Featured Articles in Regional News

North Dakota Reports Slight Dip in Q1 2025 Taxable Sales

North Dakota Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus announced today that the state’s taxable sales and purchases for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $5.65 billion, reflecting a 1.53% decrease compared to the same period last year. Despite the modest decline, Kroshus said the data show signs of underlying economic stability amid national economic uncertainty. “While we Read More…

Buckskin Mine Honored with 2025 DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded the 2025 Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award in the coal category to the Buckskin Mine for its outstanding work restoring native sagebrush habitat in Campbell County. The award, which recognizes exceptional achievements in mine reclamation, will be officially presented during the 69th Annual Wyoming Mining Association Read More…

Senate Committee Advances North Dakota Superintendent Baesler’s Nomination for Federal Education Post

North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler’s nomination to serve as the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education has advanced to the full United States Senate. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) approved Baesler’s nomination Friday in a party-line vote of 12-11, as part of an en Read More…

Attorney General Jackley Appoints Two New Special Agents in Charge at South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today the promotion of two veteran law enforcement officers to newly created leadership positions within the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Supervisory Special Agents Mike Hockett and Dane Rasmussen have been named Special Agents in Charge (SAC) for the Eastern and Western regions of the state, respectively. “Special Read More…

All in: Regional News

North Dakota Reports Slight Dip in Q1 2025 Taxable Sales

North Dakota Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus announced today that the state’s taxable sales and purchases for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $5.65 billion, reflecting a 1.53% decrease compared to the same period last year. Despite the modest decline, Kroshus said the data show signs of underlying economic stability amid national economic uncertainty. “While we Read More…

Wyoming Business Council Charts Bold Path Forward for State’s Economic Future

In a candid and forward-looking quarterly meeting this week, the Wyoming Business Council (WBC) Board of Directors turned its focus toward bold strategies aimed at reversing persistent economic challenges, including stagnant job growth and population decline. During a strategic work session held May 20, WBC CEO Josh Dorrell presented a stark assessment of Wyoming’s current Read More…

Buckskin Mine Honored with 2025 DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded the 2025 Excellence in Mining Reclamation Award in the coal category to the Buckskin Mine for its outstanding work restoring native sagebrush habitat in Campbell County. The award, which recognizes exceptional achievements in mine reclamation, will be officially presented during the 69th Annual Wyoming Mining Association Read More…

Senate Committee Advances North Dakota Superintendent Baesler’s Nomination for Federal Education Post

North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler’s nomination to serve as the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education has advanced to the full United States Senate. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) approved Baesler’s nomination Friday in a party-line vote of 12-11, as part of an en Read More…

Attorney General Jackley Appoints Two New Special Agents in Charge at South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today the promotion of two veteran law enforcement officers to newly created leadership positions within the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Supervisory Special Agents Mike Hockett and Dane Rasmussen have been named Special Agents in Charge (SAC) for the Eastern and Western regions of the state, respectively. “Special Read More…

Think tank: Trump’s minerals order could benefit Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming

(The Center Square) – A recent Trump administration order that seeks to boost critical mineral production could be a boon for Colorado, Arizona and Wyoming, which are home to key critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies, a new report claims. President Donald Trump in March signed Executive Order 14241, citing the economic and national security Read More…

Wyoming Air National Guard to Receive C-130J Super Hercules Upgrade

The Wyoming Air National Guard has been selected to receive the C-130J Super Hercules, a modern upgrade to replace its aging fleet of C-130H aircraft. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the 153rd Airlift Wing and recognizes the exemplary performance of Wyoming’s Airmen in supporting critical missions both domestically and globally. A total of Read More…

Gov. Armstrong Meets with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin

Governor Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota met with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin today to discuss critical issues affecting the state’s energy and agriculture sectors. The meeting focused on collaborating with the federal government and industry partners to protect North Dakota’s natural resources while fostering responsible energy development and economic growth. Armstrong Read More…

Two Startups Secure $255,000 in Funding Through North Dakota’s Angel Match Program

