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Contributed
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East Range Police Department
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.
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Karina Kafka / Report for Minnesota
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
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.
A Superfund site in Cass Lake is spreading, disrupting the tribe’s way of life
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.
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.
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.
Legislative Republicans skeptical of DFL gun proposals
On Feb. 24, 2026, Gov. Tim Walz announced a 15-point package that includes a ban on assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines and additional school safety measures.
'Sea of Grass' highlights the beauty, complexities of our prairies
In “Sea of Grass,” Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty dig into the history, science and future of the North American Prairie — painting a vivid portrait of this diverse, but disappearing ecosystem.
One bill progresses at Capitol as Republicans, DFL tussle over fraud
Republicans in the Minnesota House have been trying to force a vote on a bill that creates a new inspector general to oversee public programs.
Lawmakers consider a statewide cellphone ban in Minnesota schools
Each school district would be in charge of creating, implementing and enforcing a policy that meets these standards for the 2026-27 school year.
Bemidji program leaders, parents grapple with potential closure of J.W.
Bemidji Area Boys and Girls Club launched an after-school site at J.W. Smith in 2023, and with the proposed closure of the school, program leaders and parents share their concerns.
Osage woman ID'd as victim in Feb. 18 fire; Roseau pilot awaiting day in Red Lake court
And: Walz releases anti-fraud package after Trump administration announces Minnesota Medicaid cuts; Rachel Anthony murder still unsolved after 25 years; Staples-Motley are state wrestling champs.
Families, youth club grapple with potential loss of JW Smith Elementary
The Boys and Girls Club of Bemidji Area operates a branch at J.W. Smith. Families and staff are concerned about the future of the grant-funded program if the school closes.
Roseau pilot still waiting for day in Red Lake tribal court
Darrin Smedsmo's vintage aircraft was impounded following an emergency landing within the Red Lake Nation in October 2025, and he is still waiting for a day in tribal court.
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.
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
During the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 24, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Bald Eagles, starlings, and the color of dogwoods and willows.
Contributed
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iNaturalist user fsadjadi
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KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
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