News
Frigid Temperatures Force Schools to Close or Go Virtual – See The Full List!
The brutal cold continues to affect Minnesota and Wisconsin, causing widespread school closures, delays, and shifts to virtual learning across both states.
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United States: Brutal cold continues its relentless grip on Minnesota and Wisconsin, prompting a cascade of school closures and delays across both states this Tuesday.
Minneapolis Public Schools, St. Paul Public Schools, Shakopee Public Schools, Stillwater Area Public Schools, Farmington Public Schools, and the Lakeville School District have opted to shut their doors in response to the bitter conditions. Meanwhile, Benson Public Schools and Eden Prairie School District, among others, are delaying their start times. Additionally, a number of institutions have transitioned to virtual learning, ensuring that education persists despite the frigid temperatures.
The region is grappling with the harshest cold of the season, which descended overnight, bringing a bone-chilling deep freeze. A severe cold advisory remains in effect until 10 am Tuesday, as temperatures nosedive into the negative double digits, with wind chills making conditions even more perilous. In the Twin Cities, high temperatures will barely nudge into the single digits above zero, intensifying concerns. A NEXT Weather Alert has been issued as the arctic blast continues its stranglehold on the area, according to CBS News.
While many schools were already shuttered on Monday in observance of Presidents Day, those who intended to resume classes were forced to reassess their plans in light of the merciless cold.
As of Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM, multiple schools across Minnesota and Wisconsin have announced closures, delays, and transitions to virtual learning due to ongoing extreme cold conditions.
School Closures and E-Learning Announcements, as outlined by CBS News, are as follows:
Northeast College Prep
Closed today
eLearning Day
Metro
Academy of Holy Angels
Virtual learning da
y
Metro
Achieve Language Academy
Closed today
Metro
AFSA High School
Closed today
Minnesota
Agamim Classical Academy
Closed today
Afternoon activities canceled
Metro
All Saints School - Lakeville
Closed today
No Preschool, No Falcon’s Nest
Metro
Annandale Public Schools
Closed today
eLearning Day
Metro
Annunciation Elementary – Minneapolis
Closed today
Evening activities canceled
Extended Day and LADC Preschool closed
Minnesota
Art and Science Academy
Virtual learning day
Metro
Ascension – Minneapolis
Closed today
Minnesota
Aspen Academy
Closed today
E-Learning for Middle School
Metro
Athlos Leadership Academy – BP
Closed today
Evening activities canceled
Metro
Augsburg Park Montessori School
Closed today
Metro
Avalon Charter School – St. Paul
Virtual learning day
Wisconsin
Barron Area Schools
Virtual learning day
Minnesota
Bemidji Area Schools
Closed today
Metro
Big Lake Public Schools
Closed today
No childcare
After-school activities remain on schedule
Minnesota
Blackduck Schools
E-Learning Day
Minnesota
ACGC Public Schools
2-hour delay
Kids are Great Daycare will also open 2 hours late
Minnesota
Aitkin
2-hour delay
No AM Preschool
Kids Club opens at 10:00 AM
Minnesota
Alexandria Schools
2-hour delay
Minnesota
Ashby Schools
2-hour delay
Wisconsin
Baldwin-Woodville Area Schools
2-hour delay
Minnesota
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Public Schools
2-hour delay
JKC will open at 7:30 AM
Metro
Benilde-St. Margaret’s
2-hour delay
Minnesota
Benson Public School
2-hour delay
Wisconsin
Birchwood Public Schools
2-hour delay
Wisconsin
Amery School District
Clubhouse Childcare Closed
Check the website for activity status
Metro
Belle Plaine Schools
E-Learning
Northeast College Prep
Metro
School
Closed Today
E-Learning Day
Academy of Holy Angels
Metro
School
Virtual Day Today
ACGC Public Schools
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
Kids are Great Daycare will also open 2 hours late.
Achieve Language Academy
Metro
School
Closed Today
AFSA High School
Metro
School
Closed Today
Agamim Classical Academy
Minnesota
School
Closed Today
Afternoon Activities Canceled
Aitkin
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
No AM Preschool – Kids Club Opens at 10:00
Alexandria Schools
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
All Saints School – Lakeville
Metro
School
Closed Today
No Preschool, No Falcon’s Nest
Alma Area Schools
Wisconsin
School
E-Learning Day
Amery School Dist.
