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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Megan Buffington/KAXESuperintendent Pat Rendle will bring the alternative schedule application to the Board on Feb. 9, 2026, for what he wants to be a final decision. -
Contributed/Minnesota Public Utilities CommissionMinnesota Power and American Transmission Co. LLC are proposing to construct approximately 67.5 miles of transmission line between Grand Rapids and Hermantown. -
Contributed/MnDOTThe meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 10, 2026, and is intended to create a common vision and guidance for improving safety and efficiency in the corridor. -
Photo illustration/Canva ProAlso honored Thursday was Wendell Hudspeth with the Meritorious Citizenship Award, presented to citizens who assisted the state patrol and provided a service to the public. -
Contributed/David Huckfelt / David GuttenfelderRecorded live with no rehearsals and no headphones, "I Was Born, But…" reimagines songs by his favorite songwriters in this loose and playful album. -
Contributed/Mike Mosedale / Minnesota ReformerThe court ruled that cannabis possession by Thompson, as an enrolled member on the White Earth band living on the reservation, became a civil matter once MN legalized recreational marijuana. -
The idea was an agreement that would allow ICE up to 48 hours to pick up undocumented individuals targeted for immigration enforcement to cooperate more fully with federal authorities. -
Contributed/Pequot Lakes High School via FacebookThe Ely boys and Cook County girls will also compete Feb. 11-12, 2026, at Giants Ridge, along with individual qualifiers from Bemidji, Ely, Proctor-Hermantown, Grand Rapids, Two Harbors and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton.
