Up North Report

Senate reverses mining ban near BWCAW; Iron Range manufacturer to close

Civic Media — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Lockdown at Northwest Technical College; downtown Walker evacuated as natural gas line damaged; and a man missing in St. Louis County was found five days later by family.

S-M passes referendum, Aitkin’s fails; St. Louis County finds workaround to use PLAs

Civic Media — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Sen. Amy Klobuchar has raised almost $5 million in the first two months of her gubernatorial campaign; and three Northern Minnesota communities will get planning assistance from MnDOT.

Smith urges colleagues to protect BWCA in Senate floor speech; Rock Ridge sticks to 5 day week

Civic Media — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: A complex land dispute in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area leads to a developer turning to state lawmakers for a solution.

Hibbing woman dies after self-inflicted fire; St. Louis County authorities seek missing man near Greaney

Civic Media — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: State lawmakers are considering bills to address Greater Minnesota housing needs; MnDOT has several road construction projects planned in the Northland; and the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority awarded grants to five Northland communities.

North Star Students: N-K’s Maddy, Abby Koivisto are ‘shining examples’

Civic Media — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Their schedules are booked solid, and graduation is only a few weeks away, but seniors Maddy and Abby Koivisto are engaged in class every day and always willing to lend a hand.

Reforest Bemidji sees ‘overwhelming response’; Red Lake Nation College gets $7M grant

Civic Media — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Minnesota-based nonprofit says Big Tech fight reminiscent of Big Tobacco crackdown; and National Weather Service offering free weather spotter classes.

Hibbing School Board approves $1.5 million in staff cuts; Beltrami County seeks legislative fix to disaster aid

Civic Media — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Central Lakes College President Hara Charlier is leaving the school; and a new report is concerned with the DNR’s plans for electronic licenses this spring.

Carlton County sheriff to retire; Bill aims to protect wild rice from boaters

Civic Media — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Minnesota to select first youth poet laureate; Beltrami County seeks parks committee members; and Superior National Forest to begin prescribed fires.

Brainerd overnight shelter to remain open this summer; MN Chief Justice to retire

Civic Media — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Experts say AI could have a big impact on Minnesota’s labor force.

Aitkin School Board accepts principal resignation; Rural EMS crews push for state aid

Civic Media — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will accept comment on Minnesota Power’s proposed transmission line project; and the Minnesota Department of Health updated its guidelines for eating fish from Arrowhead lakes.

Specialized mental health treatment court kicks off in Itasca County

Civic Media — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The cross-jurisdictional court includes the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and is intended to reduce recidivism among participants in a highly intensive, court-supervised treatment program.

Partners call Grand Rapids research office closure a major loss; Sen. Klobuchar visits Bemidji

Civic Media — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Grand Rapids Economic Development Agency will use state funds to demolish the former Itasca Farm Co-op.

Remer grass fire burns 40 acres; USFS Grand Rapids research office to close

Civic Media — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: St. Louis County to choose between local labor or risking federal funds.

Becker County IDs boy and his father in murder-suicide; Minnesota Chippewa Tribe bands host primary elections

Civic Media — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Ruby’s Pantry will cease operations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa; Hermantown will accept public comment on a study for the proposed Google data center through April 30; and the Soudan Mine State Park will offer underground mine tours beginning Memorial Day weekend.

2 shot to death in rural Becker County; Sebeka mourns woman killed in crash

Civic Media — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Two local elementary schools meet their fates, with Bemidji’s J.W. Smith set to remain open for at least a year, while Greenhaven in Hibbing will close.

2 killed in head-on crash on Highway 71 in Park Rapids; Train derailment near Warroad prompts evacuation

Civic Media — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Minnesotans gathered in the thousands for “No Kings” rallies across the state; Aitkin Public Schools will soon have a new superintendent; Burning restrictions for areas of the state went into effect Monday; and 2 Northland teams placed at the state boys basketball tournament.

Study provides greater detail on Northern Minnesota’s housing needs

Civic Media — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Greater Minnesota Housing Fund’s Nate Dorr discusses the next steps after a Beltrami County-specific housing study shows high demand for new housing builds across all categories.

Cass Lake sawmill destroyed in fire; Hibbing Public Schools hosts hearing on closing Greenhaven

Civic Media — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: MnDOT will host an open house Tuesday ahead of its 2026 construction season in Brainerd; and the Bemidji Public Library hosted a send-off Friday as it prepares to cut its staff and reduce its hours.

