By Amy Dalrymple | Editor
“When you are on a fixed income, and the prices for groceries, gas and rent keep rising, an increase in utility rates becomes a true hardship.” - Janelle Moos, advocacy director at AARP North Dakota, on a proposed rate increase for MDU customers.
An electric transmission substation operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities in Bismarck on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
By Jeff Beach
A North Dakota group is seeking to advocate for consumers who are facing a utility rate increase.
AARP North Dakota has formally intervened in the rate case filed by Montana-Dakota Utilities.
The rate increase needs the approval of the three-person Public Service Commission.
The company filed for an overall rate increase of 14.5% on June 30. If the full increase is approved, it would increase the monthly electricity bill for an average residential customer by about $19.10.
A screenshot of the North Dakota Development Fund Board meeting by videoconference on Sept. 24, 2026. (Screenshot from Microsoft Teams)
By Jack Dura
Officials overseeing a state-backed business financing program that drew critical audit findings and a sharp response from lawmakers plan to meet in coming weeks to address the situation.
North Dakota Development Fund Executive Director Brian Opp announced during a videoconference meeting Thursday a planned “strategic session, in-person meeting” in upcoming weeks for the fund’s board of directors to address the audit findings in depth, “where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going with those items.”
Opp also complimented the board and staff on “the work that has been done in the past couple of years,” specifically the improved collection and retention of conflict of interest forms, improvement of the form itself and a policy prohibiting “related-party loans.”
The board met in a closed executive session for one hour, 45 minutes. The public portion of the meeting lasted about 18 minutes.
The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
By Ashley Murray
Despite skyrocketing fuel prices and sinking approval ratings for President Donald Trump’s conflict in Iran ahead of the November midterms, Senate Republicans blocked Democrats’ efforts Thursday to check the president’s unfettered military action in the Middle East.
Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., joined Democrats in supporting the House-approved Iran War Powers Resolution.
But the number of Republicans who wanted to curb Trump’s prolonged military action in the Islamic Republic fell short in the final tally of 49-50. North Dakota Republican Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer voted no.
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Two stories this week put a spotlight on institutions that depend heavily on public trust.
Reporter Jack Dura joins host Craig Blumenshine to discuss a recent audit of the North Dakota Development Fund, a state-backed program that provides loans and investments to businesses.
Dura also talks about his recent reporting on a contested North Dakota Supreme Court race that is nonpartisan but has involved endorsements and events from Republicans.
A Closer Look with the Monitor is a partnership with Prairie Public's Main Street.
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FROM STATES NEWSROOM
Dr. Heidi Overton speaks at her Senate confirmation hearing on Sept. 24, 2026 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Overton, President Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Food and Drug Administration, worked as deputy assistant for domestic policy, where she oversaw health initiatives for the White House. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
By Jennifer Shutt
President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration appeared to disappoint senators from both political parties Thursday with how she answered questions about medication abortion access during her confirmation hearing.
Dr. Heidi Overton also faced skepticism from committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, about her work on vaccine policy during the current administration, indicating she may not have the support needed to secure the job.
FROM OTHER ND MEDIA OUTLETS
Some stories may require a paid subscription.
Theodore Roosevelt library names Robbie Lauf interim CEO | The Bismarck Tribune
Fedorchak, Scalise tour Fargo battery factory | The Forum
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