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Amy Thielen joined the KAXE Morning Show for a live conversation about holiday baking traditions.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
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
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.
Events Up North Dec. 23-Jan. 5: Kids' New Year's celebration in Brainerd, storytelling near Palisade
Events over the next two weeks include two activities at Lake Bemidji State Park, a hockey tournament in Baxter and the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids.
Respiratory diseases ramp up in MN; Essentia-Virginia nurses approve union contract
Plus U.S. senators check in on status of postal delivery in the Minnesota-North Dakota district after recent woes; and a new coalition looks to reset the green building conversation.
MN building coalition strives for a new sustainability spirit
High‑performance and low‑emissions are key goals laid out by the recently launched Minnesota Efficient Builders Coalition.
Essentia Health-Virginia nurses ratify union contract agreement
The agreement with the Minnesota Nurses Association was reached after 10 bargaining sessions beginning in July 2025.
Respiratory illnesses in MN on the rise as flu hospitalizations double
Hospitalization data from the Minnesota Department of Health released Dec. 18, 2025, shows a steep climb in those suffering from influenza.
Crosby, Thief River among cities awarded funds to replace lead pipes
The awards under the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority largely fund the replacement of lead service lines with copper, in addition to other statewide projects.
Blizzard, freezing drizzle prompts road closures, travel advisories; schools close
"No Travel Advised" means the visibility has been reduced to the point that it is very dangerous to travel in parts of Minnesota.
Season Watch Pod: What makes a birder a birder?
In this episode, co-hosts Heidi Holtan, Charlie Mitchell, and special guest Malachy Koons discuss qualifications involved in becoming a birder and discover a new word: Snarge.
Baxter PD arrest 14-year-old student after school threat; Carnahan declines to resign as mayor of Nisswa
Plus: Red Lake Nation's NativeCare cannabis operation plans to open dispensaries in Thief River Falls and the metro; Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a $500M settlement with Hyundai and Kia over anti-theft devices; and MN DEED announced more than $91M in Public Facilities Authority awards for clean drinking water projects.
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
Contributed
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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..
Contributed
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Ian Welsh
Contributed
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iNaturalist user jdziuk1
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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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