Recent content from Randy Furst
Joe Rigert, award-winning Star Tribune investigative reporter, dies at 91
Rigert won many state and national awards for public service reporting during 35 years with the Minneapolis newspaper.
Mpls. council committee overrides critics, approves proposed police oversight commission
Most speakers at a public hearing denounced the proposal to revamp the civilian police oversight process.
Debate stirs as Minneapolis council vote nears on proposed police oversight reforms
Activists and past leaders of the city's civilian review process say the proposed changes fail to tackle some of the current system's most serious shortcomings involving police misconduct.
Man convicted in 1992 murder of Minneapolis police officer to remain in prison
Amwati Pepi Mckenzie, whose life sentence was reviewed for possible supervised release Tuesday, was one of four men convicted in 1993 in Haaf's murder in south Minneapolis.
One of four men convicted in 1992 Mpls. cop murder up for release
Amwati Pepi Mckenzie faces a hearing Tuesday to consider whether he should be granted supervised release — an outcome opposed by a number of police.
Ventura says Walz pledged to him quick action on legalizing marijuana
"That was one of many reasons why I endorsed Gov. Walz," the former governor said Friday. "He would legalize cannabis, whereas Republicans are the ones stopping it."
Two dozen formerly incarcerated men were moved out of transitional housing — and no one said why
Authorities allege criminal activity at Great River Landing, but the displaced men say they weren't given any specifics.
'I thought I was going to be George Floyd before George Floyd,' says man stopped, cuffed by Minneapolis officer
Ramone Brown sues Minneapolis, former officer after he was pulled over for no reason and car searched.
Fleet Farm accused of negligently selling guns to straw buyers
Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing in Hennepin County District Court. At least one of those guns acquired in such a "straw purchase" was used in a 2021 shootout at Truck Stop bar in St. Paul
Experts: Richard Liu likely paid big price to settle suit by student accusing him of rape
Legal experts believe that Chinese billionaire Richard Liu paid a huge price to settle the lawsuit brought against him by a former University of Minnesota…
Billionaire settles U student's suit alleging 2018 rape in Mpls.
The settlement was announced late Saturday, just before the civil trial in Hennepin County was set to begin.
Jury set for trial of Chinese billionaire Richard Liu, accused of raping University of Minnesota student
Opening statements are expected Monday in the civil trial, held in Hennepin County District Court.
Jury selection begins today in sexual assault lawsuit against Chinese billionaire
Jurors will decide whether Richard Liu plied a University of Minnesota student from China with alcohol and raped her, as she claims, or whether the student fabricated the accusation in hopes of a financial windfall.
Reggie Radniecki, groundbreaking Minnesota news photographer, dies at 74
A native of Thief River Falls, Minn., she was honored numerous times for her work in her 18 years with the Minneapolis Tribune.
64 years later, the Golden Rule takes to the water again to challenge nuclear arms
A crew will sail down the Mississippi, up the East Coast and through the Great Lakes to back the prohibition of nuclear weapons.
Student's sexual assault lawsuit against Chinese billionaire can proceed
The civil trial of Richard Liu is scheduled to begin this month.
Dennis Jones, guitar playing steelworker and union activist, dies at 85
His songs appeared on a professionally produced album supporting strikers at Hormel in the 1980s.
Did a TV debate decide one of Minnesota's most scandalous elections?
A sex scandal during the 1990 gubernatorial election resulted in a last-minute candidate becoming governor in an upset.
Seeking release of Leonard Peltier, AIM launches 'Justice Walk' from Minneapolis to Washington
Peltier is imprisoned in connection with the murder of 2 FBI agents in 1975.
Supporters of U student suing billionaire in alleged rape are silenced in China
Social media accounts sharing information sympathetic to the student are being suspended or shut down.
Longtime shoeshine stand loses concession at MSP airport
Rosemary Zeno, who operated the small Black-owned family company, was in tears after the vote.
Twin Cities shoeshine firm again at risk of losing its longtime MSP airport spot
Black-owned shoeshine stand started at the airport in 1969.
Chinese billionaire's company isn't off the hook in U of M student's rape lawsuit
Judge Edward Wahl also said the University of Minnesota student can seek punitive damages against billionaire Richard Liu.
