Good morning, Grand Forks.

The East Grand Forks Fire Department said that around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, American Crystal Sugar had a fire that forced employee evacuations and took 3 1/2 hours to contain—no one was injured despite the heat spreading to duct work and part of the roof after a power outage.

On Tuesday, April 29, the DEA joined local law enforcement, public health partners, and community groups for National Fentanyl Awareness Day while Agent Travis Ocken said two pounds of fentanyl—equal to almost 67,000 lethal doses—have been seized this year in North Dakota, with most coming from Mexico.

North Dakota lawmakers continue to debate a gasoline tax increase after House members approved a 5-cent rise to fund road and bridge repairs while a Senate bill for a 3-cent increase was unanimously defeated.

Senate members argued that raising the tax contradicts planned property tax cuts—stating that it undermines promises made for tax relief.

Records show that the late Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem communicated with former Sen. Ray Holmberg the day he sat for a law enforcement interview while Holmberg was under investigation for sex crimes, and he only told law enforcement about one call.

Attorney General Drew Wrigley said that earlier records reveal Stenehjem and the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation knew of a sexual assault allegation against Holmberg—yet no criminal charges were filed.

Grand Forks officials say the new project to build the 42nd Street underpass will cost nearly $90 million overall, with the city expected to pay over $20 million — an agreement among state, federal, and local governments is pending.

Construction is scheduled to start in 2026 and finish in 2028.

Sen. Tim Mathern of Fargo proposed a law on Monday to require elected officials and higher education employees to report suspected crimes against children—House Minority Leader Zac Ista joined him at the Capitol to also call for fully funding the Ethics Commission.

The proposal comes in the wake of a notorious case and aims to strengthen protections for vulnerable youth.

North Dakota U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak will host her second telephone town hall at 7 p.m. Central on May 1—North Dakotans who want to join must sign up on her website by noon Thursday and will listen as the event is livestreamed on her website and Facebook page without taking questions through those platforms.

An Evening with 3 Farm Daughters

4:30-6:00 p.m. — Prohibition Comedy & Event Room — Free for members, $25 for non-members — Explore the inspiring journey of three sisters turning their family farm passion into a thriving business.