Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
North Dakota Promotes Tourism with Peak Sunflower Season Attractions

North Dakota Promotes Tourism with Peak Sunflower Season Attractions

North Dakota is celebrating its annual sunflower season, a time when the state's prairies are transformed into vibrant fields of gold. This event, which occurs from late July through August, attracts tourists from across the country who are eager to experience the scenic beauty and agricultural heritage of the region. In 2025, North Dakota harvested over 1 billion pounds of sunflowers from more than 500,000 acres, solidifying its status as the leading sunflower producer in the United States. The North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division, led by Sara Otte Coleman, is actively promoting this season as a signature summer experience. The state has introduced a 2026 Sunflower Map to guide visitors to 28 participating fields, offering updates on bloom conditions and nearby attractions. Additionally, North Dakota Tourism is providing complimentary samples of GIANTS® sunflower seeds at select locations, enhancing the visitor experience.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
North Dakota Celebrates Peak Sunflower Season, Attracting Tourists and Boosting Local Economy

North Dakota Celebrates Peak Sunflower Season, Attracting Tourists and Boosting Local Economy

North Dakota is currently experiencing its peak sunflower season, transforming the state's landscape into vibrant fields of gold. This annual event draws tourists from across the country, eager to witness the stunning blooms and partake in the local culture. North Dakota, a leading sunflower producer in the U.S., harvested over 1 billion pounds of sunflowers from more than 500,000 acres in 2025. The sunflower season, which peaks from late July through August, not only offers breathtaking scenery but also provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the state's agricultural heritage and local products. The North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division has introduced a 2026 Sunflower Map to guide visitors to the best viewing spots and nearby attractions. Additionally, local businesses are offering sunflower-themed products, enhancing the tourist experience.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
North Dakota Tourism Promotes Sunflower Season to Attract Visitors

North Dakota Tourism Promotes Sunflower Season to Attract Visitors

North Dakota is showcasing its sunflower fields as a major tourist attraction during the peak bloom season from late July through August. The state, known for being the leading sunflower producer in the U.S., harvested over 1 billion pounds of sunflowers in 2025. The North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism and Marketing Division is actively promoting the sunflower season, highlighting the scenic drives through vibrant fields and the unique agricultural experiences available. The 2026 Sunflower Map, featuring 28 participating fields, helps visitors locate peak bloom areas and nearby attractions. Additionally, North Dakota Tourism is offering complimentary sunflower seed samples at select viewing locations to enhance the visitor experience.
1Weather 1Weather
Extreme Heat Forecast for U.S. Corn Belt Amid Black Sea Grain Disruptions

Extreme Heat Forecast for U.S. Corn Belt Amid Black Sea Grain Disruptions

Recent hostilities in the Black Sea region have disrupted grain exports, leading to a temporary suspension of vessel arrivals in Ukrainian ports. Russian attacks on merchant ships and port infrastructure have intensified, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warning of further escalations. Meanwhile, Chicago wheat prices fell after reaching a two-year peak, driven by profit-taking and expectations of lower production. Crop scouts in North Dakota projected a yield of 46.0 bushels per acre for hard red spring wheat, 8% lower than last year but slightly above the five-year average. Additionally, extreme heat is forecast for the U.S. Corn Belt, influencing corn futures alongside rising crude oil prices, which have also lifted soybean prices due to biodiesel market dynamics.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
American Man and Wife Killed in Venezuela Earthquake After Self-Deportation

American Man and Wife Killed in Venezuela Earthquake After Self-Deportation

The bodies of Andrew Widme, an American man, and his wife, Yelitza Widme, were recovered from the rubble of a collapsed apartment building in Venezuela. The couple had moved to Venezuela after Yelitza voluntarily left the U.S. amid an unresolved immigration case. Andrew, originally from North Dakota, relocated to Venezuela on May 4 to join Yelitza, who had returned to her native country on April 19. Their bodies were found nearly a month after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing significant destruction. The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer disaster relief organization, recovered Andrew's body on July 19, while Yelitza's body was found by family members shortly thereafter. The couple had married in February 2025, and Andrew had left a new job in Florida to be with Yelitza in Venezuela.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Research Highlights Early Planting Boosts Soybean Yields Despite Weed Challenges

