1. No Mechanical Issues Found in Crash That Killed ND Senator and His Family
Federal investigators have determined that mechanical issues were not the cause of a plane crash that resulted in the death of a North Dakota lawmaker and his family. The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report on November 2, stating that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that could have caused the crash. The single-engine plane carrying Senator Doug Larsen, his wife Amy, and their two children crashed near Moab, Utah on October 1 after taking off from Canyonlands Field Airport. There were no survivors.
The investigation revealed that Larsen, who was piloting the plane, and his family had visited relatives in Scottsdale, Arizona and had stopped at the airport in Utah to refuel before the crash occurred.
2. Global Bridges Program Connected to Ray Holmberg’s Indictment
A North Dakota lawmaker is calling for changes to the Global Bridges program following the federal charges against former senator Ray Holmberg. Holmberg is accused of traveling to the Czech Republic to engage in sexual activity with a minor. The trip was allegedly connected to Global Bridges, a German-based organization that aims to understand and integrate various aspects of international politics, business, academia, and culture. The company’s website highlights field trips to North Dakota, China, Israel, and Palestine. An article on the website details a trip taken by North Dakota legislators to Germany in November 2017.
3. Concordia College Launches Free Tuition Program
Concordia College announced a historic initiative called the Concordia Promise, which offers free tuition to new students from households in the United States with a gross annual income below $90,000. The program is a response to Minnesota’s North Star Promise, which provides free tuition to Minnesota students from families with incomes up to $80,000. The announcement was met with celebration on the campus, with college officials emphasizing the program’s aim to make education more affordable and reduce student loan debt.
4. Funding Gap Delays Opening of Fraser’s Cold-Weather Shelter in Fargo
Fraser’s Stepping Stone Resource Center in Fargo has been unable to open its cold-weather, extended hours program for struggling youths and young adults due to a funding gap. The program, which provides emergency beds, has seen an increase in demand, but rising staffing costs have delayed its opening. Fraser is conducting an emergency campaign to raise funds to cover the costs of qualified staff members. If successful, the program will begin on November 15 and provide beds until the weather warms up in the spring.
5. Carbon Capture and Storage Operations Commence at North Dakota Ethanol Plant
Harvestone’s Blue Flint ethanol plant in Underwood, North Dakota has commenced carbon capture and storage operations. The project, part of the larger Vision Carbon ZERO initiative, aims to reduce the fuel’s carbon intensity to zero. The plant will capture over 200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and permanently store them underground. This is equivalent to removing 44,506 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road each year. The Blue Flint plant is the second ethanol plant in North Dakota to utilize carbon capture technology, with more projects expected to launch in the coming years.