Minot police are warning residents after one person died and three others overdosed in 48 hours, all potentially tied to a dangerous batch of laced narcotics. Authorities are urging vigilance, offering treatment resources, and reminding the public about North Dakota’s Good Samaritan Law, which protects those who call for emergency help during an overdose. The investigation remains ongoing.
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A large grass fire near the Highway 2 and 52 split west of Minot scorched roughly 1,500 acres Sunday, but Burlington Fire Chief Karter Lesmann says the blaze remains under control. No injuries or structural damage have been reported. Multiple area departments—including Minot Rural, Berthold, and the Forest Service—responded. Highway 52 has reopened at reduced speeds as mop-up operations continue.
The North Dakota Senate voted down a resolution Thursday that would have urged future lawmakers to consider making public officials mandatory reporters of abuse. The proposal, inspired by the sex crime conviction of former Sen. Ray Holmberg, passed the House unanimously but faced Senate pushback. Critics called it a “knee-jerk reaction,” expressing concerns about redundancy and unintended burdens on the state’s reporting system.
A North Dakota legislative committee has recommended adding $1 million to the state budget for a new “life education committee” that would promote abortion alternatives and pro-life resources. Sponsored by Sen. Janne Myrdal, the program would fund public messaging campaigns and a state-mandated video for abortion providers. Critics, including Planned Parenthood and medical advocates, call it a misuse of public funds and question its late inclusion in the budget process. The proposal now heads to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
After FEMA rescinded $20 million in infrastructure grants, the North Dakota Senate amended a budget bill to authorize up to $9.7 million in state-backed loans for impacted communities. Spearheaded by Sen. Jeff Magrum, the measure targets projects in Lincoln and Fessenden, with repayment contingent on restored federal funds. Lawmakers signaled more backfill efforts may be needed statewide, prompting talk of a future special session and a possible new wastewater project fund.
In city after city, fewer than 1 in 5 voters are deciding who runs local government. This deep dive into 13 of North Dakota’s biggest communities reveals surprising turnout trends, from Valley City’s civic pride to West Fargo’s ongoing slump. The takeaway? Timing isn’t everything—competition, visibility, and community connection matter more.
A North Dakota judge has permanently exempted Catholic employers from following new EEOC rules tied to abortion access and LGBTQ protections, ruling the regulations violate religious freedoms. The Diocese of Bismarck and Catholic Benefits Association challenged the Biden-era policies, saying they conflict with church doctrine. Judge Daniel Traynor, a Trump appointee, agreed — blocking enforcement and igniting renewed debate over federal authority and faith-based employment rights.
As U.S.-China tensions flare, Chinese airlines are returning Boeing 737 Max jets and halting new deliveries following steep American tariffs. At least one jet originally bound for Xiamen Airlines landed back in Seattle over the weekend. The move signals a sharp reversal just as Boeing was recovering from a years-long freeze in Chinese imports and could strain both aviation markets amid ongoing geopolitical fallout.
As Russia's ceasefire violations surpass 2,900 in a single day, President Donald Trump says he's "hopeful" a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia can be reached this week — and hints at major U.S. business ties to follow. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy remains skeptical, accusing Moscow of manipulation, while a minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S. is reportedly on track for April 26.
Pope Francis, the Catholic Church’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, has died, as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo. He was 88.
