North Dakota News & Current Events

North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers amenities such as camping and has been one of the many sites around the United States seeing surges in visitors. But park advocates said Park Service staffing cuts under the Trump administration could undermine operations. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

'He didn't cut red tape': ND mayor echoes worry about national park layoffs

As legal fights play out, national park enthusiasts in North Dakota worry about a situation where staff reductions, carried out by the Trump …

Farm groups said agricultural property owners pay more than half the property taxes in 30 North Dakota counties. Their arguments come as state lawmakers try to finalize a property tax relief package to help all parts of the state. (Adobe Stock)

Fairness at heart of ND property tax debate

It is the North Dakota Senate's turn to ramp up debate on property tax reform, a key issue of this session and lawmakers are hearing from a range of …

North Dakota officials are ramping up response efforts as the spring wildfire season begins sooner than usual. They are asking the public to monitor conditions and alerts, while being aware of any burn restrictions in their area. (Adobe Stock)

Officials: ND in for active wildfire season, possibly becoming the norm

North Dakota's governor has declared a statewide fire emergency as state and local agencies prepare for a longer and more active spring wildfire seaso…

As of 2024, more than 15 states had term limits for their legislators, although some of those frameworks have faced pushback. (Adobe Stock)

Term limit debate finds new life in ND

More testimony was heard yesterday about term limit reforms in North Dakota, an issue voters around the state might have to decide again. In 2022…

Farmers say they're now operating in an era of

ND farmer: Weather Service cuts threaten science of farming

Knowing weather patterns is part of farmers' skillset, helping them protect their land and profits. But a North Dakota producer worries about the …

The 34 accredited tribal colleges and universities served by the American Indian College Fund have a combined enrollment of nearly 22,000 students across 13 states. (Adobe Stock)

ND tribal colleges share positive numbers, but uncertainty looms

A new report says North Dakota's five tribal colleges contribute nearly $170 million to the state's economy. But any positive news is overshadowed by …

According to the National Library of Medicine, most studies examining universal free school meals, including free lunches, found positive links with diet quality, food security and academic performance. (Adobe Stock)

No-cost school lunch bill nears important stage in ND Legislature

House floor votes are expected early this week for a North Dakota bill that would expand free school meals to all students, regardless of their …

In trying to drastically reduce the federal workforce, the Trump administration has faced numerous legal challenges, while also having to rehire staff deemed essential. However, political scientists and voters opposed to these moves still warn of a

ND expert, national colleagues say U.S. Constitution under duress

Nearly 1,000 political scientists from across the U.S. have signed a letter, saying American democracy is under threat based on the early actions of …

Cryptocurrency kiosks can pop up in common spaces such as gas stations but fraud experts said because the industry is largely unregulated, it is hard for the victim of a scam to get their money back after it is deposited. (Adobe Stock)

ND looks to get tough on crypto scams

FBI data show North Dakotans lost nearly $6 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2023 and a bill advancing in the Legislature would try to limit those l…

With the inclusion of workforce certificates and certifications, North Dakota's overall rate of educational attainment has increased by 15.4% since 2009. (Adobe Stock)

ND sees more gains in degree attainment as workforce demands shift

North Dakota has made notable progress in boosting the number of working-age adults who hold a degree or credential beyond high school. That's …

While states such as North Dakota stand to lose roughly $3 million in medical research funding cuts under a Trump administration budget cutting move, neighbors like Minnesota could lose a lot more, with an analysis projecting more than $117 in funding losses. (Adobe Stock)

Amid scientists' warnings, Trump admin. sued over medical research cuts

A lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration over its budget-cutting plans targeting medical research led by colleges and universities…

Prior to this legislative session, a North Dakota task force studied ways to update setback standards for animal feedlot operations and how close they sit near townships. It comes amid growing national debate over the harmful effects of so-called factory farms. (Adobe Stock)

