Latest news with #Christianson
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Property taxes, book bans and resolutions: Three Grand Forks lawmakers discuss recent session
Jun. 6—GRAND FORKS — Through an hour-long conversation looking back on the 2025 legislative session, three Grand Forks state lawmakers found moments of agreement and professed similar opinions on issues more than they disagreed. Rep. Nels Christianson, Rep. Erik Murphy and Rep. Zac Ista, all from Grand Forks, went through some of the topics from the session with different mindsets but familiar answers. For example, on the matter of property tax and Gov. Kelly Armstrong's bill — which expanded the primary tax credit to a maximum $1,600 and capped local-level tax increases to no more than 3% annually — Christianson said they found some common ground. Property tax was one of the several issues discussed during the legislative wrap-up, held at the Grand Forks County office building on Thursday, June 5. All 18 members of districts 17, 18, 19, 20, 42 and 43 were invited, but Ista, Murphy and Christianson were the only ones in attendance. Joel Heitkamp, host of KFGO News and Views and a former state senator, served as moderator. Some issues involved public funding to private schools, Medicaid, the North Dakota Republican Party and what bills the legislators worked on. Property tax was among the most newsworthy issues during the session. Armstrong discussed it prior to his November election and his bill, HB 1176, was not passed until May 2, near the end of the session. "Did we deliver relief? Yes," Christianson said. "Reform? Maybe not so much." Murphy said property taxes are typically something outside of the Legislature's lane, but that he begrudgingly supported Armstrong's property tax bill. "Property tax is part of the reality of living in a nation such as ours," he said. "Property tax, to me, is a local issue." Ista, the only Democrat among the three, said there will be a trade-off. Homeowners will get some tax relief, but political subdivisions will have to figure out how to continue to pay for things. "Now the burden is going to fall on our local, county, city, school districts to see how to live within this new reality. I think it's going to be a challenge going forward for the state and locals to balance it," he said. One issue on which all three agreed was the matter of banning books. Each legislator was against it, though they had different thoughts on the matter. Ista said he has voted against every book censorship bill, and will continue to do so every chance he gets. "The issues in our state that affect our kids are not what books are displayed where in our libraries," he said. "I love taking my kids to Grand Forks Public Library and watch them go down that big pink slide, and I've never once worried about what book they might stumble into." Christianson said that, under no circumstances, should books be banned. Instead, he said, they should be placed in the appropriate area, and that he wants his daughters to be able to go around the children's section of the library and look at any books they would like in that section. "I absolutely do not support taking anything out of the ability for people to check out from the library," he said. "I just want to make sure that ... parents have a chance to be in the loop, just that parents can understand what their children are reading, especially in the younger ages." Murphy said there are better things to do and think about in North Dakota than book bans, and he mentioned Senate Bill 2307, which would have required libraries to make material considered sexually explicit unavailable to minors, and could penalize failure to comply. One issue he took with the bill was the difference between what was said about it versus what it would really do, he said. "What it really did is, opened up every library in the state, whether it's UND's library, it opened up the (North Dakota Museum of Art)," he said. "If there's a nude in there, that could be considered pornography, therefore we need to take that picture down." Two resolutions that failed during the session — House Concurrent Resolution 3013, which requested the U.S. Supreme Court overturn gay marriage, and House Concurrent Resolution 3020, declaring that "Christ is King" of North Dakota — drew disagreement between Christianson, who voted "yes" on both, and the other two legislators, who voted against them. Christianson's thought on HCR 3013 was that issues such as marriage need to be defined at the state level, not through a court decision, referencing Obergefell vs. Hodges, the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding same-sex marriages. Ista said that it was probably the darkest day of the session for him when the resolution came to the floor, and that he was caught "flat-footed" by it. He said he had thought everyone had moved beyond the issue of marriage equality. Murphy said it's not up to him to decide who any individual should love. He also said that during this recent school year, he knew of students who were transgender and transitioning. The resolution sends the wrong message to North Dakota residents and creates a division in the state, he said. As for HCR 3020, Murphy simply said "absolutely not" when Heitkamp asked if he thought North Dakota should be in the business of declaring that Christ is king. Ista said that the faith leaders in his life respected a foundational concept of no official religions in America, and that, while he respects the religion of his colleagues, the state should be accommodating to all religions and not place one above the others. Christianson said the resolution would have no effect on state policies, claiming that he voted for what he believes is the truth. "It was simply a statement, and that's a statement that I will make every day, that Christ is king," he said.
