Verizon Wireless remains the mobile phone provider to beat in the Twin Cities, according to data compiled by RootMetrics. The Pioneer Press reports the carrier is the overall leader when it comes to the best data and text service.

The wireless provider had announced a fee for customers paying service bills online via a debit or credit card. The FCC threatened to investigate and the company reneged the "convenience fee" due to customer feedback.

Verizon Communications Inc. will start offering new services from Best Buy's Geek Squad. The new IT Help Desk is designed for small and mid-size business customers. The announcement comes after the Richfield-based electronics giant said it would lay off 650 Geek Squad workers, but hire 500 more specialized agents by the end of the year.

A mobile service van from the Disabled American Veterans is offering free help during its upcoming tour. The mobile office staff can answer questions on everything from filing claims to addressing problems with medical care.

County commissioners are expected to finalize this week a plan for an expansion of the Hennepin County morgue through a merger with Dakota and Scott counties. If the merger proceeds, Hennepin County medical examiners will start providing services for Dakota and Scott counties Jan. 1 at its downtown Minneapolis morgue -- which will be remodeled to handle its expanded staff and caseload.

Local movie critics are unanimous in their praise of "Flight," the Denzel Washington dramatic thriller that begins with a spectacular plane crash sequence and then ascends into a riveting drama about addiction. Also reviewed is the dramedy "The Sessions," starring Alexandria native John Hawkes, and the Disney computer-animated comedy "Wreck-It Ralph."

The carrier says 4G users can expect Internet access that is about 10 times faster than on the 3G network.