Politics / Elections

Elon Musk is leaving the Trump administration after leading effort to slash federal government

FILE – Elon Musk flashes his T-shirt that reads “DOGE” to the media as he walks on the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — Elon Musk is leaving his government role as a top adviser to President Donald Trump after spearheading efforts to reduce and overhaul the federal bureaucracy. His departure, announced…

Public safety sales tax spending plan approved 4-1 by Fargo City Commissioners

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo City Commissioners vote to advance the plans for using the 1/4 cent sales tax for public safety by a vote of 4-1, even though dozens of firefighters are not on board. When Commissioner Michelle Turnberg asked the nearly two dozen firefighters in attendance how many were happy with the proposal, no one raised their hand….

President Trump to issue pardons for jailed reality tv stars Todd and Julie Chrisley

X/@margomartinWASHINGTON (AP) — The White House said Tuesday that President Donald Trump is set to pardon reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley, the couple famous for “Chrisley Knows Best,” which followed their tightly knit family and extravagant lifestyle. A jury in 2022 found them guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. The Chrisleys were…

Republicans choose replacement for North Dakota legislator who resigned

State Rep. Kelby Timmons. (Photo provided by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A former North Dakota legislator will take over the seat of Rep. Jeremy Olson, who resigned abruptly after the 2025 session amid a harassment complaint. The District 26 Republicans on Saturday picked Kelby Timmons of Watford City to replace Olson. Timmons served with…

North Dakota to require age verification for pornography sites

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Legislature passed expanded regulations and penalties surrounding pornography and deepfake content during the 2025 session. Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed bills that added age-verification requirements for websites publishing explicit content. He also signed a bill that added civil penalties for the creation and distribution of deepfake, or computer-generated, pornographic material without a…

Baesler’s nomination for U.S. Education post advances to the full Senate

Washington, D.C. (KVRR) — Kirsten Baesler’s nomination to serve as U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education has advanced to the full Senate. Her nomination was advanced after a vote on seven of President Trump’s nominees by a vote of 12-11 by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. A date for the final confirmation vote in the…

Minnesota may be headed for another special session later this summer or fall

Sen. Erin Murphy/(D) Senate Majority LeaderST. PAUL (KVRR/FOX9) — Gov. Tim Walz has still not called for a special session to finish up budget work in Minnesota. That’s because working groups are still trying to iron out differences on a number of budget bills including education and taxes. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says they have ironed out many of…

Veto mistake could lead to special session in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) – Lawmakers may be called back to Bismarck to correct a veto mistake in a housing incentive bill. Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s office says a line-item veto that was designed to take $150,000 dollars from affordable housing legislation instead eliminated $35 million. The $150,000 was intended for tribal communities but Armstrong says the state needs to find longer…

Wildlife group warns federal budget cuts could hit Jamestown research center

Sandhill cranes migrate across North Dakota. (Photo provided by ND Game and Fish Department)JAMESTOWN, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A North Dakota wildlife group is worried federal funding cuts could affect a renowned wildlife research center at Jamestown and is urging people to contact Congress. The Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center is part of the U.S. Geological Survey, which is…