Top Stories
Contributed
/
John Connelly / Grand Rapids Itasca Mountain Bicycling Association
The Grand Rapids Itasca Mountain Bike Association has a mission to increase mountain bike opportunities for all ages and abilities — and all seasons.
Contributed
/
University of Minnesota
Contributed
/
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Jennifer Barr
/
KAXE
"Season Watch" is a KAXE podcast for the curious, filled with the delights of nature in Northern Minnesota. Hosts are Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan, John Latimer and a rotating cast of characters, often featuring voices of young nature observers from around the state. From owl calls to sleeping bears and freezing frogs, we want hear from you! Record a message and send us what you are seeing in nature!
Share your favorite albums and songs from 2025 with the KAXE Music Team! Click below to send in your top picks.
When our neighbors are in need of food, organizations and volunteers across Northern Minnesota step up. Food shelves, community meals and soup kitchens aim to the fill the gaps.
Latest Stories
Environmental Quality Board public member positions open for application
Positions include the 7th and 8th congressional districts in Northern MN. The board provides leadership and coordination on environmental issues, and chances for public engagement.
Survey: Minnesota students faring better compared to a few years ago
The findings offer some hope that the decades-long decline of teen mental health, especially worsened in the 2022 survey amid the COVID-19 pandemic, could be turning around.
Hwy 6 bridge over Big Fork River will be single lane through March
MnDOT bridge engineers are making this temporary change to safely accommodate heavy timber truck traffic during the winter months.
New report highlights stable water quality of Redeye River Watershed
Some areas are facing emerging risks for nutrient levels and E. coli in the Mississippi River basin watershed encompassing parts of Becker, Otter Tail, Todd and Wadena counties.
The MyPillow guy is running for governor of Minnesota
Mike Lindell enters a crowded field of GOP candidates who believe they’re best able to beat Gov. Tim Walz, who is running for a third term next year.
Events Up North Dec. 15-21: Jolabokaflod in Park Rapids, story slam in Bemidji
Events this week include a ski swap in Grand Rapids, women's art reception in Bemidji and a free community meal in Virginia.
MN expert says $12B farmer bailout package is a temporary fix
Of the $12 billion announced by the USDA for a new relief package for farmers, $11 billion will go to commodity crop producers, and $1 billion will go to fruit and vegetable producers.
State to pause new licenses for group home, home health aid providers
The pause comes as the state grapples with what prosecutors call the largest public services scandal in history, with $218 million in fraud uncovered to date.
MPCA fines Bovey man $20K for wetland violations; 'MyPillow guy' joins 2026 governor's race
Plus: An agricultural policy expert in Minnesota says the new bailout package for farms is a temporary fix; and MnDOT's "Name a Snowplow" contest returns for its sixth year.
Great Horned Owls' courtship duets echo through the winter forest
During the Phenology Report for the week of Dec. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers Great Horned Owl courtship, the bounding tracks of otters, and his notes from birthdays gone by..
Exploring brumation during a birthday celebration
In this episode, co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discuss science vocabulary, eerie ice noises, and John Latimer's birthday. Featuring: Pam Perry and Long Lake Conservation Center.
Area Voices: Author Robert Saxton releases Book 2 in trilogy
The second book in Saxton's Gichi Gami Trilogy, “Return of the Manitous,” continues the story of BJ Mackie and his sister Charley. Saxton joined “Area Voices” to discuss the new book and what he learned while writing it.
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
contributed
/
Chad Kaddatz
During the week of Dec. 2, we enjoy reports of an active frog and garter snake, an opposum and animal tracks in the snow. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Contributed
/
Chad Kaddatz
More Local Stories
Stay up to date on what's happening up north with KAXE/KBXE News, bringing you the top stories across Northern Minnesota.
KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
News from National Public Radio
Don't miss a beat. 📻 Join our station's newsletter!
Check out our archives.
Join our Season Watch Newsletter!
"The mix of humor, solid information, and approachable science is perfect. It's like having a favorite neighbor who just happens to be a nature expert."
- Michelle from Northfield, MN
Check out what's been happening the past year!
