Up North Report

Plus: Minnesotans have until July 22, 2026, to submit comment on the MPCA's Impaired Waters List.

The Tamarack mine will primarily harvest nickel and copper. It faces opposition due to copper nickel mining's relation to water contamination.

Plus: Financial and tax help is available to Becker County residents impacted by tornado; and the Carlton County Board sets a public hearing on a data center moratorium.

Plus: Minnesota sees likely the worst wildfire smoke in history; and how to take care of your pets and other animals in poor air quality.

And: Trump endorses Lindell; MPCA seeks new members for advisory group; and Itasca County looks for public input on outdoor recreation plan.

Plus: the candidate filing period for non-primary elections opened July 14, 2026; and the Grand Rapids Area Library recently made a $30,000 fundraising goal.

And: An Aitkin peat processor fined for air pollution control violations.

Even with green plants and recent rainfall, large portions of the Northland are classified as in moderate or severe drought.

And: Four Northland organizations recieve child care grants; men encouraged to wear sunscreen and get skin checks; and Eveleth plans to replace the "Big Stick."

And: Minnesota partners hope opioid prevention success spreads to youth; and a community storytelling initiative aims to capture recovery stories in St. Louis County.

And: Carlton County continue discussion of data center moratorium; MN could have its first saint; and business owners assess paid leave law

Plus: Second Harvest Northland selects a new site for the Grand Rapids Food Shelf; and the St. Louis County Landfill may get double the trash with expansion in the five-county region.

Plus: Single-engine plane crashes at Pine River Airport; data center regulations to be discussed by Carlton County Board; and Independence Day parades get the weather gamut.

The Brainerd lakes area city celebrates the Fourth of July before a quick turnaround to prep for its signature event: Bean Hole Days.

Plus: Sigurd Olson mural to be painted in Ely; and where to find fireworks, parades and more in the Northland.

And: 14 anti-ICE protesters plead not guilty in federal court; Water levels on Lake Ore-Be-Gone threaten Gilbert tourism; and 3M's old Camp Wonewok is under new management.

We've partnered with ICTV to interview local candidates for the 2026 election. District 1 is in northwestern Itasca County, and three candidates are headed to a primary.

And: New domestic violence and social media laws.

Plus: Bemidji is the clay target state champion; and check out KAXE's fireworks guide, The 4th Up North.

Plus: A allegedly intoxicated driver lands an SUV onto a building with a resident inside in Naytahwaush

Students in Deer River are tending to a "pizza garden" this summer, with the hopes of hosting a pizza party using ingredients from the garden in September 2026.

Plus: Tourism-based businesses brace for slower summer amid high gas prices and consumer costs; Little Fork River watershed plan open for comment; and fireworks galore in the Northland.