Top Stories
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Publishers websites
From historical fiction to contemporary stories, non-fiction to science fiction, or poetry to fantasy--it’s clear we love to read. The KAXE staff share their favorite or most memorable books read in 2025.
Lorie Shaull
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Special to KAXE
"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!
Share your favorite albums and songs from 2025 with the KAXE Music Team! Click below to send in your top picks.
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
Who's leaving strange symbols in the snow?
During the Phenology Report for the week of Dec. 23, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers subnivean tunnels, and the comparative bite force of mink and voles.
The habits of rabbits leave deep paths in the snow
During the week of Dec. 23, 2025, we enjoy reports of Bald Eagles, rabbits, and sea smoke. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Int'l hockey talent takes center rink at Bemidji's Sanford Center
Teams from Slovakia, Latvia and Czechia were featured in exhibition games at Bemidji's Sanford Center Dec. 19-22, 2025, ahead of the World Jr. Men's Hockey Tournament.
Int'l hockey talent takes center rink at Bemidji Sanford Center
Hockey teams from Slovakia, Czechia and Latvia competed in exhibition games at Bemidji's Sanford Event Center Dec. 19-22, 2025.
Forest products you may not know: Siding from sustainable aspen forests
Brian Gulseth and Jerry Asmus from LP discuss SmartSide products, made from local aspen. The "Forest products" series is produced by Mark Jacobs.
Katherine Rundell's 'The Poisoned King' a thrilling sequel
English writer Katherine Rundell continues to weave dazzling stories in "The Poisoned King," book 2 in the Impossible Creatures series. With castles, dragons, and revenge, this is a thrilling and enjoyable read for ages 10 and up.
Your property tax statement explained, Part 2: Credits, levies and 'the pie'
The KAXE News Team is breaking down your property tax statement, line by line. Next, credits, local government's preliminary tax levies and how others' value changes affect your taxes.
Brainerd man pleads guilty to 2024 murder, kidnapping; Former MN GOP Chair Hahn announces US Senate run
Plus: More fraud uncovered in state-run Medicaid services, but total is disputed; and MPCA to study sulfate levels in Minnesota waters.
PCA to study sulfate levels in MN waters as mine permits await decision
The agency did not issue a determination on permits at U.S. Steel’s Keetac mine, which is expected in February 2026 ahead of the Legislature convening.
Walz calls $9B fraud estimate in MN-run Medicaid services ‘sensationalized’
Officials cast doubt on a federal prosecutor’s estimate that fraud in state-run Medicaid programs since 2018 could total over $9 billion.
US Attorney: Fraud likely exceeds $9 billion in MN-run Medicaid services
Providers in 14 “high-risk,” state-run Medicaid programs being audited by the state have billed $18 billion since 2018, and “half or more” is possibly fraudulent, Joe Thompson said.
With a final look, Biwabik trims tax levy to 24.7%
City cuts increase from nearly 30% as it weighs cutting public works position and awaits a potential $191,000 land sale.
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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USFWS Midwest Region via Flickr
During the Phenology Report for the week of Dec. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers Great Horned Owl courtship, the bounding tracks of otters, and his notes from birthdays gone by..
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Ian Welsh
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iNaturalist user jdziuk1
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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