Recent content from Louis Krauss
How does law enforcement carry out sting operations like the one that led to Justin Eichorn's arrest?
From fake ads to police "chatters," multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated on a Bloomington underage prostitution sting.
Minnesota a quiet hotbed for nerd culture conventions
More than 30 conventions for fans of comics, games, anime and other geeky pursuits take place annually in Minnesota. The state's largest anime convention is Friday through Sunday in Minneapolis.
Health Department investigating inmate claims of spoiled food served at Rush City state prison
Corrections officials denied the allegations, saying they meet food safety regulations.
Ex-Sen. Justin Eichorn ordered to halfway house before next hearing on underage prostitution charge
The husband and father of 4 from Grand Rapids is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
Minnesota judge rules that state can still prosecute marijuana crimes on tribal land
A man and his attorney argued that the state can't prosecute him because of tribal protections and the state's recent cannabis legalization.
Frustrated Minneapolis tenants protest management after dealing with rodents, mold and feces
They say Utah-based Investment Property Group has neglected its apartment buildings.
A popular Twin Cities diner chain has added a surcharge for eggs. It's not the first.
Egg surcharges are becoming more common in Minnesota breakfast restaurants as costs rise amid a bird flu outbreak.
Skiers buried in Alaska avalanche had Minnesota ties
They were buried under from 40 to 100 feet of snow.
ACLU suit: Carver County illegally detained man in order to hand him over to ICE
Even though he posted bail, the county refused to release him so that ICE could take him into custody, the suit says.
Musk shares post calling for Trump to pardon Derek Chauvin
If President Donald Trump did pardon Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer would still spend over 10 additional years in prison for his state conviction that includes two counts of murder.
Fewer Minnesotans sought permits to carry guns in 2024, report finds
Minnesota saw a 13.8% drop in applications for permits to carry handguns last year, according to the new "Permit to Carry Annual Report" from the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
When will more dispensaries start opening in Minnesota? A cannabis business explainer.
As hopeful cannabis entrepreneurs work to submit applications, here's a look at what's still to come before Minnesotans start to see cannabis stores open around the state.
Minneapolis mailman retires after years of walking route, heads out on 2,650-mile mountain hike
Scott McLaughlin retired from his Minneapolis mail route, only to tackle a massive new challenge for his feet: Hiking the West Coast, bottom to top, through mountain ranges. Oh, and he can't see out of one eye.
Red Wing students plan walk out after district cancels Black History Month assembly with Keith Ellison
Students are planning to walk out Friday morning to commemorate Black History Month, after the district canceled a visit from Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Ukrainians in Minnesota fearful of future following Trump remarks over Russia's war on Ukraine
Local business owners and community leaders said they are concerned after President Trump refused to say if Vladimir Putin was a dictator.
Randy Furst, a Star Tribune reporter for more than half a century, calls it a career
A dogged reporter who broke big stories and championed the underdog, Randy Furst earned the respect of those he covered and the love of his newsroom colleagues.
Twin Cities radio host Dave Ryan returns after suspension over snorting segment
During his KDWB-FM talk show on Friday, Ryan and others joked about snorting edible powders on air.
Protesters march at Minnesota State Capitol to push back against Trump administration
Hundreds demonstrate in St. Paul as part of "50501 Movement" protests.
Several Minnesota restaurants and day cares close Monday to protest Trump immigration actions
The movement calls for businesses to stay closed for the day to stand in solidarity with immigrants and immigrant workers.
Shakopee nonprofit founder pleads guilty in Feeding Our Future fraud scheme
Mekfira Hussein was the 30th person to plead guilty to fraud in the federally funded nutrition program.
Twin Cities activists rally crowd at Target HQ to boycott retailer after DEI rollback
More than 70 people came out to Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis to protest Target's move in the wake of the Trump administration's efforts to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Trump order prevents transgender Minnesotans from changing identifiers on passports
Donald Trump's executive order is blocking Minnesotans and others across the country from applying to change their gender marker on federal identification cards.
Judge issues 17-year prison sentence in Feeding Our Future fraud scheme
Mukhtar Shariff used shell companies to help siphon more than $47 million in federal pandemic aid money intended for hungry kids.
Maryland woman charged in crash that killed Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson and his friends
The woman, who was charged by a grand jury with 13 counts, was arrested Thursday.
Which Minnesotans have snagged an Oscar? Here's a list.
Here's a look at Minnesotans who have won Oscar awards in the past.
Apple Valley police find vehicle of missing man who may be experiencing mental health crisis
The man's vehicle was found in Superior, Wis., after he went missing while on the job for Domino's in Apple Valley.
