Politics / Elections

Pope Francis to Ban Sales of Cigarettes in Vatican City, Despite $11 Million in Profits

Pope Francis says he "cannot contribute to an activity that clearly damages the health of people."

  VATICAN CITY — It may bring in $11 million in profit for the Vatican, but Pope Francis is just saying “no” when it comes to the sales of cigarettes. The Holy See Press Offices says the Pope’s decision was based on the World Health Organization’s data that states smoking causes more than seven million deaths a year around the…

Law Enforcement Encouraging People to Participate in Active Shooter Training

The sheriff says he and his staff have done about 70 presentations and he wants the number one takeaway for people to be "react, don't freeze." KMSP Fox 9 reporter Paul Blume reports from Barron County, Wisconsin

BARRON COUNTY, Wis. — A Wisconsin sheriff is encouraging active shooter training after Sunday’s massacre at a Texas church. The shooting took the lives of 25 people and an unborn child. “If the shooter is not by you, you should always run,” said Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald, who is with Barron County in Wisconsin. “Run is what we teach.” Sheriff Fitzgerald…

NDDOT Looking into the Future with “ND Moves”

What does North Dakota need for the future of biking, walking, rolling and public transportation?

FARGO, ND — The North Dakota Department of Transportation is changing the future of transportation. A new project is getting started and targeting the needs of North Dakotans. What does North Dakota need for the future of biking, walking, rolling and public transportation? The North Dakota Department of Transportation is bringing communities together to answer that question for their new…

WHO Asking Farmers and Ranchers to Stop Using Antibiotics on Healthy Animals

The organization especially wants restrictions placed on antibiotics used for growth promotion

  INTERNATIONAL — The World Health Organization wants farmers to stop using antibiotics on healthy farm animals. The organization issued a statement saying farmers and ranchers are only encouraging a lack of effective antibiotics for humans and say the overuse on healthy animals contributes to a potential deadly disease outbreak. WHO especially wants restrictions placed on antibiotics used for growth…

Native American Veterans Honored at Ceremony on MSUM Campus

More Native Americans per capita are veterans than any other ethnic group

MOORHEAD, Minn. — MSUM hosted a Veterans’ Day ceremony honoring Native American members of the Armed Forces. The hour–long program brought in members of the White Earth Veterans’ Honor Guard and Buffalo River Drum Group to the Comstock Union Ballroom. The accomplishments of native people in the Armed Forces were recognized during the ceremony. Like all ethnic groups, Native American…

Minnesota Senate May be Growing Desperate as Operating Budget Remains Uncertain

Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed the House and Senate's $130 million budget this spring amid a dispute over tax breaks and other measures

  ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Senate may furlough staff and stop cutting checks as soon as December if the courts don’t restore their operating budget. Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed the House and Senate’s $130 million budget this spring amid a dispute over tax breaks and other measures. It sparked a legal battle that is now before the state…

National and Local Advocates of Planned Parenthood Host Progress on the Prairie Event

Defunding programs and removing access could change the future of millions

FARGO, ND — Advocates of Planned Parenthood gathered downtown to show their support for the organization at their annual Progress on the Prairie event. Former Senator Olympia Snowe says possible changes to Planned Parenthood from the new administration could affect thousands. “‘Where will I get my birth control if you’re not here? What happens if you close your doors?’” asked…

Senator Hoeven Meets with Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Nominee

President Trump nominated James to the Civil Works post earlier this year

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator John Hoeven is pushing for flood protection from the nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Hoeven met with R.D. James to introduce him to flood protection efforts in the Red River Valley and in Minot. President Trump nominated James to the Civil Works post earlier this year. If confirmed, James will play…

Moorhead School District Votes for School Board Candidates

The person elected will serve just one year on the board

MOORHEAD, Minn. — If you live in Moorhead, it’s time to cast your ballot and vote. The Moorhead School District is holding a special election for an open seat on the school board. Thirteen candidates are vying for the position. The person elected will serve just one year on the board. The seat was vacated by Laurie Johnson in late…

City of Fargo Extends Contract with Longtime City Attorney

The contract is worth between $4 and $5 million

  FARGO, ND — Fargo is extending its contract with longtime City Attorney Erik Johnson and his firm for millions of dollars. Fargo City Commissioner Tony Gehrig cast the only “no” vote on the five-year contract extension. He said the city should have an open process to hear from other law firms interested in the position. Commissioner John Strand says…