What began as a routine state-backed business deal in Dunseith, ND has unraveled into a sprawling controversy now known as the “Dunseith Debacle.” At the center is whistleblower Charles Hoefer, who claims he uncovered guided missile circuitry, fraudulent aviation components, and a decades-old shell company—Chiptronics—used as cover. Now, The Dakotan has traced financial links tying that company to a powerful network of state officials, grant programs, and defense research contracts involving Packet Digital and North Dakota’s Industrial Commission. As questions grow louder and lawsuits loom, the story raises troubling concerns about oversight, retaliation, and potential risks to public and national security.
Dr. Carmen Simone, current head of Dakota College at Bottineau, has been named interim president of Lake Region State College, replacing Doug Darling on July 1. Meanwhile, Dickinson State’s incoming president Shane Molander will begin his role early, and the State Board of Higher Education has elected Kevin Black and D.J. Campbell as its new chair and vice chair.
North Dakota health officials have confirmed five new measles cases—four in Grand Forks County and one in Burke County—bringing the state’s total to 28 across four counties. The Burke County case involved travel to Williams County, where community spread has been confirmed. Potential public exposures also occurred in Crosby on May 26. Vaccination remains effective protection, and early MMR vaccination is currently recommended only for Williams County. Unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus are urged to quarantine and monitor for symptoms.
An internal review by the North Dakota University System found no current employees violated policies in connection to former Senator Ray Holmberg, who was sentenced to prison for sex crimes involving minors overseas. However, a broader investigation will continue with a third-party review. While no reporting failures were found, documents revealed past communication between Holmberg and former UND official Bruce Gjovig, as well as former State Board of Higher Education member Nick Hacker. UND President Andrew Armacost emphasized support for anyone affected by Holmberg’s misconduct.
A newly released investigative report clears Williston Police Chief David Peterson of wrongdoing, instead pointing to former city commissioner Tate Cymbaluk as the source of department turmoil. Despite Peterson’s recent early retirement following administrative leave, the third-party review found no grounds for dismissal—highlighting Cymbaluk’s personal vendettas, including job application disputes involving his daughter and her boyfriend, as the root of low morale claims within the department.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. will begin aggressively revoking visas for Chinese students, especially those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in sensitive fields. The move, part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration and education crackdown, raises questions about enforcement, academic impact, and how "connections" to the CCP will be defined—while sparking fresh tensions with universities already pushing back on similar policies.
