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.

A chocolate lab named Gypsy beat out law enforcement dogs from five states in a K-9 competition at Camp Ripley. It involved searching and tracking, too, but her sheriff's deputy partner says Gypsy's specialty is sniffing out drugs from cars.

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

The Twin Cities had the 16th highest number of H-1B visa requests, according to a new report by the Brookings Institution. The federal visa program allows highly-trained foreign specialists to work in the United States. The Star Triune reports Twin Cities employers made nearly 4200 visa requests. Rochester employers were also noted to be a high user of the temporary work permits.

Verizon Wireless is expanding its 4G LTE coverage in parts of north-central Minnesota -- including Alexandria, Brainerd, Fergus Falls and St. Cloud, the Pioneer Press reports. Once the service expansion is complete later this month, the wireless provider will offer continuous coverage of its high-speed mobile-data service along I-94 in Minnesota.

Over 50 new restaurants opened or are coming soon in the Twin Cities. The Heavy Table provides a list and the latest metro restaurant buzz.

Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery in Spring Valley took top honors at the fourth annual International Cold Climate Wine Competition at the U of M on Thursday, the Post Bulletin reports. The Four Daughters 2011 La Crescent beat out more than 325 wines from 12 states and Canada to win the Minnesota's Governor's Cup trophy and "Best of Show" for the top white wine.

Peek inside the most expensive homes for sale in the metro. These posh properties range from a well-known $24 million landmark to modern homes for less than $7 million. And here's one for bargain hunters: a foreclosure priced for less than $6 million.