Boston Globe
28-05-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Planning a wedding is stressful. Couples and vendors now have to factor in tariffs
'It's already expensive enough to get married,' she said. 'It just kind of made me a little sad.' Advertisement Wedding cakes, decor, attire, flowers, party favors, photo and video equipment, tableware, wine and Champagne. Not many goods used in the wedding industry remain untouched by the tariffs Trump has imposed since returning to office. How much of the import taxes get passed down to consumers is up to florists, photographers, caterers and myriad other vendors and intermediaries, such as wholesalers. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Olivia Sever, a 28-year-old online content creator in San Diego, has a lot of wedding shopping ahead of her. Much of what she wants may cost more because of tariffs. An immediate concern is some of her paper goods. Her wedding planner has already flagged a 10% price increase for the menus, place cards and signage she wanted for her September celebration in Hawaii. Advertisement Sever said shifting to American goods isn't always cost-effective. For instance, flowers grown in Hawaii are in high demand, with increased prices to match, in response to 10% tariffs imposed on a large number of imports around the world. That includes flowers from Ecuador, Colombia and other countries that grow the bulk of the flowers the U.S. imports. 'There's just so many unknowns, but we have our budget and we're trying to work within our budget‚" Sever said. 'If that means we can't get these, you know, specific shell cups I want, then we just won't get them and we'll get something else.' Here's a look from inside the wedding industry on tariffs. Tariffs and the wedding cake industry Clients of Phoenix cake artist Armana Christianson pay roughly $750 to $800 for one of her creations. She spent two years perfecting the 16 flavor combinations she offers. They range from simple vanilla bean, made with vanilla bean paste imported from Mexico, to dark chocolate raspberry with a whipped hazelnut ganache that's dependent on chocolates and powders from Belgium. Not all of Christianson's cost woes are tariff-driven. The chocolate industry was already struggling because of a cocoa bean shortage. 'I'm a small business with just myself as my employee. I've seen at minimum a 20% increase in just the chocolate I use. It's a type of chocolate that I've built into my recipes. Changing brands isn't acceptable,' Christianson said. The imported white chocolate in her white chocolate mud cake, a popular flavor, shot up from $75 or $100 per cake to $150. She used nearly 10 pounds of it in a recent order, a cake that had five tiers. Advertisement Christianson may have to come up with new recipes based on less expensive ingredients. In the meantime, she said, she's eating the cost of tariffs for clients already on her books. 'I don't have it in my contract where I can raise prices for unexpected events like this,' she said. 'Unfortunately, that's something I have to add to new contracts for my future couples.' Tariffs and the wedding dress industry Almost all bridal gowns are made in China or other parts of Asia — and so are many of the fabrics, buttons, zippers and other materials used, according to the National Bridal Retailers Association. Manufacturing in those countries, where labor generally costs less, has put the price of high-quality bridal gowns within reach for many American families. Retailers and manufacturers say the U.S. lacks enough skilled labor and production of specialized materials to fully serve the market. Skilled seamstresses are hard to find and often come from older generations. 'The materials that we sell in a bridal shop include lace, beadwork, boning for the corsetry. We don't really make stuff like that in this country. There just aren't very many designers who create and put their whole looks together in this nation,' said Christine Greenberg, founder and co-owner of the Urban Set Bride boutique in Richmond, Virginia. 'The designs done here are normally very simple designs. You don't see a lot of American-made gowns that have a lot of detail, a lot of embroidered lace, and that's a really popular wedding gown style,' she said. Many designers with gowns labeled made in the U.S. still are using imported materials, Greenberg noted. If Trump's highest tariffs on China are reinstated after a current pause, Greenberg said her small business will pay between $85,000 and $100,000 extra in import taxes this year. Advertisement 'For a small, family-owned business that only hosts one bride at a time, this will absolutely lead us and many others to close for good,' she said. 'We can't buy American when the products don't exist.' Tariffs and the cut flower industry Roughly 80% of cut flowers sold in the U.S. come from other countries. And lots of quality faux flowers are made in China. Colombia is a large supplier of roses, carnations and spray chrysanthemums. Ecuador is another major rose supplier. The Netherlands produces a huge share of tulips and other flowers. In addition, some of the cut greens used as filler in flower arrangements and bouquets in the U.S. are imported. AP Illustration / Peter Hamlin/Associated Press 'If you're talking about cars and computer chips, they've got inventory that's sitting there. It's already stateside. Our inventory turns in days and we saw the impact almost immediately,' said Joan Wyndrum, co-founder of the online floral distributor Blooms by the Box. 'We're all absorbing a little bit, but it's inevitable that it comes out on the consumer end of it.' Wyndrum, who works directly with wholesalers and growers, said the U.S. flower industry isn't capable at the moment of absorbing all the production from elsewhere. She does a lot of business with U.S. suppliers, though, and sees a huge opportunity for growth stateside. 