North Dakota News & Current Events

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)

Thursday, January 16, 2025

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)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

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)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

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…

According to legal assistance groups, there are no Native Americans serving in the North Dakota state Senate for the first time in three decades. They blame political boundaries updated by the Legislature in 2021, resulting in a lawsuit and a new court-ordered map. (Adobe Stock)

Court activity resumes in ND tribal redistricting case

Oral arguments were heard this week in a legal fight over redistricting outcomes for North Dakota tribal lands. About a year ago, North Dakota was …

Civil rights experts said for newly naturalized Americans voting for the first time, the process can be intimidating, prompting calls for outreach so everyone knows their rights when casting a ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Voting in ND: It's not too late to brush up on your rights

Early in-person voting kicked off this week in certain North Dakota counties and whether it is now or on Election Day, voters are reminded to head to …

According to federal data, North Dakota is home to 146,837 total Medicare beneficiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Through Medicare enrollment, older ND residents can improve their daily lives

Medicare open enrollment is underway, and North Dakota seniors are encouraged to weigh the various plans. Advisors said it is important to consider …

The Americans with Disabilities Act, adopted in 1990, helped usher in a wave of acceptance and new standards. But officials in states like North Dakota say there's still some outdated language used in public institutions that serve these populations. (Adobe Stock)

In ND, disability language is on the ballot this fall

Ballot questions, like one dealing with property taxes, are getting attention this election season in North Dakota. But another gets to the heart of …

Federal data show that one out of every five students reports being bullied. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: being bullied doesn't build character, it leads to long-term woes

Parents in North Dakota are likely getting a sense of how their child's school year is going so far. If bullying issues have emerged, the research …

Groups sounding the alarm over the need to feed larger global populations in the near future say billionaires have the resources to significantly improve food systems by investing in alternatives to traditional products. (Adobe Stock)

How the world's ultra-rich are trying – or not – to make meat sustainable

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Prairie News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration O…

Emergency management officials in North Dakota say dry air with less than 20% relative humidity and dried vegetation are providing plenty of fuel for wildfires this season. (Adobe Stock)

ND wildfires: Heavy damage to cropland; importance of early warnings

From power outages to burnt farmland, North Dakota is coming to grips with the impact of several large wildfires that are linked to at least two …

Provider organizations said companies leaning too much on algorithms and artificial intelligence to scan resumes might be excluding people with disabilities from being hired and establishing a successful career. (Adobe Stock)

Improvements still sought as jobs outlook brightens for people with disabilities

North Dakota is above the national average in seeing individuals with disabilities as part of the workforce but the people tracking the numbers said e…

According to a key industry group, North Dakota ranks last in the nation for solar-energy capacity. (Adobe Stock)

When ND is ready for more solar, study says it won't hurt property values

North Dakota lags behind other states in advancing large-scale solar projects. If additional development does gain steam as it has elsewhere in the …

In 1979, cuts to Amtrak included the discontinuation of a long multistate route running through the southern half of North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

A reunion nearly 50 years in the making? ND eyes possible Amtrak route return

This week, federal officials announced a new round of funding for passenger rail projects. It is part of a larger push to expand and restore service…

Industry leaders say one reason rural hospitals struggle to stay afloat is because they have to spend more to recruit staff at a time when there is plenty of competition for hiring doctors and nurses. (Adobe Stock)

ND rural hospitals embrace teamwork mentality to stay afloat

This month, a North Dakota network of rural hospitals enters its second year of trying to make local operations more efficient, so they can keep the …

A blood test is the only way to determine your cholesterol levels. (jarun011/Adobe Stock)

High cholesterol numbers seen in states such as ND

On this last day of Cholesterol Education Month, groups such as the American Heart Association are highlighting the importance of knowing your …

State environmental officials in North Dakota said large bodies of water such as Devil's Lake have not seen many fish kills or other harmful effects because the state has not seen a lot of factory farms in the region. But changes to the law are being pursued to boost animal agriculture in North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

'I feel on the edge': ND communities navigate factory farm movement

A North Dakota task force meets again next month as it considers updating the scope of local zoning laws dealing with factory farms. It is an issue …

Among a host of restrictive laws North Dakota adopted last year targeting the LGBTQ+ community is a policy that forbids transgender students from using school restrooms consistent with their gender identity. (Adobe Stock)

Assessing the youth impact of ND's LGBTQ restrictions

In a few months, North Dakota lawmakers will reconvene. LGBTQ advocates are still unpacking the fallout from the 2023 legislative session, when many …

So far in 2024, community health centers in North Dakota have screened 11,580 patients for food insecurity. Through those screenings, more than three thousand box meals have been distributed. (Adobe Stock)

Nutrition takes a seat at the doctor's office in underserved areas

September is Hunger Action Month. In North Dakota, it isn't just food banks trying to help underserved populations get nutritious items. Health …

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)

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…

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