Staff Directory 10010146

Louis Krauss

Reporter | General assignment

Louis Krauss is a general assignment reporter for the Star Tribune.

Recent content from Louis Krauss
Law enforcement stand outside Las Cuatro Milpas restaurant on Tuesday in Minneapolis.

Federal operation at Lake Street restaurant that drew protests was one of 8 across Twin Cities

Protesters clashed with federal agents as they surrounded a south Minneapolis restaurant.
Chief Brian O'Hara highlights reductions in reported violent crimes so far in Minneapolis for 2025.

Agencies again team up in Minneapolis to saturate crime hot spots for 'Operation Safe Summer'

Minneapolis police and other law enforcement groups are targeting the small number of people responsible for a disproportionate amount of violence in the city.
A Minneapolis police officer from the forensics division collects evidence Monday after a shooting that killed one and wounded others at Boom Island P

After barrage of gunfire, neighbors, city officials take critical look at Boom Island Park safety

While shaken by the shooting at a gathering of over 100 people, residents who live near the popular northeast Minneapolis park said it still feels safe overall.
Members of World Youth Connect fill balloons during a group meeting on May 20 in St. Paul. The group, founded by Ofir Germanic and DeJiohn Brooks, lea

Violent crime is down in St. Paul. Here's what's working.

The St. Paul Police Department's new nonfatal shooting unit and World Youth Connect have taken different approaches to curb shootings and other serious crimes before they lead to homicides.
Gloria Reyes, Deputy County Manager for Safety and Justice for Ramsey County, speaks at a news conference to announce a multi-agency initiative aimed

Metro Transit police, partner agencies announce initiative aimed at fixing Green Line safety problems

The chief of Metro Transit police said there has already been an increase in police presence to help address public nuisance problems for riders.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, center, and Police Chief Brian O’Hara, right, address the dismissal of the federal consent decree during a news confer

U.S. seeks to dismiss consent decree on Minneapolis police reforms

The Department of Justice move comes days before the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder, prompting public outcry from local leaders.
From left, Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights Director Michelle Phillips, Deputy Community Safety Commissioner Jared Jeffries and Police Chief Bri

Report: Minneapolis police made progress reducing backlog of complaints and force reviews

Minneapolis had significant reductions in the backlog of police use-of-force and misconduct-review cases, according to a new report.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, center, introduces the appointments of Ayodele Famodu, left, as chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau and Gane

Minneapolis police hire civilians to run departments in charge of officer conduct, community trust

The department says it's the first time civilians have held such high-ranking positions for Minneapolis police.
A memorial for George Floyd at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis.

'This is an uprising': An oral history of the 6 days after George Floyd's murder

Protesters, police, Gov. Tim Walz and neighbors chronicle the upheaval that changed Minneapolis and spread across the world.
K.G Wilson, right, watches as family and friends release balloons for his granddaughter Aniya Allen at her gravesite at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapol

Four years after granddaughter's murder, Minneapolis activist and other families continue to push for justice

The longtime activist was joined by about 50 people and speakers who vowed to find who killed 6-year-old Aniya Allen.
The alley behind Panaderia San Miguel bakery seen in Minneapolis on Wednesday. A man shot dead in a south Minneapolis alley overnight was the city's 1

Man found shot in alley adds to recent surge of homicides in Minneapolis

There have been 11 homicides in the city in the past 2½ weeks.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi speaks alongside other county and state official partners to recommit to "appropriate, dedicated" response to sexual

Ramsey County leaders recommit to improving sexual assault response and adding resources

County leaders discussed a variety of improvements they say they will make, such as providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed training.
Police investigate a homicide in St. Paul's Frogtown neighborhood on Friday.

St. Paul man charged in killing of mother of 2-year-old child in Frogtown home

The man was arrested early Saturday morning in Minneapolis, and on Monday was charged with stabbing and killing the mother of his child.
St. Paul Police and medical examiner vehicles are parked outside a home on Edmund Ave. in St. Paul on Friday. A homicide investigation is ongoing at t

Man arrested in woman's death at home in St. Paul's Frogtown neighborhood

An uninjured 2-year-old girl also was found in the home.
Backpackers enjoyed some downtime at the end of a day's hike in Denali National Park in August 2024.

