Local News

Energy Transfer board chair says he sought settlement with Standing Rock in 2016

MANDAN, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Energy Transfer Executive Chairman Kelcy Warren claimed in court testimony he traveled to North Dakota in December 2016 to discuss a settlement with then-tribal chair David Archambault II to end protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. “I said, ‘David, I’m here to make a deal with you,’” Warren said in a video deposition shown…

Fargo City Supervisors Defend Amount of Overtime Paid During City Commission Meeting

Ben Dow-Public Works/Steve Dirksen-Fire Chief/Tom Knakmuhs-City Engineer  FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — City of Fargo staff gave a very thorough presentation to city commissioners about the amount of overtime paid to city employees and the pressures of staffing issues. It was prompted by a request from Commissioner Dave Piepkorn to require any overtime to be approved ahead of time, even though…

Witness: Man Had Gun And Threatened To “Kill People”, Arrested After SWAT Standoff in Grand Forks

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) —  A man is arrested in Grand Forks after a 45 minute SWAT standoff. 54-year-old Elroy Thomas was taken into custody on a warrant. Earlier, witnesses reported that Thomas had a gun in the hallway of the apartment building at 1706 Continental Drive and saying he was going to kill people. Several apartments were evacuated while…

Legislators amend resolution declaring pornography a public health hazard

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota lawmakers amended a resolution recognizing pornography as a health hazard. The resolution had already passed in the senate. The original resolution claimed that being exposed to sexually explicit content poses health risks and that early exposure leads to low self-esteem and body image disorders. It also said that porn can lead to brain development complications…

“Trump derangement syndrome” Introduced in MN Senate Mental Health Bill, Leader Calls It “Tongue in Cheek”

ST. PAUL (KVRR/FOX9) — Minnesota Republican lawmakers want the state to add “Trump derangement syndrome” to its definition of mental illness. The bill was introduced by five Republican lawmakers in the Minnesota Senate. The bill defines the syndrome as “acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J….

Great Plains Food Bank Says Their Statewide Partnership With Farmers Is Uncertain

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Since launching in 2021, 7,900 food banks, food pantries, and communities in the U.S. have purchased food through two programs available through the USDA, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement and the Local Food for Schools. But now those programs are being canceled. “We have received about a million dollars through that program over the…

N.D. Senate Rejects Bill To Prevent State Funds From Supporting Prairie Public, Funding Still Uncertain

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A bill that would have prevented state funds from supporting Prairie Public broadcasting has been defeated in the senate on a vote of 6-41. In a social media post, Prairie Public wrote, “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who submitted testimony and contacted your senators and representatives – your voice truly made a difference!”. While it is…

West Fargo Police Warns About Spoofing Scam Using The Department’s Phone Number

WEST FARGO, N.D.(KVRR) — A scam is circulating that uses West Fargo Police Department’s phone number. The scammers make their phone number look like it’s coming from the police department. It’s a common scam practice called spoofing. They tell the person they are calling that they have outstanding warrants or need to provide information for an ongoing investigation. If you…