North Dakota News

North Dakota Senate defeats amended conversion therapy bill

Rep. Lori VanWinkle, R-Minot, speaks in favor of a bill to legalize conversion therapy at a House Human Services Committee meeting on Jan. 21, 2025. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The Senate on Thursday defeated a bill 22-25 that originally sought to legalize conversion therapy. Initially, House Bill 1430 bill would have authorized social workers to provide “a…

Prosecutor explains Holmberg sentencing recommendation

Jennifer PuhlFARGO (KVRR) – North Dakota’s Acting U.S. Attorney is explaining why she recommended a 37-month prison sentence for former state Senator Ray Holmberg. Holmberg pleaded guilty to traveling to Prague with the intent to engage in commercial sexual activity with boys. As part of the plea agreement, Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl recommended that Holmberg serve just over three…

Committee advances North Dakota property tax bill but reduces level of tax credit

Senate Majority Leader Sen. David Hogue, R-Minot, speaks during a meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee on March 27, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a property tax bill Thursday, but adopted amendments such as reducing the proposed tax credit for homeowners. Senate Majority Leader Sen. David Hogue, R-Minot,…

Dickinson State alum, entrepreneur, named college’s next president

Scott Molander was named the next president of Dickinson State University. (Photo provided by North Dakota University System)DICKINSON, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The State Board of Higher Education has selected a Dickinson State University alumnus with a long business resume as the next president of the college. Scott Molander was selected Thursday from a field of four finalists. Molander’s resume…

People’s town hall draws overflow crowd in Fargo

Voters gather March 27, 2025, at the Sanctuary Events Center in Fargo for a people’s town hall focused on federal policy changes. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)FARGO (North Dakota Monitor) — Air Force veteran David Kelsen stood on a stage and decried Trump administration plans to privatize health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. “The VA should never be about…

North Dakota Lawmakers To Vote On Ending Daylight Saving Time

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Legislators are considering a bill that would eliminate Daylight Saving Time in North Dakota. The Senate, State, and Local Government committee heard testimony from many groups and individuals both for and against the bill. While a historian and a sleep physician were among those in favor of the bill, groups opposed include a sports league, general…