North Dakota
Minnesota, North Dakota see encouraging drop in overdose deaths, but experts urge caution
FARGO — The nation is matching Minnesota and North Dakota when it comes to overdose deaths.
However, for the first time since 2018, the country is seeing a decrease.
Updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows there was a record 15% drop in overdose deaths nationally in the 12-month period ending in May 2024, but an addiction expert said it’s no time to celebrate.
“We are losing too many of our citizens, losing them to overdoses,” Patti Senn, the executive director at Soul Solutions Recovery Center in Fargo, said.
However, fewer people died from overdoses in 2023 in Minnesota, North Dakota and across the country. “It’s certainly an encouraging trend,” Senn said.
Overdose deaths were down 8% in Minnesota and 17% in North Dakota from 2022 to 2023, according to the Minnesota Department of Health and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.
The CDC projects those numbers to fall further in 2024, by 11% in Minnesota and 7% in North Dakota.
“We can’t celebrate too soon,” Senn said.
That’s because the number of deaths are still up 85% in Minnesota and 74% in North Dakota from 2019, according to the CDC.
“For the last 15-20 years, the opioid epidemic has escalated over the years with the increase of the prescription opioids and the street drugs, as well,” Senn said.
She also said more needs to be done to save more people.
“Oftentimes, people are trying to fill an emptiness, a loneliness, trying to self medicate,” Senn said.
Only about 10% of addicts actually seek help, for many reasons including finances, transportation and insurance.
While she doesn’t know the reasons behind the decrease in deaths, she does know the increase in treatment facilities and access to overdose reversal medications is helping.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a substance use disorder and want to get help, you can find resources through
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.
North Dakota
Armstrong directs flags at half-staff Thursday in observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Kelly Armstrong has directed all government agencies to fly the United States and North Dakota flags at half-staff on Thursday, May 14, and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses, in observance of national Peace Officers Memorial Day.
The governor’s directive is in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Donald Trump, who also proclaimed May 10-16 as national Police Week.
Armstrong will join North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Supreme Court Chief Justice Lisa Fair McEvers in delivering remarks during a North Dakota Peace Officers Memorial Service at 7 p.m. Thursday in Memorial Hall of the State Capitol. North Dakota’s 69 fallen peace officers will be remembered and honored during the service, and the Capitol windows will be lit to display a “Thin Blue Line” as a mark of respect for all law enforcement officers, past and present.
MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – Todd Cresap, who has served as a North Dakota district judge since 2009, announced he will retire in July.
Cresap wrote a letter to Gov. Kelly Armstrong, R-ND, he would retire effective July 17.
In the letter, Cresap said he had ‘mixed emotions’ over the decision, calling it an ‘honor’ to serve, but said it was time for someone ‘with a new perspective’ to serve.
A Valley City native, Cresap studied at Minot State University and the University of North Dakota.
Then-Gov. John Hoeven appointed Cresap to fill a judgeship in the Northwest Judicial District in 2009 that was created by the legislature. He served in that district until 2014, when it was split into Northwest and North Central.
Voters elected Cresap to the bench in 2012, 2016, and 2022. He served as a lawyer in private practice before his appointment as judge.
Armstrong can appoint a replacement to fill Cresap’s remaining term from a nominating committee’s list, ask the committee for new candidates, or call a special election.
The North Central District covers Ward, Mountrail, and Burke Counties.
Copyright 2026 KFYR. All rights reserved.
STUTSMAN COUNTY, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A 22-year-old woman was killed May 11 in a single-vehicle rollover crash on a rural road in Stutsman County.
The crash was reported about 8:06 p.m. on 77th Avenue SE, roughly 6 miles west of Kensal.
Troopers said a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado was heading south on the gravel road when it left the roadway, the driver overcorrected and the vehicle rolled.
The Carrington woman, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene, authorities said. Her name has not yet been released.
The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota State Patrol.
Copyright 2026 KVLY. All rights reserved.
-
Virginia4 minutes agoVa. governor concerned redistricting battle could make voters reluctant to cast ballot this fall – WTOP News
-
Wisconsin16 minutes agoWisconsin Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for May 13, 2026
-
West Virginia22 minutes agoPrimary Election Post Mortem – WV MetroNews
-
Wyoming28 minutes agoWyoming High School Softball Regional Tournaments 2026
-
Crypto34 minutes agoADI Foundation and Settlemint Launch ADGM Tokenization Rail for $30.9B RWAs
-
Finance40 minutes agoHousehold savings, income and finances in Spain: how did they fare in 2025 and what can we expect for 2026?
-
Fitness46 minutes agoWhat is Americans’ favorite exercise? New study reveals a surprising trend in fitness habits
-
Movie Reviews58 minutes agoReview | Nagi Notes: Koji Fukada ponders the meaning of art in wartime