The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced today that Tugboat Solutions, Inc. and Verdethos, Inc. have been approved for a combined total of $255,000 in funding through the state’s Angel Match Program (AMP) for the first quarter of 2025. The Angel Match Program, designed to support early-stage, high-growth companies, will provide Tugboat Solutions with a Read More…

South Dakota firm to bring ‘Ring of Fire’ LED Display System for New Nissan Stadium

When the Tennessee Titans open the doors to their brand-new Nissan Stadium in 2027, fans will be welcomed into a high-tech visual experience unlike any other in the NFL. Partnering with Daktronics, a leading LED display manufacturer based in Brookings, South Dakota, the Titans will install 37 massive video displays totaling more than 77,000 square Read More…

South Dakota to Distribute 20,000 Naloxone Kits in Statewide Overdose Prevention Effort

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced a major initiative today to combat the state’s growing opioid crisis through the distribution of 20,000 naloxone kits, totaling 40,000 doses, in partnership with nonprofit organization Emily’s Hope and the Departments of Social Services and Health. Funded through the South Dakota Opioid Settlement and supplied by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Read More…

In 3 months, federal oil, gas lease sales total $39 million in 5 western states

(The Center Square) – The Trump administration is continuing to reverse Biden administration energy policies, including its moratorium on new oil and natural gas lease sales on federal land and offshore waters. In response to President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Unleashing American Energy,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued an order to reduce regulatory burdens and Read More…

State Superintendent Honors 46 North Dakota Educators as County Teachers of the Year

North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler on Thursday celebrated 46 exceptional educators who have been named County Teachers of the Year, recognizing their outstanding contributions to students, schools, and communities across the state. “These remarkable teachers have earned the admiration of their peers, students, and families for their dedication and excellence,” said Baesler. Read More…

Gordon On Middle East, Asia Tour To Build Wyoming’s International Business Profile

Gov. Mark Gordon is piling up the frequent flier miles, traveling around the world on behalf of the state. The cross-continental trip is based around promoting Wyoming, visiting with the state’s members of the military stationed overseas and building international trade alliances. After visiting the Middle East, Gordon will continue on to East Asia where he’ll visit Read More…

Superintendent Degenfelder Honors Military Kids, Highlights Resources for Military Families

In celebration of Purple Up Day for Military Kids, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder joined students, families, and community leaders at Freedom Elementary on Friday to recognize the important role military children and their families play in supporting the nation’s security. Purple Up Day, observed in April during the Month of the Military Read More…

Attorney General Jackley Warns Phone Providers Over Unlawful Robocall Traffic

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is joining forces with a bipartisan coalition of 51 Attorneys General to issue a warning to nine major voice service providers, alerting them that they may be violating both state and federal laws by continuing to route allegedly unlawful robocalls through their networks. “These companies are allowing harmful scams Read More…

West Fargo Sheyenne High’s Shaina Eagleson Named State Finalist for National Science Teaching Award

Shaina Eagleson, a science teacher at West Fargo’s Sheyenne High School, has been named a state finalist for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), North Dakota’s Department of Public Instruction announced Thursday. The award, considered the highest national recognition for K-12 STEM educators, honors outstanding teaching in science, technology, Read More…

Wyoming Business Council Welcomes Three New Team Members

The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) is excited to announce the addition of three new team members who bring a shared passion for Wyoming’s communities, businesses, and future growth. These individuals are eager to help foster innovation and support local enterprises as the state continues to prosper. Emma Gregg – Accounting Solutions Coordinator Emma Gregg joins Read More…

North Dakota Breaks Ground on Heart River Correctional Center for Women

Governor Kelly Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Heart River Correctional Center (HRCC) in Mandan, marking a historic milestone in North Dakota’s prison system. The state’s first facility designed specifically for women will focus on rehabilitation, safety, and family reintegration. The 191,500-square-foot facility, scheduled to open in Read More…

WYDOT Customer Satisfaction Survey Shows 70% Satisfaction

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has released the results of its biennial Customer Satisfaction Survey, showing that approximately 70 percent of respondents are satisfied with the department’s services. The 12th edition of the survey, conducted by the University of Wyoming’s Survey and Analysis Center, collected 997 responses from Nov. 6 to Dec. 17, 2024. Read More…

