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May 15, 2026: The Brainerd translator at 89.9 FM is down. Parts have been ordered and it will be fully operational as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience. Listen at kaxe.org!
Top Stories
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
About a half-inch of rain fell across the area overnight into Tuesday, and crews are expected to return to work on securing and improving the fire lines again.
KAXE News is preparing for the midterms, and we want your perspective.

We'll use the responses to this survey to help inform our coverage and what type of content we produce. All answers are anonymous and will not be shared outside our organization.
Jobi Riccio’s second album, Face the Feeling, comes after her acclaimed debut, Whiplash, shifting from coming-of-age stories toward the challenges and possibilities of early adulthood.

Co-produced by Riccio alongside longtime collaborators and friends Isaiah Beard and Jesse Timm, the album blends mellow, tender folk songs like “A Little at a Time,” “Pilar, NM,” “Coyote,” “Easy,” with “Idaho” channeling the warm spirit of Joni Mitchell.

She then dips into indie rock with songs like “Buzzkill,” “Wildfire Season,” and “Doesn’t Matter,” all while keeping the storytelling of the Americana genre centered. With themes of self-growth, love, and grief running throughout the album, Riccio marks a new chapter in her burgeoning music career. - KH
Latest Stories
More details emerge as Google, Hermantown work out data center agreements
Hermantown officials are considering a tax abatement agreement with Google as more details emerge and debate surrounds a proposed data center development.
See who's running for office in Northern Minnesota
Candidates running for state office, U.S. Senate or House, the state Legislature, county office and in some cities and school districts have until June 2, 2026, to file.
I (peli)can't believe it: Pelicans' remarkable disappearing act
Pam Perry, retired DNR non-game wildlife biologist, joined KAXE staff phenologist John Latimer and Heidi Holtan to talk about warblers, pelicans, and the Merlin birding app.
Cass County Board will not require leave for deputy running for sheriff
County Attorney Ben Lindstrom says Deputy Aaron Ammerman violated policy and engaged in "unbecoming conduct," but Ammerman says Lindstrom is tampering with the election.
Former Hill City cop accused of sexual assault; Grand jury indicts in Hibbing murder
Plus: the DNR has identified the origin point and people of interest in the Flanders Fire; Bemidji bus drivers advocate for better pay before School Board; and Itasca County votes to fly two different state flags.
Former Hill City police officer accused of sexual assault of 17-year-old
Jordan Zempel, 35, of Apple Valley, faces a third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl.
Grand jury indicts man with first-degree murder in Hibbing shooting
Daniel Dale of Hoyt Lakes made his first court appearance May 19, 2026, on the upgraded felony charge. He remains in custody in the St. Louis County Jail.
Stewart Trail Fire on North Shore is 100% contained
Accurate mapping of the fire perimeter led to the fire size increasing to 356 acres. The wildfire destroyed 34 structures and was caused by a power line.
DNR identifies origin point, people of interest in Flanders Fire
The fire, which began May 16, 2026, burned around 1,666 acres in Crow Wing County. The DNR asks residents and others in the area with information to contact them.
Beyond the Voice: Julie Crabb
Get to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week, we find out more from the longtime "Green Cheese" and "The Dark Side of Love" host and volunteer Julie Crabb.
Flanders Fire burns 1600 acres near Crosslake; Stewart Trail Fire caused by power line
And: A rural Orr man was arrested for allegedly shooting a firefighting plane; the Legislature passed a bonding bill; and filings open for public office Tuesday.
Breaking down the Legislature's $1.2 billion bonding bill
Here’s what made it into the Legislature's infrastructure package and what lawmakers and others had to say about it May 17, 2026.
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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 May 12, 2026, we enjoy reports of migratory arrivals, spring azure butterflies, and leafing plants. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Stay up to date on what's happening up north with KAXE/KBXE News, bringing you the top stories across Northern Minnesota.

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