North Dakota News & Current Events

Toy drive organizers say books are a good donation approach for toy drives because a set of three can count as one whole gift as part of the toy limit for each child. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 8, 2023

Toy drive tips: items for teens, resist donating used gifts

Christmas is a little more than two weeks away, and toy drives around the country are in full swing. A North Dakota organizer shares some things to …

According to a project led by Northwestern University, the U.S. has lost almost 2,900 newspapers since 2005. All but about 100 were weeklies, which are often the sole provider of local news in small and midsized communities. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

For rural states like ND, local news access no longer a guarantee

There are some bright spots in beefing up local news coverage, but a new report says in North Dakota and elsewhere, there are still big concerns …

According to the National Family Farm Coalition, the average U.S. farmland value is now $3,800 per <br />acre, the highest since the 1970s. (Adobe Stock)

ND farmers still navigate corporate land-ownership policy maze

North Dakota's farming landscape is seeing policy shifts dealing with corporate ownership of agricultural interests. Now, there's fresh debate at the …

A growing body of research shows younger adults report higher levels of mental-health issues, while older adults say they feel more isolated. A North Dakota project has brought together these generations for mentorships tied to housing work, with hopes of building community connections. (Adobe Stock)

Cross-generational housing mentorships close community gaps in ND

As the weather turns colder, two groups of people in one North Dakota city that are generations apart appear to be in good shape to navigate housing …

Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act has been a central component for Native American tribes in North Dakota to successfully challenge political boundaries drawn by the Legislature. But other court rulings have weakened enforcement of the law, spurring the state to appeal. (Adobe Stock)

Legal wrangling continues over redistricting for ND tribal areas

CLARIFICATION: North Dakota Native Vote Board Chair Wes Davis isn't opposed to having all affected tribes in the same district. His comment …

Between 2019 and 2021, North Dakota saw a decline in high-schoolers using e-cigarette-type products, mirroring national trends. (AdobeStock)

National tobacco use data show mixed results for teens

Cigarettes may not appeal to America's youth like they did in the 1960s, but a significant number still experiment with e-cigarettes. The Centers …

For now, U.S. farmers have certainty about commodity policies and other USDA programs with the Farm Bill being extended another year. But conservation groups hope Congress is aggressive in approving a robust long-term plan well before the next deadline. (Adobe Stock)

Sigh of relief for Farm Bill, but advocates stress it's temporary

This week's move by federal lawmakers to advance another temporary government budget also means the Farm Bill, which recently expired, is extended…

WPA Intelligence was hired by the North Dakota News Cooperative for a public opinion poll on state policy matters. It says 517 likely voters were surveyed, and the poll's margin of error is plus or minus 4.3%. (Adobe Stock)

ND poll suggests voters aren't thrilled with legislative policy

A majority of likely voters in North Dakota oppose controversial policy moves at the state level, including efforts to add more hurdles for …

While they scored some gains in the most recent redistricting process, North Dakota tribal advocates say legislative boundaries often dilute the voting power of Native Americans. (Adobe Stock)

ND tribal advocates: Community work matters in redistricting cases

North Dakota is one step closer to getting a full sense of how the courts view redistricting challenges in tribal areas. Legal representatives say …

Former President Barack Obama's administration had rejected the Dakota Access oil pipeline over concerns about the impact on tribal lands, but it was revived under the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal advocates want more public accommodations for DAPL process

Public comment on an aspect of the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline runs through mid-December. In the meantime, Native American voices are …

One of North Dakota's more popular hunting seasons, the firearm deer season, runs for roughly two weeks each November. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for protecting natural resources while hunting this fall

North Dakota's firearm deer-hunting season kicks off Nov. 10, and pheasant hunting is already underway. Conservation voices have some guidance on how …

In 2012, North Dakota voters rejected a proposed ballot question to abolish property taxes. They may be asked a similar question next year if a proposed measure is approved for the 2024 ballot. (Adobe Stock)

ND property tax plan spurs debate about hurting local schools, governments

There are warnings of cuts to municipal governments and schools, and some loss of local control for budget decisions, amid efforts to eliminate …

The North Dakota Child Care Action Alliance said the state needs about 10,000 more childcare slots to meet the demand for young children with working parents. (Adobe Stock)

ND childcare crisis: What's the next step during session gap?

