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Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionFrom chatbots interacting with teens to social media sites being linked to gang activity, online threats are one of the many issues surfacing on the campaign trail. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThere are tens of thousands of dollars spent in each Northern Minnesota state House and Senate race, with the funds largely coming from local donors and party units. So where does that money go? -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAfter a legal settlement announced Oct. 28, 2026, the proposed Pine Island data center must go through an environmental assessment worksheet with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. -
Plus: DNR takes public comments on the scram mining project and historic building demolition at the former Hill Annex Mine State Park. -
Emma Krab/KAXEThe project proposed by Calumet Reclamation Co. would entail processing legacy stockpiles and tailings for hematite and involve demolishing some historic properties. -
The Hermantown City Council moved the meeting to Oct. 30, 2026, after originally scheduling it for Oct. 27, citing concerns about conflicts with early voting. Protests postponed the original Monday meeting. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe federal low-interest loans are for small businesses and nonprofits in the Minnesota Arrowhead damaged by 2026 summer wildfires. Applications close July 22, 2027. -
Plus: Federal loans available for businesses affected by Boundary Waters summer wildfires.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe Nevis School District is asking voters a three-part question in the 2026 election, representing a $17 million ask to improve its cafeteria, kitchen, entrances and more. -
Plus: Hwy 210/Washington Street reopens in Brainerd.
Chelsey Perkins became the News Director in early 2023 and was tasked with building a new local newsroom at the station. She is based in Brainerd and leads a team of four reporters covering communities across Northern Minnesota from the KAXE studio in Grand Rapids and the KBXE studio in Bemidji.
Megan Buffington covers North-Central Minnesota from the Brainerd lakes area. Originally from Pequot Lakes, she joined the KAXE newsroom in 2024. Megan previously covered the Arrowhead for KAXE. She is passionate about amplifying Northern Minnesota voices and educating communities through local reporting.
Larissa Donovan has been in the Bemidji area's local news scene since 2016, joining the KAXE newsroom in 2023 after several years as the News Director for the stations of Paul Bunyan Broadcasting.
