Top Stories
Lorie Shaull
/
KAXE
The Valentine’s Day Iron Range Barn Dance united a crowd of all ages and skill levels for an evening of community dancing in Bovey.
Larissa Donovan
/
KAXE
Within the first minute of the new album, you know this is a vibe. Celebrating 10 years of being a band, the siblings are back with WABI SABI, blending Afro-Latin beats with electronic music. Raúl and Paulina Sotomayor wrote the album in their home of Mexico City before heading to Puerto Rico to record. WABI SABI is a Japanese philosophy that embraces imperfections and the impermanence of creation, similar to the kintsugi artform, a concept they have learned to adopt in music. - KH
Latest Stories
Bemidji school board accepts purchase offer for Central Elementary; Fraud control back in focus at MN Capitol
Plus: The AFSCME Local 480 presented a letter of no confidence to the Hibbing School Board Feb. 18, 2026, after months of negotiations without reaching a contract.
Fraud control talks back in play at Minnesota Legislature
In December 2025, federal prosecutors announced new charges in a widespread Medicaid fraud investigation, leading to new political turmoil about who was at fault and what should be done.
Woman dies in Osage house fire; Brainerd man to serve life sentence for murder
Plus: 2142 and Mountain Iron-Buhl select new superintendent; Staples-Motley, Aitkin to host open houses for referendums; MnDOT public transit app expands in Greater Minnesota; and Bemidji girls hockey falls to Edina at state.
Former state Sen. Justin Eichorn's federal jury trial set for March
The former lawmaker's trial is slated to begin March 30, 2026. Eichorn was charged with soliciting a minor in 2025 after a prostitution sting operation in Bloomington, where an undercover officer posed as a 17-year-old online.
2 North Central schools to host referendum open houses
Aitkin and Staples-Motley school districts are bringing referendums back to the ballots on April 14, 2026, seeking voter approval for construction bonds.
MN Judicial Branch seeks input on strategic plan
The public is invited to fill out an online survey as the state's judicial system works to update its strategic plan, which is updated every two years.
Detroit Lakes returns to defend state gymnastics title
Detroit Lakes will compete at state Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20-21, and five Northland athletes from Detroit Lakes and Pillager will also compete individually.
Brainerd dance team sweeps state, winning jazz and high kick titles
It's the Warriors' third consecutive high kick title and their first jazz title in school history.
Events Up North Feb. 23-March 1: Bird talks at Sax-Zim Bog, syrup basics in Brainerd
Events this week include an emerging artist showcase in Bemidji and Stage North Theater's production of "Forbidden Broadway" in Brainerd.
A new book tells the story of how swans returned, otters recovered in MN
Retired wildlife biologist Carrol Henderson's new book explores the legacy of Minnesota's Nongame Wildlife Program. Henderson and KAXE regular Pam Perry shared the story on the KAXE Morning Show.
Garfield Lake Ice Racers celebrate 25th season of unique MN sport
As some area lakes boast nearly 3 feet of ice during the deep freeze of winter, drivers compete week after week on a frozen racetrack in Laporte.
Woman dies in Osage house fire
The cause of the Feb. 18, 2026, fire is under investigation, and the names of those impacted have not been released.
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
/
Chad Kaddatz
During the week of Feb. 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of waddling skunks, warmer weather and hibernating woodchucks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Contributed
/
iNaturalist user csledge (Chantel)
More Local Stories
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.
Don't miss a beat. 📻 Join our station's newsletter!
Check out our archives.
Join our Season Watch Newsletter!
"The mix of humor, solid information, and approachable science is perfect. It's like having a favorite neighbor who just happens to be a nature expert."
- Michelle from Northfield, MN
Check out what's been happening the past year!
