>>Minnesota Construction Wage Theft Findings Expected Today
(St. Paul, MN) — State officials are set to release the results of an investigation into alleged wage theft involving two Twin Cities construction companies this afternoon (1 PM). Authorities say they’ve already recovered some funds and will detail the total during a media briefing. Investigators allege Property Maintenance and Construction LLC and Advantage Construction Inc withheld more than $1 million in wages from at least 25 workers. The claims include unpaid overtime, off-the-books compensation, and failure to pay for training. Both companies have been ordered to repay workers and face a proposed one-million-dollar penalty.
>>Janesville Mayor Arnoldt Dies of Cancer
(Janesville, MN) – The city of Janesville in south central Minnesota is mourning the loss of its mayor. City officials announced that Mayor Andy Arnoldt died Friday following a
battle with cancer at age 47. Arnoldt has served as mayor of the Waseca County community since 2021. A Facebook post says Arnold believed in everything Janesville, serving his community with pride, energy, and dedication. His term runs through 2026. The city council will fill the vacancy for the remainder of the year.
>>Skakopee Dies Hours After Crash Sunday
(Skakopee, MN) — A Shakopee high school teacher and assistant coach has died following a crash on Highway 169 in Edina. The Minnesota State Patrol says 32-year-old Ryan Eiler of Champlin was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died hours after the crash Sunday afternoon. Investigators say Eiler was driving northbound on Highway 169 near Highway 62 when the vehicle suddenly veered left and struck the concrete median barrier. Shakopee Public Schools confirmed Eiler’s death this morning, saying he had been a health and physical education teacher at High School –Academies of Shakopee since 2021. He also joined the school’s boys track program last year as an assistant sprint coach. Eiler was a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of St. Thomas, and he also served as an active member of the Army National Guard.
>>Man Found Dead in Mankato Park
(Mankato, MN) — Authorities in Mankato are investigating the death of a man this morning (Mon) in Riverfront Park. Officers called to the report of an unresponsive person discovered the man dead at the scene. At least one report indicated the man crashed a bicycle and went over an embankment. Police are not releasing any additional details.
>>Rochester City Council To Weigh Future Of Regional Sports Center
(Rochester, MN) — The Rochester City Council is set to discuss the future of a proposed regional sports complex during its meeting tonight. (6 PM) Council members will review potential changes to the planned facility at Rochester Community and Technical College, including possible expansions, the replacement of the existing dome, or the conversion of the structure for year-round use. City officials emphasize that no final decisions have been made, and the discussion is part of an ongoing evaluation of the project’s scope, cost, and long-term viability.
>>Target Return to Office Push
(Minneapolis, MN) — Target is escalating its return-to-office push, requiring nearly 150 remote employees to relocate to the Twin Cities and report regularly to headquarters. The Minneapolis-based retailer says it will provide relocation assistance for those who move and severance packages for those who don’t. The affected workers are part of two merchandising teams. The move follows earlier phases of Target’s office return, with some employees back since June and others required in the office three days a week starting in September.
>>Ignore AI, Get Left Behind Before You’re Even Hired
(Minneapolis, MN) — As artificial intelligence becomes a routine part of the workplace, job seekers who lack AI skills may be at a disadvantage before they’re even hired. Employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates who understand how to use AI tools to boost productivity and problem-solving. University of Minnesota Vice Provost for AI Dr. Galin Jones says those with AI fluency are already being favored in hiring decisions. At the same time, state agencies, local governments, and schools are expanding training efforts to meet growing demand. With estimates suggesting up to 90% of adults interact with AI daily, experts say learning these tools is quickly becoming as essential as using email or spreadsheets.
>>New Study Sheds Light on Native Youth Access to Safe Play Spaces
(Undated) – A new statewide analysis shows major gaps in safe play spaces for Native youth in Minnesota. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and national nonprofit KABOOM reviewed more than 400 play areas on or near tribal lands. They found that 35 percent had at least one unsafe component, and 51 percent needed immediate replacement. SMSC Secretary Ashley Cornforth says many of the spaces are old, run-down, and simply not safe for kids. She says the data now gives tribal nations and the state a clear roadmap for where investment is needed so Native youth can thrive.
