BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — As the snow continues accumulating in the Bismarck/Mandan area and surrounding communities, the roads will become snow-covered and slippery.

Accumulations of 7-8 inches are expected in Bismarck, and more snow is expected further south, with as much as 9-12 inches projected to accumulate in Ashley.

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) is advising people to drive carefully, as blowing snow can reduce visibility and slippery roads can make it difficult to maneuver a car.

The NWS is also advising people to leave extra time for travel, have an emergency kit in their car, and tell others about their travel plans.

Conditions are expected to improve from west to east on Saturday.

BISMARCK — In recognition of

National Public Health Week

, all 28 local public health units across North Dakota will participate in “Stroll N Roll North Dakota,” a statewide walking event designed to promote physical activity and social connection. Local public health units are inviting community members to lace up their walking shoes and move together.

“Stroll N Roll North Dakota” will take place throughout the day on Wednesday, April 8. Individuals of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate at a time that works best for them. Walking, biking, rollerblading and the use of wheelchairs, strollers or other mobility devices are all welcome. While there is no minimum time requirement, adults are encouraged to aim for 30 minutes of activity, consistent with recommendations from the American Heart Association. This statewide event is sponsored by the

North Dakota State Association of City and County Health Officials

(ND SACCHO), a group that helps coordinate local public health efforts across the state.

Each year, National Public Health Week takes time to celebrate the impact of public health and highlight priority issues that can improve the nation’s well-being. The theme for 2026 is “Ready. Set. Action!” and will focus on how the work of public health improves the lives of residents, provides safeguards for families and strengthens communities. “Stroll N Roll North Dakota” complements this message by promoting physical activity, which supports heart health, mental health, chronic disease prevention and social connection.

Contact your local public health unit at

https://www.ndsaccho.org/local-public-health-units/

for details.

Participants are encouraged to share photos and use the hashtag #StrollNRollND on social media.

BISMARCK — The North Dakota Supreme Court heard arguments on Thursday, April 2, over a lawsuit challenging voter-approved

term limits for state lawmakers.

The lawsuit, filed in late January, claims the Legislature violated the state constitution when it passed a resolution creating a ballot measure during the 2025 session, just four years after voters approved term limits.

In 2022, North Dakota residents approved capping term limits to eight years in the House and eight years in the Senate. Supporters of the original amendment say it included a clause barring the Legislature from making constitutional changes to term limits.

“Those term limits may only be altered by a measure proposed by the people rather than the Legislative Assembly. And yet a few years later, the Legislative Assembly is doing what they are prohibited from doing,” said Zachary Wallen, lawyer for the petitioners.

During the 2025 session, lawmakers narrowly approved an amendment that would allow them to decide in which chamber they want to serve their 16 years. That plan requires voter approval.

“The people are voting on this, they have an opportunity to speak their voice on this,” said Brian Schmidt, lawyer for the North Dakota Legislature.

Tanner Ecker / The Bismarck Tribune

Justice Jon Jensen questioned whether a second vote was appropriate. “The public did speak on this. The public spoke on it when it passed the original constitutional amendment and they said ‘Legislature, you don’t even get to propose a change.’ They have already spoken on it. You want a second shot, or a second bite at the apple, not a first one, a second,” Jensen said.

Tanner Ecker / The Bismarck Tribune

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A central question is whether the Supreme Court has the authority to issue an opinion in the case before the amendment process is complete.

“This court has said it will not pass (judgment) on the constitutionality of a proposed amendment until that process is complete. The process is not complete yet,” Schmidt said.

The Secretary of State’s office wants the Supreme Court to issue an opinion by the end of June so the office has enough time to prepare for the general election in November.

Grand Forks County Commissioner Terry Bjerke and former Minot Republican Sen. Oley Larsen filed the lawsuit.

Tanner Ecker / The Bismarck Tribune

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Matt Henson is an Emmy award-winning reporter/photographer/editor for WDAY. Prior to joining WDAY in 2019, Matt was the main anchor at WDAZ in Grand Forks for four years.