On January 18, 2002, a Canadian Pacific Railway freight train derailed near Minot, North Dakota, releasing approximately 147,000 gallons of anhydrous ammonia into the atmosphere. The incident resulted in one fatality, numerous injuries, and significant environmental damage. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation identified a broken joint bar—compromised by undetected fatigue cracks—as the primary cause. The failure was exacerbated by inadequate inspection practices and the use of older tank cars made from non-normalized steel, which were more susceptible to rupture in cold temperatures. The disaster led to substantial legal settlements, over $8 million in cleanup costs, and prompted regulatory scrutiny and safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
On May 11, 2025, North Dakota Health and Human Services reported two new measles cases in Cass County, increasing the state’s total to 11 for the year. Both individuals were unvaccinated and contracted the virus through international travel; one has been hospitalized. Potential exposure sites include Essentia Health – The Lights West Fargo Clinic on May 7 and Essentia Health Walk-in Care Clinic on May 9. Health officials advise unvaccinated individuals who visited these locations to quarantine for 21 days and monitor for symptoms. The MMR vaccine remains highly effective, with a 93% efficacy after one dose and 97% after two.
In an effort to support working families, North Dakota has enacted Senate Bill 2282, offering a tax credit to businesses that provide child care stipends to employees. This legislation allows employers to deduct 50% of their child care contributions, up to $1,000 per employee, from their income taxes. Advocates like Andrea Pfennig from the Greater North Dakota Chamber view this as a positive step, noting that nearly 70% of chamber members identified child care as a concern in a 2024 survey. However, critics argue the benefit is limited, as it applies only to businesses offering child care stipends—a benefit not commonly provided. Governor Kelly Armstrong signed the bill into law on May 1, with the credit applicable for the 2025 tax year. Additionally, the legislature passed House Bill 1119, establishing a child care services advisory committee to study licensing and inviting a program evaluation of the Department of Health and Human Services’ child care services.
The annual Fort Union Rendezvous, a significant historical reenactment event at North Dakota’s Fort Union Trading Post, faced cancellation due to federal staffing shortages but was reinstated shortly after, leading to organizational uncertainty. Traditionally attracting around 3,000 visitors, the event relies heavily on volunteers and National Park Service (NPS) staff. This year, due to federal hiring freezes and delayed authorizations, the site secured only one long-term and three short-term rangers, compared to the usual six. The Fort Union Association, a nonprofit supporting the site, is mobilizing additional volunteers and organizing fundraisers to compensate for the staffing shortfall. The situation at Fort Union reflects broader challenges within the NPS, including a reported loss of up to 2,500 employees and declining morale among remaining staff. Organizers urge the public to support national parks by contacting congressional representatives and participating in volunteer efforts to ensure the continuity of such cultural events.
