Politics / Elections

N.D. House Votes Against State Firearm Bill After Emotional Speech By Rep. Davis

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…

Walz revised budget invests in Minnesota’s public safety

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…

Library Obscenity Bill Passed by North Dakota Senate Gets House Hearing

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…

Non-profit leaders push for ND legislature to pass school meal bills

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…

Gov. Walz signs gender affirming healthcare bill

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…

ND Republicans call for 2024 ballot measure that would eliminate property taxes

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Republicans in the North Dakota legislature are pushing to pass a resolution where people can vote on a ballot measure to eliminate property taxes. The measure would prevent all state and political subdivisions from levying a property tax in 2025. Subdivisions with bond issues would still collect property taxes until the bonds are paid off. Former…

Fargo City Commission Votes 4-1 To Oppose State Anti-LGBTQ Bills

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Fargo City Commission votes 4-1 to oppose a series of state bills filed by Republican legislators targeting LGBTQ+ residents in the state. The only no vote came from Commissioner Dave Piepkorn. Cody Schuler, advocacy manager with the American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota told commissioners the legislation amounts to a “culture war” that takes away…

Minnesota House approves $1.9B public works package

Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, speaks at a news conference at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., on Monday, March 6, 2023, about a $1.9 billion public infrastructure package for fixing up roads, bridges, water systems, college facilities and parks and trails across the state. She was joined by Democratic Rep. Fue Lee, of Minneapolis,…

Gov. Walz to transfer power during anesthesia for colonoscopy

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will temporarily transfer power to Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan on Monday while he’s under general anesthesia for a colonoscopy, his office said Sunday. The 58-year-old governor sent a letter Sunday to House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senate President Bobby Joe Champion informing them of his plan, as per state law. The…