Deerwood mayor dies unexpectedly at age 74; Park Rapids woman pleads guilty as accomplice in stabbing

Civic Media — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Eighth District Congressman Pete Stauber’s bill for Great Lakes restoration funding passed the House with bipartisan support; Minnesota will no longer recognize Cesar Chavez Day; and St. Louis County seeks public input on how to use opioid settlement funds.

MN sues over access to evidence in shootings by federal agents

Civic Media — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Bemidji community urges Board to keep J.W. Smith open; and a Cuyuna rec area land dispute prompts road closure confusion, concerns.

Nevis man pleads guilty to election crime; Incumbent state Sen. Paul Utke fails to gain party endorsement

Civic Media — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: An overnight shelter in Brainerd is again seeking city approval to operate year-round; and Paul Bunyan Communications is expanding in more locations in Aitkin, Hubbard, Itasca and St. Louis counties.

Red Lake woman killed in rollover crash near TRF; Bemidji man ID’d as victim in Mississippi River crash

Civic Media — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Lawmakers move to limit AI use in therapy; Sacred Bundle hosts first event in former Bemidji elementary school; and Grand Itasca redesignated Level III trauma hospital.

Task forces on lowering health care costs take flight; MN contends with slower population growth

Civic Media — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Bemidji’s Aircorps Aviation receives MN DEED grant; and Beltrami County seeks feedback for safer roads planning.

Missing International Falls man confirmed dead; Hibbing union, school district make deal, avoid strike

Civic Media — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Bemidji Public Library to cut hours, staff; a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by a former Rock Ridge School Board member; Northern Minnesota tribal leaders testified in the nation’s capital; and Minnesota Forest Industries’ Tom Radovich was appointed to the state’s Forest Resources Council.

Hibbing school support staff to strike; MN North names new president

Civic Media — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:46:50 +0000

Plus: Blackduck considers disbanding its police force; spongy moth treatments are proposed in parts of Northern Minnesota; and the Detroit Lakes HS musicians have returned from their unexpected road trip.

Bemidji Area Schools hosts J.W. Smith closure Q&A; Northern MN lawmakers introduce liquor bills

Civic Media — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Leech Lake Tribal College selects three finalists in president search; and four Northland teams are heading to the boys basketball state tournament.

Fire prompts evacuations of 3 Lutsen townhomes; Nearly 90 acres returned to Grand Portage Band

Civic Media — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: the Bemidji City Council rejected Northern Township’s wastewater connection request; and the Brainerd City Council selected its next Chief of Police.

1 dead following Breezy Point fire; Flight cancellations cause improptu road trip for DL students

Civic Media — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: A new bill would ban municipalities from signing nondisclosure agreements; Otter Tail Power Co. had above-average profits last two years; Mountain Iron-Buhl is girls basketball runner-up.

Bemidji Fire braces for spring wildfire season, months after major storm

Civic Media — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Planning and preparation for the 2026 spring wildfire season began shortly after the major blowdown storm in the Bemidji region, which saw an estimated 9 million trees downed or damaged.

Judge declines to dismiss charges in Beltrami County jail death; Stauber introduced Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act

Civic Media — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: A new bill in the Minnesota Legislature would allow small school districts to shrink their school board size.

Rural housing fixes included in US Senate bill; Cannabis plans in LaPrairie nixed

Civic Media — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Some aquatic invasive species prevention efforts to prepare for the impending open water season in Minnesota are already taking place.

MN accepts settlement with Lyft over disability discrimination; State lawmakers contend with federal Medicaid changes

Civic Media — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Cook County Sheriff is resigning in May 2026 to accept an early childhood education role; and Minnesota DEED awarded nearly $2 million to support Youthbuild programs.

MDH study shows uninsured rate on the rise; state Senate considers bill giving inherent rights to wild rice

Civic Media — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: the Minnesota Legislature is considering a ban on cryptocurrency kiosks as the FBI reports these ATMs are connected to $333 million in reported losses to fraud.

Man dies in snowmobile crash north of Orr; 2 dead in apparent murder-suicide in I-Falls

Civic Media — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Park Rapids man faces third charge for threatening lawmakers; former state Sen. Justin Eichorn’s trial pushed to June; Warroad boys win state hockey title, and Kelliher/Northome, Mountain Iron-Buhl and Rock Ridge to compete in girls basketball tourney.

