North Dakota House passes 2 bills to regulate gun use, adds penalty for crimes with binary triggers

In a packed legislative session, North Dakota lawmakers debated seven gun-related bills, but only two made it through. One, House Bill 1588, allows local governments to ban guns in public buildings and increases penalties for crimes involving binary trigger firearms—a measure some see as a tribute to a slain Fargo police officer. Another, House Bill

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House defeats bill to streamline North Dakota Ethics Commission

The North Dakota House sent a clear message on Monday, rejecting two bills that would have reshaped the state’s ethics oversight. Lawmakers overwhelmingly defeated House Bill 1360, a proposal to give the Ethics Commission greater control over its investigations, citing concerns about unchecked power. A separate bill, aimed at shielding legislators from criminal conflict-of-interest charges

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House rejects bills that aimed to change how North Dakota candidates get on the ballot

North Dakota lawmakers have rejected two bills that would have significantly changed how candidates qualify for the ballot. **House Bill 1446** sought to eliminate party endorsements as a path to candidacy, requiring all candidates to gather signatures instead. Supporters argued it would make the process more open, while opponents defended party vetting. Meanwhile, **House Bill

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North Dakota House sends 3 property tax reform bills to Senate

North Dakota’s House has approved three major property tax relief bills, each taking a different approach to cutting costs for residents and businesses. House Bill 1176 expands the primary residence tax credit and caps local tax increases at 3%, offering $503 million in relief. House Bill 1168 focuses on reducing school district taxes and limiting

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New study to look at reach of local news in North Dakota

With local newspapers facing mounting challenges, a new initiative aims to secure their future in North Dakota. The Rural Development Finance Corporation has launched the _Future of Local News Initiative_, a study designed to assess the struggles of local papers and find ways to expand coverage in underserved areas. Partnering with the North Dakota Newspaper

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Minot musician Chloe Raye releases new country single about growing up in the Midwest

Minot musician Chloe Raye has released her new country single, “Blame It On Where I Grew Up.” Within days, the song caught the ears of radio stations across the globe, showcasing her roots in North Dakota. Drawing inspiration from local landscapes, Raye spent three years crafting this piece with two national songwriters. She reflects on

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Step inside the secret lab where America tests its nukes

Beneath the Nevada desert, in tunnels once used for full-scale nuclear tests, scientists are quietly studying the aging core of America’s nuclear arsenal. While the U.S. hasn’t detonated a nuclear bomb since 1992, new experiments—using high-powered X-rays and particle bombardment—aim to keep its stockpile reliable without breaking the global testing moratorium. But as tensions rise,

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A break from your smartphone can reboot your mood. Here’s how long you need

Most of us know we spend too much time on our phones—but breaking the habit is another story. A new study suggests that even a short break from the internet on our smartphones can lead to better mental health, improved focus, and even a boost in overall well-being. Participants who blocked the internet for just

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To alleviate fire marshal office space issues, city Grand Forks moves to buy building (and a comment on property taxes)

Grand Forks is making room for its fire department to breathe. The City Council has recommended purchasing two lots near Fire Station No. 1 to ease overcrowding, particularly for the fire marshal’s office, which has long been short on space. The $850,000 purchase includes office space, a garage, and a workshop—meeting immediate needs with minimal

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Bill to restrict ‘explicit’ books in schools and library passes senate

A contentious debate over books in North Dakota’s schools and libraries is moving to the House after the Senate narrowly passed SB 2307. The bill would require the removal of books deemed sexually explicit, with librarians facing criminal charges if they fail to comply. Supporters say it’s about protecting children, while opponents warn it’s unnecessary

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Fabric and craft retailer Joann to go out of business and close all of its stores

For decades, Joann has been more than just a fabric store—it’s been a haven for crafters, quilters, and DIY enthusiasts. Now, after struggling through back-to-back bankruptcies, the retailer is closing its doors for good. A recent auction determined that financial services firm GA Group will take over Joann’s assets and begin liquidating its stores. While

Read & Share   sourced from: Associated Press

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Produced water spill reported in Williams County

BISMARCK, N.D. – Enable Bakken Crude Services notified the North Dakota Department of Env ironmental Quality (NDDEQ) on Monday, Feb. 24, of a produced water spill approximately 7 miles southeast of Ray. Initial estimates from Enable indicate 670 barrels (28,140 gallons ) of produced water were released, some of which impacted agricultural land. Produced water,

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North Dakota Legislature passes one, fails three bills on election laws in the state

North Dakota lawmakers are drawing a clear line when it comes to who controls election laws. The Legislature passed House Bill 1307, reinforcing state authority over local election rules, effectively barring counties and cities—including home rule jurisdictions—from making independent changes. Supporters argue it ensures uniformity, while critics say it strips local governments of their right

Read & Share   sourced from: Bismarck Tribune

Proposal to teach intelligent design in public schools fails narrowly in North Dakota Senate

North Dakota lawmakers have rejected a bill that would have allowed public school science teachers to include intelligent design in their curriculum. Senate Bill 2355, which narrowly failed in a 25-22 vote, would have required the Department of Public Instruction to add the theory to state science standards. Supporters argued for balancing perspectives in education,

Read & Share   sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Free school meals bill fails in the North Dakota House

North Dakota lawmakers have voted down a bill that would have provided free school meals to K-12 students, citing the $140 million price tag as too steep. House Bill 1475 failed in a 54-39 vote, despite support from advocates who argued it would ease financial strain on families, reduce meal debt, and improve student nutrition.

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Minot region remains hopeful for Canadian tourism

Despite new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Minot’s tourism leaders remain hopeful that cross-border friendships will endure. While some Canadians have expressed frustration and reconsidered travel plans, many still see value in visiting for shopping, entertainment, and events like the North Dakota State Fair. To ease concerns, the International Peace Garden is keeping prices steady

Read & Share   sourced from: Minot Daily News