North Dakota hunters scored a major legislative victory this week as lawmakers passed a bill overriding a state Game and Fish Department policy that restricted certain controversial hunting practices, including baiting on private lands. The bill, championed by rural legislators and hunting advocacy groups, reflects growing tension between lawmakers and agency scientists over who should control wildlife policy. Critics of the override argue it undermines sound management practices based on conservation science and could disrupt local ecosystems. Proponents say it's about respecting property rights and preserving cultural hunting traditions. The Game and Fish Department has voiced disappointment in the decision.
A controversial bill is advancing to the North Dakota Senate that would grant legal protections to pesticide manufacturers facing lawsuits over cancer-related claims. The legislation comes amid rising public scrutiny of chemical products linked to long-term health issues, including glyphosate-based herbicides. Supporters argue the bill is necessary to shield North Dakota’s agriculture industry from what they describe as “frivolous lawsuits” driven by out-of-state attorneys. Opponents — including cancer survivors, environmental groups, and health experts — counter that the bill would erode accountability and leave North Dakotans without legal recourse for harm. The vote could prove a major flashpoint in the session.
A North Dakota legislative committee has recommended a "do not pass" on a bill that aimed to restrict content in public libraries, dealing a significant blow to a measure many viewed as a threat to intellectual freedom. House Bill 1205 would have prohibited public libraries from displaying or lending materials deemed “sexually explicit” or “inappropriate for minors,” a vague standard that sparked concern among librarians, parents, and First Amendment advocates. Opponents warned the bill could lead to widespread censorship and the targeting of books with LGBTQ+ themes or difficult historical content. The committee’s rejection signals bipartisan discomfort with overregulating library collections and staff
Several Minot City Council members, including Lisa Olson, Mike Blessum, and Scott Samuelson, have announced they will not run in the upcoming special mayoral election. Council President Mark Jantzer has declared his candidacy to complete the term of former Mayor Tom Ross, who recently resigned.
Two significant grassfires broke out in Emmons and Sheridan counties on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The Sheridan County fire, originating from a controlled burn on Davis WPA land, scorched between 4,000 to 23,000 acres and was fully contained by Sunday afternoon. Two firefighters sustained injuries, with one requiring airlift to Minneapolis. In Emmons County, the fire spanned approximately two miles in width, destroying 13 hay bales but causing no structural damage or civilian injuries. Multiple fire departments, along with the North Dakota National Guard and Forest Service, collaborated in firefighting efforts, utilizing up to 60,000 gallons of water. Highway 1804 experienced temporary closures due to heavy smoke and reduced visibility.
The long-extinct dire wolf has returned — at least in a lab. Through groundbreaking genetic engineering, scientists have successfully birthed three dire wolf pups, marking the first time the species has walked the Earth in over 10,000 years. These animals, larger and more robust than modern wolves, once roamed across what is now North Dakota. With fossil evidence confirming their presence on the plains, questions are now swirling about whether the genetically resurrected species could eventually be reintroduced to the region. The piece dives into the ethics, environmental considerations, and potential for a dramatic wildlife revival in the North Dakota Badlands.
Former President Donald Trump has been declared "fully fit" to serve by his physician following a recent physical exam. The 78-year-old has lost 20 pounds since his last checkup in 2020 and now weighs 224 pounds, with improved cholesterol levels.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were safely evacuated after an arsonist set fire to the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg. The suspect, Cody Balmer, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and terrorism.
Rory McIlroy won the 2025 Masters in a dramatic playoff against Justin Rose, securing his first green jacket and completing the career Grand Slam. He becomes the sixth golfer in history to achieve this feat.
