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
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.
Voting now open for MnDOT's 'Name a Snowplow' contest
Participants can vote once and select up to eight winning names through noon Feb. 13, 2026. The agency selected 30 finalist names from more than 6,700 submissions.
MN writer pens first-ever biography of nature writer Helen Hoover
Minnesota writer David Hakensen takes a deep dive into the life of Helen Hoover, nature writer who lived and wrote in her cabin on Gunflint Lake, in "Her Place in the Woods: The Life of Helen Hoover."
Questions surround 4-day school weeks, despite growing popularity
The number of four-day school week school districts in Northern Minnesota and across the country keeps growing. Communities are fiercely loyal, but researchers say there are still lots of unknowns.
Lumber giants finalize merger as Bemidji mill lawsuits continue; Hibbing city workers' union files intent to strike
Plus: the Minnesota State Patrol recently honored troopers and citizens for their heroic actions; and high school Nordic skiiers will soon compete in Biwabik.
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.
Contributed
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Bonnie Lundorff via the KAXE - KBXE Season Watch Facebook group
During the Phenology Report for the week of Jan. 27, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Ruffed Grouse tracks, Great Horned Owls, and canid mating season.
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