Research Highlights Early Planting Boosts Soybean Yields Despite Weed Challenges

A recent study published in the journal Weed Technology has revealed that early planting of soybean fields generally results in higher yields compared to mid- to late-planted fields. The research, conducted at three Purdue Agricultural Centers in Indiana, found that early planting dates led to increased yields, except in one instance where lower temperatures caused a significant stand reduction. The study also noted that while early planting resulted in slightly thinner soybean stands and more injury from residual herbicides, these factors did not lead to yield loss. However, early planting posed challenges for weed control, as it resulted in higher weed density at the time of postemergence herbicide application. This increased weed density could lead to greater selection pressure for herbicide-resistant weed biotypes.
1Weather 1Weather
Heat and Drought Threaten North Dakota Agriculture

Heat and Drought Threaten North Dakota Agriculture

North Dakota is facing severe drought conditions and high temperatures, which are expected to cause significant crop losses and force ranchers to supplement cattle feed. According to NDSU Extension, 44% of the U.S. cattle inventory is currently experiencing drought conditions. The state is bracing for another 10 days of temperatures in the 90s, which could exacerbate the situation. Farmers and ranchers are preparing for the challenges ahead, with many hoping for rain and cooler weather to mitigate the impact.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Representative Julie Fedorchak Supports National Defense Bill to Enhance Military Readiness

Representative Julie Fedorchak Supports National Defense Bill to Enhance Military Readiness

Representative Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) has voted in favor of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. This legislation is designed to fund national defense programs, enhance military readiness, and modernize strategic deterrence. The act also aims to support servicemembers and their families. Fedorchak highlighted the importance of the bill in reinforcing peace through strength by providing necessary tools, training, and support to meet current threats. The legislation includes significant investments in Minot’s nuclear mission, strengthens North Dakota’s role in space and missile defense, and aims to improve the quality of life for military families. Key provisions of the act include sustaining the Minuteman III missile force, continuing B-52 modernization, supporting missile warning and defense missions, and modernizing defense capabilities across various military domains.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
NNSA Completes Removal of High-Risk Cesium-137 from North Dakota

NNSA Completes Removal of High-Risk Cesium-137 from North Dakota

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has successfully removed all high-risk cesium-137 material from North Dakota, marking the state as the 14th in the U.S. to be declared free of this dangerous radioactive substance. This operation involved the removal of a cesium irradiator from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Cesium-137, commonly used in medical and research applications, poses significant security risks if misused, as it can be weaponized into a 'dirty bomb'. The removal is part of NNSA's broader mission to enhance national security by preventing the misuse of radioactive materials.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
North Dakota Declared Free of High-Risk Cesium-137

North Dakota Declared Free of High-Risk Cesium-137

North Dakota has become the 14th U.S. state or territory to be declared free of high-risk quantities of cesium-137, a radioactive isotope used in medical irradiators. The U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced the removal of all high-risk cesium-137 material from the state. This effort is part of a broader initiative to prevent the misuse of radioactive materials, which could be weaponized into 'dirty bombs.' The removal was facilitated by a partnership between the NNSA and the University of North Dakota, showcasing effective collaboration in enhancing radiological security.
Trendline Trendline
Newsweek's American Dream Index Reveals Surprising U.S. Economic Mobility Trends

Newsweek's American Dream Index Reveals Surprising U.S. Economic Mobility Trends

Newsweek's American Dream Index Reveals Surprising U.S. Economic Mobility Trends
Trendline Trendline
Expedia Reveals 2026's Most Affordable Island Destinations with U.S. Spots in Top 10

Expedia Reveals 2026's Most Affordable Island Destinations with U.S. Spots in Top 10

Expedia Reveals 2026's Most Affordable Island Destinations with U.S. Spots in Top 10