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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 …

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 …

The American Red Cross says in the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood through its facilities has fallen by about 40%. (Adobe Stock)

National shortages underscore pleas for blood donations

The American Red Cross said it is experiencing an emergency blood shortage. A regional facility in North Dakota said its situation is not quite as …

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)

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 …

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 …

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…

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 …

Earlier this month, North Dakota's governor issued an executive order declaring a statewide emergency in response to spring flooding. (Adobe Stock)

Flood Preparedness 101: Tips Resurface in ND After Big Snowmelt

North Dakota is no stranger to spring floods, but after several late winter bursts, rapid snowmelt has led to heightened concerns about rivers …

Those involved with AARP's Community Challenge grant program say smaller efforts, such as installing park benches in an undeserved area, can go a long way in helping to make a place livable for everyone. (Adobe Stock)

ND Reaches New Heights in Community Livability Projects

Towns and cities across America are rolling out recruiting efforts to keep their populations stable. A grant program for community-led projects puts …

Last year, blood donation centers were trying to reassure the public that giving blood was safe during the pandemic. Now, as the people return to pre-pandemic life, they're asking to help curb the nation's blood shortage. (Adobe Stock)

National Blood Shortage Hits ND Centers

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - A perfect storm is putting a strain on blood-bank supplies in North Dakota and around the country. It's a combination of trauma …

From transportation to housing, Bismarck is resetting its vision for the city's livability factors, hearing from older residents. (Adobe Stock)

Is Your City Age-Friendly? Bismarck Tackles That Question

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Bismarck is laying out its vision for future planning. As ideas come together, it has become the first North Dakota city to adopt a …

An estimated 103,000 North Dakotans are considered eligible for services provided by legal-aid groups. (Adobe Stock)

Slow Pace of Funding Worries Legal Aid Groups

MINOT, N.D. -- Groups that provide free legal assistance to low-income Americans warn stagnant funding could hinder their work. The nonprofits…

Legal Services of North Dakota says one reason it helps low-income households with free income-tax preparation is so they don't pay high fees for a firm to do the work, negating any tax refund they might receive. (Adobe Stock)

Winter Weather, Pandemic Won't Stop Free ND Tax Help

BELCOURT, N.D. -- Despite the recent arctic blast and ongoing challenges of the pandemic, a North Dakota group is reaching out in tribal areas to …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a 154% increase in telehealth visits during the last week of March in the United States, as the pandemic unfolded. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health-Care Access Focus of New ND Partnership

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota has long dealt with a shortage of access to mental health care in rural areas. But efforts are ramping up to make sure …

Over the summer, North Dakota saw about 65 hospitalizations related to COVID-19. In mid-November, that number is well above 300, putting a strain on hospital staff, including nurses. (Adobe Stock)

'They're Just Exhausted': ND Nurses Group Describes Troubling COVID Scene

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota health care professionals say they're happy to see new statewide measures aimed at stopping the dramatic COVID-19 …

While not as resistant to the idea as some other holdout states, North Dakota is among only a handful of U.S. states not to issue a statewide mask mandate during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

ND Will Launch Mask Campaign, But Should Mandate Be Included?

BISMARCK, N.D. -- As of late, North Dakota's coronavirus case numbers have seen some record highs. A new mask awareness campaign, soon to be launched …

Despite a variety of obstacles in 2020, groups such as North Dakota Native Vote have been trying to build on voter-participation progress in tribal areas. (ND Native Vote)

Outreach for Native Voters Ramps Up, But COVID a Major Roadblock

BISMARCK, N.D. -- With a little more than two months before the November election, a North Dakota group is working to overcome challenges from the …

Nonprofit organizations that assist victims of domestic violence say the global pandemic likely will result in more cases at the same time massive layoffs mean donations to these groups are down. (Adobe Stock)

ND Support Group: Domestic Violence Likely to Increase During Pandemic

FARGO, N.D. -- Groups that support victims of domestic violence worry that more cases will arise as families hunker down during the pandemic…

North Dakota's Burleigh County received 24 refugees in 2019 and 22 the year before. (Christopher Herwig/Flickr)

Refugee Advocates Say Disinformation Clouds Their Cause

BISMARCK, N.D. – Central North Dakota has been in the spotlight as Burleigh County considered whether to stop accepting refugees based on a …

Green The Rez campaign backers want North and South Dakota to develop renewable-energy standards of 50% by 2030. (Lakota People's Law Project)