North Dakota's special legislative session on budget technicalities did not bring many surprises. Groups wanting to see more action on child care …

During Health Literacy Month, experts say providers should learn tips such as using plain language and encouraging questions to make sure patients understand what they're being told. (Adobe Stock)

Health Literacy Month: Get info from the right sources

October is Health Literacy Month, and a North Dakota official says there are key things you can do to ensure you're getting the right information to …

In a new survey, respondents from all eight regions served by Community Action Agencies in North Dakota cited housing as the most pressing community need. (Adobe Stock)

With emerging data, ND housing needs come into focus

More than 65% of North Dakotans say housing is the state's biggest overall need. That's according to new community-level survey data. The findings …

Supporters of enhancing cybersecurity education said it helps students be more mindful of the digital threats not only facing them but family and friends as well. (Adobe Stock)

ND schools prepare to weave in cybersecurity curriculum

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and in the near future North Dakota public school students will be more knowledgeable about the …

On its website, the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions offers a number of links for people who want to know more about financial literacy. (Adobe Stock)

Before taking on student debt, one expert suggests becoming 'money smart'

A student loan expert recommends that college-bound high schoolers take a financial literacy class as they consider pursuing higher education…

When looking beyond racial gaps, North Dakota's overall homeownership rate lags behind all three of its neighboring states. (Adobe Stock)

Data show home-ownership disparities in ND

As the U.S. navigates a prolonged housing crisis, a North Dakota organization is highlighting data showing significant homeownership disparities…

As the public becomes more aware of mental-health care needs in the United States, federal officials say it's not just an issue of not having enough counselors to see patients. They say there is still a lack of parity when it comes to approving insurance benefits for those seeking care. (Adobe Stock)

Feds crack down on insurance providers for limiting mental health care benefits

In rural states such as North Dakota, accessing mental-health care can be extremely difficult. Federal officials say it's even worse when someone's …

Given the more challenging environment facing election administrators, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission has enhanced outreach efforts, such as establishing National Poll Worker Recruitment Day a few years ago, in hopes of recruiting more poll workers. (Adobe Stock)

ND film screening aims to highlight contributions from election workers

This coming Saturday, North Dakotans will get a chance to see how election workers go to great lengths to ensure a safe and secure voting process…

It has been nearly four years since North Dakota reached a settlement with Native American tribes over its Voter ID law, but advocates say there are still barriers for tribal members who want to cast a ballot. (Adobe Stock)

As 2024 vote looms, ND Tribal advocates ramp up outreach

While North Dakota does not have voter registration, civic engagement groups say efforts are still needed to help underserved populations get …

The U.S. Department of the Interior currently manages 11,000 bison in herds across 4.6 million acres of public lands in a dozen states. (Adobe Stock)

Native American Tribes get funding for bison restoration

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced $5 million in funding to help reintroduce bison to Native American Tribal lands around the country…

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says last year's spike in the nation's child poverty rate is the largest increase for children dating back to 1967. (Adobe Stock)

New Poverty Data Spurs Urgent Calls to Reverse Trends

The U.S. Census Bureau is out with new findings showing that the nation's child poverty rate has more than doubled, to 12%. Policy experts say a key …

Policy analysts said the Farm Bill is generally a bipartisan issue, but reauthorization can get held up by spending disputes over certain programs, especially the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farming Community Joins Push for Jumpstart on Farm Bill Talks

North Dakota farmers and fellow producers from around the country are in Washington, D.C., this week, calling on Congress to prioritize the soon-to-…

While several states adopted new school voucher bills this year, the Brookings Institution says another nine expanded existing programs. (Adobe Stock)

