Politics / Elections

Minnesota Republicans Update Recall Effort Against Absentee DFL House Members

ST. PAUL – One day after announcing a recall effort against all 66 DFL House legislators, Republican leaders announced they’ve collected more than 5,000 signatures on recall petitions. Minnesota Republican Chair Alex Plechash says the message is clear from Minnesotans – they want DFL lawmakers to show up for work or face recall elections. Republicans must collect 25 signatures in…

Legislative hearing at North Dakota State Penitentiary highlights rehabilitation programs

Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee Human Resource Division hold a hearing at the North Dakota State Penitentiary on Feb. 4, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — There was a podium with a microphone and a sign-in sheet, just like any other legislative committee hearing. A key difference Tuesday was the series of seven locked doors…

North Dakota federal judge axes environmental rule

The William L. Guy Federal Building pictured on Dec. 18, 2024, in Bismarck. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A North Dakota federal judge on Monday delivered the latest blow to the federal Council on Environmental Quality, finding that the agency for decades has exercised regulatory authority it doesn’t actually have. U.S. District Court Judge Dan Traynor…

Ruling in North Dakota transgender health care case likely months out as trial wraps

South Central Judicial District Judge Jackson Lofgren presides over a trial to determine the constitutionality of North Dakota’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors on Feb. 3, 2025. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A seven-day trial over North Dakota’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors concluded Tuesday, though a final decision on the case is still…

Trump says he wants US to take charge of Gaza Strip at press conference with Netanyahu

President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he wants the U.S. to take ownership of the Gaza Strip and redevelop it after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere. He made the remarks in a…

Committee Tasked With Developing Convention Center in Fargo Gets Go Ahead

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO)– A 13 member city-run committee will be tasked with developing proposals for the planning and design of a new convention center in Fargo. The project was approved by voters in November when they passed a 3% lodging tax. Fifty-one percent of voters approved increasing the tax by 3% to 6%. It will be in effect for 25…

Project 2025 Protests Planned Wednesday at All 50 State Capitol Buildings

Protests against Project 2025 and President Donald Trump’s executive orders are planned for Wednesday at state Capitol buildings in all 50 states. The one day protest, also known as the 50501 Movement, are against Trump’s actions during his first few weeks back in the White House. Trump last fall denied he had anything to do with Project 2025. In North…

Minnesota GOP Announces Recall Efforts Against All DFL House Members

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO/WCCO) – The Minnesota GOP announced recall petitions against every House DFL member on Tuesday. The recall petitions come as a weeks-long boycott continues at the state capitol and what is supposed to be the start of the legislative session. Republican Party Chair Alex Plechash says Democrats are ignoring a number of issues like a looming budget…

North Dakota tribal leaders seek to restore vehicle tax exemption

Lonna Jackson-Street, chair of the Spirit Lake Nation, speaks during a summit between state and tribal leaders on June 25, 2024. She testified last week in support of a bill that seeks to restore a motor vehicle excise tax exemption for tribal citizens. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A bill in the North Dakota House seeks…

Charter school bill narrowly fails in North Dakota House; Senate considers similar bill

Rep. Eric Murphy, R-Grand Forks, speaks on the House floor before a vote to reconsider his bill on public charter schools on Feb. 3, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A bill to establish public charter schools narrowly failed in the North Dakota House, but a similar proposal is being vetted by the Senate. House lawmakers…