading to Bloomington mosque bombing
Michael McWhorter, 30, and Joe Morris, 25, face a minimum of 35 years in prison. A third man has pleaded not guilty and faces a trial in March.
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Minn. lawmakers introduce bill to address failings in sex assault investigations
Legislation would set new rules for all Minnesota law enforcement agencies.
Minnesota congressional members reintroduce sexual assault bill named for U student
Two Minnesota congressional members this week are reintroducing bipartisan sexual assault legislation named after a former University of Minnesota student-turned-activist whose rape case brought national…
Jake Patterson: Suspected killer, kidnapper's life remains a mystery
Jake Patterson had no criminal record or social media footprint.
Shutdown could hit Minn. advocacy groups for victims of abuse, sexual assault
Victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault could face a loss of services.
Minnesota judge: Refugee held for 18 months not a threat, must be released
No terror threat has been proved, federal ruling says.
When rape is reported and something happens
As dozens more women have stepped forward to tell their stories, reforms are underway in Minnesota. Victim advocates and rape survivors say they are heartened by the pledges of reform by police leaders, prosecutors and lawmakers.
New rules for Minnesota police on rape calls
Law enforcement officers responding to sexual assaults in Minnesota would be expected to follow strict new protocols — including the best ways to gather evidence and interview victims — under a draft policy prepared for the state's police licensing board.
Hennepin County's 'restorative court' to help people charged with minor crimes
Hennepin County expands homeless court to wider range of defendants, low-level crimes.
Despite ACA ruling, nothing changes for Minnesota
With the ruling likely to be appealed, it will likely take months for it to go through the court process.
A better way to investigate rape
Utah's shift is a promising sign of how a state can do more to help rape victims get the justice that so often eludes them — if everyone involved is working with the same priorities.
Convicted for rape in Minnesota, free from prison time
Felons spend less time in prison in Minnesota, and the state says that's by design.
Minn. task force sees 'systemic' shortcomings with rape cases
State task force appointed by Attorney General Lori Swanson points to action required by Legislature, judiciary, law enforcement, prosecutors and public.
Special Report: A victim heard, justice served
Many sexual assault reports in Minnesota are poorly investigated.
Most don't result in charges or convictions. This one was different.
Minnesota rape cases: Rejected by the prosecution
In Minnesota, half of sex assault cases police send to prosecutors never result in charges. Prosecutors reject cases that include DNA evidence, witnesses, and sometimes even confessions, records show.
Minnesota police board promises steps to improve sex assault investigations
POST Board will prepare officer training standards and a model policy for sex assault investigations.
Freeman pledges to strengthen sex assault investigations
The Hennepin County attorney said he was surprised at how many cases seem to go nowhere.
Frey pledges 'care and compassion' for sex assault victims
Minneapolis mayor was responding to a report showing chronic failings in sex assault investigations in Minnesota.
Public officials call sexual assault stories 'horrific'
Lawmakers, prosecutors respond to report on breakdowns in assault investigations.
State rep accused by advocate of unwanted touching; he says it was not sexual
Following allegations against Rep. Rod Hamilton, Republican leaders of the state House have suspended him as committee chairman.
Key question: Was Noor fearful during Damond shooting?
Noor's partner said he "perceived his life was in danger" and pulled his gun, according to charges.
Grand jury testimony begins in Noor shooting case
The list of officers summoned to testify before a grand jury Tuesday indicates that Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman is trying to meet the legal standard to charge Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor in the shooting death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, legal experts say.
Dates set for Lynch appeal hearing; attorney says they're too soon
Hearing dates are set for early February for suspended University of Minnesota basketball player Reggie Lynch to appeal findings he was responsible for sexual misconduct against two women.
Mike Freeman convenes grand jury in Damond shooting death
The Hennepin County attorney reversed course in the case of a Minneapolis police officer who shot Justine Damond in an alley after she had called 911 to report a possible crime.
2 south metro women plead guilty to murder for role in fatal drug robbery
The young women avoid life in prison for a drug robbery that went awry.
Obituary: Reed Schmidt, Atwater's former police chief, dies at 67
Jerry Spencer remembers sitting on the Atwater City Council in the mid-1990s, conducting interview after interview in search of a new police chief for the central Minnesota town, population 1,100. Reed Schmidt stood out. Social, friendly and outgoing, "he just seemed like the man for the position," Spencer said.
Lawyer: Gophers' Lynch denies allegations, requests hearing
The appeals process would likely take weeks if not months, making it unlikely Lynch will return to the court for the university, where investigators have recommended that he should be expelled.
