A federal appeals court has ruled that Minnesota businessman Tom Petters received a fair trial. He was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison for orchestrating a multi-billion-dollar Ponzi scheme.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Monday that the property rights group challenging Red Wing’s rental code did not prove it is unconstitutional. Under the ordinance, landlords must have their properties inspected by city officials, even if there's no probable cause to believe there are violations. Minnesota Public Radio has more on the appellate ruling.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld a civil verdict against the University of Minnesota and Tubby Smith. The ruling upholds an earlier decision that the school must pay $1 million to Jimmy Williams, who says he quit his job at Oklahoma State to work for Smith -- but was turned away due to alleged recruiting violations.

Minnesota law prohibits carrying a handgun in a public place without a permit. The state Court of Appeals has overturned a St. Paul man's conviction because the judges say his front yard is not a public place. Police were called to the home by someone complaining the man was yelling and pointing the gun from his yard. The judges ruled police had no right to search the man or seize his gun.

Three same-sex couples filed a lawsuit claiming the act violates their constitutional rights to equal protection, due process and freedom of association. The district court had dismissed the lawsuit, but an appeals court on Monday sent the case back to the lower court for a new review.