University of Minnesota associate dean's behavior questioned in student's rape case
A U official helped find a lawyer for a Chinese billionaire after a student alleged she was raped, according to court filing.
Marie Braun, lifelong peace and justice activist, dies at 87
The thousands of "No war in Iraq" signs that popped up in neighborhoods were courtesy of Marie and husband John.
Racial covenants found embedded in Ramsey County deeds
The research is far from complete, but the Mapping Prejudice group plans to launch a dialogue about the consequences of racial covenants in Ramsey County as it has in Hennepin County.
Police organization opposes bill to resolve surging statewide PTSD claims
The bill requires first responders to undergo treatment before they would be eligible for permanent disability pension benefits.
Ex-Minneapolis cop gets three years for stealing drugs during traffic stops
Ty Jindra was convicted last year and later admitted to the thefts.
Former Star Tribune columnist Jim Klobuchar celebrated at memorial service
He died May 12, 2021, at the age of 93, and was buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The public service was postponed until Friday due to COVID-19.
Bad Minnesota cops on notice as crackdown in the works
The POST board approved new rules this spring that would allow it to revoke the license of an officer who violates its conduct guidelines, whether or not the misbehaving officer has been charged or convicted of a crime.
Kathryn 'Jennie' Lightfoot, who played key role in Twin Cities Native American community, dies at 83
Kathryn Jeanette "Jennie" Lightfoot devoted a lifetime of service to the American Indian community in the Twin Cities. For decades, she played a central role…
Special Olympics USA games coming to Twin Cities in 2026
The Twin Cities hosted the 1991 International Special Olympics, which drew nearly 130,000 fans over seven days of competition in 16 sports. About 6,000 athletes from around the world participated.
Crystal police lieutenant charged with unauthorized searches of ex-girlfriend's driving records
Derrick Hacker is accused of looking up data of ex-girl friend and lying to investigators.
Former Mpls. police officer admits drug use, pleads for mercy as he awaits sentence
Jindra's attorneys insisted at his trial that he was innocent and had been unfairly targeted by federal officials.
Minnesota court officials make some remote hearings permanent
Lawyers are concerned about the question of public access under the new plan for Minnesota courts.
Sheriff's plan to lead metrowide team gets a mixed reception
The Senate bill would have Ramsey County reporting to the commissioner of public safety, but the commissioner knew nothing about it.
Tuesday Read: 'Whiteness in Plain View,' by Chad Montrie
NONFICTION: Minnesota's long anti-Black history is focus of new book.
As police claims of PTSD soar, officials scramble for solutions
In Minneapolis, the city has already paid out more than $20 million in workers' comp claims to cops.
American Indian groups rally at Capitol for state money for 12 new facilities
They're pushing for legislation that would spend nearly $84 million on a series of projects.
George Floyd protester receives $2.4 million payout from Minneapolis after losing eye to a police projectile
Soren Stevenson sued the city in federal court after he was hit by a 40mm blunt impact projectile fired by police officer.
Former Hennepin County Library Director Chad Helton fails to win Seattle library job
The board unanimously chose Tom Fay, never mentioned Helton in public comments.
Hennepin County Library Director Chad Helton resigns
As part of a settlement agreement, Hennepin County will pay Helton $60,000 for "emotional damages."
Michelle Gross and the Minnesota group she leads seek to hold police accountable
The president of Communities United Against Police Brutality says she believes in policing "that serves the needs of the community."
In Seattle interview, Hennepin library director acknowledges residency policy
Helton was interviewed virtually for the job of chief librarian in Seattle on Thursday.
Library Director Chad Helton on leave from Hennepin library system
Helton has taken criticism for directing the library system from his home in Los Angeles.
Once-fired officer promoted to Mpls. police training director
David Garman was one of several officials with checkered pasts who have been elevated by interim Chief Huffman.
History Theatre's 'Not for Sale' unearths a painful episode of racism in South St. Paul
A man's battle against bigotry becomes the subject of a play inspired by his daughter.