ND Public Schools State Their Case Amid Voucher Debate

New research is sharpening the focus on the debate over public funding for private school vouchers. And with North Dakota kids back in class…

Around the country, surprise rental fees for things like trash removal, have garnered more attention amid the affordable housing crisis. (Adobe Stock)

'Move Out' Fees for Immigrant Renters in ND Draw Scrutiny

As refugees and immigrant families try to carve out new futures in North Dakota, aid groups said some people are having their lives upended by …

According to the Congressional Budget Office, nationwide spending on prescription drugs increased from $30 billion in 1980 to $335 billion in 2018. Consumer advocates accuse drug makers of sharply increasing their prices, forcing people to spend more on these medications. (Adobe Stock)

ND Voices See Light at End of Tunnel on Prescription Costs

Older North Dakotans and a key advocacy group are hopeful that seniors will see relief from the heavy burden of prescription drug costs - and they're …

After false claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential vote, some states have lowered their risk of threats to democracy by enacting certain safeguards. A new analysis found North Dakota faces a 'moderate risk' of election denialism. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: ND Faces Moderate Threat from 'Election Denialism'

Election denialism still could be a problem in North Dakota and other states in next year's race for the White House, according to a new analysis…

Organizers with the Backpacks for Kids Program in the Bismarck area help ensure kids have access to food when they're away from school during the academic year, so they do not return to class distracted by hunger. (Photo courtesy of Community Action Program)

Starting the School Year Right: Relief Options for Kids in Low Income Settings

The start of a new school year can bring added stress to families, especially those experiencing poverty. In North Dakota, community-level …

In its most recent session, the North Dakota Legislature advanced nearly a dozen bills deemed hostile towards the LGBTQ community, including several new laws that advocates say unfairly target transgender students. (Adobe Stock)

ND Schools Prep for Laws Targeting Transgender Students

North Dakota school districts are making final preparations for the new academic year. But there are questions about what the environment will be …

According to the Expanding News Desert project, in the 15 years leading up to 2020, more than one-fourth of the country's newspapers disappeared. (Adobe Stock)

Staying Informed Becomes Harder for North Dakotans

This month, North Dakota has become the latest state to be swept up in the declining presence of local news media. One expert sees it as a concerning …

Roughly 30 states now allow some form of raw-milk sales, including North Dakota. (Pixabay)

Raw Milk Gets Foot in the Door in ND, But Health Risk Warnings Remain

North Dakota has joined the raw-milk movement. The state now allows limited sales of the product, and officials are urging caution for consumers who …

Associations for Community Health Centers say if Congress do not extend federal funding, nearly seven million patients around the United States could lose access to primary care. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Record Demand, Community Health Centers Confront Key Obstacles

This week is National Health Center Week. The facilities help to close care gaps in underserved communities, and regional and national leaders hope …

Summit Carbon Solutions is seeking land agreements and permit approval in several Midwestern states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa, for a proposed pipeline that would collect carbon emissions from ethanol plants and store them underground. (Adobe Stock)

After ND Permit Rejection, Carbon Pipeline Opponents Won't Rest

Groups tracking energy policy in the Midwest are sizing up the impact of North Dakota's decision to decline a permit for a controversial pipeline proj…

Beyond sustainable farming, organizers behind a North Dakota community garden for refugees say participants can learn about things like marketing the food they grow and how to start a business, should they want to sell their product. (Adobe Stock)

ND Community Garden Gets Growing for Refugees

As the summer season continues, refugees who have resettled in the Fargo area are watching their vegetables and fruit grow in a new community garden…

According to the National Agricultural Law Center, more than a dozen states have taken to steps to restrict or prohibit foreign entities from buying U.S. farmland. (Adobe Stock)

ND Joins Movement to Ban Foreign Ownership of Farmland

A pair of new North Dakota laws go into effect today that ban foreign entities from buying up land in the state. Advocates for smaller farmers see it …

