Sam Easter
Agweek
Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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Past articles by Sam:
As anger at Grand Forks leaders crests, Fufeng forces normally low-profile EDC into spotlight
For more than three decades, the group has helped bring big business to Grand Forks — including Fufeng Group — to shepherd the community toward a bigger and better economy. → Read More
Home values rise in North Dakota as inventory decreases
Grand Forks City Administrator Todd Feland said he’s hopeful more development in the city’s deep south end will soon open up more housing stock. → Read More
Leaders in region consider impacts of tax revenue
The tail effects of the pandemic were still roiling supply chains. Inflation surged. Interest rates, on their steady march upwards, drove the cost of credit. But revenues grew, too, as many communities saw boosts in sales and property tax. → Read More
Pushes for new downtown development are transforming the Red River Valley
This piece was written for Prairie Business, which covers business in the Dakotas and Minnesota. To receive a free digital edition each month, see the instructions at the bottom of this story. → Read More
Grand Sky an 'emerging strength' with statewide significance
Grand Forks is increasingly fashioning itself as an aerospace hub, with UND’s academic programs, Grand Forks Air Force Base’s missions and now Grand Sky’s enterprises to support it. → Read More
A quest for new normal: Midwest colleges adjust to increased appetite for online learning during pandemic
Campus life, at UND and beyond, has never been the same. → Read More
As baby boomers age, North Dakota's care industry scrambles to keep up
Senior Healthcare Innovation Consortium brings members together to work on research and development projects in senior care. → Read More
This holiday season, plucky Grand Forks businesses stare down storm clouds
Small businesses remain essential to the community’s economy and identity, even as bigger stores drift away. → Read More
As worst of pandemic fades, North Dakota seeks ‘new normal’
The shift away from COVID lockdown has been a welcome change throughout the long-term care industry in particular. → Read More
As worst of pandemic fades, North Dakota seeks ‘new normal’
The shift away from COVID lockdown has been a welcome change throughout the long-term care industry in particular. → Read More
Manufacturing and the new way of doing business
The scrambled economy the pandemic has created is demanding a new way of doing business. → Read More
A bit of good news for Grand Forks economy. But are clouds gathering on the horizon?
In North Dakota, as for the rest of the country, it’s not really clear what happens next. Much will depend on how the Federal Reserve continues to manage the economy; even more will depend on how quickly inflation continues to rise. → Read More
Top North Dakota Republicans split on Fufeng, business with China
“I still think it's a huge opportunity for North Dakota to have value-added agriculture,” said Gov. Doug Burgum. But Sen. Kevin Cramer believes that "we need a broader decoupling of China." → Read More
Fufeng debate: A look back as the controversy about a proposed Grand Forks corn mill reaches eight months
The project, if completed, would represent an enormous investment in Grand Forks’ economy — if it can withstand all the scrutiny. → Read More
Cramer, Hoeven call for feds to review Fufeng deal
The letter specifically asks for a close federal review of the land purchase made earlier this year in northern Grand Forks that makes way for the company’s arrival — which is still being vetted by City Hall. But Fufeng Group’s ties to China has drawn significant criticism of the deal. → Read More
U.S. government bulletin raises alarm on Chinese influence, investments
Not all Chinese outreach should be suspect, the bulletin also says; Fufeng USA’s COO notes no Chinese government ownership → Read More
Fufeng Group deal in Grand Forks could get high-level federal security review
A lawyer said she thinks CFIUS will find the matter is not in its jurisdiction. She also said that CFIUS already seems to have begun asking questions about the project, too. → Read More
Police, FBI visit home of Fufeng opponent over social media activity ‘we weren’t sure how to take’
The authorities ultimately found no cause for concern, a police report states. → Read More
In tiny Oberon, N.D., concern over election comes after string of city issues
Secretary of State Al Jaeger has a letter showing that Benson County terminated its elections agreement with the city after Oberon failed to provide county elections officials with ballot information. He’d also heard worries from a local citizen that the election wouldn’t be held at all. → Read More
15 years later, Democrats reckon with votes supporting North Dakota abortion ban
A handful of Democrats who backed the bill are still in the Legislature. → Read More