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Native American tribes and support organizations have pursued several lawsuits since the 2020 redistricting cycle, in hopes of securing fair political boundaries. There is also a push to get more tribes to be active when maps are drawn, so legal action will not be necessary. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, April 19, 2024

Tribal advocates keep up legal pressure for fair political maps

Across the U.S., most political boundaries tied to the 2020 Census have been in place for a while, but a national project on map fairness for …

In North Dakota's upcoming June 11th primary election, nearly 70 legislative races are on the ballot. (Adobe Stock)

ND spring election: Local races round out ballots

Voters are consistently reminded to pay attention to local elections. But in 2024, North Dakota groups are stressing that message even more with …

In cities across the nation, local governments are hearing more feedback and discourse from residents about a range of matters during regular meetings. Those include broader issues, such as calls for ceasefire resolutions in light of the Israel-Hamas war. (Adobe Stock)

Possible public-comment overhaul stirs backlash in Fargo

Public comment has long been a staple of local government meetings. But in North Dakota and other parts of the country, this engagement tool faces a …

While they scored some gains in the most recent redistricting process, North Dakota tribal advocates say legislative boundaries often dilute the voting power of Native Americans. (Adobe Stock)

ND tribal advocates: Community work matters in redistricting cases

North Dakota is one step closer to getting a full sense of how the courts view redistricting challenges in tribal areas. Legal representatives say …

Given the more challenging environment facing election administrators, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission has enhanced outreach efforts, such as establishing National Poll Worker Recruitment Day a few years ago, in hopes of recruiting more poll workers. (Adobe Stock)

ND film screening aims to highlight contributions from election workers

This coming Saturday, North Dakotans will get a chance to see how election workers go to great lengths to ensure a safe and secure voting process…

Native American advocates say this week's Supreme Court decision to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act ultimately protects tribal culture and heritage by ensuring there will be continued efforts to keep Native children in their community environments if they're considered for adoption or foster care. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Advocates Feel 'Relief' After SCOTUS ICWA Ruling

Tribal advocates are cheering a U.S. Supreme Court decision Thursday which allows a landmark law dealing with child welfare cases to stand. It …

Last fall, the American Library Association said the number of attempts to ban or restrict library resources in schools, universities and public libraries was on track to exceed record counts from 2021. (Adobe Stock)

ND Enters Fray Surrounding Content Ban for Libraries

North Dakota is expected to see continued debate in the coming weeks over a plan to ban certain items from public libraries. While the plan has its …

In examining two North Dakota tribal communities, a new data project says the average length voters have to travel to cast their ballot is 60 miles. (Adobe Stock)

ND Tribal Advocates Say Numbers Don't Lie in Voting Barriers

Native Americans have long faced barriers when it comes to voting, and a new North Dakota data project adds another layer to the arguments for access …

ND Tribal School: New Book Highlights Language Preservation Movement

Many Indigenous languages face extinction, and in the U.S. efforts are popping up to preserve traditional Native American dialects and culture…

Domestic violence experts say it can take seven attempts for a victim to permanently leave their situation. (Adobe Stock)

ND Groups Navigate Challenges to Expand Crime Victim Aid

Non-profits assisting North Dakota crime victims are trying to maintain services they've been building in recent years. As demand reaches pre-…

North Dakota was one of nearly a dozen states that had so-called trigger bans on abortions ready to take place in the event of federal protections being overturned. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Filed Against North Dakota's Abortion Ban

North Dakota's pending trigger law on abortions is being called unconstitutional in a new lawsuit. Separately, a handful of cities will see rallies …

North Dakota's only abortion clinic is now planning to move out of state in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to reverse Roe v. Wade. (Lexicon Images/Adobestock)

Progressive Groups Call on North Dakotans to Rethink Abortion Policy, Post-Roe

Pro-choice advocates are calling on voters to make access to abortion a big issue in the November midterm election. The countdown has begun; in less …

Native Americans, who are now in court in response to North Dakota's redistricting efforts, say not prioritizing public hearings on tribal lands contributed to the issues seen with the maps that were approved. (Adobe Stock)

New Activity in ND Redistricting Lawsuits about Tribal Lands

July 1 is the next scheduled hearing date for a pair of lawsuits tied to North Dakota's redistricting process. The legal issue is political …

In addition to legislative seats, North Dakota will see Native American candidates running for county-level seats and school boards this year. (Adobe Stock)

Building Access for ND's Tribal Voters Focuses on Communication, Data

Ahead of North Dakota's June 14 primary, a civic engagement group is crunching numbers and maintaining talks with county and state election leaders …

Federal authorities say in 2020, North Dakota saw nearly two dozen hate crime incidents that were documented. (Adobe Stock)

In ND, Local Hate-Crime Laws Carry Policy Load for Now

Less than a year after Fargo adopted a hate-crime ordinance, another North Dakota city is moving forward with a similar law. It remains to be seen …

North Dakota has nearly 1,700 active lawyers, but a report says most are centered in urban areas. A majority of the state's 53 counties have 5 or fewer lawyers. (Adobe Stock)

Is ND Turning Into a Legal Desert?