Wisconsin
School
Virtual Day Today
Annandale Public Schools
Metro
School
Closed Today
E-Learning Day
Annunciation Elementary – Mpls
Metro
School
Closed Today
Evening Activities Canceled – Extended Day and LADC Preschool Closed
Art and Science Academy
Minnesota
School
Virtual Day Today
Ascension – Mpls
Metro
School
Closed Today
Ashby Schools
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
Aspen Academy
Minnesota
School
Closed Today
E-Learning for Middle School
Athlos Leadership Academy – BP
Metro
School
Closed Today
Evening Activities Canceled
Augsburg Park Montessori School
Metro
School
Closed Today
Avalon Charter School – St. Paul
Metro
School
Virtual Day Today
Baldwin-Woodville Area Schools
Wisconsin
School
Delayed 2 hours
Barron Area Schools
Wisconsin
School
Virtual Day Today
Becker Public Schools
Metro
School
Stay tuned for further announcements
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Public Schools
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
JKC will open at 7:30
Belle Plaine Schools
Metro
School
E-Learning
Bemidji Area Schools
Minnesota
School
Closed Today
Benilde-St. Margaret’s
Metro
School
Delayed 2 hours
Benson Public School
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
Big Lake Public Schools
Metro
School
Closed Today
No Childcare; After School Activities still on as scheduled
Birchwood Public Schools
Wisconsin
School
Delayed 2 hours
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Blackduck Schools
Minnesota
School
E-Learning Day
Blessed Trinity Catholic School
Metro
School
Closed Tuesday, No Preschool or Club Tiger, After School Activities Canceled
Blooming Prairie Schools
Minnesota
School
Closed Monday
Evening Activities Canceled
Bloomington Lutheran School
Metro
School
Closed Today
Bloomington Schools ISD #271
Metro
School
Secondary E-Learning; No school K-5, PreK
Elementary and PreK staff PD day
Blue Earth Area Schools #2148
Minnesota
School
Closed Today
Flex Learning Day Grades 6-12
BOLD – Bird Island-Olivia-Lake Lillian
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
Boyceville Community School District
Wisconsin
School
Closed Today
Evening Activities Canceled
Braham Public School #314
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
BASK 2 hrs Late. No 1st St. Section 1
Brainerd Public Schools
Minnesota
School
Closed Monday
Closed Tuesday, Feb 18
Brandon-Evansville Public Schools
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
Breck School
Metro
School
Closed Today
Afternoon Activities Canceled – For Tuesday 2/18/25
Brooklyn Center #286
Metro
School
Virtual Day Today
Afternoon Activities Canceled
Browns Valley Schools
Minnesota
School
Closed Today
E-Learning Day 1
Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
No AM Preschool
Buffalo/Hanover/Montrose ISD #877
Metro
School
Closed Today
Burnsville School Dist. #191
Metro
School
Virtual Day Today
Butterfield-Odin Public #836
Minnesota
School
Closed Today
Caledonia School District
Minnesota
School
Closed Today
Cambridge/Isanti Public Schools
Metro
School
Virtual Day Today
Canby Public Schools
Minnesota
School
Delayed 2 hours
Cannon Falls ISD #252
Minnesota
School
Closed Today
Cannon Kids is Closed
Career Pathways
Metro
School
Closed Today
Cass Lake-Bena Public Schools
Minnesota
School
Virtual Day Today
Cedar Mountain – Morgan ISD #2754
Minnesota
School
Closed Monday
E-Learning Day
Centennial Public Schools ISD #12
Metro
School
Minnesota
Montevideo Public Schools ISD 129
Closed today
Metro
Monticello Public School #882
Delayed 2 hours
Minnesota
Mora Schools #332
Closed today, Digital & At-Home Learning Day
Minnesota
Morris Area Schools
Closed Monday
Metro
Mounds Park Academy
Delayed 2 hours
Metro
Mounds View Schools #621
Closed today
Metro
Mountain Lake Christian School
Closed today
Minnesota
Mt. Olive Lutheran School – Delano
Closed today, Snow Day
Minnesota
Murray Cty. Central ISD 2169
Delayed 2 hours
Metro
Nativity of Mary School – Bloomington
Closed today
Minnesota
Nevis School District
Delayed 2 hours
Minnesota
New Century Academy – Hutchinson
Delayed 2 hours
Minnesota
New Heights Charter – Stillwater
Delayed 2 hours, No AM Preschool
Metro
New Millennium Academy
Virtual Day today
Minnesota
New Prague Schools ISD 721
Closed today, Afternoon Activities Canceled
Wisconsin
New Richmond Schools
Delayed 2 hours
Minnesota
New Ulm Public & Parochial Schools
Closed today
Metro
Northeast Metro #916
E-Learning Day today
Minnesota
Northern Lights Community School
Virtual Day today
Minnesota
Northfield ISD 659
Closed today
Metro
Northwest Passage High School
Delayed 2 hours
Metro
Notre Dame Academy
Closed today, Distance Learning
Metro
Oak Hill Montessori – Shoreview
Closed today
Metro
Orono Schools #278
Delayed 2 hours
Minnesota
Osakis
Delayed 2 hours, No AM Preschool
Metro
Osseo District #279
Closed today, Evening Activities Canceled
Minnesota
Owatonna Public Schools
Closed today, SAC is Open
Metro
Pact Charter School
No School K-6, E-learning for 7-12
Minnesota
Paynesville Area Schools
Delayed 2 hours
Minnesota
Pelican Rapids Schools
Delayed 2 hours, No AM Preschool
Minnesota
Pequot Lakes ISD #186
Closed today
Minnesota
Pierz ISD 484
Kid Konnection Open
Minnesota
Pillager ISD #116
Delayed 2 hours
Minnesota
Pine City Schools
Closed today
Wisconsin
Plum City School Dist.
