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It’s Friday, Anoka County! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: A $65.1 million senior living sale, FinCEN’s new transfer reporting, and a U2 tribute + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Anoka County protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Real estate investors keep buying: Three Twin Cities senior living properties in Rosemount, Bloomington, and St. Paul were sold for $65.1 million. Buyers included Vincent Cos and Welltower, which earlier bought Willows Bend in Fridley — get all the details.

Banks face expanded oversight: FinCEN’s order is in effect, requiring financial institutions to report $3,000 plus international transfers in Hennepin and Ramsey, tied to suspected fraud in child nutrition programs through August 10, 2026 — see what’s required and when.

Collaborative approach shows impact: U of M report finds Ramsey County’s youth justice initiative cut reoffending to 4% versus 29% while warning limiting diversion to first-time minor offenses could worsen racial disparities locally — see the data and implications.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Create clay mugs at Metta Coffee
• Enjoy discounted storytime with dancing
• Enjoy pancakes and support Ham Lake Lions
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Your midweek creativity fix: From handcrafted fine art and home decor to craft supplies, kits, and DIY classes, BKV Decor is a friendly Anoka spot to spark a new project, find a thoughtful gift, or refresh that shelf you’ve been side-eyeing. Local makers galore, zero big-box vibes.

Make the deck happen: Infinity Decks turns backyard wish lists into low-maintenance reality with composite builds, clean railings, shade pergolas, and under-deck waterproofing, so you’ll use the outdoors beyond July. Trade splinters for sandals this year and enjoy a deck that actually earns its summer.

Rolls and sizzling show: When sushi cravings hit, Osaka Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse delivers fresh rolls, sashimi, tempura, and hibachi seafood without the downtown hassle. Count on generous portions, smooth takeout for sweatpants nights, and a lively grill show when you’re up for dinner and a little sizzle.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🧠 Initials Game @ Majestic Oaks Golf Club (Andover) | Friday (3/13) at 7:00 PM – Friday nights at Majestic Oaks mean one thing, The Initials Game, live, with the trivia team in the house. Bring your encyclopedic brain and your best poker face, then stay for the laughs, the drinks, and the humblebrags you will not keep humble.

🎤 Benjamin Raye @ Fridley American Legion | Friday (3/13) at 7:30 PM – Nothing beats live music at the Fridley American Legion, and Benjamin Raye is rolling in with a laid-back, sing-along set that pairs perfectly with cold beer and neighborly gossip. Grab a seat, settle in, and let the jukebox have the night off for once.

🎸 Rattle and Hum @ Jellybean and Julia’s BBQ (Coon Rapids) | Friday (3/13) at 8:00 PM – Jellybean and Julia’s is going full Achtung Baby with a Rattle and Hum tribute, a whole night of U2 bangers. Expect Edge-level delay, Bono-ish shades, big singalongs to the ones you still know, and that moment your phone flashlight replaces the Bic.

📖 Saturday Storytime @ Barnes & Noble (Blaine) | Saturday (3/14) – Need an easy win with the kids? Pop in for storytime with actually great books, a Discounted Day of Reading deal that makes stocking up painless, and a surprise dance break if the wiggles win. Low stress, high charm, and blissful minutes of shared quiet.

📱 Apple Series: Part 2 @ Green Valley Garden Center | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Think your Honeycrisps could use a glow up? In part two of the Apple Grower Series, UMN Extension Master Gardener Ken Schroepfer breaks down spring care, pruning, and treatment options, so you harvest bigger, better apples, not just squirrel snacks. $5, pre-register, limited space.

🐾 Luck of the Paws Adoption Event @ Pet Supplies Plus – Blaine, MN | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – Feeling lucky, or just ready for less empty couch space? Twin Cities Pet Rescue pops up at Pet Supplies Plus in Blaine with St. Paddy’s vibes, adoptable dogs and cats, no leprechauns, wagging tails, happy purrs, and forever roommates. Wear green, bring questions, leave smitten.

🎵 Sweetwater Revival @ Heart of the City Music Factory | Saturday (3/14) at 7:00 PM – Sweetwater Revival brings all-female, four-part gospel harmonies to the Music Factory, celebrating 20 years with songs for joy, encouragement, and goosebumps. Snag $25 advance tickets or chance it at the door, climb those Old Milk Factory stairs, earn Mr. Chipper’s cookies, feel uplifted.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 Grunge Unplugged @ 10K Brewing – 7:00 PM
• 3/13 Benjamin Raye @ Fridley American Legion – 7:30 PM
• 3/13 Rattle and Hum @ Jellybean and Julia’s BBQ (Coon Rapids) – 8:00 PM
• 3/14 Corey Stevens @ Brookhall Event Center (Blaine) – 6:00 PM
• 3/14 Tyler Polzin @ 10K Brewing – 7:00 PM
• 3/14 Bad Behavior @ Serum’s Good Time Emporium – 9:00 PM
• 3/15 Sam Licari @ 10K Brewing – 4:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Anoka County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 38°F – Low: 23°F – Precip: 4%

Partly sunny. High near 38, with temperatures falling to around 34 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 15 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. North wind 0 to 15 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 40°F – Low: 27°F – Precip: 22%

A slight chance of snow after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Snow. Cloudy, with a low around 27. East wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches possible.

This house is wild

This 5-bed, 4-bath two-story sits on 2.5 wooded acres and 200 feet of Lake Itasca shoreline in Ramsey’s Northfork. An oversized Thermador kitchen anchors open living with a fireplace and sun room. A luxe primary suite adds a balcony and heated floors. A flexible lower level, accessory kitchen, and detached, climate-controlled garage with office and loft complete the package.

Take a peek inside →

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