News from the Northern Plains

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North Dakota

News from North Dakota covering Native issues, politics, environment, education and more.

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‘It’s about safety’: Broadband service uncertain as 150th anniversary of the Little Bighorn battle nears

Tourists, media, historians and tribal officials expected to drive up demand for high-speed internet during commemorative event

North Dakota tribal redistricting case still in limbo after Voting Rights Act decision

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Native administrators rail against Trump’s proposed elimination of funds for TCUs

Scott Davis steps down from Interior Department, returns to North Dakota

North Dakota tribal redistricting case still in limbo after Voting Rights Act decision

Supreme Court ruling did not settle whether private parties can sue under Section 2 in the tribes' map challenge

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Native administrators rail against Trump’s proposed elimination of funds for TCUs

The administration has attacked tribal education second year in a row

Scott Davis steps down from Interior Department, returns to North Dakota

Davis says he’ll continue supporting Native communities as a member of the private sector

Scott

ShineThe Shine series will explore limitations and solutions to press freedom and government transparency in Indian Country.

Greenpeace seeks new trial, claiming jury pool biased in case over Dakota Access Pipeline

Group challenges $345M Dakota Access Pipeline verdict, citing jury bias and trial errors as appeals and bond dispute move forward

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

South Dakota passes ‘Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens,’ fails to consult with tribes

While new legislation aims to protect local customers from rising electricity rates, an Indigenous land conservation group is calling for a moratorium on data centers

By Darren Thompson

More than $21 million in federal money to support tribal highway and road projects

Two tribes in North Dakota receive grants totaling more than $2 million

Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival to launch next month in Fargo

Festival attendees can participate in workshops on filmmaking and producing

AIHEC conference honors TCU students with awards for art, sports, academics

Student Awards Banquet held last day of conference

By Gabrielle Nelson

‘Our future does not hinge on the limbs of federal decision making,’ keynote speaker tells AIHEC crowd

Tribal college students travel through massive snowstorm to participate in annual education conference

By Darren Thompson

A year without answers: Renzo Bullhead’s family encourages those with information to come forward

The college student went missing in North Dakota on March 16, 2025

Language Access

South Dakota governor signs Helen’s Law, requiring language translations in official state proceedings

Law named after fluent Lakota speaker Helen Red Feather

By Darren Thompson

Daughter’s concern for father grows after 11 months without contact

‘I just want to be able to hear my dad’s voice again,’ says Natasha-Marie Powassin

‘Beyond frustrating’: Family claims they weren't properly notified about 16-year-old’s disappearance

Mason Cree’s aunt learns he is missing through social media post

Granddaughter searches for missing grandfather nearly 50 years after disappearance

Francis Houle went missing from the Colorado Springs area in 1979

Samantha Houle

MHA Nation appeals court upholds $250M withdrawal from People’s Fund

Ruling is a loss for transparency and justice, plaintiffs say

By Erin Hoover Barnett

Action & Policy

Multiple tribal organizations join MHA Nation in honoring two members of Congress

Senator Lisa Murkowski received a Mandan name, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi presented with blanket

By Darren Thompson

Bheri Rose Hallam gives Senator Lisa Murkowski a Mandan name

Tribal Oversight

Proposed gas pipeline in North Dakota could help reduce Bakken flaring

MHA Nation and Standing Rock say they will monitor pipeline progress for water and environment impact

By Gabrielle Nelson

Standing Rock man assaulted hours before death by train

Hoksila Running Bear was struck by a train following months of threats. His mother seeks answers

Brittney Rough Surface and grand daughter

Chief deputy charged with unlawful arrests of Spirit Lake citizens to make court appearance Jan. 16

Travis Carlson was arrested in July following an investigation into the Benson County Sheriff’s Office

Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson