MINOT—A resolution to grant property tax exemptions for childcare centers failed in a 3-3 City Council vote Monday night, despite strong public support from providers and faith leaders. Proponents argued the exemption was critical to keeping centers open and affordable, while opponents cited concerns about fairness and shifting tax burdens. The debate, which lasted over an hour, highlighted a growing divide over how best to address Minot’s childcare crisis.
BISMARCK—North Dakota is poised to expand school choice as lawmakers advance a private school voucher bill and Gov. Kelly Armstrong signs legislation establishing public charter schools. House Bill 1540, now awaiting the governor’s signature, would create Education Savings Accounts for private school families starting in 2026, offering up to $4,000 per student depending on income. Critics argue it violates the state constitution by subsidizing private education, while supporters call it a win for parental control. Meanwhile, charter school legislation has already been signed into law, signaling a major shift in the state’s educational landscape.
North Dakota is positioning itself as a national leader in rare earth mineral development, with Sen. Dale Patten pushing a bill that signals federal interest, clarifies land rights, and funds a state study. With China dominating global supply, state leaders hope to tap into North Dakota coal seams to extract these high-demand minerals vital for electronics and defense. While landowners remain cautious, the updated bill aims to balance development with property rights and could open the door to federal support and investment.
The League of Women Voters is urging Gov. Kelly Armstrong to veto a bill that would require absentee ballots in North Dakota to arrive by Election Day, rather than just be postmarked before. Backers say it aligns with federal rules and other states, but critics call it voter suppression that hurts rural, Native, elderly, and disabled voters. The change, added late in the process, comes in response to a Trump executive order now facing legal challenges.
North Dakota senators narrowly rejected a $1 million proposal to fund a “life education committee” aimed at promoting abortion alternatives, citing lack of public input and procedural concerns. The amendment, brought by Sen. Janne Myrdal, failed 23-24. The Senate did approve funding shifts in the OMB budget, including $850K for Prairie Public infrastructure and a $45M cut to the proposed state hospital in Jamestown. The bill now returns to the House for a final vote.
In a sweeping move under "Operation Take Back America," federal prosecutors filed the first-ever RICO charges against 27 alleged members and associates of the violent migrant gang Tren de Aragua, accusing them of murder, human trafficking, drug distribution, and terrorism-linked crimes in New York. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the indictments a major blow to the gang’s U.S. operations.
President Trump walked back earlier threats to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, saying Tuesday he has "no intention" of removing him—despite continued public criticism over interest rates and inflation. Trump’s mixed messages come days after his fiery social media post rattled markets, reigniting concerns about political pressure on the U.S. central bank.
