1976 was a big year: The United States celebrated its bicentennial, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, The Muppet Show premiered on ABC, and Fiona Apple was born.
... And on April 23, 1976, KAXE went live.
Five decades and counting is not bad for a station whose audience was estimated to be only several counties’ "gopher colonies." For KAXE’s 50th year, we’re delving into our archives to bring you stories and voices from years past, while turning to you to be part of the future.
While a lot has changed in five decades, the important things are the same: KAXE is a bridge, a companion and a community. As people struggle to find common ground and connection, isn’t it pretty darn neat that this middle-aged radio station in Northern Minnesota offers all of that at the click of a button?
Can you help KAXE raise $50,000 during our spring member drive?
When all public media lost federal funding in 2025, KAXE / KBXE was overwhelmingly reminded why we're still here: YOU!
Without members, volunteers and a whole lot of resourcefulness, KAXE would be a memory. But here we are in 2026 with a thriving team of journalists, a lively morning show, diverse music offerings, sports coverage, a beloved trivia show and lots of plans for the future. Meanwhile, we’re still asking you what you ate for breakfast.
Federal funding, which made up about 12% of KAXE's budget, is not coming back. Members will continue to keep this relentlessly authentic and unlikely community radio on the air.
Membership donations are our largest single source of funding. That means members power all of the programs you rely on. We need you this week.
- Donate online
- Call 218-326-1234
- Text "Donate" to 218-326-1234
As always, we invite you to tune in, as we will have lots of amazing guests and volunteers on the air. And we want to hear from you, too! When did you first hear KAXE? Tell us how you found the station by texting your answer to 218-326-1234!
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To make Election Day hassle-free for voters across the state, election officials work behind the scenes to bring the big day to life. -
Plus: Longtime election workers highlight need for more volunteers; and Rock Ridge is back-to-back state tennis champs.
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Contributed/Rock Ridge Public SchoolsRock Ridge's Ellie Dimberio was the singles consolation champion. In 1A, Pequot Lakes finished sixth, as did Staples-Motley's Madison and Kaylee Perius. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe secretary of state's office highlighted the number in its weekly early voting update on Oct. 30, 2026. Early voting locations are open through the weekend ahead of Election Day. -
Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionFrom chatbots interacting with teens to social media sites being linked to gang activity, online threats are one of the many issues surfacing on the campaign trail. -
Charlie Mitchell and Stella Mayerhoff discuss the intersection of monsters and conservation with Michael Chemers, professor of dramatic literature and founding member of the Center for Monster Studies.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe! -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThere are tens of thousands of dollars spent in each Northern Minnesota state House and Senate race, with the funds largely coming from local donors and party units. So where does that money go? -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAfter a legal settlement announced Oct. 28, 2026, the proposed Pine Island data center must go through an environmental assessment worksheet with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. -
Plus: DNR takes public comments on the scram mining project and historic building demolition at the former Hill Annex Mine State Park.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEAs Election Day approaches, Shannon Watson of Majority in the Middle reflects on journalism in a healthy democracy, why verified facts matter and how we can navigate political disagreements with more grace.