Distance between animal feedlots and ND towns still up for debate

North Dakota lawmakers are still sorting out a thorny agricultural issue getting to the heart of local zoning restrictions for animal feedlot operatio…

According to industry estimates from last fall, nearly 5,000 electric school buses are in operation across the United States. (Adobe Stock)

ND electric school bus efforts may have to pump the brakes

Some North Dakota school districts are part of a movement that has embraced electric school buses, but the federal funding shakeup carried out by the …

Service organizations in North Dakota said affordable housing developments can be harder to come by in rural areas. They hope pending legislation gives smaller communities more resources to expand less costly housing stocks. (Adobe Stock)

Possible funding for ND's housing crisis comes into focus

Economists warn affordable housing is harder to come by in North Dakota, putting more people at risk of not having a roof over their heads but some …

Researchers at Yale University recently forecast under an escalated trade led by the Trump administration, Americans could see their annual purchasing power go down, with losses ranging between $1,900 to $7,600 per household. (Adobe Stock)

Experts have consumer tips on navigating tariff scenarios

States like North Dakota could see unique effects under President Donald Trump's approach to tariffs. Uncertainty lies ahead, but one expert said …

A company behind a massive carbon capture pipeline in the Midwest is slowly gaining permit approval. Concerned landowners are working with lawmakers on bills to enhance their rights. (Adobe Stock)

As carbon capture projects advance, ND debates landowner protections

A North Dakota legislative committee on Thursday took up a trio of bills about landowners' rights as states in this region are eyed for carbon-capture…

Across the United States, more than 2 million older adults are served by Meals on Wheels programs annually. It's one of the many programs nonprofits say is threatened by a Trump administration effort to pause federal grants as agencies examine their budgets and ideologies. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofits: Federal grant pause toys with emotions of vulnerable people

Confusion and worry quickly spread Tuesday among charitable groups and state and local governments as the Trump administration put a freeze on federal…

More than two dozen states have passed laws that either ban or heavily restrict gender-affirming care for trans youth. (Adobe Stock)

Trial kicks off in challenge to ND's ban on gender-affirming care

Opening arguments begin today in a lawsuit challenging North Dakota's ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth. The case stems from a law …

In some conservative states, voters wanting law changes deemed more progressive have made bigger splashes through initiated measures at the ballot box. That's prompted some states to tinker with rules to make these questions harder to pass. (Adobe Stock)

ND back on familiar ground in debating ballot-question threshold

The North Dakota Legislature isn't done trying to reshape approval requirements for future ballot questions that cover constitutional amendments…

The Federal Trade Commission and farmers' advocates said when producers have to wait in line for a repair at a John Deere dealership, they are losing money by not being in the field. It underscored a new lawsuit seeking to establish more repair options. (Adobe Stock)

'Right to repair' case seen as tip of iceberg for ND farmer fairness

Farmers in North Dakota and the rest of the country are monitoring an evolving legal case against a giant equipment manufacturer and they said repair …

Policy experts said rural residents tend to have lower incomes and less access to employer-sponsored health coverage, making programs such as Medicaid a more prominent option for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Report: If Congress guts Medicaid, rural America would notice

Congressional Republicans are taking a hard look at Medicaid as they pursue spending cuts and a new report shows how the public health program is prev…

People of Native American descent make up about 7% of North Dakota's population. Through redistricting efforts and court cases, their advocates are trying to preserve political gains to ensure they are fairly represented in local and state government. (Adobe Stock)

With SCOTUS order, ND Tribal advocates feel good about legislative districts

As North Dakota's new legislative session takes shape, Indigenous voters in certain political districts will maintain their representation, after a …

When corporate-sized farms gain a presence in rural communities, skeptics said the added economic activity can have side effects, such as larger trucks leading to deteriorated roads. (Adobe Stock)

ND to debate how close large livestock sites can sit near communities

In North Dakota, 2025 could be another year when the state puts out the welcome mat for the livestock industry. Following task force recommendations…

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of registered nurses in the U.S. are union members. (Adobe Stock)

