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Tim O'Malley said in a Feb. 23, 2026, news conference that lawmakers and administrations were made aware of vulnerabilities in the state's social safety net since the 1970s.
Malachy Koons
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KAXE
Music
Scrawled across the front cover of Philadelphia band Remember Sports’ new album is a Geoffrey Chaucer quote, "The lyf is so short, the craft so long to lerne.”
Is the craft in question music making? Is it the ability to navigate adulthood as you move through life? Or to understand the complexities of the countless interpersonal relationships that you will have (both explored eloquently on the album by lead singer Carmen Perry)? What’s clear is the band has “lerned” their craft on their fifth album, The Refrigerator, an exceptional blend of indie-rock, punk, country and folk. It's KAXE's Album of the Week. - MK
Is the craft in question music making? Is it the ability to navigate adulthood as you move through life? Or to understand the complexities of the countless interpersonal relationships that you will have (both explored eloquently on the album by lead singer Carmen Perry)? What’s clear is the band has “lerned” their craft on their fifth album, The Refrigerator, an exceptional blend of indie-rock, punk, country and folk. It's KAXE's Album of the Week. - MK
Latest Stories
Bright Spot: Development center helps big ideas become small businesses
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Community speaks out against proposed closure of another Bemidji school
As the district looks to trim $3 million from its budget this spring, community members, teachers and parents rallied against the shuttering of J.W. Smith Elementary.
Public transit trip planning app expands to Greater Minnesota
All of the public transportation services in Northern Minnesota will be available on MnDOT's trip planning app and website by this summer.
State commission declines petition to reconsider MN Power sale
The Public Utilities Commission declined the request from environmental group CURE and said further discussion and regulation of data centers could take place in separate cases.
Itasca County fatal hit-and-run case to go to trial in 2026; New roadmap says MN's fraud issue spans 50 years
Plus: The U.S. Senate is expected to soon vote on whether to allow copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters; and the latest in winter high school sports.
Trial set for August in 2024 Nashwauk criminal vehicular homicide case
Cyndy Martin's defense indicated they are still seeking a plea agreement, but Judge Heidi Chandler set a trial date of Aug. 31, 2026, for the alleged 2024 hit-and-run.
DL again gymnastics state champs; Schander all-around champ
Detroit Lakes senior Maggie Schander was also the vault, bars and beam champion and the runner-up in the floor exercise.
Girls Hockey: Warroad takes 2nd, Proctor-Hermantown consolation champs
Warroad, Proctor-Hermantown and Bemidji represented the rural Northland in the girls hockey state tourney. Bemidji was the consolation runners-up.
Wrestling: Staples-Motley, UNC return to state, joined by Brainerd
Over 100 student-athletes from rural Northern Minnesota will wrestle at the 2026 state tournament in St. Paul, with a strong representation from the north-central region.
Senate expected to take key vote on mining near Boundary Waters
Conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are pleading with the public to demand that protections in the BWCAW concerning mining interests stay in place, with a key vote in Congress pending.
Paul Bunyan Communications' 30th Youth Tour Essay Contest ends Feb. 27
High school students whose parents or guardians are cooperative members are invited to submit an essay for a chance to attend the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., June 1-5, 2026.
Effort to help renters stalls for now in MN House
Advocates said housing instability has intensified in recent months amid the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota.
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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Chad Kaddatz
During the week of Feb. 17, 2026, we enjoy reports of Great Horned Owls calling and critters snacking on sugary maple sap. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Contributed
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iNaturalist user csledge (Chantel)
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.
KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
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