Good morning, Bismarck! In today’s edition: Sweeping statewide reforms, Britta Curl-Salemme named to the Team USA Olympic roster, Winter Jam Powwow, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Sweeping statewide reforms detailed: New North Dakota laws took effect January 1, affecting healthcare, taxes, and safety, with stricter insurer medical reviews, a simpler primary residence tax credit, and stronger provisions on sexual violence — learn what’s changing in 2026.

Boosting access and outcomes statewide: North Dakota was awarded $199 million to strengthen rural health care through a five-year Rural Health Transformation Program. Lawmakers must approve the funding before it can be used — get all the details.

Breakthrough moment for standout: Bismarck native Britta Curl-Salemme has been named to the Team USA Olympic roster. Fresh off a world championship gold, she will represent the U.S. on hockey’s biggest stage — read the full story.

Vibrant celebration of heritage: Bismarck’s Winter Jam Powwow will take place January 24 to 25 for its third year, bringing Native communities from across the Northern Plains. Expect two days of traditional dance, music, and drum competitions, plus local vendors with Native arts, crafts, and food. It is expected to be the biggest yet. Get all the details.

Accountability measures go live: North Dakota has implemented a new Statement of Interest System in the Campaign Finance System, enabling candidates and officials to disclose financial interests after 2025’s House Bill 1469, boosting transparency — read the full story.

Guide future health learning: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is seeking input on Health Content Standards outlining K-12 learning expectations, including safety and firearm safety. The Health Standards Review Committee is seeking applicants — see how to get involved.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🎶 Swing and Sing-Along @ Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library | Monday (1/12) at 10:30 AM – Swing and Sing-Along is taking over the Children’s Library with Kittyko leading the chaos in perfect pitch. Expect wiggly toddlers, catchy tunes, and a master educator who can charm even the shy ones. Bring your coffee, leave with happy, pleasantly exhausted kids.

🐾 Paint Your Pet @ Art From The Heart | Monday (1/12) at 6:30 PM – Bring a photo of your four-legged roommate and turn it into a 16 x 20 canvas masterpiece for $25 per artist. Whether your cat judges or your dog wiggles, you’ll leave with art, pride, and painty fingers. Pre-register online: https://ninabanina13.wixsite.com/artfromtheheart/book-online.

🧘 Yoga Fundamentals: Intro to Yoga @ Transitions Yoga | Wednesday (1/14) at 7:00 PM – Take a breather from the to-do list and try a free, beginner-friendly yoga class that actually explains what your hips are doing. Slow pace, alignment and breath tips, props galore, and zero pretzel pressure. Come as you are, leave taller, calmer, and mildly smug.

🎭 The Choir of Man @ Bismarck Event Center | Wednesday (1/14) at 7:30 PM – Broadway in Bismarck is pouring a round with The Choir of Man, a feel-good pub night disguised as theater. Big voices tackle everything from Guns N’ Roses to Adele, plus a working bar on stage, so you can call it culture, and still toast it.

❄ Winter White Party 2026 @ North Dakota’s Gateway to Science | Thursday (1/15) at 6:00 PM – Celebrate 20 years of Tracy’s Sanctuary House with signature cocktails, games, and feel-good stories that deliver. Wear winter white at Gateway to Science, mingle with old friends, and, if you’re big on giving, enjoy VIP champagne social. Because matching the snow is half the fun.

🎤 Zach Thomas @ Laughing Sun Brewing Co. | Thursday (1/15) at 7:00 PM – Take a break from errands and slide into Bismarck’s Laughing Sun Brewing Co. for Zach Thomas and a pint that tastes like you made a good decision. Easygoing live tunes, local beer, and zero pretense. Bring a friend, claim a table, call it quality time.

🎨 Crafty Concrete @ Shenanigans | Friday (1/16) at 5:00 PM – If your inner kid needs a playdate, pick a concrete shape, buy your favorite, and paint away with the rest of us. Open to all ages, zero experience required, just good company, plenty of choices, and a surprisingly satisfying, heavy little souvenir.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Bismarck report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 20°F – Low: 11°F – Precip: 11%

Mostly sunny. High near 20, with temperatures falling to around 17 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Later: A slight chance of snow before 9pm. Mostly cloudy. Low around 11, with temperatures rising to around 19 overnight. South wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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Tomorrow – High: 40°F – Low: 27°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Southwest wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

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