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Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
As some area lakes boast nearly 3 feet of ice during the deep freeze of winter, drivers compete week after week on a frozen racetrack in Laporte.
Within the first minute of the new album, you know this is a vibe. Celebrating 10 years of being a band, the siblings are back with WABI SABI, blending Afro-Latin beats with electronic music. Raúl and Paulina Sotomayor wrote the album in their home of Mexico City before heading to Puerto Rico to record. WABI SABI is a Japanese philosophy that embraces imperfections and the impermanence of creation, similar to the kintsugi artform, a concept they have learned to adopt in music. - KH
Latest Stories
Questing for kestrels, gabbing about grouse
In this episode, co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan learn about leks and look forward to the return of American kestrels.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!Check out the mating dance of the Prairie Chicken (as photographed by KAXE photographer Lorie Shaull) here, or the Sharp-tailed Grouse here.
Former state Sen. Justin Eichorn's federal jury trial set for March
The former lawmaker's trial is slated to begin March 30, 2026. Eichorn was charged with soliciting a minor in 2025 after a prostitution sting operation in Bloomington, where an undercover officer posed as a 17-year-old online.
2 North Central schools to host referendum open houses
Aitkin and Staples-Motley school districts are bringing referendums back to the ballots on April 14, 2026, seeking voter approval for construction bonds.
MN Judicial Branch seeks input on strategic plan
The public is invited to fill out an online survey as the state's judicial system works to update its strategic plan, which is updated every two years.
Detroit Lakes returns to defend state gymnastics title
Detroit Lakes will compete at state Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20-21, and five Northland athletes from Detroit Lakes and Pillager will also compete individually.
Brainerd dance team sweeps state, winning jazz and high kick titles
It's the Warriors' third consecutive high kick title and their first jazz title in school history.
Events Up North Feb. 23-March 1: Bird talks at Sax-Zim Bog, syrup basics in Brainerd
Events this week include an emerging artist showcase in Bemidji and Stage North Theater's production of "Forbidden Broadway" in Brainerd.
Woman dies in Osage house fire
The cause of the Feb. 18, 2026, fire is under investigation, and the names of those impacted have not been released.
Federal judge issues order ahead of Eichorn's jury trial; Igo introduces bill to extend unemployment for miners
Plus: Sheriffs in Hubbard, Lake and Polk counties announce retirement plans; Minnesotans take advantage of deep freeze with lake ice racing; and Northland girl hockey players are so far 1-1 in the state tournament.
Photo Gallery: A joy-filled barn dance in Bovey
The Valentine’s Day Iron Range Barn Dance united a crowd of all ages and skill levels for an evening of community dancing in Bovey.
Bill aims to include recently laid-off miners in unemployment extension
A measure in the Minnesota Legislature would give recently laid-off miners on the Iron Range the same extra 26 weeks of benefits that miners laid off last year received.
Aukes plans to put down the badge and run for Hubbard commissioner
Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes announced Feb. 11, 2026, that he would seek the District 3 Commissioner seat instead of a fifth term as sheriff.
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.
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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Chad Kaddatz
During the week of Feb. 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of waddling skunks, warmer weather and hibernating woodchucks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Contributed
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iNaturalist user csledge (Chantel)
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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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