A new podcast is pulling back the curtain on how $740,000 in North Dakota film grants were awarded — and the picture isn’t pretty. The $740,000 Question, produced by filmmaker-turned-whistleblower Matt Fern, uses records, emails, and legislative audio to show how a[...]
Tag: Economic Development
Curio |
The Secret Cost of Data Centers
Tucson’s “Project Blue” promised a massive data center complex — but secrecy killed it. Last week, the city council unanimously rejected the plan after public outcry over nondisclosure agreements that kept residents, and even some officials, in the dark about who was[...]
News Release |
Minot Child Care Business Among Six Projects Backed by $2.16M in State Development Loans
The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that six companies were approved for a total of $2.16 million in loan funds through the North Dakota Development Fund, Inc. (NDDF) during the second quarter of 2025. “These investments reflect our commitment to[...]
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Buyer sought for Minot’s eight-story Big M building
Minot’s iconic “Big M” building—a vacant, eight-story former bank—has been stripped to its shell and relisted for sale. EPIC Companies bought it in December 2021 and began converting it into mixed-use space but filed for bankruptcy last year. The city and school[...]
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Rubber Stamp Went Missing; Grand Forks Leaders Are Pushing Back Against Housing Incentive Program
Grand Forks leaders are navigating a delicate balancing act: how to support new housing while being mindful of taxpayers’ wallets. The County Commission has followed the School Board’s lead in rejecting—but not closing the door on—tax breaks for a proposed apartment development[...]
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UND assistant professor researches potential benefits of Grand Forks becoming a space hub
Grand Forks might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of space exploration, but some see a future where this North Dakota city becomes a key player in the space industry. At UND, Professor Francisco Del Canto[...]
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Pop’s Soda Shack to bubble up in south Fargo
A new splash of fun is headed to Fargo: Pop’s Soda Shack, a homegrown North Dakota brand that started in Dickinson just last year, plans to open its doors in south Fargo this September. Founded by Taylor Jones and her mom, Lori[...]
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Bismarck launches home repair program
Old homes carry stories, but they often need a fresh coat of life. Bismarck’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative returns this year, offering homeowners of 30-plus-year-old houses valued under $300,000 reduced-interest loans from $10,000 to $100,000 for value-adding upgrades. With Gate City Bank and,[...]
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Port: Films funded by controversial grant still have not been released 2 years later
Two years ago, North Dakota awarded a $600,000 film grant on a timeline so short it barely qualified as competitive. Officials insisted the rush was necessary—these were time-sensitive projects, they said. But now, the final report is in, and the films still[...]
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North Dakota to expand in-state Legacy Fund investments
North Dakota is putting more of its oil wealth to work at home. In a new $150 million partnership with investment firm GCM Grosvenor, the state will channel Legacy Fund dollars into North Dakota projects—land, energy, infrastructure, and more. It’s part of[...]
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MAGIC Fund Committee approves AGT expansion loan
A global food supplier is doubling down on Minot. AGT Foods, known for turning lentils and chickpeas into gluten-free pasta, is planning a $12.7 million expansion of its local facility. The MAGIC Fund Committee just gave early approval to a $269,000 forgivable[...]
Curio |
How Wisconsin’s economic development arm has embraced AI
In the race to attract business and boost efficiency, Wisconsin is betting on brains—artificial ones. The state’s economic development agency is integrating AI into nearly every corner of its operation, from drafting emails to streamlining grant tracking. Backed by Salesforce tools, the[...]
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MAGIC Fund to consider AGT expansion investment
Minot-based AGT Foods is once again expanding its footprint—and its role in the global pulse-based food market. The company is seeking $269,230 in interest buydown support from the MAGIC Fund to help finance a $12.75 million expansion of its Extrusion Center of[...]
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Wyoming worker exodus threatens economic decline, business council says
Wyoming is facing a crossroads: too many of its young people—and working-age adults—are leaving, and the jobs to keep them there simply aren’t keeping up. State leaders say it’s not just about attracting business anymore; it’s about building places people want to[...]
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Fed holds interest rates steady, still sees 2 cuts coming this year
Even as inflation shows signs of cooling, the Federal Reserve isn’t ready to ease up just yet. With interest rates holding steady for a fourth straight meeting, Fed officials now predict inflation will tick back up before the year ends—though they still[...]
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Teens in Oakes transform downtown with new Union Square Park
In a time when many small towns are searching for a spark, Oakes just lit one. What began as a burned-out lot on Main Avenue is now Union Square—a vibrant new park and stage built by the hands of local teens. With[...]