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Ellen Schmidt / MinnPost / CatchLight Local / Report for America
Hundreds of cities are vying for state bonding bill dollars to fund local infrastructure projects at the Legislature.
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Summit School Facebook page
Malachy Koons
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KAXE
Music
For over 45 years, the Tuareg rockers have fought for their culture and way of life in the Azawad region of northern Mali and southern Algeria.
Against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict that forced much of the band to flee their homes in Mali — and a 2026 US tour being canceled due to the Trump administration’s travel ban — Hoggar is a bold statement of defiance and a commitment the revolutionary principles that have guided Tinariwen since forming in refugee camps in the ‘80s.
It’s easy to get lost in the sonics of a band who so deeply match the landscape they call home in tone and form, but just as important is the lyrical side of Tinariwen as on-the-ground documenters of a post-colonial struggle for freedom. -Malachy Koons
Against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict that forced much of the band to flee their homes in Mali — and a 2026 US tour being canceled due to the Trump administration’s travel ban — Hoggar is a bold statement of defiance and a commitment the revolutionary principles that have guided Tinariwen since forming in refugee camps in the ‘80s.
It’s easy to get lost in the sonics of a band who so deeply match the landscape they call home in tone and form, but just as important is the lyrical side of Tinariwen as on-the-ground documenters of a post-colonial struggle for freedom. -Malachy Koons
Latest Stories
Bemidji rejects Northern Township's request to join forces in wastewater
After a dispute with the soon-to-be city over which is best suited to install sewer around Lake Bemidji, the Bemidji Council reaffirmed its policy of "no connection without annexation."
1 dead following Breezy Point fire; Flight cancellations cause improptu road trip for DL students
And: A new bill would ban municipalities from signing nondisclosure agreements; Otter Tail Power Co. had above-average profits last two years; Mountain Iron-Buhl is girls basketball runner-up.
1 person found dead after Breezy Point house fire
The Pequot Lakes Fire District and Breezy Point Police Department responded to the fire the morning of March 14, 2026. The incident is under investigation.
Flight cancellation causes impromptu road trip, $35K bill for DL students
Several Detroit Lakes High School band and choir members are currently on a northbound bus, and Music Director Tim Siewert said the travel fiasco will add $35,000 in unexpected costs.
Your rising power bill is fueling profits for Minnesota utilities
The 110 investor-owned utilities included in the report had an average profit margin of 12.8% from 2021 to 2024 and 14.6% in 2025. Xcel and Otter Tail were in the top 40 both years.
Bemidji fire officials brace for spring wildfire season after major storm
An estimated 9 million trees around the Bemidji area were damaged or downed in the June 2025 storm. Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood said planning for spring fire danger has been ongoing since.
Girls basketball: Mountain Iron-Buhl is state runner-up
Mountain Iron-Buhl finishes its season with a 30-2 record. Anna Neyens and Paige Norman were named to the all-tournament team, as was Kelliher/Northome’s Kate Thayer.
Bemidji Fire braces for spring wildfire season, months after major storm
Planning and preparation for the 2026 spring wildfire season began shortly after the major blowdown storm in the Bemidji region, which saw an estimated 9 million trees downed or damaged.
Judge declines to dismiss charges in Beltrami County jail death; Stauber introduced Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act
And: A new bill in the Minnesota Legislature would allow small school districts to shrink their school board size.
Judge declines to dismiss criminal case in Beltrami County Jail death
In a Thursday, March 12, 2026, order, Judge Jeanine Brand said the attorney general’s office showed sufficient probable cause for the case against Michelle R. Skroch to move forward.
Stauber introduces Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act
The legislation was previously introduced in the Senate and aims to prevent fraud in the child care assistance program. The Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota condemned the bill's name.
Bill would allow small MN school districts to shrink school board size
Districts with fewer than a thousand students could ask voters to approve reducing board membership from six to five. Small districts often struggle to fill out their boards.
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.
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Chad Kaddatz
During the week of March 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of migrating birds and the distinctive (and divisive) smell of spruce trees. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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LeAnn Plinske via iNaturalist
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Chad Kaddatz
More Local Stories
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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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