Top Stories
Megan Buffington
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KAXE
New state aid covers part of the operating levy for school districts that have lots of cabins. Some districts say they'll offset the levy if voters approve it, meaning more money for the school, while taxes stay the same or go down.
Contributed
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Mark Klabunde
Malachy Koons
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Contributed
Music
This is a multi-part series on the impacts of incarceration — specifically the disproportionate rates of incarceration Native people face in the state, especially in Northern Minnesota.
KAXE's Larissa Donovan explored the underlying issues of the statistics through survey outreach, extensive research and in-person interviews.
KAXE's Larissa Donovan explored the underlying issues of the statistics through survey outreach, extensive research and in-person interviews.
Has it really been 14 years since Alabama Shakes released their debut record of hollerin' soul-n-roll Boys & Girls?? Holy cow! We are now 11 years removed since their second record, Sound & Color, graced our ears with its denser and more experimental sound.
I Must Be Dreaming sees these small-town musicians having families, getting married and releasing solo records. The sound reflects an earned maturity, time spent apart and the conflicted country we live in.
Lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard showcases falsetto vocals on a majority of the songs and the vibe she creates highlights the double entendre album title I Must Be Dreaming. ... Am I crazy or this is amazing?!?! The growl and howl of Boys & Girls and world weariness of Sound & Color are replaced with the sound of a singer whose vocal range is endless — beautiful and powerful all at the same time. Songs such as singles "I Feel Hope Coming" and "American Dream" deliver a vision for concrete things we all need, like clean air, and the manifestation of simply continuing to dream of a positive place for everybody.
Bass guitarist Zack Cockrell, who was a member of Howard's solo act touring band, created the basis for many of the songs on I Must Be Dreaming, replacing an exhausted Howard as the primary generator of musical ideas within the Alabama Shakes world. The music is chilled like a cool creek in the woods behind your house while still bringing some of the noise and power they are known for.
I Must Be Dreaming is the third Alabama Shakes album in 14 years but the sonic timeline they have created check out in a wonderful way. -DG
I Must Be Dreaming sees these small-town musicians having families, getting married and releasing solo records. The sound reflects an earned maturity, time spent apart and the conflicted country we live in.
Lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard showcases falsetto vocals on a majority of the songs and the vibe she creates highlights the double entendre album title I Must Be Dreaming. ... Am I crazy or this is amazing?!?! The growl and howl of Boys & Girls and world weariness of Sound & Color are replaced with the sound of a singer whose vocal range is endless — beautiful and powerful all at the same time. Songs such as singles "I Feel Hope Coming" and "American Dream" deliver a vision for concrete things we all need, like clean air, and the manifestation of simply continuing to dream of a positive place for everybody.
Bass guitarist Zack Cockrell, who was a member of Howard's solo act touring band, created the basis for many of the songs on I Must Be Dreaming, replacing an exhausted Howard as the primary generator of musical ideas within the Alabama Shakes world. The music is chilled like a cool creek in the woods behind your house while still bringing some of the noise and power they are known for.
I Must Be Dreaming is the third Alabama Shakes album in 14 years but the sonic timeline they have created check out in a wonderful way. -DG
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Minnesota Medicaid spending is accelerating, projected to reach $29B in 2029
The state’s Medicaid program, which insures many low-income, disabled, elderly and pregnant residents, is on track to jump 40% from 2025 to 2029 to $29 billion.
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Itasca County sheriff IDs woman who died while in jail custody
Deidre Lynn Mason was pronounced dead after being discovered unresponsive Aug. 28, 2026, in the Itasca County Jail.
Beargrease sled dog race returns to 'out-and-back' format for 2027
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MN AG allows Sanford Health acquisition of North Memorial Health
The agreement for the out-of-state acquisition includes services continuing at North Memorial's Robbinsdale Hospital and maintaining its extensive emergency transportation services across the state for 10 years.
Bemidji data center moratorium gains support of citizen commission
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'The place where it grows': Red Lake school unveils new outdoor space
The Trust for Public Land partnered with Endazhi-Nitaawiging Charter School on the Red Lake Nation for the nonprofit's first tribal schoolyard in Minnesota.
St. Louis County ends Flock camera pilot project
Flock should have cameras removed “in the coming days." Concern locally was consistent with growing nationwide opposition to use of the devices.
From Northwoods Art & Book Festival, Part 3: Lightning talks with MN authors
Minnesota authors Mary Seifert, Jeff Krogstad, J.D. Delzer, Mary Perrine, Joe Egan and C.A. Lewis talk about their books and writing.
'The place where it grows:' Red Lake school unveils new outdoor space
Endazhi-Nitaawiging, a charter school on the Red Lake Nation, partnered with the Trust for Public Land for a new natural playground as part of a revamped schoolyard.
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 25, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on rabbit populations, changing leaves, and wildflowers.
Contributed
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Flickr user Dennis Sylvester Hurd
Contributed
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Photo by iNaturalist user krisskinou
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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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