North Dakota News & Current Events

In the past decade, the U.S. Energy Department said 2,555 North Dakota homes, occupied by people with limited incomes, have been weatherized. The free upgrades include furnace repairs, insulation and sealing drafty windows. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

An under-the-radar profession could use a helping hand

September is Workforce Development Month and North Dakota offices managing energy assistance programs hope people in need of a fresh career start will…

According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, 18 states currently either ban abortion completely or after six weeks of pregnancy. (Adobe Stock)

North Dakota's abortion ban overturned

Abortion care restrictions in North Dakota are expected to be lifted in the near future, following a court ruling on Thursday. A state judge said …

The North Dakota Farmers Union said more frequent and devastating natural disasters place added pressure on farmers and more robust conservation programs in a new Farm Bill could help make agricultural landscapes more climate resilient. (Adobe Stock)

ND farmers: It's déjà vu as Farm Bill deadline inches closer

Congress is back from recess and lawmakers are hearing from producers about getting a new Farm Bill passed with the latest deadline looming…

According to the Native American Rights Fund, there are 4.7 million Native Americans eligible to vote. (Adobe Stock)<br />

As summer fades, ND organizers feel good about tribal members voting

New findings looking at Native American participation in elections show a mixed bag of news but North Dakota outreach leaders said they are coming off…

The Biden administration is providing a range of subsidies to spur carbon-capture projects to help reduce carbon emissions. But as projects take shape in the Midwest, issues such as landowner rights have led to extensive public debate. (Adobe Stock)

Survey sheds light on public sentiment about carbon-capture land conflicts

In a new poll, 81% of registered voters from several Midwestern states said they oppose corporations resorting to eminent domain for private projects…

According to Planned Parenthood, roughly 4,000 crisis pregnancy centers operate in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Debating ND government's connection to crisis pregnancy centers

Legal disputes still surround North Dakota's abortion ban. Underneath the court activity is the influence of "crisis pregnancy centers" and debate …

In the fallout from the 2020 presidential election, voting laws and access to the ballot box have received heavy focus across the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

From college students to the unhoused, understanding ND voting rules

North Dakota's election laws are coming back into focus ahead of the 2024 vote and state officials have guidance for certain populations who might str…

A coalition of national medical groups said equitable access to voting is a way to safeguard public health and avoid restrictive laws that result in adverse health effects, such as higher COVID-19 mortality rates. (Adobe Stock)

Go ahead and vote this fall; your health might thank you

Election Day is a little more than two months away and North Dakotans turned off by the political environment are urged to consider their long-term he…

The consulting firm EAB reported in 2023 community colleges are still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, including a shrinking workforce. (Adobe Stock)

ND community colleges have solid enrollment, faculty is another story

Some North Dakota community colleges and technical schools have had success when it comes to student enrollment but they have not been able to avoid c…

The Sierra Club says hot water wastes water and energy if it takes time to warm it up, so people should ask themselves if they really need it for a specific task. (Adobe Stock)

Trying to conserve water, one faucet at a time

World Water Week is underway, as leaders forge discussions on the global water crisis. Supply issues aren't as urgent in North Dakota, but that …

Leaders with North Dakota's Parents Lead initiative say practicing morning routines, like getting ready for the bus, can be helpful in easing your child into another school year. (Adobe Stock)

Back to school blues: ND parents get the lowdown on talking to their child

Many North Dakota districts this week kick off a new school year, and a state initiative has advice for parents if their child is expressing a lot …

Food waste is the biggest source of methane emissions at landfills. (Adobe Stock)

ND hunger-relief orgs play role in reducing carbon emissions

A new report said food banks across the globe are helping to significantly decrease carbon emissions and localized efforts are taking shape in North D…

In a recent AARP survey, nearly nine in 10 respondents said they are worried Social Security will not be able to provide at least the same level of benefits in the future it provides today. (Adobe Stock)

ND retiree: Fixing Social Security requires careful thought, discussion

Congress faces increasing pressure to adopt changes to keep Social Security on firm financial ground in the years to come. North Dakota retirees are …

A new policy brief says North Dakota has one of the lower residential placement rates for youth offenders in the country. But nationally, report authors say there are still too many young people - roughly 2,500 on a typical day - being held in adult prisons and jails. (Adobe Stock)

New snapshot of youth incarceration shows hope, but disparities persist

Over the past couple of years, North Dakota has implemented juvenile justice reforms. And a new national report says there's been major progress in …

Federal officials said modernizing the power grid, including adding space for renewables, could make it more resilient in the face of climate-change-linked disasters, fueled by the use of fossil fuels. (Adobe Stock)

ND grid project could help keep lights on, aid regional workforce

American Clean Power Week runs through Friday and a planned project for the North Dakota region, to open up more space on the electric grid, is …

Each Community Action Agency is different, but many offer help with resume building and interview readiness as low-income individuals try to find stable work. (Adobe Stock)

60 years into war on poverty: ND agencies prioritize adaptability

For six decades, the U.S. has been carrying out a coordinated effort to keep poverty levels in check. Support offices in North Dakota say while …

