KAXE is kicking off our year-end giving campaign with more than $35,500 in available matching funds to support local journalism.
There are more match opportunities scheduled to unlock later in the month of November. Donations to KAXE through Dec. 31 will be matched 3-to-1 up to $1,000 while matching funds remain.
The campaign includes a $5,000 match from the NewsMatch Rural Partner Fund, part of a national initiative that strengthens independent nonprofit newsrooms; $10,500 from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s Public Media partner fund; and $20,000 in local “Community Match” dollars, pledged by supporters across the region.
KAXE is one of more than 400 nonprofit news organizations participating in the 10th annual cycle of NewsMatch. The program helps rural and community-based outlets build financial sustainability through local and national support. In addition to providing funding, NewsMatch offers participating newsrooms tools and training to improve long-term fundraising capacity.
“Community support is what made this possible,” said Sarah Bignall, CEO/general manager of KAXE. “We’ve been overwhelmed in the best possible way by how people have really stepped up for us this past year.
"That support helped us qualify for national fundraising efforts like NewsMatch and inspired local donors to offer even more match opportunities.”
Donations raised during the campaign will support KAXE’s growing local newsroom and coverage of key regional issues, including the impacts of the government shutdown, school district budgets and local elections. Funds will also support the Up North Report, the station’s five-minute daily newscast.
The campaign runs through Dec. 31, 2025. Additional match opportunities will be announced later this month.
To learn more or donate, visit kaxe.org/donate.
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Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team highlights new music from Buck Meek, Lala Lala, Mariachi El Bronx, The Womack Sisters, Margo Price, Valerie June, Bella Litsa, Anjimile, and Mexican Institute of Sound with Meridian Brothers. -
Contributed/Penguin Random HouseIn “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. -
Contributed/Karina Kafka / Report for MinnesotaRepublicans in the Minnesota House have been trying to force a vote on a bill that creates a new inspector general to oversee public programs. -
Contributed/Karina Kafka / Report for MinnesotaThe bill would implement an intelligent speed assistance program, or ISA, installed on a repeat offender's vehicle to prohibit driving above the speed limit in a given area. -
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 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. -
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.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe 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. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEDarrin 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. -
Pam Perry, retired non-game wildlife biologist, discusses the wonders of late winter birding, including Red-headed Woodpeckers, Common Redpolls and Horned Larks.
