News

Fargo Farm Tour Seeks to Bridge Farmer and Consumer Gap

August 14th, 2023

By Maddie Robinson

maddierobi.mr@gmail.com

With almost 26,000 farms occupying about 90% of North Dakota’s land and the average farm being roughly 1,500 acres, the state’s strong agricultural roots are an essential part of its very function.

A 2022 North Dakota State University study found that agriculture makes up almost 25% of the state’s economy, a total contribution of over $30 billion. Coupled with the fact that the industry represents over 100,000 direct and secondary jobs, or…

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​Those Pushing Transgender Bills in North Dakota

July 27th, 2023

By Faye Seidler

fayeseidler@gmail.com

In 2015, The Forum published the information and faces of every North Dakota state representative, as well as whether they voted for or against LGBTQ+ protections. This created transparency and clarity. We knew where our elective body stood.

In 2023, North Dakota saw nearly 20 bills impacting the LGBTQ+ population, making it more difficult to effectively track our lawmakers. However, analysis shows that the majority of these bills came from two…

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Data Centers Love North Dakota.  Should North Dakota Love Them?

July 16th, 2023

By Laura Simmons 

laurasimmons2025@u.northwestern.edu

Governor Doug Burgum is welcoming crypto mining and data center companies into North Dakota, saying in a January 2022 news release that it will diversify the state’s economy and attract high-paying jobs. However, these companies have come under scrutiny for a variety of reasons, including their high energy use.

Although there are likely close to a hundred crypto mining operations in North Dakota, the…

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Rural Grocery Stores Are Disappearing, Initiatives in Place To Help

June 12th, 2023

By Laura Simmons

laurasimmons2025@u.northwestern.edu

Photo credit: Lew Ableidinger

North Dakota’s Commerce Committee during the legislature’s 2019 to 2020 interim session studied the decline of rural grocery stores in North Dakota. Almost 3.5 yearslater, a Senate Bill 2273, which allocates $1 million to preserve rural grocery stores and increase food access, was signed into law April 24.

The number of rural grocery stores in North Dakota has been declining. North Dakota lost 15…

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​2023 HPR SUMMER EVENT CALENDAR

May 16th, 2023

May

Fargo Marathon

Now - May 20

Youth run Thursday, 5K Friday night, 10K, half and full marathon, entertainment along route on Saturday.

fargomarathon.com

Kids to Park Day

May 20

Bring the kids to Theault Farm in Fargo for crafts, learning activities and more.

fargoparks.com

56560 Community Rummage Sale

Saturday, May 20, 8am-2pm, Cullen Hockey Center, Moorhead

Numerous sellers, food vendors all day. Clothing, furniture, wood-crafted items and more. Admission is $1, 17 and under free. (218)…

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A Historic Anniversary for Paradox Comics n’ Cards

April 16th, 2023

By John Showalter 

john.d.showalter@gmail.com

If you’re any stripe of dork, geek, nerd, or all of the above, Paradox Comics n’ Cards in downtown Fargo is practically a local institution. 2023 marks its thirtieth year of catering to the area’s comic fans and tabletop gamers.

Owner Richard Early has big plans to mark this auspicious anniversary for the store and recently I had the opportunity to interview him about those plans, as…

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‘We Do Not Want to Expose Them to That’

March 20th, 2023

Proposed Bills Could Take Books off Library Shelves

By Laura Simmons

laurasimmons2025@u.northwestern.edu

The passing of ND House Bill 1205 and ND Senate Bill 2360, which would prevent sexually explicit books from being in public libraries, has prompted national discourse over what some are considering “book bans.”

The North Dakota House and Senate each passed a bill to amend North Dakota Century Code 12.1-27.1, which focuses on obscenity control.

HB 1205 says a public library may not…

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News From the Bad Lands: The Bridge Is Back

March 5th, 2023

By Jim Fuglie

jimfuglie920@gmail.com

It’s been a while since I brought HPR readers up to date on things going on out in the North Dakota Bad Lands. And trust me, there have been some things going on. And not all good things.

There have been a couple of elections out in Billings County, which is home to Medora, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and the Little Missouri State Scenic River. And elections, as they say, have consequences. What’s been going on in Billings County…

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​Fufeng Corn Processing Plant Falls Through, but Citizens Still Angry in Grand Forks.

February 12th, 2023

By Laura Simmons

laurasimmons2025@u.northwestern.edu

Although the Grand Forks City Council voted 5-0 February 6 to cancel Fufeng, there are still unresolved issues.

The Chinese-owned corn mill processing plant Fufeng set off national security concerns for being about 12 miles from Grand Forks Air Force base. The Department of the Air Force in Washington D.C. sent a letter to North Dakota senators on January 27 saying Fufeng “presents a significant threat to national security.”

“We…

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Protecting or Restricting? North Dakota’s Anti-corporate Farming Law in Jeopardy

January 17th, 2023

By Laura Simmons

laurasimmons2025@u.northwestern.edu

Governor Doug Burgum called for the removal of the anti-corporate farming law during the State of the State Address.

The anti-corporate farming law is a contentious topic. Some believe it is holding back North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. Others believe the anti-corporate farming law is protecting local farmers and the environment.

“I urge this body to change the long downward trajectory of animal agriculture in North Dakota and…

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