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Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
About 80 students walked three blocks to the Crow Wing County Judicial Center in downtown Brainerd to line both sides of Laurel Street. Many carried anti-ICE signs and chanted together.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE/KBXE
"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!
Inspired by an imaginary world of peace, friendship and equality created by fellow Louisville artist Mark Anthony Mulligan, Peacelands is a collection of peaceful protest songs recorded solo by My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James. From Woody Guthrie to Bob Dylan, James’ intimate versions take on new meaning as artists elsewhere stand with the people of Minnesota. All proceeds will benefit the American Civil Liberties Union and Doctors Without Borders. -Malachy Koons
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
2 killed in Hermantown housing complex explosion
The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the explosion in a six-unit building near the Duluth Airport.
Rural Cass Lake couple killed after train strikes vehicle
Douglas and Tiffany Stewart died Jan. 30, 2026, after a train struck their vehicle west of Cass Lake in rural Hubbard County. The incident is under investigation.
Judge denies injunction to pause Operation Metro Surge
U.S. District Court Judge Kate Menendez said the court could not grant a pause of the surge based on the arguments in the case.
Brainerd pastor shares why she is taking a stand against ICE
The Rev. Leslie Moughty of First Congregational United Church of Christ participated in a protest in the Twin Cities against current immigration enforcement on Jan. 23, 2026.
Fresh Picks: Prayers for peace, take me out to the Ballgame, Cat Power finds the blues
The KAXE Music Team highlights recent releases you should listen to, including My Morning Jacket, Eric Bibb, Tyler Ballgame, Florence Adooni and Brother Wallace.
Bright Spot: From Itasca Curling Association to the Olympics in Italy
Grand Rapids curler Aileen Geving is a member of the U.S. Women's Olympic Curling Team and a member of the Itasca Curling Association. Club President Kelly Erickson also stopped by.
Librarian Tracy Kampa recaps the 2026 ALA Youth Media Awards
Children’s librarian Tracy Kampa recaps the winners of the 2026 Youth Media Awards celebrating contributions to children's literature. Renée Watson's "All the Blues in the Sky" was this year's Newbery winner.
Brainerd HS students walk out in support of 'ICE Out' strike; St. Louis County seeks man 'mistakenly released' from Itasca Jail
Plus: Two deans were removed from their positions at Bemidji State University; the Bagley City Council is no longer considering disbanding its police force; and the DNR is seeking 200 summer interns.
2 arrested by ICE at Brainerd restaurant appear in court; Walz bans weapons from Capitol
Plus: Caucus Night is coming on Tuesday — here's what to expect.
St. Louis County seeks man 'mistakenly released' from Itasca's custody
Michael Hart, 40, previously escaped state custody at the Northeast Regional Corrections facility in St. Louis County in September 2025.
Want to have a say in your party? Attend caucuses Feb. 3
Caucus night is the first step of the political party organizing process, where you can help shape the party platform, support candidates and learn ways to get more involved.
Bright Spot: Grand Rapids chef named James Beard Award semifinalist
Chef Kyle Lussier of Grand Rapids restaurant The Pines was named a semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category of the James Beard Awards.
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 Jan. 20, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on winter porcupines, woodpecker behavior, and aspen flower buds.
Contributed
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Adam Heikkila via iNaturalist
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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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