Politics / Elections

Sen. Tina Smith given “clean bill of health” following hospital stay

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Sen. Tina Smith says she’s been given “a clean bill of health” and she’s ready to get back to work fighting for Minnesotans. The Minnesota Democrat was admitted to George Washington University Hospital. Last night, a post on X from her staff says she went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo a more thorough…

Republican Dr. Scott Jensen announces 2nd run for governor of Minnesota

Dr. Scott Jensen (Campaign Ad)Dr. Scott Jensen announces another run for governor of Minnesota. The Republican says he aims to lower prices while promoting law and order. Gov. Walz beat him by about 193,000 votes in 2022. The 70-year-old Jensen served a single term in the Minnesota Senate representing part of Carver County before he ran for governor. He joins…

Trump administration hands over nation’s Medicaid enrollee data, including addresses, to ICE

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer listens during a briefing, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials will be given access to the personal data of the nation’s 79 million Medicaid enrollees, including home addresses and ethnicities, to track down immigrants who may not be living…

North Dakota Ethics Commissioners to evaluate ‘strained’ relationship with Attorney General’s Office

Commissioners Murray Sagsveen, left, and Ronald Goodman, right, members of the North Dakota Ethics Commission, listen to a House committee hearing on March 18, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Ethics Commission is looking into whether strongly worded communications from the state Attorney General’s Office have negatively impacted commission staff. The decision follows…

North Dakota legislative district map to remain in place for now, Supreme Court decides

A sign in Devils Lake, North Dakota, marks the road leading to the Spirit Lake Reservation. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)WASHINGTON, D.C. (North Dakota Monitor) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday put a temporary freeze on North Dakota’s legislative district map, keeping it in place pending next steps in a tribal voting rights case against the state. The move came…

Prairie Public expects ‘significant hit’ from federal cuts to PBS, NPR

John Harris, president and CEO of Prairie Public Broadcasting, speaks March 7, 2025, during a legislative committee hearing about state and federal funding for the organization. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)FARGO (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota-based Prairie Public Broadcasting may look and sound different over the next 12 months if Senate lawmakers proceed with expected funding cuts. John Harris, president…

Senator Tina Smith hospitalized after not feeling well at Capitol

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FOX NEWS) — Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota was hospitalized Wednesday after she began feeling unwell while working at the Capitol, according to a statement from her staff. “While at work at the Capitol today, Sen. Smith started to not feel well,” read a post on X. “She went to the Capitol physician who recommended she undergo more thorough examination…

AgViews Live: Trouble in Trump Country

FARGO — Bankers who work in agricultural finance say President Trump’s tariffs are costing him major support among farmers in what used to be solidly Trump country. That’s the word ahead of the annual AgViews Live seminar by Bell Bank. Uncertainty over the future of federal farm programs and tariffs on some trade items, as well as whether tariff trouble…

Walsh County Commission votes 3-2 to uses sales tax to build new $25 million jail

GRAFTON, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Walsh County Sheriff Ron Jurgens says the county will use the sales tax that passed during a special election in May for a new jail. Voters approved a three quarter percent sales tax but rejected a 20 mill property tax increase. Both needed to pass for the project to move forward, but Walsh County Commission voted…