GOV. KELLY ARMSTRONG

Ethics candidates to face questions on agency’s role in North Dakota government

Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, left, talks to Gov. Kelly Armstrong on May 3, 2025, after lawmakers adjourned. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Officials tasked with selecting the new members of the North Dakota Ethics Commission said they plan on asking candidates what they think the commission’s role in government should be — a…

North Dakota lawmakers weigh new legislation after governor veto confusion

Emily Thompson, right, legal division director for Legislative Council, speaks during a committee meeting next to John Bjornson, director of Legislative Council, on Aug. 13, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — Lawmakers are considering a bill to clarify the legislative veto process after Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s office appeared to accidentally line-item veto housing funding in May….

Secretary Scott Turner Makes Stop in North Dakota

Turner toured an affordable housing complex in West Fargo and then attended a roundtable discussion in the Fargo City Commission Chambers.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner received a warm reception overall during a visit to Monterey and Brighton Place in West Fargo. The affordable housing development for senior citizens is a Beyond Shelter project, and Turner was able to admire the non-profit’s handiwork when touring one of the units. Flanked by U.S. Senator John…

Red River Diversion Project makes major milestone by rerouting river

HORACE, N.D. (KVRR) — After more than fifteen years of work, the Red River Valley Diversion Project made its step in marking the rerouting of the river. “What is happening here today is beyond impressive, moving our state’s largest metro area one giant step closer to a more secure and prosperous future,” said Gov. Kelly Armstrong. Armstrong and others noted…

Australian diplomat visits North Dakota to promote shared interests

Chris Elstoft, left, Australia’s diplomat to the Midwest, speaks with Gov. Kelly Armstrong during a visit to Bismarck on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo provided by the North Dakota Governor’s Office)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota technology could be of interest to producers in Australia, said the country’s Midwest diplomat, who made the first trip here in years to…

80 Mile per Hour Speed Limit Goes into Effect in North Dakota

The North Dakota Highway Patrol says it will take a week or so to get new signs put up throughout the state.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – North Dakota’s interstate highway speed limit has officially been increased to 80-MPH – and the North Dakota Highway Patrol wants to make sure drivers stay safe at those higher speeds. Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed the increased speed limit bill on May 5th The bill increases the current 75 MPH speed limit to 80 MPH. It also…

Blackout license plates to soon be available for North Dakota drivers starting next week

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota will soon be one of seven states that will allow drivers to obtain a blackout license plate. The decision comes after Governor Kelly Armstrong signed off on legislation earlier this year. “Senator Roers introduced a bill, 2133, that allows us to create this new blackout plate. So, we’ve got a lot of questions and…

Gov. Armstrong requests a presidential major disaster declaration for 19 counties

Large destructive tornado touches down around 11 pm June 20th outside of Enderlin, ND. (Max Mueller/KVRR)BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Gov. Kelly Armstrong has requested a presidential major disaster declaration for storms last month that left four people dead. The severe storms on June 20 and 21 produced around 20 tornadoes and straight-line winds that caused widespread public damage estimated at…

Governor questions scope of Ethics Commission authority

North Dakota Republican Gov. Kelly Armstrong gestures during a meeting at the state Capitol in Bismarck, N.D., Jan. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dura)BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) – North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong expressed concerns Monday that a recent Ethics Commission advisory opinion effectively created a new law without input from the Legislature. The advisory opinion, requested by Sen. Josh…

Dr. Tom Strinden, husband of Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, dies at 63

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Dr. Tom Strinden, husband of Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden of Fargo, died Sunday after a year-and-a-half battle against brain cancer. He was a partner at Bagan Strinden Vision and had an eye surgical practice in Fargo since 1995. Strinden received his medical degree from the UND School of Medicine and completed his Ophthalmology residency at the…