Minnesota TikTok personalities brace for impending app ban: 'I have to worry'
The app fills an important role helping regular people connect with one another, several popular TikTok users said. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to block the congressional ban.
Twin Cities' first video game music orchestra takes the stage Friday night
The new Twin Cities Gamer Symphony Orchestra will perform songs from popular games from the early 2000s such as "Halo" and more at a free concert Friday night in St. Paul.
Minneapolis encampment fires highlight safety concerns and raise questions on response
On Monday, two large fires sent plumes of smoke above south Minneapolis. In the past year, there have been at least four major fires at Minneapolis encampments.
With homeless shelter beds fully booked, Hennepin County has stopped tracking how many people it turns away
There are more than 800 emergency shelter beds available for single adults throughout the county, but when homeless people call the hotline, they're often greeted with "all beds are full."
Minneapolis police reform agreement: What you need to know
The federal consent decree puts numerous policies in place to dictate how Minneapolis police officers must act.
Minnesota task force recommends decriminalizing 'magic' mushrooms
The task force report says psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in mushrooms, may offer treatment for depression, anxiety, substance abuse and eating disorders.
Judge rejects developer's attempt to end moratorium on 'Muslim-friendly' Lino Lakes project
Faraaz Mohammed, the developer behind a controversial Lino Lakes proposal, faced fraud allegations in civil court and pleaded guilty to theft by swindle in criminal court. Opponents say it should be considered, but supporters see opposition motivated by Islamophobia.
Snowy owl rescued from vehicle grille in Duluth
The owl pulled from a car was one of two rescued on Monday by Annabell Whelan, who works for the Lake Superior Zoo.
With norovirus cases spiking in Minnesota, here's how to avoid getting sick
The Minnesota Department of Health has logged 40 cases of the virus, known as "stomach flu," in December so far.
New cross-country ski trailhead opens in Superior National Forest
The Flathorn-Gegoka Ski Trail had been inaccessible after flooding damaged the ski bridges in the eastern side of the park.
It's another freezing Minneapolis winter. Got your Frisbee?
Single-digit temperatures and freshly fallen snow won't stop the hardiest ultimate fans in Minneapolis from winter pick-up games.
Satanic holiday display knocked over and removed, then returned to Minnesota State Capitol
The display, just off the main rotunda, was briefly removed Wednesday after someone apparently knocked it over.
Second free grocery store Today's Harvest opens in Maplewood
The free grocery store is the second operated by local food bank Open Cupboard.
FBI raids Minneapolis, St. Cloud autism centers: What you need to know
The two companies in Minneapolis and St. Cloud allegedly stole millions in fraud money through government-funded programs in recent years.
40th annual Homeless Memorial March in Minneapolis persists through freezing temperatures
Cold weather didn't prevent nearly 200 to make the march around Loring Park to honor hundreds of unhoused or formerly homeless Minnesotans who passed away in 2024.
South Minneapolis encampment fire spreads to nearby homes, displaces dozens
Somewhere between 25 and 30 people were living in the encampment prior to the fire, according to a housed neighbor and a resident of the camp.
New details about life, background of Luigi Mangione, UnitedHealthcare shooting suspect
Luigi Mangione, suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO and Minnesota resident Brian Thompson, hails from a prominent Maryland family. People who knew him say he was intelligent and promising.
Who is Luigi Mangione, person of interest arrested in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing?
The suspect was carrying a manifesto that criticized health care companies for putting profits above care, police said.
Stillwater inmate dies in prison cell, investigation underway
David John Ojeda, 43, was found dead inside his cell within the Stillwater correctional facility this month. A cause of death has not been released.
Timothée Chalamet visits Minneapolis ahead of Bob Dylan biopic showing
The actor toured the U and other Minneapolis locations Thursday after he was praised by "the Bard" himself earlier in the week.
Minneapolis bar Betty Danger's sells for $3.5 million
The new owner Joe Radaich did not disclose what he has planned for the bar in northeast Minneapolis.
Minnesota inmates frustrated by pause on prison tablet service
Several inmates said they are at a disadvantage because those who still have tablets can spend unlimited amounts of time working on emails, while they are limited to 15 minutes for each computer use.
Cannabis business applicants sue state over license denials, seek to delay lottery
The suits accuse the state of "arbitrarily" rejecting applications for preapproval for a cannabis business license.
Cannabis ban considered for Minneapolis parks
A Minneapolis Park Board proposal stops short of criminalizing smoking cannabis in parks.
Minneapolis Park Board and Park Police phones down following systemwide outage
The Park Board website asked that those who require a police response to call 911 instead. There is no estimate yet on when phone service will be restored.
