News Source: InForum

Bill would criminalize false allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

A legislative bill in committee this morning would make it a Class C Felony to falsely accuse someone of sexual harassment and discrimination. House Bill 1256 was sponsored by Grand Forks area Representative Eric Murphy, who was himself exonerated following charges of sexual harassment. Representative Murphy likens the proposed law to legal protections against false

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There’s a Right Way and A Wrong Way to Do Government Accountability

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

The recall of an elected official is organizing in Bismarck. And then there’s the Capitol riot that took place on January 6, 2020. They’re both examples of citizens exerting power over their government, but they are not the same. Rob Port has commentary on the differences and why they matter in the article linked below.

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Petition Reform Bill Hopes to Put a Damper on Fraudulent Signors and Petitioners

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Over North Dakota’s recent political past, we’ve had no shortage of stories related to petition fraud. It’s the price we’ve paid with a state law that has historically relied more on honor than teeth. This legislative session may change that. Rob Port has the news and commentary on the bipartisan-sponsored House Bill 1230 that’s intended

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Ukrainian family arrives in West Fargo

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

There are a lot of folks with Ukrainian heritage in North Dakota, and while there are many miles between the two places, the weather doesn’t feel all that different. Those are just a couple of factors that make our place an ideal relocation option for Ukrainian families looking for a reprieve from war. Check out

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North Dakota bills take aim at ‘sexually explicit books’ at libraries and stores

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Two bills in the legislature are taking on ‘sexually explicit books’. Senate Bill 2123 and House Bill 1205 both take on the topic, and comments provided by the North Dakota Library Association on the topic were direct and against both. At the core of the problem, taking away people’s freedom to choose what information they

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North Dakota lawmakers look to boost immigration as labor shortage hampers economy

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

North Dakota is short of workers. You don’t need the news to tell you, step into any local business or restaurant and you’re likely to experience it firsthand. But what can lawmakers do about the problem? Well, Tim Mattern, a Fargo-area Democrat has some ideas. He’s sponsored two bills that would put the state squarely

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Bill would require personal details about those requesting public records

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

When it comes to government, transparency is the foundation on which trust is built. And the law that protects transparency more than any other is the one that says government records are public records and we the public can access them. It doesn’t matter the reason why. The law and its protections are very much

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Gambling in North Dakota has become a cut-throat, billion-dollar industry with little oversight

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Charitable gaming has quietly become a big business in North Dakota, a nearly $1.7 billion dollar business in 2022. And it’s the legalization of electronic pull-tab machines (the polite way of saying slot machines) that’s multiplied the haul. E-tab machines accounted for nearly 90% of the revenue last year, and with that kind of money

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Trio of North Dakota snow sculpting artists chisel their way to national spotlight

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When where you live gives plenty of snow and cold? Make fun in the winter. For trio of Fargo friends, that means snow sculpting. And their passion and skill, and probably winter weather, too is resulting in some national recognition. Check out this story from Inforum.com on the

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State asks Minnesota Residents to weigh safety & environment when salting slick surfaces

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Slippery roads and sidewalks are a big risk in wintertime, and there’s no better way to deal with them than adding a little salt. But for every action, there is a consequence, and when all that salt is added up, it’s having an impact on lakes and rivers. That’s what our Eastern neighbors in Minnesota

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North Dakota Metros Among Five Lowest Employment Rates in U.S.

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks are all included in statistical reports of U.S. metropolitan areas because their populations are higher than 50,000. It’s a beneficial designation because of the information it delivers, and while Minot’s circumstances are similar, we don’t get the data to prove it. That notwithstanding, this report from Inforum is worth a

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Minnesota food company’s need for cold storage spawns $40 million warehouse

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

When it comes to helping companies grow, it’s often elements in their local supply chain that limit them. And across the country, one of the major needs for food producers is cold storage space. This story from Inforum is a gold mine in economic development lessons from finding what businesses need to investing in the

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NDSU to reconsider cuts to equine science program after petition gets over 4,000 signatures

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

Who says citizens and students can’t make a difference? NDSU’s Agriculture Department is reconsidering a decision to cut a position after a well-organized, respectful effort provided some direct comment on the issue. Get the full story from C.S. Hagen writing at Inforum.com.

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Minot man who got 100 years in prison for killing dad resentenced to life without parole

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

April Baumgarten with Inforum.com has some great reporting on the resentencing of a Minot man convicted of murder. Chris Vickerman was found guilty of murdering his father on May 10, 2019. But his 100-year sentence handed down by Judge Doug Mattson turned some heads the criminal justice world and was overturned by the ND Supreme

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‘Stay interviews’ reveal what Fargo police officers like and don’t like about their jobs

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

When it came to their Police Department, Fargo officials knew they had problems. Some of their daytime shifts were at half-strength. Their force was down about 10% of their budgeted positions. The interesting part is they didn’t just shove the problem under the rug. They sat down and listened to their officers, conducting over 90

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Minot Judge Among Three Named to Fill ND Supreme Court Vacancy

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

North Central District Judge Stacey Louser’s name was put forward by a panel offering Governor Burgum three candidates for a soon-to-be-vacant ND Supreme Court seat. The open seat was created by the retirement of Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle. VandeWalle is retiring after more than four decades on the court and 27 years as Chief Justice.

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