ND nurses hope union vote paves way for stronger rural health care

Labor analysts say doctors have jumped to the front of the line of healthcare workers forming unions while others in the medical field continue to sho…

National reform groups say North Dakota is taking the right steps to improve public health outcomes for those within and without the criminal justice system, but they add a lot more work is needed. (Adobe Stock)

Jail overcrowding in ND elevates reform talk

North Dakota's county jails and state prisons have been bursting at the seams. Elected leaders are calling for meaningful solutions, with legal …

Policy analysts said the 2025 legislative session in North Dakota will be dominated by efforts to fix workforce shortages and reduce child care costs. But a number of issues linked to education could be part of the mix, too, including property taxes and school meal access. (Adobe Stock)

With new session here, North Dakotans speak clearly on key issues

North Dakota lawmakers gather in Bismarck today for a new legislative session and as they settle in, they will have public polling data to analyze …

Health-care experts say physical therapy is one area that has benefited from the expansion of telehealth. (Adobe Stock)

Rural telehealth sees more policy wins, but only short-term

As the new year unfolds, rural health providers in North Dakota and other states will continue to have extra latitude in using telehealth technology…

Economists say minimum wage hikes can be a complex issue to sort out. But some say when you look past the numbers, higher wages can help boost morale and reduce the need to keep hiring new staff. (Adobe Stock)

Will ND keep standing pat on minimum wage?

When the calendar flips to January, a number of states will increase their minimum wage levels - but just like recent years, North Dakota won't be …

According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 44 counties in the United States had no grocery stores in 2015; 40 of them were in rural settings. (Adobe Stock)

The ups and downs of combating rural grocery deserts in ND

Several rural communities across North Dakota are strategizing how to slow the pace of local grocery stores shutting down. Some are making use of …

A coalition pushing for universal school meals in North Dakota says nearly half of food-insecure children do not qualify for federal nutrition programs, leaving thousands without access to free breakfast and lunch at school. (Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity prompts ND advocates to eye universal school meals

North Dakota is expected to rejoin the debate over whether all school children, regardless of their family income, should have access to no-cost …

Even amid a national push by Republican policymakers for school choice, including vouchers, voters in some conservative heavy states this fall rejected the idea at the ballot box. Policy experts say they also drum up constitutional issues. (Adobe Stock)

Will ND expand school choice? If so, what would it look like?

North Dakota students will soon be on holiday break. When they return, state lawmakers are expected to debate giving families financial support …

Federal officials said construction vests too small for larger workers could limit their mobility in a dangerous situation on a job site, one reason why they are moving forward with a new rule requiring such gear to properly fit all workers. (Adobe Stock)

One size fits all? Not so, says OSHA for construction protection gear

With winter underway, outdoor construction workers in North Dakota are likely wearing safety vests over their heavy coats and a new federal rule was …

Federal data show North Dakota has emerged as one of the states with a higher number of refugees per capita. (Adobe Stock)

Human Rights Day spotlights need for welcoming refugees in ND

Today is International Human Rights Day, and much attention has been paid to North Dakota's growing refugee population and an assistance group …

North Dakota is listed as a top 10 state for soybean production. Agriculture policy analysts say these types of crops would again suffer under a renewed trade war led by the incoming Trump administration. (Freepik)

Ag consultant: A Trump trade war would come at 'worst time' for farmers

As President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in next month, the farming community wonders if he'll follow through on tariff threats. One expert says for …

It is not just manufacturing facilities and distribution centers having a hard time finding workers. Analysts say labor shortages are affecting Main Street businesses, too. (Pexels)

Workforce innovation grants could make rural ND shine

North Dakota has 30 available workers for every 100 open jobs. To help confront workforce shortages, the state is now accepting grant applications to …

In recent presidential election years, North Dakota has recorded voter turnout levels of around 61%. But a few decades ago, those numbers were closer to 70% in some elections. (Freepik)

