President Joe Biden approved federal disaster relief in 22 of Minnesota's 87 counties because of the severe flooding in recent weeks.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the request Monday, July 1, from state officials for the declaration. The approval provides resources to reimburse communities for debris removal, repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure.
In a Friday briefing with FEMA Regional Administrator Tom Sivak, Gov. Tim Walz said it will take a united effort at every level of government to rebuild and recover.
Area counties receiving assistance include Cass, Cook, Lake and St. Louis. State officials say damage assessments are ongoing, and more counties and forms of assistance may be added once these are completed.
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Contributed/Wesley Tingey via UnsplashJordan Zempel, 35, of Apple Valley, faces a third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEDaniel Dale of Hoyt Lakes made his first court appearance May 19, 2026, on the upgraded felony charge. He remains in custody in the St. Louis County Jail. -
Contributed/Minnesota Incident Command SystemAccurate mapping of the fire perimeter led to the fire size increasing to 356 acres. The wildfire destroyed 34 structures and was caused by a power line. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe fire, which began May 16, 2026, burned around 1,666 acres in Crow Wing County. The DNR asks residents and others in the area with information to contact them. -
contributed/Julie CrabbGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week, we find out more from the longtime "Green Cheese" and "The Dark Side of Love" host and volunteer Julie Crabb. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAbout a half-inch of rain fell across the area overnight into Tuesday, and crews are expected to return to work on securing and improving the fire lines again. -
And: A rural Orr man was arrested for allegedly shooting a firefighting plane; the Legislature passed a bonding bill; and filings open for public office Tuesday. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEIn their final hours before the session ended, lawmakers passed a county hospital bailout, an infrastructure bill and small cuts to car tab fees and property taxes.
