Politics / Elections

U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider prepares for return to private law practice

U.S. Attorney Mac SchneiderFARGO (KFGO) – North Dakota U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider is preparing to return to his private law practice in Fargo. With the second Trump administration, Schneider, a Democrat, says he expects to be replaced by a Republican-appointee. Schneider was appointed by President Biden in the fall of 2022. “When I came in, there wasn’t a need for…

A court ruling could tip the majority to Republicans in the Minnesota House

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota House Republicans could start the 2025 legislative session in the majority after a judge ruled Friday that a Democratic candidate didn’t meet the residency requirements for his suburban district. Ramsey County Judge Leonardo Castro ruled that Curtis Johnson didn’t live in the Roseville-area district for the required six months ahead of the election and…

North Dakota federal judge blasts Biden for setting fraudsters free

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A federal judge is criticizing President Joe Biden’s decision to set free more than a dozen North Dakota defendants, including two men sentenced to prison for high-profile fraud cases. Biden last week commuted the sentences of 1,499 criminals including Hunter Hanson and David McMaster, convicted in separate North Dakota fraud cases, and 12 drug…

Burgum staff were briefed on Badlands monument plan he called a ‘surprise’

The Maah Daah Hey Trailhead at Rough Rider State Park at Medora. There is a proposal to designate 11 areas along the trail as a national monument. (Amy Dalrymple/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — In his last week as governor of North Dakota, Doug Burgum lamented a “surprise national monument” by the Biden administration that he said could…

Clay County bans sale of flavored tobacco products

THE ORDINANCE CARVES OUT AN EXCEPTION FOR MENTHOL-FLAVORED TOBACCO

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – The Clay County Commission on Tuesday passed an ordinance that bans the sale of flavored tobacco. The ordinance allows for the continued sale of menthol cigarettes, flavored chewing tobacco and nicotine pouches. Commissioners declined to pass a more restrictive option that would have included menthol. The vote was 3-2. Commissioners David Ebinger, Frank Gross and Paul…

Health, Human Services changes likely, Armstrong says after first Cabinet meeting

Gov. Kelly Armstrong, center-right, speaks to reporters next to Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, right, after holding his first Cabinet meeting in the governor’s conference room at the Capitol on Dec. 16, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong signaled a possible shakeup at the Department of Health and Human Services after his…

Armstrong and Strinden Sworn In As Governor and Lt. Governor of North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Kelly Armstrong is now the 34th governor of North Dakota, assuming the office today after taking the oath of Friday. He was joined by his wife Kjersti and their kids Anna and Eli along with other family members and outgoing governor and first lady Doug and Kathryn Burgum. Secretary of State Michael Howe administered the oath…

Minnesota Sues Glock Over Pistol “Switch” Capability

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Attorney General Keith Ellison of Minnesota files suit against gun manufacturer Glock over its pistol “switch” conversion capability. The civil lawsuit claims Glock was aware since the 1980s that the design of its pistols allowed for easy modification to make the weapon function like a fully automatic firearm. The attorney general says Glock promotes automatic weapons…

“Operation Safe Fargo” Voted Down By City Commission, 3-2, New Plan Coming In 2 Weeks

Fargo City Commissioner Michelle TurnbergFARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — An urgent move by Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg to address the homeless situation as the temperatures drop is voted down by the commission. Turnberg’s proposal called “Operation Safe Fargo” was defeated 3-2, with her only support coming from Commissioner Dave Piepkorn. She proposed outlawing homeless camping on any city property and…