Politics / Elections

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…

Trump’s Pick Withdraws from US Attorney General Consideration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general following scrutiny over a federal sex trafficking investigation. The Republican’s announcement came one day after meeting with senators in an effort to win their support for his confirmation to lead the Justice Department. Here’s the latest: “President Trump remains committed to choosing…

State Canvassing Board Certifies North Dakota’s Election Results

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — In North Dakota, the State Canvassing Board certified the 2024 General Election results. There will be two automatic recounts for two Supervisor of Soil Conservation District races, South McLean and Towner County. There are two seats where a demand recount threshold has been met. District 9 and District 18, the race that Corey Mock chose not…

Armstrong Announces More Cabinet Appointments Including a Democratic State Representative

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota Republican Governor-elect Kelly Armstrong reaches across party lines for one of his latest cabinet appointments. He has named Democratic State Rep. Corey Mock of Grand Forks as Chief Information Officer for the Information and Technology Department. In a statement, Mock said he’s honored to take the position and says technology plays an increasingly crucial…

North Dakota adds 3 staff to help legislators, another 50 by 2029 proposed

The Legislative Management Committee meets Nov. 13, 2024, in the House chamber. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Three full-time staff will join North Dakota Legislative Council ahead of the 2025 session, with more hiring on the horizon if lawmakers approve the council’s plan for an additional 50 positions by 2029. The three new hires – a communications specialist,…