>>Washington County Shooting Victims Identified

(Cottage Grove, MN) – Washington County authorities have identified the two victims found shot to death Wednesday morning in a Cottage Grove park. Law enforcement says 35-year-old Mu Mu and 41-year-old Eh Theyu Thaw were found deceased in Ravine Park early Wednesday morning. The preliminary investigation indicates these individuals were known to each other, and this was not a random act of violence. The park remains closed until further notice. Police say there is no threat to the community.

>>Three People Revived After Suspected Fentanyl Overdoses in St. Cloud

(St. Cloud, MN) -- Three people are recovering after suspected fentanyl overdoses in St. Cloud Thursday afternoon.  Police say two women and a man were found unconscious and not breathing. Emergency responders administered Narcan and performed life-saving measures. All three regained consciousness and were taken to St. Cloud Hospital for further treatment.

>>U.S. Job Growth Surges, Minnesota Unemployment Remains Higher

(Washington, D.C.) -- The nation's job market is showing unexpected strength. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employers added 165-thousand jobs in October, well above economists' expectations of 65 thousand. The national unemployment rate edged down to 4.1 percent. Minnesota's latest figures show a less encouraging picture. The state's unemployment rate rose to 4.5 percent in September, higher than the national rate. Minnesota also lost 4,600 jobs last reporting period, although employment was up more than 35-thousand jobs compared to a year earlier.

>>SBA Offers Disaster Loans to Minnesota Businesses Impacted by Drought

(St. Paul, MN) -- Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Minnesota businesses and private nonprofits impacted by drought beginning August 25th. The Small Business Administration says eligible applicants in 19 Minnesota counties can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help cover operating expenses. Small businesses can borrow up to two-million dollars, with interest rates starting at four percent. Private nonprofits qualify for rates as low as 3.625 percent. The application deadline is June 21st, 2027. Applications are available at SBA.gov/disaster.

>>Ellison Sues Over New Medicaid Work Requirements

(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is joining three other states in a lawsuit challenging new federal Medicaid work requirements. The requirements, scheduled to take effect in 2027, would require recipients to document their employment or qualify for an exemption to maintain coverage. Ellison says the changes could cause hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans to lose healthcare coverage because of bureaucratic hurdles. About 1.2 million Minnesotans rely on Medical Assistance, the state's Medicaid program. The lawsuit argues the federal government cannot threaten to withhold all Medicaid funding from states that refuse to enforce the new requirements.

>>Another Request Made for Federal Disaster Declarations

(Rochester, MN) – Minnesota’s Congressional delegation has made another request of the Trump Administration to fill a request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Minnesota counties affected by severe weather. The letter was drafted by Republican Congressman Brad Finstad, and U.S. Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. The latest letter sent to the President is requesting funding for Fillmore, Houston, Steele and Waseca counties. This area was hit by severe storms and flooding in September. The disaster declaration includes New Richland where flooding damaged homes and a nursing care facility.

>>Federal Grants Will Upgrade Railroad Tracks and Safety

(Washington, D.C.) – Minnesota U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith have secured $28.6 million dollars in Transportation grants to improve railroad infrastructure, safety and reliability in Minnesota. The funding will be used for improvements in the Twin Cities and in rural Minnesota. The grants will upgrade tracks, equipment and rail cars across the state.