Good morning, Bismarck.

Dr. Denise Lajimodiere will serve as North Dakota’s Poet Laureate through June 2028 after the Council on the Arts extended her term in line with new state law that set a five-year term for the State Troubadour position + she was first appointed in 2023 and now plans to apply for a national fellowship to support a poetry project for Native youth.

Social Security turns 90 this year and helps many North Dakotans retire with dignity by lowering senior poverty—Governor Kelly Armstrong proclaimed August 14 as the anniversary.

Reforms signed in January raised monthly benefits by about $360 for affected retirees while accelerating the projected insolvency of the trust fund.

North Dakota schools must now reduce added sugar in student meals to improve child nutrition while Senate Bill 2241 paves the way for charter schools even though none will open this academic year.

Four state parks, including Rough Rider, will receive major upgrades beginning Aug. 18—measures aimed at modernizing facilities and boosting tourism.

UND’s Center for Innovation and its partners tested a Supervolo drone that delivered medical supplies from Williston to Watford City in just over 35 minutes — faster than the usual 60 to 90-minute ground trips — in a federally funded trial aimed at improving rural health care.

Canadian wildfires and trapped summer heat have worsened air quality across the state, making it harder to breathe especially for those with respiratory issues.

Dr. Neelu Tummala—an ear, nose and throat surgeon—advised residents to check air quality levels regularly and limit time outside when conditions are poor.

AAPNAC Resident Assessment Coordinator Certification Workshop

Aug 12-14 — Courtyard Bismarck North — Member Rate: $777, Non-Member Rate: $996 — Enhance your clinical assessment skills and earn the RAC-CT credential in this comprehensive certification workshop.

Evening Exploration at ND's Gateway to Science

6-8 p.m. — North Dakota's Gateway to Science — $14 Non-members | $9 Members — Discover hands-on science and enjoy immersive planetarium shows just for adults.

Brew at the Zoo

6-9 p.m. — Dakota Zoo — $40 members, $45 non-members — Sample local brews and enjoy a unique tasting experience at the zoo.

Vendors Needed for Maleah Cares Talk Show

7-10 p.m. — Bismarck, ND — Showcase your products during an uplifting talk show highlighting inspiring stories.

FARMS to Table 2025

5:30-9 p.m. — North Dakota's Gateway to Science — Free entry — Celebrate Indigenous food traditions with a four-course meal curated by local chefs and learn about sustainable agriculture.