Good morning, Bismarck.

Today marks the 47th anniversary of an F4 tornado that struck Elgin along Highway 21, injuring several and killing multiple people—one woman recounted that her RV lost parts of its seating as they survived the storm.

A Bismarck woman was sentenced to six months in jail Tuesday for abusing a dog in February.

Prosecutors dropped a negligent homicide charge after 21-year-old Madisyn Heidt pleaded guilty to a noncriminal traffic violation linked to a 2022 Bismarck Expressway crash that killed Mandan motorcyclist Scott Culver — his family is finding peace even as Heidt remains incarcerated on separate charges.

University of Mary professor Brian Lydeen teaches music and directs Woodwind and Jazz Studies while coordinating an annual jazz festival that brings 40 to 50 schools together.

He also plays in the National Guard Band near Fargo — using flute and piccolo to deliver high-quality live music to local communities.

The One Big Beautiful Bill passed last week and has split lawmakers as supporters praise tax cuts and agricultural investments while critics warn of steep Medicaid cuts, job losses and rising costs for rural services.

Officials predict the bill will reshape state finances and leave vulnerable residents at risk—fueling heated debate across the state.

Sen. John Hoeven is backing a new Farm Bill proposal that would extend the Farm Bill cycle and raise the federal estate tax exemption—measures that could deliver millions in tax relief to local family farms as early as this year.

Bismarck's Fourth of July celebration has moved to the MDU Resources Community Bowl with gates opening at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 10:30 p.m.—and Mandan Fire Chief Mitch Bitz urges residents to handle fireworks safely.

Starting Monday, July 7, 2025, 19th Street will be closed from Calgary Ave south to Oregon Drive including the roundabout at 19th Street & Calgary Ave while crews perform chip sealing and pavement marking installation for one week.

Northbound traffic will be detoured west on Century Ave, north on State Street, and east on 43rd Ave, with southbound traffic following the reverse route.

The Morton County War Dead Memorial Committee finalized a design for a new monument—intended to replace the current memorial—and plans to begin fundraising soon.

Rock the Deck at Hillside

4:30-8 p.m. — Hillside Aquatic Complex — Regular admission rates apply — Dive into a fun evening of swimming, music, and prizes for incoming middle schoolers.