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KAXE
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Heather Johnson
KAXE is always mixing up the recipe for a good day through our music, programming and hosts. Your support is the key ingredient! Our Fall Membership Drive runs Nov. 12-19, 2026.
The record is Smith, evolved — as a singer, as a musician, as a mother, as a person. She contemplates love, loneliness and grief, while exploring the gamut of human experiences that are eminently relatable.

It's hard to choose favorite tracks on this sweeping lyrical journey. "Little Match Girl" and "Come Down Oh Maid" are the two other singles released thus far, and both have reached sing-along status for me. "Open Hands" is a gorgeous love story and the catchy riffs of "Down by the Water" back a beautiful and atmospheric track, while "Left Side of the Bed" is a study of feeling alienated from a lover.

And then there's "Lydia," which shares a family story of Smith's through the eyes of a young girl separated from her loved ones during the Holocaust: "Oh Lydia they will never know/ that you have your mama’s eyes/ Oh Lydia it’s not your fault/ they took you by surprise."

Uffda. You've been warned — tears of both the happy and sad variety may be in your future with Flowers. Read the full review on our Fresh Picks page. - CP
Latest Stories
Walz authorizes state disaster aid for Cook, Lake counties following wildfires
Cook and Lake counties can use funds from Minnesota's Disaster Assistance Contingency Account to cover repair costs for damaged public infrastructure.
Coconut Pike Delight is the Early Bird Fishing Guide's 'Recipe for a Good Day'
Fishing guide Jeff Sundin discusses northern pike fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish and shares the story behind his favorite way to prepare pike: Coconut Pike Delight, a simple grilled fish recipe.
Mussels regaining a foothold in the upper Mississippi River after decades of decline
Since 2001, the DNR has been reintroducing native freshwater mussels into this section of the Mississippi, returning every year to add more mussels and monitor the ones that are already there.
The Setlist: Where to hear live music Nov. 12-14, 2026
KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Kelley Smith, Kelly Hunt, Doyle Turner & the Sweet Beans, Sugar on the Roof, Between Howls, Teague Alexy and Nicholas David.
Federal gov expands drought disaster loan coverage in Northern MN
Small businesses and nonprofits throughout north-central Minnesota are now eligible for low-interest loans up to $2 million.
Birds of November and student observations
In this week's Season Watch Pod, Jennifer Barr guides us through a conversation with wildlife enthusiast Pam Perry, plus reports from our students and a listener.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
What’s going on with Minnesota Medicaid funding? (reprise)
The federal government has repeatedly threatened to freeze or claw back payments, but this sum is the first time the administration has permanently denied payments.
Events Up North Nov. 16-22: 'How the Birds Got Their Songs' at regional libraries, 'Brain Train' in Chisholm
Events this week include a storytelling event in Baxter, a poetry slam in Bemidji and a presentation on the American Revolution in Grand Rapids.
Bright Spot: Local outdoors podcast aims to connect families to nature and each other
Greg Thompson of Palisade created "The Girl Dad Outdoors Podcast" to help others create space for kids and the outdoors.
Rain and frost hit Northern Minnesota
Staff phenologist John Latimer responds to nature reports from around the state. On Nov. 10, 2026, we hear of heavy rainfall, first frosts, and cold-hardy insects.
Why do red and gray squirrels pick fights with each other?
During the Phenology Report for the week of Nov. 10, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on introduced trees, migratory birds, and the beef between red and gray squirrels.
MPCA fines Crosslake landfill; Public water access named for fishing guide Neustrom
Plus: 4 Northland teams are headed to the state volleyball tournament.
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With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
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Chad Kaddatz
Staff phenologist John Latimer responds to nature reports from around the state. On Nov. 3, 2026, we hear of a hunting bobcat, falling leaves, and possible frog names.
Stay up to date on what's happening up north with KAXE/KBXE News, bringing you the top stories across Northern Minnesota.

KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
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