Groundhog Day may seem like just another quirky tradition, but beneath the top hats and rodent theatrics lies something deeper: a rare American holiday that celebrates our connection to nature. While most of our major holidays focus on history, heroes, or commerce, this one marks the slow shift of the seasons—an ancient ritual wrapped in […]
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Corey Mock’s recent appointment as North Dakota’s chief information officer illustrates a shift in political dynamics. Formerly a Democratic lawmaker in Grand Forks, Mock was unexpectedly chosen by Republican Gov. Kelly Armstrong to join his administration, an invitation that surprised many in partisan circles. Mock views his role through a nonpartisan lens, emphasizing service and […]
There’s a certain kind of scholar who doesn’t just study history but lives it—one foot in the archives, the other on the open road. That’s the spirit driving this reflection on staying sharp past seventy, not by chasing trends but by refining the craft. At the heart of it all? The seminar. Not just a […]
North Dakota’s legislative landscape is facing a significant shift, with lawmakers grappling with over 1,000 bills for the upcoming 2025 session—the highest count in 15 years. This surge raises questions about efficiency and the ability to address constituents’ needs effectively. Newer legislators appear eager to make their mark, prompting concerns from some about the potential […]
Read More… from Record bill count tests North Dakota Legislature’s limits
Zinnias are one of the most popular flowers grown in the Dakotas. They are easy to grow, do not need much water and bloom all summer. Every year I work with over 300 gardeners to test promising varieties. Our team loves to grow zinnias, and we have discovered a new group of varieties that […]
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Charles Darwin didn’t just revolutionize science—he reshaped how we think about imagination itself. While Mary Shelley described creativity as shaping chaos into order, Darwin saw nature doing the same through evolution. He rejected the idea of a hierarchy among species, insisting instead on complexity. For Darwin, imagination wasn’t just an artistic gift; it was central […]
On this day in 1653, New Amsterdam, which later became New York City, was incorporated, marking the establishment of a significant settlement by Dutch colonists in what would become a major cultural and economic hub. On this day in 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the Mexican-American War and ceding large territories, […]
In the land of the ludefiskers, Where a man can grow real whiskers — Out in Minot, cloven by the dormant Mouse; As a respite from obsession Known to people as “Depression”, Wave the […]
There are two aliens in the bastile, awaiting deportation hearings. They are quiet fellows whose only crime was attempting to illegally gain a residence in “the home of the brave and land of the […]
After all is said and done it is not land, wealth, or numbers, but rather the type and character of a people that best determines the right of that people for their “place in […]
Has anyone ever texted you a picture of their food at a restaurant? Or have you sent a picture of your dinner plate to a friend? I will admit that I text a photo of my food to my family if my meal looks particularly mouthwatering and attractive. Usually I add, “wish you were here […]
Read More… from Prairie Fare: Is vibrantly colored food the key to better health?
Religious freedom is one of our country’s most treasured liberties. Every individual and family — not politicians or the government — gets to decide for themselves what religious beliefs, if any, they adopt and practice. This constitutional protection is strongest in our public schools, which serve children and families of many religious backgrounds. As the […]
Three new bills in North Dakota aim to enhance protections for renters, but they face a skeptical Senate Industry and Business Committee. Senate Bills 2235, 2236, and 2237 focus on addressing late fees and providing tenants with options for recourse against non-compliant landlords. With nearly 35% of households renting and many struggling to afford housing, […]
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North Dakota is considering a new initiative aimed at enhancing language education for young students. Senate Bill 2275 proposes financial stipends of up to $2,000 per year for teachers who focus on foreign languages in kindergarten through third grade. With a two-year pilot program budgeted at $25,000 from the state’s general fund, the decision to […]
Axial Seamount, a restless giant beneath the Pacific, is swelling again—its molten heart pushing the seafloor upward, hinting at an eruption before 2025 ends. Scientists have watched this underwater volcano off Oregon’s coast for decades, tracking patterns of inflation and surging earthquakes. When it erupts, it won’t explode but rather crack open, releasing lava that […]
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High school principals in Grand Forks report a notable uptick in student attendance after reinstating academic penalties for those with chronic absenteeism. At both Grand Forks Central and Red River, data shows a significant decrease in students accumulating over 12 unexcused absences, which previously hampered academic performance and graduation rates. This change aims to encourage […]
Read More… from Grand Forks high school principals say new absentee policy showing results