Good morning, Grand Forks.

Directors of the Miss Norsk Høstfest Competition said they are exploring new sponsorship opportunities to preserve the festival's legacy after the event ended.

Titleholder Erika Littlefield is preparing for the Miss North Dakota Competition in June in Williston.

The State Board of Higher Education approved pilot programs letting colleges offer applied science degrees with 90 credits instead of the usual 120.

The policy supports students aiming to join the workforce while still finishing required core courses, according to Deputy Commissioner Lisa Johnson.

UND's Nistler College of Business announced a new bachelor's degree program in real estate after the State Board approved renaming the department (honoring alumnus Bob Fransen), which will soon expand academic opportunities for students.

Grand Forks Public Schools is considering cuts to its music program amid a budget crisis.

Officials updated the community 23 minutes ago that the proposal could reduce music classes for students.

Morgan Forness, superintendent of the Central Cass public school in Casselton, was appointed to the State Board of Public School Education (which also seats him on the Board of Career and Technical Education) by Gov. Kelly Armstrong; he will serve until June 30, representing Barnes, Cass, Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Steele, and Traill counties.

A new biography celebrates former Chief Justice Jerry VandeWalle’s 65-year legacy in state government — including 45 years on the bench and over half as chief.

The work honors his nonpartisan service and leadership in national legal organizations.

Governor Kelly Armstrong unveiled the Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program at the Capitol today; about 50 partners gathered as the two-year pilot secured $4.3 million from the Outdoor Heritage Fund (with $2.2 million in matching contributions) to boost cropland productivity and wildlife habitat.