Top Stories
Contributed
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University of Minnesota Press and Kao Kalia Yang
In the new picture book “The Blue House I Loved” Minnesota author Kao Kalia Yang shares vivid memories of childhood and place. Illustrated by artist and architect Jen Shin.
Larissa Donovan
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KAXE
In addition to her music, Queen Esther is a well-known playwright, actor and essayist, and her skill for storytelling that ties history to the present day is on full display on her sixth solo album Blackbirding. Seamlessly blending country, jazz and blues in a style she calls Black country soul, Blackbirding explores the Civil War battle at Gettysburg to tell a story of the fight for freedom that continues to this day. -MK
Latest Stories
Firefighters respond to fatal house fire in Beltrami County
The remains of one person were located inside the home once the blaze was extinguished on Feb. 16, 2026.
Winter storm to bring heavy snow, high winds to Northland
Winter storms will spread from North Dakota to the Arrowhead Feb. 17-19, 2026, bringing gusty winds and wet, heavy snow.
Ham Radio: New MN cookbook spotlights comforting family recipes
Minnesota cookbook author Sarah Peterson brings to light recipes and connection to family and friends in "Dish and Tell: Recipes from the Heart."
Girls hockey: Bemidji, Proctor-Hermantown, Warroad represent Northland at state
Bemidji is making its first state tourney appearance since 2007, while Warroad and Proctor-Hermantown hold the first- and second-longest appearance streaks.
Electric buses bring cleaner, quieter rides to students in rural MN
Minnesota now has just 19 electric school buses, but more than 20 districts are waiting on deliveries, some by the 2026-2027 school year.
Sheriff defends ICE using duplicate license plates in Brainerd area enforcement
Crow Wing County's Eric Klang said agents worked out of the sheriff's office while temporarily stationed in the lakes area, asking him for guidance on "what's off limits."
Longville community mourns death of local official; Hibbing, union work out labor dispute
Plus: Community members show up to Nevis council in support of Wild Tiger Skate Park; House 2A Rep. Bidal Duran announces reelection plans; and the latest for Northland winter athletes.
Sheriff defends ICE using duplicate license plates in Brainerd area enforcement
Crow Wing County's Eric Klang said agents worked out of the sheriff's office while temporarily stationed in the lakes area, asking him for guidance on "what's off limits."
Beltrami County authorities seek missing 31-year-old man
Corey Adam Bryant was last seen in Bemidji on Dec. 19, 2025, but was last in touch with family in January 2026.
Border Czar Homan announces end to Operation Metro Surge; Deer River votes down 4-day school week
Plus: Northern, MN to become Northern MN's newest city; and 14 Northland athletes competed in the Alpine Ski state tournament Feb. 10, 2026.
MN musicians step up for mutual aid amid ICE surge on 'Music for Good'
Bryan Odeen and Brandon Hepola, two of the organizers of a new benefit album for a Minnesota mutual aid group, joined "Headwaters" to talk about the project.
Walz proposes $10 million for Minnesota businesses affected by ICE surge
Minneapolis businesses are estimated to have lost $10 to $20 million in sales each week of Operation Metro Surge, which began in December 2025.
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.
Contributed
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iNaturalist user csledge (Chantel)
During the week of Feb. 3, 2026, we enjoy a students' approximation of Bald Eagles smooching and reports of deep cold. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Contributed
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Bonnie Lundorff via the KAXE - KBXE Season Watch Facebook group
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KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
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