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The area is located in the Rainy River Watershed, next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and contains deposits of copper, nickel and cobalt.
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Jennifer Carnahan
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Allison Connor / Bemidji State University
"Season Watch" is a KAXE podcast for the curious, filled with the delights of nature in Northern Minnesota. Hosts are Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan, John Latimer and a rotating cast of characters, often featuring voices of young nature observers from around the state. From owl calls to sleeping bears and freezing frogs, we want hear from you! Record a message and send us what you are seeing in nature!
From England, James Hunter has connected with music from the past since he was teenager, informing his signature retro sound. Off the Fence, his 11th album, marks his first on Dan Auerbach’s (The Black Keys) label Easy Eye Sound. This comes after years at retro soul label Daptone Records.
Yet, in spite of moving labels, Hunter’s longtime collaborator and Daptone’s co-founder Gabriel Roth still produced this album. The songs are varied with influence ranging from the blues, Motown and rockabilly, with some Latin influences sprinkled in.
Yet, in spite of moving labels, Hunter’s longtime collaborator and Daptone’s co-founder Gabriel Roth still produced this album. The songs are varied with influence ranging from the blues, Motown and rockabilly, with some Latin influences sprinkled in.
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.
Latest Stories
Thousands gather in Minneapolis for 'ICE Out' Day; 2 NW MN sheriffs announce retirement plans
Plus: Co-owner of The Pines in Grand Rapids Kyle Lussier was nominated for a James Beard award; the Minnesota DNR will accept comment on adjusting Aitkin County's public waters through Feb. 27; and MnDOT announced more than $76 million in transportation grants.
Tens of thousands gather in downtown Minneapolis for 'ICE Out' day
Organizers say 100 clergy were arrested Jan. 23, 2026, at a morning protest at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.
Longtime MN DJ Mary Lucia on radio and resilience in her new memoir
In "What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To," Lucia reflects on her life in radio, surviving stalking and why she chose to tell her story.
'Milestone' Rock Ridge hockey game bridges Indigenous cultural gaps
The first of two Native American Heritage Nights Jan. 20, 2026, included drumming, dancing and an Ojibwe-language broadcast. The second is Jan. 30 against Grand Rapids.
Events Up North Jan. 26-Feb. 1: Film showing in Grand Rapids, local history talk in Chisholm
Events this week include ConnectEffect in Brainerd, a rummage and bake sale at the Bemidji Senior Center and an art class in Pine River.
Two northwest MN sheriffs announce retirement plans
Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander and Clearwater County Sheriff Darin Halverson recently announced they wouldn't seek reelection in 2026.
Klobuchar files paperwork for governor run; House passes reversal of mining ban
Plus: Nisswa City Council votes to censure Mayor Jennifer Carnahan and strip her of committee posts; and a general strike against ICE presence in Minnesota is Friday.
Porcupines plod ponderously through the snow
During the Phenology Report for the week of Jan. 20, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on winter porcupines, woodpecker behavior, and aspen flower buds.
BWCAW permit reservations open Jan. 28 — but plan your trip first
Permits are needed to visit the Boundary Waters in May through September. The Superior National Forest encourages planning your backcountry trip and only reserving permits you can use.
DNR to host meeting on proposed Aitkin County public waters updates
The Jan. 28, 2026, meeting will give the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the DNR's proposed changes to the Public Waters Inventory list as part of a statewide update effort.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar files paperwork to run for MN governor
Klobuchar’s candidacy has relieved some Democratic donors and operatives anxious that the fraud scandal that tanked Tim Walz’s reelection campaign would cost them control of state government.
Friday’s ‘ICE Out of Minnesota’ day is a general strike. Here’s what that means.
Citing the killing of Renee Good by federal agent Jonathan Ross, the “ICE Out” day organizers say the general strike is intended to be a day of nonviolent reflection.
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
KAXE
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Charlie Mitchell
During the week of Jan. 13, 2026, we enjoy reports of oak leaves, hungry woodpeckers, and a mushroom growing on another mushroom. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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Stay up to date on what's happening up north with KAXE/KBXE News, bringing you the top stories across Northern Minnesota.
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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