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Contributed/Carlton CountyCarlton County's Board of Commissioners considered a data center moratorium for months before approving it unanimously on Aug. 24, 2026. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEOfficials hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for a Bemidji YMCA on Aug. 18, 2026, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027. -
Contributed/Canva Pro graphicThe Minnesota State Patrol identified the man who died in the Aug. 25, 2026, crash as Keith Donovan, 37, of Brainerd. -
Plus: Lindell files recount lawsuit against secretary of state's office; United Taconite received emission testing fine; Detroit Lakes sticker policy in limbo following split vote -
Megan Buffington/KAXEJack Drumbeater was charged with four felonies following his involvement in a fatal head-on crash Aug. 22, 2026, in Grand Rapids. -
Contributed/Cleveland CliffsThe state's Pollution Control Agency says United Taconite did not perform the regular emissions tests required by its air permit. -
SVP Studios/UnsplashScott Alan Larson, 57, was discovered while firefighters responded to a fire in Normanna Township, west of Two Harbors, on Aug. 24, 2026. -
Plus: High fish kills were reported this summer after prolonged heat and drought; and an iron reclamation project is underway at an abandoned Calumet mine.
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Emma Krab/KAXEResidents around Calumet received a peek behind the curtain Aug. 21, 2026, at the iron reclamation project set to transform the former Hill Annex Mine. -
Contributed/Daniel DewaldCisco and other cold water fish died by the thousands in the large, shallow lake as water temperatures soared to an average of 77 degrees in late July and early August 2026.
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.
