Top Stories
Contributed
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Gabrielle Nelson / Buffalo’s Fire
Little progress has been made despite 40 years of cleanup on Leech Lake Reservation. Locals fear for the health of surrounding lakes and the Mississippi River downstream.
Contributed
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City of Hermantown
Malachy Koons
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KAXE
Music
Working with his Big Thief bandmate James Krivchenia as producer, tasteful synthesizers and other electronica elements are a welcome addition to Meek’s folk-rock troubadour sound, never a distraction. Their inclusion was the starting point for Meek’s fourth solo album, and often that can lead to large shifts in sound and tone, but the twinkling arpeggios and quirky sound effects are deftly woven into the mix in a way that only accentuates his rambling and whimsical songwriting on the mysteries and pitfalls of love. Plus, with voices like Adrianne Lenker and Jolie Holland on backing vocals, you know there’s going to be magic in the air. - Malachy Koons
Latest Stories
Judge declines to reconsider Bemidji-Northern Township boundary battle
A motion was filed after Bemidji received a letter from Northern Township offering to connect to the city's existing wastewater plant rather than building its own new one.
What's for Breakfast: Generosity on the road with two Kathys
"What's for Breakfast" guests Kathy Lee and Kathy Kooda from Grand Rapids have been delivering donations to families in need in the Twin Cities due to the impact of Operation Metro Surge.
Man dies after being trapped under snow groomer in St. Louis County
The March 3, 2026, incident involved a private piece of older equipment on private property.
The Setlist: Where to hear live music March 5-7, 2026
KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Charley Wagner, Rich Mattson, Packsacker Stringband, and the Grant Edwards Band.
North-central Minnesota's first-ever solar energy co-op launches
The co-op is free and open to homeowners and business owners in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena. Members will leverage their numbers to buy solar energy at a competitive price.
Students smell skunks, hear Red-winged Blackbirds, and watch squirrel acrobatics
During the week of March 3, 2026, we enjoy reports of Red-winged Blackbirds, temperature swings, and courting squirrels. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Residents displaced after Staples apartment fire; Driver crashes into Lakewood ER doors
Plus: Bemidji School Board votes to close J.W. Smith Elementary; Hibbing considers closing Greenhaven Elementary; and Google revealed to be owner of propsed Hermantown data center.
Hibbing School Board to vote on whether to close Greenhaven Elementary
The March 4, 2026, vote would start the process of a closure, which would save the district an estimated $516,000. The Board will also give an update on contract negotiations with support staff.
Bemidji school board votes to close JW Smith Elementary amid budget woes
The school district must now advertise the planned closure for two weeks before hosting a public hearing on the decision, which would go into effect this spring.
Driver crashes into Lakewood Health System's ER doors in Staples
Authorities reported alcohol is believed to have been a factor. The building was determined to be unstable and unsafe in the immediate area of the crash.
All residents displaced after apartment complex fire in Staples
The Staples Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming out of the building on the 400 block of Second Avenue Northeast, just before 8 a.m. Feb. 28, 2026.
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig reverses herself on key immigration legislation, Laken Riley Act
The law allows for the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants who are merely accused of crimes, including violent crimes but also nonviolent offenses like burglary, theft and shoplifting.
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.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
During the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 24, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Bald Eagles, starlings, and the color of dogwoods and willows.
Contributed
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iNaturalist user fsadjadi
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.
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