Virtual Day today
Wisconsin
Prairie Farm School Dist.
Closed today
Metro
Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
E-Learning Day
Metro
Prodeo Academy
Closed today, Afternoon Activities Canceled
Minnesota
Red Rock Central Public Schools
Delayed 2 hours
Minnesota
Red Wing ISD 256
E-learning Day, Child Care Open
Metro
Richfield Public Schools
Delayed 2 hours
Metro
Risen Christ School – Mpls
Virtual Day today, Afternoon Activities Canceled
Wisconsin
River Falls School Dist.
Closed today
Minnesota
Rochester Public Schools
Closed today, Afternoon Activities Canceled
Metro
Rockford Schools ISD 883
Closed today
Metro
Roseville Area Schools
Closed today, Evening Activities Canceled
Metro
St. Croix Lutheran H.S.- W. St. Paul
Closed today
Minnesota
Sartell-St. Stephen School District
Closed today
Minnesota
Sauk Centre ISD #743
Delayed 2 hours
Minnesota
Sauk Rapids-Rice
Delayed 2 hours
Minnesota
Sebeka Area Schools
Closed today
Metro
Seven Hills Preparatory Academy
Closed today
Metro
Shakopee Public Schools
Closed today, Child Care Open
Minnesota
Sleepy Eye Public
Closed today
Metro
So. St. Paul Public Schools
Virtual Day today
Minnesota
South Central College-Faribault & N Mankato
Closed today
Metro
South Washington County Schools #833
Virtual Day today
Metro
SPCPA
Classes canceled for 2/18/25, After school activities TBD
Metro
St. Paul Public Schools
Closed today; all classes and activities canceled
Metro
Stillwater Area Public Schools
E-Learning Day 2/18
Metro
Stonebridge World School
Closed today
Minnesota
Wadena Deer Creek School
Delayed 2 hours
Metro
Watertown/Mayer Public Schools
Delayed 2 hours
Wisconsin
Webster School District
Closed today, Evening Activities Canceled
Metro
West St. Paul – Mendota Heights – Eagan
Closed today
Minnesota
Wheaton Area Schools — District 803
Delayed 2 hours
Metro
White Bear Lake ISD 624
Closed today
Minnesota
Willmar Public ISD 347
Delayed 2 hours
Metro
Wright Technical Center – Buffalo
Closed today
Additionally, many daycare and preschool centers are closed or operating on a delayed schedule, including Anoka County Head Start (closed today) and La Creche Early Childhood Centers (virtual day tod
News
Oil Prices Soar After This New Surprise Move—What It Means for You
Oil prices rose over 1 percent on Thursday after Trump revoked Chevron’s license to export Venezuelan crude, sparking supply concerns.
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United States: Oil prices surged beyond 1 percent on Thursday as apprehensions over supply constraints reemerged following US President Donald Trump’s abrupt revocation of a crucial license that had permitted US energy behemoth Chevron (CVX.N) to continue its Venezuelan operations.
However, these gains were tempered by mounting optimism regarding a potential diplomatic resolution in Ukraine, which, if materialized, could lead to an uptick in Russian crude exports. Additionally, an unanticipated increase in US gasoline and distillate inventories exerted downward pressure on price momentum, according to reports by Reuters.
As of 1240 GMT, Brent crude futures advanced 86 cents, equivalent to a 1.19 percent rise, reaching USD 73.39 per barrel. Concurrently, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed 78 cents, or 1.14 percent, to settle at USD 69.40 per barrel. This follows a prior session where both contracts concluded at their lowest valuation since December 10.
