1. In 1913, the North Dakota Legislature created the state's first public service commission on January 18th. The commission was tasked with regulating rates and services of public utilities, such as telephone and power companies, to ensure fairness for consumers.

2. On January 18, 1924, a severe blizzard hit North Dakota, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The storm resulted in 25 deaths and left hundreds of people stranded in their homes for days.

3. In 1958, the University of North Dakota established the first college-level space studies program in the world on January 18th. The program trains future leaders of the space industry and conducts research on space-related topics.

4. On January 18, 2002, North Dakota became the first state in the United States to ban smoking in all indoor public spaces, including bars and restaurants. The law was designed to protect public health and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.

5. In 2016, North Dakota's oil production peaked on January 18th, with the state producing over 1.2 million barrels of crude oil per day. The state's booming oil industry has had a significant impact on the state's economy and has helped fund key infrastructure projects in the region.