MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about back to school, the celebration for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the hard-fought battle between Alexandria's fire and law enforcement departments, and a win-win-win solution if you have brush to clear or buckthorn to eradicate.

Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from September 2 and September 4 below:

Here are the top stories in our Wednesday, September 2 issue:

1. Students in Alexandria Public Schools head back to their classrooms

2. Information released on Level 3 offender in Alexandria

3. Volunteers sought for 9/11 display on 3M lawn in Alexandria

4. Automated External Defibrillator cabinet training held in Alexandria

5. Brandon entrepreneur blends new business with an old building.

6. Area girls tennis roundup: Osakis races past Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa

Here are the top stories in our Friday, September 4 issue :

1. Alexandria Fire Department takes down Alexandria Law Enforcement in charity softball game

2. More than $734,000 in requests approved by Douglas County Commissioners

3. Ole-tober fest

4. Osakis Public Schools: AI in the classroom

5. An ally in fighting buckthorn in west central Minnesota: 60 goats

6. Cross Country: Alexandria blends youth and experience for new season

7. Opinion