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Ben Davis for House Facebook page
Cass and Itasca counties say a recent legal opinion nullified past agreements to work with ICE, while Crow Wing County continues to host detainees in its jail.
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Michael Meuers
"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!
A legendary contemporary songwriter, Lucinda has helped define Americana music as we know it. Her style of writing a song is by using plain language so the message doesn't get lost. For her 16th album, World's Gone Wrong, the message is of vital importance, featuring original protest songs about the state of the world, plus a cover of Bob Marley & The Wailers' "So Much Trouble in the World," which features fellow legend Mavis Staples.
The song titles give good clues to the content: "The World's Gone Wrong," "Something's Gotta Give," "How Much Did You Get for Your Soul" — I could go through the entire tracklist to give you the whole picture. Throughout the album, her words are direct and clear:
They plan on your silence
Ignorance and vagary
While the streets fill with violence
Chaos and tragedy
So let me remind you
Just what's at stake
Apathy will blind you
Until it's too late
- "Freedom Speaks"
- KH
The song titles give good clues to the content: "The World's Gone Wrong," "Something's Gotta Give," "How Much Did You Get for Your Soul" — I could go through the entire tracklist to give you the whole picture. Throughout the album, her words are direct and clear:
They plan on your silence
Ignorance and vagary
While the streets fill with violence
Chaos and tragedy
So let me remind you
Just what's at stake
Apathy will blind you
Until it's too late
- "Freedom Speaks"
- KH
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
MN schools elevate Native American teachings with book series
School libraries around the state are benefitting from a new book series that highlights the work of key tribal figures from around the region.
Cass County ICE agreement is 'null and void'; Republican Madel drops out of governor race
And: Alleged Lutsen Lodge arsonist sues insurance company for denying claim; and a new book series helps schools elevate Native American teachings.
New broadband service operational in Bovey, Balkan Township
Paul Bunyan Communications announced the completion of two of its three remaining 2025 expansion projects in January 2026.
HPU ahead of curve with aggressive response to lead service lines
Hibbing Public Utilities aims to replace all lead service lines in the city in the next two to three years. That's well ahead of the state's 2033 goal.
ICE arrests 4 in downtown Brainerd; Judge hears arguments to consider pause on Operation Metro Surge
Plus: Prosecutors are declining to move forward with a case after alleging a federal officer was assaulted in Virginia; and hundreds gathered at a vigil Jan. 24, 2025, outside the Crow Wing County Jail.
DOJ drops assault charge against man arrested by ICE in Virginia
The government did not present any witnesses to meet its burden to establish probable cause and instead moved to dismiss the complaint.
Crow Wing County deputies assist with ICE arrests in Brainerd
Sources with knowledge of the incident said the arrests took place at El Potro Mexican Restaurant on South Seventh Street in downtown Brainerd.
Judge hears arguments from state, feds over Operation Metro Surge
The hearing was to hear arguments for and against a temporary restraining order to pause the operation, as an estimated 3,000 federal agents are on the ground in Minnesota.
Brainerd vigil pushes back on Crow Wing County-ICE cooperation
About 300 people attended the vigil Jan. 24, 2026, a few hours after the shooting death of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis.
Transportation projects in Two Harbors, Cloquet among MnDOT grantees
The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently announced $76.2 million in grants to support projects that improve freight options, travel time and economic development.
Madel drops out of GOP race for governor, blasts immigration crackdown
His statement underscores the increasing unease Minnesota Republicans — which now includes several swing-district lawmakers — are expressing about the surge of federal officers.
Kampa reviews new books, shares Newbery Award favorites
Children's librarian Tracy Kampa recommends new books from Beth Ferry, Daniel Miyares and Katherine Applegate. Plus, her recap of possible 2026 Newbery Medal contenders.
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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Adam Heikkila via iNaturalist
During the Phenology Report for the week of Jan. 13, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on mid-winter trees, otter slides, and a rabbit killed by an owl.
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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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