Friday ND news from Associated Press

SLAIN STUDENT-APPEAL

Feds drop appeal in Sjodin killing, still seek death penalty

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal prosecutors have dropped their appeal of a judge’s decision to overturn the death sentence for a Minnesota man convicted in the 2003 kidnapping and killing of Dru Sjodin — but they say they still intend to seek the death penalty when he is resentenced. Alfonso Rodriguez Jr., of Crookston, was convicted in 2006 of kidnapping the 22-year-old University of North Dakota student, resulting in her death. He was sentenced to die. But last year, the judge who oversaw Rodriguez’s trial ordered that a new sentencing proceeding be held, saying Rodriguez’s constitutional rights were violated. In a filing Friday, prosecutors agreed to dismiss their appeal of that decision. But they say they will continue to seek the death penalty.

DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION-NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota Dems back candidates for statewide offices

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Democratic Party has endorsed two candidates for statewide offices but tabled nominations for six other seats currently held by Republicans. Participants at the convention in Minot on Friday voted to back Bismarck attorney Fintan Dooley for state Agriculture Commissioner, a position Doug Goehring has held since 2009. Democrats also endorsed Melanie Moniz, a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes, for the seat on the public service commission currently held by Julie Fedorchak, who has been on the panel since 2012. Democrats are expected to finish endorsements on Saturday. Just over 200 delegates attended the convention, including 81 who participated online.

WATER POLLUTION-MONTANA

Lawsuit: EPA fails to protect Montana rivers from pollution

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A conservation group has filed a lawsuit against U.S. environmental officials for alleged failure to intervene after Montana rolled back longstanding water pollution rules. The Upper Missouri Waterkeeper group says new rules proposed by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality will let more nutrient pollution into the state’s streams, rivers and other waterways. The lawsuit is against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has oversight of the state’s pollution rules. Nutrient pollution comes from farm fertilizer, treated sewage waste, industrial plants and numerous other sources. It can be harmful to fish and human health by encouraging the growth of algae that are sometimes toxic. An EPA spokesperson declined comment.

BC-SD-NORTH DAKOTA BOXER DIES

Boxer dies after needing medical aid at South Dakota bout

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A boxer died a day after he required medical attention following a bout in Rapid City. The boxer was a contender in the Elite Male Division at the South Dakota Golden Gloves boxing show on Saturday. USA Boxing said the boxer required medical attention after his match, and died Sunday at a local hospital. The organization did not identify the boxer. The Rapid City Journal reported he is from North Dakota. North Dakota Local Boxing Committee President Danny Pruneda ordered all affiliated gyms in North Dakota to close for one day in his memory.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD-NORTH CENTRAL DONATION

Planned Parenthood North Central receives $20 million gift

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Planned Parenthood North Central States has received an unexpected donation of $20 million from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. It’s the largest donation in the organization’s history. Scott is the former wife of Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. North Central States operates 28 facilities in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. Sarah Stoesz, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, says the donation brings tremendous relief because costs of providing care are going up. Scott revealed Wednesday that she has donated nearly $4 billion to 465 nonprofits, including $275 million to Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

BIRD FLU-NORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota cancels poultry shows, swaps, exhibitions

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota animal health officials have canceled all shows, public sales, swaps and exhibitions of poultry and other birds in the state because of concerns about potential exposure to avian influenza. State Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says nationally, the outbreak has affected more than 13 million commercial and backyard birds in 17 states. South Dakota recently euthanized 85,000 birds in hopes of containing an avian flu outbreak at two factory farms in Charles Mix County. North Dakota’s State Board of Animal Health is urging poultry owners to immediately report unusual death losses, a drop in egg production or sick birds to their local veterinarian and try to keep wild birds away from those in captivity.