Judge asked to reject pipeline protester’s evidence request

The government is asking a federal judge to reject a request for evidence to be returned to a New York City woman who suffered a serious arm injury in an explosion while protesting the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota. Prosecutors contend authorities properly obtained the shrapnel and clothing from Sophia Wilansky while she was hospitalized in Minnesota following her November 2016 injury.

Sun Country now says it will reimburse some costs for stranded Mexico fliers

Sun Country Airlines now says it plans to reimburse passengers left stranded in Mexico after the carrier canceled its last flights of the season following a late-season blizzard in Minnesota. Instead of extending its schedule or sending charters to bring home about 250 passengers from the Mexican resort cities of Cabo San Lucas and Mazatln, Sun Country opted instead to refund fliers' fares and then told them they were on their own to find a new way home.

Former Minnesota FBI agent cites racism in explaining leak

A black former Minnesota FBI counterterrorism agent pleaded guilty Tuesday to leaking classified documents to a reporter, saying in a statement that he knew it was illegal but felt he had to act against a culture in the bureau that often treats minority communities with suspicion and disrespect. Terry J. Albury, 39, appeared in federal court in St. Paul on one count of unauthorized disclosure of national defense information and one count of unauthorized retention of national defense information.

Minnesota’s two largest export markets push for NAFTA renewal

Minnesota's two largest export markets are touting the benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which may be headed for a renewal in Washington as early as next month. Canadian Consul General Paul Connors and Mexican Consul Gerardo Guerrero, who spoke Tuesday at a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce breakfast, have been on the road pitching the value of NAFTA to Minnesota factories, farmers and workers.

VP Pence visit aims to fire up Minnesota Republicans

Gallery: Vice President Mike Pence shook hands with one of the guests who had been waiting to greet him at the Minnesota National Guard - 934th Airlift Wing Tuesday afternoon. Gallery: Vice President Mike Pence waved to the crowd of guests waiting to greet him at the Minnesota National Guard - 934th Airlift Wing Tuesday afternoon.

Man who tried to wed laptop pushes anti-porn bill across US

William Strampel, a high-ranking Michigan State University official, h... A Michigan State University official who oversaw Larry Nassar is facing criminal charges amid an investigation into the handling of complaints against the former sports doctor. A Michigan State University official who oversaw Larry Nassar is facing criminal charges amid an investigation into the handling of complaints against the former sports doctor.

‘Eggs & Issues’ legislative forum over, easy

Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce President Matt Kilian , Rep. John Poston, Sen. Paul Gazelka, Rep. Josh Heintzeman, Rep. Dale Lueck and Sen. Carrie Ruud wait to be introduced at the annual Eggs & Issues Minnesota Legislative Forum featuring Brainerd lakes area legislators at a panel discussion at Madden's on Gull Lake on Friday, March 23. Frank Lee / Brainerd Dispatch In lieu of a magic crystal ball, Brainerd lakes area businesses hoped to get a glimpse into the future by asking area legislators to be prognosticators at an event at Madden's on Gull Lake.

Pawlenty Files With Campaign Finance Board: ‘Final Announcement Soon’

Tim Pawlenty said in a statement that he filed a campaign committee Monday with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, and will make a final announcement on his candidacy "soon." Speculation swirled for weeks about Pawlenty's possible entry into the already crowded race, and with Monday's filing, it seems more likely than ever.

3 rural Illinois men charged with Minnesota mosque bombing

Federal authorities on Tuesday charged three men from rural central Illinois with the bombing of a Minnesota mosque last year and said one of the suspects told an investigator the goal of the attack was to "scare" Muslims out of the United States. A statement from the U.S. attorney's office in Springfield, Illinois, says the men also are suspected in the attempted bombing of an abortion clinic in November.

Dayton, lawmakers propose overhaul of senior care oversight

Gov. Mark Dayton and a bipartisan group of lawmakers proposed major changes to the state's oversight of Minnesota's elder care facilities on Tuesday, aiming to reverse years of pervasive abuse and neglect of Minnesota's seniors that was only recently revealed. Addressing widespread abuse of seniors - and the state's lax oversight - were a top priority for officials heading into 2018, following reporting by the Star Tribune last year that exposed maltreatment and the state's struggles to keep up with complaints.

Lawmakers rethink selection process for University of Minnesota Board of Regents

State legislators are debating proposals to change how members of the University of Minnesota's governing body are picked, a system critics say has sometimes favored the politically connected over the most qualified. The process has drawn fresh attention after the surprise resignation of Regent Patricia Simmons on Wednesday.