MINOT, N.D. - North Dakota has just had a new class of attorneys admitted to the state bar. But some in the legal community feel there aren't enough …

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 15 states have term limits for legislators. (Adobe Stock)

ND Term-Limits Plan Could Give More Power to Lobbyists

BISMARCK, N.D. - Next year, North Dakota voters could be asked to consider a plan often floated as a way to shake up traditional politics. Term …

Long celebrated by African Americans, Juneteenth often is viewed as an overlooked moment in U.S. history. But it's now a recognized holiday in North Dakota, and the 12th federal holiday. (Adobe Stock)

'Our Independence Day': Juneteenth Has New Meaning in ND

FARGO, N.D. -- North Dakotans will gather in Fargo and Grand Forks tomorrow to celebrate Juneteenth, which recognizes the end of slavery. With the …

In addition to calls for more inclusion of Native Americans, North Dakota lawmakers are facing demands to not draw new political maps behind closed doors. (Adobe Stock)

ND Activists: Lack of Tribal Inclusion in Redistricting Runs Deep

BISMARCK, N.D. - As redistricting takes shape in North Dakota, lawmakers are pressured to give tribal communities a fair shake in the process…

The Secretary of State's office says backers of constitutional amendment reform, surrounding citizen-led efforts, need to collect more than 30,000 signatures to get the issue placed on North Dakota's ballot next year. (Adobe Stock)

Constitutional Amendment Threshold for ND Draws Concerns

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Next year, North Dakotans could be asked to raise the threshold for ballot initiatives surrounding the state constitution to win …

In 2019, about 76,000 children were prosecuted in the adult system, and more than 80% were racial minorities, according to a report from Human Rights for Kids. (chatiyanon/Adobe Stock)

Outside of ND Efforts, Federal Overhaul of Juvenile Justice Proposed

FARGO, N.D. -- A bipartisan group of lawmakers is introducing a package of bills to make the federal criminal-justice system more fair and age-…

Long celebrated by African Americans, Juneteenth often is viewed as an overlooked moment in U.S. history. (Adobe Stock)

ND Moves Closer to Recognizing Juneteenth as Holiday

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The North Dakota Legislature has sent the governor a bill that would recognize Juneteenth as a ceremonial holiday. Supporters say …

Like other states, the constitution of North Dakota requires the Legislative Assembly to redistrict itself following each federal decennial census. (Adobe Stock)

ND Redistricting Dance Continues in Senate

BISMARCK, N.D. -- While the stage is being set for redistricting in North Dakota, lawmakers appear willing to give the public more of a window into …

Bills that would restrict transgender students from competing in high school sports have surfaced in several states this spring, including North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ Advocates: Our Voices Ignored in Transgender Sports Debate

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota lawmakers have been revising a controversial bill concerning transgender students competing in high school sports…

The latest federal stimulus package approved by the U.S. House sets aside $20 million for assistance groups to address fair-housing complaints. (Adobe Stock)

ND Groups: Federal COVID Relief Can't Come Soon Enough

FARGO, N.D. -- The focus of a new federal COVID relief package has now shifted to the U.S. Senate. Groups that assist and advocate for struggling …

Opponents of a proposed bill in North Dakota that would limit transgender student participation in sports could cost taxpayers money because of the expected legal challenges. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Targeting Transgender Athletes in ND Advances

BISMARCK, N.D. -- A North Dakota legislative committee has approved a measure that LGBTQ advocates said unfairly targets transgender athletes…

In addition to her historic nomination for Joe Biden's cabinet, Rep. Deb Haaland, D-New Mexico, made history in being one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress in 2018. (House.gov)

ND Tribal Communities Hopeful About Interior Secretary Nomination

CANNON BALL, N.D. -- Spiritual and cultural connections to land are among the core beliefs of Native Americans, and North Dakota advocates feel they …

ND Residents Urged to Seek Transparency on Redistricting

BISMARCK, N.D. -- On the heels of the 2020 census, states now are getting started on redrawing their legislative maps. But watchdogs say there are …

In other states, legal fights have occurred to allow ballot collection on behalf of Native Americans trying to vote absentee. In North Dakota, concerns over vague language in state law is leaving assistance groups feeling limited about helping that way. (Adobe Stock)

Ballot Access Still a Concern for Native Voters in ND

CANNON BALL, N.D. -- Today is Indigenous Peoples Day. In North Dakota, advocates are honoring their heritage by ramping up efforts to ensure Native …

According to one study provided by the Justice Department, murder rates of Native American women in some territories are 10 times higher than the national average for all races. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Hail Passage of Bill Aimed at Protecting Indigenous Women

MANDAN, N.D. -- Native American groups hope the president will sign a measure designed to help law enforcement get a handle on a public safety issue …

Members of the Black Lives Matter Fargo/Moorhead chapter, which was established in 2016, say Fargo encourages a diverse population but doesn't follow through to welcome the diversity. (Faith Shields-Dixon)

BLM Amplifies Calls to End Racism in Fargo

FARGO, N.D. -- Black Lives Matter members in the Fargo area say recent protests demanding systemic change are only the beginning. They say they'll …

