>>Minnesota Marks Labor Day as Summer Winds Down
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans are marking Labor Day Monday, the federal holiday honoring the contributions of American workers. Minnesota enters the holiday with nearly three million people employed. The state added more than 44,000 jobs over the past year, according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development. Minnesota’s unemployment rate sits at 4.3 percent. Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September. State and federal offices, along with many banks and other businesses, are closed for the holiday.
>>Minnesota Drivers Urged to Stay Safe on Labor Day
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans heading home from the long Labor Day weekend are being urged to make safety a priority on the road. Law enforcement agencies across the state are conducting extra patrols targeting impaired and speeding drivers throughout today. Minnesota traffic safety officials are reminding motorists to slow down, buckle up, put away distractions, and arrange a sober ride if they have been drinking.
>>Judge Allows Minnesota AI Nudification Ban to Remain in Effect
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota can continue enforcing its new law targeting artificial intelligence tools used to create fake nude images. A federal judge has rejected xAI’s request to temporarily block the law while the company’s lawsuit moves forward. Elon Musk’s AI company argues the measure violates First Amendment protections. The law took effect on August 1st and targets technology used to digitally remove a person’s clothing without consent. Companies can face penalties of up to $500,000 per violation, while victims can also pursue damages. The judge ruled the public interest currently weighs in favor of keeping the law in place.
>>Absentee Voting Set to Begin for Minnesota General Election
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesotans will soon be able to cast their ballots for the November general election. Absentee voting begins Friday, September 18th, 46 days before Election Day. Voters can cast an absentee ballot in person at designated locations or request a mailed ballot. Minnesota does not require voters to provide a reason for voting absentee. Minnesota’s general election is Tuesday, November 3rd, and absentee ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted.
>>Labor Day Marks Final Day of Minnesota State Fair
(Falcon Heights, MN) — Labor Day marks the final chance to enjoy the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The Minnesota State Fair wraps up its 12-day run, ending another summer of food, rides, exhibits, livestock, and entertainment. Today is traditionally a busy day at the fairgrounds as visitors make one last trip before the gates close for the year.
>>Three Bystanders Wounded in Columbia Heights Shooting
(Columbia Heights, MN) — Three people were wounded after two men exchanged gunfire in a Columbia Heights parking lot early Saturday morning. Investigators say three adult men caught in the crossfire were taken to hospitals in private vehicles. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening. One man was taken into custody, while investigators continue searching for the second suspected shooter. Police say the shooting does not appear to have been random.
>>Savage Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Dog Dispute
(Savage, MN) — A dispute over a dog allegedly led to a shooting that seriously injured a Savage man. Prosecutors say the victim’s daughter was walking her dog when it became tangled around 46-year-old Michael Moss’ wife, knocking her down. The daughter claims Moss’ wife then threatened to shoot the dog. Her father later went to the couple’s home to confront them and was shot. Moss, who claims he acted in self-defense, is charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and illegally possessing a firearm.
>>Body Recovered from St. Louis River Near Blatnik Bridge
(Duluth, MN) — Authorities are investigating after the body of a 34-year-old Duluth man was recovered from the St. Louis River near the Blatnik Bridge early Saturday morning after an unoccupied vehicle was found near the center span of the bridge. A Minnesota State Trooper spotted a body in the water below. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released the man’s name or additional details.
>>Pine Island Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash Near Wabasha
(Wabasha, MN) – A Pine Island man is dead following a motorcycle crash in southeastern Minnesota. The State Patrol says 69-year-old Donald Battey was riding his Harley-Davidson when he collided with an eastbound cargo van southwest of Wabasha. Battey, who was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene. Three people in the van, including a 14-year-old boy, were not injured in the crash.
>>Man Found in Mississippi River Identified More Than a Year Later
(St. Paul, MN) — Authorities have identified a man whose body was recovered from the Mississippi River in St. Paul more than a year ago. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office says DNA testing identified the man as 24-year-old Ryan Grant of Minneapolis. His body was found near Harriet Island in May 2025, about three months after he was reported missing. Grant’s cause of death remains undetermined, but authorities say there is no evidence of criminal activity.
>>Train Derails Near CHS Terminal in Savage
(Savage, MN) — Authorities are investigating a train derailment near the CHS terminal in Savage early Sunday evening. The rail cars involved were reportedly empty grain cars, and no injuries or environmental hazards were reported. Initial information indicates two trains may have been involved, but authorities have not confirmed the circumstances surrounding the derailment or what caused the cars to leave the tracks.
>>Labor Day Protest to Target Minneapolis-Based Retailer
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Labor Day demonstration in Minneapolis will put pressure on Target as Minnesota students prepare to head back to school. Unidos MN is organizing the gathering this morning (Mon 10:30) near Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue as part of its “Step Up for Democracy” campaign. Organizers are calling on Minneapolis-based Target to sign a pledge supporting voting rights and democratic elections. The group has also criticized the retailer’s response to federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota earlier this year.
>>Allina Physicians Threaten Four-Day Strike
(Fridley, MN) — Physicians at Allina Health’s Mercy Hospital–Unity Campus in Fridley are threatening a four-day strike as contract negotiations continue. Doctors Council-SEIU says its members could walk off the job September 14th through the 17th if an agreement isn’t reached. Another bargaining session is scheduled for Wednesday. The union says physicians are seeking sick leave, additional time off, and a stronger voice in decisions affecting patient care. Allina Health says it remains hopeful the two sides can reach an agreement and avoid a strike.
