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U.S. Forest Service

Forest Service's Grand Rapids research office slated to close

Megan Buffington

The office is one of 47 research and development facilities closing amid a major reorganization of the agency. The Superior and Chippewa offices and their staffing are not impacted.

Contributed / National Park Service

Conversation

What happens inside a winter bear den?

Heidi Holtan

Crowd of people on maroon seats in a theater.

Andrew Dziengel

KAXE

Art

Area Voices: 'A good day of films' at the busy Ely Film Festival

Andrew Dziengel

"The Setlist" and "Grand Rapids, Virginia, Aitkin, Bemidji" written over a crumpled paper background.

Maria Hileman

KAXE

Minnesota Music

The Setlist: Where to hear live music April 3-4, 2026

Malachy Koons

A mostly black and white drawing of a woman lying below flowers with her head falling over the rest of the art.

Album of the Week: 'Glass and Bones' by Makthaverskan

Led by the unmistakable vocals of singer Maja Milner, Swedish post-punk outfit Makthaverskan are back with a blistering new album. On Glass and Bones the Gothenburg 5-piece's strengths are on full display: The chorus and reverb drenched melodic guitar lines, thundering basslines, breakneck punk drumming, and above it all, Milner’s evocative voice that pierces through the mix whether a breathy whisper or a full-throated roar. -Malachy Koons

More New Music Here!

Latest Stories

A composite of two maps from the National Weather Service offices in Grand Forks and Duluth show predicted snow totals from a second winter storm expected to begin Friday afternoon, April 3, 2026. The circled area shows where mixed precipitation is most likely, including the possibility of icing.

2nd storm to bring wet, heavy snow and mixed precip; Clipper on deck

The snow will likely stick around for at least a few days, with temperatures near zero possible Monday night, April 6, 2026, in the extreme north.

A Minnesota Farmers Union People's Town Hall in southern Minnesota in March 2026.

MN Farmers Union sponsors town halls in Grand Rapids, Thief River Falls

The People's Town Halls are an opportunity for the public to share how elected officials can help them meet their needs and build strong rural communities, the union said.

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

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

Jennifer Johnson, right, was named the Carlton County EMS Person of the Year in March 2026. Johnson is a responder for the Kettle River Fire Department and treasurer of the Carlton County EMS Council.

Rural EMS crews in MN juggle 911 calls, critical aid push

The recognition of a Kettle River first responder's efforts illustrates the balancing act between passion for their mission and funding woes.

At least seven yellow-and-black striped garter snakes are intertwined together on the corner of a patch of asphalt. Their heads are facing in similar directions.

Sneaky snakey: How a sleepy serpent warms up for his springtime ball

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell wonder at the mating habits of garter snakes, discuss the overwintering habits of butterflies, and look forward to spring's advance.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

Public Works Director Jim Foldesi presents to the St. Louis County Board about the project labor agreement situation at a Committee of the Whole meeting March 24, 2026, in Hibbing. Laborers filled the room in support of the agreements, known as PLAs.

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

The federal government is behind schedule in approving the county's requirement of project labor agreements. County staff are asking for a temporary waiver to ensure they don't lose funds.

A man in a checked shirt and a wide brimmed hat poses in front of a vibrant outdoor background.

Bright Spot: Expanding horizons through travel

The Cultural Thursday series continues April 9, 2026, at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Educators Gary Payne and Mary Rosenberg will share their Argentina travel experiences.

Events Up North April 6-12: Breakfast opportunities, community conversations

Events this week include the Classic Movie Series in Bigfork, Train Days in Bemidji and a photo presentation on Argentina in Brainerd.

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

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.

Volunteers work to distribute items during a Ruby's Pantry event at the Bemidji Sanford Center on March 19, 2026.

Ruby's Pantry announces end to all operations in MN, WI and IA

Ruby's Pantry, a faith-based nonprofit coordinating monthly pop-up food events with local churches, including 11 in Northern Minnesota, closed its operations as of March 31, 2026.

A map prepared by the National Weather Service office in Duluth shows forecast snow totals for a storm expected to begin April 1, 2026.

One-two punch of messy winter weather expected across Northland

Heavy and wet snow, freezing rain and mixed precipitation are possible. Highest snowfall rates of around one-quarter to a half-inch per hour are expected during the daytime April 2, 2026.

A fluffed-up songbird perches on a snow-covered twig.

When will the snow end? A phenologist's approach to April

During the Phenology Report for the week of March 31, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer looks forward to the busy month of April.

Help KAXE understand the impact of incarceration on Indigenous communities

KAXE News wants to better understand the impacts incarceration and the criminal justice system place on Indigenous individuals, families and communities.

Click below to take our survey now through April 15, 2026, for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 Visa gift cards.

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