Post-election, turnout and balanced governing a concern in ND

Next month, newly elected candidates for many levels of government will be sworn in. In North Dakota, civic engagement leaders hope there is a …

During the 2023 legislative session, North Dakota lawmakers approved a large aid package to boost child-care access. Other incentives have been phased in since then, but support groups still see the need for long-term fixes. (Freepik)

ND's child care system gains some ground but calls remain for more action

Whether it's not enough slots or rising monthly costs, many North Dakota parents have felt that child-care is out of reach for them. More than a …

Community Action Partnership of North Dakota says perishable items are often the least-donated types of food donated to food pantries but are typically high in need. The organization's Sportsmen Against Hunger aims to help fill that gap. (Freepik)

More than 20 years in, ND hunters still help with hunger relief

A North Dakota initiative that invites hunters to donate some of their deer meat to hunger relief sites has been in place for two decades now…

Anj Karna, director of Fargo's community art space Parachigo, rearranges art for sale. (Photo courtesy of Amy Felegy).

DIY art space in Fargo looks to hit its stride

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Prairie News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collaboratio…

Easy Estates, put together by NDSU architectural student Noah Boen, was one of the winning designs in a North Dakota competition to spur more age-friendly housing. An AARP survey found 55% of state residents prioritize living independently as they age if they were to consider moving out of their current residence. (Photo courtesy AARP)

ND project lays out new 'age-friendly' housing vision

Recent surveys show a majority of North Dakotans want housing that allows them to live independently as they age. But there aren't a lot of suitable …

The Pew Research Center says the rate of multigenerational households in the United States has quadrupled since 1971. Some in the academic community say that overlaps with the need for individuals to be more socially conscious about how they share their money. (Adobe Stock)

Researcher: 'Tis the season for 'financial interdependency'

The holiday season is here and households in North Dakota and elsewhere might encounter sensitive conversations about lending money to a loved one in …

Several Midwestern states, including North Dakota, have been looking over plans submitted by Summit Carbon Solutions for what's described as one of the largest carbon capture and storage projects in the world. (Adobe Stock)

Carbon pipeline debate reaches new stage after ND permit OK'd

More regulatory action is needed, but a controversial pipeline project in North Dakota is moving forward after a permit was approved last week…

The National Institute on Retirement Security reported the average retirement benefit for public workers is about $2,428 a month. (Adobe Stock)

Americans make it clear: They like public pensions, new research finds

North Dakota is no stranger to public pension debates. States face pressure to keep retirement systems well-funded and new data show most Americans …

Some of the Biden administration's policies, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, polled well among voters who were surveyed about them. But political observers said not many people were aware of them based on how people get their information. (Adobe Stock)

Vibes versus policy: What do voters want?

The public's frustration with American politics is nothing new but last week's presidential election is spurring conversation about what kind of messa…

A coalition of organizations opposed to a ballot question in North Dakota, which called for eliminating most property taxes, said supporters never offered a real plan to replace lost revenue for government services. (Adobe Stock)

ND loudly says 'no' to showing most property taxes the door

North Dakota voters have rejected a closely watched ballot question which called for largely doing away with local property taxes. Backers of …

Over the course of U.S. history, fewer than 30 Native Americans have served in Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Overcoming odds in boosting Native representation in elected offices

As Americans head to the polls this Election Day, researchers noted there are a record number of Indigenous candidates seeking public office around …

Even with the rise of social media and email blasts, traditional

ND tribal outreach leaders crank up the amps, messaging to voters

Political rallies and large-scale "get out the vote" events might conjure images of a packed arena in a major city but in states like North Dakota…

In 2023, North Dakota created a new Office of Legal Immigration as a way to help businesses around the state overcome labor shortages and recruit and retain foreign labor. (Adobe Stock)

Even in a red state, politics takes a back seat to welcoming new Americans

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump held a rally Sunday that his critics say reinforced a hateful tone felt by Puerto Ricans and foreign-born…

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