Local News

Trump administration sets stage for large-scale federal worker layoffs

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal agencies must develop plans to eliminate employee positions, according to a memo distributed by President Donald Trump ‘s administration that sets in motion what could become a sweeping realignment of American government. The memo expands the Republican president’s effort to downsize the federal workforce, which he has described as bloated and impediment to his agenda. Thousands…

Lawmakers expand free school meals in North Dakota after rejecting larger proposal

FARGO, ND – JAN. 22, 2025: Students eating lunch at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School in Fargo on January 22, 2025. Free school meal advocates in North Dakota are calling on the state legislature to prioritize permanent funding to pay for meals.Students eat lunch at Carl Ben Eielson Middle School in Fargo on Jan. 22, 2025. (Dan Koeck/For the North…

North Dakota House sends 3 property tax reform bills to Senate

Rep. Scott Louser, R-Minot, speaks on the House floor on Feb. 25, 2025, about his property tax proposal. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon approved three sweeping packages aimed at reducing property taxes. All three incorporate some form of cap on year-over-year tax increases and would be funded…

House rejects bills that aimed to change how North Dakota candidates get on the ballot

Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, speaks on the House floor on Feb. 25, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Two bills that would have reshaped how candidates get on the North Dakota ballot failed in the House late Tuesday. House Bill 1446, sponsored by Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, would have eliminated the option of getting on the…

Bipartisan Legislation To Bolster Air Traffic Control Workforce Includes UND Role

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — On the same day of another airplane mishap: a Southwest flight was forced to abort landing at Chicago’s Midway International Airport after a private plane crossed the runway, a bipartisan group of senators are working to get more air traffic control positions filled. They have introduced legislation to address staffing shortages and improve working conditions. It would…

Minnesota State Senator Sponsoring Bill To Make Works By Music Legends Prince and Bob Dylan The State Songs

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — A bill introduced in the Minnesota Senate would make state songs out of works by two homegrown musical legends. The bill would make Bob Dylan’s “Girl From the North Country,” and Prince’s “Purple Rain” official state songs. The bill would also make, “Hail, Minnesota!” written by two University of Minnesota students in 1904, an official state…

North Dakota Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion surprised with free trip

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR)  — It was a happy day for one family at Sanford Children’s Hospital on Tuesday. West Fargo’s Jacob Haug has been named the North Dakota Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion for Sanford Children’s in Fargo. A small ceremony was held Tuesday at Sanford Hospital to honor Jacob and his family with gifts, including a trip to Disney…

North Dakota Brewers Request Study To Be Conducted For THC Infused Beverages

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Two North Dakota brewers including a Fargo brewery are pushing for the possible legalization of THC infused beverages. Minnesota already allows such drinks. A study was requested by the North Dakota Brewers Guild. This comes at a time when in the last few months breweries in North Dakota have been shutting their doors. “Knowing that Minnesota…

West Fargo considering licenses for short term rental properties like AirBnB

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — West Fargo is considering rules for property owners on how operate short term rentals, like an AirBnB. The ordinance would require short term rental properties be the primary residence of the property owner, meaning they would have to live there for at least 6 months and 1 day each year. Owners would also need a…

Former Longtime Walsh County Sheriff Dies at 73

GRAFTON, N.D. (KVRR) — The former longtime sheriff of Walsh County has died at 73. A Tollefson Funeral Home obituary shows Lauren Wild died on Thursday, February 20, just a week after his February 14 birthday. Wild started with the county sheriff’s office in 1989. He was the target of a recall election in April 2011 after he fired Deputy…