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Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
About 300 people attended the vigil Jan. 24, 2026, a few hours after the shooting death of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis.
Tony Webster
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Tony Webster via Wikimedia Commons
Contributed
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Nicole Neri / Minnesota Reformer
"Season Watch" is a KAXE podcast for the curious, filled with the delights of nature in Northern Minnesota. Hosts are Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan, John Latimer and a rotating cast of characters, often featuring voices of young nature observers from around the state. From owl calls to sleeping bears and freezing frogs, we want hear from you! Record a message and send us what you are seeing in nature!
From England, James Hunter has connected with music from the past since he was teenager, informing his signature retro sound. Off the Fence, his 11th album, marks his first on Dan Auerbach’s (The Black Keys) label Easy Eye Sound. This comes after years at retro soul label Daptone Records.
Yet, in spite of moving labels, Hunter’s longtime collaborator and Daptone’s co-founder Gabriel Roth still produced this album. The songs are varied with influence ranging from the blues, Motown and rockabilly, with some Latin influences sprinkled in.
Yet, in spite of moving labels, Hunter’s longtime collaborator and Daptone’s co-founder Gabriel Roth still produced this album. The songs are varied with influence ranging from the blues, Motown and rockabilly, with some Latin influences sprinkled in.
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.
Latest Stories
DOJ drops assault charge against man arrested by ICE in Virginia
The government did not present any witnesses to meet its burden to establish probable cause and instead moved to dismiss the complaint.
Crow Wing County deputies assist with ICE arrests in Brainerd
Sources with knowledge of the incident said the arrests took place at El Potro Mexican Restaurant on South Seventh Street in downtown Brainerd.
Transportation projects in Two Harbors, Cloquet among MnDOT grantees
The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently announced $76.2 million in grants to support projects that improve freight options, travel time and economic development.
Madel drops out of GOP race for governor, blasts immigration crackdown
His statement underscores the increasing unease Minnesota Republicans — which now includes several swing-district lawmakers — are expressing about the surge of federal officers.
Kampa reviews new books, shares Newbery Award favorites
Children's librarian Tracy Kampa recommends new books from Beth Ferry, Daniel Miyares and Katherine Applegate. Plus, her recap of possible 2026 Newbery Medal contenders.
Hibbing pursuing lead line identification at faster rate than most of MN
Lead service lines are a pervasive issue in Minnesota. The state has a goal to replace them by 2033, but Hibbing Public Utilities aims to do it in two to three years.
MN DOC launches web page refuting DHS misinformation about lack of ICE cooperation
"This resource was created in response to repeated false or misleading claims by DHS about DOC custody, detainers, and cooperation," the Department of Corrections stated.
Minnesotans mourn Alex Pretti, man killed by Border Patrol agents
The shooting site has been turned into a makeshift memorial of candles and flowers, less than 2 miles away from the memorial in the Powderhorn neighborhood for Renee Good.
Thousands gather in Minneapolis for 'ICE Out' Day; 2 NW MN sheriffs announce retirement plans
Plus: Co-owner of The Pines in Grand Rapids Kyle Lussier was nominated for a James Beard award; the Minnesota DNR will accept comment on adjusting Aitkin County's public waters through Feb. 27; and MnDOT announced more than $76 million in transportation grants.
Tens of thousands gather in downtown Minneapolis for 'ICE Out' day
Organizers say 100 clergy were arrested Jan. 23, 2026, at a morning protest at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.
Longtime MN DJ Mary Lucia on radio and resilience in her new memoir
In "What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To," Lucia reflects on her life in radio, surviving stalking and why she chose to tell her story.
'Milestone' Rock Ridge hockey game bridges Indigenous cultural gaps
The first of two Native American Heritage Nights Jan. 20, 2026, included drumming, dancing and an Ojibwe-language broadcast. The second is Jan. 30 against Grand Rapids.
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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Adam Heikkila via iNaturalist
During the Phenology Report for the week of Jan. 13, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on mid-winter trees, otter slides, and a rabbit killed by an owl.
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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.
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