“Oil prices are exhibiting signs of stabilization around their two-month troughs after Trump’s decision to rescind Chevron’s license, effectively barring the company from exporting Venezuelan crude,” noted PVM analyst Tamas Varga.
The revocation of Chevron’s license signifies the company’s forfeiture of its ability to ship Venezuelan crude to international markets. Consequently, if Venezuela’s state-run oil entity PDVSA assumes control over these exports, US refineries will find themselves unable to procure the crude due to stringent American sanctions, as per Reuters.
“Chevron’s withdrawal from the Venezuelan oil landscape could curtail the nation’s overall crude production, potentially affording OPEC+ additional leeway to amplify output,” analysts at TD Cowen observed in a research note. “Should this materialize, coastal refiners in the US might face escalated procurement expenses.”
In the event that OPEC+ refrains from augmenting supply, the market could witness a pronounced elevation in heavy sour crude prices, a development that would disproportionately impact US refiners reliant on such blends.
Chevron currently exports approximately 240,000 barrels per day (bpd) from its Venezuelan operations, a figure constituting over a quarter of the country’s total oil production.
According to the reports, Trump’s overtures toward brokering a Russia-Ukraine peace accord have garnered significant scrutiny. The former president disclosed that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to visit Washington on Friday to finalize an accord concerning rare earth minerals. However, Zelenskiy underscored that the outcome of negotiations hinges on continued US assistance.
“Financial markets thrive on clarity and abhor uncertainty. Absent a definitive trajectory on trade tariffs and Eastern European stability, oil prices are likely to oscillate unpredictably, with sporadic, sentiment-driven surges,” Varga added.
Separately, data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday revealed an unexpected contraction in domestic crude inventories spurred by heightened refining activity. However, contrary to forecasts, gasoline and distillate stockpiles registered unanticipated gains, adding an additional layer of complexity to market dynamics.
News
Why Is Elon Musk Shaping Trump’s Cabinet? The Answer May Surprise You!
White House press secretary explained why Musk would attend Trump’s inaugural Cabinet meeting despite not being a Cabinet member.
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United States: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday elucidated to reporters why Elon Musk is slated to join President Trump’s inaugural Cabinet meeting, despite his non-Cabinet status, offering a glimpse into the forthcoming assembly.
“Elon collaborates daily with Cabinet secretaries and their teams to unearth inefficiency, malfeasance, and exploitation within these agencies,” Leavitt articulated when probed about Musk’s participation. “Every Cabinet secretary heeds the guidance and strategic direction of DOGE,” she affirmed.
Leavitt further underscored the symbiotic relationship between the secretaries and DOGE, shedding light on the meeting’s objectives, according to the reports by CNN.
“Cabinet members will be presenting updates on their progress,” she conveyed, “and sharing insights into the initiatives underway within their agencies, particularly in relation to advancing the policy commitments the president championed during his campaign.”
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House Speaker Seeks Minimal Adjustments to Budget Resolution Ahead of Senate Discussions
According to the reports by CNN, House Speaker Mike Johnson disclosed plans to convene with Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Wednesday, following the House’s narrow approval of its budget framework on Tuesday evening.
When questioned about his openness to alterations in the final budget resolution, Johnson told CNN, “As few changes as feasible.”
The House’s adoption of the extensive budget outline came after Johnson’s determined efforts to sway resistant members. With a last-minute push from President Donald Trump via phone calls, GOP leaders engaged in a whirlwind of persuasion throughout Tuesday to galvanize support for their proposal.
News
Chaos at the Pentagon? Trump’s Surprise Overhaul Stuns Washington!
The Trump administration executed a dramatic shake-up at the Pentagon, removing six senior officials, including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. CQ Brown.
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United States: The Trump administration orchestrated a sweeping overhaul at the Pentagon on Friday evening, ousting six senior officials as Secretary Pete Hegseth fulfilled his pledge to disrupt the department’s leadership hierarchy.
President Donald Trump and Hegseth dismissed Gen. CQ Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appointing Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, a relatively obscure figure, in his place.
Caine’s selection underscores Trump’s inclination toward unconventional warfare and special operations. Caine was among the cadre of military leaders who convened with Trump in December 2018 at Iraq’s Al Asad airbase. During Trump’s visit to deliver a Christmas address and assess the situation firsthand, Caine proposed a rapid defeat of ISIS through intensified resources and eased engagement constraints, according to the reports by Fox News.
