Events this week include a Norwegian celebration in Bemidji and a unique exercise class in Grand Rapids.

Amy Thielen is a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author and cohost of "Ham Radio: Cooking with Amy Thielen" on KAXE. She lives in the rural Minnesota town of Two Inlets, where she occasionally has issues requiring her to wash dishes in the bathtub.

During the week of May 12, 2026, we enjoy reports of migratory arrivals, spring azure butterflies, and leafing plants. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 12, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on drought tolerance in trees and the eruption of spring wildflowers.

The College of St. Scholastica, Bemidji State University and the Bemidji Long-Term Storm Recovery Group are launching a community-based research study to learn about how the 2025 derecho affected people.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon was a recent guest on the "KAXE Morning Show" to talk about preparations and security for the upcoming midterm elections.

The Grand Rapids chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is offering webinars on May 13 and May 20, 2026. Learn when to seek mental health support and how to find it.

The "KAXE Morning Show" featured fishing guide Jeff Sundin, Anne Dougherty of Wambolt Cabins in Nevis, and Visit Grand Rapids Director Megan Christenson on the tourism economy in Itasca County.

Events this week include plant sales in Bemidji, Hibbing Community Connect and a jazz festival in Brainerd.

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 5, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer hoots and hollers about eaglets, finds spring wildflowers, and reports on aspens.