Technology, Beliefs Merge to Help Standing Rock Go Green

BISMARCK, N.D. — Once at the center of a pipeline fight, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is developing a green way out of reliance on fossil …

Areas such as Williston in western North Dakota are struggling to attract attorneys. (Andrew Filer/Flickr)

Hurting for Attorneys, UND Program Boosts Rural Numbers

GRAND FORKS, N.D. — There’s a mounting attorney shortage in rural areas of the state, and the University of North Dakota is tackling the …

The government shutdown could slow down the tax-filing process this year. (przemekklos/Twenty20)

Free Aid on Federal Taxes Available in North Dakota

BELCOURT, N.D. — Tax season is approaching, and some North Dakotans qualify for free assistance with preparing their federal income returns…

AARP Caregiving Expert Amy Goyer says family caregivers are often silent heroes. (AARP)

The Joys and Challenges of Caregiving: A Personal Perspective

BISMARCK, N.D. -- There are more than 62,000 unpaid caregivers in North Dakota, whose invaluable contributions allow older relatives to age in place …

The three dozen women newly elected to the U.S. House last week surpassed the 24 female newcomers elected in 1992, the last time political pundits declared it the �Year of the Woman.� (Element5 Digital/Pexels)

Despite ND Results, Women Score Major Political Gains

BISMARCK, N.D. — Votes are still being counted, but we already know the number of women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives last week …

The Hettinger Area Chamber of Commerce hopes an outdoor game space will help bring generations together. (Brandon O'Connor/Flickr)

Awards to ND Towns for Building Healthy, Vibrant Communities

BISMARCK, N.D. – Three North Dakota towns are getting a financial boost for projects to help improve life in their communities. AARP's …

The Cardiac Ready Communities project has four parts, including CPR training and making sure there is public access to AEDs. (Anita Hart/Flickr)

Cardiac Ready Project Helps Save Lives in Rural ND

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The American Heart Association is helping North Dakota communities prepare to save lives by presenting nearly $100,000 to the North …

One third of all the food we eat is the direct result of pollinators such as the monarch butterfly, according to a Cornell study. (C Watts/Flickr)

Conservation Groups Want North Dakotans to Help Iconic Butterfly

AUBURN, N.D. – If you've ever watched the process of a caterpillar becoming a vividly colorful monarch butterfly, you probably have an …

About 21.5 million Americans 12 and older were classified with substance dependence or abuse in 2014. (Sacred Heart/Flickr)

Addiction Counselor: Road to Recovery Includes Families

FARGO, N.D. -- September is National Recovery Month, and health professionals are focusing on the power of families and communities for people on the …

Speaking to someone who is showing warning signs of committing suicide is one of the most important tools for preventing it. (Department of Defense/Wikimedia Commons)

North Dakotans Come 'Out of the Darkness' to Speak about Suicide Prevention

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakotans are coming out from the shadows to speak up about suicide and suicide prevention. The Bismarck/Mandan Out of the …

North Dakotans in the middle of severe drought can apply for a hay lottery. (Steve p2008/Flickr)

Drought-Stricken North Dakotans Get Help From Midwest Neighbors

FARGO, N.D. -- Drought-stricken farmers and ranchers in three states have until August 31 to enter a lottery for badly needed hay. The hay is …

A bill in the North Dakota Legislature would help communities become

Expanding Cardiac-Ready Communities in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. -- A number of towns in North Dakota are taking steps to become "Cardiac Ready" communities, and a bill in the Legislature would set …

AARP's CEO Jo Ann Jenkins hopes her book can help seniors live longer, happier lives. (aarp.org)

New Book Aims to Help Seniors Face Aging Challenges

FARGO, N.D. - Life expectancy in the United States is 78.8 years, much higher than when the Social Security program began in 1935. At that time it …

Chairman Archambault (left) and Chief Arvol Looking Horse are involved in the latest fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline that also spotlights decades of racial discrimination against Native populations in North Dakota. (Photo by Jenni Monet)

ND Pipeline Fight Highlights Tribal Disparities, Discrimination

BISMARCK, N.D. - For many members of the Lakota Sioux Tribe, the battle against the Dakota Access Pipeline is just the latest symptom of a …

Native Americans have been protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline since April. (Red Warrior Camp)

Dakota Access Pipeline Court Decision Expected Today

BISMARCK, N.D. – The controversial Dakota Access Pipeline project could be permanently shut down today, pending a federal judge's decision…