Legendary Minneapolis dive bar CC Club could soon be up for sale
Co-owner Randy Segal said he is thinking about retiring. The hallowed establishment at 26th and Lyndale plays a prominent role in local music history.
THC-friendly Hi Flora restaurant in Minneapolis to close after fine, financial hardship
The owner of the restaurant on Lyndale Avenue in south Minneapolis said she will be closing the restaurant on Dec. 5 following a fine from the state.
Charges: Inver Grove Heights woman stole more than 500 pieces of mail from multiple homes
There were 161 victims of mail theft in the Inver Grove Heights case, according to police.
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Hennepin County jail granted extension to reduce inmate population after missing deadline
The jail was still about 120 inmates over the mandated limit of 600 on Thursday.
Spike in Minneapolis homeless encampment shootings fuels disagreement on cause, remedy
There have been several deadly encampment shootings this fall, reviving the debate between city officials, advocates and others on the best response to crime at encampments.
Man charged in cold case murder of Minneapolis woman found in Wisconsin snowbank in 1974
The Dunn County Sheriff's Office traveled to Owatonna to arrest a man who allegedly picked up Minneapolis hitchhiker Mary Schlais and then stabbed her.
Losing Senate candidate Royce White says he will 'very likely' challenge Sen. Tina Smith in '26
The Republican lost big to Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Tuesday night, but said he's already giving strong consideration to running for the seat now held by another Democrat.
Project 2025 platform proposal aims to allow mining in Boundary Waters watershed
The proposal suggests removing the 20-year protection on the Superior National Forest that President Joe Biden's administration had ordered in 2023.
Delay in Minnesota election results likely due to absentee ballot deadline change
The deadline for Minnesota cities and counties to receive absentee ballots was extended, delaying when some results have been posted.
Minneapolis opens temporary 'community safety center' on E. Lake Street
The new center aims to connect the E. Lake Street community with services related to housing, community safety and more.
'Possible' human remains found in northern Minnesota river turn out to be Halloween skeleton
The spooky discovery was reported and investigated by several law enforcement agencies before determining it was a discarded Halloween decoration.
Kris Lindahl Real Estate partners with Activision on 'Call of Duty' billboard ads
Local real estate company owner Kris Lindahl said he was approached by the video game publisher as a way to promote the latest version of its popular, first-person shooter game.
U of M postpones Anthony Fauci lecture after pro-Palestinian protesters occupy building
The decision to postpone Fauci's lecture was made in response to "unexpected and complicated incidents" over the past 24 hours, a university spokesman said.
Little oversight in Minnesota for haunted hayrides, other Halloween crowd-pleasers
Halloween or autumn-themed activities on farms, like the hayride in St. Augusta, Minn., where a 13-year-old boy was injured and died earlier this month, are subject to little oversight.
Video game lounge coming to MSP early next year
The new gaming hub is expected to open in January in concourse D.
Body found in Eden Prairie pond matches description of missing 11-year-old boy, police say
Mohamed Mohamed, who has autism, went missing around 5:45 p.m. Sunday.
Stillwater prison seeks to soothe inmates with classical music
"Pure heaven" was how one inmate at the Minnesota Department of Corrections prison in Stillwater described the chance to hear live music inside. Corrections officials see potential in the programming.
Hennepin County announces 'effective end' to veteran homelessness
The county says it is helping veterans overcome homelessness at a faster rate than those who are becoming homeless.
Why does it stink outside? Manure smell sweeps across Twin Cities, and it could linger
The fertilizer smell typically lasts until below-freezing weather arrives, an air quality meteorologist for the state said.
Delta will begin offering nonstop flights from Twin Cities to Copenhagen next spring
Delta will offer the new route starting in May 2025.
With Twins now on the block, here are prices fetched by MLB teams in recent sales
Three of the last four Major League Baseball teams sold to new owners have increased their value since the change in ownership.
Diehard Lynx fans revel in team's return to glory, and the WNBA Finals
Fans of the Minnesota WNBA franchise, most of whom readily recall the team's dominant era, said they are confident the current team's unselfish style of play and mix of talent will bring the Lynx their fifth championship, and first in seven years.
Minnesota Supreme Court reviews indecent exposure conviction of woman who went topless
The attorney for Eloisa Plancarte argued that she did not commit a "lewd" act under Minnesota law when she exposed her breasts in a Rochester gas station parking lot.
Here's how much faster elite runners are, compared with average Twin Cities Marathon participant
The fastest runner in the 2022 Twin Cities Marathon ran more than twice the speed of the average participant.
