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Emma Krab interviewed LiUNA Local 1097 business manager Shawn Braford about the state of labor in 2026 ahead of Labor Day.
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iNaturalist user ampatent
This is a multi-part series on the impacts of incarceration — specifically the disproportionate rates of incarceration Native people face in the state, especially in Northern Minnesota.
KAXE's Larissa Donovan explored the underlying issues of the statistics through survey outreach, extensive research and in-person interviews.
KAXE's Larissa Donovan explored the underlying issues of the statistics through survey outreach, extensive research and in-person interviews.
Has it really been 14 years since Alabama Shakes released their debut record of hollerin' soul-n-roll Boys & Girls?? Holy cow! We are now 11 years removed since their second record, Sound & Color, graced our ears with its denser and more experimental sound.
I Must Be Dreaming sees these small-town musicians having families, getting married and releasing solo records. The sound reflects an earned maturity, time spent apart and the conflicted country we live in.
Lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard showcases falsetto vocals on a majority of the songs and the vibe she creates highlights the double entendre album title I Must Be Dreaming. ... Am I crazy or this is amazing?!?! The growl and howl of Boys & Girls and world weariness of Sound & Color are replaced with the sound of a singer whose vocal range is endless — beautiful and powerful all at the same time. Songs such as singles "I Feel Hope Coming" and "American Dream" deliver a vision for concrete things we all need, like clean air, and the manifestation of simply continuing to dream of a positive place for everybody.
Bass guitarist Zack Cockrell, who was a member of Howard's solo act touring band, created the basis for many of the songs on I Must Be Dreaming, replacing an exhausted Howard as the primary generator of musical ideas within the Alabama Shakes world. The music is chilled like a cool creek in the woods behind your house while still bringing some of the noise and power they are known for.
I Must Be Dreaming is the third Alabama Shakes album in 14 years but the sonic timeline they have created check out in a wonderful way. -DG
I Must Be Dreaming sees these small-town musicians having families, getting married and releasing solo records. The sound reflects an earned maturity, time spent apart and the conflicted country we live in.
Lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard showcases falsetto vocals on a majority of the songs and the vibe she creates highlights the double entendre album title I Must Be Dreaming. ... Am I crazy or this is amazing?!?! The growl and howl of Boys & Girls and world weariness of Sound & Color are replaced with the sound of a singer whose vocal range is endless — beautiful and powerful all at the same time. Songs such as singles "I Feel Hope Coming" and "American Dream" deliver a vision for concrete things we all need, like clean air, and the manifestation of simply continuing to dream of a positive place for everybody.
Bass guitarist Zack Cockrell, who was a member of Howard's solo act touring band, created the basis for many of the songs on I Must Be Dreaming, replacing an exhausted Howard as the primary generator of musical ideas within the Alabama Shakes world. The music is chilled like a cool creek in the woods behind your house while still bringing some of the noise and power they are known for.
I Must Be Dreaming is the third Alabama Shakes album in 14 years but the sonic timeline they have created check out in a wonderful way. -DG
Latest Stories
From Northwoods Art & Book Festival, Part 4: Lightning talks with MN authors
Minnesota authors Julie Guth, Jason Willis, Brian Duren, Jan D. Payne, Christine Husom and William Durbin talk about their books and writing.
Range labor union leader talks growth, politics, workforce challenges
Emma Krab interviewed LiUNA Local 1097 business manager Shawn Braford about the state of labor in 2026.
Man shoots himself unloading gun; Prosecutors seek 5 years in prison for Eichorn
Plus: Marble getes funds to install water filters for manganese and iron; ag department accepts comments on socioeconomic impacts of large dairies, and it's a prolific pinecone season.
US Attorney's Office seeks 5-year sentence for former lawmaker Eichorn
The court filing comes ahead of a Sept. 23, 2026, sentencing hearing, 18 months after Eichorn’s arrest as part of an undercover law enforcement sting operation.
Man shoots himself in leg while unloading gun in Voyageurs National Park
The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office responded to the report at 6:19 a.m. Sept. 3, 2026, at the Ash River Visitor Center on Kabetogama Lake.
U.S. Forest Service keeps Grand Rapids office open, Mesabi Metallics offers reward for bomb threat info
Plus: District judges in Crow Wing County request deputy presence at hearings, highway construction project moves forward in Bemidji
In reversal, Forest Service's Grand Rapids research office to stay open
The Northern Research Station was among several sites slated for closure in March 2026 when the Trump administration announced a major reorganization of the service.
Mesabi Metallics offers $25K for tips leading to bomb threat arrest
The Itasca County Sheriff's Office determined the bomb threat at the mine was not credible. Now, they've turned the investigation to the threat itself, which is a felony.
MnDOT's Hwy 197 project in Bemidji includes 1 more major detour in 2026
Right after the back-to-school traffic rush on Sept. 8, 2026, MnDOT crews will implement a detour while rebuilding the north side of the Highway 71 intersection.
Superior Nat'l Forest reopens more wildfire-impacted sites near BWCAW
Forest Service officials continue to reopen additional sites and recreation areas impacted by wildfire in July 2026.
Grand Rapids area hospital to rebrand as Fairview Grand Itasca
The organization states the name change reflects the relationship between Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital and Fairview Health Services.
Trump says mail-in ballots boost Democrats, but some of MN’s reddest counties rely most on remote voting
As Minnesota fights the Trump administration in court, local election officials say mail-in ballots have not been controversial.
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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Allison Barta via KAXE-KBXE Season Watch Facebook group
During the week of Aug. 25, 2026, we enjoy reports of butterflies, bog adventures, and low water levels. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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Flickr user Dennis Sylvester Hurd
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Photo by iNaturalist user krisskinou
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