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Stella Mayerhoff
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KAXE / Report for America
Jeffrey Broking keeps expanding his Halloween display just south of Grand Rapids. In 2026, he is raising money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Do you know who you're voting for? Check out our guide featuring 250+ candidates who will be on Northern Minnesotans' ballots.
On Rooming House Parr lays out his most complete artistic vision yet, a "conceptual folk opera" following the inhabitants of of an Upper Midwest rooming house with candor and compassion.


The album was inspired by Parr's experience living in one of these communal homes when he first moved to Minneapolis in the '80s, and from his time as an outreach worker with unhoused people in both Minneapolis and Duluth. In the album release Parr said "These folks here, in this record, have no idea what’s wrong. Or how to help. They are sick with the longing to make everything better. And they can’t. Tiny things are important. This house could be anywhere. These things could happen to anyone.”



"Duluth 1964" introduces the setting, the central character "John" and the album long collaboration with drummer Dave King (The Bad Plus, Happy Apple), whose deft brushwork and delicate shuffling is a perfect complement to Parr.



It's instantly some of my favorite guitar playing in Parr's deep catalogue, hypnotic cycles that find a sweet spot between his trademark blues, American primitive and psychedelia. -MK



Read the full album review on our Fresh Picks page.
Latest Stories
KAXE files data practices complaint against Cass County
The complaint details Cass County’s decision to designate elected officials as employees for the purposes of public data classification, in response to a KAXE data request.
Piles of crunchy leaves accumulate in Little Falls
During the week of Oct. 20, 2026, we enjoy reports of falling leaves, lingering insects and flocks of migrating birds. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Area Voices: Art Legacy Celebration to showcase history, future of Bemidji's art scene
Bemidji Area Arts Endowment presents the Art Legacy Celebration featuring an online auction and local artists' performances Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.
Conservative legal organization sues — again — over constitutionality of DFL’s 2024 omnibus
The lawsuit aims to invalidate parts of a 1,400 page mega-bill passed at the end of the 2024 legislative session, based on the Minnesota Constitution requirement that bills address a single subject, and bear a title reflecting that subject.
School districts seek review of policy on trans athletes; 2024 mega-bill faces new lawsuit
Plus: Longtime North Country priest designated a "Servant of God."
Monsignor Joseph Francis Buh takes first step toward sainthood
The longtime North Country priest now holds the designation of “Servant of God.”
Cass County sheriff, opponent post video statements about complaint
The complaint by Deputy Aaron Ammerman against Sheriff Bryan Welk alleges inappropriate sharing of nude images and video. Welk says these claims are false and politically motivated.
2 killed in Aitkin County ATV crash; Demuth, Klobuchar debate in the Brainerd lakes
Plus: Cass County sheriff candidates issue video statements addressing a January 2026 complaint; and Minnesota's public defenders are struggling under heavy caseloads.
Seki to remain Red Lake chairman; community listening session planned
Amid conflicting statements about high-profile resignations in the wake of federal allegations of the tribe's child welfare program, members are invited to a community-wide listening session.
Early voting opens in MN midterms as absentee ballots roll in
Early Voting, a method allowing voters to cast their ballot early in a traditional manner, opened Oct. 16, 2026. Minnesotans already cast over 202,000 ballots in the first four weeks of absentee voting, which began Sept. 18.
Fresh Picks: Candor and compassion, Texas warmth, old-fashioned dance, gospel hope and Dylan's "Desire"
The KAXE Music Team on new releases from Charlie Parr, Jess Williamson, The Reverend Shawn Amos, Valerie June, Joy Oladokun, Silvana Estrada & M. Ward, ALA.NI and Adrian Younge and Bob Dylan in '76.
Leaders in Itasca County, surrounding area launch 10-year economic development plan
Leaders from Aitkin, St. Louis and Itasca counties and the Leech Land Band of Ojibwe named permitting reform, encouraging private-public partnerships and bolstering workforces as top economic development priorities.
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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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During the week of Oct. 13, 2026, we enjoy reports of black bears, Lapland Longspurs, and busy beavers. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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