>>Train Accident Near Litchfield Claims Life of Cosmos Woman
(Litchfield, MN) – The Meeker County Sheriff’s Department reports that a 35-year-old woman from Cosmos was killed early Monday after being struck by a train near Litchfield. Authorities say the incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. at a railroad crossing on the west side of town. Investigators determined the train was traveling westbound when the woman, identified as Raihna Mathews, was walking on the tracks and was struck and killed.
>>Secretary of State Simon Running for 4th Term in 2026
(St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota Secretary of State Steven Simon is running for a fourth term next year. The state’s top election official announced his re-election campaign today. The former DFL state representative from St. Louis Park was first elected secretary of state in 2024. Simon has been fighting the Trump administration over access to private voter data that he calls “federal election interference.” Former Republican state lawmaker Tad Jude of Maple Grove plans to challenge Secretary Simon in 2026.
>>Former Advisor to Melissa Hortman Running for State Senate
(St. Paul, MN) – A former advisor and staff person for the late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman has announced his candidacy for state Senate. Democrat Paul Cumings is running for Senate District 53, which covers portions of Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, and South St. Paul. Colin Hortman, son of Melissa Hortman, said, “Often when there was a complicated, long-term project she wanted done, she would turn to Paul. I know he will serve the people of Senate District 53 as well as he served my mom.” Currently, Cumins works for House DFL Floor Leader Jamie Long and is a school board member in South St. Paul.
>>Rochester Approves $52M for Regional Sports Complex
(Rochester, MN) – The Rochester City Council is putting $52 million into a new Regional Sports Complex on a 5-2 vote. The project is funded by city sales tax dollars approved by voters in 2023. It’ll feature eight baseball and softball fields, two multi-use turf fields, 12 pickleball courts, an outdoor basketball court, and a central concessions building. City Councilmembers Nick Miller and Dan Doering opposed the plan, citing budget risks and concerns about community access. Construction is scheduled to start in April 2026 and wrap up by spring 2028.
>>Mounds View School Staff Pushes for New Contract
(Shoreview, MN) – Mounds View School District staff who are union members with SEIU Local 284 will hold an informational picket tonight before the school board meeting. More than 500 employees say they are pushing for a fair contract. These workers include paraeducators, administrative assistants, and custodians. The union says it’s fighting for higher wages that keep up with the cost of living. The informational picket begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a rally that is expected to include local lawmakers and community supporters.
>>Minneapolis City Council Considering Raise for Mayor Frey
(Minneapolis, MN) – The Minneapolis City Council is weighing a proposal to grant Mayor Jacob Frey a $46,000 salary increase. The discussion follows a survey conducted two years ago that found the mayor’s pay lags behind that of his peers. Currently, Frey earns nearly $13,000 less annually than St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, who makes about $153,000, despite Minneapolis having roughly 120,000 more residents. While the mayor’s salary is considered below market, council members in Minneapolis are paid nearly $29,000 more than their counterparts in other cities. As a result, the council voted against raising its own pay for the 2024–2025 term.
>>Rod Stewart Coming to 2026 Minnesota State Fair
(St. Paul, MN) – One of the best-selling music artists of all time is coming to the Minnesota State Fair. Rod Stewart will appear on Tuesday, September 1st, on the Grandstand stage. Richard Marx will be the special guest performer. Tickets for this show will go on sale this Friday, December 12th, starting at 10 a.m. Rod Stewart has sold more than 250 million copies of his albums and singles worldwide. His hits include “Maggie May”, “Forever Young”, and “Tonight’s the Night.” Tickets start at $86.
