GRAND RAPIDS — As summer winds down and fall brings change, we found ourselves having to say goodbye to our summer intern.
For two months, Dani Fraher, a rising senior at the University of Minnesota, was our Report for Minnesota intern. They were out in the field, attending meetings, pitching stories, recording the Up North Report, hosting the Morning Show as well as On the River, and hanging out with the staff of KAXE and KBXE.
One of the stories Dani covered with the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and a community meeting. "I thought this was going to be like a pop in, see what it's about, pop out sort of thing." But it was more than that.
"It turned out to be a really, really powerful experience, because of all these people that are so connected in this space." Dani talked with a mother who constantly advocates for her 54-year-old daughter who struggles with mental health.
"So I get done talking with this mother, and you know, I'm trying to be as professional as I can because it's a very sensitive thing, and I want to give her the space to tell her story at her discretion," Dani said.
After turning off the recording, she was met with a hug. "It was one of those moments where you realize how important this job is, to tell people's stories, and to be there at events."
Read Dani's work on wildfire recovery, child care, autonomous transit, toxic algae and much more.
Public media defunding
Dani's summer internship coincided with a historic and deeply challenging moment for public media: the sudden cut of federal funding. They witnessed firsthand how the crisis unfolded inside a small, rural newsroom and how listeners responded with over $162,000 of support.
"It was a very powerful moment," Dani said. "How do we handle reporting on legislative happenings when we are the ones at the center? There's a fine line you have to walk because journalism is not activism, you cannot operate with any sort of bias."
Dani spent time with most of the staff of KAXE and KBXE and soaked in the environment of a rural media organization. "I've learned so much from each and every one of you."
To say we'll miss Dani is an understatement. Listen to the full conversation above.
-
Plus: Last Blackduck cannabis ordinance hearing set for Monday, Oct. 6; and Bemidji's Great River Rescue has a new play area for dogs. -
Strong winds, low humidity and dry fuels across Northern Minnesota so far this fall have led to near-critical fire conditions, where outdoor fires could spread rapidly. -
Contributed/MNICSBella Oscarson lived in Floodwood until recently moving to Idaho. Flags in Minnesota will fly at half-staff in her honor Oct. 4, 2025. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEGreat River Rescue, a private nonprofit rescuing cats and dogs in Northern Minnesota, hosted an open house on Oct. 2, 2025, to feature the latest amenity for its shelter dogs. -
Delane Klemetsen and Chelsey Melander are running for I.S.D. 362, Littlefork-Big Falls, School Board. -
Contributed/John Linn via Lakewood HealthLakewood Health System invites the public to its new cancer center in Staples for an open house 4-6 p.m. Oct. 10, 2025. -
Events this week include an indoor market in Pine River, a classic movie in Bigfork and a lutefisk supper in Lake George. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the sale to BlackRock-owned Global Infrastructure Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board on Oct. 3, 2025. -
Plus: A new report examines trends in the incarceration of women across the globe, including Minnesota; and an event at Minnesota North-Itasca will recognize banned books.
-
Contributed/Max/primipil - stock.adobe.com via Minnesota New ConnectionMinnesota is below the national rate and most other states but it still outpaces most of America's closest international allies.
