KAXE/KBXE

Latest Stories

"The Setlist" and "Grand Rapids, Virginia, Aitkin, Bemidji" written over a crumpled paper background.

The Setlist: Where to hear live music April 3-4, 2026

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Sam Miltich, Charmin Michelle, Boss Mama, Elsa Krantz, John Cannon, Raina Wallace, Project: Constellation and more.

Crowd of people on maroon seats in a theater.

Area Voices: 'A good day of films' at the busy Ely Film Festival

“Area Voices” hit the road to visit the annual five-day Ely Film Festival. Andrew Dziengel talked with the festival’s director and program director.

chalk illustrations show a Killdeer, a White-throated Sparrow, a silver maple, a mourning cloak butterfly, and an American Woodcock.

Spring's first dandelion pops up in Caledonia

During the week of March 31, 2026, we enjoy reports of the Spring's first flower, the maple sap running, and emerging moths. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

2 shot to death in rural Becker County; Sebeka mourns woman killed in crash

Plus: Two local elementary schools meet their fates, with Bemidji's J.W. Smith set to remain open for at least a year, while Greenhaven in Hibbing will close.

Sebeka community mourns woman killed in crash with suspected drunk driver

Kimberly Soon Jim Rife, 39, died, and her 13-year-old daughter suffered life-threatening injuries. Rife ran an adult foster care and coordinated a program to help hungry students.

ICE agents search the passenger of a truck as they arrest both him and the driver during a traffic stop Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, on Bottineau Boulevard in Robbinsdale.

More than 3,700 immigrants arrested during Operation Metro Surge, per new data

Even during the most intense immigration enforcement in Minnesota, however, immigration authorities were arresting nearly triple the number of immigrants in Texas.

A conceptual development scenario site layout developed by Harmony Group LLC shows how a Google data center in Hermantown might look. The layout is included in an updated alternative urban areawide review of the project, released March 2026.

Public comments open on updated review of proposed Hermantown data center

The city and Google jointly agreed to an updated alternative urban areawide review study with a smaller geographic footprint than last fall’s study.

Man, child dead with apparent gunshot wounds in rural Becker County

The Becker County Sheriff's Office received a call March 30, 2026, from a man who went to check on his brother because he hadn't shown up at work.

2 killed in head-on crash on Highway 71 in Park Rapids; Train derailment near Warroad prompts evacuation

Plus: Minnesotans gathered in the thousands for "No Kings" rallies across the state; Aitkin Public Schools will soon have a new superintendent; Burning restrictions for areas of the state went into effect Monday; and 2 Northland teams placed at the state boys basketball tournament.

Hibbing School District, support staff union approve new contract

The approvals mark the resolution of months of back-and-forth that nearly resulted in a strike. The union's focus was on time off and wording changes, rather than wage increases.

Advocates gather for Disability Day at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, where community members and service providers met with lawmakers to discuss proposed cuts to disability services.

Photo Gallery: Disability Day draws hundreds to Minnesota Capitol

The rally highlighted the importance of budgetary decisions this session that would affect providers and disabled people in their ability to get the care they need.

People wait in line at a Walgreens pharmacy in Roseville on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

MN holds off on a bill prohibiting Medicaid coverage for weight loss drugs

Thirteen states, including Minnesota, cover weight loss medications for obesity treatments through Medicaid, according to Kaiser's 2025 Medicaid budget survey.

Help KAXE understand the impact of incarceration on Indigenous communities

KAXE News wants to better understand the impacts incarceration and the criminal justice system place on Indigenous individuals, families and communities.

Click below to take our survey now through April 15, 2026, for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 Visa gift cards.

Take the Survey

Music