News |

Chinese AI tech could cut projected spike in US electricity

A new artificial intelligence model from China, DeepSeek, has taken the tech world by surprise, raising important questions about the future of energy consumption in data centers. With DeepSeek’s promise of efficiency, industry analysts suggest that projected energy demands for upcoming data[...]

Curio |

This ancient building material is making a comeback

Straw isn’t just for barns and fairy tales. It’s emerging as a serious contender in the world of sustainable construction. Long valued for its affordability and insulation power, straw is now being adapted into modern prefab panels, making it easier than ever[...]

Curio |

State governments seek to leverage AI’s promise while mitigating its hazards

State governments are starting to navigate the AI frontier, blending excitement with cautious experimentation. From chatbot-assisted customer service to tools streamlining housing processes, AI promises big payoffs—but not without risks. Leaders are grappling with data quality, governance, and the unpredictable long-term costs[...]

News |

Clay County, MN bans sale of flavored vapes

Clay County is taking a stand against flavored vaping. In a packed meeting, students, health professionals, and residents urged county commissioners to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco, citing its appeal to young people and health risks. The ordinance passed narrowly, banning[...]

News |

The Arctic just hit an unfortunate climate milestone

The Arctic circle is a place you’d associate with icy stillness and solitude. But times are changing fast—so fast, it feels like the Arctic is trying to tell us something urgent. The past nine years were the warmest ever recorded there. This[...]

News |

Environmental Testing in ND Will Take Big Step Forward With New State Lab

Picture this: North Dakota is gearing up to tackle one of today’s pressing environmental challenges right in its backyard. By 2026, a state-of-the-art lab on Bismarck’s Capitol grounds will allow local testing for “forever chemicals”—those pesky PFAS found in everyday products that[...]

Commentary |

Stay informed, not overwhelmed

In today’s fast-paced world, the news seems to echo our deepest fears, and it’s no surprise that many have chosen to step back. Yet, how do you keep informed without losing your sanity? If worrying headlines and political antics leave you feeling[...]

News |

Whooping Cough Making Comeback in North Dakota

Whooping cough, a disease many might think belongs to the past, has aggressively resurfaced in North Dakota. This year alone, the state witnessed an alarming rise from 17 to 102 cases across 16 counties. That’s a wake-up call for everyone, especially with[...]

News |

Area Backyard Flocks Host First ND Bird Flu Cases This Year

Two backyard chicken flocks in Bottineau and McHenry Counties (both are near Minot) have tested positive for bird flu. A third case in Ransome county was also confirmed. The sites have been quarantined, and the flocks “depopulated.” The full news release from[...]

News |

Fluoride in Drinking Water Is Safe. Here’s the Evidence

For decades, U.S. municipalities have added fluoride to tap water to prevent tooth decay, benefiting millions. However, misinformation about fluoride’s alleged health risks, fueled by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., threatens its future use. Although local and state governments currently decide[...]

News |

Gratitude is Good For You!

People who express gratitude for the people and things in their life at the Thanksgiving table are helping their health and self-confidence, according to a University of Iowa professor who has made the physical benefits of gratitude a subject of her research.[...]