Uncertainty around federal grants forced layoffs of some employees at the Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota and furloughs of even more. But Monitor deputy editor Jeff Beach discusses how some of those workers are returning along with federal research dollars. Plus, on Tuesday, North Dakota voters will decide a constitutional measure in the June 9th primary election. Monitor reporter Mary Steurer describes how that could change future constitutional amendments are written and presented to voters.A Closer Look with the Monitor, hosted by Craig Blumenshine, is a partnership with Prairie Public’s Main Street program.

This week on A Closer Look with the Monitor, Deputy Editor Jeff Beach talks to host Craig Blumenshine about some absentee ballots he saw get rejected in 2024 because of issues related to the voter’s signature. Jeff explains why it’s important for voters who vote by mail to make sure they use a consistent signature when they apply for a ballot and again on the envelope as they submit their ballot. He also talks about the process counties use to help voters rectify any potential issues with their ballot, and a new rule this year that requires absentee ballots to be received by Election Day.Monitor Editor Amy Dalrymple talks to Craig about Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s donations to legislative and statewide campaigns this primary and criticism from some Republican lawmakers and candidates.A Closer Look with the Monitor is a partnership with Prairie Public’s Main Street program.

The U.S. Department of the Interior has proposed more than $150 million in funding cuts to tribal colleges, universities and postsecondary programs.This week on A Closer Look with the Monitor, host Craig Blumenshine speaks with Monitor reporter Mary Steurer about the proposed cuts, and what students and administrators at North Dakota tribal colleges say Tribal Nations would lose if the plan is approved.A Closer Look with the Monitor is a partnership with Prairie Public’s Main Street program.

Rural grocers are facing growing pressures from changing customer habits, rising costs and workforce shortages. This week on A Closer Look with the Monitor, host Craig Blumenshine speaks with Monitor Deputy Editor Jeff Beach about food deserts, efforts to help grocery stores remain viable and the creativity of store owners to serve their communities. A Closer Look with the Monitor is a partnership with Prairie Public’s Main Street program.

This week’s episode explores two different efforts to address North Dakota’s shortage of workers: helping people get degrees faster and developing new housing in rural areas.Jeff Beach, deputy editor of the North Dakota Monitor, talks to Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street, about the state’s new experiment with reduced credit bachelor’s degrees. Monitor contributor Ceilidh Kern joins Craig to talk about a rural housing shortage and a regional effort aimed at helping small communities attract workers, families and long-term growth.

A new website allows the public to view the financial interest statements of North Dakota officials and political candidates.Reporter Jacob Orledge talks to Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street, about the new transparency requirements and six lawmakers who failed to meet the deadline.A Closer Look with the Monitor is available on major podcast platforms, or wherever you listen to Prairie Public.

The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted oil supply, pushed prices higher, and injected uncertainty into markets around the world.Here in North Dakota, those shifts are being felt, but not always in ways people might think.North Dakota Monitor reporter Jacob Orledge talks to Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street, about why the Bakken isn’t seeing a surge in new drilling, even as oil prices hover around $100 a barrel.

Under state law, North Dakota residents cannot vote while incarcerated for a felony. They can vote after they’re released, however, as long as they meet all other requirements. People can also vote if they’re serving time for a misdemeanor, or if they’ve been charged but not convicted. Volunteers with the League of Women Voters of North Dakota have noticed that many North Dakotans with criminal records don’t know their voting rights. North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer talks to Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street, about steps the League of Women Voters and state agencies have taken to help educate people ahead of election season.

It has been 75 years since oil was first struck near Tioga, an event that helped transform not just a small North Dakota community, but the trajectory of the entire state.North Dakota Monitor reporter Jacob Orledge talks with Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street about how oil has shaped Tioga’s identity and North Dakota's economy – from boom and bust cycles to billions in tax revenue.

A legal fight over prescription drug pricing in North Dakota is now playing out in federal court, and at the center of it is a fundamental question. Who actually benefits from a program designed to help low-income patients? A new state law aims to protect access to discounted medications through the federal 340B program, but pharmaceutical companies argue the law goes too far and may even be unconstitutional. North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer talks to Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street, about the lawsuit and a recent court hearing.