North Star Student: 1 season left in S-M’s Ronnie Noska’s ‘amazing’ tennis career

Civic Media — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Staples-Motley junior Ronnie Noska is KAXE’s second-ever North Star Student. Noska’s hard work has led to a successful career on the court, and she continues to grow as a leader off of it.

Bemidji Day returns to the MN Capitol; Beltrami County seeks input on hazard plan

Civic Media — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Townships across Minnesota will host their annual meetings on March 10, 2026; the DNR is seeking input on proposed changes to Itasca State Park; and the Superior National Forest will host a Tofte Ranger District open house on March 12.

At the Capitol: Fraud bills, slowing speeders, student cellphones, gun control

Civic Media — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:06:01 +0000

News Director Chelsey Perkins catches up on what’s happening in St. Paul with Report for Minnesota student journalists Abbey Mulcahy, Kendra Mobilia, Shay Scanlan and Eleanor Steffen.

Bomb threat closes Park Rapids restaurant; Hibbing moves ahead with school closure

Civic Media — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources awards Cass Lake conservation officer as 2025 officer of the year; and the high school boys hockey tourney is underway.

Meet the 2026 Report for Minnesota interns covering the state Capitol

Civic Media — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:27:00 +0000

Abbey Mulcahy, Kendra Mobilia, Shay Scanlan and Eleanor Steffen are reporting on the Legislature. New this year, intern Karina Kafka is also producing photojournalism.

Man dies after being trapped under snow groomer; Judge denies Bemidji’s motion to reopen boundary trial

Civic Media — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Brainerd Police Chief will retire early due to cancer; a new solar cooperative is forming in north-central MN; and MN DEED recently awarded more than $7 million in housing infrastructure grants.

Residents displaced after Staples apartment fire; Driver crashes into Lakewood ER doors

Civic Media — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: Bemidji School Board votes to close J.W. Smith Elementary; Hibbing considers closing Greenhaven Elementary; and Google revealed to be owner of propsed Hermantown data center.

Bemidji program leaders, parents grapple with potential closure of J.W.

Civic Media — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Bemidji Area Boys and Girls Club launched an after-school site at J.W. Smith in 2023, and with the proposed closure of the school, program leaders and parents share their concerns.

Osage woman ID’d as victim in Feb. 18 fire; Roseau pilot awaiting day in Red Lake court

Civic Media — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

And: Walz releases anti-fraud package after Trump administration announces Minnesota Medicaid cuts; Rachel Anthony murder still unsolved after 25 years; Staples-Motley are state wrestling champs.

Jury finds Red Lake mom guilty of murder, arson; 4 killed, 1 injured in crash near Grand Casino Mille Lacs

Civic Media — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:01:00 +0000

Plus: Hubbard County man charged with threatening state lawmakers; and Hibbing Public Schools is bracing for a potential strike from the union representing support staff.

Fleet Farm to change gun policies under settlement; Nisswa again looking for new administrator

Civic Media — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: Early voting opens Friday for Aitkin, Staples-Motley referendums; year-round bass season now in place; Beltrami County, Red Lake residents eligible for free well water test kits; boys swimming and diving state meet starts Thursday.

Public speaks on possible Bemidji school closure; PUC won’t reopen MN Power sale

Civic Media — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: Stauber introduces legislation to require judges be natural born citizens; and the latest round of names for MnDOT snowplows is released.

Itasca County fatal hit-and-run case to go to trial in 2026; New roadmap says MN’s fraud issue spans 50 years

Civic Media — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: The U.S. Senate is expected to soon vote on whether to allow copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters; and the latest in winter high school sports.

New program in Arrowhead helps adults explore new career paths

Civic Media — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Launch North, the new program from the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging, will host one-day events in Duluth, Grand Rapids, International Falls and Cloquet.

Bemidji school board accepts purchase offer for Central Elementary; Fraud control back in focus at MN Capitol

Civic Media — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: The AFSCME Local 480 presented a letter of no confidence to the Hibbing School Board Feb. 18, 2026, after months of negotiations without reaching a contract.

Woman dies in Osage house fire; Brainerd man to serve life sentence for murder

Civic Media — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: 2142 and Mountain Iron-Buhl select new superintendent; Staples-Motley, Aitkin to host open houses for referendums; MnDOT public transit app expands in Greater Minnesota; and Bemidji girls hockey falls to Edina at state.

