Top Stories
Megan Buffington
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KAXE
New state aid covers part of the operating levy for school districts that have lots of cabins. Some districts say they'll offset the levy if voters approve it, meaning more money for the school, while taxes stay the same or go down.
Contributed
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Mark Klabunde
Malachy Koons
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Contributed
Music
This is a multi-part series on the impacts of incarceration — specifically the disproportionate rates of incarceration Native people face in the state, especially in Northern Minnesota.
KAXE's Larissa Donovan explored the underlying issues of the statistics through survey outreach, extensive research and in-person interviews.
KAXE's Larissa Donovan explored the underlying issues of the statistics through survey outreach, extensive research and in-person interviews.
Has it really been 14 years since Alabama Shakes released their debut record of hollerin' soul-n-roll Boys & Girls?? Holy cow! We are now 11 years removed since their second record, Sound & Color, graced our ears with its denser and more experimental sound.
I Must Be Dreaming sees these small-town musicians having families, getting married and releasing solo records. The sound reflects an earned maturity, time spent apart and the conflicted country we live in.
Lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard showcases falsetto vocals on a majority of the songs and the vibe she creates highlights the double entendre album title I Must Be Dreaming. ... Am I crazy or this is amazing?!?! The growl and howl of Boys & Girls and world weariness of Sound & Color are replaced with the sound of a singer whose vocal range is endless — beautiful and powerful all at the same time. Songs such as singles "I Feel Hope Coming" and "American Dream" deliver a vision for concrete things we all need, like clean air, and the manifestation of simply continuing to dream of a positive place for everybody.
Bass guitarist Zack Cockrell, who was a member of Howard's solo act touring band, created the basis for many of the songs on I Must Be Dreaming, replacing an exhausted Howard as the primary generator of musical ideas within the Alabama Shakes world. The music is chilled like a cool creek in the woods behind your house while still bringing some of the noise and power they are known for.
I Must Be Dreaming is the third Alabama Shakes album in 14 years but the sonic timeline they have created check out in a wonderful way. -DG
I Must Be Dreaming sees these small-town musicians having families, getting married and releasing solo records. The sound reflects an earned maturity, time spent apart and the conflicted country we live in.
Lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard showcases falsetto vocals on a majority of the songs and the vibe she creates highlights the double entendre album title I Must Be Dreaming. ... Am I crazy or this is amazing?!?! The growl and howl of Boys & Girls and world weariness of Sound & Color are replaced with the sound of a singer whose vocal range is endless — beautiful and powerful all at the same time. Songs such as singles "I Feel Hope Coming" and "American Dream" deliver a vision for concrete things we all need, like clean air, and the manifestation of simply continuing to dream of a positive place for everybody.
Bass guitarist Zack Cockrell, who was a member of Howard's solo act touring band, created the basis for many of the songs on I Must Be Dreaming, replacing an exhausted Howard as the primary generator of musical ideas within the Alabama Shakes world. The music is chilled like a cool creek in the woods behind your house while still bringing some of the noise and power they are known for.
I Must Be Dreaming is the third Alabama Shakes album in 14 years but the sonic timeline they have created check out in a wonderful way. -DG
Latest Stories
Farmer loans available after USDA declares Northern MN drought disaster area
The designation applies in Beltrami, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods and St. Louis counties.
The Setlist: Where to hear live music Sept. 4-6, 2026
KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Foxby, Rusty Crayfish Brass Band, Keith Secola & Gary Farmer, Rich Mattson & The Northstars, Little Fevers, LAAMAR, Penny Peaches, Annie Humphrey, Jada Brown and many more.
Local 4-H livestock competitors gain experience, ribbons at MN State Fair
Northern Minnesota competitors were among the youths who showed 2,778 animals at the 2026 state fair in St. Paul.
Looming federal hemp ban delayed by 4 weeks
Minnesota's U.S. senators issued statements applauding the bipartisan measure to delay the ban on hemp-derived products, which was originally slated to begin on Nov. 12, 2026.
Area Voices: ‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ comes to Bigfork
A production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” visits the Edge Center for the Arts in Bigfork Sept. 12 and 13. Artistic director Patricia Feld joins “Area Voices” to discuss the show.
Is Minnesota's boating safety law riding the wave toward success?
Lake associations around the U.S. have observed conflicts on lakes as popular water activities like wakesurfing take hold, prompting efforts to expand boater safety and etiquette training.
Man dies after apparent drowning near Eveleth
The man was reportedly paddleboarding with his juvenile daughter Sept. 1, 2026, when he fell into the lake and became unresponsive.
In pursuit of a garter snake: A wild adventure with John Latimer
During the week of Sept. 1, 2026, we enjoy reports of garter snakes, frogs, and a woodchuck. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Minnesota Medicaid spending is accelerating, projected to reach $29B in 2029
The state’s Medicaid program, which insures many low-income, disabled, elderly and pregnant residents, is on track to jump 40% from 2025 to 2029 to $29 billion.
Koochiching County declared disaster area; DNR accepting comments on trail system
Plus: 4-H competitors show animals at Minnesota State Fair
Itasca sheriff IDs woman who died in jail; MN Supreme Court rejects recount request
Plus: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health sign 10-year agreement with state AG for a merger; and the Beargrease sled dog race returns to "out-and-back" format for 2027 event.
Itasca County sheriff IDs woman who died while in jail custody
Deidre Lynn Mason was pronounced dead after being discovered unresponsive Aug. 28, 2026, in the Itasca County Jail.
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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Allison Barta via KAXE-KBXE Season Watch Facebook group
During the week of Aug. 25, 2026, we enjoy reports of butterflies, bog adventures, and low water levels. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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Flickr user Dennis Sylvester Hurd
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Photo by iNaturalist user krisskinou
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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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