-
Survey results indicate around 116,000 more Minnesotans went without health insurance in 2025 than they did in 2023. -
Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionNearly 20 states have adopted rules to regulate virtual currency machines, with law enforcement reporting elevated activity among scammers. -
Contributed/Lorie Shaull via FlickrLeanna Goose and Annie Humphrey from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Emma Needham from the Red Lake Nation advocated for uncultivated wild rice beds left in the state. -
Contributed/Karina Kafka / Report for MinnesotaEligibility will be checked twice a year rather than once, and recipients must work or attend school for at least 20 hours a week. Counties will be responsible for all verification. -
Contributed/Karina Kafka / Report for MinnesotaThe community solar garden program created by Hortman’s legislation was the first in the country. The program had bipartisan support and became a national model. -
Author Rep. John Burkel, R-Badger, described the bill as “straightforward, farmer-focused,” with the goal of more timely payouts after wild animals cause damage. -
The bill's author said Minnesota farmers are in a similar position to those during the 1980s farm crisis, which is why it is essential for the program to continue. -
And: Park Rapids man faces third charge for threatening lawmakers; former state Sen. Justin Eichorn's trial pushed to June; Warroad boys win state hockey title, and Kelliher/Northome, Mountain Iron-Buhl and Rock Ridge to compete in girls basketball tourney. -
Contributed/Elizabeth Wickum via Mustang Girls BasketballThe Kelliher/Northome Mustangs' only loss this season was in December 2025 to Mountain Iron-Buhl, 100-90, and the Rangers' only loss was in February to Rock Ridge, 79-67. -
Contributed/Minnesota SenateIn seeking to move the date, Eichorn waived his rights to a speedy trial, but said he does intend to proceed to a jury trial.
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.
