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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.

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

The federal government is behind schedule in approving the county's requirement of project labor agreements. County staff are asking for a temporary waiver to ensure they don't lose funds.

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.

What happens inside a winter bear den?

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.

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 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.

"The Setlist" and "Grand Rapids, Virginia, Aitkin, Bemidji" written over a crumpled paper background.

The Setlist: Where to hear live music April 3-4, 2026

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Sam Miltich, Charmin Michelle, Boss Mama, Elsa Krantz, John Cannon, Raina Wallace, Project: Constellation and more.

Crowd of people on maroon seats in a theater.

Area Voices: 'A good day of films' at the busy Ely Film Festival

“Area Voices” hit the road to visit the annual five-day Ely Film Festival. Andrew Dziengel talked with the festival’s director and program director.

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.

Help KAXE understand the impact of incarceration on Indigenous communities

KAXE News wants to better understand the impacts incarceration and the criminal justice system place on Indigenous individuals, families and communities.

Click below to take our survey now through April 15, 2026, for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 Visa gift cards.

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