ND Groups Join National Call to Action for Worker, Racial Justice

FARGO, N.D. -- As the nation confronts a host of major issues, labor groups in the Fargo area are joining a national movement to call for systemic …

A national group that monitors state legislatures says North Dakota is among the states with very little diversity in elected officials. (Adobe Stock)

More Diverse Voices Urged for ND to Address Racial Gaps

FARGO, N.D. -- Those demanding systemic change in North Dakota say more diversity in state government would be a good place to start. The calls are …

North Dakota residents will vote by mail for the June primary, but Native American groups worry that tribal members will encounter a new set of access issues. (Adobe Stock)

Vote By Mail for ND Primary Creates More Concerns for Native Americans

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota voters will not go to the polls for the June 9 primary and will instead cast their ballots by mail because of the …

The North Dakota Supreme Court soon could consider a rule change that would require state courts to collect racial data of criminal defendants. (Adobe Stock)

Race Bias in ND Courts? Panel Eyes Plan to Collect Data

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The state court system in North Dakota has never had a requirement to collect racial data of court defendants. But a proposal with …

North Dakota has required photo identification of its residents to cast election ballots since 2004. (Adobe Stock)

American Indian Groups Reach Settlement over ND Voter-ID Law

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Years of legal wrangling between the state of North Dakota and American Indian tribes appear to be over. The two sides have reached …

North Dakota's Burleigh County received 24 refugees in 2019 and 22 the year before. (Christopher Herwig/Flickr)

Refugee Advocates Say Disinformation Clouds Their Cause

BISMARCK, N.D. – Central North Dakota has been in the spotlight as Burleigh County considered whether to stop accepting refugees based on a …

The AMA says a new North Dakota law violates doctors' freedom of speech. (DarkoStojanovic/Pixabay)

AMA, Fargo Women's Clinic Sue ND Over New Abortion Law

BISMARCK, N.D. – The American Medical Association and North Dakota's only clinic providing abortions are suing the state over two laws related …

Opponents of North Dakota's civil forfeiture laws say police have a

Reform Supporters Question ND Civil Forfeiture Bill

BISMARCK, N.D. — Supporters of a bill to strengthen North Dakota's civil-forfeiture laws are dismayed by changes made to the measure. …

The American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota's hotline will be up from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central time. (MargJohnsonVA/Twenty20)

ACLU Sets Up Hotline for Election Day Assistance, Violations

BISMARCK, N.D. – The American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota is opening up a hotline on Election Day to allow residents to call for …

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N. D., won by fewer than 3,000 votes in 2012 with support from Native American voters. (Heidi Heitkamp/Flickr)

SCOTUS Allows ND Voter ID Law that Limits Native American Turnout

BISMARCK, N.D. – Many Native Americans in North Dakota could find it hard to vote in this year's midterm election after the U.S. Supreme Court …

The protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock is believed to be the largest Native American protest in U.S. history.(commondreams.org)

Legal Experts Arrive in Dakotas to Aid Those Arrested in Pipeline Protest

BISMARCK, N.D. – Legal professionals will be in western South Dakota and south central North Dakota this weekend, trying to locate and help …

More than 200 people, including half a dozen journalists, were penned in and arrested during the Inauguration Day protests in Washington, D.C. (Anthony Crider/Flickr)

Are Photojournalist's Felony Charges Putting Free Speech on Trial?

BISMARCK, N.D. – Press groups and Alexei Wood himself say there are troubling implications to the photojournalist's trial for multiple felonies…

A new documentary compares the role law enforcement plays at clinics that offer abortion services in Fargo and Charlotte, N.C. (Marc Faletti/Rewire Multimedia)

Fargo Clinic, Law Enforcement Featured in New Documentary

FARGO, N.D. – Protests outside a clinic in Fargo that offers abortion services are now the subject of a documentary. The film, called "Care …

Hidden fees on prepaid credit cards often can cost more than the card. (Jerry Oster)

Hidden Fees on Prepaid Credit Cards Can Surprise

FARGO, N.D. -- Consumer groups are praising new rules on prepaid credit cards just released by the feds. The regulation, issued by the Consumer …

Chairman Archambault (left) and Chief Arvol Looking Horse are involved in the latest fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline that also spotlights decades of racial discrimination against Native populations in North Dakota. (Photo by Jenni Monet)

ND Pipeline Fight Highlights Tribal Disparities, Discrimination

BISMARCK, N.D. - For many members of the Lakota Sioux Tribe, the battle against the Dakota Access Pipeline is just the latest symptom of a …

Native Americans have been protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline since April. (Red Warrior Camp)

Dakota Access Pipeline Court Decision Expected Today

BISMARCK, N.D. – The controversial Dakota Access Pipeline project could be permanently shut down today, pending a federal judge's decision…

As Cleveland police patrol the city during the Republican National Convention this week, legal experts are reminding protesters of their rights and responsibilities. (iStockphoto)

Protesters Meet ND's Delegates during RNC

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota's 28 delegates are among the thousands of people in Cleveland this week for the Republican National Convention…

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