Around MN: Goodbye Iran, fake pot raid, the rise of Romney

Looks like Friday's the 1st day of <12 hours of sun in St Paul.

Duluth Police raid Last Place on Earth, confiscate cash, fake pot and guns

"We've lost a ton of business, Ya know, well over, well over $10,000 a day in incense" -- Jim Carlson, owner Last Place on Earth.

Shane Bauer free at last

Paul Tosto's post "Goodbye Iran" on Statewide takes a deep look at the release of Minnesota native Shane Bauer from an Iranian jail.

"You knew it was going to come. It's just some days got longer than others," said Diane Hentges, also an aunt, adding, "Mom prayed the rosary every day... because that's all we could do on this end. It was out of our hands." Shane Bauer's Minnesota family celebrates his release from Iranian prison (KARE)

Romney's Minnesota support grows

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney may be the former governor of Massachusetts, but his campaign is bristling with prominent Minnesota Republicans.

Former Sen. Norm Coleman has joined Pawlenty, Weber.

Pawlenty had the backing of Reps. John Kline and Erik Paulsen. Rep. Chip Cravaack was the only Minnesota Republican in the House who did not pick sides in the Pawlenty vs. Bachmann phase of the race (Star Tribune).

Also on MN Today

Map: Minn. income continued downward slide in 2010 (MPR News)

Vote on sales tax would 'kill' Vikings stadium project in Arden Hills, lawmaker says

If Ramsey County decides to put a Minnesota Vikings stadium sales tax to voters in 2012, the stadium project - at least in Arden Hills - is dead, a leading legislator said Wednesday (Pioneer Press).

PRI: Refugees in Fargo face cultural and climate challenges

For the first time in years, hunting season for the once-endangered gray wolf is underway in Idaho and Montana.

Woman leaves note stating that she and her dogs were starving

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant regarding the maltreatment of animals in Kabetogama. The investigation started when the animal owner left a note stating that both she and the animals were starving. Authorities found 38 dogs, all in poor health at the home (WDIO).

Ash borer outbreak was inevitable

Eleven Winona County, state and federal officials fanned out Tuesday near Dakota, at the site of the state's first outbreak of emerald ash borer to try to find out how many trees the invasive beetles have killed or are killing (Rochester Post Bulletin).

Mayo Clinic announces global smoke-free worksite challenge at Clinton Global Initiative

Mayo Clinic announced a partnership with other organizations to develop a Global Smoke-free Worksite Challenge. The partners are committed to making their worksites 100 percent smoke-free and to help others do likewise (release).

Ely nature photographer to exhibit at MN West

He's been a taxi driver, a gold miner, a pizza store manager and a community organizer. He also helped the Grand Forks Herald of North Dakota earn a Pulitzer Prize in 1998 for coverage of the Red River Flood (Worthington Globe).

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