BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — For the second time, the North Dakota Senate has turned down a bill that would have provided free school meals for some kids by a vote of 27 to 20. On Monday, the measure failed in the Senate by just one vote. The House bill would have given cost-free lunches to students at or below 200…
BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota will not follow Minnesota’s lead in offering free school lunches. The state Senate defeating a House bill providing free lunches to students at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, by one vote at 24-23. The national program gives free meals to kids below 130% of the poverty level and reduced meals to those…
ST. PAUL (KVRR/AP) — Democratic legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz have agreed on broad budget targets that add up to nearly $17.9 billion in new spending, including $3 billion for tax cuts. But the details of where the money will go remain to be negotiated. Agreeing on the targets was a necessary step so that legislators can begin work…
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A bill in the North Dakota legislature would keep transgender people from obtaining birth certificates reflecting their new identity. The bill allows three exceptions. One includes basic data entry errors. Another includes if someone was misidentified at birth. The third exception is if gender was changed with “anatomically correct” genitalia as certified by a medical provider….
ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Republican Rep. Deb Kiel of Crookston has suffered a minor stroke. In a statement, Kiel says she was admitted to Region’s hospital in St. Paul on Friday after experiencing fatigue and dizziness at the State Office Building. Tests determined that she had a minor stroke and she remained hospitalized overnight for observation. Kiel is now at…
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — The North Dakota House has rejected a resolution to designate the Winchester Model 1876 as the state firearm. The vote came after an emotional speech by a Native American House member. It had been passed by the Senate, and the House Political Subdivisions Committee recommended it pass on a 9 to 5 vote. Supporters said that…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announces his revised budget plan that nearly doubles its public safety plan to $550 million total. It also invests $240 million to help Minnesotans access clean drinking water by replacing lead service lines in community water systems across the state. Walz says the public safety investment will ensure safety in all…
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — People concerned about keeping minors from pornography in libraries testified about an obscenity bill at a North Dakota House committee. The Senate already passed the bill by Senator Keith Boehm which includes a misdemeanor for willfully displaying explicit sexual material. The bill also has policies for digital and online resources offered by school districts and public…
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Leaders from local nonprofits including the Great Plains Food Bank and YWCA are calling for the North Dakota legislature to pass two bills regarding school meals. “Families are really struggling. Their dollars are not stretching as far and they’re having to choose between food and rent or food and heat. The decision they shouldn’t have to…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) — Governor Tim Walz signs an executive action to protect access to gender affirming healthcare in Minnesota. It refers to all medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services, including telehealth services, that an individual may receive to support and affirm that individual’s gender identity or gender expression. Walz says you will not be punished for seeking or…
