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Contributed/Canva Pro graphicAuthorities reported alcohol is believed to have been a factor. The building was determined to be unstable and unsafe in the immediate area of the crash. -
Contributed/Staples Fire DepartmentThe Staples Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming out of the building on the 400 block of Second Avenue Northeast, just before 8 a.m. Feb. 28, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe law allows for the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants who are merely accused of crimes, including violent crimes but also nonviolent offenses like burglary, theft and shoplifting. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids Area SchoolsHibbing senior Wylie Stenson claimed four medals in all, winning half of all rural Northern Minnesota's medals at the 2026 state meet. -
Contributed/City of HermantownCity and power officials expressed optimism about the partnership slated to invest in clean energy and energy resiliency, while environmental advocates noted review is still required and necessary. -
Contributed/MSHSLThe Warriors won their eighth title since the tournament began in 1994. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids Area WrestlingWrestlers from Grand Rapids, Staples-Motley and Badger-Greenbush/Middle River topped the podium at state Feb. 28, 2026, with another 35 Northlanders from 12 teams winning medals. -
Contributed/Gabrielle Nelson / Buffalo’s FireLittle progress has been made despite 40 years of cleanup on Leech Lake Reservation. Locals fear for the health of surrounding lakes and the Mississippi River downstream. -
And: Minnesota lawmakers debate targeting chronic speeders; and Northland wrestlers, swimmers, divers and hockey players brought home some hardware. -
Contributed/East Range Police DepartmentSgt. Cody Siebert of the East Range Police Department also served in the Mesabi East School District. He died Feb. 27, 2026, less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection.
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.
