NATIONAL — The president of the National Farmers Union is voicing his objections to the latest health care proposal. Roger Johnson is a native of Turtle Lake, North Dakota. He was asked to speak at a Senate event on how the Republican health care bill would impact farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Two out of three farmers and ranchers have…
WEST FARGO, ND — A special meeting of the West Fargo City Commission has been called to announce the city’s new police chief. It’ll be held Friday morning at 8 a.m. The final two candidates, Heith Janke, an FBI Supervisory Special Agent and North Dakota Highway Patrol Lt. Troy Hischer, had final interviews earlier this month. The man picked…
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Organizers of the Twin Cities Pride Parade have asked police to minimize their participation in Sunday’s event. They say they’re trying to respect the pain many are feeling following last week’s acquittal of Officer Yanez. But Lt. Bob Kroll, president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, calls the decision disturbing. The parade, which draws about…
AMENIA, ND. — Congress is considering a White House budget proposal that includes nearly $200 billion in cuts to the national SNAP program, formerly known as food stamps. North Dakota farmers and agriculture leaders gathered in Amenia. They came together to speak out against the White House proposed budget that would cut hundreds of billions of dollars in federal aid…
BISMARCK, ND — North Dakota legislative leaders will pursue litigation against some vetoes issued by Govenor Burgum, saying he overstepped his authority. A key committee of the Legislature voted unanimously to pursue the litigation instead of calling lawmakers back into session. They are looking into whether the governor may veto parts of spending bills in ways that change the…
NORTH DAKOTA — Officials are calling on Ag Secretary Perdue to open CRP land for haying and grazing due to widespread drought. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson have joined the call for the emergency action. North Dakota’s congressional delegation made the same request earlier this week. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor…
NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota recorded 61 drug-related overdose deaths in 2015. That was an increase from 43 deaths in 2014 and 20 in 2013. The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division is now encouraging communities to apply for funding to address the opioid crisis. The goal is to identify gaps and strengthen existing community prevention…
BISMARCK, ND — North Dakota will pay about $3 million to 158 employees approved for voluntary buyouts. In April, Gov. Burgum gave 17 agency heads the option to offer buyouts to employees. He said the buyouts might limit the need for layoffs. At least 200 people applied for the buyouts, but it was up to the agencies to determine…
FARGO, ND– The District 16 Cass County Democratic NPL welcomed a special guest at its monthly meeting to talk about a big change in West Fargo. Fire Chief Dan Fuller shared the status of the department. Volunteer firefighters have recently moved to serving full time. Staff is needed as the city is responding to a record amount of calls. Last…
NATIONAL — A judge is not allowing President Trump to be one of the defendants in a lawsuit against the Dakota Access Pipeline. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg says the President would have to be sued under a separate lawsuit. The prosecuting attorney is considering this option. A group of Native Americans filing the lawsuit wants to add the…
