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Megan Buffington
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KAXE
The Itasca County Board plans to decide on May 19, 2026, whether to fly the previous Minnesota state flag, possibly in addition to the present flag.
Contributed
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Ellen Schmidt / MinnPost / CatchLight
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For the duo’s 18th album, Peaches! The Black Keys find their way back to the raw blues sound that first defined them.
The album features reinterpretations of songs by artists like Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, and Wilko Johnson, reconnecting the band with some of their deep musical influences.
Recorded live with minimal overdubs, the sessions brought together Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach alongside slide guitarist Kenny Brown, bassist Eric Deaton, and multi-instrumentalist Jimbo Mathus. Brown and Deaton both are deeply embedded in the blues genre, sharing long histories with Kimbrough and Burnside as players and mentors.
The album came out of informal sessions Carney started as a way to give Auerbach a creative refuge while his father was terminally ill. Though The Black Keys have often leaned into a heavier rock with more production over the years, Peaches! ultimately brings the band back to where they began, with the blues. -KH
The album features reinterpretations of songs by artists like Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, and Wilko Johnson, reconnecting the band with some of their deep musical influences.
Recorded live with minimal overdubs, the sessions brought together Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach alongside slide guitarist Kenny Brown, bassist Eric Deaton, and multi-instrumentalist Jimbo Mathus. Brown and Deaton both are deeply embedded in the blues genre, sharing long histories with Kimbrough and Burnside as players and mentors.
The album came out of informal sessions Carney started as a way to give Auerbach a creative refuge while his father was terminally ill. Though The Black Keys have often leaned into a heavier rock with more production over the years, Peaches! ultimately brings the band back to where they began, with the blues. -KH
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This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of May 11.
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Bemidji teen charged with shooting 3 family members; Virginia officer, man killed ID'd
Plus: The new conservation officer in Walker gives his predictions and tips for anglers ahead of his first-ever fishing season opener in the role.
New Walker DNR officer shares predictions, tips ahead of his 1st fishing opener
Jack Lien has been exploring the area lakes ahead of opener on May 9, 2026, both to familiarize himself with them and to study "where the fishermen are going to get their boats and where they might find success.”
Bemidji Police ID 16-year-old as suspect in shooting that injured 3 adults
A family member confirmed all three victims are in stable condition after they suffered gunshot wounds in Bemidji's Itasca Loop neighborhood on May 7, 2026.
Itasca County IDs injured deputy, says gun fired in holster during struggle
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found Deputy Michael Cowan did not discharge his weapon, according to the sheriff's office. The incident is now being called a "conflict case."
PCA estimates 12-16 days of wildfire smoke this summer
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BCA identifies man killed, officer who shot him in Virginia
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified Virginia Police Lt. Henry Trunk as the officer who fired his department-issued firearm.
Weather service issues red flag warning Friday in 26 MN counties
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DPS fires head of state MMIR office; Itasca County mulls flying old state flag
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4 North Woods students to showcase art at Visual Arts State Festival
Over 30 Northlanders from more than 20 schools earned "Spotlight on the Arts" awards to have their work featured at the state festival May 9, 2026, at Wayzata High School.
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 April 28, 2026, we enjoy reports of bird calls, insects emerging, and spring wildflowers. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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