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Ellen Schmidt / MinnPost / CatchLight Local / Report for America
Hundreds of cities are vying for state bonding bill dollars to fund local infrastructure projects at the Legislature.
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Summit School Facebook page
Malachy Koons
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KAXE
Music
For over 45 years, the Tuareg rockers have fought for their culture and way of life in the Azawad region of northern Mali and southern Algeria.
Against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict that forced much of the band to flee their homes in Mali — and a 2026 US tour being canceled due to the Trump administration’s travel ban — Hoggar is a bold statement of defiance and a commitment the revolutionary principles that have guided Tinariwen since forming in refugee camps in the ‘80s.
It’s easy to get lost in the sonics of a band who so deeply match the landscape they call home in tone and form, but just as important is the lyrical side of Tinariwen as on-the-ground documenters of a post-colonial struggle for freedom. -Malachy Koons
Against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict that forced much of the band to flee their homes in Mali — and a 2026 US tour being canceled due to the Trump administration’s travel ban — Hoggar is a bold statement of defiance and a commitment the revolutionary principles that have guided Tinariwen since forming in refugee camps in the ‘80s.
It’s easy to get lost in the sonics of a band who so deeply match the landscape they call home in tone and form, but just as important is the lyrical side of Tinariwen as on-the-ground documenters of a post-colonial struggle for freedom. -Malachy Koons
Latest Stories
Bemidji Area Schools hosts Q&A on proposed J.W. Smith closure
Parents and community members gathered at the J.W. Smith Elementary gymnasium for the Q&A session. The School Board will host a public hearing on March 24, 2026.
Area Voices: Bagley hosts 1st ‘Afternoon Filled with Art’
The Bagley Area Arts Collaborative presents the first “Afternoon Filled with Art” with three locations featuring local art. Participating artists join “Area Voices” to discuss the event.
Leech Lake Tribal College names three finalists for its next president
Lane Azure, Margaret "Maggie" Ross and Beatrice Bridglall will visit the college March 30-April 1, 2026, with a public forum for each candidate.
Robins love it when you go off-roading in snowy weather
During the Phenology Report for the week of March 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on sugary icicles, brooding ravens, and robins foraging in tire tracks.
Boys basketball: Cherry, PL, Red Lake County, Grand Rapids qualify for state
Cherry, Pequot Lakes and Red Lake County are repeat qualifiers to the boys basketball state tournament. Grand Rapids is making its first appearance since 2017.
Great Blue Herons wing their way north
During the week of March 17, 2026, we enjoy reports of Great Blue Herons, snow, and Saw-whet Owls. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Fire prompts evacuations of 3 Lutsen townhomes; Nearly 90 acres returned to Grand Portage Band
Plus: the Bemidji City Council rejected Northern Township's wastewater connection request; and the Brainerd City Council selected its next Chief of Police.
Bemidji rejects Northern Township's request to join forces in wastewater
After a dispute with the soon-to-be city over which is best suited to install sewer around Lake Bemidji, the Bemidji Council reaffirmed its policy of "no connection without annexation."
1 dead following Breezy Point fire; Flight cancellations cause improptu road trip for DL students
And: A new bill would ban municipalities from signing nondisclosure agreements; Otter Tail Power Co. had above-average profits last two years; Mountain Iron-Buhl is girls basketball runner-up.
1 person found dead after Breezy Point house fire
The Pequot Lakes Fire District and Breezy Point Police Department responded to the fire the morning of March 14, 2026. The incident is under investigation.
Flight cancellation causes impromptu road trip, $35K bill for DL students
Several Detroit Lakes High School band and choir members are currently on a northbound bus, and Music Director Tim Siewert said the travel fiasco will add $35,000 in unexpected costs.
Your rising power bill is fueling profits for Minnesota utilities
The 110 investor-owned utilities included in the report had an average profit margin of 12.8% from 2021 to 2024 and 14.6% in 2025. Xcel and Otter Tail were in the top 40 both years.
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.
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Chad Kaddatz
During the week of March 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of migrating birds and the distinctive (and divisive) smell of spruce trees. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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LeAnn Plinske via iNaturalist
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Chad Kaddatz
More Local Stories
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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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