Good morning, Bismarck.

Bismarck will host Ribfest in 2026 as Dakota Ribfest and Brews is set for May 29–31 at Buckstop Junction; organizers said three national rib chefs will provide BBQ, live music and vendor booths for the event.

On November 25th, school districts all over North Dakota closed or started classes late.

In the Bismarck—Mandan area, several schools closed while others had a two-hour delay, and similar changes took place in Western, North-Central, South-Central, Northwest, Southwest, Underwood, and Alexander districts.

North Dakotans will vote on a ballot measure to decide if every public school student gets free breakfast+free lunch.

If the measure passes, the program will start next school year+aiming to give students a healthy start.

Bismarck High senior Jilian Quale was nominated to attend the Naval Academy after Representative Julie Fedorchak surprised her Tuesday morning.

Quale must now complete tests, a congressional nomination, and a fitness assessment before she can enroll.

A 6-mile section of the park's 21-mile loop reopened Tuesday after being closed for six years due to storms and aging roads, with a two-and-a-half-year project costing about $51 million.

The rebuilt road now has improved drainage, slopes and pavement—restoring clear views from Scoria Point Overlook and Badlands Overlook.

Today, North Dakota is launching a $400M farm loan program to help farmers manage debt amid rising challenges in the agriculture industry — the state says the loans will support local farm operations and stabilize finances.

Officials expect the program to offer ongoing financial aid as industry pressures continue.

Today, the North Dakota Department of Transportation begins changing the traffic pattern at Exit 161 on I-94 in Bismarck as eastbound drivers face two exit options and northbound drivers use a new slip ramp before the signal, while construction will resume in spring to complete ramp and median improvements and drivers are urged to exercise caution during winter as road markings and signs may change until the final pattern is finished by late summer.

ND Sober Ride (discount code VZTURKEY25) will offer discounted Lyft rides today through November 29 to help travelers get home safely over Thanksgiving.

The program (which provided about 150 discounted rides during Halloween) supports Vision Zero’s goal to end serious traffic injuries.

Holiday Pizza Bash

4-6 p.m. — Bismarck Event Center — Enjoy a festive evening sampling pizza and holiday-themed fun for the whole family.

62nd Annual Joint North Dakota Water Convention and Irrigation Workshop

December 9-11 — Bismarck Hotel & Conference Center — Registration required — Explore water management and irrigation practices at North Dakota's premier water convention.

Candlelight: Tribute to Adele

6:30-7:45 p.m. — Russell Reid Auditorium - North Dakota Heritage Center — Tickets required — Experience a mesmerizing tribute to Adele performed by Listeso String Quartet in a candlelit ambiance.