Plus: the Minnesota Department of Health lays off 170 employees, citing federal funding cuts.

And: An iconic Bemidji statue is heading to Illinois; DFL endorses Slipy for Senate District 6; and MnDOT will host an open house on Hwy. 371 construction in Hackensack.

Red Lake Nation College President Dan King and Leech Lake College President Helen Montgomery discussed tribal colleges' unique position in the higher education landscape amid a challenging federal funding environment.

And: Two public meetings are planned for next week on the Boswell Solar project in Cohasset; and new family resources centers are coming to St. Louis County.

Plus: A bipartisan bill to change the exemption process for schools with Native American mascots is making progress in the state Senate; and MnDOT and St. Louis County will host an informational meeting on road construction happening this year on Highway 53 in Eveleth.

This week, Reporter Larissa Donovan talks about a rural post office closure, upcoming special election, federal impacts on tribal colleges and the 20th anniversary of the Red Lake High School shooting.

News Director Chelsey Perkins catches up on what's happening in St. Paul with Report for Minnesota student journalists Yvette Higgins, Sam Siedow and Elias Thomas.

Plus: First candidates file for Senate District 6 special election; a Brainerd bus driver's medical emergency leaves kids stranded; and symposium highlights efforts to improve operations at Sanford-Bemidji.

Plus: Tariff talks bring uncertainty to affordable housing projects; and a memorial for Native American veterans might soon be erected at the MN State Capitol.

Plus: the winter sports season has come to an end, with Northland boys basketball teams having a strong finish at the weekend's state tournament.