A childhood acquaintance landing in a mugshot is jarring, but the story behind it is more than personal—it’s a warning. Steve Lyon’s theft from the West Fargo Hockey Association began with small gambling losses that spiraled into nearly $70,000 embezzled. His case[...]
Section: Laws & Regulations
County cracks down on alcohol violations at fair
Ward County commissioners are tightening their grip on alcohol rules after repeated underage sales at this summer’s North Dakota State Fair. M and S Concessions, a longtime fair vendor, received a 10-day license suspension following six reported violations, including sales to minors[...]
Edible medical marijuana now legal in North Dakota
North Dakota’s medical marijuana program just took a big step forward. For the first time, patients can legally access edibles—low-dose gummies and lozenges designed with safety, not sweetness, in mind. The new rules aim to make cannabis more approachable for those wary[...]
Doctors left Idaho after abortion ban, study confirms
Idaho’s abortion ban isn’t just shaping politics—it’s reshaping the state’s medical landscape. A new peer-reviewed study confirms what many feared: more than a third of Idaho’s obstetricians have left since the ban took effect in 2022. Some moved out of state. Others[...]
Port: Are we sure we want all this gambling in North Dakota?
Gambling is no longer a sideshow in North Dakota—it’s becoming big business. Electronic pull tabs alone have grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with charities, youth sports groups, and gaming interests all competing for a piece of the pie. But the rapid expansion[...]
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Maine clears the way for more multifamily housing, ADUs
In Maine, a few small changes to zoning laws could pave the way for a big shift in housing access. New legislation makes it easier to build accessory dwellings, multifamily units, and affordable housing—especially in commercial zones and transit-friendly areas. Gone are[...]
Blackout plates coming to North Dakota drivers Aug. 1
Starting August 1, North Dakota drivers looking to add a little style to their ride will have a new option: blackout license plates. The minimalist black-and-white design, already popular in neighboring states, has generated plenty of buzz, with eager drivers lighting up[...]
Unauthorized homeless encampment in Minot prompts county ordinance
A patch of county land near Minot’s Holiday Village Mobile Home Park has become an unauthorized homeless encampment, and local officials say rising crime has forced action. Sheriff Bob Roed told commissioners that recent investigations revealed outstanding warrants and a registered sex[...]
This Canadian City is Ditching Red Tape for Rowhouses
Building a modest rowhouse shouldn’t take years—but in most North American cities, it often does. Calgary just changed that. Starting this fall, builders in new neighborhoods can skip an entire layer of red tape if their plans already meet zoning rules. It’s[...]
Denmark wants you to copyright yourself. It might be the only way to stop deepfakes
There’s no “undo” button for a deepfake — and no easy legal path to stop one either. That’s why Denmark is rewriting its copyright laws, giving citizens the right to own their digital likeness — voice, face, body and all. It’s a[...]
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North Dakota launches unified insurance, securities regulator
BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread announced today the unification of the state’s Insurance and Securities department—a move designed to better safeguard residents from fraud and financial risk, with consumer protection at the forefront. The merger resulted from the[...]
School librarians mandatory in Sweden from today
Starting today, every school in Sweden must have a staffed library—and teachers like Caroline Eklund say it’s a game-changer. Under a new change to the Education Act, municipalities are now required to hire trained librarians to support student literacy. For teachers in[...]
Opinion: Warning labels needed for social media
Minnesota is taking a stand where it counts: the mental health of its youngest residents. A new bipartisan law will require social media platforms to carry mental health warning labels by July 2026—a move aimed at confronting the growing crisis linked to[...]
North Dakota Vision Services adds mural to raise awareness, but may have hit a snag with city ordinance
The North Dakota School for the Blind is getting a vibrant new mural that superintendent Paul Olson hopes will do more than just brighten up a busy Grand Forks intersection. The colorful artwork, painted by artist Trey Everett on the building’s north[...]
Port: Paying for a sober ride home is a better investment than DUI enforcement
Most of the time, government work only makes headlines when something breaks. But every now and then, a quiet success deserves attention. North Dakota’s Sober Ride program is one of those wins—a simple, practical effort that helps people get home safely after[...]
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Fargo police removed 23 illegal camps in May
Since Fargo’s new anti-camping ordinance took effect May 1, police have cleared 23 illegal campsites — nearly one per day. The update, shared during a Police Advisory and Oversight Board meeting, underscores the city’s stepped-up response to unsheltered homelessness. Officers say they’re[...]