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Contributed
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Jakob Littlewolf
Art
White Earth Nation artist Jakob Littlewolf works in the acrylic pouring style of painting. He joins “Area Voices” to share the joys of being an artist.
Within the first minute of the new album, you know this is a vibe. Celebrating 10 years of being a band, the siblings are back with WABI SABI, blending Afro-Latin beats with electronic music. Raúl and Paulina Sotomayor wrote the album in their home of Mexico City before heading to Puerto Rico to record. WABI SABI is a Japanese philosophy that embraces imperfections and the impermanence of creation, similar to the kintsugi artform, a concept they have learned to adopt in music. - KH
Latest Stories
Federal judge issues order ahead of Eichorn's jury trial; Igo introduces bill to extend unemployment for miners
Plus: Sheriffs in Hubbard, Lake and Polk counties announce retirement plans; Minnesotans take advantage of deep freeze with lake ice racing; and Northland girl hockey players are so far 1-1 in the state tournament.
Photo Gallery: A joy-filled barn dance in Bovey
The Valentine’s Day Iron Range Barn Dance united a crowd of all ages and skill levels for an evening of community dancing in Bovey.
Aukes plans to put down the badge and run for Hubbard commissioner
Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes announced Feb. 11, 2026, that he would seek the District 3 Commissioner seat instead of a fifth term as sheriff.
2 Northern Minnesota sheriffs announce retirement plans
Polk County Sheriff Jim Tadman and Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler announced they wouldn't seek additional terms in 2026.
Mahnomen, Polk counties fill county boards with Feb. 10 elections
Robert Durant will be Mahnomen County's newest commissioner, and Ross Pape was sworn in to the Polk County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 17, 2026.
Sugar-hungry rabbits gnaw at red maple bark
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.
Lek's go see the Sharp-tailed Grouse dance!
During the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on the Sharp-tailed Grouse mating season and pussywillows budding out.
Meet the man who surprised Grand Rapids with a penguin
On "What's For Breakfast," we talked with KAXE member Jim Columbus about the secret penguin he placed by the Mississippi River and his dedication to making the world a better place.
Minnesota Legislature gavels in, honors Melissa Hortman
The first day of the new session on Feb. 17, 2026, was the first time in 20 years Rep. Melissa Hortman was absent. She, her husband and their dog were killed in June 2025.
MinnPost reporter Matthew Blake previews the MN Legislature
Lawmakers returned to St. Paul on Tuesday, Feb. 17. MinnPost senior government reporter Matthew Blake sets the tone for the session and shares the stories he's watching.
One found dead in Beltrami County house fire; Lawmakers start 2026 session remembering Rep. Hortman
Plus: Chip Rankin will be the next superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools; Polk and Mahnomen counties have new commissioners after special elections; and the latest updates for Northland winter athletes.
Nordic: Ely boys 3rd, Brainerd's Baird 4th at state
The Ely boys Nordic ski team finished third at the state meet Feb. 12, 2026, and Brainerd senior Annelise Baird took fourth.
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.
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Be like these folks: Support KAXE!
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
Chalk illustrations show box elder seeds, a striped skunk, a woodchuck, a Black-Backed Woodpecker, and frozen wood frogs.
Contributed
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Chad Kaddatz
During the week of Feb. 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of waddling skunks, warmer weather and hibernating woodchucks. 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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