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House Committee investigating ‘widespread fraud’ in Minnesota’s social services

WASHINGTON (KVRR) – The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating widespread fraud claims in Minnesota’s social services programs. According to letters to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, committee Chairman James Comer is seeking documents, communications, and records as part of the Committee’s investigation. “The Committee has serious concerns about how you as the…

Kindred Area Ambulance announces partnership to enhance EMS services

Kindred Area Ambulance ServiceKINDRED, N.D. (KVRR-KFGO) – Kindred Area Ambulance is partnering with First Medic Ambulance of Ransom County in hopes of strengthening services in rural areas. “This collaboration marks an important step forward as we continue working together to ensure strong, reliable EMS sustainability for all the communities we serve,” Kindred Area Ambulance said in the announcement Wednesday. First…

ND Emergency Commission discusses $1.3 million in staff bonuses, but takes no action

Rep. Don Vigesaa, R-Cooperstown, speaks during a Dec. 2, 2025, meeting of the North Dakota Emergency Commission. At right is House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A proposal to give roughly $1.3 million in bonus pay for 12 Retirement and Investment Office employees took a step forward Tuesday after officials had…

Grant money available for small North Dakota fire departments

Manvel, ND Fire Department Cooperative Fire Protection AssistanceBISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR-KFGO) — The North Dakota Forest Service is accepting applications for the Cooperative Fire Protection Assistance program. Grant funds are available to enhance fire protection and prevention capabilities of North Dakota’s fire departments. Applications will be accepted from fire departments that serve a population of 10,000 or less. Funds may be…

New parents can apply Wednesday for Minnesota’s Paid Leave Program

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR-KFGO) — State officials are preparing to launch Minnesota’s new Paid Leave program. Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek says they begin accepting early applications Wednesday, Dec. 3. He says, “Any eligible Minnesota parent who welcomed a child in 2025 will be able to apply for leave to be used in 2026.” Varilek says…

North Dakota judge rules in favor of landowners, finds law unconstitutional

Attorney Derrick Braaten and Troy Coons, head of the Northwest Landowners Association, listen during a March 27, 2025, legislative hearing. On Tuesday, a district judge ruled in favor of the landowner group in a lawsuit related to property rights. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A district court judge on Tuesday sided with a landowner…

Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony held in Bismarck

First Lady Kjersti Armstrong, Santa & Gov. Kelly Armstrong/FacebookBISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — At the state capitol tonight, Gov. Kelly Armstrong and First Lady Kjersti Armstrong had the honor of lighting the Capitol Christmas tree. A crowd filled Memorial Hall for music, holiday readings, carols, cookies and hot chocolate before the lighting of the tree. Santa even made a stop with…

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz under scrutiny for state fraud allegations

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is facing scrutiny after an estimated $1 billion of fraud has occurred during his time in office. The spotlight on Minnesota on a national level has grown after more than seventy people were indicted in the Feeding Our Future fraud case. Many government officials, including President Donald Trump, have called out Walz…