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Lorie ShaullNorthMet, formerly owned by PolyMet and now controlled by NewRange Copper Nickel, is one of three proposed copper-nickel mines in Minnesota. A reworked project plan is now before the DNR. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAircraft play an essential role in fighting wildfires. Seaplanes from the Ely seaplane base drop water, fire retardant and deliver firefighters — and canoes — to the blazes. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids City CouncilTax increment financing is meant to encourage economic development. Per Minnesota regulations, 20% of units in a TIF rental property must be reserved for low-income housing. -
Warm water temperatures across the state go along with an increasing number of fish mortality events, where a large number of fish die at once. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe delayed Forest Service grants would have supported prescribed burns and other fuel-reduction efforts on thousands of acres near the Echo Trail, which has borne the brunt of this year’s fires. -
Plus: Mine proposal formerly known as Polymet sees changes to plan; and Grand Rapids City Council approves a TIF district for a new 99-unit apartment building. -
Canva illustrationResponders used a winch line on a fire truck to pull the car from the water and found the woman later identified as Kaylee Smith inside. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe walk on July 25, 2026, spanned 13 miles from Big Sandy Lake in McGregor to Tamarack, with women taking turns carrying a bucket of water. -
Contributed/Crosslake Mayor Jackson Purfeerst Facebook pageThe building sustained significant damage near its front entry. U.S. Postal Service officials designated a temporary location for operations until further notice. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe Superior National Forest announced the July 31, 2026, openings as Phase 3 of its reopening of the BWCAW, as well as the opening of recreation sites in the western forest.
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.
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.