A new study shows North Dakota has recently seen the largest foreign-born population growth in the country. (iStockphoto)

Study: Immigrants Make Vital Contribution to ND's Economy

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota's foreign-born population plays some important roles in the state's economy, according to a new study. The …

North Dakota food growers are being asked to help get a quarter-million pounds of fresh produce to thousands of hungry kids and seniors in the state. (North Dakota Department of Agriculture)

ND Ag Department Asking for Harvest Time Help to Fight Hunger

BISMARCK, N.D. -- For many North Dakota farmers and gardeners, August is harvest time, and the state's Department of Agriculture is asking them to …

A group of Native American youth are running 2,000 miles to protest construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. (iStockphoto)

Native Youths Run to Protest Dakota Access Pipeline

BISMARCK, N.D. - A 2,000-mile journey to fight for clean water and land is making its way through Maryland. Native American youths are running from …

In 2014, about 200 industrial-sized garbage bags full of oil production waste were found in an abandoned gas station in Noonan, ND. (Dakota Resource Council)

ND Judge Says New Toxic Rules Meeting Can Go Forward

BISMARCK, N.D. – After North Dakota's Health Council approved new toxic waste rules during what turned out to be an illegal public meeting last …

North Dakota has five superdelegates who can vote for whomever they choose at the DNC. (iStockphoto)

Dems Reach Compromise After DNC Attempt to End Superdelegates

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Philadelphia today with an attempt to end the superdelegate system getting …

As Cleveland police patrol the city during the Republican National Convention this week, legal experts are reminding protesters of their rights and responsibilities. (iStockphoto)

Protesters Meet ND's Delegates during RNC

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota's 28 delegates are among the thousands of people in Cleveland this week for the Republican National Convention…

Hispanic community members are being encouraged to show their passion for protected areas, including the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, as part of Latino Conservation Week. (Hispanic Access Foundation)

Latino Conservation Week: Highlighting ND's Protected Lands

BISMARCK, N.D. -- This week marks the third annual Latino Conservation Week, and organizers are shining a spotlight on the Latino community's concern …

Advocates for people with disabilities are urging North Dakota election officials to ensure polling places are accessible for the upcoming election. (iStockphoto)

ND Disability Advocates Urge Focus on Voter Accessibility

BISMARCK, N.D. - It's National Disability Voter Registration Week. More than 160,000 North Dakotans are living with a disability, and this week the …

Low-income North Dakotans, and those with certain medical conditions, can now apply for help paying for air conditioner repairs and other cooling devices. (iStockphoto)

ND Officials Help Most Vulnerable Beat the Heat

BISMARCK, N.D. – It's the dog days of summer, and North Dakota officials say help is available for low-income families, older folks and those …

Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among young people, according to a new report, but North Dakota health officials are getting some new help from the state. (iStockphoto)

Suicide Now 2nd Leading Cause of Death Among ND Youth, New Help Available

BISMARCK, N.D. - Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among young people in North Dakota and across the country, but the state is getting …

Immigrant rights advocates say a Supreme Court decision Thursday on President Obama's immigration policies could hurt millions of families nationwide. (iStockphoto)

Immigrants' Advocates: High Court Decision Hurts Families

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Immigration-rights advocates are blasting a U.S. Supreme Court decision Thursday that could doom President Obama's expanded …

While North Dakota ranks eighth among all states in the latest national Kids Count Data Book, the research shows Native American and other minority children still face serious disadvantages. (North Dakota Kids Count)

Report: North Dakota a Top State for Kids ... Except Native Americans

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota is among the top 10 states in the nation when it comes to children's well being, but a new report from the Annie …

For young adults just starting their careers, new research suggests North Dakota is the best state in the nation. (iStockphoto)

North Dakota: Number One State for Millennials

BISMARCK, N.D. - North Dakota tops the nation as a great place for millennials to live, according to new research by state. For adults ages 20 to 24…

Family-farm advocates say a new lawsuit challenging North Dakota's decades-old corporate-farming ban is a last-ditch effort allow non-family corporations to operate in the state. (iStockphoto)

ND Farmers Union Blasts New Corporate-Farming Lawsuit

BISMARCK, N.D. -- A new federal lawsuit over North Dakota's anti-corporate-farming law is getting criticism from family-farm advocates. The North …

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PNS Daily Newscast - September 20, 2024

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ND: Community Issues and Volunteering