Fraud is expected to be one of the biggest issues for both the DFL and GOP in the Minnesota Legislature this year, and House Democrats have officially announced their package to address this ongoing issue. House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson says House Democrats are committed to holding fraudsters accountable, which he thinks this package does. 

Rep. Mohamud Noor (DFL-Minneapolis says one part of the package would strengthen the Minnesota Attorney General’s Fraud Control Unit. 

Rep. Matt Norris (DFL-Blaine) says this package will do more than just hold fraudsters accountable for their crimes after the fact. 

As of early 2026, investigations into fraud have uncovered hundreds of millions in stolen funds. Federal prosecutors allege the total scope of fraud in the state could reach $9 Billion.

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting, Inc.

Warroad School Board met Tuesday to discuss several changes happening with the Warroad School District. Superintendent Dr. Shawn Yates joined us for community conversation where he told us of a new hire for an additional principal at Warroad Schools.

Yates told us why he believes Dr. Shultz’s background will help her excel at this new position.

You can check out all Warroad School board updates online at kq92.com.

For families inspired by the U.S. women’s and men’s Olympic hockey gold, registration is now open for Gigi Marvin’s RinkRat 19 Hockey School in Warroad, Minnesota. Owned and led by Warroad native and 2018 US Women’s Hockey Olympic gold medalist Gigi Marvin, the program focuses on on‑ice skills, dryland training, off‑ice games and team building. 

The summer lineup includes the Faith and Hockey School June 28–July 1, where players ages 8–14 will combine skill coaching with daily Christian teaching and chapel; traditional Hockey School sessions July 5–9, July 12–16 and July 19–23 for ages 3–18; and a 3v3 tournament July 31–Aug. 2 for ages 6–14.

Marvin, who won three Olympic medals with Team USA, aims to help young players improve fundamentals and confidence in a fun, high-energy environment close to home.  Camp is held at the Warroad Olympic Arena, and players can register online or by mail.

Border communities from International Falls to Warroad are watching closely after Canada updated its travel advisory for the United States.

Global Affairs Canada says U.S. Customs and Border Protection may not consistently accept Secure Certificate of Indian Status cards at land and water crossings. The advisory says acceptance is at the discretion of U.S. officials and recommends travelers carry additional documentation, including passports and proof of status.

First Nations leaders in Ontario have also urged members to bring extra paperwork when crossing into Minnesota, citing reports of increased questioning. U.S. law allows certain American Indians born in Canada to enter freely, but officials may require specific documentation to verify eligibility.

The update could impact frequent cross-border travel in northwest Minnesota communities.

A mining company has staked a large new gold exploration property in the Kenora–Rainy River area.

New Age Metals says it has consolidated the Double R Gold Project, covering about 17,620 hectares across 834 mining claims. The property is located roughly 35 kilometres northwest of the Rainy River Mine and 17 kilometres south of the Cameron Gold deposit.

The company says the land package sits in a prospective but underexplored part of the Wabigoon greenstone belt and shows historic gold grain anomalies and reported gold samples. Initial work will focus on compiling existing geological data, followed by phased exploration that could lead to future drilling.

New Age Metals has also recently opened a field office and core facility in Kenora to support its regional exploration activities. The company says it plans to engage with local First Nations as exploration moves forward.

This Thursday, Warroad RiverPlace hosts its first Jam Night for local musicians and music fans led by Soren Oleson! The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a full lineup at the open mic. All are welcome to come and listen, and enjoy the atmosphere as the music unfolds.

And at 6:30, the group event kicks off with an open jam circle on stage. Everyone is welcome to join in on the jam circle and participate at their own accord.

If you simply want to listen to the music, come sit back and enjoy the music at any time. Tech staff will also offer a behind-the-scenes sneak peek to anyone interested in seeing the equipment that helps musicians perform. Learn more about the event tomorrow at warroadriverplace.org.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

It’s Celebrating School week and teachers help make an impact on all the students they meet in school. Tom Jerome, Roseau School Superintendent told us about one Roseau School teacher who made it into the final 30 teachers nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Jerome started by telling us about Roseau’s recent nominations last year

Jerome mentioned this year who has made it as the nomination for the first 30 teachers.

Josh Weckman again is the teacher into the final 30 nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. We’ll provide the latest updates to you about the Minnesota Teacher of the Year competition.

In 2008, Lake of the Woods was placed on Minnesota’s impaired waters list after decades of pollution left the lake struggling with algae blooms and high phosphorus levels.

Back in 2010, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, or MPCA, launched major studies to understand the problem. Scientists examined sediment core samples from the lake bottom, measuring how much legacy phosphorus pollution had built up over generations. They also studied how easily that phosphorus could re-enter the water — where it acts like fertilizer for algae.

For much of the 20th century, sewage and industrial waste flowed into the lake from the Rainy River, severely degrading water quality. Even after those discharges stopped, phosphorus trapped in the sediment continued cycling back into the water.

Cary Hernandez, MPCA project manager, said “It’s trending in the right direction. To go from 39 down to 32 in about 10 years? That’s significant. That tells us the system is responding. The lake is slowly working through what’s there.”

Through wastewater upgrades, better land use practices, industrial reductions, and long-term regulatory efforts on both sides of the border, the Lake of the Woods is slowly responding and recovering.