'There's a benefit to the U.S. bride to have flowers grown here. It's the simple reason of freshness,' she said. Tariffs and the wedding industry overall Jacqueline Vizcaino is a luxury wedding planner and event designer in Atlanta. She's also national president of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association, a 3,500-member, education-focused trade group whose members include transportation and photo booth providers, makeup artists, caterers, linen distributors and planners. Advertisement Any one wedding may involve 40 or more vendors, Vizcaino said. Huge jumps in costs are already widespread due to tariffs, she said, florals and fabrics among them. With many weddings planned up to a year or more in advance, she and others in the industry are girding for more bad news. 'We're going to see a lot of interactions that aren't so pleasant in the next eight to 12 months,' she said. Tariffs have delayed decision-making among many couples planning weddings. 'Decisions are taking double the time because of the uncertainty. People are shopping around more and wanting (vendors) to lock in at the lowest price possible,' Vizcaino said. McKenzi Taylor, a planner who coordinates weddings in Las Vegas, San Diego and the Black Hills in South Dakota, said: 'Our inquiry-to-booking window has grown from 40 days to 73. Cancellations are up so far this year, on pace to double from last year, with costs definitely being a concern for couples. My vendors are shaking in their boots.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Recent CVIC retiree honored with national award for commitment to domestic violence prevention and advocacy
May 21—GRAND FORKS — The Community Violence Intervention Center's recently retired director of grants management has received national recognition. Julie Christianson was granted a "Lifetime Achievement Award" as part of the 2025 Purple Ribbon Awards, presented by an online hub for domestic violence survivors and those who support them, according to a press release issued by CVIC. "I am so honored to be awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award and recognized for the passion and commitment I have for ending interpersonal violence," Christianson said in the release. "Working alongside so many others who share that passion made those dreams and accomplishments come to fruition." She first became involved with CVIC more than 20 years ago; her efforts led to a significant increase in funding support for the local nonprofit, by way of grant programming and management, the release said. "We are a stronger agency — and better people — because of Julie's presence over the past two decades," CVIC President and CEO Coiya Tompkins Inman said. "We are deeply grateful for the passion and commitment she brought to advancing our mission." Christianson is one of two CVIC nominees to be honored through the 2025 Purple Ribbon Awards. The second is Gate City Bank, which was recognized as "Business Partner of the Year." Since 2019, the bank has funded and otherwise supported the Green Dot Greater Grand Forks program, a violence prevention initiative that aims to empower bystanders to safely intervene during potentially harmful scenarios, the release said. The Green Dot program reaches the community through education and awareness events, with a mission to permanently reduce incidents of violence and empower residents to proactively engage in healthy relationships, according to the release. "This partnership that we have is such a gift," said Becky Mindeman, CVIC board member and Gate City Bank senior vice president of northeastern North Dakota. "The opportunity that we have to support such a tremendous need in our community really is more rewarding than I could possibly put into words. We are grateful to be a part of such a remarkable vision to end interpersonal violence." This is the third year in a row that CVIC-nominated partners have been recognized with Purple Ribbon Awards. In 2024, the Rydell Angels on Wheels Program was recognized as "Business Partner of the Year," in 2023, former Rep. Mark Sanford, R-Grand Forks, was recognized as an "Outstanding Legislative Partner." The Purple Ribbon Awards are hosted annually by and Alliance for HOPE International. This year's awardees will be recognized during a virtual ceremony Thursday, May 22, where select winners will be eligible to receive grants from a $30,000 funding pool, the release said.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stutsman County Commission approves request for applications for vacant seat
May 8—JAMESTOWN — The Stutsman County Commission unanimously approved on Tuesday, May 6, a request for applications for the vacant seat on the board. The county commission is expected to make a decision on who will fill the vacant seat at its regular meeting on May 20. The county commission will hold a special meeting, if needed, on May 20 before its regular meeting to go over the applications. The deadline to apply for the vacant seat is noon May 16. The commissioner's term will commence immediately after the county commission's appointment. The vacancy was created after the death of Commissioner Jerry Bergquist on April 24. He was elected to the commission in November 2022. The appointee will hold the office at least until the next general election. North Dakota Century Code 44-02-05 says the appointee holds office until the appointee's successor is elected at the next general election that occurs at least 95 days after the vacancy and the successor has qualified. The next general election is in November 2026. State's Attorney Fritz Fremgen said the last time an appointment was made to the Stutsman County Commission in September 2023 the four commissioners voted for an applicant. If someone received three or more votes, the individual was appointed to the county commission. Fremgen said in the case of a 2-2 tie for two applicants, the county commission could call for another elected official to break the tie. Fremgen recommended Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser to be the elected official to break the tie since the state's attorney advises the county commission. To apply for the vacant county commission seat, visit, . The county commission unanimously approved purchasing a building that will be installed in Buchanan. The county commission approved