A brief history of presidential inaugural speeches, from George Washington to today

Inauguration Day is more than just swearing in a new president; it’s an American tradition steeped in history and hopeful rhetoric. Since George Washington’s first inaugural address, these speeches have become a ritual where every president has the chance to unify the nation, reaffirm shared values, and set the tone for their leadership. By exploring

Read & Share   sourced from: The Conversation

From watts to warheads: Secretary of energy oversees big science research and the US nuclear arsenal

The U.S. Department of Energy just updated the B61-12 nuclear bomb, extending its service life by at least 20 years—a reminder of the complex balancing act between innovation and national security. From shaping energy policy to maintaining nuclear arsenals, this department holds a pivotal role in the country’s infrastructure. With a $50 billion budget, it

Read & Share   sourced from: The Conversation

The Sacred, the Profane, and the Bully Pulpit

Editor’s Note: This commentary has language not worthy of a Sunday or any Sunday places. You’ve been alerted. In May of 2020, at the height of our COVID isolation, I went deeper in. I walked into the North Dakota Badlands with a friend. At the time, I was still serving on Minot’s City Council. Beyond

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Oil companies place no bids in Alaska wildlife refuge drilling auction

The allure of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has met an unusual silence. The recent oil and gas lease auction, set against this rugged backdrop, attracted zero interest from energy companies. Why? High development costs and the tricky optics of drilling in a sanctuary seem to have deterred bidders. The absence of bids highlights the

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What does the Interior Secretary Do?

Editor’s Note: Former Governor Burgum is currently nominated for this role; Beyond the fact that he is highly qualified for the role, he is also among the least controversial of all President Trump’s cabinet level nominees. His confirmation is likely, and that makes this article particularly relevant in North Dakota. What follows is reprinted from

Read & Share   sourced from: The Conversation

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Biden creates 2 new national monuments, setting a conservation record, No Maah Daah Hey So Far

Meet the unsung hero of the desert: the chuckwalla lizard, now lending its name to a sweeping new national monument in Southern California. President Biden is making headlines by declaring two new national monuments, setting a historic milestone in land conservation. The vast, rugged landscapes of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands monuments now join a

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Fedorchak to hold energy committee post as she begins term in Congress

Julie Fedorchak, North Dakota’s newest voice in Congress, is already making waves. Breaking a 14-year streak, our freshman representative landed a spot on the influential Energy and Commerce Committee. Fedorchak’s 12-year tenure as a utility regulator with the Public Service Commission has prepped her for this vital role. As her predecessor, Gov. Kelly Armstrong, points

Read & Share   sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Digital Curriculums Not Resulting in Real Education Results in Norway

Norway’s classrooms, once pristine havens of books and blackboards, have been swept into the digital age with hefty investments in technology. And yet, the results are not as bright as many hoped. Education Minister Kari Nessa Nordtun argues that digitization hasn’t delivered the expected improvements in digital skills among students. With recent reports showing low

Read & Share   sourced from: The Norwegian American

Electric cars already won — in Norway

Norway continues to light up the map in the global move toward electric vehicles. In 2024, nearly 90% of new cars sold in this oil-rich nation were electric, further cementing its lead in the EV race. While Sweden and Iceland trail with impressive numbers, Norway remains the benchmark, aiming for 100% zero-emission sales by 2025.

Read & Share   sourced from: Quartz

Ban on throwing away old clothes now in force in Sweden

Starting this year in Sweden, those with old clothing can’t just toss it in the trash. New national legislation requires all textiles to be recycled. It’s a step toward sustainability; the burden of which has been handed down to the municipalities to enforce and implement. Get the full story on one of our Scandinavian friends

Read & Share   sourced from: Radio Sweden

New Scam Alert: The Unordered Package

Unexpected packages on your doorstep can feel like a mini mystery waiting to be solved, right? But lately, there’s a new twist making the rounds: a scam called “brushing.” It begins innocently enough with a package you never ordered. Your name and address are there, but any trace of a return address? Missing. Inside, a

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A Fireside Chat on American Turbulence

The country is in a period of transition from the leadership of one incoherent old man to another incoherent old man. Rather than obsessing and speculating about what the eventual results of that transition may be, at least football fans have something to distract their attention. Will Diploma Mill State beat Deadbeat A&M in the

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The explosive story of Excelsior Geyser at Yellowstone National Park

On the morning of July 23, 2024, a hydrothermal explosion from Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin sent people running for cover. The event was caused by liquid water flashing to steam in the clogged hot-water plumbing system just beneath the surface, and it sent steam, water, mud, and rocks several hundred feet into the

Read & Share   sourced from: U.S. Geological Survey

Watch: How Jimmy Carter Jump-Started the Craft Beer Revolution

When you pour a frothy pint of your favorite craft beer, you probably don’t think of Jimmy Carter. Yet, it’s precisely his 1978 decision to legalize home brewing that set the stage for today’s vibrant craft beer scene. By legitimizing a once clandestine hobby, Carter uncorked a wave of creativity and entrepreneurship. Dive into this

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U.S. barley acreage hit lowest level since 1876 as demand from brewers sinks

Barley, once a staple in U.S. agricultural fields, is now struggling for attention. In 2024, its harvested acreage reached a low not seen since 1876. Factors like reduced livestock demand and changing beer industry needs have contributed to its decline. While farmers pivot to crops like corn and soybeans, barley’s status teeters between being a

Read & Share   sourced from: InForum

Outdoor recreation advocates celebrate EXPLORE Act passing Senate

The nation’s great outdoors just got a big boost. The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the EXPLORE Act—decades in the making—promising to elevate our public lands experience. Think modernized campgrounds and better access to long-distance bike trails. This isn’t just about nature; it’s an economic lifeline for rural communities, promising jobs and support for local

Read & Share   sourced from: WyoFile