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A U.S. Forest Service property boundary sign marks the transition onto Superior National Forest land in Northern Minnesota.

Contributed

Chad Davis via Flickr

Superior National Forest lifts campfire ban at designated campgrounds

Emma Krab

Campfires are now allowed in designated fire rings at Superior National Forest campgrounds, but not at backcountry sites, after updates to fire restrictions July 29, 2026.

A woman wearing red with a blond wig standing above a circle of women in dance outfits.

Contributed

Northern Light Opera Company

Art

Area Voices: Park Rapids says ‘Willkommen’ to ‘Cabaret’ production

Andrew Dziengel

"The Setlist" and "Grand Rapids, Ely, Coleraine, Virginia, Chisholm, Brainerd, Park Rapids, Hibbing, Walker, Biwabik, Warba, Crosby, Birchdale, Bemidji, Aitkin, Your town?" written over a crumpled paper background.

Maria Hileman

KAXE

Minnesota Music

The Setlist: Where to hear live music July 27-Aug. 2, 2026

Malachy Koons

KAXE

Inside KAXE

KAXE celebrates 50 years of handpicked music during the 2026 summer member drive

Heather Johnson

KAXE's 2026 Primary Election Guide

A bearded man stands next to a body of water in a black and white image.

Album of the Week: 'The Great Unknowing' by John R. Miller

West Virginia singer-songwriter John R. Miller returns with The Great Unknowing, his third album recorded in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Over 16 songs, Miller shows off a broader breadth of songwriting, moving from twangy Americana and roots rock to graceful waltzes and introspective folk songs.

One of the moments in the album that keeps sticking with me is in "Think I'll Start Over," a duet with Erin Rae that definitely brings to mind the beauty of John Prine and Iris DeMent.

Stout in storytelling, The Great Unknowing secures Miller as one of Americana's premier songwriters today. -KH

More New Music Here!

Latest Stories

Campfire restrictions ease; Bemidji considers in-house Sanford Center management

Plus: Indigenous-led walk carries water 13 miles for Mississippi watershed amid mine discussion

The Sanford Center on Bemidji's South Shore.

Bemidji considers in-house management of Sanford Center

Nearly 20 years have passed since Bemidji voters approved financing the construction of the Sanford Center. After years of deficits, the Council is considering taking over management.

A rendering of the interior design of the planned Grand Rapids municipal dispensary.

Grand Rapids aims to open municipal cannabis dispensary by July 2027

The dispensary will be built off Highway 2. The city projects it would make at least $500,000 annually, and it comes in the middle of a stretch of hard budget years.

BWCAW partially reopens Thursday; DOGE delays Superior Forest fire prevention

Plus: Federal judge stops MN law banning prediction markets; Municipal cannabis dispensary moves forward in GR; and the filing period closed Tuesday for many elected positions

A dancer dressed in regalia looks into the arena at the Gii-Ishkonigewag Pow Wow.

Gii-Ishkonigewag Pow Wow draws talent, visitors from around the country

The event was the 11th Gii-Ishkonigewag Pow Wow put on annually by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

Minnesota was the first state to outlaw prediction markets, but the ban was halted for now.

Judge halts Minnesota ban on prediction markets

A Minnesota law banning prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi was paused from going into effect by a federal judge. The law is the first of its kind in the nation.

Juneberry fruits ripen in Lake County on July 27, 2022. The berries range from red to deep purple.

Phenology talkbacks: Juneberry season wanes and old guys spotted

During the week of July 27, 2026, we enjoy reports of goldenrod, brown bats, great blue herons and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Photograph of L&M Fleet Supply distribution center with building, yard, fence, cars, and an American flag

L&M Fleet Supply acquires Missouri farm store chain

L&M Fleet Supply announced a planned acquisition of Family Center Farm and Home, a Missouri-based company with seven stores in Missouri and Kansas.

KAXE News announces printable 2026 Primary Election Guides

KAXE offers online guides featuring primary candidates from all levels of government. New this year are free, printable PDFs with statewide candidates and several Northern Minnesota primary races.

A closeup of a canoe bow at Voyageur North Canoe Outfitters in Ely on July 23, 2026.

Eastern Boundary Waters Canoe Area to reopen for camping Thursday

The reopened area is about 39% of the wilderness area and follows a partial reopening for day use on July 27, 2026. All other entry points remain closed due to wildfires.

A bird’s-eye view of the Mesabi Metallics construction site in February. When up and running, it will be the Iron Range’s first new iron ore mine in 50 years.

Could a new iron ore mine turn Minnesota into a green steel powerhouse?

Mesabi Metallics is opening a mine and processing plant on the Iron Range, spurring job opportunities and a chance to join the global transition to low-carbon steel.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (left) and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (right).

Takeaways from latest debate between Dem Senate hopefuls Craig, Flanagan

The candidates agree on most issues, from providing undocumented immigrants a path to legal status, banning corporate campaign contributions and ending the war in Iran. The pair began trading jabs at each other almost immediately, however.

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