GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Money Williams’ 30 points led Montana over North Dakota 79-75 on Saturday as part of the Big Sky-Summit Challenge.

Williams shot 11 for 14 (5 for 7 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line for the Grizzlies (5-5). Tyler Thompson scored 17 points and added four steals. Tyler Isaak shot 2 for 6 (1 for 4 from 3-point range) and 4 of 7 from the free-throw line to finish with nine points.

The Fightin’ Hawks (3-8) were led in scoring by George Natsvlishvili, who finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Eli King added 14 points, six rebounds and five steals for North Dakota. Marley Curtis also had 13 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

The NCAA Division II College Football Playoffs continue with this second-round matchup between the North Dakota Fighting Hawks (8-5) and the Tarleton State Texans (11-1). This game is streaming only and won’t be on regular broadcast TV. Kickoff takes place on Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET (11 a.m. MST) with a live TV broadcast only with ESPN Plus.

• You can watch North Dakota vs. Tarleton football streaming live on ESPN+ (now called ESPN Select) today.

Is the North Dakota vs. Tarleton FCS college football playoff game on TV today, or streaming only?

When: Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET (11 a.m. MST).

Where: Tarleton Memorial Stadium | Stephenville, TX

TV channel: This game is not available on traditional broadcast TV, and is only streaming on ESPN’s live sports streaming platforms available on the ESPN App with one of the “ESPN Select” or “ESPN Unlimited” subscription plans. (This is the streaming service formerly known as ESPN Plus. Here’s a look at the breakdown of ESPN streaming plans, what they cost and include.)

Where to watch streaming live on TV, or online: You can watch a live stream of this game for less than $12 on ESPN Select (It’s just $11.99/month or $119.99/full year subscription, and you can cancel anytime. Just choose the “ESPN Select” plan in the drop down to sign up for the cheapest version of the service.).

• The best deal: If you sign up for ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/month), you will get all of the ESPN networks and services, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN+, ESPN on ABC, SEC Network+, ACC Network Now, and ESPN3

BISMARCK, N.D. (Valley News Live) – North Dakota lawmakers will return to the Capitol next month for a special legislative session focused on spending more than $500 million in federal funding aimed at transforming rural health care across the state.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced Friday, Dec. 5, he’s tentatively set Jan. 21 for the 69th Legislative Assembly to convene and appropriate the anticipated federal dollars.

The session is going to focus on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approving North Dakota’s funding application by the end of the year.

“We have an incredible opportunity to strengthen and reshape rural health care in North Dakota through the Rural Health Transformation Program,” Armstrong said in a statement. “I appreciate the collaboration with legislative leadership and look forward to a special session laser-focused on the task at hand.”

The state submitted its application to CMS on Nov. 3, outlining how it would invest the money over five years.

Officials are looking to improve access, quality, and outcomes for North Dakotans in rural communities.

Federal officials are expected to announce award decisions by Dec. 31.

Once the funding award is confirmed, Armstrong will issue an executive order officially convening the Legislature.

State law requires legislative appropriation before the federal dollars can be spent.

Four-Point Strategy

North Dakota’s application is focused on four strategic initiatives: strengthening and stabilizing the rural health workforce; expanding preventive care and healthy eating programs; bringing high-quality health care closer to home; and connecting technology, data and providers across the state.

The plan was developed with extensive public input. North Dakota Health and Human Services launched a 30-day survey that received more than 1,200 responses and hosted three listening sessions attended by over 300 participants.

The Rural Health Transformation Program was created as part of the federal Working Families Tax Cut Act. The law appropriates $50 billion over five years, with half split equally among all states. The remaining $25 billion will be distributed based on state applications and metrics showing where funding can make the biggest health impact in rural communities.

North Dakota’s rural communities have faced mounting health care challenges in recent years, including workforce shortages, hospital financial pressures, and limited access to specialized care. The federal funding represents one of the largest investments in the state’s rural health infrastructure in decades.

Armstrong worked with legislative leaders to identify the tentative date for the special session, which will focus exclusively on appropriating the federal funds.

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