Police training, policies under microscope in ex-MPD cops' trial
Unlike Derek Chauvin's trial, which focused on his actions in the killing of George Floyd, this time the Minneapolis Police Department's culture and practices are under the microscope.
Bloomington police arrest man who crashed stolen truck in squad cars
Truck was stolen from Brooklyn Park dealership
Carjacking reported outside Brooklyn Park strip mall COVID testing site
No one was injured, and the vehicle has been recovered.
Hennepin County Library director is finalist for top job with Seattle Public Library
Helton has drawn criticism for his decision to direct the library from Los Angeles.
Store owners wary, weary as robberies climb in Minneapolis
Some stores have been hit several times, making workers quit and scaring away customers.
Clyde Bellecourt, AIM co-founder and longtime civil rights leader, dies
One of the most important leaders in the history of the American Indian struggle for civil rights, he was 85.
Longtime civil rights activist Mel Reeves dies of complications from COVID
Reeves, 64, was at the forefront of community activism.
Lowell Erdahl, former Lutheran bishop and social justice advocate, dies at 90
He was an outspoken advocate on issues of peace, social justice and inclusion of women and gays in the ministry.
Hennepin County library director may need to live in state under new policy
The library chief can ask for exemption, but new policy says if your staff interacts with the public, you can't live out-of-state.
Wright family, activists cheer Kimberly Potter verdict
A crowd erupted in cheers outside the Hennepin County Courthouse on Thursday as the two guilty verdicts were announced in former police officer Kimberly Potter's manslaughter trial for shooting Daunte Wright.
Some thought Kimberly Potter's emotional testimony was genuine; others say she was acting
Those with a law enforcement background had a different take from community activists on the Potter trial
Albert Lea restaurant owner found guilty of violating state COVID mandate
A jury of three women and three men took only an hour of deliberation to convict Lisa Hanson.
Albert Lea bar owner goes on trial for resisting state COVID mandates
Lisa Hanson, who is representing herself in court, again found herself battling officials in the legal establishment, who found many of her arguments without merit or in violation of law or court procedure.
Would Travis's Law have helped Travis Jordan in 2018? Maybe not, some say
Minneapolis mental health responders will not go into situations where violence is possible until police consider it safe.
Rent escrow requirement prevents tenants from challenging poor living conditions, lawyers say
Landlords benefit from a court directive that is a violation of due process, housing litigators say.
Minneapolis landlord fined $133,500 for 'horrific' conditions of 'biblical plague proportions'
The judge issued a permanent injunction to stop the landlord from engaging in illegal and deceptive practices.
Ex-Minneapolis officer found guilty of stealing drugs during traffic stops
Ty Jindra, who was fired by the Minneapolis police in 2020, was found guilty of 5 of 11 counts of a federal indictment.
Case of an ex-Minneapolis cop who allegedly stole drugs goes to the jury
A federal jury will decide whether Ty Jindra seized drugs in good faith or was a thief.
Emmett Eastman, Native American marathoner who ran to carry the message of the Dakota culture and social justice, has died
For nearly half a century, Emmett Eastman Sr., a Native American activist, ran marathons."My runs represent a prayer step," he said in 2018, on the…
Amid federal probe, police reform canvassers say they've gathered 1,100 complaints
They plan to turn them over to the Justice Department.
Minnesota man indicted in February slaying at Allina clinic
Gregory Ulrich remains in the Wright County jail; a trial date has not been set.
Which Indigenous tribes first called Minnesota home?
Archeologists and historians believe Native Americans have lived in Minnesota since the glaciers receded 13,000 years ago.
Glennis Ter Wisscha, one of the Willmar 8, dies at 62
As a 19-year-old, she was propelled into the national spotlight when she and seven other female bank workers went on strike in December 1977 over sex discrimination.
Hennepin County Library to increase hours of operation, but workers say there's not enough staff
They say more are workers needed as Hennepin County plans to extend hours of operation.
Minneapolis police to get training to speak up over peers' excessive force
The program, called ABLE, is being used by 180 police departments nationwide. Some say it can change police culture.
Laurie Schmidt, Minnesota Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2020, dies at 57
Thurston Morton recalls the talk he gave to his class on the fundamentals of public speaking at Normandale Community College nearly two years ago. His…
