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KAXE
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Heather Johnson
KAXE is always mixing up the recipe for a good day through our music, programming and hosts. Your support is the key ingredient! Our Fall Membership Drive runs Nov. 12-19, 2026.
The record is Smith, evolved — as a singer, as a musician, as a mother, as a person. She contemplates love, loneliness and grief, while exploring the gamut of human experiences that are eminently relatable.

It's hard to choose favorite tracks on this sweeping lyrical journey. "Little Match Girl" and "Come Down Oh Maid" are the two other singles released thus far, and both have reached sing-along status for me. "Open Hands" is a gorgeous love story and the catchy riffs of "Down by the Water" back a beautiful and atmospheric track, while "Left Side of the Bed" is a study of feeling alienated from a lover.

And then there's "Lydia," which shares a family story of Smith's through the eyes of a young girl separated from her loved ones during the Holocaust: "Oh Lydia they will never know/ that you have your mama’s eyes/ Oh Lydia it’s not your fault/ they took you by surprise."

Uffda. You've been warned — tears of both the happy and sad variety may be in your future with Flowers. Read the full review on our Fresh Picks page. - CP
Latest Stories
Former Nisswa hotelier charged with trafficking; Feds deny $112M in Medicaid payments
Plus: State disaster assistance is available to counties near BWCAW fires; and the IRRR is piloting a program to rehabilitate tax-forfeited properties.
Walz authorizes state disaster aid for Cook, Lake counties following wildfires
Cook and Lake counties can use funds from Minnesota's Disaster Assistance Contingency Account to cover repair costs for damaged public infrastructure.
Coconut pike delight is the Early Bird Fishing Guide's 'Recipe for a Good Day'
Fishing guide Jeff Sundin discusses northern pike fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish and shares the story behind his favorite way to prepare pike: Coconut pike delight.
Federal gov expands drought disaster loan coverage in Northern MN
Small businesses and nonprofits throughout north-central Minnesota are now eligible for low-interest loans up to $2 million.
Birds of November and student observations
Jennifer Barr guides us through a conversation with wildlife enthusiast Pam Perry, plus reports from our students and a listener.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
What’s going on with Minnesota Medicaid funding? (reprise)
The federal government has repeatedly threatened to freeze or claw back payments, but this sum is the first time the administration has permanently denied payments.
Events Up North Nov. 16-22: 'How the Birds Got Their Songs' at regional libraries, 'Brain Train' in Chisholm
Events this week include a storytelling event in Baxter, a poetry slam in Bemidji and a presentation on the American Revolution in Grand Rapids.
Rain and frost hit Northern Minnesota
Staff phenologist John Latimer responds to nature reports from around the state. On Nov. 10, 2026, we hear of heavy rainfall, first frosts, and cold-hardy insects.
Why do red and gray squirrels pick fights with each other?
During the Phenology Report for the week of Nov. 10, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on introduced trees, migratory birds, and the beef between red and gray squirrels.
MPCA fines Crosslake landfill; Public water access named for fishing guide Neustrom
Plus: 4 Northland teams are headed to the state volleyball tournament.
Area Voices: Artist Dawn Rossbach's 'The Blind Mind' opens in Bemidji
Park Rapids artist Dawn Rossbach's latest work "The Blind Mind" will be on display at the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji from Nov. 13, 2026-Jan. 30, 2027.
Family of veteran featured in new MN Military Museum reflects on service
Marine veteran Merwin Perkins, who served in the Korean War battle in the Chosin Reservoir, is among those memorialized with a mannequin and display at the Camp Ripley museum. He is also Chelsey's great-uncle.
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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
Staff phenologist John Latimer responds to nature reports from around the state. On Nov. 3, 2026, we hear of a hunting bobcat, falling leaves, and possible frog names.
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.
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