Northwest Minnesota

In its April 20, 2026, meeting, the School Board approved a series of cuts in licensed and non-licensed staff and approved a tentative agreement with the local teachers union.

Events this week include a production of "The Grapes of Wrath" in Brainerd, the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids, and a student art reception in Bemidji.

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features the Zerkel Pit PunX Fest, Mike Munson, Teague Alexy, Der Erste Mai Punk Fest, and Kai Stenlund and Josh Parlanti.

A St. Louis County woman is facing charges for a negligent fire on April 22, 2026. Earlier in the week, personnel in the Park Rapids area battled a 10-acre blaze.

The Great Northern Radio Show was created by Aaron Brown and ran on KAXE 2011-19. The live variety show visited towns in Northern Minnesota and highlighted the music, stories, history and specialness of our region.

A 39-year-old man was treated for injuries following a shooting in the early morning hours of April 22, 2026, in Cass Lake's Tract 33 housing area.

Defending champions Pequot Lakes will be joined by Northeast Range/Ely, Bemidji, Brainerd, Cloquet, Thief River Falls and Warroad at the state robotics tournament in May 2026.

Bemidji Police Officer Chad Museus retired April 16, 2026, after wearing a badge for more than 28 years.

The qualifiers span 27 Northern Minnesota teams and all 13 categories. Over 30 are repeat qualifiers, including five medalists and one reigning champion.

Vincent Bellomo, 76, is accused of receiving $263,000 of public benefits to which he was not entitled following a months-long investigation.