Politics / Elections

Terminated Fufeng Project in Grand Forks Sparks Hearing on Chinese Investments in U.S.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (center) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley (right)WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in agreement with North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer about the importance of considering foreign agricultural investments from a national security position. A hearing was held by the Senate Armed Services Committee to address Chinese…

MN Democratic Leaders Agree On $17.9 Billion Budget Targets, Possible Rebate Checks

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…

ND House bill would prohibit trans birth certificates reflecting new identity

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….

Rep. Deb Kiel of Crookston Suffers Minor Stroke in St. Paul

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…

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…