An unwanted byproduct of North Dakota’s oil field could be the key to unlocking a new industry in the state within the next few years. An international company is proposing to begin extracting lithium, a key component of batteries produced for smartphones and other technology, from produced water by the end of 2027. It’s one of at least four similar projects in development in North Dakota.This week, a group of North Dakota landowners gathered in Bismarck to learn more about critical mineral development in the state and other emerging industries.North Dakota Monitor reporter Jacob Orledge talks to Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street, about the conference, and how landowners are hoping to be involved early when new projects are proposed.Orledge also discusses his recent reporting about two fake critical minerals listed in North Dakota law that appear to be inspired by coal company lawyers.Also, North Dakota Monitor editor Amy Dalrymple joins Craig to talk about voluntary early retirement incentives that are being offered to state employees.

A North Dakota ballot measure that would change voter-approved legislative term limits could face a challenge before the state Supreme Court.Monitor reporter Mary Steurer talks to Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street, about a new lawsuit that could change what appears on the November ballot.North Dakota voters in 2022 approved a ballot measure that limits state lawmakers to serving no more than eight years in the House and eight years in the Senate.Last year, state lawmakers narrowly approved a resolution that aims to tweak those term limits. The resolution seeks to put another measure on the ballot to enable lawmakers to serve up to 16 years in either chamber. It would also make it so partial terms don’t count against term limits.A lawsuit filed by a former Minot lawmaker and a Grand Forks county commissioner claims the Legislature violated the constitution by creating the measure. The Supreme Court has not decided whether it will hear the case.Also, North Dakota Monitor editor Amy Dalrymple talks about recent changes to financial disclosure requirements for elected and appointed officials and how the public can access the information.

A southwest North Dakota hospital is at risk of closing due to severe financial trouble, but lawmakers are considering a bill this week that would give the hospital a lifeline.Three lawmakers introduced a bill designed to help the Jacobson Memorial Hospital Care Center in Elgin, North Dakota. Monitor reporter Jacob Orledge talks to Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street, about the financial difficulties for the rural hospital and the potential consequences if it closes.The bill seeks to provide a low-interest loan from the Bank of North Dakota to help the hospital keep the doors open while administrators implement cost-saving measures and apply for federal rural health care funding.

North Dakota lawmakers took final steps this week to prepare for a special session to authorize the spending of federal health care money.Monitor reporter Mary Steurer talks to Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street, about why the Rural Health Transformation Program is a big deal for North Dakota. They talk about how the state plans to use the money to help rural communities, and how officials are navigating the program’s tight window for granting funds.Also, Monitor editor Amy Dalrymple previews what the newsroom will be watching next week, and what the public needs to know about how to be engaged in the special session.

North Dakota’s farmers are looking for higher profits but things may get worse before they get better, ag industry experts say. North Dakota Deputy Editor Jeff Beach chats with Craig Blumenshine, producer and host of Prairie Public’s Main Street program, about why farmers may not be set up for success in 2026 and the challenges facing agriculture in North Dakota.Also, North Dakota Monitor Editor Amy Dalrymple gives a brief preview to the state government stories the Monitor is covering next week.