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Contributed / National Park Service

Heidi Holtan

Black bears emerge from hibernation in the spring across MN. Andy Tri, DNR bear project leader, shares what's happening inside bear dens and how to be "bear wise" this season.

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.

Screenshot

St. Louis County via YouTube

Local News

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

Megan Buffington

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

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!

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.

The old Soudan Mine at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

Soudan Underground Mine tours resume Memorial Day after flood closures

Flooding in June 2024 closed the underground mine to tours for nearly two years, following another two-year closure in 2022 for restoration.

Minnesota Chippewa Tribe is headquartered in Cass Lake.

Minnesota Chippewa Tribe host primary elections for 6 member bands

Candidates who receive more than 50% of the vote in the primary win their elections; otherwise, the top two vote-getters face off in a general election June 9, 2026.

chalk illustrations show a Killdeer, a White-throated Sparrow, a silver maple, a mourning cloak butterfly, and an American Woodcock.

Spring's first dandelion pops up in Caledonia

During the week of March 31, 2026, we enjoy reports of the Spring's first flower, the maple sap running, and emerging moths. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

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

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.

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