Up North Report

Lawmakers returned to St. Paul on Tuesday, Feb. 17. MinnPost senior government reporter Matthew Blake sets the tone for the session and shares the stories he's watching.

Plus: Chip Rankin will be the next superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools; Polk and Mahnomen counties have new commissioners after special elections; and the latest updates for Northland winter athletes.

Crow Wing County's Eric Klang said agents worked out of the sheriff's office while temporarily stationed in the lakes area, asking him for guidance on "what's off limits."

Plus: Community members show up to Nevis council in support of Wild Tiger Skate Park; House 2A Rep. Bidal Duran announces reelection plans; and the latest for Northland winter athletes.

Plus: Northern, MN to become Northern MN's newest city; and 14 Northland athletes competed in the Alpine Ski state tournament Feb. 10, 2026.

Plus: St. Louis County seeks resident input on updates to its hazard mitigation plan; and United Way of 1000 Lakes is accepting Volunteer of the Year nominations.

And: Republican Dr. Scott Jensen suspends his campaign for governor to run for state auditor; Rep. Spencer Igo is running for reelection; the Public Utilities Commission delays transmission line meetings; and ICE being watched for sharing health information.

The number of four-day school week school districts in Northern Minnesota and across the country keeps growing. Communities are fiercely loyal, but researchers say there are still lots of unknowns.

Plus: the Minnesota State Patrol recently honored troopers and citizens for their heroic actions; and high school Nordic skiiers will soon compete in Biwabik.

Plus: Deer River School District considers moving to a four-day school week; and Cass County is taking comments its environmental assessment of a development near Gull Lake.