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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
Why do red and grey 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.
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.
Column: New military museum highlights MN veterans, like my great-uncle of the 'Chosin Few'
Merwin Perkins was a Marine who served in the Korean War. This includes operating a mortar in the Chosin Reservoir during one of the most brutal, and brutally cold, battles in the history of the Marines.
‘A unique act’: DNR names Tioga Public Water Access after late fishing guide Tom Neustrom
The Pokegama Lake access is now the Tom Neustrom Memorial Tioga Public Water Access.
Crosslake construction and demolition landfill fined $20,000 by MPCA for solid waste violations
The MPCA says Crosslake Construction Demolition Debris Facility, Inc. had multiple violations during facility inspections between 2020 and 2022.
DL's Malecka 2nd at state cross-country meet, Hermantown's Lucarelli 5th
Park Rapids senior Christian Thorson and junior Jack Mitteness also medaled from the Northland.
MN records 59 weekly measles cases, 2026 hits record high
In Minnesota, 139 cases of measles have been reported in 2026 as of Nov. 5. Most cases are concentrated in Todd County.
Aitkin, Clearbrook-Gonvick, Brainerd end state football tourney droughts
Mountain Iron-Buhl returns to state after missing last year while adjusting to a new class. Also returning for the 2026 tournament from the Northland are Grand Rapids, Cromwell-Wright, Kittson County Central and Cook County.
Beyond the Voice: Dawn Espe
Get to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from On The River host and volunteer, Dawn Espe.
Red Lake woman sentenced to life in prison for murder; Measles hits 36-year high
Plus: Northland high school athletes compete in soccer and cross-country state tourneys.
Esko girls earn 3rd in state soccer tournament
The Esko girls took home bronze medals for the third year in a row, ending the 2026 season with a win over Watertown-Mayer.
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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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