(The Center Square) – Drivers across Washington are paying more at the pump as gas prices continue their upward climb while more than half the country saw relief while filling up heading into the busy Labor Day weekend. Washington’s average for gasoline reached $5.37 per gallon on Tuesday, data shows. The increase marks a continuous Read More…
Lawrence & Schiller, Lou Hammond Group and Miles Partnership win multiyear contracts after fifty firms competed for the work Travel South Dakota has selected three marketing and public relations firms to guide the state’s tourism promotion efforts, capping a competitive bidding process that drew interest from agencies across the country. The state tourism office said Read More…
Idaho will receive at least $89.2 million and could collect as much as $127.7 million under a sweeping $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were deliberately designed to encourage addictive use among children. The agreement, announced by Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, resolves claims brought by states and Read More…
Most North Dakotans will never set foot on a drilling rig or analyze rocks from thousands of feet beneath the surface of the Bakken Formation, but nearly everyone in the state has benefited from what lies below. For more than two decades, the Bakken Formation in western North Dakota has helped fuel North Dakota’s economy, generating more than $35 billion in tax revenue Read More…
PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Arts Council awarded six grants of $5,000 each to support community-based arts and cultural initiatives celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, the agency announced. The grants were awarded through SDAC’s America 250 Community Arts program, which encouraged organizations across the state to create public programming highlighting local Read More…
North Central Judicial District Judge Todd L. Cresap has announced he will retire effective July 17, 2026, ending a judicial career that spans nearly two decades in northwestern North Dakota. Cresap was first appointed to the bench in 2009 by Gov. John Hoeven to serve as District Court Judge for the North Central Judicial District Read More…
UND’s Vets2Wings program will continue helping veterans and National Guard members pursue aviation careers through 2030 following a new $3 million federal investment secured by Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D. The additional funding extends a program that launched in late 2022 through a partnership between UND, the Federal Aviation Administration and congressional leaders. The program is Read More…
North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong has appointed Phil Davis, currently the agency’s workforce service director, to serve as interim executive director of Job Service North Dakota when Executive Director Pat Bertagnolli retires on June 12. Davis has spent nearly two decades with the agency, joining in 2007 as an industry liaison before being promoted the Read More…
(The Center Square) – The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled this week that Greenpeace International cannot keep pursuing most of its lawsuit against Energy Transfer in the Netherlands as the pipeline company’s case moves forward in North Dakota. The dispute stems from litigation surrounding disruptive protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Energy Transfer sued Greenpeace Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced that the North Dakota Development Fund Inc. (NDDF) has expanded its eligibility criteria to include non-primary sector businesses. The change is intended to open financing opportunities for more rural businesses and community organizations that previously did not qualify for support. The updated guidelines allow for-profit businesses, specific nonprofits Read More…
South Dakota senior citizens and citizens with disabilities have until July 1 to apply for a tax refund through the state’s Tax Refund Program. Eligible individuals may receive a refund of a portion of the sales taxes they paid in the previous year. To qualify, individuals must meet the following requirements: have been a South Read More…
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon joined members of the Wyoming National Guard in Tunisia this week, participating in activities surrounding Exercise African Lion 2026, the largest annual joint military exercise led by the U.S. Africa Command. Held in Tunis, Tunisia, the exercise brought together military forces from the United States, Tunisia, and more than 40 partner Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Commerce has announced that applications are open for the Innovate ND grant program. Entrepreneurs across the state are encouraged to apply by May 14, 2026, to be considered for this round of funding and support. Innovate ND provides North Dakota entrepreneurs with hands-on education in the lean business model canvas, Read More…
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that a $7.4 billion settlement reached with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, for their role in fueling the opioid crisis took effect Friday, May 1. South Dakota is expected to receive an estimated $10.1 million over the next 15 years as part of its settlement Read More…
The North Dakota Supreme Court welcomed its newest member as Justice Friese was officially installed during a formal investiture ceremony. Chief Justice Lisa Fair McEvers was joined by Justices Jon J. Jensen and Jerod E. Tufte in welcoming attendees to the ceremony. Debra L. Hoffarth, President of the State Bar Association of North Dakota, presented Read More…