Over a several-year period, the USDA is awarding roughly $400 million to newly established regional food hub centers, where under-resourced farmers and food businesses can get help in getting their products to a wider market. (Adobe Stock)

Regional center helps small food, farm businesses reach local tables

Ever order a hamburger at a restaurant and wonder where the ingredients came from? Farmers in North Dakota and surrounding states are leaning on a new…

Farmers market organizers say the appeal of organic products is one of the many reasons these operations have gained in popularity. (Adobe Stock)

North Dakota farmers markets hit their summer stride

National Farmers Market Week is coming up next week, and in North Dakota, organizers say they're deeply invested in trying to keep customer interest …

In North Dakota, candidates for the Education Department's top job run as nonpartisan but they can seek endorsements from political parties. (Adobe Stock)

Evaluating the race for who'll lead ND public schools

A new school year is still several weeks away but North Dakota voters are being asked to study up on the state's K-12 system and the candidates runnin…

North Dakota voters will soon decide a ballot question on age limits for congressional candidates. Separately, some voters around the state have mixed feelings about a reform plan for the U.S. Supreme Court, including term limits for justices. (Adobe Stock)

ND voters weigh in on Biden reform plan for U.S. Supreme Court

Far removed from the nation's capital, voters in rural states like North Dakota are sharing their thoughts about a plan to hold the U.S. Supreme …

Many Fargo residents want to stay in their communities but are struggling to maintain their properties as they age. (FiledIMAGE/Adobe Stock)

ND seeks better housing for older population

A new design competition is looking to find better housing for Fargo's aging population. Like many other states, North Dakota has a growing number …

Researchers with the think tank Energy Innovation say despite critics' claims, growing renewable energy deployment has actually been shown to produce electricity cost savings. (Adobe Stock)

Is your electric bill higher? Independent analysis says don't blame clean energy

Advancing clean energy sources can be a tricky topic in oil-producing states like North Dakota. But a nonpartisan analysis says the facts are clear …

Researchers said children who live in poverty lose an additional two months of reading skills over the summer, with a lack of proper nutrition serving as a key factor. (Adobe Stock)

ND encourages more signups for kids' summer meal program

Some North Dakota leaders believe healthy food is part of what is needed to help all kids achieve better outcomes and they hope low-income families si…

According to a 2022 Kids Count report, 20 North Dakota counties meet less than 60% of the child care demand in their counties. (Adobe Stock)

ND launches latest component of child care crisis response

North Dakota officials will highlight a new project today to boost childcare access for parents with nontraditional work hours. A local provider …

The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a five-year policy meant to spur a range of public works projects around the country, including in North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

Grant bootcamp: Communities navigate maze of federal infrastructure aid

Federal officials have opened up a new round of funding under one of the many grant programs tied to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As the …

In North Dakota and elsewhere, various nonprofits are trying to take block parties and similar events to another level with activities that emphasize physical movement and other forms of engagement, so that all community members have access to a healthier lifestyle. (Adobe Stock)

Not your average block party: ND project aims to inspire 'active' city planning

Community developers are tasked with balancing infrastructure needs - like roads, with amenities for the public to enjoy. Organizers behind an …

A 2022 survey found half of adults in the United States said someone in their family had experienced a severe mental health crisis. (Adobe Stock/AI)

ND, other states see progress with 988 but report recommends additional steps

A new report looking at the rollout of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline found a wide variance between states, with North Dakota included in the …

Beyond legal-related maneuvers, the USDA has taken other steps to create more market fairness in the heavily consolidated livestock and meat production industry, including funding for more local processing options. (Adobe Stock)

The little guy could get a bigger voice in proposed USDA fairness rule

From North Dakota to Texas, the beef raised on farms goes through a production process controlled by four major companies and independent ranchers …

In its last session, North Dakota lawmakers adopted certain property tax reform measures. But that hasn't ended the debate about adopting broader structural changes. (Adobe Stock)

Campaigns ramp up messaging for ND property tax question

Signatures are expected to be submitted today for a potential fall ballot question which would largely do away with property taxes in North Dakota…

North Dakota is moving forward with more than $25 million in federal funding to spur construction of electric vehicle charging stations, mainly in rural areas along interstates. (Adobe Stock)

ND isn't known for EV chargers but statewide network takes next step

Electric-vehicle owners in North Dakota have long called for more action to boost the state's charging station network. There continues to be mixed …

If North Dakota were to enact a law that allows parents who had custody of their children removed by a court order to seek restoration of custody rights, officials estimate 33% of kids being held by the state would be eligible for these petitions. (Adobe Stock)

ND weighs restoring parental rights severed by courts

An interim North Dakota legislative committee this week got an update from state leaders on potential moves to reconnect kids in foster care with thei…

A new report from an independent think tank said 26 states have enacted restrictions that make it harder for local election offices to secure private grants to help cover their expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Bans on private funding for elections factor big in voting-law analysis

On the heels of its primary election, North Dakota has received a "fair" grade in an annual report examining voting laws for each state. The …

