Good morning, Grand Forks.

Grand Forks Airport received a grant that brings it one step closer to launching a new route to Denver.

The airport will use the funds to cover planning costs as it works to finalize the service details.

At Wednesday’s board meeting, the North Dakota University System began a review of records for possible policy and law violations linked to sex crimes by former state lawmaker Ray Holmberg after members learned that some connected to the criminal investigation may have ties to the system. The board urged anyone with information about unreported misconduct by an employee or board member to report it to the Title IX office or Office of Compliance and Ethics.

Today, state lawmakers approved a 2.5% yearly per-pupil funding increase for school districts that will guide teacher pay and district expenses; the rate is lower than the typical 3% seen in other areas.

The final bill text may be ready for a full floor vote tonight—tight budgets led to the compromise.

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality invites communities to join Drinking Water Week from May 4th to 10th—teaching families about water safety and honoring the work of water professionals.

Local leaders and victims praised the federal Take It Down Act that makes it illegal to publish intimate images without consent including deepfakes—websites must remove such content within 40 hours after notification—and criminal penalties now include two years for adult victims and three years for child victims. Authorities say social media companies have one year to develop a plan to address the issue.

Officials in North Dakota urge residents to check that their documents meet Real I.D. rules as the deadline nears.

DMV representatives offer tips online—residents are encouraged to prepare early to avoid delays.

Grand Forks County Commissioner Bob Rost has withdrawn his resignation for now after the retirement system stopped his pension for collecting both a county paycheck and pension—he served 40 years with the county sheriff’s office.

The system will decide on his status later this month.

The North Dakota DMV reported that nearly two-thirds of drivers now have a Real ID, which is needed for domestic flights and federal sites.

DMV officials said appointment demand is high—those planning travel on May 7, 8 or 9 should secure their slots soon, while others may wait.

The North Dakota Senate sustained Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s veto of Senate Bill 2160 which would have changed the state employee health care plan to meet federal standards.

The override vote fell short at 31—15 amid fears that the new plan would shift premium costs onto employees.

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.