Politics / Elections

Bill would provide $15M to replace Chinese drones used by North Dakota agencies

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Nearly 90% of drones used by North Dakota state agencies were manufactured in China, a statistic that has a Bismarck lawmaker concerned about potential security risks. Rep. Mike Nathe submitted a bill this week that proposes to spend $15 million to replace Chinese drones used by law enforcement, oil regulators, colleges and other state…

North Dakota House aims to bring back COVID-era remote participation rule

North Dakota Speaker of the House Rep. Robin Weisz, left, R-Hurdsfield, speaks during a meeting of the Rules Committee on Dec. 3, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Members of the North Dakota House of Representatives may be able to participate in meetings and vote remotely if a recommended rule change is passed by the full…

GOP lawmaker to propose bill preserving some abortion access in North Dakota

Rep. Eric James Murphy, R-Grand Forks, speaks during a meeting of the interim Education Committee on Sept. 24, 2024. Murphy plans to bring a bill during the 2025 session that would preserve some abortion access in North Dakota. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A Republican state lawmaker plans to introduce a bill he says will strike…

Karen Grindberg appointed to fill vacant North Dakota House seat

Newly appointed Rep. Karen Grindberg, R-Fargo, reviews documents during the organizational session of the Legislature on Dec. 2, 2024. Grindberg replaces Rep. Michelle Strinden who resigned after being elected lieutenant governor. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D.  (North Dakota Monitor) — A Fargo woman with a family legacy of public service will represent District 41 in the state House, filling a…

North Dakota lawmakers discuss changing conflict of interest rules

Sen. Jerry Klein, R-Fessenden, chair of the Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee, speaks during a meeting on March 20, 2024, next to House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota legislative committees approved changes to their conflict of interest rules on Monday that aim to make the process easier for lawmakers…

North Dakota Ethics Commission plans educational events

Staff members of the North Dakota Ethics Commission hold a virtual meeting in their conference room at the Capitol on March 27, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Ethics Commission has two free educational events planned for early December. On Dec. 9, the group is hosting a public learning session on its ethics…

Legislature plans to increase experience for new lawmakers ahead of term-limit turnover

North Dakota House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, left, R-Dickinson, speaks during a meeting of the Legislative Management Committee next to Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, R-Minot, on Nov. 13, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota Legislature is preparing to give newer lawmakers an experience boost during the upcoming legislative session with term limits…

President Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to

Hunter Biden (AP)WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family members. The Democratic president had previously said he would not…

Armstrong names North Dakota Highway Patrol superintendent

Incoming ND Patrol Colonel Daniel HaugenBISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR-KFGO) – Gov.-Elect Kelly Armstrong has appointed Daniel Haugen as head of the North Dakota Highway Patrol. Haugen will replace colonel Brandon Solberg, who’s retiring Nov. 30 after nearly 6 1/2 years as patrol superintendent. Haugen has been with the patrol for 24 years. He’s been field commander for the agency’s southwest region…

More financial reporting proposed for North Dakota elected officials

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe, shown here with the State Canvassing Board on Nov. 20, 2024, is working with the Ethics Commission on financial reporting rules for elected officials. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The North Dakota secretary of state is working with the Ethics Commission to propose changes to financial disclosure rules for…