North Dakota's Pembina Gorge Recreation Area will soon become the state's 14th state park, with a 55-site campground and six all-season full-service cabins. (Photo courtesy of North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department)

New ND state park adds weight to Great Outdoors Month messaging

As temperatures warm up, people are enjoying nature - and North Dakota officials hope to see many more do so in the future as a new state park comes …

Pew researchers said 79% of Americans favor maximum-age limits for federal elected officials. (Adobe Stock)

ND voters push age-limit debate into forefront

The age of both presidential front-runners has drawn extra attention in this year's race and meanwhile, North Dakota voters this week embraced …

North Dakota might top the nation when measuring the economic well-being of kids around state. But when specifically looking at education, it ranks 40th among all states. (Adobe Stock)

Despite positive ranking, ND sees worrisome trends for child well-being

On the surface, North Dakota is performing well in setting the tone for child well-being. However, an annual ranking finds certain indicators going …

The Environmental Protection Agency says the years 2002, 2003 and 2012 had the highest reported incidence rates of West Nile virus in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

25 years of West Nile: How virus' trends are playing out in 2024

West Nile virus has had a presence in the United States for a quarter of a century. A mild winter and rainy spring sets the stage for more mosquitoes …

Animal welfare groups say food companies that rely on inhumane practices in their supply chain expose themselves to financial risks, with investors and shareholders showing increasing concern about these issues. (Adobe Stock)

Restaurant chains called into question for meat-production sources

Today is National Animal Rights Day, and some of the more popular restaurant chains in North Dakota are under fire for how the meats they use are …

According to the Native American Rights Fund, more than 1 million eligible Native American voters in the United States are not registered to vote. (Adobe Stock)

Native organizations commemorate 100th anniversary of Citizenship Act

Sunday marks 100 years since the United States granted citizenship to all Native Americans. North Dakota voices are observing the milestone, and …

In a new poll issued by the North Dakota News Cooperative, 73% of Republican voters fear that if the United States moves away from Christian foundations, the country will be in peril. (Adobe Stock)

ND poll paints picture of how GOP voters feel about Christian nationalism

Ahead of the 2024 election, an undercurrent of Christian nationalism is lurking, GOP voters in North Dakota were recently polled about the dynamic …

Election policy experts said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the movement for vote-by-mail and many voting jurisdictions have decided to use the option permanently. (Adobe Stock)

In some rural counties, voting by mail is king

North Dakotans have less than two weeks to send in their absentee or mail ballot to be counted for the June 11 primary. Despite some political …

The AFL-CIO said in 2022, the Black workers' job fatality rate in the U.S. was the highest it has been in nearly 15 years. (Adobe Stock)

Report: ND again ranks high for workplace danger

North Dakota has not managed to substantially reverse its rate of workplace fatalities. An annual report puts the state in the top five in the …

In making it easier to obtain a master's degree in nursing, officials with North Dakota's University of Jamestown say they can close gaps in turning out more nursing educators. The industry has been plagued with shortages in those who can train future nurses. (Adobe Stock)

Technology, flexibility at core of new ND nursing degree program

When students return to a North Dakota college this fall, some will be in a new nursing program. Leaders say not only will it help with workforce …

The Environmental Defense Fund said methane emissions from oil and gas wells, including abandoned sites which were never capped, remain a significant driver of short-term climate change. (Adobe Stock)

North Dakota gets more federal funds to cap abandoned oil wells

A new round of federal funding is coming North Dakota's way to help plug dozens of abandoned oil wells. The U.S. Department of the Interior this …

A new Urban Institute report showed in 2023, adults with very low food security were more likely to experience debt repayment challenges if they turned to things like credit cards to pay for groceries. (Adobe Stock)

For some families, paying with plastic is a lifeline at the grocery store

North Dakota is in the top half of states for average weekly grocery bills and a new national report detailed how consumer debt is bridging the gap fo…

Gallup polls show Americans are increasingly losing trust in key professions, although high school teachers still rank fairly high overall in ethics ratings. (Adobe Stock)

Teacher Appreciation Week: ND talks center around perks, perception

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and in North Dakota, the tone is a little different this year - with deeper conversations about the need to keep …

Calls for building out vast electric-vehicle charging networks have become a thorny issue in oil-producing states such as North Dakota. But EV owners say elected leaders need to realize some automakers are still making a strong push, despite their opposition. (Adobe Stock)

EV owners in ND: Less politics, more charging stations

It might not be surprising that North Dakota ranks low for electric vehicle adoption, but existing owners say they are frustrated elected officials …

Nearly two dozen states and Washington D.C. have legalized adult-use cannabis. (Adobe Stock)

When pot and small-town dynamics collide

Petitions are being circulated to get a marijuana legalization question on North Dakota's fall ballot. Some local officials said marijuana laws …

North Dakota agriculture officials say there are about 1.85 million beef cattle around the state. For processed livestock that winds up on store shelves, regional producers stand to gain more competitive ground under new federal rules concerning

"Product of USA" label for meat items could carry more weight under new rule

Big players in the beef and poultry industry face pressure to prepare for a new federal rule for "Product of USA" labels. And advocates for smaller …

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