Nearly 250 tourism and hospitality professionals gathered this week in Grand Forks as the 2026 North Dakota Travel Industry Conference entered its second day with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and future growth. Hosted by Visit Greater Grand Forks, the North Dakota Travel Industry Alliance, and the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the conference is Read More…
Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in parts of Wyoming are now eligible for low-interest federal disaster loans following a drought declaration issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The assistance is available to businesses in Goshen County, Laramie County, and Niobrara County, which were included in a multi-state disaster declaration covering drought conditions that began Read More…
The ND250 Commission has awarded a new round of community grants to support projects across North Dakota celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. The ND250 Community Initiatives Grant Program helps organizations and local governments create projects recognizing North Dakota’s role in the nation’s history while encouraging public engagement ahead Read More…
In recognition of its strong commitment to economic engagement, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) has designated UND as an Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) University. The IEP designation highlights how the University works together with public and private sector partners to support economic development, spark innovation, foster entrepreneurship, develop a skilled workforce and strengthen communities. “Earning the Read More…
The United States Navy on Saturday commissioned the USS Idaho (SSN-799) during a ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, adding the 26th Virginia-class submarine to the fleet. The event marked the formal entry of the vessel into active service as the Navy continues expanding undersea capabilities amid growing strategic competition overseas. James Risch delivered Read More…
The University of South Dakota has announced that Susan Tuve will deliver the commencement address at USD’s 139th Commencement Ceremonies. The ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Tuve has been recognized for her career achievements in trust and investment banking, contributions to her local community and Read More…
Marty Jackley announced that the South Dakota State Open Meeting Commission will meet Monday, April 27, in Pierre. During the meeting, the commission is expected to announce findings of fact and conclusions of law for two complaints previously heard at its Nov. 3, 2025 meeting. Members will also take testimony on four additional pending complaints. Read More…
After a nationwide search, retired Vice Admiral Darse E. “Del” Crandall, Jr. has been appointed to the position of dean of the School of Law at the University of North Dakota. The appointment was made by Eric Link, UND provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Crandall is expected to begin his new role on Read More…
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation is inviting employers, educators and workforce partners to a free virtual session next week aimed at promoting registered apprenticeship programs as a tool for addressing persistent talent pipeline challenges. The online event, part of a broader Apprenticeship Knowledge Series timed to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, is Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Commerce has awarded $916,939 to seven organizations under its Regional Workforce Impact Program, directing funds toward workforce pipeline challenges ranging from rural housing shortages to educator retention and the development of career pathways in emerging industries. The grants, distributed through a competitive application process, are designed to help regional partners Read More…
The Laramie County School District 1 Board of Trustees authorized roughly $6 million in facility upgrades, service contracts and legal expenses at its regular meeting this week, while also appointing a new principal for Prairie Wind Elementary School. The board moved through its agenda swiftly, approving all items within roughly 10 minutes following public comment Read More…
More than 800 FFA members from 27 eastern South Dakota schools gathered in Huron recently for the annual Heartland Classic Career Development Event at the DEX, with NorthWestern Energy among the community partners supporting the day’s competitions and activities. Hosted by the Wolsey-Wessington FFA Chapter, the event gave students the chance to compete in a Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Commerce has opened applications for the state’s Legacy Investment for Technology, or LIFT, loan program, with submissions due April 23. State officials said the program continues to play a key role in helping North Dakota companies commercialize intellectual property and expand innovation-driven businesses across the state. “We are grateful to Read More…
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced new coordinated efforts to combat government fraud during a joint press conference Thursday in Sioux Falls. The two offices emphasized a shared commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars, ensuring public funds reach intended recipients, and prosecuting individuals who defraud state, federal, or tribal programs. Read More…