Federal judge issues order ahead of Eichorn’s jury trial; Igo introduces bill to extend unemployment for miners

Civic Media — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Sheriffs in Hubbard, Lake and Polk counties announce retirement plans; Minnesotans take advantage of deep freeze with lake ice racing; and Northland girl hockey players are so far 1-1 in the state tournament.

MinnPost reporter Matthew Blake previews the MN Legislature

Civic Media — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Lawmakers returned to St. Paul on Tuesday, Feb. 17. MinnPost senior government reporter Matthew Blake sets the tone for the session and shares the stories he’s watching.

One found dead in Beltrami County house fire; Lawmakers start 2026 session remembering Rep. Hortman

Civic Media — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Chip Rankin will be the next superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools; Polk and Mahnomen counties have new commissioners after special elections; and the latest updates for Northland winter athletes.

Sheriff defends ICE using duplicate license plates in Brainerd area enforcement

Civic Media — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Crow Wing County’s Eric Klang said agents worked out of the sheriff’s office while temporarily stationed in the lakes area, asking him for guidance on “what’s off limits.”

Longville community mourns death of local official; Hibbing, union work out labor dispute

Civic Media — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Community members show up to Nevis council in support of Wild Tiger Skate Park; House 2A Rep. Bidal Duran announces reelection plans; and the latest for Northland winter athletes.

Border Czar Homan announces end to Operation Metro Surge; Deer River votes down 4-day school week

Civic Media — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Northern, MN to become Northern MN’s newest city; and 14 Northland athletes competed in the Alpine Ski state tournament Feb. 10, 2026.

MN’s constitutional stress test; Baxter’s Hwy 371 overpass moves forward

Civic Media — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: St. Louis County seeks resident input on updates to its hazard mitigation plan; and United Way of 1000 Lakes is accepting Volunteer of the Year nominations.

66-year-old man missing from International Falls; Polk County K-9 euthanized

Civic Media — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

And: Republican Dr. Scott Jensen suspends his campaign for governor to run for state auditor; Rep. Spencer Igo is running for reelection; the Public Utilities Commission delays transmission line meetings; and ICE being watched for sharing health information.

Questions surround 4-day school weeks, despite growing popularity

Civic Media — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The number of four-day school week school districts in Northern Minnesota and across the country keeps growing. Communities are fiercely loyal, but researchers say there are still lots of unknowns.

Lumber giants finalize merger as Bemidji mill lawsuits continue; Hibbing city workers’ union files intent to strike

Civic Media — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: the Minnesota State Patrol recently honored troopers and citizens for their heroic actions; and high school Nordic skiiers will soon compete in Biwabik.

County attorneys nix sheriff-ICE proposal; MN lacks authority in White Earth cannabis case

Civic Media — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: Deer River School District considers moving to a four-day school week; and Cass County is taking comments its environmental assessment of a development near Gull Lake.

Snowmobiler dies in crash north of Orr; 700 immigration agents leaving MN

Civic Media — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: DFL, GOP host precinct caucuses across Minnesota; Bemidji State University leaders to tour Brainerd/Baxter, Grand Rapids, Iron Range; and Northland student-athletes to race at state alpine skiing tournament.

Man dies in St. Louis County’s custody; In new fraud efforts, state to train 160+ staffers for site checks

Civic Media — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Republican state rep. Ben Davis to seek reelection in 6A; the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame will stay in Eveleth; Northland students will soon perform in state tournaments; and Canada’s Border Services Agency is seeking feedback on a new remote border entry program.

2 killed in Hermantown housing complex explosion; Rural Cass Lake couple killed after train strikes vehicle

Civic Media — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

And: Judge denies injunction to pause Operation Metro Surge; MN Congressional Republicans introduce MN Voter Integrity Act; and Sen. Tina Smith endorses Peggy Flanagan.

Brainerd HS students walk out in support of ‘ICE Out’ strike; St. Louis County seeks man ‘mistakenly released’ from Itasca Jail

Civic Media — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Two deans were removed from their positions at Bemidji State University; the Bagley City Council is no longer considering disbanding its police force; and the DNR is seeking 200 summer interns.

