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People hold candles and a banner at a Jan. 27, 2026, vigil outside El Potro Mexican Restaurant in downtown Brainerd.
Chelsey Perkins
/
KAXE
Signs in the windows of the popular downtown Mexican place offered words of thanks for community support and announced the business’ indefinite closure.
"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!
A legendary contemporary songwriter, Lucinda has helped define Americana music as we know it. Her style of writing a song is by using plain language so the message doesn't get lost. For her 16th album, World's Gone Wrong, the message is of vital importance, featuring original protest songs about the state of the world, plus a cover of Bob Marley & The Wailers' "So Much Trouble in the World," which features fellow legend Mavis Staples.

The song titles give good clues to the content: "The World's Gone Wrong," "Something's Gotta Give," "How Much Did You Get for Your Soul" — I could go through the entire tracklist to give you the whole picture. Throughout the album, her words are direct and clear:

They plan on your silence
Ignorance and vagary
While the streets fill with violence
Chaos and tragedy
So let me remind you
Just what's at stake
Apathy will blind you
Until it's too late
- "Freedom Speaks"
- KH


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
Trampled by Turtles announce benefit show for immigrant support group
Bassist Tim Saxhaug joined KAXE to discuss the band’s sold-out show at the Turf Club and how he and his bandmates are using music to support the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund.
Rep. Roger Skraba announces bid for reelection
State Rep. Roger Skraba is seeking reelection to continue representing District 3A as a Republican in the Minnesota House.
Looking on the warm side of a cold snap
In this episode, co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan discuss finding solace in nature and the effects of deep cold on invasive species.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
Horoshak to challenge Warwas in District 7B
Steelworker Dan Horoshak announced he is running for the 7B Minnesota House seat currently held by first-term legislator Cal Warwas.
US Attorney's Office urges court to deny MN's order pausing ICE surge
As federal district court judge Kate Menendez considers an order pausing Operation Metro Surge, federal attorneys argue the surge does not violate states' rights.
DEED awards $6M in contamination cleanup and investigation funds
The funds will support a redevelopment of the Ely railroad depot and the creation of senior housing in Hermantown.
MN DNR seeks 200 paid summer interns for 2026
College students interested in natural resource careers are encouraged to apply for DNR internship opportunities in fisheries, forestry, park operations and more.
Events Up North Feb. 2-8: 88th Laskianen Finnish Sliding Festival, First Friday
Events this week include "Clue" and a book sale in Bemidji, Sled and Snowshoe Spectacular in Chisholm, a Jim Roelofs talk in Brainerd and Palisade's Midwinter Festival.
The Setlist: Where to hear live music Jan. 30-31, 2026
KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Severio Mancieri, Ditty Wish, Annie Humphrey, Austin Lunn and Andy Klockow, Jed LaPlant and McKeon Hugh Roberts and more.
Border Czar Tom Homan: ‘I’m staying ‘til the problem is gone’
Three thousand immigration agents remain in Minnesota, Homan said, and a reduction in force depends on cooperation from elected officials.
Sen. Klobuchar launches campaign for Minnesota governor
Klobuchar planned to launch her campaign Jan. 26, 2026, but she delayed it after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti a few days prior.
Brainerd community hosts vigil outside El Potro; Red Lake descendant faces federal charge after ICE arrest
Plus: Itasca County Sheriff Joe Dasovich is joining Cass County in abandoning a previous 287(g) agreement with ICE.
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Be like these folks: Support KAXE!
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
Chalk illustrations show goldenrod galls, cattails, a Common Goldeneye, and a muskrat
Contributed
/
Chad Kaddatz
During the week of Jan. 20, 2026, we enjoy reports of fluorescent lichens, graupel snow, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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.
Check out what's been happening the past year!