Gov. Armstrong Appoints Zachary Greenberg as Permanent Labor Commissioner

Governor Kelly Armstrong has announced the appointment of Zachary Greenberg as North Dakota’s permanent Labor Commissioner. Greenberg had been serving as interim commissioner since January and has been recognized for his leadership in enforcing the state’s labor and human rights laws. “Zach has proven himself to be a capable leader these past few months, ensuring Read More…

Wyoming Launches Application for Education Service Providers under ESA Program

The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) has officially opened the application process for Education Service Providers (ESPs) for the state’s newly established Education Savings Account (ESA) program. The application portal will be accessible starting at 1 p.m. MDT on April 1, 2025, on the ESA website. Organizations interested in offering educational goods or services through Read More…

Gov. Little Announces Leadership Changes in State Administration

Governor Brad Little announced key leadership changes in his administration today, including a new director for the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) and an appointment to the Idaho Transportation Board. Bree Derrick Appointed as IDOC Director The Idaho Board of Correction has appointed Bree Derrick as the new Director of IDOC, succeeding Josh Tewalt, who Read More…

Wyoming Transportation Commission Greenlights $21.49 Million in Highway Upgrades

The Wyoming Transportation Commission allocated $21.49 million in contracts for eight highway construction projects across the state during its regular business meeting on March 20, 2025. The awards, granted to various contractors, will fund improvements ranging from concrete slab replacements to bridge rehabilitation and road resurfacing, with completion dates spanning from June to November 2025. Read More…

Jury: Greenpeace liable for hundreds of millions in damages over pipeline project protests

(The Center Square) – A North Dakota jury on Wednesday found environmental activist group Greenpeace liable for hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for its activities related to protests of construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Dallas-based Energy Transfer sued Greenpeace over the sometimes violent protests that delayed construction of the pipeline by five months, costing the Read More…

North Dakota Commerce Department Awards Energy Conservation Grants

The North Dakota Department of Commerce has announced the award of $1,168,199 in Energy Conservation Grants (ECG) to communities across the state. These grants are part of the department’s ongoing initiative to support energy efficiency improvements in public buildings, benefiting local governments through funding for sustainable projects aimed at reducing energy costs. The ECG program Read More…

Gov. Little Signs Medicaid Reform and Cost Containment Act

Governor Brad Little has signed House Bill 345, the Medicaid Reform and Cost Containment Act, reinforcing Idaho’s commitment to balancing healthcare access with fiscal responsibility. “We want Idahoans to become as self-sufficient as possible,” said Gov. Little during the bill signing. “House Bill 345 reinforces that goal while reasonably reeling in Medicaid spending so taxpayers Read More…

Greenpeace-Energy Transfer lawsuit winding down

(The Center Square) – The long-anticipated North Dakota lawsuit between Energy Transfer and Greenpeace is winding down, with both parties resting their cases Thursday. Energy Transfer installed the Dakota Access Pipeline from 2016-2017 but was met with opposition in North Dakota by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The pipeline would cross through land and waterways Read More…

Governor Armstrong Announces Application Period for State Band, Orchestra, and Choral Programs

Governor Kelly Armstrong has announced the opening of the application period for North Dakota’s Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for the 2025-2026 school year. School, community, and church bands, orchestras, and choirs across the state are invited to apply. The Governor and First Lady will select the two groups based on their Read More…

Attorney General Jackley Honors 45 New Law Enforcement Officers at Graduation Ceremony

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley recognized 45 new law enforcement officers graduating from the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program in Pierre on Friday, March 7. “This is an important day for the recruits, their families, and their departments,” said Attorney General Jackley. “South Dakota just became even safer today with our newest officers.” The Read More…

Grand Forks County Partners with Schroeder Middle School for Civics Education and Career Day

Grand Forks County is strengthening its commitment to civics education through an ongoing collaboration with Schroeder Middle School. Judges and court staff have been engaging with eighth-grade History and North Dakota Studies students, offering quarterly presentations on the Constitution and government structure. In December 2024, Northeast Central Judicial District Presiding Judge Don Hager and Kelly Read More…