Megan Buffington
Grand Rapids Area ReporterMegan Buffington joined the KAXE newsroom in 2024 after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Originally from Pequot Lakes, she is passionate about educating and empowering communities through local reporting.
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And: Essentia Health advanced practice providers go on strike; and the YMCA and Early EDge to partner on child care in Grand Rapids. -
Over 400 nurse practitioners and physician assistants across 69 facilities from across Northern Minnesota began an open-ended unfair labor practice strike July 10, 2025. -
Second Harvest hosted a meeting to discuss its recent operational changes. Before that, another group gathered informally to talk about how to feed the community. -
And: Essentia to close 3 clinics for APP strike; Walz authorizes veterans disaster assistance for Beltrami County; and UCare to cut Medicaid health plans in 5 Northern MN counties.
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Essentia Health said it will suspend services at its clinics in Deerwood, Emily and Hackensack if advanced practice providers strike Thursday, July 10, 2025. -
Plus: A fire destroys a Floodwood business; five-year anniversary of Cass County missing person; detours in Wadena begin Monday and Tuesday; and railroad crossing work will close roads in St. Louis County.
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Almost 20 years after the project began, Mesabi Metallics says production could start next year for the first new mine on the Iron Range in decades. -
And: The Department of Natural Resources seeks comment on upcoming rule changes to bait restrictions and fisheries; and Minnesota allocates $750K for Brainerd skate park.
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Plus: How to care for pets when wildfire smoke impacts air quality; and new signage marks Hwy 169 in honor of Sen. David Tomassoni.
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Plus: Grand Itasca will host a new physician residency program; Second Harvest to have public meeting about food bank closure; and fireworks galore across the Northland.
