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North Dakota bill to ban kratom fails, but regulation bill being drafted

BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) — North Dakota lawmakers chose not to ban the plant-based substance kratom, but one lawmaker indicated a bill to regulate the substance is in the works. House Bill 1101 would have added mitragynine, derived from kratom, to a list of Schedule I controlled substances. Lawmakers heard testimony that the substance is sometimes used in pain management and opioid…

Gov. Armstrong presents Nearly $20 Billion Budget

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Gov. Kelly Armstrong presents his first state budget which comes in at nearly $20 billion. Armstrong’s administration claims it’s $600 million less than former Gov. Burgum’s final budget. A large portion is focused on property tax reform and relief, with that section totaling almost $500 million. That money will provide a property tax credit of over…

North Dakota Lawmakers Consider Bill To Ban Drones Made In China

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota could become the first state to outlaw drones made in China for government use. Privacy and security are the main concerns but the bill’s sponsor says the move could have positive economic benefits. It started with a casual conversation. North Dakota State Representative Mike Nathe was catching up with unmanned aircraft system officials, asking…

Solid Waste Service Gives Update on Reclaiming Fargo’s East Landfill

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo’s Solid Waste Service is sharing its progress reclaiming the city’s East Landfill. The 160 acres lies on the east side of 45th Street North and the north side of Seventh Avenue North. The project started in 2016 and entails digging out the original landfill and bringing it up to current environmental standards. This includes adding…

Biden warns in farewell address that ‘oligarchy’ of ultrarich in US threatens future of democracy

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden used his farewell address to the nation Wednesday to deliver stark warnings of an “oligarchy” of the ultra-wealthy taking root in the country and of a “tech-industrial complex” that is infringing on Americans’ rights and the future of democracy. Speaking from the Oval Office as he prepares to hand over power Monday to President-elect Donald Trump, Biden…

North Dakota DOC Introduce Bill To Allow Mothers And Children To Live Together In Prison

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — The bill, presented by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, would allow children from newborns to 18 months of age to reside with their mothers in a separate housing unit the DOC considers their ‘apartments.’ “Women are often the main caregivers for their children as most incarcerated women are parents to children under the…

Minnesota Democrats ask state Supreme Court to resolve state House power struggle

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and House Democrats have asked the state’s highest court to intervene in a partisan power struggle that has roiled the start of the 2025 legislative session that extended into a second day Wednesday. Simon, a Democrat, petitioned the Minnesota Supreme Court late Tuesday to declare that he legally remains the presiding…