>>Walz Orders Minnesota Flags Lowered to Honor Dolly Parton
(St. Paul, MN) — Governor Tim Walz has ordered flags at Minnesota state buildings lowered to half-staff in honor of country music legend Dolly Parton. The move follows a proclamation from President Donald Trump ordering U.S. flags lowered nationwide following Parton’s death at age 80. Walz called Parton an American icon whose music touched millions and praised her work supporting literacy and other causes. Minnesota businesses and organizations are also encouraged to lower their flags. The governor’s order remains in effect through September 1st.
>>Drought, Dead Trees Help Fuel Boundary Waters Wildfires
(Ely, MN) — Experts say drought, extreme heat and dead trees helped fuel this summer’s massive wildfires in and around the Boundary Waters. Lightning from early July storms ignited fires that eventually burned more than 67-thousand acres. Researchers say a spruce budworm outbreak left behind dead fir and spruce that provided additional fuel, helping flames reach the forest canopy. Ecologists warn increasingly hot and dry conditions could also make it harder for spruce, fir and pine forests to recover after severe fires, potentially changing the makeup of northern Minnesota’s forests.
>>Minnesota Rural Economy Posts Strongest August Reading in 10-State Region
(Omaha, NE) — Minnesota’s rural economy showed signs of improvement in August, according to Creighton University’s monthly Rural Mainstreet Index. The state’s index jumped 11-and-a-half points from July, moving into positive growth territory and posting the strongest reading among the 10 states surveyed. Economist Ernie Goss says improving corn and soybean prices are helping, while Minnesota agricultural exports rose nearly 29 percent during the first half of 2026 compared with last year. Bankers also reported an improving job market, although farmland prices declined from July.
>>Missing New Prague Man Found Dead
A missing New Prague man has been found dead. Police say the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has positively identified the body of 53-year-old Daniel Labelle. Labelle was last seen alive August 9th in in St. Peter. Authorities had previously said there was reason to be concerned for his safety. Police have not released additional details about where Labelle was found or the circumstances surrounding his death.
>>Speeding is Routine for Many Drivers
(Undated) — A new AAA study finds speeding has become increasingly normalized among drivers. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says many motorists consider driving 10 miles per hour over acceptable, while nearly half believe keeping up with traffic is safer than following the limit. Most drivers said they speed to get around slower vehicles or reach their destination faster. AAA says the threat of a ticket is the strongest incentive to slow down, with 79 percent of drivers saying it would cause them to ease off the gas. Speeding was a factor in nearly 30 percent of U.S. traffic fatalities in 2024.
>>Minnesota Countertop Maker Cambria Faces Silicosis Lawsuits
(Le Sueur, MN) — Minnesota countertop maker Cambria is among several companies facing lawsuits from workers diagnosed with silicosis. The workers claim silica dust released while cutting and polishing engineered quartz caused the incurable lung disease. Hundreds of countertop workers in California have been diagnosed, with dozens of deaths reported. Cambria denies its products are defective, saying they can be safely fabricated with proper precautions. The company is appealing verdicts finding it partly responsible in silicosis cases.
>>Carlton County Approves One-Year Data Center Moratorium
(Carlton, MN) — Carlton County commissioners have unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development. The decision followed a public hearing Tuesday where dozens of residents voiced support for the pause. During the moratorium, the county Planning Commission will study potential impacts on water, land, the power grid and nearby communities before recommending possible regulations. No data center has been formally proposed, although land near Wrenshall was reportedly among three sites considered by an unidentified developer. County officials say the moratorium may also apply within municipalities, but its legal reach remains unclear.
>>Parents, Educators Talk Tech in Schools
(St. Paul, MN) – A statewide coalition focused on responsible technology use in schools is hosting a public event next month in St. Paul. MN Unplugged’s “Let’s Talk Intentional Tech” takes place September 14th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Iron Ranger on Grand Avenue. Organizers say the discussion will focus on screen time, smartphone use, AI in education, and phone-free school policies. Parents, educators, and community members will receive resources for setting technology boundaries at home and working with schools. The event is free and open to the public, with advance registration encouraged.
>>Duluth Fundraiser to Help Businesses Hurt by Boundary Waters Wildfires
(Duluth, MN) — A fundraiser Saturday in Duluth will help northern Minnesota businesses impacted by this summer’s wildfires and Boundary Waters closures. Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters Executive Director Lukas Leaf says some outfitters lost more than 90 percent of their July business. “Paddlin’ for the Boundary Waters” runs from 2 to 9 p.m. at Bent Paddle Brewing. The event features live music, food trucks, a raffle, and a silent auction. Admission is free, with proceeds and donations supporting the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota and wildfire relief efforts.
>>Regions Hospital EMS Ready to Treat Thousands at Minnesota State Fair
(Falcon Heights, MN) — Regions Hospital Emergency Medical Services will be back at the Minnesota State Fair this year to help fairgoers who get sick or injured. EMS Director Dr. Aaron Burnett says his team expects to treat around 4,500 patients during the fair’s 12-day run, with most cases involving minor illnesses or injuries. Burnett recommends fairgoers stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes, and bring any needed medications.
Two first aid stations will be staffed, one near the West End Market and another in the 4-H Building.
>>Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota invites Families to help Monarch Butterflies Begin Annual Migration
(Mankato, MN) – Families can help Monarch butterflies start their 3,000-mile journey to Mexico this weekend at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. The museum’s Butterfly Tag-Along event runs Saturday from noon until 2 p.m. in Mankato. Children and caregivers can tag and release Monarchs, then track their migration through Monarch Watch. The event also features face painting, environmental education activities, pollinator-themed exhibits, and garden exploration. Admission is included with regular museum admission or membership.
>>Judge Sides with Anoka County in Funding Dispute
(Anoka, MN) – A Ramsey County judge has ruled that more than $6 million in transportation funding was improperly taken from Anoka County and redirected to a project in the city of Anoka. Judge Mark Ireland said the funding shift violated state law and cited evidence that the move was made as “revenge” amid an ongoing dispute over a proposed county jail. County officials say the money should instead support transportation and safety projects across the county. House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson disagrees with the ruling and expects an appeal to overturn it.
