State News
Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Billings & Golden Valley Region
Eagles Finalize 8-Player 2026 NFL Draft Class
The Philadelphia Eagles completed their 2026 NFL Draft, selecting eight players including WR Makai Lemon and TE Eli Stowers. The draft focused on adding versatile offensive talent and bolstering defensive depth.
ND Tourism Hooks Ice Fishers with $2M Winter Campaign
North Dakota's Tourism Board is reeling in winter visitors with a $2 million push spotlighting ice fishing festivals and resorts in the Red River Valley and Devils Lake basin. Targeting hardcore anglers, the initiative promises free fishing weekends, deluxe icehouses and uncrowded waters teeming with walleye and perch. As ice thickens this season, state leaders bet on the Red River state's frozen frontiers to thaw tourism slumps.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Fargo's Commercial Permits Surge 15% Amid Tech Boom
Fargo's real estate market is exploding with a 15% jump in commercial development permits, driven by tech startups and post-pandemic recovery. City records reveal millions in new office and retail projects, signaling robust economic growth in North Dakota's largest city. Local developers and insurers are racing to keep pace with the frenzy.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Marathon Oil's Bakken Boom Delivers 25% Profit Surge in North Dakota
Marathon Oil's first-quarter 2026 profits soared 25% thanks to sky-high oil prices and sharper drilling in North Dakota's Bakken Shale. The Houston-headquartered giant, with deep roots in the state, reported record earnings that signal a bright outlook for Williston Basin workers and communities. Local leaders hail the news as a lifeline for the region's oil-dependent economy.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
UND Hockey Lands Bismarck's Olson for 2027 Class
University of North Dakota men's hockey program secured a commitment from Jake Olson, a standout forward from Bismarck Century High School, strengthening the Fighting Hawks' recruiting pipeline for the 2027 class. The addition signals UND's continued efforts to develop local talent and maintain competitiveness in NCAA Division I hockey.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Fargo North Claims Third Straight Girls Soccer Title
Fargo North High School solidified its dynasty in Class AA girls soccer, defeating Bismarck High 2-1 at the Fargodome to capture their third consecutive NDHSAA state championship. The victory marks a remarkable run of dominance for the program in North Dakota high school athletics.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
NDSU Bison Baseball Claims Summit League Regular Season Crown
North Dakota State University's Bison baseball team locked up the Summit League regular season title with a dominant 12-3 rout of Oral Roberts in Fargo. Earning the top seed for the conference tournament at Newman Outdoor Field, the Bison now eye postseason glory. This victory builds on a storied program history under head coach Tyler Oakes.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Bismarck Freezes Tuition at ND's 11 Colleges, Easing Burden on Students
North Dakota's Board of Higher Education has approved a tuition freeze for the 2026-27 academic year at all 11 public colleges and universities, including North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota. The freeze comes as the state maintains stable funding for higher education, offering relief to in-state students facing rising costs elsewhere.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
UND Study: Bakken Oil Dust Fuels Asthma Surge in ND Workers
University of North Dakota researchers have uncovered alarming rises in asthma and respiratory woes among oil field workers in western North Dakota, pinning the blame on pervasive silica dust exposure. The study demands tougher regulations amid the Bakken boom's health toll. As drilling persists, workers from Williston to Watford City face mounting lung risks.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Bismarck police arrest suspect in armed robbery spree targeting local businesses
Law enforcement in North Dakota's capital city has arrested a 28-year-old Bismarck resident connected to a series of armed robberies that struck convenience stores across the city over the past week. The suspect faces multiple felony charges as police work to determine if additional crimes may be linked to the arrest.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
ND Legislature OKs $50M Boost for Rural Broadband Push
North Dakota lawmakers have approved $50 million in state funds to wire rural communities with high-speed internet, targeting gaps in education and telehealth access. The move builds on federal billions, positioning the state to lead the nation in universal coverage. Rural families from the Red River Valley to the Badlands stand to gain reliable connectivity.
Saturday, May 2, 2026