Politics / Elections

North Dakota Supreme Court supermajority rule rare among states

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — An unusual clause in the North Dakota Constitution that limits the power of the courts kept the state’s near-total abortion ban from being struck down last month. Most state Supreme Courts require a majority vote to declare a law unconstitutional. But in North Dakota, it takes a supermajority — a vote of at least…

DFL stands by Northland party official charged with vehicular homicide

A photo of Martin’s car taken by State Patrol troopers at her Grand Rapids home on July 4, 2024. Screenshot from court documents.ST. PAUL, Minn. (Minnesota Reformer) — An influential Democratic-Farmer-Labor official in northern Minnesota has roiled the party by declining to resign as chair of Congressional District 8 despite being charged with criminal vehicular homicide. The incident has split…

Chief justice candidates share ambitions for North Dakota court system

North Dakota Supreme Court justices, from left, Chief Jon Jensen, Lisa Fair McEvers and Jerod Tufte listen to arguments during a hearing on Dec. 18, 2023. (Photo by Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — The two candidates for next chief justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court have a vision for a better-resourced and more…

Minnesota’s budget and economic forecast shows current surplus with a looming deficit

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — Minnesota’s budget and economic outlook remains stable in the current biennium. State officials are predicting a surplus of nearly $2.5 billion in the current biennium, but a $2.96 billion deficit for the 2028-29 budget. The Minnesota Management and Budget Office says a better-than-expected fiscal year close and higher near-term revenue collections, partially offset by increased…

Carbon storage ruling adds uncertainty, North Dakota energy industry says

Representatives from Summit Carbon Solutions present during a Department of Mineral Resources hearing related to a carbon dioxide storage permit on June 11, 2024, in Bismarck. A judge’s order could have implications for the storage permit, which was later approved by state regulators. (Photo by Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A court’s finding that…

MyPillow’s Mike Lindell files to run for Minnesota governor

FILE – MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell speaks to reporters outside federal court in Washington, June 24, 2021. On Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, a federal judge affirmed a $5 million arbitration award against the MyPillow chief executive in favor of a software engineer who challenged data that Lindell claims proves that China interfered in the U.S. 2020 elections and tipped…

ND Emergency Commission discusses $1.3 million in staff bonuses, but takes no action

Rep. Don Vigesaa, R-Cooperstown, speaks during a Dec. 2, 2025, meeting of the North Dakota Emergency Commission. At right is House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — A proposal to give roughly $1.3 million in bonus pay for 12 Retirement and Investment Office employees took a step forward Tuesday after officials had…

Grant money available for small North Dakota fire departments

Manvel, ND Fire Department Cooperative Fire Protection AssistanceBISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR-KFGO) — The North Dakota Forest Service is accepting applications for the Cooperative Fire Protection Assistance program. Grant funds are available to enhance fire protection and prevention capabilities of North Dakota’s fire departments. Applications will be accepted from fire departments that serve a population of 10,000 or less. Funds may be…

New parents can apply Wednesday for Minnesota’s Paid Leave Program

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR-KFGO) — State officials are preparing to launch Minnesota’s new Paid Leave program. Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek says they begin accepting early applications Wednesday, Dec. 3. He says, “Any eligible Minnesota parent who welcomed a child in 2025 will be able to apply for leave to be used in 2026.” Varilek says…