Top Stories
Contributed
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Gabrielle Nelson / Buffalo’s Fire
Little progress has been made despite 40 years of cleanup on Leech Lake Reservation. Locals fear for the health of surrounding lakes and the Mississippi River downstream.
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City of Hermantown
Malachy Koons
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KAXE
Music
Working with his Big Thief bandmate James Krivchenia as producer, tasteful synthesizers and other electronica elements are a welcome addition to Meek’s folk-rock troubadour sound, never a distraction. Their inclusion was the starting point for Meek’s fourth solo album, and often that can lead to large shifts in sound and tone, but the twinkling arpeggios and quirky sound effects are deftly woven into the mix in a way that only accentuates his rambling and whimsical songwriting on the mysteries and pitfalls of love. Plus, with voices like Adrianne Lenker and Jolie Holland on backing vocals, you know there’s going to be magic in the air. - Malachy Koons
Latest Stories
Residents displaced after Staples apartment fire; Driver crashes into Lakewood ER doors
Plus: Bemidji School Board votes to close J.W. Smith Elementary; Hibbing considers closing Greenhaven Elementary; and Google revealed to be owner of propsed Hermantown data center.
Hibbing School Board to vote on whether to close Greenhaven Elementary
The March 4, 2026, vote would start the process of a closure, which would save the district an estimated $516,000. The Board will also give an update on contract negotiations with support staff.
Bemidji school board votes to close JW Smith Elementary amid budget woes
The school district must now advertise the planned closure for two weeks before hosting a public hearing on the decision, which would go into effect this spring.
Driver crashes into Lakewood Health System's ER doors in Staples
Authorities reported alcohol is believed to have been a factor. The building was determined to be unstable and unsafe in the immediate area of the crash.
All residents displaced after apartment complex fire in Staples
The Staples Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming out of the building on the 400 block of Second Avenue Northeast, just before 8 a.m. Feb. 28, 2026.
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig reverses herself on key immigration legislation, Laken Riley Act
The law allows for the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants who are merely accused of crimes, including violent crimes but also nonviolent offenses like burglary, theft and shoplifting.
Hibbing, Grand Rapids relays go 2, 3 at state swim and dive meet
Hibbing senior Wylie Stenson claimed four medals in all, winning half of all rural Northern Minnesota's medals at the 2026 state meet.
Brainerd adapted hockey team ends 2nd undefeated season as champs
The Warriors won their eighth title since the tournament began in 1994.
Wrestling: 5 champs, 40 medalists from Northland
Wrestlers from Grand Rapids, Staples-Motley and Badger-Greenbush/Middle River topped the podium at state Feb. 28, 2026, with another 35 Northlanders from 12 teams winning medals.
TRF man dies in snowmobile crash; Iron Range mourns loss of East Range officer
And: Minnesota lawmakers debate targeting chronic speeders; and Northland wrestlers, swimmers, divers and hockey players brought home some hardware.
Iron Range mourns loss of East Range police officer, raises $96K
Sgt. Cody Siebert of the East Range Police Department also served in the Mesabi East School District. He died Feb. 27, 2026, less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection.
Thief River Falls man dies in Polk County snowmobile crash
Cody Teie, 33, died in a crash in Gentilly, east of Crookston, on Feb. 28, 2026.
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. 24, 2026, we enjoy reports of cardinals singing, snow melting, and plants breaking bud. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Contributed
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iNaturalist user fsadjadi
More Local Stories
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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