Schools & Kids
Thursday, April 30, 2026 · Mandan
College Football Top 25 Rankings Released
The latest college football top 25 rankings are out, with Georgia holding the top spot. Several key matchups are on the horizon as teams jockey for position.
Jeremiah Wilkinson Transfers to Arkansas Razorbacks
Guard Jeremiah Wilkinson has committed to Arkansas, transferring from the University of Georgia. He selected the Razorbacks over offers from Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and LSU.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Ivan Kharchenkov Returns to Arizona for Sophomore Season
Guard Ivan Kharchenkov announced his return to the University of Arizona for the 2026-2027 season. He joins Motiejus Krivas as returning starters from the Wildcats' 2026 Final Four team.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Tyran Stokes, No. 1 Recruit, Commits to Kansas
Tyran Stokes, the top-ranked player in the 2026 class, has committed to the University of Kansas. The five-star recruit's decision positions him to join the Jayhawks upon graduating high school. Sources confirm Stokes chose Kansas over multiple competing offers.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Fargo Schools Land $2.5M Grant for STEM Labs, Training
Fargo Public Schools has secured a $2.5 million 'Equitable Access 2026' grant to build new STEM labs and train teachers district-wide. The funding aims to equip North Dakota's third-largest district for a tech-driven workforce. Amid proposed $5M budget cuts, this boost offers critical support for innovation.
Thursday, April 30, 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.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
College Football Top 25: Strengths and Potential Challenges
An objective look at the strengths and weaknesses of the top 25 college football teams. This analysis highlights potential trouble spots and areas of dominance. No projections, just facts.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
College Football Coaching Salaries See Movement at the Top
Recent contract negotiations have altered the landscape of college football's highest-paid coaches. Curt Cignetti, Lane Kiffin, and Kirby Smart now occupy the top three positions. The deals reflect the value placed on successful leadership in the sport.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
ND Schools Land $2M Federal Boost for STEM Overhaul
Fifty North Dakota school districts are set to transform classrooms with $2 million in federal grants for STEM programs. The state Department of Public Instruction's award targets science, technology, engineering and math curricula to spark innovation in rural and urban schools alike. Local educators hail the funding as a game-changer for preparing students for high-tech jobs.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
College Football Recruiting: Evaluations of Five-Star Prospects
Analyses are available for the 21 five-star players in the current recruiting class. Individual scouting reports focus on projecting their skills to the college level. Key attributes and positional fit are examined for each prospect.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
UND Bolsters Student Mental Health with New Counseling, Peer Support
As mental health challenges surge among college students in North Dakota, the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks rolls out expanded counseling services and peer support programs. This initiative aims to meet rising needs on campus amid statewide behavioral health pushes. Students now have better access to vital resources right where they live and learn.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
College Basketball Transfer Impact: Bidunga to Louisville and Beyond
Several top men's college basketball transfers are poised to make an immediate impact on their new teams. Flory Bidunga's arrival at Louisville is expected to bolster their frontcourt, while other notable transfers will contribute across various programs.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Minot Schools Secure $2M Federal Grant for STEM Labs, Training
Minot Public Schools landed a $2 million federal grant to revolutionize STEM education, building cutting-edge labs and training teachers district-wide. The funding targets North Dakota's next generation of innovators in a region hungry for tech talent. Local leaders hail it as a game-changer for students in the Magic City.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Top 25 College Football Teams: Strengths and Weaknesses Overview
A look at the expected strengths and potential weaknesses of the top 25 college football teams as they navigate the season. Analysis focuses on key statistical areas and positional matchups. No predictions, just facts.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Fargo Public Schools Roll Out New K-12 STEM Push with State Backing
North Dakota's largest school district, Fargo Public Schools, has launched an updated STEM curriculum for K-12 students, fueled by state grants to gear kids up for booming tech jobs. Drawing on Next Generation Science Standards and innovative engineering design processes, the program aims to boost critical thinking and real-world skills. Local educators say it's already showing promise in math and science scores.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Valley City State University Halts Presidential Search After Candidate Exodus
The hunt for Valley City State University's next leader hit a snag as multiple semi-finalists bolted for other jobs, forcing the search committee to suspend the process. Co-chairs Erica Buchholz and DJ Campbell now face the task of rebooting the effort amid tight timelines. For VCSU's 1,500-plus students in central North Dakota, the delay raises questions about steady leadership.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
College Basketball Transfer Portal's Growth Could Reshape North Dakota Rosters
The college basketball transfer portal sees increased activity as more players explore options. A recent ranking identifies 60 of the top talents currently available. This development underscores the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Mandan High Seniors Get First Look at $90M New School
Dozens of Mandan High School seniors stepped into the future Thursday, touring the nearly completed $90 million replacement for their aging campus. The state-of-the-art facility promises modern classrooms, a gleaming auditorium and space for 1,600 students. As construction wraps up ahead of the 2026-27 school year, excitement builds in this tight-knit North Dakota community.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
New Leaders Ink Deals: NDSU, BSC Presidents Set for North Dakota Campuses
Marshall Stewart and Brian Kalk have signed contracts to helm North Dakota State University and Bismarck State College, marking a new chapter for two key North Dakota institutions. Stewart's $550,000 salary underscores NDSU's stature, while Kalk's package includes a $2,000 monthly housing stipend amid BSC's growth. These appointments signal stability and ambition in the North Dakota University System.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
North Dakota Schools Could Face Challenges as National Report Details Rise in Student Tobacco Use
A recent report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) indicates a rise in the use of emerging tobacco products like e-cigarettes and hookahs among middle and high school students. The study highlights a trend in tobacco use within this demographic.
Thursday, April 30, 2026