>>Woman Dies in Maple Grove House Fire
(Maple Grove, MN) — Authorities in the northwest metro are investigating a deadly house fire in Maple Grove. Firefighters say they encountered heavy flames and a partial roof collapse when they arrived late Wednesday night. The victim was reportedly found just inside the doorway of the burning home. No further information is being released.
>>Minnesota Posts Largest Monthly Job Gain in Two Years
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota employers added 14,400 jobs in August, the largest monthly increase in jobs since July 2022, according to data released today from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Over the month, employment grew by 0.5% in Minnesota, far faster than the national rate of 0.1%. Minnesota’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 3.3%, and the labor force grew flat over the month. The state’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average of 4.2%, and the labor force participation rate is among the best in the country.
>>Minnesota Senator Tina Smith Unveils Proposed Housing Bill
(Washington, DC) — U.S. Senator Tina Smith is joining housing advocates in supporting a proposed bill designed to create affordable housing in the country. The Homes Act would create a housing development authority in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Smith’s proposed legislation would also authorize 30 billion dollars in federal spending a year, with five percent of that set aside for tribal communities, at least ten percent for rural communities, and a revolving loan fund. The lawmaker adds that housing supply is far behind demand.
>>Minneapolis Police Sergeant Accused Of Stalking And Harassing Co-Worker
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Minneapolis police sergeant is accused of stalking and harassing a female sergeant who was once a romantic partner. Gordon Blackey has been charged with harassment and unauthorized use of a tracking device. The former security guard and driver for Mayor Jacob Frey has confessed to tracking the woman’s movements by placing Apple AirTags on her vehicle. Blackey also used a state database to look up information on the woman’s father and co-worker. The veteran officer has had eleven complaints filed against him that did not result in any discipline.
>>Pro-Palestinian Protestors Interrupt Inauguration Of New U Of M President
(Minneapolis, MN) — Pro-Palestinian protestors are behind an interruption during the formal inauguration of the University of Minnesota’s new president yesterday. A group opposed to the university’s investments in corporations that do business with Israel began chanting as Doctor Rebecca Cunningham was speaking at the podium inside Northrup Auditorium. The disruption lasted for about five minutes before the demonstrators were escorted peacefully. The activists have also expressed outrage over a newly adopted rule on the U of M campus that limits protest gatherings to no more than 100 people.
