-
Contributed/State Sen. Rob KupecSix Minnesota counties will receive state assistance to repair public infrastructure damaged by severe summer storms. -
A 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. -
Plus: Bemidji is closer to being the next home of a YMCA after a ceremonial groundbreaking; and local governments receive assistance to replace emerald ash borer-damaged trees.
-
Lorie Shaull/KAXENeighbors converge for fair fun: showing or judging livestock, enjoying classic or new foods on offer, admiring prize-winning artwork or baked goods or simply gathering in community. -
Canva illustrationThe driver of the semitruck is in custody as of Aug. 21, 2026, and is facing two felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide. -
Plus: Changes to 'roadless rule' could open areas of Superior National Forest to logging; and researchers consider climate change's impacts on pathogen spread.
-
Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionPublic health experts said states can better prepare for future illness outbreaks by keeping a sharp eye on climate change. -
Emma Krab/KAXEStauber, state officials and local mayors voiced their opposition at a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEThe state reported the Glacier Ice House employee was one of several laid off during their disability leave. But while others were allowed to move to open positions, this employee was not. -
Contributed/NewRange Copper NickelThe Babbitt mine and Hoyt Lakes processing plant is expected to impact about 1,100 acres of wetlands, according to the company's permit application.
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 two 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.
