Good morning, Grand Forks.

Early Friday morning the Grand Forks Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at 1300 South Columbia Road; crews activated automatic sprinklers—which quickly extinguished the fire—and cleaned up water and smoke while no injuries were reported.

Fire crews were called to Altru Clinic in Grand Forks just before 2:00 a.m. Friday when they found smoke in a hallway and office area + the automatic sprinkler system extinguished the fire and crews cleaned up the water, with no one injured.

Progressive advocacy groups will host an all-day event known as The People’s Session on May 16 at the Heritage Center – a forum designed to collect local policy priorities.

Organizers from Gender Justice, Prairie Action and the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition met at the Capitol on Thursday and found strong support for expanding reproductive rights, child care and affordable housing – goals that may guide future legislative actions.

North Dakota now offers over 42,000 deer hunting license applications for the 2025 season — hunters must apply by 11:59 p.m. on June 4 as the season opens November 7 and runs through November 23.

Starting Aug. 1, every public board meeting in North Dakota will hold a public comment period as required by Senate Bill 2180—signed by Governor Kelly Armstrong on April 30—and local boards must allow comments on current or previous agenda items while limiting the overall or individual speaking time. This law aims to ensure residents can voice their concerns during meetings.

Six players, including 22-year-old Lou Helmig from Germany, were released by the RedHawks before Friday night’s opener and are now looking for new teams.

Helmig, a versatile outfielder and first baseman who also pitched—linked to a notable family legacy in German baseball—remains determined to continue his career as the team monitors his progress.