Politics / Elections

North Dakota submits proposal to ban candy, soda from food assistance

Candy and sugary drinks are displayed at a gas station in Bismarck on Oct. 14, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota has submitted a request to the federal government to prohibit North Dakotans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from using their benefits to buy soft drinks, energy drinks or candy….

Bill to end government shutdown passes the Senate, heads to House next for final vote

The U.S. Senate on Monday drew closer to ending the U.S. government shutdown after a small group of Senate Democrats and an independent senator broke a 40-day stalemate late Sunday evening and voted with Republicans to move forward with reopening the government, in a move that has angered many in their caucus. The legislative package that appears on track to end the longest government shutdown…

Fargo delays voting on annexing AI data center land north of Fargo, also rejects pausing Harm Reduction Program

Harwood Mayor Blake Hankey address Fargo City Commissioners on Nov. 10, 2025.FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Harwood Mayor Blake Hankey appears at the latest Fargo City Commission meeting to ask the city to “back off” of a land grab for a proposed AI data center. The city has done just that, but just for two weeks. Commissioners voting 4-1 to delay…

Trump administration demands states ‘undo’ full SNAP payouts as states warn of ‘catastrophic impact’

President Donald Trump’s administration is demanding states “undo” full SNAP benefits paid out under judges’ orders last week, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has stayed those rulings, marking the latest swing in a seesawing legal battle over the anti-hunger program used by 42 million Americans. The demand from the U.S. Department of Agriculture came as more than two dozen states warned…

List of possible names for new elementary school in Fargo is narrowed down

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Fargo School Board has narrowed down the list of possible names for the new northside elementary school to 29. The names were submitted by the public, and board members selected their favorites. 437 unique names were submitted. Each board member selected up to five names to bring to the full board. The 29 names selected by…

Natural gas pipeline developer to sign up western North Dakota suppliers, eastern users next year

Sen. Mark Enget, R-Powers Lake, from left, and Sen. Kent Weston, R-Sarles, listen to WBI Energy Vice President Mark Anderson’s presentation to the interim Energy Development and Transmission Committee on Nov. 6, 2025. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)UNDERWOOD, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — WBI Energy on Thursday released new details of the timeline for the planned Bakken East natural…

Partial food assistance benefits available in North Dakota

The Great Plains Food Bank, which works with food pantries across North Dakota, prepared for a surge in demand after federal funding was disrupted in November. On Thursday, the state announced that partial benefits would begin flowing to some households enrolled in the federal program. (Photo courtesy of Great Plains Food Bank)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota…

North Dakota Supreme Court chief justice not seeking another term in top post

North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Jon Jensen delivers the state of the judiciary address to a joint session of the Legislature on Jan. 7, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Jon Jensen has announced he will step down as head of the court when his term ends this year….