Backpacking Denali National Park, without trails or a plan

These three cousins were dropped in the middle of the Denali backcountry with nothing to do but explore.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara announces an arrest Thursday in a shooting Tuesday that left three people dead and two wounded. He was joined

Arrest made in Minneapolis shooting that left 3 dead and was followed by 2 more killings

Police are trying to figure out whether the shootings are connected. They said they believe they are not random.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara hugs Tori Myslajek, the partner of fallen officer Jamal Mitchell, during an event honoring the bravery demonst

In a day of 'unimaginable violence,' Minneapolis police officers honored for courage

The ceremony gave medals of honor and lifesaving awards to the team that responded to the chaotic shooting scene during the murder of officer Jamal Mitchell.
A woman is comforted as police investigate a homicide on Cedar Avenue S. in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

Five killed in Minneapolis shootings; one believed 'targeted,' another retaliatory

Two women hit by gunfire were 20-year-old twins, and one did not survive, their aunt told the Star Tribune.
Minneapolis Police Department squad car.

Officials ID man shot to death over weekend in Minneapolis

Counting Tuesday's triple killing, there have been 14 homicides in the city so far this year.
“I know most of the people who come through the store,” said Ibrahim Eltahan, as he visited with a customer buying coffee at Winner Gas Station in

Minneapolis records longest period without a homicide in more than 8 years

There were no homicides reported in Minneapolis between Feb. 15 and April 18. Police Chief Brian O'Hara credits public safety strategies and community partnerships.
A still image from body camera footage shows Pepsi Heinl aiming a handgun at St. Paul police officers moments after their arrival. They shot and kille

Prosecutors: St. Paul officers justified in fatal 2024 shooting of woman who pointed a gun at them

County Attorney John Choi said officers had "no other reasonable choice" than to shoot Pepsi Lee Heinl last May.
Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn speaks to the media following an incident involving a handgun inside M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina on

Police: Man who pulled gun in Edina hospital was arrested about hour later at home 28 miles away

The 65-year-old suspect remains jailed on domestic assault allegations.
Minneapolis police showed several videos of a man vandalizing Tesla cars.

Police arrest man suspected in Minneapolis Tesla vandalism spree that caused $21K in damage

Police say videos show the 33-year-old walking up to Tesla cars and scraping them with a key. Each of the six incidents caused thousands of dollars of damage.
South St. Paul Mayor Jimmy Francis, center, and Council Member Pam Bakken, right, scan the packed crowd at a Feb. 18 City Council meeting. Some reside

South St. Paul group files petition to recall council member accused of exposing child to meth at day care

The group of residents seeking to remove Council Member Pam Bakken would need to obtain close to 2,800 signatures for the recall effort to move to an election.
Officers first investigated the home in March 2024, when they were tipped off by a man who purchased it after it had gone into foreclosure. The cat pi

Woman charged after 21 dead cats recovered from Coon Rapids home

More than 80 cats were rescued, but many were found dead and decaying inside the foreclosed home of a woman who faces animal cruelty charges.
Elizabeth, who chose not to disclose her last name, a Hennepin County public safety telecommunicator, takes a call at the Emergency Communications Fac

Five minutes, 85 emergency calls: Dispatchers recount minutes following Brooklyn Park plane crash

A group of public safety telecommunicators for Hennepin County discussed their response to a residential plane crash in Brooklyn Park.
Mark Swiggum of Eden Prairie attended a Monday rally at the University of Minnesota to protest the detainment of a graduate student by ICE agents.

Immigration detentions of international students expand beyond protesters

Arrest of U international student because of DWI suggests expansion of ICE authority, according to immigration attorney.
Kya Concepcion of Minneapolis cheers during Transgender Day of Visibility at the Minnesota Capitol in St. Paul on Monday.

Ahead of State Capitol rally, what to know about the International Transgender Day of Visibility

LGBTQ Minnesotans and supporters will rally Monday to mark the annual event celebrating trans visibility.
Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges discusses the arrest of Justin Eichorn, on March 24, 2025, in Bloomington.

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.
A group of friends attending the upcoming Anime Detour convention gathered for a group portrait at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis on March 20, 2025. T

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.
FILE -- The Rush City prison, which opened in 2000. The Department of Corrections planned to seek $141 million this year to add space for 500 more pri

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.
Assistant Sergeant-at-arms Bryan Pierick removes the name tag of GOP Sen. Justin Eichorn from his desk shortly before the morning’s Senate session a

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.
Todd Thompson motioned to have his felony marijuana possession charge dismissed because of tribal protections and the state's legalization of cannabis

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.
Valerie Mack addresses a group of renters and advocates frustrated with the conditions of apartment complexes managed by Utah-based Investment Propert

Frustrated Minneapolis tenants protest management after dealing with rodents, mold and feces

They say Utah-based Investment Property Group has neglected its apartment buildings.
Keys Cafe in downtown Minneapolis on Friday, March 7, 2025. The local restaurant chain recently instituted a surcharge for eggs.

