Dakotas

"North Dakota’s Politicians: Are Ethical Standards a Thing of the Past?"

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MINOT, N.D. — Questions about ethics and transparency in governance are resurfacing among North Dakota’s elected officials, raising eyebrows about their adherence to laws meant to uphold integrity. To understand the current climate, one must reflect on history. A notable case is Billy Beer, a short-lived product launched in 1977, which capitalized on the notoriety of Billy Carter, the brother of then-President Jimmy Carter. The quirky marketing campaign quickly unraveled, with the company folding within a year. At that time, such ventures appeared scandalous, particularly since Billy Carter later became a registered foreign agent for … Read more

South Dakota’s Legal Challenge Over NCAA’s Multi-Billion Dollar Settlement Remains in State Court

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Pierre, SD — A federal judge has ruled that the ongoing legal battle between South Dakota and the NCAA concerning a substantial $2.8 billion settlement will remain under state jurisdiction. This decision counters the NCAA’s move to have the case handled in federal court, spotlighting a significant clash involving the financial burdens smaller colleges could face. The controversy originates from a landmark 2021 U.S. Supreme Court decision which found that the NCAA’s restrictions on student-athlete compensation breached antitrust laws. This ruling prompted a huge settlement agreement requiring NCAA member institutions to contribute to a fund … Read more

North Dakota’s Century-Old Sunday Activity Laws Revolutionized: From Silent Films to Shopping Sprees

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Fargo, N.D. — A century-old slice of North Dakota’s legislative history reveals the intriguing evolution of the state’s blue laws, regulations that once restricted commercial activities on Sundays. Originally introduced as SB 294, the bill — designed to ease these restrictions — faced initial resistance before becoming law under Governor Lynn Frazier in 1917. Initially, SB 294 proposed to allow various leisure activities on Sundays, such as visiting bathing beaches, enjoying Chautauqua assemblies, and engaging in boating and swimming. While the Senate approved, the House of Representatives narrowly rejected the bill, sending it back for … Read more