Politics / Elections

Democrat Melissa Lopez-Franzen Enters Minnesota U.S. Senate Race

ST. PAUL (KVRR/KFGO) — Former Minnesota Senate Minority Leader Melissa Lopez-Franzen is joining the race for U.S. Senate. The Democrat from Edina says she’s launching a campaign focused on fighting for working families and bringing common sense and decency to Washington. She served ten years in the state senate but left after new legislative maps were drawn in 2022. Democratic…

Dickinson State University names finalists for next president

DICKINSON, N.D. (KVRR-KFGO) – Dickinson State University announced the list of five finalists from across the country to be its next president. The candidates include Dr. Carmen Simone of Dakota College at Bottineau, North Dakota, Dr. Jeff D. Borden of Gonzaga University, Dr. James Taylor of Utah State University, Dr. Jodi Washington of Broward County Florida Public schools, and Scott…

North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration proposes rebranding itself as Office of Global Talent

Katie Ralston Howe, director of workforce development for the North Dakota Department of Commerce, delivers remarks Aug. 21, 2024, during a Global Talent Summit at the Heritage Center. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Office of Legal Immigration – which some lawmakers wanted to eliminate – seeks a name change to better reflect the…

Ex-central Banker to Replace Trudeau as Canada’s Prime Minister after Winning Liberal Party Vote

Carney said Canada will keep retaliatory tariffs in place until “the Americans show us respect.”

TORONTO (AP) — Former central banker Mark Carney will become Canada’s next prime minister after the governing Liberal Party elected him its leader Sunday as the country deals with U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and annexation threat, and a federal election looms. Carney, 59, replaces Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January but remains prime minister until his successor is sworn…

Minnesota Wants To Hire Fired Federal Workers

ST. PAUL (KVRR/CNN) — Minnesota is looking to hire some of the federal workers laid off by DOGE and the Trump Administration. The state is directing people to visit the Minnesota Careers Website to learn about available resources. That includes open jobs, in-person and online workshops, resume reviews, and networking opportunities and resources for veterans. There are also instructions to…

North Dakota House considers bill expanding Silver Alert requests

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR)  — A North Dakota House Committee hears testimony on a bill that would make it easier for people to request Silver alerts. The new bill clarifies which situations qualify for the alerts as well as the ability of law enforcement to issue them. It also adds non-family members who have frequent contact with a vulnerable adult to…

Senate discusses resolution to change term limits for state officials and legislators

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR)  — In 2022, voters approved an amendment to the state constitution limiting the governor to two four-year terms and enacting other term limits. Now a new resolution in the legislature looks to repeal some sections of the state constitution relating to term limits for members of the legislature, governor, and other positions. Term limits for attorney general,…

What Trump Eliminating the Department of Education Could Mean for North Dakota

Advocates for public education warn that a loss of federal funding could lead to repercussions such as increased property tax.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR)  – The Trump Administration – and its new Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon – have made it clear they know they cannot unilaterally shutter the DOE. “It is set up by the United States Congress and we work with Congress,” said McMahon during a confirmation hearing. “It clearly cannot be shut down without it.” But that doesn’t…

North Dakota Supreme Court denies petition to move Greenpeace trial to different court

Exterior of the Morton County Courthouse in Mandan on Feb. 27, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)MANDAN, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Supreme Court on Wednesday denied a petition by Greenpeace to move its legal battle with Energy Transfer out of Morton County. Attorneys for Greenpeace argued that the jury in the lawsuit, which concerns the Dakota Access Pipeline…

Fargo lawmaker calls for hearing on state impact of federal funding cuts

Sen. Tim Mathern, R-Fargo, speaks on the Senate floor during the organizational session on Dec. 4, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A Fargo state lawmaker is calling on North Dakota legislators to hold a special hearing focused on state impacts from federal funding cuts. “We are hearing from our citizens. We are hearing from our…