Minnesota’s program to provide free school meals to all students regardless of income is costing more than expected. Advocates said the free meals would ease stresses on parents while lifting the stigma on kids who get them. Minnesota is the fourth state in the nation to offer universal free school meals.
Republican lawmakers objected to the program saying it was a poor use of taxpayer dollars to subsidize meals for students whose parents could afford them. Now, with costs rising faster than expected — $81 million more over the next two years and $95 million in the two years after that.
Governor Tim Walz says budgeting for new programs is always tricky, but he called the free meals “an investment I will defend all day.”
Grain Elevator Fire in Minnesota
(Photo submitted) (KNOX) - Crews battled a large fire at a grain elevator in northwestern Minnesota. Several fire departments responded to the CHS grain elevator in Warren. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office said that Highway 75 was shut down from ...
21h ago
North Dakota National Guard Being Sent to D.C.
(Photo courtesy of North Dakota National Guard. via the North Dakota Monitor) (North Dakota Monitor) - North Dakota will send 60 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., starting in April, for an estimated three months to help police the city. The...
Mar 30, 2026
Grand Forks Police Respond to Crash
(File image) (KNOX) - Tuesday afternoon officers from the Grand Forks Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of 32nd Avenue South and South 31st Street for the report of a three vehicle accident involving injuries. An investigation rev...
22h ago
Grand Forks Spitfires Sign Their First Player Making Franchise History
(Image provided by the Grand Forks Spitfires ) (KNOX) - The Grand Forks Spitfires are proud to announce the first player signing in franchise history, officially welcoming Ally Hetzel to the inaugural 2026 roster. Hetzel, a catcher and utility player...
Mar 26, 2026
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