News

ND ONE OF THE DEADLIEST IN THE NATION

May 6th, 2016

For the fourth year in a row, North Dakota ranks as one of the deadliest states in the nation for worker fatalities, according to an annual report just released by the AFL-CIO.

North Dakota ranked 49th out of 50 states in the 2016 Death on the Job Report with 9.8 deaths per 100,000 workers behind only Wyoming which had 13.1 deaths per 100,000 workers.

The next closest state to North Dakota is Alaska, at 48th with 7.8 deaths per 100,000 workers. The statistics are for the year 2014, due to…

Connect Mobile Summit Is A Glimpse Of China’s Future

May 4th, 2016

It’s a bit odd, how connected we feel with the rest of the world because of the internet, but once you step out of the U.S. and see the internet in China, you realize how completely different it is. Your standard Facebook, Twitter, Google, or any Google product are all blocked by the great firewall of China.

And the apps used in China couldn’t be more different. Not just what they are, but how they work and the vision driving their growth and adoption. And perhaps it’s this vision…

Insult To Injury: The Death Of John Torres

May 4th, 2016

By Cindy Gomez-Schempp

Four painful months have passed since December 25, the day when John Torres, a Mexican-American man was jumped by a group of white males in Crookston, Minn., outside Captain Crook’s Bar. John was there with family to celebrate Christmas, but he was later attacked outside the bar and needed to be rushed to Altru hospital with a fractured skull and bleeding from his ear.

His widow, Rita Saenz and their four children John Henry Jr 15, Brandon 13, Jennifer 10 and…

HOW IS THE CITY OF FARGO BATTLING OPIATES?

April 27th, 2016

The City of Fargo was asked this week to have police and firefighters carry Narcan, which can reverse overdose effects, to combat the recent epidemic. They decided to have firefighters carry the drug, not police. The city also issued a statement from Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney. HPR spoke with Mayor Mahoney about who should carry Narcan and how the city is fighting back against the rise in opiate overdose deaths in the city.

HPR: Why did you issue the statement now? Was it with regard…

IS FARGO OUT OF THE BAG?

April 25th, 2016

In recent years environmentalism has come closer to the forefront of political and social discussion. Ever since science has become more vocal about humanity’s effect on the natural world there has been passionate discussion about the subject running the gamut from what needs to be done to accusing environmentalism of being an ideological ploy. In any case there will be a lot of change and a lot of risk no matter what is done.

No discussion of mankind’s effect on the environment…

CROSS COUNTRY

April 20th, 2016

David Cross is no stranger to either the big screen or the small screen -- whether he is writing, producing, or starring. Most may recognize the popular comedian as Tobias Fünke, on the hit television series “Arrested Development.” He made his debut in the early 90s on The Ben Stiller Show, which eventually led to the cult favorite HBO sketch comedy series “Mr. Show” in which he partnered with fellow comedian Bob Odenkirk.

He has released two albums on Subpop records and has…

EFARGO CELEBRATES EARTH DAY

April 20th, 2016

HPR spoke with Malini Srivastava, Assistant Professor of Architecture at NDSU and the efargo project lead for NDSU to learn more about efforts to promote energy efficiency in the community.

HPR: What is efargo?

Malini Srivastava: efargo is a partnership between NDSU, the City of Fargo and the two utilities, Xcel Energy and Cass County (Electric Coop). We established the partnership to participate in the Georgetown University energy prize competition. It’s a national competition to see…

OPIOID CRISIS DEMANDS PARADIGM SHIFT

April 13th, 2016

Just over a decade ago, ND lawmakers enacted legislation championed by Sen. Larry Robinson of Valley City to establish a state-funded addiction treatment facility with a primary focus on Methamphetamine. Share House Inc. was subsequently awarded the contract to implement and manage that pilot program, which grew over time in mission and capabilities yet always faced severe financial constraints.

The Robinson Treatment Center has treated as many as 800 people and in recent years put…

NORTH DAKOTA ECONOMIC PICTURE DIMS

April 13th, 2016

This week, North Dakota Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger announced that taxable sales and purchases in the state are down 19% to $22.9 billion, the lowest total since 2011, affected no doubt by low oil prices. This follows a $1 billion budget shortfall which resulted in agency-wide cuts in state government and a recent rejection by Governor Jack Dalrymple to calls from Democrats for a special session to deal with all of this. High Plains Reader caught up with ND Senate Minority…

ND Dems select Chase Iron Eyes

April 6th, 2016

Over the weekend, North Dakota Democrats nominated Native American activist Chase Iron Eyes to run against Congressman Kevin Cramer for US House in 2016 at their state convention. Almost immediately, Iron Eyes came under attack from the blogosphere. HPR caught up with him to find out why he’s running and to respond to the attacks.

HPR: First of all, why don’t we talk a little bit about why you decided to run for Congress?

Chase Iron Eyes: I am a lifelong North Dakotan. I call myself…