skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

No-cost school lunch bill nears important stage in ND Legislature

play audio
Play

Monday, February 24, 2025   

House floor votes are expected early this week for a North Dakota bill that would expand free school meals to all students, regardless of their family's income.

Nearly 10 other states have adopted so-called "universal meal" programs. North Dakota lawmakers debated the idea last session but only approved a limited expansion.

The bill to cover all K-12 students was revived this year, and it's been making its way through committees.

Backers say it helps households who earn too much to qualify under existing rules but still struggle to cover food costs for their kids.

State Rep. Zac Ista - D-Grand Forks - said it can almost be considered a tax break.

"The average family," said Ista, "pays up to $850 a year in school meals per student."

Legislative researchers in other states have cited that number. Supporters say this approach removes stigma and helps students learn and stay attentive.

Some lawmakers, lukewarm to the idea, say the Legislature is already prioritizing property tax relief to help families. But Ista said the one in three North Dakotans who are renters could be left behind.

The federal government funds free and reduced school meals, and states with universal programs pick up the remaining tab.

The North Dakota plan would cost $140 million over the next two years, and Ista said that figure is meant to absorb any "higher than anticipated" costs.

That side effect has surfaced in other states with full expansion.

"We want to make sure we're not underestimating," said Ista, "then have to come back and say, 'We fell short.'"

Ista said data on the 2023 eligibility expansion show they reached the extra number of students they planned for. He added that the costs were not as high as predicted.

The bill has bipartisan support, but Ista said they're still trying to lock down enough yes votes to get it through the House and advance it to the Senate.




get more stories like this via email

more stories
According to Wisconsin's Judicial Code of Conduct, judges are not required to recuse themselves based on an endorsement or campaign contributions. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Early voting for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race starts next week and, although the seat is technically nonpartisan, both candidates have clear …


Environment

play sound

As the warming climate continues to reshape the environment, its impact on people's health is becoming increasingly evident in Florida. Doctors and …

Health and Wellness

play sound

Maryland is facing a $3 billion budget deficit, and planned cuts in 2026 would include millions in disability assistance. But one advocate says those …


In a new AARP survey, 37% of older adults with credit card debt report their debt level is higher than it was a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey, and a Minnesota …

play sound

Forty religious leaders from different denominations gathered in Texas this week to call for an end to fossil-fuel subsidies and expansion of related …

HBCUs significantly contribute to the national economy. In 2024, the United Negro College Fund reported that HBCUs had a $16.5 billion positive impact. (AS Photo Family/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that Black students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Blac…

Environment

play sound

The Sierra Club's Utah chapter said electric utility PacifiCorp's long-term plan to embrace renewable energy has changed and is now placing more relia…

Social Issues

play sound

New data show fewer than half of rural Gen Z'ers believe they can find a good job in their community, compared to nearly 70% of their urban peers…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021