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Larissa Donovan
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KAXE
The Trust for Public Land partnered with Endazhi-Nitaawiging Charter School on the Red Lake Nation for the nonprofit's first tribal schoolyard in Minnesota.
Malachy Koons
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Contributed
Music
This is a multi-part series on the impacts of incarceration — specifically the disproportionate rates of incarceration Native people face in the state, especially in Northern Minnesota.
KAXE's Larissa Donovan explored the underlying issues of the statistics through survey outreach, extensive research and in-person interviews.
KAXE's Larissa Donovan explored the underlying issues of the statistics through survey outreach, extensive research and in-person interviews.
Has it really been 14 years since Alabama Shakes released their debut record of hollerin' soul-n-roll Boys & Girls?? Holy cow! We are now 11 years removed since their second record, Sound & Color, graced our ears with its denser and more experimental sound.
I Must Be Dreaming sees these small-town musicians having families, getting married and releasing solo records. The sound reflects an earned maturity, time spent apart and the conflicted country we live in.
Lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard showcases falsetto vocals on a majority of the songs and the vibe she creates highlights the double entendre album title I Must Be Dreaming. ... Am I crazy or this is amazing?!?! The growl and howl of Boys & Girls and world weariness of Sound & Color are replaced with the sound of a singer whose vocal range is endless — beautiful and powerful all at the same time. Songs such as singles "I Feel Hope Coming" and "American Dream" deliver a vision for concrete things we all need, like clean air, and the manifestation of simply continuing to dream of a positive place for everybody.
Bass guitarist Zack Cockrell, who was a member of Howard's solo act touring band, created the basis for many of the songs on I Must Be Dreaming, replacing an exhausted Howard as the primary generator of musical ideas within the Alabama Shakes world. The music is chilled like a cool creek in the woods behind your house while still bringing some of the noise and power they are known for.
I Must Be Dreaming is the third Alabama Shakes album in 14 years but the sonic timeline they have created check out in a wonderful way. -DG
I Must Be Dreaming sees these small-town musicians having families, getting married and releasing solo records. The sound reflects an earned maturity, time spent apart and the conflicted country we live in.
Lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard showcases falsetto vocals on a majority of the songs and the vibe she creates highlights the double entendre album title I Must Be Dreaming. ... Am I crazy or this is amazing?!?! The growl and howl of Boys & Girls and world weariness of Sound & Color are replaced with the sound of a singer whose vocal range is endless — beautiful and powerful all at the same time. Songs such as singles "I Feel Hope Coming" and "American Dream" deliver a vision for concrete things we all need, like clean air, and the manifestation of simply continuing to dream of a positive place for everybody.
Bass guitarist Zack Cockrell, who was a member of Howard's solo act touring band, created the basis for many of the songs on I Must Be Dreaming, replacing an exhausted Howard as the primary generator of musical ideas within the Alabama Shakes world. The music is chilled like a cool creek in the woods behind your house while still bringing some of the noise and power they are known for.
I Must Be Dreaming is the third Alabama Shakes album in 14 years but the sonic timeline they have created check out in a wonderful way. -DG
Latest Stories
Bright Spot: KAXE volunteer wins MN State Fair blue ribbons in baking, canning
Mark Klabunde earned first place at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair for his homemade ketchup and cardamom rolls.
'Too good to be true': School districts going for referendums to reduce taxes, not raise them
New state aid covers part of the operating levy for school districts that have lots of cabins. Some districts say they'll offset the levy if voters approve it, meaning more money for the school, while taxes stay the same or go down.
Beyond the Voice: Heather Kidd
Get to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from On The River host and volunteer, Heather Kidd.
Itasca sheriff IDs woman who died in jail; MN Supreme Court rejects recount request
Plus: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health sign 10-year agreement with state AG for a merger; and the Beargrease sled dog race returns to "out-and-back" format for 2027 event.
Beargrease sled dog race returns to 'out-and-back' format for 2027
The race will begin in Duluth and finish in Two Harbors. Organizers say the format is one of the most challenging tests in the sport of sled dog racing.
MN AG allows Sanford Health acquisition of North Memorial Health
The agreement for the out-of-state acquisition includes services continuing at North Memorial's Robbinsdale Hospital and maintaining its extensive emergency transportation services across the state for 10 years.
Bemidji data center moratorium gains support of citizen commission
An ordinance for a one-year moratorium on data center developments is on its way to the Bemidji Planning Board, with another opportunity for public comment on Sept. 14, 2026.
St. Louis County ends Flock camera pilot project
Flock should have cameras removed “in the coming days." Concern locally was consistent with growing nationwide opposition to use of the devices.
From Northwoods Art & Book Festival, Part 3: Lightning talks with MN authors
Minnesota authors Mary Seifert, Jeff Krogstad, J.D. Delzer, Mary Perrine, Joe Egan and C.A. Lewis talk about their books and writing.
'The place where it grows:' Red Lake school unveils new outdoor space
Endazhi-Nitaawiging, a charter school on the Red Lake Nation, partnered with the Trust for Public Land for a new natural playground as part of a revamped schoolyard.
Woman dies in Itasca County Jail; Woman also charged in fatal Grand Rapids crash
And: Bemidji data center moratorium clears first step; and Flock cameras coming down in St. Louis County.
Deer River woman also charged in fatal Grand Rapids crash
Kerri Hart was in the vehicle with Jack Drumbeater at the time of the crash. Hart faces a criminal vehicular homicide charge; Drumbeater was charged with murder.
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
Contributed
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Flickr user Dennis Sylvester Hurd
During the Phenology Report for the week of August 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on lake water temperatures and those stubborn bears at this feeders.
Contributed
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Photo by iNaturalist user krisskinou
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KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
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