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Minnesota DNR Enforcement
Conservation officers stationed in Bemidji, Benson, Blackduck, Brainerd, Karlstad, Staples and Warroad were recognized for recent lifesaving efforts in Northern Minnesota.
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Minnesota Housing
"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!
Our picks (and yours!) for music, conversations, local news, books and more!
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
More answers to health survey needed for Itasca, St. Louis, Koochiching counties
The long-running Bridge to Health Survey aims to collect local data from northeastern Minnesota for health systems, schools and nonprofits.
Oliver, Adeline top Northern MN's 2025 baby name lists
From Ada to Winnie and Anders to Wylder, Northern Minnesotans' 2025 baby names range from one-of-a-kind to one-of-many.
Walz ends reelection campaign; GOP state Rep. Bennett enters governor race
And: Former Iron Range teacher sentenced to 18 years for criminal sexual conduct; 8 Northern MN housing projects awarded state funds; and MN awarded $193 million in federal rural health dollars.
Former Iron Range teacher sentenced to 18 years for sex crimes against child
Former Mesabi East and Northeast Range teacher Ryan Ross Denzer-Johnson, 44, received the maximum sentence Jan. 5, 2026, after pleading guilty to assaulting an adolescent relative.
Walz says he'll 'let others worry about the election' at press conference
As Gov. Tim Walz withdraws from the race, there's already speculation that U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar may launch a campaign as the DFL candidate for governor.
Feds award MN $193M for first year of rural health investments
The legislation of the "Big Beautiful Bill" to cut public services, such as Medicaid, also includes $50 billion in new funding to support rural health care.
Hibbing Public Utilities to host Jan. 12 town hall on lead in water
Elevated lead levels are not citywide and vary based on individual service lines and plumbing materials. The event is 6 p.m. at the Memorial Building.
Chisholm intersection changing from stoplight to all-way stop
The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced it will change the traffic control at the intersection of Highway 73/Lake Street and Third Avenue Northwest.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ends campaign for third term
In his statement, Walz defended his record combating fraud and said “an organized group of political actors” is taking advantage of the crisis.
Column: 'West Desk' Donovan looks back on 2025 reporting adventures
Bemidji Area Reporter Larissa Donovan reflects on her work covering stories in northwestern Minnesota and beyond in her ninth year as a journalist.
Bemidji Area Reporter Larissa Donovan reflects on 2025
Bemidji Area Reporter Larissa Donovan looks back on her work reporting for northwestern Minnesota in 2025 during her ninth year as a journalist.
Column: How our 2025 election coverage explains why I became a journalist
KAXE reporter Megan Buffington foregoes naming a favorite story and instead examines a favorite beat — and how she answers the oft-asked, "Why did you become a journalist?"
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
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Deanne Trottier
During the Phenology Report for the week of Dec. 23, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers subnivean tunnels, and the comparative bite force of mink and voles.
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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.
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