2 arrested by ICE at Brainerd restaurant appear in court; Walz bans weapons from Capitol

Civic Media — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: Caucus Night is coming on Tuesday — here’s what to expect.

Klobuchar launches campaign for governor; Federal attorneys urge court to deny MN’s order pausing ICE surge

Civic Media — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

And: Protestors gather outside union meeting with Rep. Stauber; and Dan Horoshak, Roger Skraba announce state House campaigns.

Brainerd community hosts vigil outside El Potro; Red Lake descendant faces federal charge after ICE arrest

Civic Media — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Itasca County Sheriff Joe Dasovich is joining Cass County in abandoning a previous 287(g) agreement with ICE.

Cass County ICE agreement is ‘null and void’; Republican Madel drops out of governor race

Civic Media — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

And: Alleged Lutsen Lodge arsonist sues insurance company for denying claim; and a new book series helps schools elevate Native American teachings.

ICE arrests 4 in downtown Brainerd; Judge hears arguments to consider pause on Operation Metro Surge

Civic Media — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Prosecutors are declining to move forward with a case after alleging a federal officer was assaulted in Virginia; and hundreds gathered at a vigil Jan. 24, 2025, outside the Crow Wing County Jail.

Hibbing pursuing lead line identification at faster rate than most of MN

Civic Media — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Lead service lines are a pervasive issue in Minnesota. The state has a goal to replace them by 2033, but Hibbing Public Utilities aims to do it in two to three years.

Thousands gather in Minneapolis for ‘ICE Out’ Day; 2 NW MN sheriffs announce retirement plans

Civic Media — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Co-owner of The Pines in Grand Rapids Kyle Lussier was nominated for a James Beard award; the Minnesota DNR will accept comment on adjusting Aitkin County’s public waters through Feb. 27; and MnDOT announced more than $76 million in transportation grants.

Klobuchar files paperwork for governor run; House passes reversal of mining ban

Civic Media — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: Nisswa City Council votes to censure Mayor Jennifer Carnahan and strip her of committee posts; and a general strike against ICE presence in Minnesota is Friday.

Dangerous cold impacting Northern MN; Former sportscaster Tafoya launches Senate campaign

Civic Media — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

And: The Baxter City Council opposes MnDOT’s plans for the Highway 371/210 intersection; and Rock Ridge hosts the first-ever high school broadcast in Ojibwe.

St. Louis County IDs man found dead in structure fire; Trump admin subpoenas MN officials

Civic Media — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: AG Keith Ellison remains committed to running for reelection; two candidates launch campaigns for MN House from the Arrowhead; and the U.S. Forest Service will maintain its closure order to reduce human-bear encounters in the BWCA.

MDH report shows most maternal mortality is preventable; Aitkin County man free after 26 years behind bars

Civic Media — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: A new pilot program to improve medical response time launched in northern St. Louis County; DNR plans to reduce statewide walleye possession limit; and the Bemidji State Beavers and Minnesota State Mavericks will face off at the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women’s Face-Off Classic in Grand Rapids.

DNR’s Drill Core Library drives discoveries by preserving the past

Civic Media — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Three warehouses in Hibbing store over 3 million feet of core from over 20,000 holes drilled throughout Minnesota, keeping a “natural record” of the state’s geology.

Boswell solar project gains approval; Northern MN school districts to merge

Civic Media — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: A northwestern MN egg cooperative aims for price stabilization, local resilience; and a Superior National Forest trail will close to allow sled dogs to haul materials.

Tensions flare after another ICE shooting in Minneapolis; Enbridge, DNR reach agreement on Line 3 breach enforcement

Civic Media — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: Hundreds turn out for Mesabi Metallics environmental permits meeting.

Aitkin to take another stab at school referendum; Itasca legislators preview session at GR event

Civic Media — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince wins national disaster leadership award.

Top fraud prosecutors quit MN U.S. Attorney’s office; State lawmaker announces filing to impeach Gov. Walz

Civic Media — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: State senators Grant Hauschild and Rob Farnsworth launched reelection campaigns; the Hibbing School District named a new acting superintendent; and the Rock Ridge High School will soon host the first high school hockey game broadcast in Ojibwe.

Northern Minnesotans turn out for anti-ICE demonstrations; State and local leaders react to heightened ICE presence

Civic Media — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:59:50 +0000

Plus: Mesabi Metallics is in the final steps of opening its long-planned mine in Nashwauk.

