Up North Report

Bemidji Area Boys and Girls Club launched an after-school site at J.W. Smith in 2023, and with the proposed closure of the school, program leaders and parents share their concerns.

And: Walz releases anti-fraud package after Trump administration announces Minnesota Medicaid cuts; Rachel Anthony murder still unsolved after 25 years; Staples-Motley are state wrestling champs.

Plus: Hubbard County man charged with threatening state lawmakers; and Hibbing Public Schools is bracing for a potential strike from the union representing support staff.

Plus: Early voting opens Friday for Aitkin, Staples-Motley referendums; year-round bass season now in place; Beltrami County, Red Lake residents eligible for free well water test kits; boys swimming and diving state meet starts Thursday.

Plus: Stauber introduces legislation to require judges be natural born citizens; and the latest round of names for MnDOT snowplows is released.

Plus: The U.S. Senate is expected to soon vote on whether to allow copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters; and the latest in winter high school sports.

Launch North, the new program from the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging, will host one-day events in Duluth, Grand Rapids, International Falls and Cloquet.

Plus: The AFSCME Local 480 presented a letter of no confidence to the Hibbing School Board Feb. 18, 2026, after months of negotiations without reaching a contract.

Plus: 2142 and Mountain Iron-Buhl select new superintendent; Staples-Motley, Aitkin to host open houses for referendums; MnDOT public transit app expands in Greater Minnesota; and Bemidji girls hockey falls to Edina at state.

Plus: Sheriffs in Hubbard, Lake and Polk counties announce retirement plans; Minnesotans take advantage of deep freeze with lake ice racing; and Northland girl hockey players are so far 1-1 in the state tournament.