Politics / Elections

Government shutdown entering sixth day as Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican and Democratic lawmakers at an impasse on reopening the federal government provided few public signs Sunday of meaningful negotiations taking place to end what is about to be a six-day shutdown — with President Donald Trump saying that layoffs are occurring. Asked on Sunday night when federal workers would be fired as he has threatened to do, Trump…

North Dakota agencies say impact of federal shutdown minimal — for now

The parking lot at the William L. Guy Federal Building had several vacant spots the afternoon of Oct. 2, 2025, due to federal workers being furloughed. (Photo by Amy Dalrymple/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — No state employees who are federally funded will be furloughed or lose pay due to the federal government shutdown, according to the North…

Gov. Walz says he won’t “Bend The Knee” to federal funding cuts, talks shutdown impact on producers

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he won’t submit to the Trump administration as the White House blocks funding for Democratic-led states during the federal government shutdown. In an attempt to put pressure on Democrats and end the stalemate, the Trump administration cut funding to Democratic-led states. That included $8 billion in climate funding for states including…

Former Minnesota lawmaker now serving six-month jail sentence

Nicole Mitchell (Sept. 23, 2025 media pool photo Forum Comm. via AP)ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR-KFGO) – Former state senator Nichole Mitchell of Woodbury has begun to serve her jail sentence. An attorney for the ex-lawmaker says the Democrat has reported to Ramsey County Corrections in St. Paul. Mitchell was ordered to spend six months in jail with work release privileges…

North Dakota attorney general says AI a priority for next wave of criminal justice professionals

MOORHEAD, Minn. — (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said law enforcement and prosecutors need to be prepared to combat crimes committed using artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence “is not emerging, it’s here,” Wrigley said Wednesday while speaking at Concordia College in Moorhead, which is developing a criminal justice program in partnership with Minnesota State Community and Technical College…

Vote to end government shutdown fails as Democrats hold firm on health care demands

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — The U.S. Senate adjourned for the day on Wednesday with no resolution on how to reopen the government. Blame was being cast on all sides on the first day of the shutdown. A vote to end the government shutdown failed earlier Wednesday, as Democrats in the Senate held firm to the party’s demands to fund health care subsidies that President Donald…

North Dakota, Minnesota Lawmakers Discuss Local Impact of Government Shutdown

Some nonprofit organizations may be unable to pay employees while federal funding is frozen.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – “I’m also thinking about everybody else who’s going to pay the cost – literally – if hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans or people in North Dakota lose their health insurance,” said Sen. Tina Smith (D) of Minnesota. Smith is part of the Democratic contingent currently trying to hash out an agreement with Republican legislators to get…

Jane Goodall, conservationist renowned for chimpanzee research and environmental advocacy, has died

FILE – Jane Goodall kisses Tess, a female chimpanzee, at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary near Nanyuki, north of Nairobi, on Dec. 6, 1997. (AP Photo/Jean-Marc Bouju, File)Jane Goodall, the conservationist renowned for her groundbreaking chimpanzee field research and globe-spanning environmental advocacy, has died. She was 91. The Jane Goodall Institute announced the primatologist’s death Wednesday in an Instagram post. According…

DFL releases priorities for special session on gun control, Republicans say their input wasn’t considered

    ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Democrats in Minnesota release their priorities for a special session on gun control. It comes in the wake of the shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis and the killing of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband. Gov. Tim Walz and DFL leaders unveiled a list of reforms which includes bans on assault weapons, high-capacity…