People speaking up for reproductive rights claim calls by Republican attorneys general, for law enforcement to still have access to medical records for out-of-state abortion care, not only want it to pursue potential criminal investigations but also to scare women from seeking abortions. (Adobe Stock)

Concern Lingers Over Privacy Rule Opposition Regarding Abortion Care

Civil rights advocates in North Dakota hope the federal government keeps pursuing plans to expand privacy protections for patients seeking out-of-stat…

The lack of broadband infrastructure has been seen as a huge barrier for rural Americans to access high-speed internet. But advocates say in areas where internet is available, monthly costs can be another burden. (Adobe Stock)

Giving Low-Income North Dakotans a Hand with Internet Costs

North Dakota will soon boost its infrastructure for high-speed internet, thanks to the latest federal subsidy. In the meantime, low-income households …

Now in its seventh year, AARP's Community Challenge grant program helps local groups address a range of issues, including food insecurity. A small North Dakota town is using the funds to keep its lone grocery store from closing by switching to a

In ND Food Desert, Town Gets Funds for 'Self-Service' Grocery Store

In recent years, North Dakota's smaller towns have seen at least 15% of their grocery stores disappear. That's prompted a flurry of action, including …

Gallup officials said while their recent poll does not look at why Americans have less confidence these days in higher education, it is reasonable to think affordability issues are a likely factor. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Troubling Poll Numbers, ND College Carries Out New Vision

A new Gallup poll found Americans' confidence in higher education has fallen to 36%. It added to the headwinds facing colleges and universities…

Farm organizations tracking the emergence of gene editing tools for seeds say it could lead to less stress on farmland, while reducing growing costs for producers. (Adobe Stock)

'Designer Seeds' Poised to Transform Agriculture

In the future, the food you eat could be grown from seeds developed with gene editing tools. As scientists tinker with crop DNA, North Dakota farmer …

A new U.S. Geological Survey study confirms that PFAS, or

Study: 'Forever Chemicals' Found in 45% of U.S. Faucets

A new government study estimates nearly half of the nation's tap water has at least one type of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known …

Several groups representing Native American college students say the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to largely remove affirmative action from college admissions is

Tribal Education Groups Respond to SCOTUS Ruling on Admissions

Advocates for underrepresented college students continue to assess the fallout from last week's U.S. Supreme Court decision dealing with affirmative …

AARP experts say greater mental well-being, achieved through activities such as hiking, is associated with reduced dementia risks. (Adobe Stock)

If You Dust Off Those Hiking Shoes, Your Brain Might Thank You

Summer is here, leading to opportunities for older North Dakotans to get outside and not only improve their physical health but their brain health…

Those wanting more information about a potential rupture of a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline for North Dakota say certain details, such as how far the harmful emissions would spread, could be separated from security matters related to bad actors accessing the info. (Adobe Stock)

Carbon Pipeline: ND Panel to Mull Making Public Safety Info Public

North Dakota's Public Service Commission will lead a hearing tomorrow to consider a safety aspect of a high-profile project involving a proposed carbo…

Some 20 states have passed laws that either ban or restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth. (Adobe Stock)

Assessing Gender-Affirming Care Bans After Key Ruling

A legal decision has added a major wrinkle to the movement to adopt gender-affirming care bans for transgender youths. It's unclear how it might …

Election leaders in North Dakota's Cass County say after the 2022 elections, they heard from many voters who had waited in line for at least an hour at some locations. The feedback prompted changes for the 2024 election. (Adobe Stock)

ND County: Voter Feedback Inspires Changes for Smoother Process

North Dakota's biggest county is ushering in some changes for the 2024 election. Local leaders say the moves are largely based on feedback from …

Native American advocates say this week's Supreme Court decision to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act ultimately protects tribal culture and heritage by ensuring there will be continued efforts to keep Native children in their community environments if they're considered for adoption or foster care. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Advocates Feel 'Relief' After SCOTUS ICWA Ruling

Tribal advocates are cheering a U.S. Supreme Court decision Thursday which allows a landmark law dealing with child welfare cases to stand. It …

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