The federal government shutdown will soon begin to impact enrollees of nutrition assistance and other programs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provided notice to states that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
No new applications for SNAP benefits will be approved by the state after 10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, until funding resumes. Counties and tribal nations can continue to review applications and work with applicants, but they can’t approve households for new benefits.
Additionally, the Minnesota Family Investment Program will no longer approve applications after Oct. 29. MFIP provides cash and food benefits for people with dependent children who have low income and limited assets.
"The loss of federal funding for benefits will cause more strain on our local food shelves and will create more food insecurity for Minnesotans," stated the Department of Children, Youth and Families on its webpage.
Counties like Crow Wing and Carlton are listing food resources for those who may be impacted by these changes.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEBemidji Mayor Jorge Prince accepted the Tommy Longo Disaster Leadership Award from LeadersLink during the Bemidji City Council meeting on June 15, 2026. -
Contributed/Minnesota Bureau of Criminal ApprehensionCarla Beth Anderson, a 23-year-old woman, was last seen nearly 40 years ago at her Wadena apartment. Despite hundreds of leads and interviews, no arrests have been made in her disappearance. -
Plus: Itasca County reuses flag poles to fly new and old state flags; Crow Wing County adds 10 license plate readers to Flock Safety network; and Red Lake County takes 2nd in state baseball tourney. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe county avoided buying new flag poles by flying the current and former Minnesota flags on poles that were previously used for a memorial. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe formal move on June 8, 2026, follows discussion on the perpetual vacancies and rising costs of operating a rural police force. -
Contributed/Eagle Rebel Activities on XThe Rebels entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed and defending champions. South Ridge, Grand Rapids and Aitkin also competed in the tournament. -
Contributed/St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Facebook pageThe St. Louis County Sheriff's Office identified William Helgemoe, 56, as the rider killed on Industrial Road on June 12, 2026. -
This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of June 15.
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And: COVID learning woes still haunt MN kids' well-being.
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And: A McGregor gas station was fined by the state Pollution Control Agency; the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission was given a transportation award; and Red Lake County will defend its baseball title Monday.
