Good morning, Bismarck.

We the People has announced Freedom250 Patriot Games, a local event uniting residents in sports and patriotic activities.

The press release did not list a date or venue — more details will follow soon.

KFYR reporter Ariana Gonzalez is providing live coverage of the Community Picnic in Bismarck today.

The event brings local residents together to share food and music and celebrate community spirit.

A new UND photography exhibit titled From Many Places, One Community is now open at the Capitol and features photos and videos of 15 new neighbors from 14 countries — a showcase of their journeys to naturalization and local heritage.

According to a SmartAsset report, North Dakota's population grew 0.75% between 2024 and 2025 (ranking 14th nationally), while several southern and Rocky Mountain states posted over 1% growth and only five states lost population.

Bismarck State College’s AAS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning earned the 2026 NDACTE Innovative Program Award (recognizing its stackable, applied curriculum).

Bismarck Public Schools staff met Tuesday morning for their annual district orientation to unite educators for the new school year and will finish classroom setups today before classes begin Thursday.

The intersection of 14th Street Northwest and Collins Avenue in Mandan will revert to a four-way stop on Thursday to enhance safety — local drivers should be aware of the change.

Tuesday, the State Water Commission approved $2 million for drought relief to help livestock water programs—offering ranchers up to 65% reimbursement on projects capped at $10,000 each; funds from oil extraction tax revenues will support new wells, water connections and pasture taps.

Rep. Julie Fedorchak called on USDA Secretary Brook Rollins to allow ND farmers 30 days to remove hay bales instead of 15, following a roundtable at Kuhn Farms near Dickinson where producers raised concerns + sought flexible rules amid worsening drought conditions.

North Dakota SNAP will update the list of items eligible for purchase using EBT cards on Sept.

1 to promote healthier food choices for participants in the state.

Drought and high winds have boosted dust pneumonia reports among cattle herds across North Dakota this summer, with young calves at risk — state veterinarian Dr. Jake Galbreath said.

Ranchers are urged to curb dust using sprinklers and testing water as upcoming field work may worsen conditions.

The Western ND Charity Pro-Am ended on Aug.

16 at the Vardon Golf Club where professional golfer Mason Glinski set a new record by finishing 32 under par plus winning $30,000, and Minot’s Cody Reynolds was the only local competitor.