Politics / Elections

ND Lawmakers Consider Overriding Governor’s Veto on Money for Townships

Gov. Burgum vetoed a $16 million appropriation that would have provided each non-oil producing township $10,000

  BISMARCK, ND — As Gov. Burgum prepares to give the commencement address at NDSU on Saturday, legislators could be headed back to Bismarck. Legislative leaders will decide this week whether to return to and attempt to override a veto by the governor. He vetoed a $16 million appropriation that would have provided each non-oil producing township $10,000. Burgum said…

Davies High School Student, Youth Volunteer Meets Most Decorated Olympian in the World

Mahale goes to Davies and launched a nonprofit that has raised over $16,000 to improve the lives of children

  WASHINGTON D.C. — North Dakota’s top youth volunteers were honored in Washington, D.C. and got to meet an Olympic champion. The picture shows Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps talking with 17-year-old Nidhi Mahale of Fargo and 14-year-old Annabelle Barcomb of Minot. The young ladies were honored for their outstanding volunteer service during the 22nd annual Prudential Spirit of Community…

Minnesota Senate Introduces Bill to Raise Legal Age for Tobacco Purchases

The senate introduces a bill that would raise the legal age to buy tobacco to 21 in Minnesota

MINNESOTA–Just two days after Edina made the change, the Minnesota Senate introduced a bill that raises the legal age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21. Members of the Minnesotans for a Smoke Free Generation coalition called it a win. “It’s really a huge victory,” said Jason McCoy, the tobacco prevention coordinator with Clay County Public Health. Edina is the first city…

Cass County Youth Commission Paying it Forward

The Cass County Youth Commission is the only of it's kind in North Dakota

FARGO,N.D–Twenty-one high school students are wrapping up their year and getting a look into local politics by paying it forward. The Cass County Youth Commission presented a check for over $6,500  to Charism, a nonprofit that supports at risk children in the metro. Members of the Cass County Government held a graduation for the group of students who served on…

Senator Franken Demands Answers on Russia from FBI Director Comey

The FBI is investigating the possibility of contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia

WASHINGTON D.C. — The head of the FBI says Russia is still involved in American politics and Minnesota Senator Franken wants answers. During questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee, FBI Director James Comey agreed that Russia provides safe haven for cyber criminals. The FBI is investigating the possibility of contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia. Comey also says Russia…

Ada Mayor Steps Down Before Big Move

Ellefson joined the city council after the flood of 1997 and became mayor in 2000

ADA, Minn. — The mayor of Ada, Minnesota has stepped down. Mayor James Ellefson retired effective last night. His term was set to expire in 2020. Ellefson joined the city council after the flood of 1997 and became mayor in 2000. He took a break from serving between 2012 and 2014. The Ellefson family is moving to Florida this summer….

Governor Burgum Issues Vetoes on Bills Passed by Legislture

Burgum signed 440 bills this session, 10 with line-item vetoes, and vetoed three complete bills

  BISMARCK, ND — Gov. Burgum has vetoed some or all of nine bills passed by the Legislature, including portions of the Public Employees Retirement System budget. One section Burgum struck down would have had the state terminate its six-year health insurance contract with Sanford Health Plan two years early. Sanford began providing coverage in 2015 after out-bidding Blue Cross…

Minnesota Lawmakers Looking for Harsher Penalties for Genital Cutting of Children

Prosecutors say the girls were brought to Michigan by their mothers

Minnesota State Capitol  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota lawmakers are moving to levy harsh penalties on parents who subject their children to genital cutting after a Detroit-area doctor was charged. Dr. Jumana Nagarwala was charged last week with female genital mutilation and other crimes for allegedly performing the procedure on two seven-year-old Minnesota girls. The manager of the clinic and…

Congressmen Peterson Speechless Over Racist Minnesota GOP Facebook Post

A social media post on the Minnesota GOP attacking congressmen peterson has one person out of a job

MINNESOTA — A Minnesota GOP member has resigned over a Facebook post aimed at Democratic Congressman Collin Peterson. The post that was quickly deleted included racist remarks toward Congressman Keith Ellison. The post took many by surprise, including locals and has one person out of a job. “Normally, the content they put out is genuine and professional,” said Thomas Manninen,…

GOP Continues Budget Planning, Despite Gov. Dayton’s Veto Threats

A health care budget also seeks to abolish MNsure by 2019

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota’s Republican Legislature isn’t backing down from Gov. Dayton’s veto threats as lawmakers finalize their budget offer. The Legislature started piecing together budget bills Monday as legislative leaders prepared to head into negotiations with the Democratic governor. The environmental funding bill would delay Dayton’s initiative requiring buffers between cropland and waterways until 2019. Dayton has vowed…