Top Stories
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
Minnesotans Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin are the first Americans to medal in the event, and Thiesse is the first American woman to ever medal in Olympic curling.
Larissa Donovan
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KAXE
Contributed
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Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital
Malachy Koons
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KAXE
Music
In addition to her music, Queen Esther is a well-known playwright, actor and essayist, and her skill for storytelling that ties history to the present day is on full display on her sixth solo album Blackbirding. Seamlessly blending country, jazz and blues in a style she calls Black country soul, Blackbirding explores the Civil War battle at Gettysburg to tell a story of the fight for freedom that continues to this day. -MK
Latest Stories
MN's constitutional stress test; Baxter's Hwy 371 overpass moves forward
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.
February brings the scent of skunks
During the week of Feb. 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of waddling skunks, warmer weather and hibernating woodchucks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Dragon's teeth lurk in parking lot snow drifts
During the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 10, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on 'dragon's teeth,' pussywillows and Bald Eagles returning to nests.
Nominate a 2026 Volunteer of the Year for United Way of 1000 Lakes
The Volunteer of the Year will be honored during United Way’s Community Celebration on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids.
Legal voices: Minnesota is at the center of a constitutional stress test
Recent court decisions have given the Trump administration room to carry out its controversial actions, but legal experts point to ICE consistently ignoring release orders, drawing admonishment from judges.
Republican state Rep. Spencer Igo to run again in District 7A
Igo was first elected in 2020. He represents the eastern Iron Range, northern Aitkin County and the St. Louis County cities of Hibbing and Floodwood.
66-year-old man missing from International Falls; Polk County K-9 euthanized
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.
Jensen drops out of MN governor’s race, will now run for state auditor
The 2022 candidate for governor performed poorly in last week’s GOP precinct caucus straw poll for governor and was trailing in donations.
Polk County K-9 euthanized after contracting Lyme disease
The Polk County Sheriff's Office said 7-year-old K-9 Rex recently became very ill and had failing kidneys.
St. Louis County seeks input on hazard mitigation plan
Counties are required to update hazard mitigation plans every five years to maintain eligibility for FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.
Koochiching County authorities ask for help locating missing 66-year-old man
Mark Rood, 66, was last seen in International Falls on Jan. 19, 2026.
U of M Extension seeks community sustainability project proposals
If selected, the project partnership would connect community ideas with University of Minnesota resources. Applications are due Feb. 14, 2026.
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.
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
In the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 3, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on groundhog hibernation and the aggressive spirit of muskrats and shrews.
Contributed
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Bonnie Lundorff via the KAXE - KBXE Season Watch Facebook group
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KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
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