The heat apparently has little to do with the increase in air conditioner thefts in the metro area this spring. WCCO-TV reports that AC units are being looted for the copper and aluminum components contained within. Since Jan. 1, more than 100 units have been reported stolen, with more than 15 looted in May alone.

A bankruptcy judge has approved a deal that allows Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen to buy 14 KFC restaurants in the Twin Cities, even though a bid from another KFC franchisee involved more money, the Star Tribune reports. Creditor GE Capital said it preferred the "certainty" of the smaller offer from Popeyes.

A report released by the Minnesota Council on Foundations this week released its Giving in Minnesota finds that giving by individuals, foundations and corporate giving programs totaled $5.2 billion for the 2010 research year, up 2.6 percent over a study in 2009.

A new competition between Minnesota and Wisconsin will start brewing this weekend in the Badger State when the first annual Border Battle Beer Fest begins in Somerset, Wis. The competition Saturday will feature 50 brews from each state, and a secret panel of judges will determine a winner -- who will be awarded a "Golden Firkin." The term firkin stands for an old English unit of volume.

Investigators say the incidents appear to be the work of a well-organized theft ring that sells the hogs to slaughterhouses for money.