Local
June 30, 2016
500-gram fireworks may become legal in Minnesota. This 33-shot Pyrotechnic Pulverizer sells for $109.99 at the Phantom Fireworks at Roberts, Wisc. Mon

Why I drive to Wisconsin to buy the really good fireworks every summer

My favorite July 4th tradition? Trekking across the St. Croix River to stockpile some serious explosives.
Local
June 30, 2016
the sign that hangs over the entrance to Gunflint Lodge on the Gunflint Trail in northern Minnesota.

Gunflint Lodge in new hands after more than 80 years

The lodge, which has been in the Kerfoot family since 1929, was sold last week to a couple who plan to continue its traditions and the outfitting operation on Gunflint Lake, 43 miles north of Grand Marais.
Local
June 30, 2016

Wayzata man among 3 charged in $12M movie investing scheme

The man behind one of Minnesota's largest film studios and two California men have been indicted after the FBI said they bilked investors out of $12 million that was supposed to finance movies.
Local
June 30, 2016
Kenyon Police Chief Lee Sjoland "tickets" at young bike rider for wearing a helmet, in this photo on the department's Facebook page. The "ticket" is g

Kenyon's social-media savvy police chief heads to the White House

Chief Sjolander's posts on police Facebook page have drawn national attention.
Local
June 30, 2016

Minneapolis police release final bodycam policy

Nearly 600 officers will be equipped with devices after the July 4th holiday.
Local
June 30, 2016
Mike Heath got lots of kisses and cuddles as he reunited with his dog Baby after Toni Johnson found Baby and had him groomed and cleaned at a Petco fo

Tevlin: Homeless man reunited with therapeutic dog

Mike Heath reported that the dog, Baby, was stolen in May. Heath posted fliers all over south Minneapolis, where the dog was believed to have been taken, and showed up at the Star Tribune looking for assistance.
Minneapolis
June 30, 2016
Supports of a $15 minimum wage chanted as they rallied before marching around City Hall and delivering the petition.

Advocates for $15 minimum wage rally in Mpls., turn in petitions

Mpls. officials will work to verify the signatures.
Local
June 30, 2016

Willmar mourns the drownings of two fourth-grade boys

Dozens of women crowded the homes of fourth-graders Ahmed Hashi and Idris Hussein, whose families live not far from one another in Willmar, to offer the families comfort and prayers.
Minneapolis
June 30, 2016
Gophers wrestling coach J Robinson.

No charges for U wrestlers, Robinson in Xanax drug case

County attorney says evidence insufficient, but U is still investigating wrestlers, coach.
Local
June 29, 2016

Driver in unsecured load crash comes forward

Kyle R. Gunderson, 35, of Menomonie, Wis., contacted the Minnesota State Patrol after viewing a viral video of the crash and realizing his load was involved, the patrol said.
Local
June 29, 2016

Motorcyclist, 61, killed during deer collision in Clearwater County

Richard W. Engen, 61, of Clearbrook, Minn., was headed east on Hwy. 223 in Clearwater County when he struck a deer that ran in front of him. Engen was thrown from the bike on impact and died at the scene as a result of his injuries, according to state patrol. He was not wearing a helmet.
West Metro
June 29, 2016

Tempers flare in Bloomington as City Council rejects another effort to kill organized garbage collection

Tempers flared as a new effort to kill unified pickup was rejected.
Local
June 29, 2016

June 29: Heinrich trial on child pornography charges rescheduled

Due to begin this month, it has been moved to Oct. 11.
Local
June 29, 2016

Xcel's power line plans have Victoria residents charged up

Citizens proposed to have the power lines rerouted underground, but the city says it can't pay for that.
Minneapolis
June 29, 2016
A recently arrested man is searched in the holding area of the Public Safety Facility. ] Timothy Nwachukwu • timothy.nwachukwu@startribune.com

At annual convention, Hennepin County a model for how jailed mentally ill are treated

The humane treatment of mentally ill inmates is highlighted at conference.
West Metro
June 29, 2016

Juror pay in Minnesota district courts to double, starting next week

Jurors will make $20 for each day they report to the courthouse, and they will be reimbursed for the round-trip mileage between their homes and the courthouse at the rate of 54 cents per mile. Currently, jurors are paid $10 per day and are reimbursed for mileage at the rate of 27 cents per mile.
South Metro
June 29, 2016
Donnell Bratton, a St. Paul pastor and youth worker, has bought a building on Robert Street in West St. Paul with plans to operate a youth shelter the

Pastor envisions youth shelter in old West St. Paul bank building

He looks to turn vacant West St. Paul building into youth homeless shelter.
Local
June 29, 2016

Great Cycle Challenge USA on track to earn nearly $3 million for cancer

More than 26,000 cyclists across the nation spent June raising money for Great Cycle Challenge USA, one of Minnesota's most instantly successful nonprofit fundraisers. In just its second year, it's on track to raise nearly $3 million — up from $1.7 million last year — thanks to dedicated cyclists and the power of focused social media.
Local
June 29, 2016

U of M student newspaper to cut back print edition to 2 days a week

The Minnesota Daily, the student newspaper at the Twin Cities campus, plans shift to "digital first" approach and put more resources into its online and mobile platforms.
Books
June 29, 2016
Michael Drivas, owner of Big Brain Comics in downtown Minneapolis. The much loved comic book store will close its doors after 20 years in late June.

Beloved Minneapolis comic book store Big Brain is closing

After years in the local comic book scene, Michael Drivas is calling it quits his acclaimed Big Brain.

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