Politics / Elections

North Dakota Catholic bishops urge parishioners to advocate for Education Savings Accounts

The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, part of the Catholic Diocese of Bismarck, sits on Raymond Street on Sept. 18, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Bishops from the Catholic dioceses of Bismarck and Fargo signed a joint letter Sunday urging parishioners across the state to contact their legislators and advocate for Education Savings Accounts. Senate…

Motion To Consider City-Owned Property in Downtown Fargo For Convention Center Fails

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A Fargo city commissioners motion to make city-owned property available for the new convention center, dies due to lack of a second. John Strand wanted to make sure developers are aware that city-owned property downtown including the former Mid America Steel lot and Civic Center are available. But other commissioners say there isn’t enough room for…

Legislative committee looks at bills changing gun laws and self defense

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A pair of bills under consideration by the North Dakota Legislature are dealing with gun regulations and self defense. HB 1326 deals with the rules of self-defense: It would make it illegal for a person who can’t lawfully possess a firearm to use it in self-defense. Supporters say the bill was created to deal with instances…

Health agencies scramble as North Dakota loses federal grants

Pam Sagness, executive director of Behavioral Health Division for North Dakota Health and Human Services, speaks during a meeting of the Budget Section, Human Resources Division, on Sept. 18, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Some North Dakota health agencies are trying to adjust to the sudden loss of federal funding. The North Dakota Department of…

Trump says he’s considering ways to serve a third term as president

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump said Sunday that “I’m not joking” about trying to serve a third term, the clearest indication he is considering ways to breach a constitutional barrier against continuing to lead the country after his second term ends at the beginning of 2029. “There are methods which you could do it,” Trump said in a…

AP: Kristi Noem refused to say who financed some of her travel. It was taxpayers who were on the hook

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — As then-Gov. Kristi Noem crisscrossed the country — stumping for President Donald Trump and boosting her political profile beyond her home state — she refused to reveal what her extensive travel was costing taxpayers. In the weeks since Noem became Trump’s Homeland Security secretary, that mystery has been solved: South Dakota repeatedly picked up the tab for expenses…

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…

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…