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Minnesota works to bring Internet to all

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Minnesota works to bring Internet to all


(ABC 6 News) – Around 12% of people in Minnesota currently don’t have reliable internet access, but the Office of Broadband Development is working to change that. 

Minnesota received an investment of $651 million from the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program (BEAD) to bring reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access to everyone in the state.

Iowa also received $415 million, out of the total $42 billion the BEAD program invested throughout the country.

Minnesota has been a leader in the country to get Internet for all, working to achieve that goal for the last ten years within the state and with neighboring states.

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The $651 million from the federal government will help bring access to the most difficult and expensive areas of the state to service.

It’s a priority for Minnesota, as internet access has only become more and more essential in recent years.

“During the pandemic it kinda became crystal clear that like you know if you want to participate in all the parts of our economy, and the benefits of you know online education, to participate in electronic health visits, you need access to reliable internet,” said Courtney Dozier, Deputy Director of the BEAD Program with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Minnesota and Iowa are both currently in the process of finalizing their service maps and identifying all the eligible communities that still lack reliable, high-speed Internet.

Minnesota intends to have its map completed and approved by the NTIA by late next summer.

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Now is the time to reach out to your local government, Internet service provider or non-profit if your home or business doesn’t have an internet connection.

“It allows us to work and live where we would like to in the state of Minnesota. We’re a very diverse state, geographically, and this is just really an essential need for economic development drivers across the state,” said Bree Maki, Executive Director for the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development.

Once the service map is finalized and all eligible communities are identified, those area will begin to receive service, which Minnesota projects will begin in 2026.

Minnesota has a line extension program where you can register your address to be connected to a provider.

For those who lack Internet access, you can call 651-259-7610 to receive a paper application or have an agent complete the application on your behalf.

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Judge bars arrests of lawful refugees in Minnesota

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Judge bars arrests of lawful refugees in Minnesota


Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons is no longer required to appear in court on Friday, according to an order issued by Minnesota’s chief judge.

Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz canceled Friday’s hearing, noting that Lyons’ appearance is no longer required because the individual previously denied a bond hearing was released.

However, in his order issued on Wednesday, Judge Schiltz said that the release of Juan T.R. “does not end the Court’s concerns.”

Schiltz attached an appendix that he said identifies 96 court orders that ICE violated in 74 cases.

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“This list should give pause to anyone — no matter his or her political beliefs — who cares about the rule of law,” Schiltz said. “ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.”

Schiltz issued a warning to ICE, stating that “future noncompliance with court orders” may result in new orders requiring the appearance of Lyons or other government officials.



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Minnesota weather: Single digit highs Wednesday through Friday, milder next week

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Minnesota weather: Single digit highs Wednesday through Friday, milder next week


It’s a cold and sunny Wednesday in Minnesota with single digit highs and subzero wind chills. 

Wednesday’s forecast in Minnesota 

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The forecast:

Wednesday will be cold and sunny with northwest winds between 5–15 mph, making it feel below zero throughout the day.

Temperatures remain below average, with central Minnesota seeing highs in the single digits, far northern Minnesota experiencing subzero highs, and double-digit highs in the southwest. The Twin Cities metro will top out at around 8 degrees. 

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Wednesday night remains mostly clear but cold as temperatures drop below zero with wind chills in the negative teens. 

Extended Minnesota weather forecast

What’s next:

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Thursday stays cold with a mix of sun and clouds. Highs remain in the single digits, accompanied by subzero wind chills. 

Frigid conditions continue into Friday before temperatures gradually warm over the weekend. Saturday brings highs in the teens, followed by warming into the mid-20s by Sunday. A weak system may bring a few snowflakes Sunday afternoon.

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Here’s a look at the seven-day forecast:

The Source: This forecast uses information from FOX 9 meteorologists.

Weather ForecastMinnesota
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Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall meeting

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Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall meeting


BREAKING,

Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance during the attack by a man, who was then tackled to the ground.

Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar has been attacked by a man while hosting a town hall meeting in Minneapolis.

Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance by the man before he was tackled to the ground on Tuesday.

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The Reuters news agency said that Omar was not injured in the attack, and authorities have not said what substance was sprayed or whether charges have been filed against the assailant.

The audience cheered as the man was pinned down and his arms were tied behind his back. In a video clip of the incident, someone in the crowd can be heard saying, “Oh my god, he sprayed something on her”, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Omar continued the town hall after the man was ushered out of the room.

Just before the attack, she had called for the abolishment of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign.

“ICE cannot be reformed,” Omar said.

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A man shouts at U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) after spraying her, during a town hall meeting days after a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 27, 2026 in a still image from video. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona
A man shouts at US Representative Ilhan Omar after spraying her with a substance during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, just days after Alex Pretti was shot dead by federal immigration agents in the city, in Minnesota [Screengrab: Maria Alejandra Cardona/Reuters]

Minneapolis police did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident and whether anyone was arrested.

The White House did not immediately respond to a message from the AP seeking comment.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow soon…



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