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Smokey Bear welcomes all to "Brrrrrmidji" from the Department of Natural Resources Forestry Office in Bemidji on a frigid Jan. 21, 2026.
Larissa Donovan
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KAXE
Wind chills or "feels like" temperatures could range between 30 and 60 degrees below zero Jan. 22-25, 2026.
"Season Watch" is a KAXE podcast for the curious, filled with the delights of nature in Northern Minnesota. Hosts are Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan, John Latimer and a rotating cast of characters, often featuring voices of young nature observers from around the state. From owl calls to sleeping bears and freezing frogs, we want hear from you! Record a message and send us what you are seeing in nature!
From England, James Hunter has connected with music from the past since he was teenager, informing his signature retro sound. Off the Fence, his 11th album, marks his first on Dan Auerbach’s (The Black Keys) label Easy Eye Sound. This comes after years at retro soul label Daptone Records.

Yet, in spite of moving labels, Hunter’s longtime collaborator and Daptone’s co-founder Gabriel Roth still produced this album. The songs are varied with influence ranging from the blues, Motown and rockabilly, with some Latin influences sprinkled in.
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.
Latest Stories
Porcupines plod ponderously through the snow
During the Phenology Report for the week of Jan. 20, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on winter porcupines, woodpecker behavior, and aspen flower buds.
BWCA permit reservations open Jan. 28 — but plan your trip first
Permits are needed to visit the Boundary Waters in May through September. The Superior National Forest encourages planning your backcountry trip and only reserving permits you can use.
US House votes in favor of Superior National Forest mining ban reversal
The area is located in the Rainy River Watershed, next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and contains deposits of copper, nickel and cobalt.
Nisswa Council censures Mayor Carnahan, strips committee assignments
The Nisswa City Council advised its attorney in December 2025 to draft a resolution censuring Mayor Jennifer Carnahan, which passed unanimously on Jan. 20, 2026.
DNR to host meeting on proposed Aitkin County public waters updates
The Jan. 28, 2026, meeting will give the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the DNR's proposed changes to the Public Waters Inventory list as part of a statewide update effort.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar files paperwork to run for MN governor
Klobuchar’s candidacy has relieved some Democratic donors and operatives anxious that the fraud scandal that tanked Tim Walz’s reelection campaign would cost them control of state government.
Friday’s ‘ICE Out of Minnesota’ day is a general strike. Here’s what that means.
Citing the killing of Renee Good by federal agent Jonathan Ross, the “ICE Out” day organizers say the general strike is intended to be a day of nonviolent reflection.
Why do red squirrels approach life with a fight-on-sight attitude?
In this episode, Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan are inspired by the feisty nature of red squirrels and learn about woodpeckers.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
Dangerous cold impacting Northern MN; Former sportscaster Tafoya launches Senate campaign
And: The Baxter City Council opposes MnDOT's plans for the Highway 371/210 intersection; and Rock Ridge hosts the first-ever high school broadcast in Ojibwe.
BWCA requirements to reduce human-bear encounters to remain in place
The U.S. Forest Service will maintain its rules restricting how food, food containers and other attractants are stored in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Discover the hidden world of UV
During the week of Jan. 20, 2026, we enjoy reports of fluorescent lichens, graupel snow, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Bemidji State, Mankato to play Women's Face-Off Classic in Grand Rapids
The annual benefit game at Yanmar Arena on Jan. 31, 2026, also aims to raise awareness of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth.
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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.
An oak leaf lies in freshly fallen snow near Marine on St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2023.
KAXE
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Charlie Mitchell
During the week of Jan. 13, 2026, we enjoy reports of oak leaves, hungry woodpeckers, and a mushroom growing on another mushroom. 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.

KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
Check out what's been happening the past year!