Coon Rapids Sun. Jan 25 2026 MINNEAPOLIMEDIA EDITORIAL | Twenty Years Ago, January 24, 2006: The Quiet Architecture of a Minnesota Winter This 2006 retrospective highlights a day of quiet endurance, focused on foundational governance like the Clean Water Legacy Act and the steady rhythm of Minnesota life. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Sun. Jan 25 2026 Candlelight Vigil in Anoka honors Alex Jeffrey Pretti after fatal federal shooting in Minneapolis Hundreds gathered in Anoka for a candlelight vigil honoring Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse killed by federal agents. Family disputes claims he was armed. Investigation pending. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Sun. Jan 25 2026 Dangerously Cold Arctic Air Tightens Its Grip on the Twin Cities Dangerously cold Arctic air has gripped the Twin Cities with lows near -15°F. Wind chills remain life-threatening, requiring caution and neighborly checks through Tuesday. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Sun. Jan 25 2026 Extreme Cold and Security Concerns Reshape Opening Week of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Minnesota is battling a "one-two punch" of weather and security this week. The 140th Saint Paul Winter Carnival faced -25°F wind chills and regional safety concerns. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Sun. Jan 25 2026 Extreme Cold Forces Amtrak to Cancel Rail Service as Winter Storm Fern Grips Nation Amtrak has suspended service through Jan 25 as Winter Storm Fern brings lethal cold. Mechanical risks and passenger safety forced cancellations across major US routes. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Sun. Jan 25 2026 After Public Backlash, Hennepin County Commissioners Settle Into $134,753 Salary Tier Hennepin County Commissioners began 2026 with a salary of $134,753, ending a debate that saw them reject a 49% raise for a modest 5% plan after intense public backlash. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Sat. Jan 24 2026 Minnesota Gripped by Historic Arctic Deep Freeze as Polar Vortex Stretches South Minnesota faces a historic Arctic blast with wind chills near -63°F. The stretched polar vortex has closed schools and halted travel. Frostbite can occur in minutes. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Sat. Jan 24 2026 Flu Hospitalizations and Deaths Continue to Rise in Minnesota and Nationwide as an Atypical Season Barrels Toward Its Peak MN flu cases are surging due to an aggressive H3N2 strain, with hospitalizations and deaths rising through January. Officials urge vaccination to prevent severe illness. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Sat. Jan 24 2026 Anoka County Sheriff’s Office welcomes Sedona, new support dog for victims and staff The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed Sedona, a new support dog. The Lab/Golden mix will assist crime victims and high-stress staff in finding comfort and calm. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Sat. Jan 24 2026 Minneapolis Somali Business Owners, Community Members Join Statewide Economic Blackout Somali business owners and families joined a statewide economic blackout to protest immigration enforcement, proving that Minnesota's economy depends on immigrant communities. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Sat. Jan 24 2026 MinneapoliMedia Community Feature | Snowfall, Civic Pride, and Shared Tradition: Coon Rapids Welcomes the 62nd Annual Snowflake Days Coon Rapids hosts the 62nd Annual Snowflake Days from Jan. 30–Feb. 8, 2026. Highlights include a medallion hunt, snow sculptures, chili challenge, and community hockey. Tom Akaolisa Editor
Coon Rapids Fri. Jan 23 2026 MINNEAPOLIMEDIA EDITORIAL | When the Cold Stops Us: What Extreme Winters Reveal About Minnesota and Ourselves Extreme winter disruptions like the Jan. 23 closures reveal the hidden costs of cold: childcare stress, income loss, and digital inequity. Resilience requires community. Tom Akaolisa Editor