Stories from January 2, 2026

January 2, 2026 7:35 AM

With few Epstein files released, conspiracy theories flourish and questions remain

President Trump’s changing messaging, Congress’ unprecedented demands and the Justice Department’s piecemeal release of information haven’t quieted the questions. Here’s what we know — and don’t.

by Stephen Fowler

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January 2, 2026 6:45 AM

Harrison Smith stays in the moment with the Vikings, as his 14th season winds down

Harrison Smith’s 14th year as a steadying presence and energizing force in the secondary for the Minnesota Vikings has hardly been smooth. His setback with a health-related matter during training camp was followed by a 4-8 start that precipitated the team's elimination from playoff contention.

by The Associated Press

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January 2, 2026 6:32 AM

Kaohly Her to be sworn in as mayor of St. Paul

Kaohly Her will be sworn in as mayor of St. Paul on Friday. She’s the first woman and first Hmong-American to have the role. Her will make history in the office, but her plans are focused on basics — making it easier to start and run a business in the city of St. Paul.

by Emily Bright

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January 2, 2026 6:32 AM

Chilly Friday but milder next week with more precipitation chances

Temperatures remain below normal today and tomorrow. More light snow is possible Saturday. Milder air moves in early next week with a few more precipitation chances.

by Sven Sundgaard

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January 2, 2026 4:00 AM

Kaohly Her makes St. Paul mayoral history as she looks toward the future

History will be made in St. Paul on Friday when Kaohly Her becomes the city’s first Hmong mayor and the first woman to hold the title. On top of all that, St. Paul’s entirely elected leadership is now composed of all women.

by Peter Cox

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January 2, 2026 4:00 AM

'Snow is a giant mirror' — an art exhibition captures the color and quiet of peak Minnesota winter

A new exhibition at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum reveals winter as a season of vivid color and quiet beauty, through the eyes of artists who venture into Minnesota’s cold to capture snow not as white, but as a mirror of light.

by Alex V. Cipolle

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January 2, 2026 4:00 AM

Review: In the Guthrie’s ‘Somewhere,’ one artist stops dancing so others can dream

At the Guthrie Theater, “Somewhere” follows a gifted dancer who gives up his own ambitions to support his family, tracing the fragile balance between artistic dreams, responsibility, and sacrifice.

by Jacob Aloi