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Aitkin DAC
Aitkin Developmental Achievement Center offers a variety of programs for adults with developmental and physical disabilities in Aitkin County.
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iNaturalist user terrymcb
Do you know who you're voting for? Check out our guide featuring 250+ candidates who will be on Northern Minnesotans' ballots.
From the sweeping soul power of "God of You" to the grooving funk Afrobeat on "Sun and Moon, from the tender honesty of "SKN" to the heartbreaking "Blues," Everything Has Changed is everything we could have wanted from Ponder's heavily anticipated sophomore album. It finds the lawyer turned musician navigating a series of tragedies in her personal life with grace, acceptance and growth. -MK
Latest Stories
More cases expected amid measles outbreaks in Todd, Fillmore counties
The Minnesota Department of Health is encouraging people to get vaccinated to prevent measles, which is highly contagious and can create serious health complications, including death.
Klobuchar, Demuth have school plans, but neither addresses funding challenges
Funding for public schools comprises nearly 40% of the state budget and is the single biggest line item. It accounts for about two-thirds of all spending on public schools in Minnesota.
MN constitutional amendment to boost school funds has support across party lines, geography
In the 2026 midterms, Minnesotans will vote on a constitutional amendment to increase the yearly allotment from the Permanent School Fund. For some, the measure is decades in the making.
‘Tough medicine’: Minnesota State to use community college funds to help struggling universities
Bemidji State University will get $4.8 million for fiscal year 2028 and must create a financial recovery plan.
Events Up North Oct. 19-25: Screamatorium in Virginia, Enchanted Halloween in Bemidji
Events this week include local theater in Pequot Lakes and Brainerd, a barn dance in Virginia and fundraising events in Bemidji and Grand Rapids.
Red Lake Nation raid prompted by child protection failures; New regional economic development plan in the works
Plus: Beginning farmers in Minnesota get funding help to build out their fledgling agricultural businesses.
Minnesota State weighing plan to transfer money from 2-year colleges to shore up struggling universities
Officials call it a ‘stopgap’ measure that should help as they address a $31.5 million systemwide deficit. An internal report warned 10 years ago that Minnesota State could face multimillion dollar budget holes.
Bears continue roaming around MN, surprising students
During the week of Oct. 13, 2026, we enjoy reports of black bears, Lapland Longspurs, and busy beavers. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
In south-central Alaska, neighborhood schools double as community hubs. Closing them has sweeping impacts.
From emergency shelters and food banks to sports and church services, school buildings across the Matanuska-Susitna Valley serve as important community connectors, residents and officials said.
Helium plant planned for Two Harbors; MN State considers money transfer to struggling colleges
Plus: Minnesota case underscores uphill climb for tribes adding clean energy.
KAXE News offering its 2026 Election Guide, featuring nearly 300 candidates
KAXE's online guide features candidates at all levels who will be on Northern MN ballots. Free, printable PDFs of guides covering statewide races and local races in Aitkin, Beltrami and Itasca counties are available now.
Fresh Picks: Soul power, talking fiddle, Nu Zamrock, indie darling, Ayers in '76
The KAXE Music Team on new releases from Danielle Ponder, Jake Blount, Sampa The Great, Jeremy Messersmith, Star Moles and The Decemberists. Then, Everybody Loves The Pick from '76.
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 Oct. 6, 2026, we enjoy reports of a strolling beaver, visits from John Latimer and migrating birds. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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Bob Dunlap via iNaturalist
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