First Interstate and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines are providing $700,000 in combined support to 34 nonprofit organizations across South Dakota, expanding funding for groups working on some of the state’s most pressing community needs. The total includes a $200,000 contribution from First Interstate, matched up to three times through FHLB Des Read More…
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality has released its 2025 State of the Environment Report, highlighting the agency’s work over the past year in air monitoring, water management, land reclamation and regulatory compliance. According to the agency, the report focuses on DEQ’s core responsibilities across air, land, waste and water, while also pointing to ongoing Read More…
The North Dakota Department of Commerce has launched a new grant program aimed at helping communities recruit out-of-state workers by bringing prospective job seekers to see career opportunities and quality of life in the state firsthand. The new Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grant Program will support up to 10 communities as they host fly-in events for Read More…
The Center Square) – Federal agents continue to arrest Guatemalans involved in human smuggling and trafficking operations, including of children, who are also involved in violating federal labor laws. The latest arrest was of Guatemalan national Brayan Adiel Gramajo Reyes, who was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pocatello, Idaho, on multiple smuggling and labor Read More…
The Center Square) – Nearly a year after a nine-person jury found Greenpeace liable for $667 million in damages in a case related to the Dakota Access Pipeline, a North Dakota judge has said the environmental organization will soon be ordered to make good on the damages. In court papers filed Tuesday, Judge James Gion Read More…
(The Center Square) – On Tuesday, a judge will decide whether or not to approve a $29 million settlement between the city of Seattle and the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India who, in January 2023, was struck and killed by a police SUV speeding at 74 mph in a 25 Read More…
Corey Mock, Chief Information Officer for the State of North Dakota, has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). Mock will serve as an Executive Committee Director, completing the unexpired term of Laura Clark, former CIO for the State of Michigan. The term runs through 2026, Read More…
The South Dakota State Senate has confirmed Governor Larry Rhoden’s appointment of Dean Kirkeby to the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) Commission. “South Dakota is the most beautiful state, and protecting our great outdoors is a responsibility we don’t take lightly — we owe it to our kids and our grandkids,” Governor Rhoden Read More…
The Wyoming Army National Guard graduated Soldiers from the Field Artillery Weapons Locating Radar 13R Advanced Leader Course during a ceremony Jan. 30, 2026, at the 213th Regional Training Institute. Conducted Jan. 6–30, the course prepared noncommissioned officers to serve as weapons locating radar section chiefs, combining advanced technical training with leadership development focused on Read More…
Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced that Tracy Hofius, 49, was sentenced on January 21, 2026, for Public Assistance Provider Fraud stemming from her time as Executive Director of the North Star Child Development Center, a non-profit serving Idaho Medicaid participants with developmental disabilities. Public Assistance Provider Fraud is a felony that carries a potential sentence Read More…
Governor Mark Gordon will kick off a statewide tour, The Essential Budget: Protecting and Powering Wyoming’s Future, to outline the priorities and key decisions of the upcoming legislative budget session. The series will highlight issues including protecting core industries, supporting economic and business growth, the importance of state savings, property tax reform, and other topics Read More…
North Dakota will participate in a new federal program offering tax credits for donations to organizations that provide K-12 education scholarships, Governor Kelly Armstrong announced Wednesday. The program allows taxpayers to claim federal tax credits for cash contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), nonprofit groups that award scholarships to help students pay for elementary and Read More…
Governor Brad Little and U.S. Senator Jim Risch welcomed U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to Boise, spotlighting Idaho’s strengthened partnership with the federal government in serving the state’s veterans. “Idaho is honored to host Secretary Collins and celebrate our support for Idaho veterans,” Governor Little said. “Unlike the previous administration, we Read More…
Four South Dakota education professionals were recognized in 2025 for achieving National Board Certification, one of the most prestigious credentials in the teaching and school counseling professions. The South Dakota Department of Education announced that three teachers and one school counselor demonstrated advanced knowledge, skills, and professional excellence through the rigorous national certification process. National Read More…
(The Center Square) – Defending Education’s federal privacy complaint filed last month alleges that Seattle Public Schools is violating two federal laws – the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment – with its gender identity policies. The civil rights complaint claims the district’s policies, specifically those that keep Read More…