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Scott Rodgerson/UnsplashThe new law, effective Aug. 1, 2025, expands the state's ignition interlock program and extends the "lookback" period for prior DWI convictions from 10 to 20 years. -
Dani Fraher/KAXEThe vast majority of the damage was caused by the Camp House Fire, according to St. Louis County. Over 200 structures were damaged, 16 of which were homes. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe trial on whether the city broadens its boundary around the lake or Northern Township becomes a city will take months, as both seek to install municipal services around Lake Bemidji. -
Contributed/Tony Webster via FlickrThe Public Utilities Commission, which must approve the sale, is taking comment on a judge's recommendation to block the sale and a settlement between the investors and the Department of Commerce. -
And: Sen. Tina Smith has two bills in the first major housing legislation package in 17 years; and filings open for November elections. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe two are no closer to an agreement as budget deadlines creep closer. The city asked for a more equitable funding arrangement for the Grand Rapids Area Library two months ago. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe school board will appoint one person to fill a vacant seat until the November 2026 election, following Chair Jesse White's resignation to take a teaching position. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEHosted by the city and the Headwaters Regional Development Commission, a free community picnic drew hundreds to Nymore Park on July 29, 2025. -
Contributed/Shelly TarnowskiA video supposedly of an alligator swimming near Floodwood, Minnesota, gained traction online, and the local conservation officer said people just want to know if it's real. -
Contributed/Minnesota Pollution Control AgencyThe Minnesota Pollution Control Agency extended its initial air quality alert through Aug. 2, 2025, warning of unhealthy air for everyone.
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 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.
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.
Dani Fraher is a journalism student from the Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. They are reporting for KAXE for the summer of 2025 as part of the school's Report for Minnesota internship.