the purchase of property in Buchanan in October 2023 to construct a building to store its blade. The total cost of the building and to install it is about $120,000, said Jesse Christianson. He said the post building is walk-in ready. Christianson said it will cost over $13,000 to get electricity to the building and more than $17,000 for heating, which includes floor heat. He said there will be additional expenses including electrical work to the interior and hooking up water. Stutsman County will send a letter to Kidder County and Peterson and Williams townships about creating an access point for farmers west of Medina. Stutsman County Road 39 west of Medina was closed due to high water making it unsafe and unpassable. Christianson said County Road 39 will be closed until water can be drained from Stink Lake. "As of right now, I just don't see that we can do anything with it," he said. "The way the water is coming up is deteriorating fast. It's not safe to travel." An access road would be created at 35th Street Southeast that goes west to 47th Avenue Southeast. Christianson agreed with Commissioner Mike Hansen that it would be a minimum-maintenance road. Christianson said the estimated cost to create the access road would be about $130,000. He said adding gravel to it would cost an additional $10,000 to $20,000. "This is kind of roughing it in to get it as travelable as it could be," he said. Christianson said the access road is owned by Kidder and Stutsman counties and Peterson and Williams townships. No timeframe was given when work would start to create the access road. Jessica Alonge, Stutsman County auditor/chief operating officer, said a formal letter should be sent to Kidder County and Peterson and Williams townships. She said county funds shouldn't be spent on the access road without having other legal pieces figured out. Commissioner Levi Taylor said the letter should ask for a response from Kidder County and Peterson and Williams townships and ask them if they would be interested in a meeting. A meeting will be scheduled if there is interest for one. Stutsman County Park Board will receive a $218,000 grant through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department's Recreational Trails Program. The county's share is $36,000 for the 80-20 grant. The $36,000 can include in-kind donations, including labor. With the grant funds, Stutsman County Park Board member Henry Steinberger said 25 concrete picnic tables can be purchased at $1,000 for each one. The grant funds can also be used for docks for less than $20,000 each and a Toolcat for under $100,000. Steinberger said the park board has through June 2026 to complete the projects. Alonge said the grant hasn't been accepted by the county yet and to not order anything until a contract for the grant is completed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused of attempted murder, child sex crimes after SE Portland shooting
PORTLAND, Ore. () — A Portland man was arrested and accused of attempted murder and child sex crimes following a shooting in Southeast Portland last week, authorities said. Portland police said they arrested 21-year-old Amir J. Christianson on Tuesday in connection with a that left one person injured. Though someone was arrested on the same night of the shooting, the Portland Police Bureau later clarified that the suspect — 30-year-old DeShawn R. Nichols — . Oregon Zoo mourns death of Tilly, the river otter mom and '30 Rock' guest star Police initially responded to the shooting just before 6 p.m. near Southeast Stark Street and Southeast 106th Avenue. 'Officers found evidence of gunfire, including 16 ammunition casings, but no victims or suspects at the scene,' PPB said in a press release. Police were later notified of a 41-year-old man who was dropped off at a nearby hospital with gunshot wounds. That individual is still recovering in the hospital and is expected to survive his injuries, officials said. Authorities were made aware of a description of the car used to drop the victim off at the hospital and an officer later located the vehicle. 'The officer attempted to stop the driver, but he eluded at high speed. Due to the danger to the community and involved officers, they did not initiate a pursuit of the driver hoping he would slow down and stop recklessly driving on public streets,' PPB said. 'Unfortunately, he chose to continue driving recklessly and crashed his car at Northeast 122nd Avenue and Northeast Glisan Street.' Wyden tells Senate to overturn Trump's tariff power The driver, later identified as Nichols, was found under a deck following a lockdown and search between Northeast Burnside Street and Northeast Glisan Street and between Northeast 122nd Avenue and Northeast 127th Avenue. A stolen gun was seized from Nichols' car, police said. The following day, police said their investigation revealed Nichols was not the suspect in the shooting. However, Nichols was arrested on other outstanding warrants and eluding police, authorities said. As the investigation continued, witness testimony and evidence led police to arrest Christianson in connection with last week's shooting, officials said. After being located by detectives Tuesday evening, the PPB SERT and Crisis Negotiation Team successfully took him into custody. Two handguns were seized as evidence after a search warrant was executed in the 2500 block of Northeast 15th Avenue. 'During the investigation of the shooting and the subsequent search warrants, Detectives found information about other crimes committed by Christianson against members of his family,' police said. Man arrested for alleged 'explosions' targeting house Christianson was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and is accused of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, second-degree sex abuse-domestic violence, using a child in display of sexually explicit conduct and second-degree encouraging child sex abuse. Anyone with information about the case or other alleged crimes committed by Christianson is encouraged to contact the Portland police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