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.
Three people are feared to be dead after being buried by a large avalanche while on a guided heli-skiing trip near Girdwood, Alaska, authorities said.

Skiers buried in Alaska avalanche had Minnesota ties

They were buried under from 40 to 100 feet of snow.
Carver County Sheriff's Office

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.
FILE - Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin addresses the court as Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill presides over Chauvin's sentenci

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.
Minnesota saw a 13.8% decrease in the number of people applying for a handgun carry permit in 2024, a new state report found.

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.
Cannabis grows at the Prairie Island Indian Community’s cannabis cultivation site in Welch, Minn., on Jan. 21.

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.
Scott McLaughlin, who is partly blind, hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexican to Canadian borders in 2024 after he retired as a letter

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.
Attorney General Keith Ellison during a Minnesota Board of Pardons hearing Dec. 20, 2022, at the Senate Office Building in St. Paul. A group of studen

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.
Flags fly outside of the Ukrainian American Community Center in Minneapolis.

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 longtime journalist for the Minnesota Star Tribune, sits at his desk in the paper's office in Capella Tower in Minneapolis.

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.
Dave Ryan, pictured in a screenshot from a video stream of his Friday show, was suspended on Monday from his radio show.

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 marched on the State Capitol to protest the policies of the Trump administration on a frigid day in St. Paul on Wednesday.

Protesters march at Minnesota State Capitol to push back against Trump administration

Hundreds demonstrate in St. Paul as part of "50501 Movement" protests.
Hundreds join in a protest against mass deportations as they march along Lake Street in Minneapolis Feb. 1, 2025.

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.
U.S. Courthouse in Minneapolis

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.
Nekita Levy-Armstrong speaks outside Target headquarters in downtown Minneapolis in response to Target’s current stance on DEI in Minneapolis on Thu

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.
A trans-gender flag was carried down Hennepin at the front of the pride parade on Sunday.

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.
Defendant Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff walks into United States District Court during the third day of jury selection in the first Feeding Our Future case

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.
Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, photographed last summer in Eagan.

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.
Jimmy Chin, left, and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, winners of the award for best documentary feature for "Free Solo", attend the Governors Ball after th

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

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.
Fuzzy Loon Designs owners Dan and Sarah Fitzgerald say the sticker wall inside their Waite Park business is popular for customers and often featured i

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.
Kat Felicis Ioco conducts a rehearsal for the Twin Cities Gamer Symphony Orchestra, which has a free performance Friday night at Humboldt High School

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.
Firefighters worked to extinguish a fire at a homeless encampment near 29th Street and 14th Avenue S. in Minneapolis on Monday.

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.
An encampment near Blaisedell Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis in May.

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."
Council President Elliott Payne, center, and the Minneapolis City Council vote to go into closed session immediately after gaveling into session to go

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.
A vendor bagged psilocybin mushrooms at a cannabis marketplace in Los Angeles.

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.
Developer Faraaz Mohammed at a Lino Lakes City Council meeting in June.

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.
Annabell Whelan rescued a snowy owl that she found trapped in the grille of a vehicle in downtown Duluth. It was her second owl rescue Monday. Photo c

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.
The Minnesota Department of Health has reported an uptick in Norovirus cases.

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.
The Flathorn Gegoka cross-country ski trails can now be accessed by a new trailhead and parking lot on the southwest side of the trail system.

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.
A player makes a diving catch during a pick-up ultimate frisbee game at Bryn Mawr Meadows Park in Minneapolis on Dec. 21.

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.
A phoenix with a satanic symbol above it, sponsored by the Minnesota Satanists, will be on display at the State Capitol until Dec. 27.

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.
Shoppers gather fruits, vegetables and other groceries during Tuesday's grand opening of Today’s Harvest in Maplewood.

Second free grocery store Today's Harvest opens in Maplewood

The free grocery store is the second operated by local food bank Open Cupboard.
Boxes and electronic equipment are removed during a law enforcement raid on Smart Therapy Center’s business office in Minneapolis on Thursday, Dec.

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.
Community members hold signs with the names of people who have recently died, part of the 40th annual Homeless Memorial March through Loring Park in M

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.
A house was damaged by a homeless encampment fire on 15th Avenue S. in Minneapolis on Tuesday night.

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.
Luigi Mangione is escorted by police to his arraignment at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pa., Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. The 26-year-old Ma

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.
This undated photo released by the New York Police Department shows a suspect in the fatal shooting Wednesday of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

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.
Actor Timothée Chalamet visited a rehearsal of the University of Minnesota's marching band on Thursday.

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.
Betty Danger's Country Club

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.