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C-SPAN
As the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on reversing a 2023 mining ban in the Superior National Forest, Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith spoke on the Senate floor April 14, 2026.
Screenshot
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Minnesota House Information Services
Horse and chicken illustration by Marce Wood, graphic by Heather Johnson
Malachy Koons
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KAXE
Music
After making a name for herself with tender, poetic indie-pop songs that sounded like you were sitting in the bedroom as she sang them, Parks takes her songwriting skills to the dancefloor on her third album Ambiguous Desire. Inspired by a move to NYC and her newfound love for the nightclub and dance music culture, it captures that wide-open feeling of breaking out of your shell and finding your community in your early 20s. Drawing from UK pirate radio, 2-step rhythms and the queer dance music culture of Larry Levan’s Paradise Garage, the album is a great entry point into the world of dance music. -Malachy Koons
Latest Stories
In praise of BirdCast, a marvel of migration monitoring
In a special edition of the pod, co-hosts Heidi Holtan, John Latimer, and Pam Perry look forward at a busy spring migration season. Check out Birdcast!Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
St. Louis County finds workaround for labor, federal funding conundrum
The county and MnDOT will exchange federal funds in a "highly unusual" move, so the county can keep using labor agreements. But three projects will have to be delayed a year.
The Setlist: Where to hear live music April 17-18, 2026
KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features the Miletici Big 3, Deerstreet Duo, Sarah Morris and Haley E Rydell, and Forge North.
North Star Students: 'Shining examples' Koivisto twins top N-K senior class
Despite their busy schedules, twins Abby and Maddy Koivisto put their all into everything they do. Their dedication and consistency earned them the titles of North Star Student.
Have you felt the intimidating presence of a Sharp-shinned Hawk?
During the week of April 14, 2026, we enjoy reports of blooming bloodroot, Fox Sparrows, and a two-footed coyote. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
A big week ahead: Spring wildflowers, butterflies, frog song imminent
During the Phenology Report for the week of April 14, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Pileated Woodpeckers "tapping out love notes" and spring's imminent arrival.
Area Voices: Duluth painter Carolyn Olson creates ‘narrative artist’ journey
Duluth artist Carolyn Olson’s exhibit “Mutual Aid and Chosen Family” is at the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids until April 25, 2026.
Staples-Motley passes 'long-time coming' referendum to update schools
The district will break ground on elementary school and career and technical education additions after a nine-month design phase.
Klobuchar raised $4.8 million in first 62 days of campaign for MN governor
Klobuchar's haul is over six times larger than that of GOP candidates Rep. Lisa Demuth and Kendall Qualls.
'A disappointment': Aitkin's 2nd attempt at new elementary school fails
Voters rejected the school district's plans to replace Rippleside Elementary on April 14, 2026, by a wider margin than they did in November 2025.
Bright Spot: Grand Rapids shop features in floral couture fashion show
Floral shop North in Bloom was selected for the Fleur de Villes exhibit at Galleria in Edina, where owner Madeline Cook and team created a plaid design.
Smith urges colleagues to protect BWCA in Senate floor speech; Rock Ridge sticks to 5 day week
Plus: A complex land dispute in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area leads to a developer turning to state lawmakers for a solution.
KAXE News wants to better understand the impacts incarceration and the criminal justice system place on Indigenous individuals, families and communities.
Click below to take our survey now through April 15, 2026, for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 Visa gift cards.
Click below to take our survey now through April 15, 2026, for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 Visa gift cards.
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 April 7, 2026, we enjoy reports of Eastern Bluebirds, frogs calling, and buds beginning to break. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
More Local Stories
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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