Brainerd

"Bright Spot" is a segment on the KAXE Morning Show that highlights the good happening in Northern Minnesota. Host Jennifer Barr looks back at some favorites from 2025.

KAXE covered natural disasters, federal funding chaos, Eichorn's arrest and resignation, mining permits and wild rice, library budget cuts, sheriffs teaming with ICE and more.

Events over the next two weeks include two activities at Lake Bemidji State Park, a hockey tournament in Baxter and the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids.

Events this week include a ski swap in Grand Rapids, women's art reception in Bemidji and a free community meal in Virginia.

Freewill donations collected at the event will support grief support services at Essentia-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.

Events this week include Fireside Movie Night and Learn to Curl in Grand Rapids, electronics recycling in Deerwood and tuba Christmas concerts in Virginia and Brainerd.

Here's a list of meals across the region. All meals are Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, unless otherwise noted.

Events this week include CLC's Jingle and Mingle in Nisswa, art receptions in Grand Rapids and Cook, a Christmas party in Marble and the Festival of Trees in Shevlin.

Events this week include "A Very Good Christmas Carol" and the Heartland Lakes Community Tree Lighting in Park Rapids, Night We Light in Bemidji and Festival of Lights in Walker.

The Brainerd lakes area organization's mission is to end homelessness and lift people out of poverty. Its Creekside Community continues to expand. Donations are being accepted to help furnish new homes.