Your property tax statement explained, Part 3: Refunds and learning more

Civic Media — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The KAXE News Team is breaking down your property tax statement, line by line. Finally, we cover refunds, timelines and how to get involved and learn more.

More layoffs planned at HibTac; Trump admin says mining ban near BWCA was ‘illegal’

Civic Media — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: High flu rates reported across Northern Minnesota; and Hibbing Public Utilities will host a town hall meeting on elevated lead levels.

BCA barred from investigating ICE shooting; Hibbing schools losing superintendent, business manager

Civic Media — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

And: MDH will not follow CDC vaccination guidance changes; and Itasca, Beltrami sheriffs to seek 2nd terms, Wadena County sheriff to retire.

Walz urges calm after ICE killing; Auditor flags concerns in Behavioral Health Administration

Civic Media — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Environmental group CURE is asking the state to reassess the private equity sale of Minnesota Power, given new information about the utility’s data center plans.

Walz slams Trump, MN GOPers in news conference; Zupancich launches state senate campaign

Civic Media — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: Bridge to Health Survey seeks more Northland respondents to survey collecting anonymous health information; and local hospitals list top baby names of 2025.

Walz ends reelection campaign; GOP state Rep. Bennett ends governor race

Civic Media — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

And: Former Iron Range teacher sentenced to 18 years for criminal sexual conduct; 8 Northern MN housing projects awarded state funds; MN awarded $193 million in federal rural health dollars; and stoplight changed to signs in Chisholm.

Bemidji Area Reporter Larissa Donovan reflects on 2025

Civic Media — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Bemidji Area Reporter Larissa Donovan looks back on her work reporting for northwestern Minnesota in 2025 during her ninth year as a journalist.

2025 Top 10: Federal funding changes prompt confusion, upheaval; Storm leaves mass destruction in Bemidji area

Civic Media — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our No. 1 and No. 2 stories of year follow the wide-ranging local impacts of sometimes swift and surprising decisions in Washington, D.C., and a severe natural disaster changes the landscape in the Bemidji area.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

2025 Top 10: Permit request reignites wild rice sulfate debate; Eichorn arrest prompts resignation, special election

Civic Media — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our No. 3 and No. 4 stories of year examine the state’s wild rice sulfate standard as U.S. Steel seeks a variance from the MPCA, and the arrest and subsequent resignation of former state Sen. Justin Eichorn.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

2025 Top 10: Local sheriffs agree to assist ICE; Libraries face deep budget cuts

Civic Media — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our No. 5 and No. 6 stories of year break down what it means for local sheriffs to help enforce immigration laws, and the impact of budget cuts to library systems across the region.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

2025 Top 10: Automatic license plate readers in the Northland; Wildfires run rampant in St. Louis County

Civic Media — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our No. 7 and No. 8 stories of year cover the proliferation of automatic license plate readers as a law enforcement tool in Northern MN, and spring wildfires that destroyed thousands of acres and hundreds of structures.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

2025 Top 10: Essentia providers strike over forming union; Minnesota Power sold to private equity firms

Civic Media — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our No. 9 and No. 10 stories of year include an unusual strike over whether a wide range of Essentia Health providers can form a union and the controversial sale of an MN utility company.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

Bemidji’s Havenwood Care Center staff bring festive spirit to residents

Civic Media — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Staff and residents at Havenwood Care Center celebrate the holidays throughout December in Bemidji.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

Home for the holidays: Cohasset family moves into net-zero Habitat build

Civic Media — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

It was a packed house for Misty Jarvi, Rhys Britt and their two daughters’ home dedication one week before Christmas 2025.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

Int’l hockey talent takes center rink at Bemidji Sanford Center

Civic Media — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hockey teams from Slovakia, Czechia and Latvia competed in exhibition games at Bemidji’s Sanford Event Center Dec. 19-22, 2025.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

Your property tax statement explained, Part 2: Credits, levies and ‘the pie’

Civic Media — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The KAXE News Team is breaking down your property tax statement, line by line. Next, credits, local government’s preliminary tax levies and how others’ value changes affect your taxes.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

Brainerd man pleads guilty to 2024 murder, kidnapping; Former MN GOP Chair Hahn announces US Senate run

Civic Media — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: More fraud uncovered in state-run Medicaid services, but total is disputed; and MPCA to study sulfate levels in Minnesota waters.