>>Warmer Winter Expected for Minnesota, Upper Midwest
(Undated) – The latest information about our winter is not good news for Minnesota outdoor lovers or farmers. NOAA says with an upcoming El Nino winter for Minnesota, we’re expecting warmer than average temperatures and less snowfall. Brad Pugh, a drought expert with NOAA, said, “We’re expecting no changes in drought conditions and as we go deeper into next year towards the springtime, there would be growing concerns for intensifying drought conditions and additional drought development.” This also causes concern after Minnesota just suffered through one of the worst wildfire seasons on record. The winter outlook covers the months of December 2026 through February 2027.
>>Minnesota Jobs Grow Year-Over-Year Despite September Losses
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota’s labor market is showing signs of recovery, with total employment growing 1.2% over the past year. However, the state lost 4,600 jobs in September, and unemployment rose to 4.5%, above the national rate of 4.2%. New data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development show the state’s labor force grew by 843 people last month, reversing a recent decline. Manufacturing led job gains among several industry sectors. State officials say Minnesota continues to outperform national job growth trends, but rising unemployment and declining labor force participation remain concerns.
>>11-Year-old Dies Following Scooter Crash
(Washington County, MN) — An 11-year-old boy has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding an electric scooter in Washington County last Wednesday. Kai Yoo died Saturday. First responders performed CPR at the scene before Yoo was taken to Regions Hospital in critical condition. The driver of the vehicle, 57-year-old Anne Green of Stillwater, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
>>Watertown Man Dies in Accidental Drowning at Meeker County Lake
(Watertown, MN) — A Watertown man has died in an accidental drowning in central Minnesota after going underwater while working with his wife to bring their pontoon ashore. The Meeker County Sheriff’s Office says 56-year-old Edward Chabot was in the water working on his pontoon in Lake Washington, southwest of Dassel, Monday afternoon when the incident happened.
>>Congressmen Finstad, Stauber Tour Southeast Minnesota
(Rochester, MN) – Congressmen Brad Finstad and Pete Stauber are touring southeast Minnesota to discuss and tour local infrastructure projects. They made a number of stops including first in Red Wing. There they discussed needed updates to the wastewater lift station and federal funding available to replace aging infrastructure and improve flood resistance. The two Congressmen also toured Wabasha for an update on the Highway 60 project before visiting Rochester International Airport. Stauber is a member of the House Transportation Committee.
