Author: KVRR Staff

North Dakota finds option to relieve prison overcrowding

Five bunk beds sit vacant in the sleeping quarters of an empty inmate pod at the Burleigh/Morton County Detention Center on Dec. 17, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota’s prison system will use the Burleigh/Morton County Detention Center to house inmates instead of using the Grand Forks County jail to address its…

Thousands of dollars in damage reported in apartment laundry room break-ins

Kenneth BlackwellFARGO (KVRR-KFGO) – A Fargo man is facing multiple burglary charges, accused of breaking into buildings and stealing from the coin-operated laundry machines more than a dozen times. Kenneth Blackwell was charged with seven counts of felony burglary and is scheduled to be in court on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Fargo Police say officers responded to reported break-ins and thefts…

12 apply for North Dakota Supreme Court vacancy

North Dakota Supreme Court justices hear oral arguments Dec. 18, 2023. (Photo by Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Twelve people have applied to be North Dakota’s next Supreme Court justice, including four district court judges. A spot on the court is up for grabs after Justice Daniel Crothers announced last month he will retire…

North Dakota ag producers could ‘walk away’ from health insurance, Farmers Union warns

Lance Boyer, sales director of financial products for the North Dakota Farmers Union, talks about expiring Affordable Care Act premium tax credits during the annual meeting of the North Dakota Farmers Union on Dec. 12, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Seven in 10 North Dakota Farmers Union agriculture producers will be affected by…

Committee names new member to North Dakota Ethics Commission, ending impasse

Jared Huibregtse, a Mandan project manager for an engineering firm, speaks Oct. 3, 2025, during an interview for three open seats on the North Dakota Ethics Commission. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota leaders appointed Jared Huibregtse to the North Dakota Ethics Commission on Tuesday, ending a nearly two-month stalemate over who to…

Gov. Walz signs new executive orders to address gun violence, calls BS on those who say it won’t save lives

ST. PAUL (KVRR/FOX9) — Gov. Tim Walz has signed two executive orders in efforts to reduce gun violence and improve public safety across Minnesota. Under the orders, a statewide Safety Council will be created to develop a blueprint to prevent mass violence. The orders will also expand extreme risk protection orders and safe storage education for those with guns at…

Moorhead firefighter announces campaign for MN House District 4A

Kevin SalisburyMOORHEAD — Moorhead firefighter Kevin Salisbury has announced his campaign for the Minnesota House District 4A. According to a release sent out by the campaign, Salisbury is a firefighter, union organizer that has served the community for the past 18 years. “I’ve spent my career protecting the citizens of Moorhead, and now I’m ready to serve them in the…

North Dakota’s delicate electricity price balance faces challenges

A lineworker works to repair damage near Crosby to a powerline caused by a spring storm in northwestern North Dakota. Photo provided by the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives.BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota News Cooperative) — As an energy exporter blessed with abundant supply, North Dakota consistently ranks among the cheapest states in the country when it comes to…

North Dakota attorney general voids ethics opinion, says agency lacked authority

Attorney General Drew Wrigley testifies to a legislative committee on March 24, 2025. (Photo by Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota’s attorney general says a recent Ethics Commission advisory opinion related to campaign finance law is void, arguing the agency exceeded its authority. Attorney General Drew Wrigley, in a legal opinion issued late Friday, said…

Sen. Cramer sponsors bill to add VA services to critical access hospitals and rural health clinics

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Kevin Cramer is touting a bill he says will help veterans receive easier access to health care in rural communities. Critical Access for Veterans Care Act is co-sponsored by Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana. The bill would help veterans living in rural America to seek health care services at local Critical Access Hospitals or Rural Health…