Federal Cuts Threaten Food Access in North Dakota Amid Rising Demand
Federal reductions to food assistance programs are straining North Dakota’s hunger relief efforts, with organizations like the Great Plains Food Bank facing significant funding losses. The food bank reported a $1.3 million shortfall due to cuts affecting programs that previously enabled purchases from local farmers and provided summer food deliveries through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). While private fundraising has mitigated some losses, the gap remains substantial. The proposed federal budget bill, which passed the U.S. House and awaits Senate consideration, could further impact the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), potentially leaving millions without benefits and shifting costs to states. With one-third of the 151,000 individuals served by the food bank being children and 16% seniors, the cuts pose a serious threat to vulnerable populations. Other regional food banks, like North Country Food Bank, are also experiencing increased demand and warn that additional federal reductions could overwhelm emergency food systems. Despite these challenges, programs like the Summer Food Service and Summer EBT continue to provide essential nutrition to students during the summer months.
North Dakota Ethics Commission Chair Dave Anderson Dies at 69
Dave Anderson, chair of the North Dakota Ethics Commission, passed away on Monday at age 69, as announced during a commission meeting on Tuesday. A Bismarck resident, Anderson was among the original five commissioners appointed in 2019 by then-Governor Doug Burgum and legislative leaders. Vice Chair Ward Koeser highlighted Anderson’s invaluable leadership in establishing the commission’s early operations. Before his tenure on the Ethics Commission, Anderson served 34 years in the North Dakota Army National Guard, retiring as the Army Component commander after a deployment to Iraq in 2003–2004. Post-retirement, he coordinated military student services at the University of Mary. Anderson held degrees from North Dakota State University and the U.S. Army War College.
Kelby Timmons Appointed to North Dakota House Following Olson’s Resignation
Kelby Timmons of Watford City has been appointed by District 26 Republicans to fill the North Dakota House seat vacated by Jeremy Olson, who resigned on May 5, 2025, amid a harassment complaint that was later withdrawn. Timmons, who previously served in the 2023 legislative session after winning a two-year term in 2022, narrowly lost the 2024 Republican primary to Roger Maki by 13 votes. He will now serve alongside Maki in the 2027 session, with both seats up for election again in 2028. District GOP Chair Patsy Levang praised Timmons for his strong conservative views and commitment to local control.
North Dakota Enacts Age Verification Law for Adult Websites
North Dakota has passed legislation requiring adult websites to implement age verification systems to prevent minors from accessing explicit content. Senate Bill 2380 and House Bill 1561, signed by Governor Kelly Armstrong, mandate that sites with a substantial portion of pornographic material verify users are over 18. The law, modeled after Utah’s 2023 legislation, prohibits the retention of verification data and allows parents or guardians to sue non-compliant sites. Additionally, House Bill 1351 criminalizes the creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfake pornography, enabling victims to seek civil damages. Critics, including the ACLU of North Dakota, argue the measures may infringe on First Amendment rights and raise privacy concerns. The laws are set to take effect on August 1, 2025.