“‘We’re only hitting them from a temporary base in Syria,'” Trump recounted Caine saying. “‘But if you gave us permission, we could strike them from the back, from the side, from every angle – from the very base you’re standing on, sir. They wouldn’t know what hit them.'”
This perspective sharply contrasted with the more cautious counsel from Pentagon leadership, leaving a lasting impact on Trump, according to Rob Greenway, a former National Security Council official who accompanied the trip and has known Caine since their days at Virginia Military Institute.
In announcing Caine’s appointment, Trump praised him as “a distinguished pilot, a national security strategist, a successful entrepreneur, and a ‘warfighter’ with robust experience in interagency and special operations.”
Trump tapped Caine from relative obscurity to serve as his chief military advisor following criticisms that Gen. CQ Brown had advanced a “woke” agenda at the Pentagon. Brown had previously issued a 2022 memo outlining diversity objectives for the Air Force.
Although Caine lacks the conventional qualifications for the role—such as being a combatant commander or a service chief—he will need a waiver to secure confirmation.
The move has left defense analysts speculating about the trajectory Caine might take in this pivotal role.
“Caine hasn’t published much, so we’re left deciphering the tea leaves,” said Mark Cancian, a senior defense analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Greenway lauded Caine as “an inspired choice, a remarkable officer with a diverse background, and someone who enjoys the president’s confidence,” as per the reports by Fox News.
Caine’s reputation as a tenacious fighter pilot, earning him the moniker “Razin” Caine, undoubtedly appealed to Trump. However, Greenway suggested that Caine’s unconventional path through both the military and the private sector also factored into Trump’s decision.
“One of the president’s priorities is for the Pentagon to finally pass an audit. He wants someone who understands balance sheets and can steer the department toward financial accountability.”
The Pentagon has failed seven consecutive audits, prompting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to target the Defense Department for budgetary cuts.
Caine, an experienced F-16 pilot, has served in roles ranging from top military liaison to the CIA to an Air National Guard officer and the founder of a regional airline in Texas. He was also a White House fellow at the Agriculture Department and a counterterrorism expert on the White House’s Homeland Security Council.
Between 2018 and 2019, he acted as deputy commander of Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, which has combated the Islamic State since 2014. Although details of his contributions remain scant, clandestine airstrikes escalated during his tenure as Trump delegated airstrike authorization to commanders on the ground.
Critics, however, argue that Caine, like Hegseth, lacks the high-level command experience necessary for his new advisory position, according to the reports.
“Trump seems to view the role as one with the authority to mobilize forces and allocate funds, but it doesn’t function that way,” said Gene Moran, a former advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and founder of lobbying firm Capitol Integration. “The president now has advisors with limited senior-level qualifications in these critical roles.”
The administration also dismissed Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations, whom Hegseth reportedly believed was appointed primarily due to her gender. Additionally, Gen. Jim Slife, Air Force vice chief of staff, and the judge advocates general of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were relieved of their duties.
“If naval operations falter, at least we can take solace in achieving another first! The first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—hooray,” Hegseth quipped in his 2024 book, The War on Warriors.
Greenway noted the Navy’s struggles with delivering procurement programs on schedule and within budget, as well as its tendency to decommission more ships than it builds. “The message here is that accountability must be restored,” he said.
Perhaps the most significant policy shift could emerge from the overhaul of the judge advocates general. Hegseth aims to enhance the autonomy of ground forces, reducing legal oversight that could impede military operations.
The judge advocates general, as the top legal officers of their respective branches oversee legal advisors, defense counsel, and prosecutors for court-martial.
Hegseth has criticized what he perceives as excessive prosecution of war crimes. “He wants to extend the benefit of the doubt to the warfighter, barring, of course, an outright massacre,” a source familiar with the defense secretary’s mindset shared.
“We ultimately need attorneys who provide sound constitutional advice and don’t exist merely as obstacles,” Hegseth stated during a Fox News interview on Sunday.
Cancian expressed concerns over this approach, “While Hegseth believes troops should act decisively to secure victory without legal hesitation, this could lead to actions contravening international laws or treaties, sparking significant controversies both domestically and with allies.”
According to the reports by Fox News, the ascension of Caine, with his clandestine operations background, and the dismissal of top military lawyers signal a potential pivot toward covert operations. This shift aligns with recent terrorism designations targeting Latin American cartels, potentially paving the way for covert counter-narcotics missions south of the border.
“We might witness shifts in troop deployments in longstanding regions and new missions in Mexico targeting the cartels,” speculated another Hegseth confidant.
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