A Closer Look with the Monitor

North Dakota farmers are heading into harvest season facing another major expense – record high diesel prices. Diesel has climbed above $6 a gallon in parts of the state, roughly double what some farmers paid last fall. Monitor Deputy Editor Jeff Beach joins host Craig Blumenshine to discuss the impact of the high prices on North Dakota producers.Also, Monitor reporter Michael Achterling talks about his recent reporting on a new tribal law enforcement program in North Dakota that gives recruits a basic training option much closer to home.A Closer Look with the Monitor is a partnership with Prairie Public's Main Street.

North Dakota raised its top interstate speed limit to 80 mph about a year ago. Today, Highway Patrol data shows shifts in where speeding tickets are being written.Monitor deputy editor Jeff Beach talks with host Craig Blumenshine about the impact of lowering interstate speed limits around North Dakota cities.A Closer Look with the Monitor is a partnership with Prairie Public's Main Street.

The state is working with an archaeologist and funeral home to investigate human remains found near the North Dakota governor’s residence and relocate them to Bismarck cemeteries.Reporter Michael Achterling talks to host Craig Blumenshine about the anomalies discovered while crews were installing a fence and driveway extension on the Capitol grounds. One Bismarck historian questions why the state didn’t investigate sooner, as the area was known to be the site of one of the capital city’s oldest cemeteries.A Closer Look with the Monitor is a partnership with Prairie Public's Main Street.

In this two-part episode of A Closer Look with the Monitor, we preview North Dakota’s special legislative session and how citizens can make their voices heard.North Dakota Monitor editor Amy Dalrymple joins host Craig Blumenshine to highlight what legislation will be considered next week and how the public can participate.Monitor contributor Ceilidh Kern brings an update to the state’s plan to prohibit people from using food assistance to buy soda, candy and other unhealthy foods. The policy was set to take effect Sept. 1, but is postponed until Nov. 1. A Closer Look with the Monitor is a partnership with Prairie Public's Main Street.

A year after North Dakota’s cellphone ban took effect in public schools, policymakers are eyeing how to approach artificial intelligence and school-issued devices.North Dakota Monitor deputy editor Jeff Beach describes how a state education official is urging lawmakers to let schools retain flexibility on deciding how to use AI. Reporter Michael Achterling joins host Craig Blumenshine to talk about a recent survey about technology in schools and a lawmaker's plan to bring new legislation in 2027 to place limits on screen time in school and other guardrails.A Closer Look with the Monitor is a partnership with Prairie Public's Main Street.